Game 14: For The Sweep

April 18, 2013 by Mike Axisa 669 Comments

Fun Fact: Non-Hughes Yankees pitchers have allowed just one homer at Yankee Stadium this year. That was Paul Goldschmidt’s blast off CC Sabathia last night. (Elsa/Getty)

The Yankees pulled off their first improbable win last night, at least in the sense that for most of the game, it didn’t feel like they had much of a chance. Wade Miley was on cruise control, the Diamondbacks scored some runs early … that kind of stuff makes a game feel like a loss in a hurry. Instead, the offense came through late and here we are looking at a potential sweep.

Of course, to get that sweep the Yankees will have to rely on Phil Hughes, who hasn’t pitched well at all this season. If that’s not enough, they’re also going to have to overcome left-hander Patrick Corbin, who will be on the bump for Arizona. The Yankees come into the game with a wimpy little 58 wRC+ as a team against southpaws, so they’re really going to earn this sweep if they manage to pull it off. Here’s the starting lineup…

CF Brett Gardner
LF Vernon Wells
2B Robinson Cano
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH Ben Francisco
C Frankie Cervelli
RF Ichiro Suzuki
SS Eduardo Nunez
3B Jayson Nix

And on the mound is the right-hander Phil Hughes.

Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 7:05pm ET and can be seen on YES. Enjoy.

Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

Come on Phil, lets start with not being Phucking Phatetic this time, 0k? And we’ll go from there.
Winter

How bad is Francisco in the outfield? ‘Cause I’d kinda rather see him out there instead of Ichiro and Hafner as DH. I know it’s lefty-lefty, but I’d rather have lefty-lefty with Pronk than with Ichiro.
- Mike HC
  
  This makes too much sense.
- Tom
  
  I can see with Hughes (a flyball pitcher) on the mound taking the defensive side of things, but he also did the same thing with Sabathia on the mound yesterday.
  
  Seems like at the very least he should be splitting the time off against lefties (between Hafner and Ichiro).
forensic

The last 2 games, Nova and CC seemed to do really well against the DBacks with their breaking stuff, rather than the fastball.

We’ll see if Hughes can find any semblance of a reliable breaking ball tonight or if he just stays stubborn with the fastball as per the norm and gets it hit around.
- Havok9120
  
  I honestly don’t pay close enough attention for even anecdotal evidence on that, let alone actual stats. Is that what you think he does with mixing his pitches?
  - forensic
    
    The stuff on Hughes is mostly anecdotal, just being a heavy fastball pitcher as we all know. There is such a variation on fangraphs between the pitchFX numbers and the info solutions numbers, so who knows. But, either way, he’s always a high fastball % guy, and they both have his slider up a little and his curveball way down, with his change up a little.
    
    The stuff from the last two days is from watching and listening to postgames, mostly from last night. CC threw only 2 fastballs (according to Flaherty) from the 6th-8th innings and over the course of the game threw more sliders than fastballs. Tuesday it seemed anecdotally that Nova was throwing a bunch of breaking stuff and survived to an improved result.
Billy

LOL at 5-6 Ben Francisco and Frankie Cervelli – #Needhelp
- Lavendar Gooms
  
  Francisco is just a place holder for Hafner until a righty comes in.
Lavendor Gooms

Regression to the mean + 58 wRC+ = big night tonight.

Unless the mean is like 60, then maybe not so much.
BigBlueAL

No reason at all for Ichiro to be back in the lineup tonight.
- jdp
  
  Guess they think they need to try to justify that stupid two-year contract.
Robinson Tilapia

PHIL PHUCKING KERSHAW!!!!

BROOKS PHUCKING NIX!!!

I was about to write “JAYSON PHUCKING SCHMIDT” until I realized I would referring to a fairly average pitcher, and not channeling Mike Schmidt.
- jjyank
  
  Kind of a bummer that it only took a few months to change our meme. Poor Doc.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Gotta make adjustments. It’s part of the game.
    - jjyank
      
      It was “Hughesllday” or some such variation. Gotta include part of his name, at least. Maybe Phil Phucking Hughshaw.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        True.
        
        PHIL PHUCKING HUGHSHAW!!!
Mickey Scheister

I count 15 people in the stands behind the plate, wow.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  And they probably still wouldn’t let me stand right behind that section in the concourse.
- The Big City of Dreams
  
  It looks like a ghost town in there
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Not trying to make excuses, but it was pouring briefly at 5:00 PM. It’s probably wet as hell out in those seats.
    
    Never cared about those seats behind home plate. Win or lose, they charge a ludicrous amount for them.
    - The Big City of Dreams
      
      True they do charge a lot for those seats. They were a bad idea from day one
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        I used to be able to walk up, at game time, to whatever the hell they’re now calling where the Marlins used to play, and be able to afford those seats.
        
        The Big City of Dreams
        
        Yankees should look into trying to fill those seats. If I’m not mistaken they did lower the prices correct?
- SeventhAce
  
  Think about how many of these people really give a flying rat’s ass about the game.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    That’s why, 95% of the time, I sit in section 203. Had 100 section seats once, along the first base line. Very much enjoyed it.
- jjyank
  
  Am I the only one who doesn’t really give a damn?
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    I care, but not in the sense that I think others do.
  - forensic
    
    Me too. And it’s pretty fucking annoying when they assume that people who sit close and pay a lot of money to go to a game don’t care or know about baseball.
    
    I only get to go to one or two games a year and we always spend extra and sit close so we can see everything well and be close to the field. I’m not traveling hundreds of miles for a weekend of two games to sit 300 feet from the action.
    - Mickey Scheister
      
      I feel the exact way, I’m going to three games this year and I’ll pay a premium for great seats.
    - jdp
      
      Seats upstairs right behind home are cheap on Stubhub and give a great view.
      - jjyank
        
        That’s where I sit usually. But I’m also younger than forensic, and presumably make less money :)
        
        If I could afford it, I’d absolutely pay a premium for good seats, especially if it was a rare occurrence.
      - forensic
        
        Sadly, I haven’t gotten to the new Stadium yet. Last game in NY was 2008 finishing up the old stadium. Did get to do the stadium tour that time too.
        
        Though, we splurged and bought tickets for the 2010 WS in NY. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to use them.
Chilango

Keep it in the park tonight Philip-
Mykey

Goldschmidt’s at bats will scare me greatly tonight.
Chilango

Kay says “you can make location mistakes” when you’re throwing 94. What a stupid statement.
Mike HC

Nice to see the velocity up at 93-94.
Vern Sneaker

Establishing the fastball, and it looks effective.
MeloJeter

Phil looks awesome. Free in his motion and his arm looks loose. Sometimes he looks incredibly rigid and stiff.
Mykey

C’mon Phil, put him away.
Chilango

Fastball is moving, and he hit his spots.So Phar so good.
Mike myers

Phi nally Phil
Vern Sneaker

That pitch missed.
Mickey Scheister

If Corban gets that call all night, game over. That was outside.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Corbin*
Robinson Tilapia

You can tell this kid’s new. He doesn’t have a ridiculous beard yet like Kennedy and Miley. Give him some time.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  He looks like he’s trying.
Mickey Scheister

Those are some long last names in the infield, they almost ran outta room 1st-SS for the DBags.
jjyank

Hah, field mic picked up Youk saying “Damn it!” really clearly.
forensic

Youk is just 1-13 now against lefties vs. over .400 vs. righties.

Hopefully that small sample (the bad one) fixes itself soon while the other one stays close to its current level.
- jjyank
  
  His career numbers, as well as his more recent ones, say that he’ll get hot off LHP soon enough. Hopefully the RHP correction isn’t drastic, though.
  - forensic
    
    Yup, and really I’ll take a lower vs. LHP production for a higher vs. RHP production, at least in a vacuum, given that they’ll face 70-75% righties instead of lefties.
    - jjyank
      
      Yeah, of course. Just sucks right now given how the Yanks have performed against LHP as a whole thus far. I’m confident that won’t continue as far as Youk is concerned, though.
      - forensic
        
        Yeah, unfortunately, I’m a little less confident in Cano improving since he was terrible against them last year and is continuing that again this year so far.
Mykey

Serious question. How much do you guys think Derek Jeter affects attendance?
- MeloJeter
  
  Hard to say no affect whatsoever, but I doubt it’s substantial
  - MeloJeter
    
    Which is to say that I don’t think DJ being in the lineup would fill even half of these empty seats.
    - Mykey
      
      Yeah, that’s not what I was implying. I agree with you though. Some, but not a whole lot.
  - Mykey
    
    Yeah, I wanted at first to think “Ah, there’s no way that really could affect attendance.” but the more I think about it, it has to in some regard.
  - Yankee Fan 1
    
    Hard to say, but I’ll bet his first game back will be pretty packed.
- forensic
  
  Eh, he could affect it if it was his final year or something, in terms of more coming out when he’s playing. But with the option next year, it’s probably not a huge difference.
Eddard

Chavy isn’t doing much this year. And he hasn’t done anything against us.
Mykey

He missed a bat! That was awesome!
Eddard

Philbert struck somebody out. Maybe he’ll turn it around against an NL lineup.
Mickey Scheister

Is that a change Phil is throwing at 85mph?
- warren
  
  I was just trying to figure that out I have no idea what that pitch is. Has he ever thrown an 83 mph pitch before? To slow for slider and cutter. its also not his curve. IDK???
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    He’s getting swing and misses with it but it doesn’t look like its doing much, in terms of movement. I wonder if he continues to throw it if they’ll starting teeing off. I hope it’s a legit change, his FB would play up much better in that case.
- Chilango
  
  Looked like a slider that didn’t do much
- forensic
  
  Yes, though I can’t see it. Based on fangraphs, his change averages a touch over 84.
  
  The only other close pitch to the mid-80’s would be his cutter and you’d be able to see the difference in those.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    I’m going to keep the at bat app up when he gets back on the hill, I’m curious to see what they call it. I don’t remember Hughes touching 93-94 and 83 in the same sequence. I like it, if its effective.
Eddard

2 strikeouts for Phil! Much more aggressive tonight. That’s what he need to do, attack the hitters.
jjyank

Nice, Phil!
Mickey Scheister

HUUUUUGGGGHHHHHHEEESSSSS!!!!

fin
James A

Due Up:

{Francisco
Cervelli}
Suzuki

I love it
The Real Greg

Ben Francisco has heard Zoilo Almonte’s footsteps…
Eddard

Frankie, please don’t bunt in the 2nd inning ahead if Ichiro.
- The Real Greg
  
  He was bunting for a hit, not as a sac.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Somewhere Axisa is yelling at a television.
Mykey

Yikes. Not the prettiest at bat there.
Vern Sneaker

That was ugly.
The Real Greg

Ichiro’s pressing. Don’t know if Boesch can play full time, but…
Winter

Oh man was that ugly. Put Hafner in the lineup (or even Boesch)…
Chilango

Holy fuck, the worst AB I’ve seen so far this year
BigBlueAL

Sad part is when Grandy returns the player who should be DFA’d is probably Ichiro.
- jdp
  
  Sad that it should be or sad that it won’t be?
  - BigBlueAL
    
    Both. No way he gets released even though he probably should be and sad that he has looked so bad that cutting him would be the best move.
  - Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)
    
    ’cause it won’t be, I think.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  Francisco?
- forensic
  
  Francisco is way more useless than Ichiro.
  - BigBlueAL
    
    No he actually isnt because he bats RH. With Grandy back you have Grandy, Gardner and Boesch as LH outfielders with Wells and Francisco RH. Grandy coming back makes either Ichiro or Boesch useless IMO unless Hafner is hurt.
    - jjyank
      
      I think it’s more likely that Boesch gets optioned and whoever is worse out of Ichiro and Wells will become the 4th OF. At least this way the Yankees can keep as much depth as possible.
      - BigBlueAL
        
        Yeah thats what I expect since I believe Boesch still has an option left correct??
        
        jjyank
        
        I believe so.
    - forensic
      
      Ichiro plays defense and has speed at least, plus more potential with the bat depending on how down you are on him (though you seem pretty far down on him).
      
      And though he’s a righty, Francisco can’t hit lefties (or righties for that matter) so his handedness doesn’t matter.
      - BigBlueAL
        
        Yeah I know since his career splits are actually a bit reversed I believe (as are Boesch’s). But Girardi obviously is playing him only against LHP.
        
        I know Ichiro aint getting released and Im not rooting for it cause when he is on he is fun to watch (like last Sep/Oct). But if Ichiro didnt have a 2yr contract releasing him would be alot more viable an option I believe.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Yes, but righteous anger and all that shit.
The Real Greg

Corbin had 6K’s in his first 12 innings.
He has 4 in the first two innings of this game.
Wil Nieves #1 Fan

Anybody know where I can find the amount of times Eduardo has been on the DL?
- Winter
  
  I don’t think he has. Can’t say I’m sure though.
- forensic
  
  http://www.baseballprospectus.com/card/card.php?id=NUNEZ19870615A
  
  Scroll down to injury history. No ‘DL’ stints mentioned, though I’m not sure they would list that since he was in the minors for his longer injury.
  - Wil Nieves #1 Fan
    
    Nice. Thanks!
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Didn’t he go in the MiL DL shortly after being sent down LY?
Mykey

Phil’s back guys.
Winter

Ah, that’s the Phil Hughes we’re used to.
Karl Krawfid

Called that first pitch home run lol
The Real Greg

What do rookies like to hit more than anything?
Fastballs.

What did Phil Hughes give him?
Fastball
King George

Philip Hughes says: “Fooled ya! Ok, now I’m back.”
Anderson Silva

textbook Phil, right down the middle for a HR
- Chilango
  
  He’s usually up but of course for the rookie he’s middle in and low just like the lefties like it.
Mickey Scheister

Game over.
- The Real Greg
  
  Unless the D-Backs are forced to go to their pen like last night.
  
  I thought the Yankees were dead to rights last night and look what happened.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    I did too. CC battled and luckily Miley lost the zone, here to hoping for another string of walks and a Nix or Cervelli bloop single.
- jjyank
  
  Third inning, 1 run. Oh how quickly we forget.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    Wave the white flag!
    - jjyank
      
      Not until there’s 3 outs in the 9th.
  - Laz
    
    Should we really expect any more from our #4 starter?
    - jjyank
      
      Probably not. And that’s my point. How anyone can say “game over” down 1-0 in the 3rd inning, regardless of who is pitching, is completely beyond my comprehension.
      - Mickey Scheister
        
        It was a joke.
        
        jjyank
        
        Apologies then. But don’t pretend that such comments haven’t been made seriously before. Sarcasm isa funny thing on the internet.
        
        Mickey Scheister
        
        Oh, I agree there are some bridge jumpers. It takes more than ONE Hughes homer to make me park my car on the shoulder. Two, MAYBE!
        
        jjyank
        
        Hughes seems to bring out the worst in people’s assumption in what’s going to happen in a game. So again, sorry for jumping to that conclusion with you.
        
        I’ve just seen it happen too many times, I guess. I’m looking at you, Greg.
        
        Mickey Scheister
        
        It’s all good, I’m a game thread junky. I’m not as active on open threads and other posts, so I get it, a lot of us game thread folks can have that pessimist POV. Like stuart a.
        
        jjyank
        
        stuart goes beyond simply being pessimistic. I’m a game thread guy myself (usually) so I get it.
Robinson Tilapia

I thought for sure the pitchforks were out for Hughes after that HR.
- The Real Greg
  
  Not really because other than that, he’s been okay to this point.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Hasn’t stopped folks before.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Gameday had that HR pitch off the plate, Didi went and pulled it to the opposite field. Nice hitting, bad pitch selection.
BigBlueAL

Its amazing how much Hughes misses location by. Ive never seen a pitcher miss so much to the complete opposite side of the target like Hughes does.
ahh

#4 starters are supposed to give up a run every 3 innings. Phil needs help.
- jjyank
  
  Well technically if a start gives up a run every 3 innings, that’s a 3.00 ERA and a borderline ace.
  
  I get the frustration about Hughes, but phrasing it that way doesn’t make sense to me.
- Chilango
  
  I took it as sarcastic. As in Phil is not pitching badly tonight
The Real Greg

By the way, Corbin was drafted in the SECOND round in the 2009 draft.
- Laz
  
  And Trout was the Angel’s first rounder
- Get Phelps Up
  
  And?
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    NEGATIVE VIBE.
    - jjyank
      
      FALLACY
Mickey Scheister

Atta boy Wells, make him throw a strike! Stop helping this rook out.
Mykey

Just getting destroyed low in the zone. Pretty infuriating to watch.
- Mykey
  
  Frustrating rather… I’m not infuriated. That would be rather sad.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Below the knees at a time when he can’t find the plate, forces a player to swing at a pitch outta the zone. I’m not crazy about the low zone and the outside pitches to lefties.
King George

At least 65% of this guy’s balls are ankle level or lower. Come on, guys.
- The Real Greg
  
  That’s what movement does.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Those are some low hangers…..
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    It must be very humid.
    - King George
      
      Swampy.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        If we want to knock him out of the game, just wait until he covers first and slide right into his ankles. Shit gon hurt.
        
        jjyank
        
        Easy there, Stairs.
        
        King George
        
        Bahahaha, very true. Compound fracture.
Kramerica Industries

Trivia:

gotta be Randy Johnson in 2001.
Robinson Tilapia

Nice try by Robbie there.
Vern Sneaker

Cano’s amazing
Mickey Scheister

Repeated for emphasis..

Hughes gives up one home run per 4.9 innings at Yankee stadium and one per 11 innings on the road

WOWZA. He shouldn’t pitch at YS3 ever again. Road warrior Hughes!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  That is something.
  
  Jesus, he’d look like a worldbeater at Petco.
- Reuben Sierra’s Chains
  
  Hughes was 11-4 at home last year with a 3.74 era last year. And that’s with 22 hrs in 98ip.
  
  Nice narrative though, Bud.
Robinson Tilapia

In case anyone was wondering, mushroom, onion, and cheese frittata on potato onion bread.
- jjyank
  
  In case you’re wondering, you suck.
Robinson Tilapia

For the sake of my finding a parking spot at night, go Bulls.
- Mykey
  
  Hey man. I’ve been through A LOT for this.
  - jjyank
    
    Don’t get him started on basketball :)
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Well, there’s basketball, and there’s the fact that I’ve done business with that organization and find them to be a bunch of fakes in their support of the entire borough.
      
      Yes, I’m being sort of vague on purpose.
      - Mykey
        
        That’s fine. Unfortunate for sure, but fine. I’m from New Jersey anyway. My fandom has very little to do with the fact that they’re in Brooklyn.
        
        Robinson Tilapia
        
        I’m actually happy to know old-school fans are still supporting them. The way it should be.
      - jjyank
        
        And here I was expecting a Heat rant. I’m disappointed.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    You can’t find a spot either when people come park on your block games as well? :)
    
    Deron’s a legit nice guy, but I’m not supporting that franchise. Definitely have my reasons.
    - Mykey
      
      Haha, I live next to a college campus. I know how terrible parking can be.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        Which campus?
- BigBlueAL
  
  Go Knicks!!
Mykey

Haha Brook throwing out the first pitch. That’s great.
King George

Please drop Ben Francisco
- The Real Greg
  
  I agree, despite the fact he has the only hit.
Anderson Silva

oh Nuney. That wasnt routine but it was far from a hard play.
Mick taylor

Girardi is an idiot with all this platooning why is not hafner in the lineup. I would rather havehafner and overbuy than nix and Francisco
- Winter
  
  I’d rather have Francisco than Ichiro though… Put Francisco in the OF and let Hafner DH
  - The Real Greg
    
    I don’t want Francisco in the outfield
- jjyank
  
  What the fuck is an “overbuy”. Is that like when you get ripped off at a store?
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    It’s when you outbid yourself on eBay.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      ietc
Mykey

Haha, I love that Kay clarifies, “that’s in the park,” knowing how worried we all are.
- King George
  
  I caught on to that as well. I laughed.
The Real Greg

Phil Hughes throws fastballs which is the one pitch that young players like Gregorious can hit.
Vern Sneaker

It’s almost as though Hughes is out of gas already. I hope not.
- The Real Greg
  
  He’s not out of gas. He’s thrown 67 pitches.
OldYanksFan

Lucky he missed that.
- The Real Greg
  
  That’s because Hughes throws so many fastballs that a slider, even a bad one, can fool a hitter.
- Chilango
  
  Right. A slider right down the middle. Saved by the drop in velocity.
JMK

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Hughes got the strikeout. But that was a terrible pitch. It reminds me of Nova’s K to Ross early in the first game. Just a hanging breaking ball in the middle of the plate that apparently surprised the hitter.
- The Real Greg
  
  As I said above, Hughes throws so many fastballs that a slider, even a bad one, can fool a hitter. Plus Cliff Pennington is not a good hitter.
King George

Crisis averted.
King George

Hard to call it a pitcher’s duel, Michael, when one pitcher looks really good and the other is giving people cardiac arrests. Oh, wait, there’s Ichiro with another right-side infield groundout.
The Real Greg

I know that Ichiro has been going down in recent years but to fall that much in an offseason is unbelievable
- King George
  
  Please, please, please, please take Ichiro out. I’d rather see Erubiel Durazo in right field than Ichiro.
Anderson Silva

very generous strikezone for this guy
Mykey

This is getting embarrassing.
Dalek Jeter

1-0 through 5? I want to ask if Hughes has pitched well, but he could be twirling a 2 hitter and you most of you would tell me about how every out was a line drive to the warning track and how Hughes is like super lucky because he’s god awful and can’t ever pitch well, never mind the fact that he pitched to a 3.9 ERA from May on last season.
- jjyank
  
  He’s actually looked pretty good I thought.
SeventhAce

Whose the ump behind the plate?
Mickey Scheister

Not a strike to Nuney. 6 inches off the plate inside. Wow.
jjyank

Hey, so Corbin is a FA in my fantasy league…is he really this good, or do the Yankees suck against LHP? Could be both, I suppose. Think he’s worth picking up?
- Winter
  
  Probably depends on your current pitching situation.
  - Winter
    
    Unlikely though, coming into tonight he had only 6 Ks on the season.
    - jjyank
      
      Thinking about it, it’s probably not worth it. My backend pitchers ar AJ Griffin and Shelby Miller, both of which could be better than Corbin. Probably not worth it.
      - Winter
        
        Yeah I’d stick with what you have.
Alkaline

Anyone care to update? I saw Hughes gave up a HR. Did I miss anything else important?
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  He just gave up another one.
  - Alkaline
    
    Well. Shit.
- Anderson Silva
  
  gave up another one. He’s lucky he’s facing a shitty lineup. A lot of pitches right down the middle.
  - The Real Greg
    
    Diamondbacks are not a shitty lineup. They were 8-4 coming into this series.
    - Anderson Silva
      
      And as everyone knows, you can only win games when you have a good lineup. Therefore they must have a good lineup.
      - Dalek Jeter
        
        And everybody knows good outings against a bad line up don’t count as much, that’s why CC only gets half a win for his effort last night.
      - The Real Greg
        
        Hey, name me a WS winner that didn’t have a good or hot lineup.
Eddard

Just one hit off of this Andy Pettitte wannabe? And that hit was by Ben Fransisco. The top 4 hitters need to do something next inning. At least make him throw some pitches and get him out of the game. Their pen can be had as was done last night.
The Real Greg

Remember this kid outdueled Clayton Kershaw.
- forensic
  
  All that means is that the Yankee offense is doing even worse than the terrible Dodgers offense.
King George

Phil Hughes is fucking horrible.
- The Real Greg
  
  Not today though. The home runs just are a fact of life at this point.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Two solo home runs. How dare he.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Par for the home course.
BigBlueAL

Fastball supposed to be low and away and he misses high right over the plate.
Dalek Jeter

Heh, maybe I should turn the game off, I turned it on to watch Nunie get K’d and Prado take Hughes deep.
- Winter
  
  Meh, that sort of stuff was happening all game anyway.
- jjyank
  
  GET THE FUCK BACK ON THE BUS!!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  YOU JINX DA HUGHES NOW IT IZ MOAR HOAM RUNS
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Your messing up the juju!
The Real Greg

Just has been unable to develop a consistent secondary pitch.
Dalek Jeter

Hughes is lucky that he threw that pitch in that certain spot at that certain speed during that sequence to Goldschmit otherwise he wouldn’t get the strikeout.

/amIhatingHughesright?
Mickey Scheister

Hughes swinging K pitch to Goldsmitty was the near the same spot the ump called strike three to Nuney, C’mon blue!
The Real Greg

6IP 2ER.

Guess what that is according to MLB terminology?
- King George
  
  Sadly, a quality start my friend.
  - V
    
    Anyone who says ‘sadly’ in describing a 3 ERA is being absolutely ridiculous.
JMK

The homers are disappointing. The lack of command is discouraging. But I think if we were polled before the game, “Would you take 6 IP, 2ER from Hughes?” 90 percent of us would have said, “Duh!”
- VT Yankee Fan
  
  Only 90%?
  - JMK
    
    Ten percent of Yankee fans will demand a perfect game every outing. It is what it is.
Mickey Scheister

This game is eerily similar to last nights game, here’s to hoping for the same results!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  *raises glass*
Eddard

Hughes hasn’t been the problem tonight, it’s the offense against this Andy Pettitte wannabe. The top of the order needs to at least wear him down and get into that pen. Then you can unleash your LH pinch hitters.
Dalek Jeter

That swing right there tells me that it’s only a matter of time before Wells goes all pumpkin on us.
- The Real Greg
  
  It might already be beginning.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    NEGATIVE VIBE.
- forensic
  
  He’s already been pretty bad for the last week. And it’s even more impactful now that he’s batting 2nd so much.
Anderson Silva

not even a single good AB. This guy must be really good.
Dalek Jeter

Robbie Cano!!!!!!
Robinson Tilapia

Dontcha fucking know!
Anderson Silva

Robbie!! Finally!
The Real Greg

He hung a slurve.
BigBlueAL

Get your 200 mil Robbie.
Eddard

At least Robbie is doing his part.
jjyank

ROBBIE!
Noah Poser

Cano hit the ball hard off a lefty? Never seen that since ’11 :/
Mickey Scheister

CANO! Is good at baseball.
- Winter
  
  Don’t’cha know.
Robinson Tilapia

Kevin Youkilis is a very slow moving man.
- The Real Greg
  
  You are surprised by this?
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    On that play? Yeah, that was kinda surprising. I thought I’d hit the slow motion button on my DVR, but it somehow only affected 1/3 of the screen.
- Winter
  
  Still faster than Hafner.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    And both are faster than Jose Molina, I’m sure.
Dalek Jeter

That was a sick play by Pennington.
flamingo

Robbie the best.
The Real Greg

In each game this series the Diamondbacks have had a 2+ run lead. In each game the Yankees have rallied.

Will the young D-backs start thinking “Here we go again”

Plus that inning insures that Corbin doesn’t finish the game.
- flamingo
  
  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
  - flamingo
    
    Reply fail, wow.
Alkaline

I <3 Robbie.
Noah Poser

I wonder if teams will purposely push back certain starters just to face us if they are a left hander. We crush righties, but can’t hit these lefties.
Robinson Tilapia

I’m actually starting not to cringe when the ball is hit at Nunez.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Me too! I was just thinking that and it scares me lol.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Not that I should be coaching infield anywhere, but it really does look like he’s setting up before throwing to first. I’m holding out hope here, folks.
- jjyank
  
  Was just about to type the same thing. I hope this discussion doesn’t become a massive jinx.
  - Winter
    
    shutupshutupshutupshutupshutupshutup
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    TWENTY ERRORZ IN A ROW
Dalek Jeter

Hughes has to go off speed here.
Robinson Tilapia

I really expected Didi Gregorius to look like a Greek supermodel. Maybe the tits look better underneath the uniform.
- Winter
  
  They have to, right?
Robinson Tilapia

I’ll take that start from Hughes every time. I expect the Yanks to be ahead by the time I come back from the grocery store.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  I’d take that start from anybody not named CC or Kuroda every time out. 7IP 2ER 6H 6K’s? That truly is a quality start.
Eddard

Phil did his job tonight. The offense needs to back him up now.
JMK

Captain Obvious here but…if Nunez can reliably throw the ball to the first baseman, he’s a massive defensive upgrade over Jeter. With his speed, he’s likely a pretty big upgrade on the bases as well. The real issue is his bat –– if he can provide .270/.330/370 with good baserunning and solid defense we meet just get average production out of SS this year, Jeter or not.
Mick taylor

Girardi is an idiot. If his logic’s not to have hafner in the lineup because he is lefty, why is it okay to have ichiro or Gardner.? Would it not be better to have Francisco replace ichiro and hafner play? Hafner can hit leftys he did it in cleeland
- Winter
  
  I’m fine with Gardner in the lineup. Ichiro’s a different story, however.
Winter

Jesus, how many lefty pitchers does this team have?
- forensic
  
  2 relievers. Reynolds and Sipp.
- The Real Greg
  
  They have 2. Reynolds and Sipp. Reynolds pitched in Game 1, Sipp pitched in Game 2 and Reynolds is going to pitch in Game 3.
Dalek Jeter

Woah! I didn’t know Ben Fransisco had that type of power.
forensic

Screw you Sterling!
- Dalek Jeter
  
  FWIW Fransisco did clobber it, I questioned it off the bat…but a split second later I knew it was foul.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    I told my wife, Fransico home run here, she responded with “who?”
    
    Yeah. I thought I called it.
The Real Greg

Corbin got screwed on the 2-2. That was strike 3.
- Winter
  
  I agree. Not complaining, though.
Eddard

Damn you, Kay.
Dalek Jeter

Fuck you Ichiro…the first time you hit the ball hard literally all season and you line into a DP?!
The Real Greg

Even when Ichiro hits it hard, he can’t get a break.
Cy Pettitte

Ichiro is literally the worst
- The Real Greg
  
  You can’t blame him for that one. He has sucked this season though.
  - Cy Pettitte
    
    I know, I’m just getting sick of him already and we’re only 14 games into a 2 year contract
- Winter
  
  The AT&T of ~~people~~ ballplayers.
Mickey Scheister

Jesus Christ.
Eddard

They just have to hope they can get him out of the ballgame in the 8th and rally against the pen again. I would PH for Nix next inning, I don’t care if it’s lefty on lefty.
SDB

Could they just pull Ichiro from the lineup for a few games and give his spot to Boesch?
Noah Poser

I almost forgot that we only have 2 hits this game. What a pathetic showing. If Robbie didn’t get that hanger we wouldn’t have any hope.
OldYanksFan

Phil has had a decent game, and the numbers are certainly good. But anyone who has watched the whole game knows he has gotten away with quite a few ABs. The exact same pitches on another day would proably be 4 runs of more.

He just does not have a good enough 2nd pitch. If I’m facing him, I just wait for the high FB. It’s gonna come.

In the minors, I thought Phil had great command. I also thought he had a killer 12-6 CB. Am I wrong?
- Dalek Jeter
  
  http://riveraveblues.com/2013/04/game-14-for-the-sweep-85251/#comment-6129112
  
  VT Yankee Fan, this is exactly what JMK meant.
The Real Greg

Interesting, Gibson. Hernandez up in the bullpen.
- forensic
  
  Why is that interesting? He’s basically their 8th inning guy.
Mickey Scheister

On that first out, there seemed like an akward exchange between Cano and Youk.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

How much tricking weight did Joba gain since ST?! C’mon man!

And yes, it matters, in terms of health.
Dalek Jeter

Robinson Tilapia, I blame you for that one!!!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  For what? I just got back. Did Nunez throw it into Bronx Family Court?
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    No, just short hopped Youk on a fairly long throw.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Meh. Run didn’t score.
Winter

That’s the Nunez we know and love.
The Real Greg

It is on Nunez, but I’ve seen 1st basemen make that play.

And in the end it didn’t matter.
Mickey Scheister

Who jinxed that shit?!
jjyank

Fuck, we did jinx it.
- jjyank
  
  Although, to be fair…I think Tex makes that pick. Not knocking Youk, but still.
  - Long-Past-His-Day-Rod
    
    Concur wholeheartedly, good sir.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  No harm, no foul, I guess?
  
  Blame Eddard.
Mickey Scheister

Teix or Overbuy make that play, no? Any excuse to type Overbuy works for me.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Meh. I’m not even blaming Nunez for that even if I should. Tex would’ve scooped it up.
Eddard

I don’t care if you PH Chris Stewart, Jayson Nix should not hit next inning. Lefty on lefty is better than Nix, Stewart is better than Nix. PH for Nix.
- Winter
  
  I’m in favor of PH Overbay for Nix. Not sure if I’d go as far as to PH Stewart though…
Noah Poser

Are they warming up a lefty? I can’t imagine they let a right hander face Cano when and if he’s up. Also Gardner to a much lesser extent.
Jeterscrackedankle

Tex makes that play, but still secretly love Youk
The Real Greg

If Girardi PHs Overbay for Nix, Gibson’s going to bring in Reynolds.
- Winter
  
  I don’t think so. Henderson is their eighth-inning guy.
- forensic
  
  Good call…
OldYanksFan

You could see that Nuney spiked that throw as soon as he released it.
Dalek Jeter

I hate Smoking PSA’s. I know smoking is terrible for me, and it’s a personal decision between myself and my incredible lack of willpower/self control. There is no reason that you guys should have to sit through the horribly dark PSA’s they have these days for the benefit of people who are literally killing themselves when we know we’re doing it.
Winter

Seriously? Hafner? Not Overbay?
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Hafner>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Overbay when it comes to hitting.
- forensic
  
  Why would you use Overbay over Hafner? He’s a far inferior hitter.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  As long as Pronk isn’t playing second next half inning…
Mickey Scheister

Prado is an amazing fielder. Hope he hits well enough for a GG.
- jjyank
  
  So sad that you’re actually right.
Mickey Scheister

These outside strike calls ARE FUCKING KILLING ME!
- Dalek Jeter
  
  +1000000000
Winter

How was the first pitch a strike but that last one was a ball?
Winter

Damn! Look at those arms!
Robinson Tilapia

Stevia tastes weird.
Winter

OK, Gardner needs to get on base here. Not sure I trust Wells against the righty and Cano needs to get up this inning.
Robinson Tilapia

Let’s drive this run home!
The Real Greg

Unless Wells DP’s Cano’s going to get a chance.
Winter

No double play. No double play. No double play.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  If that happens at 3-0, I will throw something.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Ah, the Chapstick I was going to throw is spared.
Mickey Scheister

Gritty hit by GGBG.
Mickey Scheister

Over under 2.5 pitches to Wells this AB?
- Winter
  
  Over.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Cheater cheater pumpkin eater.
    - Winter
      
      Hey, I responded before the second pitch!
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    I shoulda gone 3.5, not 2.5
Dalek Jeter

Wells, you put the bat down.
Cy Pettitte

really surprised there’s no lefty up for Cano
The Real Greg

Kirk Gibson has really spit the bit here.
Eddard

He walked Wells on 4 pitches to get to Robbie Cano! This is it! Beat the pen.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Is that what you call it?
Dalek Jeter

Robbie, let him come to you buddy. He has to challenge you at some point in the AB.
Eddard

Kay’s right, this team is gritty and gutty. Reminds me a lot of the 09 club.
Mickey Scheister

I’ll take it, this ump SUCKs. The pitch dead center is a ball but 6 inches off the plate is a strike. Okay.
Mickey Scheister

C’mon Robbie!!!!!!!!! You can do it, put your bat into it!
Cy Pettitte

wow close call
Mickey Scheister

All it takes is a single!
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Or a HBP?! BULLSHIT!!!
Eddard

He struck out! No, it hit him! NO HE STRUCK OUT!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  He totally swung at that.
CG

damn it, was clapping and shit for nothing
Robinson Tilapia

ARGH!
Anthony

The umps can reverse their decision? Since when?
- Nefarious
  
  2004 ALCS
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Liar, the entire 2004 Playoffs were Retconned.
  - Anthony
    
    haha
jjyank

Fuck.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

That is a bad fucking break right there.
Dalek Jeter

Ugh…

C’mon Youk!!!
Robinson Tilapia

What I actually hate about that at-bat is that it turned a potentially easily forgettable loss into a frustrating one.
Mickey Scheister

If they call that right, a K, then the runner scores from third on the wild pitch, no?
- Winter
  
  No. Ball’s dead when it hits Cano.
- BigBlueAL
  
  No cause the pitch hit Cano.
Robinson Tilapia

Well that was a shitty half inning.
Anthony

damn it!
Chilango

Oh fuck.
The Real Greg

It was a good call.

What a horrible at bat by Cano.

You want to earn 200 million dollars, you have to score at least one run there.

Pathetic.
Eddard

Should have let that hit you, Youk. I guess they’ll have to come back against Heath Bell but they’ve already used their Hafner bullet.
- BigBlueAL
  
  Putz is their closer not Bell.
jjyank

Fuck fuck fuck.
Winter

He may have struck out with the bases loaded, but I really like how Youk was so eager to take one for the team there.
- jjyank
  
  Heh, he really tried to lean into that.
Chilango

OK Cano homered but that was a pretty lame AB. No discipline at all.
- The Real Greg
  
  Cano is the goat of the game BY FAR.
  
  Star players come through in clutch moments.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Yeah, it’s not like he was hitting .400+ w/ RISP going into that at bat…oh wait he was. It was one AB in a game where he’s been the entire offense.
  - jjyank
    
    The whole offense is the “goat”. A star player still fails two thirds of the time. Don’t be such an absolutist.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Drive time, Greg.
  - Chilango
    
    Just saying it was a lame AB. Nothing more.
JLC 776

As a team, are the Yanks now batting below the Mendoza line with the bases loaded? Between last night and tonight it certainly feels like it…
- Winter
  
  .400/.417/.400 in 12 PAs.
  - Winter
    
    That’s not including today though.
Vern Sneaker

Skype-ing with my son, missed last two innings then come back to bases loaded and see the two strikeouts. God that was depressing.
The Real Greg

And now Gardner spits the bit in the outfield.

Good outfielders make that play.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  That was a hell of a lot of ground he covered. Would have been a spectacular play.
  - The Real Greg
    
    I’ve seen Dewayne Wise make that type of play in the Buerhle perfecto.
    
    If Wise can make that play, Gardner should be able to.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
      
      You’re embarrassing yourself.
      - The Real Greg
        
        So you are saying that I am lying?
        
        jjyank
        
        He’s saying that you’re being stupid.
        
        Robinson Tilapia
        
        Which is different from lying.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      DeWayne Wise has a job playing baseball 99% for his defense. He also doesn’t make that play 100% of the time. No one does.
    - Winter
      
      Dewayne Wise is about as good a defensive outfielder as there is. It’s unfair to hold anyone to his standard.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      That play is regularly regarded one of the best plays in recent history.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Greg, do yourself and the rest of us a favor and turn the game off please.
Robinson Tilapia

Joba doing his best to fit under the celery cap next season.
- The Real Greg
  
  Not Joba’s fault.
  
  Gardner spit the bit. Good outfielders make that play.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Saying something twice doesn’t make it true.
    
    Go for a drive. Doesn’t even have to be a long one tonight. Rinse the negative vibe off.
Raymond Freemont

Red Sox are so much better than the Yankees. It’s infruating.
- jjyank
  
  I don’t think they are.
  - Raymond Freemont
    
    Their bullpen and rotation is better and their offense is better. They are just rolling. Division race is over.
    - jjyank
      
      Go back to OTM.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Why don’t you marry them, then?
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  It’s infruratating.
Vern Sneaker

Look at this crap. I’m a jinx.
Dalek Jeter

Jobber just blew Chavez…

….away.
- jjyank
  
  bah dum bum pshhhh
OldYanksFan

Damn! Robbie swung at Ball 4 Twice.
Eddard

If Jobber can get out of this and then give one of his fist pumps, that should rally the offense in the 9th.
kronk

Hey, I hate to go off-topic, but the FBI just posted new video footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
- Winter
  
  Wow. That didn’t work out for you at all.
Leg-End

Nunez has to make that tag, has to!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Close enough not to blame him. I still can’t tell you whether he was truly safe or out.
  - Leg-End
    
    I still can’t tell, either way get your foot in front of the bag Nunnie!
Robinson Tilapia

Let’s see the replay on that.
Jeterscrackedankle

Out by a mile
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Oh no no no on that screen name.
  - jjyank
    
    Yeah, too soon.
Vern Sneaker

That is a bullshit call.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

I screamed in fury, but upon second view it was a good call. Damn it.
Eddard

He was out. Phil Cuzzi is a clown.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  PHUCK Phil Cuzzi.
Noah Poser

I’m not going to lie but I almost turned off the game when I heard the players due up next inning for the Yanks.
Mickey Scheister

I call bullshit on that.
Anthony

Ross was safe by a hair.
Robinson Tilapia

This is the worst officiating I’ve seen since Danny Davis.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Throw beat him by a mile but the tag wasn’t there.
Dalek Jeter

Oh christ…if Gardner went around in his AB in the 7th and Robbie went around last inning, he went around there!
- Winter
  
  At least they bothered to check the 3B ump there. Home plate ump made the call on Robbie.
  - The Real Greg
    
    But it was the right call.
Jeterscrackedankle

Cuzzi is a one man wrecking crew
The Real Greg

I can’t tell by looking at the replay.
Mickey Scheister

Of course he didn’t go, it’s not the Yankees. Every check swing for the Yanks is a strike, the DBags a ball.
Mykey

Please don’t be hurt!
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

What a ridiculous fucking inning of baseball.
Winter

Shit luck this inning. Combine the bottom of last in with the top of this one it’s even worse.
Anthony

Props to Joba. What a bizarre inning.
Winter

Finally.
Chilango

Nice work Joba.
Alkaline

No words for the past inning.
Vern Sneaker

Good Jobber! Now for a sweet walk-off win.
Dalek Jeter

Well done by Jobba, working out of a jam that he had no part in creating. (I personally think Gardner makes that catch 90 out of a 100 times)
- The Real Greg
  
  Agreed.
Eddard

They’ve used the Hafner bullet so you can either PH Boesch for Fransisco or for Ichiro, pick your poison.
Mickey Scheister

If they see less than 10 pitches this inning, I’m gonna kick a puppy.
- Leg-End
  
  Cervelli!!!!!!!!!
Dalek Jeter

o/t, why are there two new episodes of Parks and Rec tonight?
- jjyank
  
  Because you touch yourself at night.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Hahaha, my best friend would say the same exact thing.
    - jjyank
      
      Great minds, I suppose. Or dirty minds. Or both? Yeah, let’s go with both.
Noah Poser

Come on! When Hughes, your #4, give you 7 and only allowing two SOLO shots you have to win. Who knows what he does next time out.
Mickey Scheister

Below the knees, STRIKE!
- The Real Greg
  
  He has been consistent though. Hitters have to adjust.
Mickey Scheister

C’mon Cervi! Conjure your inner Posada here!
- Mickey Scheister
  
  He did! He did a Posada impression! OHHHHHH, OH NONONONONONONOOOOO!!!!
Cy Pettitte

CERVELLI!!!

bahahahaha
The Real Greg

CERVELLI
Anthony

THIS TEAM!
Dalek Jeter

FRANKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eddard

FRANKIE! FRANKIE!!!!!!!!!! THESE ARE THE 09 YANKEES ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!
Vern Sneaker

WOOOO!!!!
CG

FUCK YEAH, I LOOOOOOVE Cervelli even more now!
Leg-End

GRIT!
trr

Well, I just walked in from my anniversary dinner with wife and Frankie C gave me a present
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Happy Anniversary! How many years?
- jjyank
  
  You, you’re good luck now. Stay here.
  
  Also, happy anniversary. And apologize to your wife for us that we’re holding you hostage until the game is over.
  - trr
    
    Lucky 13 years!
    and let’s win this thing now!
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Amazingly not that far behind you. It’ll be EIGHT this year. Sounds strange even saying that sometimes.
      
      Have a nice dinner?
Chilango

oh my
Winter

MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP!
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

FRANKIE GODDAMN MOTHERFUCKING CERVELLI!!!!
SeventhAce

CERVED TO LEFT FIELD!!!!!!
C YA!
Robinson Tilapia

FRANKIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!
jjyank

….WHAT?

CERVELLIIIIIIIIIIIII
Leg-End

That was that Zack Hample anti-Yankee douche that caught that wasn’t it.
Mykey

Cisco!
BigBlueAL

Russell Martin who??
JLC 776

My fucking gamecast is frozen with 2 outs in the top of the ninth still…. I think I’m going to like what I see when it unfreezes.
- Govin
  
  Mine did the same thing, well if what I think happened did happen then I don’t really mind
Mickey Scheister

End it Ichi! END THIS SHIT SON!
CG

Is it just me or did it look like Ichiro intentionally slapped that ball into the ground, thinking that he was going to be able to run it out?
CG

lol @ the near-injury on the bunt
King George

A lot of us are really happy that Cervy is the catcher right now.
- Nefarious
  
  He has near Red Sox levels of grit.
  - Mykey
    
    Let’s not go overboard.
LiL b Da Ca$hMaN

Come one Nunez, give Rivera a chance to close the game!
- JLC 776
  
  Personally I’ll just take the walk-off :)
- Mykey
  
  What?
  - jjyank
    
    He’s up past his bedtime, apparently.
Robinson Tilapia

Oh we like!
King George

Do you try and steal with Nuney on first now? I say HELL YES. Get him in scoring position.
- jjyank
  
  Agreed. He’s gotta go for it, especially with non-elite hitters following him.
BigBlueAL

Steal.
Vern Sneaker

Which pitch does he run on?
Winter

First Cervelli, now Nunez. Eddard must be orgasming.
- jjyank
  
  Damn it. Will someone get the FUCKING MOP?
  - King George
    
    +1
Mickey Scheister

Pastadivingdidi.
The Real Greg

Why did Overbay swing?
BigBlueAL

Why is he swinging????
Winter

I’m sure Nunez had the green light to go whenever he thought he could get a good jump. Overbay might not have known when he was going to run.
Vern Sneaker

Love that eyes wide open crazed grin Cervelli gives. He’s a trip.
The Real Greg

The good news is that we are going to have the top of the lineup up next half inning.

The bad news is that the D-Backs are probably going to go to their lefty relievers.
Mickey Scheister

I know Mo needs rest but this umps strike zone tonight is perfect for Mo.
- Winter
  
  Perfect for any pitcher, really.
Chilango

Robbie smooth at 2B
jjyank

Man, Cano really makes that look so, so easy. I love watching hom field. And hit. And…everything.
Dalek Jeter

I’m going out on a limb here, Robinson Cano is hands down the best all around 2nd baseman since Joe Morgan.
- jjyank
  
  Without looking anything up, I am on board with that. He’s really pretty great.
- Chilango
  
  How about Roberto Alomar
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Great Defender, but I think Robbie’s offensive game is much, much better than Alomar’s.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Tony Womack.
- BigBlueAL
  
  Ryne Sandberg and Roberto Alomar would argue with you.
  - jjyank
    
    Career 114 wRC+ and a career 118 wRC+ to Cano’s career 125 wRC+ to date. Granted, we’ll have to see how Cano ages first, but there’s a legitimate discussion here.
Mickey Scheister

Cano is like Chester cheetah in dis muthafucka!
Anthony

I wonder if we’ll see Mo, considering it’d be his 3rd straight appearance.
Mickey Scheister

Anyone else recall a game last year where, outta nowhere, I believe he was in a jam and D-Rob busted out a nasty change. Or am I imaging this?
- jjyank
  
  I don’t remember the particular moment you’re talking about, but I think he does have a change. Just doesn’t throw it much.
- Chilango
  
  I remember once in 2011 in a Rays game he struck out two batters in a row —both on changes.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    That may be it, two nasty changes ups, I think the announcer at the time was saying if he can consistently throw that for strikes he belongs in the rotation.
Eddard

They’re finally going to throw a lefty at Gardner and Cano. This is the inning to win it with your best hitters up. Get Gardner on base and let him fly.
jjyank

So if the Yankees don’t score, who pitches the 11th? Do you try to stretch another one out of D-Rob? Go to Mo? Personally, I think they should at least try to start the inning with D-Rob and hope for a full inning. At least an out or two. They already burned Logan and Joba, so Mo is their last bullet.
- Anthony
  
  I get the feeling they are going to be reluctant to use Mo for a 3rd straight game.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Phelps, I’d imagine.
  - King George
    
    Please take a prize from the toy box. You win!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Give D-Rob a second inning.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    I’d prefer this.
OldYanksFan

Wow… their SS has a gun!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Damn you, Congress.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    Ietc
Pseudoyanks

Thanks Michael Kay.
Cano likes hitting in extra innings. It couldn’t possibly be SSS, being deep into the competitor’s bullpen, or just that the numbers aren’t that much better than his overall numbers.
Mickey Scheister

Kay, just call the kid fat. Telling anyone they look like Jobs is indirectly calling them fat.
Dalek Jeter

Right to Phelpsie? That was Robertson’s first inning in a week and it didn’t feel like he threw too many pitches.
Dalek Jeter

Right to Phelpsie? That was Robertson’s first inning in a week and it didn’t feel like he threw too many pitches.
King George

I wish Joe used D-Rob in the 11th.
Cool Lester Smooth

Just checking in now, Parks and Rec takes priority.

Also, JR Murphy is apparently a STUD!
- Dalek Jeter
  
  So there were two episodes tonight?
Robinson Tilapia

Negative vibe. Not gon lie.

Also, Mister JR Murphy, ladies and gentlemen.
Dalek Jeter

a DotF report on air? Nice.
Noah Poser

Aaaghh. I AM very scared
Eddard

I’m not worried here. We’ve got a big game pitcher in a big game situation. Joba got out of it and so will Phelpsy.
- Winter
  
  FALLACY!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Not playing your cards close enough there, pal.
JLC 776

We’re playing with house money, anyway. Nothing to lose!
King George

Phelps was the wrong call, not necessarily implying I’d have chosen someone else…but Phelps was not the right call here.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  I was hoping D-Rob would get another inning but Phelps woulda been choice number two. 4 scoreless or solo jack to lose the deuce, when you live by the binder, die by the binder too!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  No harm, no foul so far. At this point, you have to think he’d be in there no matter what.
Chilango

Triple play let’s go
Dalek Jeter

Nice play by Cervelli!
JLC 776

We are getting out of this inning, folks. Trust in Phelpsy.
Mickey Scheister

Cervelli is a strange cat.
Dalek Jeter

Phelpsy goes Houdini!
JLC 776

Yeah, bitch!
Winter

And it’s our old friend, the “half-a-foot outside” strike.
Anthony

Nice work Phelps.
Eddard

Cervy, Phelpsy, the only thing that would make this night better would be an Eduardo Nuney walk off hit.
Noah Poser

Yes! Heath Bell. Is it safe to say that we won?
BigBlueAL

Heath Bell is in?? Yankees got this.
JLC 776

Nice start…
Robinson Tilapia

Nice hustle by Boesch.
JLC 776

Can we at least stop swinging at everything in extras?
Winter

Ok, MVP time.
Noah Poser

Please Frankie, let me go to sleep after you walk off
Anthony

“There’s something refreshing about Nunez and Stewart and Cervelli getting a chance”

… did Eddard invade the booth?
Dalek Jeter

No Michael Kay, it is not a question of “when” it’s a question of “if he’s done.” Part of that “resume” was a terrible year and a half before being hot for a month or so.
Wheels

Good wood on that.
Robinson Tilapia

I still love Ichiro. I can’t help it.
Mykey

It was nice of the Yankees to wait for me to get back from getting something to eat before finishing the game.
trr

OK, my wife’s asleep , I just got back to the game
Wheels

Fuck.
The Real Greg

Dammit. Right at Ross
trr

AND – no….
Eddard

NO! So close to hitting the trifecta tonight.
- forensic
  
  I would’ve been worried for your health.
  
  Too much stimulation in such a short time could’ve overwhelmed your body…
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    There’s a chance he only gets 1/3 of the trifecta as well.
    
    Eddard shouldn’t do game threads. It exposes the character when he has to perform in real time.
forensic

Since I had to leave for a bit allow me to just say…

Yuck Cano for those last two AB’s!
Dalek Jeter

Ichiro “I’m terrible at everything” Suzuki.
- Winter
  
  To be fair, most outfielders don’t even come close to that.
  
  Doesn’t mean Ichiro doesn’t suck at most things.
- Wheels
  
  Getting old sucks.
BigBlueAL

I miss facing the Indians pitching staff.
Eddard

Paul O’Neill says a ball should never get over your head in RF of Yankee Stadium.
Winter

How stretched out is Phelps? How many pitches can he throw tonight?
BigBlueAL

Phelps is getting drilled this inning.
Winter

I actually feel like the Yankees infield defense is competent enough to handle being pulled in.
Dalek Jeter

As annoying as that is, it really isn’t the worst thing in the world.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  How is Jon Niese doing anyway?
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    2-0 3.57ERA, 10K’s 8BB’s 1.42WHIP
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      As annoying as that is, it really isn’t the worst thing in the world.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Same can be said about that HBP, I guess…
  - Winter
    
    Well, now if they get a base hit it’s a two run hole instead of a one run hole.
- forensic
  
  There are a few reasons not to do it, but I was almost looking for them to walk Goldschmidt and try for the DP or K from Montero.
  
  Of course as I type that Phelps hits Montero and now has to face Ross. Not the worst thing in the world but certainly not good.
Winter

Oh come on. This is ridiculous.
The Real Greg

Why is Cervelli setting up that high and inside? You’re asking for that
teddy

first time years pen pen has no depth
Mykey

Fantastic.
The Real Greg

Game over.

Phelps blew it.
Wheels

Boo
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Ugh :-/ game over folks, it was good while it lasted.
Robinson Tilapia

BIG GAME DAVE PHELPS.
- Anthony
  
  my thoughts exactly.
Mykey

Thanks Phelps. See you all tomorrow.
Anthony

Well, it was a fun game.
teddy

giradri quit
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  There’s the teddy I know and love.
Dalek Jeter

Wow, they’re Teeing off on Phelps, goodnight fellas.
Eddard

Phelpsy blew it. And Pena needs to work with Frankie on not catching the ball too soon. He put two runners on base.
King George

Night everyone.
Cy Pettitte

Phelps = garbage tonight

was lucky to get out of it the first time
Chilango

That’s all folks.
Winter

Wow.

This. Inning. Sucks.
forensic

Yuck. That’ll about do it for the night. Poor Eddard…
The Real Greg

Just failure all around.

It’s one game but to spend so much time on it only to lead to this is just awful
- DC
  
  Then don’t spend so much time on it.
Tom B.

David Phelps just completely shitted himself. So much for the sweep.
FIPster Doofus

Nice waste of four hours. Thanks, Phelps.
- The Real Greg
  
  I agree. A complete waste of time
Widget

Wow, way to just complete poop yourself Phelps.
Eddard

What a shame to waste a good outing by Hughes and a 9th inning tying HR by Frankie.
Anderson Silva

so this is probably the game. What a shame. With this offense there´s simply no margin for error.
Anthony

Imagine they stage a comeback like the one against the A’s last year.
Widget

This game was over when the Yankees failed to score off of Heath fdjafds Bell. Dude is one of the worst pitchers on the planet.
- Anderson Silva
  
  like I said, this offense is bad. It puts the pitching in a tough position having to be perfect.
- forensic
  
  He struck out the side against them on Tuesday. This wasn’t that surprising, pitifully enough.
BigBlueAL

This is what happens when you have an offense that averages less than 4 runs per game when not facing the Indians. Gonna catch up to them eventually.

Should be an interesting road trip coming up.
Dalek Jeter

Robbie is batting 4th this inning…
Robinson Tilapia

You’re all going to feel dumb as fuck when we put up a five spot in the bottom of this inning. :)

In all seriousness, this is going to be a shitty way to lose a game, but you have to brush off the majority of losses that come after winning seven of eight, unless there’s an injury during the game or something.
- Winter
  
  But why’d they have to tie it? I’d have much preferred to lose in 9…
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    It’d been less frustrating, in some ways, but I still think coming back and tying is “better,” whatever than means.
- Anderson Silva
  
  it’s especially bad that they lost because a good pitcher imploded.. but like you said, gotta forget and move on. It’s a long season.
Phelps

Man, I REALLY sucked tonight.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  No more in-game RAB for you.
OldYanksFan

I blame Cano. He had the easiest chance to Win this game.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Overthinking it. Blame the guys responsible for giving up the runs that put the other team ahead. To me, it’s the guy pitching and the guy behind the plate.
dontchaknow

i blame hughes, i rarely ever post here but i blame hughes. goodnight !
- Winter
  
  You blame the guy who gave up 2 ER in 7 IP?
DInnings

Girardi was an ASS for not pitching Mo in this game and I don’t wanna hear “Mo pitched the last two games.” So what? You pitch your closer for an inning in a tie game. Worry about the next game when it arrives.

Tonight Girardi managed for the next game instead of the one in front of him. HE blew this game not Phelps and the bloom has gone from Phelps’ rose. The Yanks should either start Phelps in the Yankees rotation or the Yankees AAA rotation. He is unfit to be a reliever or if he’s fit to be one he’s a pretty ordinary one.
- teddy
  
  you can knock giradri for leaving phelps in too long, this game on this astrcious offense
- Chilango
  
  Not using Mo seems reasonable to me. But he should have left Robbie in for one more.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Phelps would have still been next, even if DRob went two. It is what it is.
    - DInnings
      
      Yeah it is what it is: bad managing.
      
      You don’t manage for the next game, you manage for the one happening now.
      
      ‘Say Mo came in after D-Rob. That’s one less inning Phelps pitches if Phelps has to pitch.
      
      What if the Yanks don’t need Mo this weekend? They win 14-2 Friday, lose 8-3 Saturday, and win 8-3 Sunday? Two out of three over Toronto is nice but your old closer is inactive for four games. That isn’t good either. And you’re 2-2, 2-3 in the last five if your old closer sucks ass from being inactive for four games.
      
      Girardi is a fearful little bitch who manages from his binder and not with his eyes.
      
      What’s next? Mo can’t save three games in a row in the ALCS because the Yanks will need him in the World Series? Hey, if he gets hurt in the ALCS, no Mo in the World Series, so you can’t pitch him in three straight games in the ALCS, right? When are the stakes higher April 16-18/Games 12-14 or the ALCS?
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  An ordinary multi-inning reliever tends to mean a less than ordinary starter.
- forensic
  
  That was Phelps’ second inning. Even if Mo pitches, Phelps is in there that inning anyway.
  
  Did you say Phelps is unfit to be a reliever last week after his 4 shutout innings? Or last year after his ERA was in the 2’s as a reliever?
  - DInnings
    
    BS. Phelps pitches the inning he got out of and he faces a different set of batters, or he faces a different set of six hitters depending on what Mo does.
    
    Also maybe the Yanks are energized by a tidy, quick inning by Mo and win in the next frame. You can’t tell me they get pumped up to get a walkup win with Phelps as much as they do with Mo.
    
    Bringing in Mo says “You’re not winning this game.” Bringing in Phelps is ringing the dinner bell, that’s it, and you don’t give up a game where your team barely hit a lick all night (Cano solo shot) until the catcher everyone said would blow with the bat and glove all offseason tied it with his second homerun of the season, a 12 HR pace by months. I didn’t have a problem with D-Rob coming in, I had a problem with Phelps following him. Mo should’ve pitched between D-Rob and Phelps and if you wanna run “What if Mo got hurt?” ummm he could get hurt anytime. He got hurt last year OUTSIDE OF THE GAME.
teddy

stewart didn’t hit for overbay because
- Winter
  
  Because Chris Stewart is a career .237/.305/.351 hitter against lefties and Overbay’s a .256/.305/.394
  - teddy
    
    i take chris over overbay and sipp worst against rightys
- forensic
  
  ooh ooh, I know, I know!
  
  he’s the last guy on the bench and girardi, oops i mean giradri, was busy chatting with him about their plans after the game.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  even giradri knows he cant hit a baseball
- Mickey Schesiter
  
  Stewart should NEVER pinch-hit for anyone, ever.
Anderson Silva

I sincerely hope Gardner starts hitting soon.
Robinson Tilapia

FIVE RUN, TWO-OUT RALLY STARTS…..

….

….
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  some other day.
Mickey Schesiter

C’mon Vern!
Wheels

Get a life Rudy.
DInnings

Let’s say Mo came in for an inning and held the tie and the Yanks won the game in the next frame 3-2.

Let’s also say it’s 3-2 Yanks in the ninth against Toronto tomorrow night. Have Robertson close – he may have to after this year, so give him an early taste of 2014.

The Yanks won’t face Dickey or Reyes in this weekend series and they draw the classic career NL pitcher who can’t pitch for shit in the AL in Johnson haha hahaha so much for the vaunted Blue Jays. Where’s Reyes’ big mouth now? Buerhle will be funny to watch, too. I’m praying for his “Why did I accept a trade back into the American League when I got my World Series ring already and my wife’s a total babe (which she is)?” look LOL.
- Anderson Silva
  
  Buerhle, as shitty as he is, will pitch a gem against this lineup. They are simply not good enough against lefties.
- forensic
  
  Josh Johnson is far from a ‘classic NL pitcher who can’t pitch for shit in the AL’, despite his rough start to the season. He’s been terrific in his career in interleague and dominated the Yanks in their one game against each other awhile back.
  
  Buerhle didn’t have an option to accept the trade. He didn’t have a no-trade and hadn’t been with the Marlins for anywhere close to 5 years.
Robinson Tilapia

Start another 7 of 8 winning streak tomorrow.
- Wheels
  
  Lets do it.