Game 22: The Last Laff … ey

by 536 Comments

Eduardo Nunez expected to fall just short of projected Super Two cutoff
Cervelli out six weeks with broken right hand
That's not Ben Affleck in a Yankee hat sitting next to Spike Lee, is it? (Jim McIsaac/Getty)
That’s not Ben Affleck in a Yankee hat sitting next to Spike Lee, is it? (Jim McIsaac/Getty)

I do 162 of these a year not counting Spring Training and the postseason. I’m allowed a cheesy headline once in a while.

Anyway, the Yankees will not be facing hard-throwing right-hander Josh Johnson tonight as originally scheduled. The former Marlin has a triceps issue and has been scratched, so former Yankee and slow-tossing left-hander Aaron Laffey will make the start instead. Talking about replacing someone with their polar opposite. The Yankees stink against lefties — last night’s beatdown of Mark Buehrle aside — but I’d much rather see them face Laffey than Johnson. No doubt about it. Here’s the starting lineup…

  1. CF Brett Gardner
  2. 3B Jayson Nix
  3. 2B Robinson Cano
  4. LF Vernon Wells
  5. C Frankie Cervelli
  6. RF Ichiro Suzuki
  7. SS Eduardo Nunez
  8. LF Lyle Overbay
  9. DH Ben Francisco

And on the mound is the man an awful lot on the line, right-hander Ivan Nova. His leash is getting shorter by the start and he absolutely needs to start pitching well if he wants to remain in the rotation. Everyone’s patience is starting to wear thin.

Lovely weather in New York tonight, great for baseball. The game is scheduled to start a little after 7pm ET and can be seen on YES locally and MLB Network nationally. Enjoy.

Kevin Youkilis Update: Youkilis (back) still isn’t ready to rejoin the lineup. Joe Girardi indicated he could be placed on the DL if he isn’t able to play in tomorrow’s game.

Mark Teixeira Update: Teixeira (wrist) is still limited to dry swings right now. He has not been cleared to hit off a tee or anything like that.

Eduardo Nunez expected to fall just short of projected Super Two cutoff
Cervelli out six weeks with broken right hand
  • trr

    Off-speed guys sometimes give the Yanks trouble, but some hitters (I’m lookin’ at you, Sam Francisco) should thrive…Hope Nova has better control of his breaking ball. Let’s win this one!

  • trr

    Off-speed guys sometimes give the Yanks trouble, but some hitters (I’m lookin’ at you, Sam Francisco) should thrive…Hope Nova has better control of his breaking ball. Let’s win this one!

  • LarryM Fl

    We continue to watch the 9 lives of Ben Francisco. It is a part of this young season which continues to be a mystery. Will Girardi be rewarded for his faith with Ben? I hope so but I would like a younger player to be given some opportunities in his place.

  • Laz

    The only thing that I hate more than Nix in the #2 hole is that Francisco is still in the lineup.

  • YankeesJunkie

    Mr. Axisa,

    You have the best job ever!!!

    Sincerely,
    Someone that has made being a Yankee fan better from reading this blog

    PS. I will out cheese you every day motherfu*****

  • kenthadley

    If Cashman and Hal want to know why they hit lows on attendance this week, they should check their lineup and look closely at Ben Francisco and Jason Nix….you can’t sell this as a championship quality lineup but they are happy to charge championship quality prices for their seats….if they can’t figure it out, they are really more arrogant than they appear.

    • YankeesJunkie

      That is probably more of an ownership thing, but when 80 million dollars is on DL that is usually a pretty good explanation and fans usually will come for an exciting player over an expensive one every day of the week.

  • Eddard

    Well, Francisco was at least demoted from 2nd to 9th so there’s progress at least. I knew Girardi would let Hafner continue to wilt away on the bench. There’s a lefty on the mound, we have to play the righty at all costs!

  • Pat D

    Really, Joe? Hafner can’t play against a soft-tossing lefty?

    What’s the old adage? Managers can’t win games but they can lose them.

    • forensic

      Why are so many people somehow surprised at this? He hasn’t played twice against Buehrle who he at least has history and a little power against. Why would he suddenly play against Laffey? Girardi is amazingly and overly stubborn with these things.

  • Vern Sneaker

    “No, you must be Don Francisco’s sister.”

  • forensic

    If only Youkilis wasn’t 90 years old with that bad back. Sure needed to be back before now.

    Sorry, frustrated at how much they’re forced to play the terrible Overbay because he can’t get past this. It’s sad, but I’d almost prefer to see Boesch at 1B instead of Overbay all these games against lefties.

  • Havok9120

    I get a YES feed tonight. With Paulie, no less. This is quite an exciting thing for me.

    FOR PRUSSIA!

  • Wheels

    The Jays sure wear those blue tops a lot.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Well, that just sucks.

  • Eddard

    It wasn’t that possible for the lineup to get much worse but it just did.

  • Havok9120

    So of a crap.

  • 28 this year

    There goes Cervelli. This has to be a joke.

  • Vern Sneaker

    Ouch

  • Havok9120

    That’s just….ARGH.

    Argh.

    Argh. Argh. Aj;gshdfijgijzdrjhgp9

  • Yankees Sans Francisco

    That’s the last thing we need…more injuries… Cervy you gotta put that hand behind you.

  • forensic

    Hooray for Chris Stewart batting 5th now. Is it too late to change the order again???

  • Havok9120

    Alright Stewart. Make us proud.

    Für Preußen.

    Please get well soon Frankie.

  • Ethan

    It looks so empty there

    • Havok9120

      It’ll still probably finish up between 30-40K.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    That Nova out there? Wow.

  • forensic

    So, what actually happened to Cervelli anyway? Did the ball foul off the bat or was it just on the pitch?

    Shocking, I know, but Sterling and Waldman barely mentioned what actually happened in between wiping away the tears at losing Cervelli.

    • Havok9120

      Off the bat and hit him straight on the top two knuckles of his right hand.

      • forensic

        Thanks everyone.

    • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

      foul tip

    • Wheels

      Foul tip right into his bare hand.

  • Havok9120

    I hadn’t noticed until Mike pointed it out, but that Frankie was catching Nova’s start is pretty clear evidence that the “Girardi is just sticking with The Plan!” crowd was totally incorrect.

  • SDB

    I’m betting at least one intent walk for Wells tonight.

  • JobaWockeeZ

    Did anyone mention yesterday if TSJC was shown on TV at the draft again?

    • Havok9120

      Never came up. Unfortunately.

      • JobaWockeeZ

        The dude might be gone for good.

        • Havok9120

          I know. I hope he’s alright.

  • Vern Sneaker

    That was Nova-nice . Good stuff, good command, let’s get him a lead.

  • Pasta

    Where and how did frankie blue eyes get hurt?

    • Havok9120

      Foul tip into his bare hand on the 5th pitch of the game.

    • Pasta

      Doesnt the catcher put his non catching hNd behind his back?

      • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

        Not Cervelli. He finds that doing so slows down his fist pumps.

      • Havok9120

        Cervelli has never done that. I remember reading years ago that the Yanks had spoken to him about it. Still does it.

  • LK

    Nix batting 2nd. I just…I don’t even know anymore

    • WhittakerWalt

      Options are pretty limited, unless they bring somebody up.

  • WhittakerWalt

    Oh, Robbie. We’ve talked about getting yourself out, and how it’s a thing you shouldn’t do. He was pitching around you. Take it.

  • Anderson Silva

    Robbie was clearly being pitched around and still swung at a pitch out of the zone and made an out.

    • WhittakerWalt

      Couldn’t be more obvious. Robbie has to learn to take the walk.

  • Wheels

    Shit.

  • Pasta

    Encarnation juiced

  • Anderson Silva

    yay for being down early yet again

  • WhittakerWalt

    URGGGH

  • Karl Krawfid

    Can’t wait until this scrub Nova is gone.

    Should have traded him a few years ago.

    • WhittakerWalt

      How many years do you think he’s been on the team for?

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Oh, well.

  • Havok9120

    Another guy just gave a HR ball to a kid that he seemingly had no connection to.

    Yankee fans showing class the last couple nights.

  • Troll

    According to MLB Gameday:

    Ivan Nova didn’t stick to the scouting report; Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .000 this season against two-seam fastballs in that location.

  • Ethan

    So how long is his leash tonight? Or the season for that matter.

    • Pasta

      Till wanger builds up arm strength. 88- 90 right now.

      • Havok9120

        That could quite easily be his max, you know.

        I’m with Mike and Jennings, I think he’s got a couple more starts before they even think about calling Nuno or Wang up.

  • Pasta

    Now stewart is not protecting his throwing hand. Who catches if stewie goes down?

    • Havok9120

      Um….I honestly don’t know. Third catcher was Swisher before (for reasons never adequately explained to me). Now it’s even money that Pena puts some spare gear on and gets out there.

      • SDB

        How’s Girardi’s arm?

        • Havok9120

          Have you ever watched his postgame presser? Dude’s got arms like a longshoreman. He could probably throw it into Monument Park from a crouch.

    • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

      Tony Peña

    • Get Phelps Up

      Nix probably.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Girardi

    • forensic

      Nix is the emergency catcher.

      • Havok9120

        Is he really? Makes sense but I didn’t know he had any background there at all.

        • forensic

          He doesn’t, but he’s the guy they always talk about being the 3rd catcher.

          • Havok9120

            Well there you go then.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Nova got lucky.

  • teddy

    get healthy michael. stay patient and yanks will score a ton of runs tonight

  • RobA

    Encarancion now on a 4 game HR streak

    • Pasta

      He has a biotech giftcard.

      • Havok9120

        Fail.

  • Wheels

    Niiiice

  • Yankees Sans Francisco

    Defensive catcher.

  • Eddard

    Melky’s too fat and slow to steal that base.

  • Havok9120

    Wow. That was a heck of a throw. I know Melky isn’t the fastest guy, but that throw was perfect.

  • Pasta

    Defensive catcher my ass

  • Eddard

    Stewart took a runner from 2nd bases and put one back on.

  • WhittakerWalt

    Defensive wizard Chris Stewart.

  • WhittakerWalt

    There is a certain circle of Hell reserved for ex-Angels like Maicer Izturis.

  • forensic

    20 pitches in the first. 26 pitches in the second. What else is new? He’s so damn frustrating.

    Just start warming up Warren now. They all seemingly own Nova anyway.

  • Havok9120

    Paulie knows all the food secrets of the Stadium.

  • WhittakerWalt

    Hurr durr O’Neill likes to eat, hurr durr.

  • Eddard

    Here’s our chance. If one of the bottom 4 can break out we can put a couple runs on the board here.

  • Havok9120

    Alright Ichiro. Do it for Prussia and Frankie.

  • forensic

    I’m going to really hate the inevitable bunt here…

    • forensic

      Ok, much better. If only it had snuck through.

      This would be a terrific time for Nunez’s first hit with RISP all season. But, gotta at least get one run home…

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Romine removed from AAA game. I wonder if it’s bad news on Cervelli, or just in case.

    • Havok9120

      Oof. That’d suck.

    • Cervelli is the Man

      this does not make me happy

    • forensic

      No way they’ve gotten x-rays back yet. Gotta be just in case. Especially if they’re playing far from NY and he’s gotta maybe get an early flight if absolutely necessary.

      • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

        I’m hoping it’s just in case.
        Scranton’s at home.
        iirc, they have an x-ray machine at the stadium. It’s possible they already know something.

        • Havok9120

          They do have one at the Stadium.

    • Havok9120

      By the way, how do you even know that that happened? I know you’re an Information Zealot, but this seems like a bit much even for you.

  • WhittakerWalt

    Yay BABIP!

  • Havok9120

    That would’ve been hilarious if he’d made contact. Seeing everyone scramble.

    I’ll take the final result.

    C’mon Nunie.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    The bunt attempt set that up. Nice

    • Havok9120

      Yeah. That was smart on someone’s part. Good chance it works if he makes contact and it was the only reason the 3B didn’t have 4 extra feet to make the play.

  • teddy

    nunez is soo bad

  • Wheels

    Helmet off.

  • WhittakerWalt

    “hasn’t quite done it offensively” is a pretty diplomatic way to describe it, Kay.

  • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

    The fuck kind of a flip was that??

    • Havok9120

      Slipped out.

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    Seriously, why does Nunez even wear a helmet when he runs? He should just throw it off while running and be done with it.

  • forensic

    Well, it’s not his first hit but at least it’s a run.

    Now let’s see if Overbay can fluke his way into getting the job done on this second run.

  • nsalem

    overbay is overdue

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    Wow. The contact we put on the ball that inning was putrid.

    • Havok9120

      Yeah. That was pretty painful.

      Just glad we got a run in.

  • Yankees Sans Francisco

    Ugh we could have done more there. Oh well.

  • SDB

    Fuck. Someone tell Loverbay that he doesn’t need to replace Teixeira in GIDPs.

    • WhittakerWalt

      That’s all he does these days.

  • Cervelli is the Man

    That was definitely not a fluke that time. Blah, men left on base, story of our lives.

  • Eddard

    Overbay knew who was on deck so he just decided to kill two birds with one stone.

  • forensic

    You fucking blow Overbay. I’m so done with him. 1-22 against lefties now.

    I seriously would’ve considered double-switching when Cervelli left just to get Overbay the hell out of there too.

    • forensic

      Included in that 1-22 are no walks, 5 K’s, and 4 GIDP’s…

    • Havok9120

      No, you wouldn’t have.

      • forensic

        Yes, I would have. I was absolutely thinking about it since it also gets Stewart out of the 5-hole.

        • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

          I get the thought, but probably not a good idea to use their last remaining healthy position player in the first inning.

        • Havok9120

          Yeah, I’m sure you considered it (I did too) but actually DO it? Who’ve you got playing 1st?

          • forensic

            Boesch, who’s been playing there a bit anyway, and though he sucks, he is better against lefties than Overbay.

            Its only downside, and why I didn’t say I’d definitely do it, is that it’s your last remaining position player (though you could move Francisco out of DH if absolutely necessary).

            • Havok9120

              I honestly didn’t know Boesch could play first, so there’s that. Still though, Overbay is much better defensively and there wouldn’t be much/any offensive upgrade.

              • forensic

                There actually is potentially a rather large offensive upgrade when it’s a lefty on the mound. And this is coming from me, someone very down on Boesh.

                • Havok9120

                  I suppose the potential is there (power-wise, at least) but I’m don’t think it makes up for the defense unless Boesch is a lot better over there than his historic playing time would suggest. And certainly not when it’s the last guy on the roster.

  • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

    Didn’t even get a chance to get pissed at Benny Boy for killing that rally.

  • WhittakerWalt

    Overbay’s job is “guy who bangs into pathetic DPs against nondescript lefties.”

  • teddy

    pathetic, absoutely pathetic

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Overbay is overmatched

    • WhittakerWalt

      Nobody should be overmatched by Aaron Laffey.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      And yet,,,

  • WhittakerWalt

    Fuck you Nova. You fucking ass.

    • SDB

      I’ve said this exact phrase about 20 times already this season.

      We’re still in April.

  • Havok9120

    Ouuuuuch. That’ll leave a mark.

  • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

    Lyle Inning-Overbay

  • Pasta

    Romine scratched !!!!!!

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    As Havok said, at least we’re tied.

    • forensic

      Not for long…

      • Havok9120

        Now, now. Have hope in Phelps.

        • Havok9120

          Nevermind.

        • forensic

          I have faith in Phelps, but this just isn’t happening tonight it seems. Two whole pitches for that to happen.

          It all started when everyone was so happy that Laffey was in there instead. It was all downhill from there. I still may have really preferred Johnson because this was a little too predictable.

          Yeah, it’s only the 3rd inning, but I’m just not feeling it tonight. Sorry.

          • Havok9120

            I don’t blame you.

            I don’t agree, but I don’t blame you.

  • Cervelli is the Man

    ugh

  • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

    What the hell?

  • WhittakerWalt

    Nova also can’t field his position worth a damn. Good to know.

  • Eddard

    LOL! They’re not going to have enough ballplayers left to put on the field.

  • Pasta

    Yankees call up
    David adams
    Austin romine
    And nuno
    Youlk cervy nova dl.

    • oldmanalex

      I am so down..don’t think the yankees brass will be

      • Havok9120

        You’re insane to actually want this to happen.

        • oldmanalex

          Do you have a better plan for tomorrow’s game? And besides, they already took Romine out of his game tonight.

          • Pat D

            That’s not what he meant by “want(ing) this to happen.”

          • Havok9120

            If they’re DL worthy, then sure, do it. But you sounded like you were in favor of doing that whether they are or not.

    • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

      Not sure the Yankees can call up Adams yet even if they wanted to.

      • Havok9120

        That’s unclear. From what I understand, no one’s yet sure if the 40-man rules apply to people with no MLB service time.

        • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

          I believe the rules are the same regardless of service time for the 30-day scenario, but I don’t think that applies anyways because he was released before opening day. A player released between Aug. 31 and Opening day can’t sign a MLB contract with the same team until May 15. I’m just not sure if that applies only to a free agent contract or if being called up from the minors would be treated the same.

          • Havok9120

            Interesting.

            Again, my thanks.

  • Leg-End

    This is crazyness.

  • teddy

    either replaces these major scrub or find a gm who is willing to

  • forensic

    Susan: “What happened? I was looking down.”
    John: “I don’t know, I just saw a ground ball.”

    They’re so very helpful…

    • WhittakerWalt

      I’m so glad those two are on the job.

    • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

      In fairness to them, I was watching and still have no idea what happened.

    • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

      In fairness, I’m watching, and I still can’t figure out what happened to Nova.

      • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

        Get out of my head!!!

    • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

      I know… they need to be so replaced.

      Susyn: “Lets see what can we see…”

      And my personal fav;
      John even said: “I don’t know what they saw.”

      Do you think I should know, you clown? I’m listening to you.

      • Troll

        Rage much? Schmuck.

    • Havok9120

      I think they knew something might be wrong before he went back out to pitch and had discussed it in the dugout, then knew it was wrong after the hit.

  • Cervelli is the Man

    Welcome to tonight’s game, The New York Injuries vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.

  • Pat D

    Alright, which one of you fuckers has put a permanent injury hex on this team? Did someone murder stuart and this is our punishment?

    • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

      I’m blaming Eddard, based on what the commenter of the future (or something like that) said.

      • Pat D

        Yea, about that…

        • Havok9120

          Heh.

  • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

    Is Nova hurt or is it can’t-get-an-out-itis?

    • Havok9120

      Hurt/sick. They knew something was wrong.

  • Frank

    Yanks under a black cloud this season with respect to injuries. You couldn’t make this shit up.

  • Yankees Sans Francisco

    What happened?

    • Leg-End

      I don’t think anyone knows, he didn’t really do anything to show what was up but the trainer was out quite quickly.

      • Yankees Sans Francisco

        Weird. If its indeed an injury… I think I’m going to lose it. Everyone should just play in bubble wrap. My god.

  • CountryClub

    Sweeney is saying that cervelli has a fracture. That’s too bad for him. But now Romine gets a shot. The rest is up to him…

    • Cervelli is the Man

      This makes me really unhappy

    • Pasta

      Romine will never go down again. Hell be here until Sanchez takes his job.

      • Havok9120

        That would be pretty great.

  • Cervelli is the Man

    I don’t even care if we win, I just want us to make it through the game without losing anybody else. Ridiculous.

    • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

      I hear ya, but what about losing Ban Francisco for a month?

      #i’llburninhell

  • Pasta

    And out of st phelps has lost that great change up due to inactivity.

  • WhittakerWalt

    David Phelps -the man you don’t use for high-leverage outs- in for high-leverage outs.

  • Vern Sneaker

    I should have waited until after the inning to eat.

  • WhittakerWalt

    Maybe they took Nova out because that thing on his face was starting to scare children.

    • Yankees Sans Francisco

      Seriously… what is that?

      • WhittakerWalt

        Maybe spider eggs?

        • Yankees Sans Francisco

          *gags*

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Big K. DP next.

    • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

      Called it. +1 to you good sir

    • Havok9120

      Well done.

  • Yankees Sans Francisco

    At least Stewart is making this game slightly more bearable

    • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

      Your username is no longer amusing. Lost the wrong Francisco.

      • Havok9120

        Agreed. Gotta change that now.

        • Yankees Sans Francisco

          Crap, I didn’t even make the connection. Think I jinxed it…

      • Pat D

        You’re one to talk about handle names not being amusing.

        • Havok9120

          Also agreed.

        • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

          I’ll change it when he proves me wrong.

          • Pat D

            It has nothing to do with whether or not he proves you wrong. It was simply never amusing.

            • Havok9120

              It’s witty. But not amusing for Yankee fans. We actually need the guy to be decent to good.

            • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

              I’m sorry you are so unamused by my handle. It was never intended to amuse. You can kiss your A-Rod bobblehead if it makes you feel better.

              • Pat D

                First of all, I don’t believe you when you say your handle was not intended to amuse. You picked it at the very least to amuse yourself.

                Second, if your handle isn’t meant to amuse, then don’t tell other people that their handle isn’t amusing.

                And the only bobbleheads I own are Darth Vader and Creed Bratton.

                • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

                  His handle was very amusing, but took an ironic twist after the first inning.

                  And I can’t argue with either of those bobbleheads, well done.

              • Havok9120

                Why do you think personal attacks are the way to go? What directs you toward that in what could just be a jokey discussion over handles?

            • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

              In all seriousness though I chose the handle in frustration after watching his pathetic stretch run last year. I actually hope he proves me wrong and comes back strong. Then I can become Better-Get-Out-Of-His-Way-Rod

              • Pat D

                Fair enough. Sorry if I sound like a prick, I’m just really, really frustrated right now.

                • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

                  It’s all good, frustration understood. I likewise apologize for being snippy. We’re all on (well, just rooting for) the same team here.

              • Havok9120

                See, this was good.

                I also hope you get to change it to that after his return.

  • Eddard

    Stewart strikes again! Nice job by Phelpsy all things considered.

  • Havok9120

    That DP was impressive by all involved. Not a great throw, but good reaction.

  • Pasta

    By far my favorite ben francisco moment. He just walked to lead off an inning.

    • JRod

      Definitely one for the highlight reel. Along with his reversed call infield hit yesterday. That was a straight up Triumph.

  • John Sterling’s Ego

    Section 109, reprazent!

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Ben-wa Fransisco is ON BASE. The Earth’s magnetic poles will now reverse…

  • Eddard

    Well he’s on base at least. If Robbie can just hit another one of those homers.

  • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

    Ohh shit, Sterling is fucking singing!!

    • Havok9120

      Wait, really?

      • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

        I swear, I didn’t catch the name of the song though.

      • forensic

        Yeah, he was going Frank Sinatra, then Sgt. Bilko, then the NFL draft.

        I don’t know if they’ve mentioned a thing about the game this whole damn inning.

        • Havok9120

          As a guy who regularly sings Sinatra songs for money in a reasonable likeness…blech.

    • WhittakerWalt

      DEAR LORD

  • teddy

    a sacfrice with laffey not throwing strike.giradri a joke

  • Pat D

    Fucking bunting in the third inning when the on deck hitter is Nix.

    Well, I’ll just be watching the draft and the Knicks game if this is gonna keep up.

  • teddy

    now nix walks great job giradri

  • Mickey Scheister

    Nuno, Romine and Montgomery should get the call up, put Nova and Cervelli on the DL. Send down Phelps or Warren for ML starting depth and release BenFran and also call up Adams while we’re at it, for good measure.

  • Eddard

    Now would be a good time for another one of those homers, Robbie.

  • teddy

    grand slam please

  • forensic

    This absolutely can’t just be another of those bases loaded, settle for one run innings.

    They need to put a crooked number up given this situation with the lineup and their pitching.

    • Havok9120

      Swinging so much there was just…wrong. Oy.

  • Pasta

    Cervelli broken hand per swenny murti
    Nova elbow issue

    • WhittakerWalt

      Maybe that’ll teach Cervelli to put that hand behind his back.

    • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

      I really feel bad for Cerv… He was doing very good.

    • Wheels

      Damn.

    • Pasta

      Romine will get a shot but girardi will promote stewart to 1st ca knowing joe.

      • Luis Castillo (Not the one who dropped the ball)

        That’s a given.

        • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

          Hey, at least our manager didn’t have Jeff “Mendoza line” Mathis higher on the catcher depth chart than Mike Napoli like Scoscia did for however long it was.

  • Havok9120

    Swung at ball 4 and 5.

    C’mon Vern.

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    I’ll take it, tie game.

  • Pasta

    Another ben francisco moment yeah

  • teddy

    only tied because giradri is a idiot

    • Havok9120

      ….I love baseless assumptions.

      • WhittakerWalt

        The bunt was pretty lame, though.

        • Havok9120

          Agreed, but there’s no reason to think it was Girardi. None. What little speculative evidence there is from the dugout camera makes it seem as if it WASN’T Joe.

  • Eddard

    Well at least they tied it. Disappointing though because Laffey couldn’t do anything other than lay in an 86 mph right down the middle.

  • Dan in Athens

    Now Pronk can replace BF right?

    • forensic

      Hopefully, but I could absolutely see Girardi not doing it if he thinks he needs to keep another position player available in Francisco who they could take out of the DH spot if necessary.

      Hopefully with Boesch available he won’t feel that need though.

  • Eddard

    He was laying them in there to Wells but walked Stewart on 4 straight pitches.

  • forensic

    PLEASE ICHIRO!!!

    2-4 with a double against Lincoln. Also had good numbers against Laffey.

    Please get a hit!

  • Anthony

    Well back to the old generic handle now that Benny reached base… and also because I probably jinxed the better Francisco. Ugh.

    Big spot for Ichiro.

    • Havok9120

      That was a great handle though. Major props for it. Now you gotta find another so you get away from the “random male first name = troll” bias.

      • Anthony

        Haha, thanks. I’ll think up another clever one soon enough.

  • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

    So I jumped in my truck to run to the store and Sterling was trying to sing a Sinatra song. I am now currently Googling “How to remove an ice pick from the ear canal”.

    • Pat D

      You might just want to leave it in.

  • Dale Mohorcic

    Another blue balls game. Ugh.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Brutal.

  • forensic

    And another pitiful inning. They almost deserve to lose after all this crap, basically trying to give it away.

    7 million baserunners, 2 runs…

  • Pasta

    I was hopieing sweni was wrong.

  • Kramerica Industries

    Six weeks for Cervelli, minimum.

    Lovely.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    RISPFAIL it’s baaaaaaaaaaaaack….

    • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

      This team has been much, much worse than last year’s team with RISP so far.

  • Havok9120

    Poor Frankie. I’ve really always like him, but more importantly…this was his year and his time. Even if he’d fallen back to earth offensively he’d still be above average overall with the state of catching in the MLB right now. This injury could be the difference between having a regular, if unspectacular, job for the next decade and needing a pillow contract to get regular work.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Well said. Tough break for Cervi. He works hard, and was starting o put together a good season.

  • Alkaline

    So in a deep league with 2 catcher positions, I had Cervelli for one. I guess I’ll be picking up the salad soon.

    • Havok9120

      Surely there’s a better catcher available somewhere unless you’re just determined to have Yanks on your team.

      • Alkaline

        Top ones in FA right now are K. Suzuki, Tyler Flowers, Rob Brantly, Laird, etc. Slim pickings, haha.

      • Alkaline

        Disclaimer, I have McCann and Yadier, but McCann is on the DL.

        • Havok9120

          I don’t know what kind of work those guys are getting right now. But Romine might come up and just play once a week. Hard to tell.

          • Alkaline

            Yeah, probably. It’s a free league, 20 teams, 25 per team. It’s for shits and giggles and I somehow am in second place, haha.

            • Havok9120

              I know next to nothing about fantasy. Just enough to be dangerous. I’m just spitballing to help you think out your options. :D

              • Alkaline

                It helps! Much appreciated! I might be better just waiting till McCann gets off the DL

  • Eddard

    Phelpsy looks much better tonight. Hitting his spots and painting the corners. That’s what he needs.

  • Havok9120

    Also: this is a Phelps second chance at an audition. Rise to the occasion, man.

  • Mickey Scheister

    The award for the biggest douche in baseball goes to…Brett Lawrie! Walk back to your dugout and collect your award, ass.

    • Wheels

      Such a douche.

    • Pat D

      I know that Lawrie is a douche but whenever the league contains guys like AJ Pierzynski and Mr. Awesome O’Clock, it’s hard to say he’s the BIGGEST douche.

      • Mickey Scheister

        Good point, and with that scruffy scurvy fuck, Bautista he may not even be the biggest douche on his team.

        • Havok9120

          Well done calling on the scurvy meme.

          • Mickey Scheister

            Thanks, I think Pat D’s actually the one that started it a couple years ago.

          • Pat D

            Which I take full credit for starting!

            • Havok9120

              And so you should.

  • JRod

    We need to send a team to SWB to go and GET Romine and Wang. Like, with plenty of styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap. I don’t trust those moving sidewalks in the airport.

    • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

      It won’t, and shouldn’t, be Wang.

      • Havok9120

        Agreed.

      • JRod

        Who will it be then?

        • Havok9120

          Nuno/Monty. There are other candidates.

          Have to see how hurt Nova is, if he’s hurt at all.

        • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

          My guess is Phelps will be in the rotation and they’ll call up a reliever.
          I’m hoping for Montgomery, but I’m guessing it’ll be Eppley instead.

          • Havok9120

            Yeah, depends on if they’ve deemed Eppley ready or needing additional regular work to get ready.

            If they honestly think Eppley’s ready, I won’t mind him getting the call ahead of Monty. There’s no regular role available yet.

          • Havok9120

            And if they actually want a guy in the Aceves-type role they’ve had Phelps in. If they do, that almost needs to be Nuno.

  • Mickey Scheister

    That’s a nasty herpe on Kyle Overbuys lip.

  • Pasta

    Its amazing but pineda coming back this year may save our season. Nova goes on dl one of the big four stumbles

  • Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

    Lets see a SB here Nuney

  • Pat D

    Did they show the trivia answer yet?

    • Havok9120

      They did but I missed it.

      • Mickey Scheister

        Chris Chamblis?

        • Havok9120

          Yep. That was it.

    • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

      Chris Chambliss.

  • Eddard

    Nuney almost got hit again and we would have been forced to play Hafner in the field.

  • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

    If the Blue Jays injure one more Yankee they should be ejected from the league. Ridiculous. I know Cervelli and Nova weren’t plunked or anything but I’m still blaming the Jays.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Send Nuñez WTF

  • Alkaline

    Overbaaaaaaaaaaaaay

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Loverbay being useful!!!!

  • Havok9120

    YESSSSSSSSSS.

    Lyle with the 3 bag!!

  • Dan in Athens

    This is the most bizarre game ever

  • Pat D

    Rasmus misplayed the shit out of that one.

    • Havok9120

      He’s not looked good at all this season. On either side of the ball.

  • SDB

    What just happened?

    My screen just fucked up and showed something absurdly weird (Overbay getting a triple, which I can’t believe actually happened…)

  • Eddard

    TRIPLE FOR OVERBAY!!!!

  • Mickey Scheister

    Hooray for Herpes!!!

    • JRod

      One downside of the Yanks facial hair policy.

  • Havok9120

    Sweetness.

    Well done PH’ing Hafner, well done taking home on the PB.

    • Alkaline

      Yeah. The team’s been fun to watch, IMO. I’m more carefree and just enjoy watching the Yanks regardless of outcome, but it’s been a good way to unwind after a day of hard word.

      • Rolling Doughnut

        Yep, this team is much more fun to watch than last year’s.

        • Havok9120

          Meh. I don’t go with that.

          The only reason it’s more “carefree” is because expectations were so molten-center-of-the-planet low. Last year’s team was fun because they won. A lot.

          • Alkaline

            Absolutely. Last year was just as fun to me. It just seems to many that it isn’t as fun this year, but I disagree. Yankees baseball is yankees baseball. I’ll watch the team and cheer just as hard regardless of expectations or outcome.

            • Havok9120

              I’m right with that. I wasn’t bummed with the team being what it was; I wanted baseball. I’ll make it fun no matter what.

  • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

    Half of me loves the fact that Joe is trying to bring the pain with Hafner here this early, the other half worries about this game ending in pitchers playing positions because the bench is empty.

  • Pasta

    Loverbays got herpes

    • Mickey Scheister

      For real. He should prob grow a Joba to cover that shit up.

  • Anthony

    Overbay…triple…wha? Look at that, its 4-2. Funny how things work out. Your move, D Phelps.

    • Alkaline

      I hope he gets his shit together.

  • Tom

    Hafner getting the Chris Stewart treatment….

  • Vern Sneaker

    Boesch only one left on bench in 4th inning. Pretty weird. Hope no one else goes down.

    • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

      On the other hand it would be cool to watch Mo get to play CF just once.

      • Vern Sneaker

        Yeah, but would be scary in this jinx of a season.

      • Havok9120

        Not so early in the season. Too much can go wrong and we need him.

    • Mickey Scheister

      Who’s the backup catcher? Nix?

      • Havok9120

        Right now, yes.

        • MannyGeee

          That dude can do it all! Super sub FTW!

        • Mickey Scheister

          Nice, that would be fun.

  • Vern Sneaker

    Playing match-up in 4th inning. Seems a bit jumpy. Sad comment on Jays season.

  • MannyGeee

    Well, I am just getting home to a game that is good, except that the starting pitcher and starting catcher are apparently broken.

    I started counting on my way home, and this team is missing a starting 1B, 3B, CF, SS, BACKUP (!) 3B, and now starting catcher and one of their starters. These injuries are fucking nutso!

    • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

      Not to mention Pineda who would likely be in the rotation.

      • Havok9120

        Him too.

      • MannyGeee

        Completely forgot about him too.

    • Havok9120

      Plus another starter started the season hurt. It’s insane.

    • Anthony

      You said it.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Robbie get serious dude

  • teddy

    fail cano

  • Eddard

    Now it’s up to Phelpsy. Give us 2 more solid innings. He looks much better tonight, painting the corners and getting strikeouts. I think he’ll get us to the 7th with the lead.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Yes. Tonight he has good control, with movement.

      • Havok9120

        I’ll be very impressed if he rises to this occasion. This is a big night for him in terms of earning a rotation spot. Lots of pressure.

  • MannyGeee

    So,I am afraid that Cervelli will regress with his throwing to 2nd. He’s defense was getting so goddam good. Bummer.

    • Havok9120

      Eh. That seemed to have more to do with his form than anything. And he seems to be cured of his bad form.

      • MannyGeee

        More concerned with overcompensation from the injury, coming back rusty, etc etc etc.

    • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

      I’m more worried that this bit of power he has developed will turn back into warning track power.

      • Havok9120

        Yeah, I’m bummed about that more than anything.

        Whether he was just streaking or not, the guy was clearly the hot hand. Hard to think that’ll keep up through a DL stint.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Freezes Davis with the heater. Nice

  • MannyGeee

    Irrational bright side guy says: Looks like we are about to see the beginning of the Lettuce Era! Let the non stop puns begin!

    • Havok9120

      A lotttttt of people wanted him on the roster to start the season.

      I’m kind of excited to see what he’s got.

      • MannyGeee

        Well, hard to blame people for wanting him up to start the season (well, before Cervelli and Stewart became Pudge Rodriguez and Carl Yaztremski, respectively)…

        He’s been hitting the snot out of the ball down in Scranton, and you’re absolutely right… He should be a ton of fun to watch. Eddard will approve

        • Havok9120

          Yeah. I never really agreed with wanting him up over Cerv/Stew, but it wasn’t unreasonable.

        • Alkaline

          I got to see Romine twice in the first week of AAA. He looked pretty solid even with it being 30some degrees those two nights.

          • Havok9120

            I really hope he’s ready to win a job. It’d be great to see.

  • MannyGeee

    So when does Nova book his flight to go down and see the good Dr Andrews? Any takers?

    • Havok9120

      I’d be willing to bet the flight is already booked. They’ll just wait until tomorrow to see if they need it.

      • MannyGeee

        You think James Andrews works on Sundays? Monday 9am appointment I would imagine.

        I wonder if they book the appointment ahead of time too. You think Andrews has a secretary who just scours ESPN looking for keyword “elbow” & “pain”? These are all things I want to know…

        • Havok9120

          I wouldn’t be surprised at all if teams have a standing appointment with him. It honestly depends on how busy his regular practice is. He might be too specialized in sports for anyone to ever need a “just in case” appointment. Heck, I can see MLB having several reserved appointments for use by any teams that need him.

          • MannyGeee

            I could also see him not taking any other appointments outside of athletes and rich white dudes who can afford him after they sprain their elbows golfing or some shit. I could imagine he does “well” from just TJS surgeries…

            • Havok9120

              Definitely.

  • Mickey Scheister

    This motherfucker needs some vitamin C in his life.

  • Vern Sneaker

    Kay and O’Neill have totally left the game behind.

    • Havok9120

      I think it’s fun though. Kay’s keeping up with the play-by-play, just a lot of chatter.

    • http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

      Kay and Paulie never actually call the game though.

  • MannyGeee

    Phelpsie with the breaking ball! NASTY pitch, Joey Bats can eat a dick!

    • Mickey Scheister

      a herpe infested one.

    • Havok9120

      Two out of three pitches were pretty nasty breaking balls. That last “ball” call was a HECK of a curve.

  • heismanziel

    Atta boy phelps. This would be a really good win tonight. Hopefully we can add on another run or two.

    • Havok9120

      But….Mo needs another save. :(

      /totallykidding’d

      • heismanziel

        At this rate, I am scared he would get injured tonight. I swear there is a greater power at work. Baseball gods must be pretty pissed off at us.

        • Havok9120

          Too many playoff runs.

          And homers.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    While he was off to a good start, in AAA last year Cervelli was .2467/.341/.316, wRC+ 89. So it could be a SSS thing. Just saying.

    • Havok9120

      Oh, of course. It probably was. But he was still the hot hand.

      Switching off between Stewie and Cervelli depending on who was hot was probably the best possible outcome of this catching platoon.

  • Vern Sneaker

    Austin Jackson, Austin Romine, other Austins? Is Kearns still active (Miami?).

    • JRod

      Austin Powers, Tyler Austin, Steve Austin, Austin Texas…

  • MartinRanger

    Chris Stewart providing a preview of the next 6 weeks.

    Really though, with this team, it would have just happened to Martin. And Cervelli would have tripped on the stairs or something.

    • MannyGeee

      Yeah… Russell Martin used to disappear for weeks on end, at least Stewart will lay a bunt down or sneak one through a hole on (rare) occasion…

  • heismanziel

    The loss to nova really is not the worst of things for us. Sucks he got hurt, but it’s not like he was doing much for us. The loss of cerveli is going to hurt, its going to be even more painful watching stewart play everyday. I doubt Romine will play much.

    • Havok9120

      We’ll see. I could easily see Girardi going back to an even split until someone wins the job.

    • MannyGeee

      Lettuce wait and see what Girardi does with the catching situation.

      #andsoitbegins

      • Betty Lizard

        If we carrot all about winning we’ll give romaine a chance.

        • MannyGeee

          Slow clap…

        • Havok9120

          My second most visited website is one where puns are a beloved and encouraged aspect of the comments section.

          Even there this would cause facepalming. Generally in the form of another pun.

  • Eddard

    If Phelpsy can give us one more we should be in good shape. The pen should be able to close it out. You used them last night but you use them again tonight with confidence that CC can go deep tomorrow. Get the W tonight and let CC carry you tomorrow.

    • Havok9120

      No way do they let him get around 80 pitches.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      This is his last inning

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Melky off PED 100 PA .253/.310/.308

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Glad the Catcher is paying attention.

  • Havok9120

    Man. What an impressive outing by Phelps. Lots of swings and misses.

    • heismanziel

      Yup. I have no doubt that he can fill in for nova for the time being. He gets the Astros next, right? He should be fine.

  • heismanziel

    Wow… Anibal beasting for me in Fantasy. 14 k’s. Yikes.

    • heismanziel

      make that 16.

      • Alkaline

        <3

  • Eddard

    Phelps did his job getting us to the 7th with the lead. Now you use up the 4 good relievers to close it out and have confidence CC can carry the team tomorrow.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Insurance runs would be nice.

  • CountryClub

    Phelps threw 77 pitches tonight so I’d be shocked if he doesn’t move into the rotation. He’s good for 90+ in the next game.

    Do they call up Montgomery or Nuno? Donnie Collins is predicting they’ll call up Eppley. Which would be awful and not surprising.

    • MannyGeee

      My guess is either Nuno or Eppley.

    • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

      I’d be surprised if it’s not Eppley.

      • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

        I could see maybe Cedeno instead, if they want a second lefty.

    • Havok9120

      Unless they’ve decided that Eppley just isn’t ready for MLB work, it’ll be him.

      • CountryClub

        He’s been awful down there though. So who knows.

        • Havok9120

          Yep. So we’ll see. I could easily see it being him, Monty, or Nuno.

          If they want a direct replacement for what Phelps has been doing, it’ll have to be Nuno.

        • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

          Not impressed by a 2.29 WHIP in AAA?

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Eppley and awful just about says it

  • CountryClub

    Ashmore just tweeted that Jose Ramirez hit 96 in Trenton. No velocity problems for him.

  • heismanziel

    17 strikeouts for sanchez in 8 innings.

    • MannyGeee

      Fucking crazy. Just funny to see how bad a good team can look at any given night…

  • CountryClub

    I never would have guessed that Nunez would be giving us a glimpse at how awful an all defense/no hit SS is.

  • Havok9120

    I’m legit loving Kay and Paulie just having fun up there.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Hilarious trying to imagine Michael Kay playing stickball.

  • heismanziel

    Giants take Damontre Moore! Gig’em.

    • Havok9120

      Is that good? I’m a huge Giants fan but I don’t know this draft class.

      • heismanziel

        He was awesome for us last year, but he really came out of nowhere.He left too early in my mind. As long as he is not rushed, he could end up being a good pickup.

        • Pasta

          Tuck and JPP will school him right.

          • Havok9120

            That’s the hope.

  • Pasta

    Giants get another pass rushing beast D Moore love jerry reece.

    • heismanziel

      Really liking the Texans draft so far. We finally got ourselves a true number 2 for Andre. Denadre Hopkins is a very physical WR with sure hand. Then we got a Very Physical Saftey that will get to lern from ed reed the next few seasons. Kind of wish we would have gone with a offensive linemen in the second round, but I trust our front office.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Step up Jobber

  • heismanziel

    I have no doubt that the braves are a good team, but they are now 7-6 after their first 10 games. They played the Phillies, Cubs, Marlins, to start the year. I think the tigers will sweep em.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Noooonie. Oh my

  • Havok9120

    Wow. That’s exactly the kind of throw Nunez normally botches.

  • Eddard

    He’s like Ozzie Smith out there. Just needs to pick it up with the bat and he’ll be a complete player.

    • MannyGeee

      Almost positive Ozzie Smiths batting helmet stayed on though….

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Ozzie Smith? That is a s t r e t c h.

      • MannyGeee

        I might buy Ozzie Guillien, and that’s even pushing it.

  • NeilT

    Damn this has been one difficult game to watch…

    NunE! Nice play.

    Looking forward to seeing Romine up, and… whoever they decide comes up to replace Nova, be nice if it was Monty but I’m betting it’ll be Nuno.

  • Havok9120

    Very, very nice inning Joba.

    You, too, Overbay.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Thanks for sparing us from Boone, Loverbay.

  • NeilT

    Joba rules? Joba RULES.

  • NeilT

    Woah just saw the J-E-T-S took Geno Smith? Wow, that’s going to be a fun camp. As a Giants fan, I can only sit back and admire the clusterfuck that’s going to be.

    • MannyGeee

      Jeff Loria needs to buy the Jets…

  • MannyGeee

    LoverBay has been phenomenal with the glove.

    • Havok9120

      He’s sure made a lot of good plays.

      Not all that sure handed so far, but he’s made plays I don’t think most first basemen make.

  • CountryClub

    So Robertson gets the heart of the order.

    • Eddard

      He handled them last night. Bautista isn’t doing anything right now. The big out is Encarnacion. He killed them last year and is doing it again this series.

    • Havok9120

      I’d want it for either him or Mo anyway.

      • Rolling Doughnut

        Yep.

      • CountryClub

        Oh absolutely.

  • heismanziel

    This game is making me nervous. With all the bad news today, the last thing I want to see is the bullpen blow this game. Hopefully we can tack on a run here.

    • MannyGeee

      If the bullpen blowing the game is the worst thing that happens for the remainder of the day, then I am OK with it. Just make it though 9 without anyone else getting hurt, k?

      • heismanziel

        Haha, hopefully we can get the W and finish the day injury free.

        • MannyGeee

          Sure but given the choice?

  • heismanziel

    Mike Ashmore ?@mashmore98

    Jose Ramirez in his Double-A debut: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K. He gets the save, his first in 89 MiLB appearances

  • Pasta

    Stewart can not catch everyday!

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    Losing Cervelli is a real shame, but on the other hand he was almost certainly going to regress big time and end up being a below average player anyway, so oh well.

    This sounds harsh, but I really don’t give two shits about losing Nova.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Right on both counts. Cervelli was .253/.310/.308 wRC+ 89 last year in AAA. Nova has no control of his “great stuff.” Sorry he’s hurt but glad Phelps gets a shot. God knows Girardi wouldn’t have pulled Nova until he was 2-8

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Thanks for the help.

  • Eddard

    That Blue Jays defense comes back to haunt them again. They’re awful.

  • MannyGeee

    Toronto Blue Jays… Not defensively sound baseball.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Noonie down to .150 yet?

    • Havok9120

      Has he even gotten TO .150 yet?

  • heismanziel

    Hell yes. Texans make another very good pick, two seconds later Yankees score. Best 10 seconds of my day.

  • Dan in Athens

    I’m not buying a Toyota from Lee’s or anywhere else, but if I take a test drive can I see that chick naked?

  • Eddard

    Klong was working with Francisco. Abandon that waste of time and fix Nuney. We need him to start hitting better since he has to play.

  • Havok9120

    Thank God for that safety run.

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    See, Toronto, if you guys actually played defense then this might have been a really cool moment for you.

    • Havok9120

      If not for my post today in defense of naked gloating, I’d reprimand you for the “chickens pre-roost” moment.

      But I made that post, so carry on.

      • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

        Hey, even if they tie it later that particular moment still wouldn’t have been particularly cool.

  • Eddard

    Jesus, it’s HR or bust for Encarnacion the way he’s swinging.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Pastadiving….oh, wait, nevermind. Nice play Nunee.

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    Fuck man, who would have thought that Nunez would become a defensive wizard?

    • Havok9120

      Your only mistake is posting this where Eddard can see.

      • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

        I just regretted making this post almost immediately.

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Nuñez?

  • Dan in Athens

    Off the bat, I was afraid the Batista shot was going to hit my house in Georgia.

  • Vern Sneaker

    That guy at short can pick it, wouldn’t you say?

    • The Real Me

      Yeah, and sometimes even throw it!

  • Havok9120

    Jeez, YES. Nice camera work.

    • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

      I thought the exact same thing.

  • The Real Me

    Darren Oliver. Isn’t he like 70 or something?

    • Havok9120

      Him and Mo.

  • Mickey Scheister

    Insurance run please.

    • The Real Me

      Nice call!

    • Havok9120

      You get full credit.

      • Mickey Scheister

        I thought it would be Hafner, but Gardner with the blast! Nice!

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Why certainly sir.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Gardy!!!!

  • heismanziel

    Fuck Yes

  • Havok9120

    GONE!

    ….

    GOOOOONEEEE.

  • Vern Sneaker

    HUGE! Way to go, Gardner!

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    Nice laser shot, Gardy.

    • Havok9120

      He’s got an awfully pretty homerun swing. He rarely uses it, but it’s fun to watch.

  • JonS

    Gardner can’t hit lhp. lol

  • The Real Me

    One from Cano now.

    • The Real Me

      Oh well. Didn’t work this time. Bring on Mo.

      • Mickey Scheister

        I thought so too. If mayor bee was here, I’m sure there’d be free honey for everyone.

  • Havok9120

    Alright, Mo.

    FOR PRUSSIA AND OUR WOUNDED, DAMMIT!

  • Mickey Scheister

    What’s Sterlings Gardy call?

    • JRod

      “Gardy goes Yardy.”

      • Mickey Scheister

        Thanks, not his best work.

    • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

      I think it’s “Gardner planted one!”

      • Mickey Scheister

        That’s better.

  • heismanziel

    Fuck the ravens for taking Brandon Williams one spot ahead of us. We really could have used him.

  • RkyMtnYank

    I think Gardner can hit righties and lefties, he just struggles with trying to be patient as a leadoff hitter. Just seems that he’s more successful the more aggressive he is at the plate.

  • Havok9120

    Umph. I wanted that. Good call by the ump though.

  • Cool Lester Smooth

    Anibal Sanchez struck out 17 over 8 innings.

    Maybe an anterior labral tear that does not affect the rotator cuff or shoulder capsule isn’t the end of the world.

  • The Real Me

    Mo throwing some heat. Hitting 91! Nice to see he’s still got a bit left.

  • nsalem

    Hypothetically the Yankee’s had a 3 run lead in this situation , should the Yankee’s consider not using Rivera tonight knowing they are facing a decent lefty tomorrow and are likely to be e in a close game with D-Rob and Joba possibly unable to pitch 3 days in a row?

    • Havok9120

      Theoretically? Sure. But I don’t think they should do it. We need wins.

      • nsalem

        With a two run run lead I definitely agree, but if they were 3 up I thought it might be worth the risk
        because not having either 3 would significantly reduce our chances of winning tomorrow. I guess we do have the guy with the best chance of going deep tomorrow. Hope CC can go very deep. Not expecting an offensive outburst by the Yankee’s tomorrow. It was just a passing thought.

    • The Real Me

      Depends who they used in his place. They could have used Joba for 2 tonight. He only threw 7 pitches. The DRob in the 9th or Mo and save DRob for tomorrow.

    • Rolling Doughnut

      Yes bu Joe wouldn’t have done it because it’s not binder-friendly

  • Havok9120

    That’s really, really cool. (the shot of Mo talking to all the Jays)

  • Vern Sneaker

    I’m out of my chair now. Damn. Finish it Mo.

  • Havok9120

    Even only 2/3s full the stadium can still get loud when Mo gets a big K.

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    Oh come the fuck on.

    Awesome play, Robbie. If that goes into CF it’s a run.

  • Havok9120

    Not Nunez’s fault. That dude is FAST.

  • TomH

    Don’t like the look of this one bit.

  • Mickey Scheister

    C’mon Mo! Buckle down!

  • The Real Me

    Definitely not used to this from Mo.

  • Alkaline

    How does Ramus even think that hair looks remotely okay?

  • Dan in Athens

    Nunez, maybe taking two fucking steps back and not planting was something a fucking high school SS knows.

    • Alkaline

      Eh. I prefer the planting. Better than him trying to throw off balance where a bad throw = run.

      Plus, I would argue that no one aside from elite SS in High School should throw off balance, but that’s just IMO.

  • Need Pitching & Hitting (but mostly hitting)

    Exhale.

  • Vern Sneaker

    Outstanding!

  • Dan in Athens

    Yes (and still fuck you NunEz).

  • Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (formerly RRR)

    And no runs come around.

  • Havok9120

    Hell. Freaking. YES.

  • Anthony

    I was getting flashbacks of that time Rasmus clobbered one off Soriano… phew. Nice job Mo.

  • Eddard

    I don’t know how they keep winning these ballgames. Great job by Phelpsy tonight. He saved us. We’ll need a long outing from CC tomorrow.

  • Mickey Scheister

    And breathe! Whoa, what a game!

  • heismanziel

    Big time win. Would have been really depressing to take a loss tonight. We get the split at the absolute worse. Would be awesome to take 3 of 4 before the astros come to town.

  • TomH

    Wheww! Someone tell CC to take a few more warmup tosses (or something) tomorrow. This starting lineup looks pretty damned feeble. They’ll need some stellar pitching the next two days.

  • Cool Lester Smooth

    That last cutter straight up rose

  • Rolling Doughnut

    Two slap singles a a FC but Mo gets out of it. Well done.

  • nsalem

    We are now on pace to win 95.7 games in 2013.

    • Havok9120

      Hehehehe

      This is awesome. Of course it won’t last, but it’s still awesome.

      • nsalem

        IF the pitching holds up you never know.