Game One: Opening Day

April 1, 2013 by Michael Axisa

I’m not quite sure I can come up with one single word to describe the last six months. The embarrassing ALCS exit was following by a few great moves (yay pitching!) but also a whole bunch of puzzling decisions. Spring Training was an injury-filled nightmare that resulted in some more puzzling decisions, but finally all of that is in the past. Opening Day is here.

For the first time in I don’t know how long, the Yankees are legitimate underdogs. Yes, it’s silly to say a team with a $200M+ payroll is an underdog, but it’s not a $200M+ roster — there are over $90M worth of players on the DL. The Yankees are not just being picked to miss the postseason — that happens every year — they’re being picked to finish in last and lose like, 90 games. And for the first time in I don’t know how long, it could actually happen. Other clubs in the division got better while the Yankees got worse. Add in some injuries to key players and you’ve got the formula for missing the postseason.

I have no idea what the next six months have in store and neither do you. That’s just the way baseball is, weird stuff happens all the time. Players surprise, players unexpectedly perform poorly … it’s all part of the mystery of baseball. All I care about right now is that baseball is back. The Yankees are back and CC Sabathia is back and Robinson Cano is back and Mariano Rivera is back and even the players I don’t like are back too. It’s Opening Day and everyone is cool with me. A new season and a fresh start, that’s all that matters right now.

Just for the record, the Yankees are 63-46-1 all-time on Opening Day, a .572 winning percentage that is essentially identical to the franchise’s .568 overall winning percentage. Funny how that works out, no? No, no it’s not. Here’s the first lineup of the season…

And on the mound is the big left-hander from the Bay Area, CC Sabathia. He’s making his tenth career Opening Day start, tying Roy Halladay for the most among active pitchers. Only nine pitchers have started more Opening Days since 1919.

This afternoon’s game is scheduled to start a little after 1pm ET and can be seen on YES locally and ESPN nationally. Pre-game festivities will begin around 12:30pm and I’m sure YES will carry at least part of them. Baseball’s back, so enjoy the game.

dkidd

just win, baby
Pseudoyanks

Here we go…
Pat D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VAMQF8vnNo

Oops, wrong sport.
trr

It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter (thanks GH)
Now it’s time to see what we got – LET’S GO YANKS!!!
Kramerica Industries

Today is the day of foolish optimism?

Ok. The road to #28 starts today.
jjyank

Let’s do this.
dontchaknow

dontchaknow
jjyank

Jeez. ESPN poll has like 95% of voters saying the Red Sox will have a better record than the Yanks in 2013.
- Kramerica Industries
  
  I am frequently amused at how many people think Victorino, Napoli, and Dempster are going to turn a 93 loss team around.
  
  It’s because it’s the Red Sox. No other reason can exist.
  - jjyank
    
    Yeah, pretty much. I know the Yanks of their own problem, but the final tally was 97% of the vote went to the Red Sox. That’s insane.
- Pat D
  
  Nothing bad happened to the Red Sox this offseason. Meanwhile, everything bad happened to the Yankees.
A.D.

Gotta say didn’t have Vernon Wells slotted in as the #5 hitter for opening day this year
Pseudoyanks

LOL, they’re introducing the Red Sox staff…they announced an “athletic trainer” and I swear the guy came jogging out with at least 30 lbs of belly fat jiggling.
- Pat D
  
  The Yankees’ trainers have never been bastions of fitness, either.
Pseudoyanks

…and Pedroia is now more gruffy than gritty
forensic

Hooray for actual baseball!!!
Wil Nieves #1 Fan

Hello, everybody. Nice to be back. Also, shut up, Greg.
- Pat D
  
  A bit harsh. Give him a chance.
  - Wil Nieves #1 Fan
    
    Missed ya, Pat.
    - Pat D
      
      I hate to admit this, but so much happened this offseason that I didn’t realize you were gone. I blame the troll outbreak, amongst all the other stuff that happened in real life between October and today.
      - Wil Nieves #1 Fan
        
        As long as you, jj, and Tilapia are still here it’s all good.
        
        Robinson Tilapia
        
        You get me briefly today, mainly because 1) I took the day off of work, 2) I’m probably watching about 1/3 of this game at the gum.
        
        Thanks for the kind words, though. You ain’t so bad yerself.
- jjyank
  
  Hahaha. I missed the game thread rivalries.
Mike HC

Just laid down my bet on the Yanks to win over 84.5 games. Can’t wait for the game to start already! Baseball is back.
- Rick
  
  Obviously, this would only be if gambling were legal. We know what you mean though.
  - forensic
    
    It’s totally legal near me. I can see one casino from my windows and walk to several others if I wanted to. And those aren’t even the most famous ones. :-)
  - Mike HC
    
    ha, yes of course I was talking in hypotheticals …
Barry

They should play the empire music for the Yankees. They have it backwards.
forensic

Guess they decided against announcing A-Rod.
- Pseudoyanks
  
  who?
  - forensic
    
    The best 3B the Yankees have ever had…
    - Pseudoyanks
      
      Oh yeah, him, I must have been having a senior moment.
    - Barry
      
      Scott Brosius is here? It’s not old timers day.
    - Pat D
      
      Red Rolfe? Graig Nettles? Mike Pagliarulo???
      - forensic
        
        Not anymore. Once he had enough time to be considered for the spot in general, he flies by them all.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        Mike Lamb?
Mike HC

Man, Ben Francisco is the designated “hitter.” Career .743 OPS against lefties and .661 OPS last year … fuck it, nothing is bringing me down today.
Pat D

My dad just asked me if the team set a date for Mariano Rivera day. I’m all like, “Every day this year is Mariano Rivera day!” Classy by the Red Sox players to applaud Mo, too.

OMG, that’s the first time I’ve seen Joba’s mustache. Whoever it was that asked if his is worse or if Cody Rhodes’ is worse……yea, it’s Joba by a light year.
- Pseudoyanks
  
  was thinking same thing…might be worst mustache ever (at least makes the short list.)
- jjyank
  
  That ‘stache needs to die in a fire.
- Barry
  
  I think it’s a great stache, very 70s. Could be a little shaggier but otherwise it’s a classy thing.
http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

Seriously hate blackout restrictions on mlb.tv. I guess I’ll remember to cancel it before it renews next year.
forensic

Nice to see Cervelli in there instead of Stewart. Maybe Girardi isn’t quite as head-over-heels in love with Stewart as I thought (nah, I’m sure he still is).

Nunez over Ichiro, and once again you learn to never listen to what Girardi says publicly.

Here’s hoping CC actually pitches well on opening day for a rare time!
- Mike HC
  
  Nunez over Ichiro might be a lefty/righty thing.
  - forensic
    
    Of course, but he said he was playing around with the 3 lefties at the top because he might do it in the regular season. Which of course he won’t. It’s not a big deal at all, they’re pretty close to each other as players now, more just reminding myself not to listen to him again…
CS Yankee

Hopefully CC starts strong today.
Dan

No Jeter or Arod announced? I understand Arod but not Jeter? Cmon now
- Preston
  
  He’s not there, he’s in Tampa, why announce him. Also makes it look like less shady when they don’t announce A-Rod.
Preston

The Yankee hate is getting out of control. A BBTN poll just had 97% of fans thinking the Red Sox will have a better team than the Yankees. I just don’t see it. I find it hard to argue that the Yanks don’t have the better rotation and bull-pen, and even if we expect none of our injured players to return I’m not sure their opening day line-up is better than ours.
- jjyank
  
  Yeah, I said the same thing above. 97% is ridiculous.
- Kramerica Industries
  
  Seriously. It’s not exactly as if the Red Sox aren’t loaded with their own problems even now. Yankees may not have a stellar season, but I’d be shocked if the Red Sox made any playoff push. That’s not a good roster.
- Barry
  
  Well when Ortiz comes back they’ll have a better anchor than Cano. I think even considering age, Ortiz is still the better hitter.
  - Preston
    
    Well he only played 90 games last year, and is starting on the DL this year. So even discounting defense I’d rather have Cano. Even if Ortiz is his productive self when he plays.
  - MannyGeee
    
    “Well when Ortiz comes back they’ll have a better anchor than Cano”
    
    Well, he is heavier.
  - Deathstroke Heathcott
    
    Disagree, at his age you never know when he’s gonna start a sharp decline. Much rather have Cano even if you disregard his defense and durability.
Eddard

So good to hear Suzyn again. Her and John were born to be the the voices of the Yankees. I like Nuney in that 2 hole. He’s going to do some damage with Cano hitting behind him. This lineup will surprise.
- Barry
  
  Are you serious about her? She’s like needles and nails being pounded into my eardrums by a sledge hammer.
Chris

This is really happening? Nunez, Nix and Youkilis starting in our infield. Oh how times have changed. Lets go Yankees I guess.
The Real Greg

First of all, thanks for the welcome Wil.

This season doesn’t have the appearance of a good one. But as Yankee history has shown us, even when they go through a dry spell, they will rise again to dominate.

For now we will have to take our lumps and see what we have coming for the future.

Have fun, everyone.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Make sure you take a screenshot of that, Greg, for when you’re needing a car trip in the 5th inning halfway through the season. :)
  
  Excellent sentiment.
  - The Real Greg
    
    Indeed. That car trip might be sooner.
- jjyank
  
  FALLACY
  
  Sorry, Greg. Couldn’t resist.
dkidd

little pitchy, dog
TomH

The worst rendition I have ever heard of the national anthem.
- Mike HC
  
  I was going to let it slide, but damn was that … interesting
- forensic
  
  It’s horrible when they go nuts and try to make it their own. Just sing it as it’s meant to be. Proper and dignified, it’s the National Anthem, not some random tune at a concert.
Barry

Interesting anthem, sure put a ton of emotion in it.
Robinson Tilapia

I never bought into the “dumpster diving” sentiment…….until I saw Constantine Maroulis get up to sing the National Anthem.

Nowhere to go but up.

LET’S DO THIS! LET’S BEAT THE ODDS! LET’S BRING HOME #28!!!
- Alkaline2.0
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcJ1lrllZ7o
- Pseudoyanks
  
  He turned way to many one syllable words into two syllable words..
Anthony

Baseball!!!
Wil Nieves #1 Fan

Is it me, or is Kay’s audio really loud?
The Real Greg

I didn’t know the budget cuts extended to finding the singer to sing the national anthem
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  I mean….I think he finished FIFTH his season of American Idol? Was Bo Bice not available?
  - Mike HC
    
    I didn’t even realize he was on American Idol. American Idol is on Fox. Makes a little more sense now.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      He’s done well for himself on Broadway. He was lead in “Rock of Ages,” and I believe is in “Jeckyll and Hyde” right now. He’s not a nobody. He just will always carry this “loser” vibe to me.
      - Pat D
        
        He was in “Rock of Ages.” That screams “loser” to me.
Alkaline2.0

I am so excited for this!
Adam

“The beginning of the end begins today.”

Gulp.

I also hope this isn’t a larger metaphor for the season.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

Hello.

It begins again. And I don’t have the excuse of bitching about Swisher this year.

Let’s get it started….HAH……let’s get it started in here.

and the bass keeps runnin, runnin and runnin, runnin….

(someone shoot me)
- jjyank
  
  And garbage time memes die. Sad day.
  - Wil Nieves #1 Fan
    
    Except when Swish inevitably hits a walk off homerun against us later in the season.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Garbage time will be a bitch, won’t it?
  - http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
    
    lol….you know me. i’ll come up with a new meme by game 3
    
    ;)
jjyank

I just wish I wasn’t stuck with ESPN announcers today. Boo hiss.
- http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
  
  boo hiss
- Pat D
  
  Who are you stuck with?
  - jjyank
    
    I didn’t pay attention to the names, but I’m sure they’ll suck like only ESPN can.
  - Kramerica Industries
    
    O’Brien, Boone, Sutcliffe
    - Pat D
      
      Sutcliffe. Yuck.
Get Phelps Up

I’m so ready. Let’s do this.
DSF

OK. I’m home receovering from surgery, ready to start the season. Enough with the pessimism. The Yankees cannot possibly be as bad as all the haters hope. Let’s go.
Hoss

Yankees will finish ahead of the Red Sox (last place).
Yanks will finish in 4th place, with record around 82-80. Sorry, but I called this last fall/winter. Cashman did nothing to improve the team, and injuries just happen.
I really hope that I’m wrong and they pull a monster trade for Stanton or Heyward and the young guys get a chance. But Francisco, Overbay, Boesch, Wells et al do not a playoff team make.
- Pat D
  
  Blah, blah, blah.
  
  Stanton and Heyward are not walking through that door.
- Alkaline2.0
  
  Maybe Miami or Atlanta didn’t want to trade those two?
Get Phelps Up

Hey, YES has a new intro this year.
sjferrari

I remembered to bring my radio to work to listen to the game and discovered just before the pregame that the batteries were dead (after all, it’s been more than six months since I’ve used it to listen to John and Suzyn). Thankfully I got back in time for the start.

Great day for a ball game! Let’s go Yankees!
Barry’s Gift Basket

Shit, the 4G conection in my cellphone is strugling… NICE FUCKING TIMING!
dkidd

sweet lou

good omen
- forensic
  
  He bounced the pitch.
  
  Not a good omen…
mustang

WHATEVER!!!!!!

LETS GO YANKS!!!!!
Robinson Tilapia

Youkilis did get the full “YOOOOOUK” when introduced, right? That’s what it sounded like.

Ichiro got a nice little True Yankee ovation there.
- forensic
  
  Correct on both.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    People underestimate Yankee fans. Youk is going to be just fine here.
    - forensic
      
      I have to say, I was never too upset about the deal in the first place (thought it was a good move), but he’s been even better than I thought he was with the media and speaking and such. Very happy so far…
    - Alkaline2.0
      
      I think so.
Robinson Tilapia

Sorry, folks. That Sox line-up is still about a toss-up with our injury-depleted lineup. 97% my fucking ass.
dkidd

like christmas morning…
Mike HC

“Chips Ahoy” … YES couldn’t resist slipping in a fat joke
Robinson Tilapia

First pitch strike. Always great.
Kramerica Industries

And a strike to start things off.
Dale Mohorcic

You guys seen this New Yorker cover this week?

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports......d/related/

Over $100M in payroll right there.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  That is really fucking funny. Nice job.
Alkaline2.0

Nunez watch: 1 play, no errors. Woohoo!
Eddard

And I thank you Suzyn, and once again Good Afternoon everyone. Such a great voice. I really hope they keep these two. When you’re stuck at work and can’t watch the game there’s nothing like listening to John and Suzyn.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  I, for one, want to know what Eddard’s work surroundings look like. Not even being sarcastic.
  - Pat D
    
    Sterling does have that soothing voice. At least I’ve always thought so.
  - Hoss
    
    Cubicle, padded walls, likely white.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      I’m sure that’s what some think mine looks like.
      
      Mine’s a pretty nice-sized office. L-shaped desk, PC, lots of chairs for meetings, and a big Ikea cubby-hole looking bookshelf.
      
      Not there right now, though.
- forensic
  
  I can’t stand Suzyn. John actually does have an ok radio voice and he might be able to get back to a useable announcer if they were to get someone good with him.
  - Barry
    
    This, Suzyn needs to disappear.
The Real Greg

Was everybody a little scared where that ball was popped to?
- mustang
  
  YES!
  LOL
mustang

Nunez caught the ball that’s good sign..LOL
- Mike HC
  
  Looking Jeteresque out there
Alkaline2.0

Opening Day Perfect Game!
- Mike HC
  
  Jinxed it
Robinson Tilapia

CC!
Wil Nieves #1 Fan

LOL that change up.
Get Phelps Up

First K of the season!
Kramerica Industries

In any case, the last five-six months of being more-or-less a free will at night are, well, kinda not going to be there for the next six months.

I hope it’s worth it.
Mykey

Guys! CC’s Veeeee lowwwww!
- Mike HC
  
  CC don’t need no stickin Veeee lowwwww
  - Mykey
    
    Only fooling around.
    
    But yes… Panic!
Mykey

There goes the perfect season.
Pat D

One thing that doesn’t change: I fucking hate Pedroia and his scurvy fucking face.

Yep, I hate him more now. Blows CC’s perfect game already.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

dirty Pedroia
hogsmog

Is CC’s 4-seam really sitting at 90?

:S
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Doesn’t this happen every season with him?
  - hogsmog
    
    I mean, I remember the first few games are usually rough for him, and I’m not actually worried. I just don’t remember him starting there.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      I think his velocity always tends to really pick up around the end of the month.
- forensic
  
  Yup, 1st inning of the season is never too soon to be concerned… ;-)
- Mike HC
  
  About the same as where he was at his last Spring Training start. His velocity was down a bit last year, might be down a bit again this year. Time will tell. Either way, his control and smarts are so good he should be fine either way.
dkidd

napoli scares me
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  How about now?
  - dkidd
    
    not so much
    :)
- FIPster Doofus
  
  He’d scare me more if the game were at Fenway, where he’ll be able to take advantage of the Monster.
dkidd

total domination
jjyank

‘Atta boy, CC. Looking good.
The Real Greg

CC has his offspeed stuff working
Alkaline2.0

Does anyone else have trouble refreshing the thread sometimes? I’ll hit the refresh buttons, but no new comments will show even though there were some. I’ll check on a different browser and will see them. It’s just odd and a tad annoying to follow the conversations.
Pat D

Hmm. A few people seem to be missing from this thread.
forensic

Nice 1st inning!

Better than a not nice 1st inning!
mustang

All right CC now repeat that kind of inning 220 more times and life will be real good.
Pat D

I can’t decide if 1991 or 1992 was the last time their opening day lineup looked so unimposing.
- mustang
  
  When was the last time BOTH of these teams had line-ups (teams) like this?
  
  SMH!!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  ’94 and ’95 didn’t scare the pants off of anyone either.
  - Pat D
    
    Both those teams had Boggs, Mattingly, Bernie, O’Neill, Tartabull, Mike Stanley.
Jim Is Bored

I don’t know how to react, Boston didn’t score 400 runs and the Yankees didn’t cancel the season after the top of the 1st.
Mykey

Brett no!
Pat D

Glad to see Gardner still can’t bunt properly.
Pat D

Why did I think Bradley was an infielder?
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Because he can hover over the entire field with his Flash-like speed.
Pat D

Hughes with the bulging dics in his back.
Mike HC

Time to start earning that next contract Robbie! MVP
Pat D

33 home runs and only 94 RBI’s. Completely unclutch.
Anthony

Who says Robbie don’t hustle?
Robinson Tilapia

Cano hustles to first.

Youkilis gets…….a rap song?
jjyank

Whatever, at least he’s on base. Gonna have to lay off that shit though Robbie.
Get Phelps Up

Does that help Cano’s OBP? I’ve always wondered that.
- forensic
  
  Nope, still just an 0-1 with a K.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Nope, it’s a strikeout.
Pat D

ARod hiding in the dugout, eh?
- forensic
  
  Hate that they didn’t feel comfortable announcing him. Gotta cater to the lowest common denominator though unfortunately.
Mykey

God it would be sweet if Youk put one in the short porch.
Mandy Stankiewicz

sounds like cano can hustle this year #meme
- Pseudoyanks
  
  he swung at ball 4 but did hustle to first
forensic

Already tired of this Lee’s Toyota commercial again…
- forensic
  
  Oh, and Roscoe too…
The Real Greg

Bryce Harper hits a homer off Nolasco to score the first run of the season
- Pat D
  
  MVP!
- Pat D
  
  And there was that game last night, too.
  - The Real Greg
    
    You got me. Forgot about that.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  You’re forgetting former Yankees Great Justin Maxwell last night.
Pat D

I’ve missed some of these YES commercials. Especially Roscoe.
mustang

A-Rod at the game, but didn’t get announced during the introductions best Yankees move in 6 months.

LOL
JLC 776

Phew… good to see the slingbox I left setup at my mom’s house in CT still works!
Get Phelps Up

Jayson Nix the Baseball Player makes his presence known.
- Kramerica Industries
  
  I thought that was Alex Cora.
JLC 776

Nice toss there by Nix.
forensic

Yuck, how do you walk him of all people???
- The Real Greg
  
  Couple of close pitches. And Nix just saved a double or at least a runner at third
dkidd

just when you thought the red sox couldn’t be douchier…

jonny gomes
Pat D

Dalek Jeter would like me to pass on the first “Suzyn-ism” of the year: James Shields is now “Jamie” Shields.
- forensic
  
  Lots of people call him that.
- Jim Is Bored
  
  I’ve heard Jamie Shields from various announcers since he came into the majors.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  He used to be Jamie Shields, right?
- Kramerica Industries
  
  I thought he always was Jamie Shields until the 2008 postseason, when he became “Big Game James”.
- Pat D
  
  OK, I thought so, too. But I was doing the friendly thing and passing it along.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  He was definitely Jamie for a while.
mustang

Ok. I’m starting the unofficial Wells bandwagon he will get the first Yankees RBI.
- mustang
  
  In a underdog team I’m going with the biggest underdog.
forensic

Youk woulda had that!

or is it

A-Rod woulda had that!

So confused now…
Pat D

ARod would’ve got that.
dkidd

bradley sounds like a great kid. too bad the media slobbering has made me hate him already
Kramerica Industries

Jackie Bradley Jr. helped South Carolina beat Florida in the 2011 College World Series final, including the first game that involved enough shenanigans that have still yet to heal.

So, he’s already long on my bad side before becoming a Red Sock.
jjyank

Shut up, ESPN. I’m already tired of Bradley Jr.
jjyank

Fuck CC. Settle down.
Pat D

I smell an inning ending DP.
forensic

Ugh, come on CC. At least don’t let Iglesias be the one who starts beating you up today…
- forensic
  
  Figures…
FIPster Doofus

Fuck.
Pat D

Yea, it figures this .210 hitter hits a chopper like that.
Kramerica Industries

Sigh.
dkidd

youk! great play
Karl Krawfid

GJ Youk.

Getting out of this would be huge man.
FIPster Doofus

Victorino’s a lefty masher. I’m scared.
Jim Is Bored

The walks hurt. The infield hits, whatever. Might as well get used to those kind of breaks early.
- Jim Is Bored
  
  And then that too. Fun start.
FIPster Doofus

Fuck x2.
jjyank

Damn it.
Kramerica Industries

Oh boy.
Pat D

Poop.
forensic

Ugh, and CC’s opening day woes continue…
The Real Greg

That could be game with our offense.
- Rudy
  
  IT’S THE SECOND (2!!!!!) INNING OF THE FIRST (1!!!) GAME OF THE YEAR.
  
  How would you know anything about the offense already?
Karl Krawfid

Well N/M

Opening day CC just sucks.
dkidd

89 mph
no bueno
- Jim Is Bored
  
  The location and the walks are the no bueno.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    I don’t even think we have the troll drink specials ready. Where are the flat Bud Light girls?
JLC 776

Big Guy needs to skip a few April starts in the future…
Starks

Our ACE is awesome.
- Jim Is Bored
  
  That didn’t take long.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  He is. Just not today.
- DC
  
  I guess Verlander, Kershaw, and Felix will each throw 35 shutouts this year.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

sigh
sjferrari

My coworkers are starting to be concerned with my yelling at the radio…
Robinson Tilapia

Our first “people get cheap shit off CC until he finally starts giving up real hits” big inning of the year.

Argh.
- forensic
  
  Not really much cheap shit. Ripped line drive off a glove, couple of walks, solid hit grounders.
Kramerica Industries

Geez. C.C. isn’t sharp at all.
Mykey

Well, this sucks.
King George

Man, CC is blowing this game. This isn’t the start we all wanted.
- Pat D
  
  But it’s the start we deserved.
  - Jim Is Bored
    
    Seriously.
  - trr
    
    ouch!
forensic

And of course Pedroia gets another hit.

Trying for 1.000 against the Yanks this year…
Eddard

It doesn’t matter who you have on offense if you’re ace is going to pitch like this. And we can’t even warm up Phelps because we need him to start.
VCR1111

Just curious…is gameday’s gun accurate? CC’s fastball is at 89-91 and his change is at 84?
- King George
  
  That’s accurate.
- forensic
  
  Yup.
BigBlueAL

When was the last time the Knicks were the best team in NY??
- Pat D
  
  1994?
  - http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
    
    i think that was the year the Rangers won the cup, right?
    - Kramerica Industries
      
      And the Yankees had a stellar season until the strike.
    - Pat D
      
      Jeez, how’d I forget that? I just remembered the Knicks in the finals, which they should have won.
      
      I didn’t count the Yankees since the NBA season ended long before the MLB season did. Well, actually, not long before that year.
  - Marcus
    
    Yanks were pretty good that year…it was only the strike that did them in.
- http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
  
  1993
  - VCR1111
    
    Don’t forget about the Rangers! They were pretty good in 93-94…better than the Knicks. Think further back. Probably 1972.
    - http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
      
      The Rangers were definitely better in 94.
      
      You might be right about ’72, but I think the case could be made that in 1993, the Knicks were the best team in NY
  - BigBlueAL
    
    Yeah 1993, cant really say 1994 because the Yankees did have the best record in the AL by the strike (of course the Knicks were 1 win away from winning it all that year).
    
    As a Knicks fan this is pretty great that the Knicks are finally very good again and not a freaking joke but as a Yankee fan this seems pretty weird lol.
Starks

I have always said this and will continue to say it. CC is a very good pitcher but he is not a true Ace. A true ace to me is verlander, king felix, pedro martinez in his prime. CC is far from that group. The fact that he pitched around Bradley jr especially on a favorable count is disgusting. Opening day first game of the year and you walk that bum. Smh.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Who let this guy in?
  - Starks
    
    A true ace has a 3.22 era and above in his time with the yankees? Lol…CC is a very good pitcher, he is no ace. I could come up with more then a handful of pitchers to anchor my rotation before I get to CC.
    - jjyank
      
      Nobody said he’s the best player on the planet. But he’s an ace.
- Mykey
  
  Dude, c’mon.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  lol
- Jim Is Bored
  
  Wwaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh
- jjyank
  
  CC is an ace. A bad game today doesn’t change that.
- Pat D
  
  That’s OK, we all shake our heads at you.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  That first inning grand slam he gave up on Opening Day last year really killed them.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

nibble, nibble, fat pitch. nibble, nibble, fat pitch
JLC 776

Now the serious question is whether our lineup can come close to overcoming a 4 run deficit.

I’m glad it only took 1+ innings for the deep-seeded doubts that everyone has about this team to start to bear fruition. [/s]
- King George
  
  Perfect storm.
  - JLC 776
    
    Pretty much…. it had to happen on the first day…
Gonzo

CC strikes out Jackie Bradley Jr. on an 0-2 count later in the year. Not concerned about the big fella.
- King George
  
  Positive Award of the Day. I need what you’re having.
  - Gonzo
    
    How about an onslaught of baseball after a winter of discontent?
- parmesan
  
  my only concern is the velocity. I know it’s early in the year, but 88-90 mph fastballs are somewhat frightening.
- thenamestsam
  
  Russell who?????
forensic

No more opening days for CC please. Just give it to someone else. Maybe then he’ll actually pitch well for his first game…
The Real Greg

The complaints about the farm system and Cashman and Hal and Hank are starting to pile up and churn within me.

It’s game one I know, but it’s just the vibe you get from this atmosphere. It’s so negative and caustic.

And it’s a shame for Mariano Rivera to have to bow out in a season that has this vibe about it.
- mustang
  
  This
mustang

Hope meant reality.
Anthony

Just curious, how many times does a team play each division rival this year? 18?
- mustang
  
  yes
  - Anthony
    
    Nope, I think Pat D is right with 19 (if wikipedia is reliable). Thanks though!
    - Pat D
      
      I checked the schedule on ESPN.com.
- Pat D
  
  19.
Jimmy McNulty

Is this line up some sort of twisted April Fools Day joke?
Robinson Tilapia

Off to the gym. An inning and a half into the first game of the season. If you already think the sky is falling, I suggest wearing a nighttime diaper during the daytime this season. More absorbent. You should hold up one of those things after a long night of peeing. You could do curls with them.
- Pat D
  
  I’ll ask my sister what diapers are best.
- mustang
  
  LOL
  
  Yet your off the gym after an inning and a half on opening day?
  
  Its Ok I’m right there with you off to do chores I think we both realize the reality of the situation.
  - mustang
    
    Doesn’t mean neither one of us is giving up on the season.
  - Jim Is Bored
    
    There’s a difference than being irritated at one game and flying off the ledge about an entire season.
    - mustang
      
      True, but its a game thread overreacting is part of the deal.
      - mustang
        
        At least for some.
- Jimmy McNulty
  
  Well I thought the sky was falling when I saw they’d lose Swisher and Martin yet replace them with Vernon Wells and Cervelli. When I saw that A-Rod would spend the rest of his contract alternating between being worthless and injured I became pretty sure the sky has fallen. Then when I saw Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, and Derek Jeter would all miss significant time and I discovered that Michael Pineda is this decade’s Carl Pavano I became convinced that this season would be a shit show.
  
  You’re lying to your self and us if you’re optimistic about this team. There’s several legitimate ways that they finish in last place. Any good draft prospects for this year and next though? I don’t believe for a second they spend much time under 189 after 2014.
  
  #AllInFor2015
  - Jim Is Bored
    
    Man, I can’t imagine being as negative as some people are.
    
    What a terrible way to live.
    - DC
      
      It’s Jimmy…he would be a “sky is falling” type if the Yankees won 130 games.
- Goat
  
  I thought you said everything was going to be fine this year, nothing to worry about, remember?
  
  Now you’re off to the gym, typical…
  - Jim Is Bored
    
    The ability of some people to tell the difference between one game and an entire season is apparently lacking.
    
    And not participating in a game thread != not paying attention to the game.
    
    I guarantee you RT is going to have one eye on the score the entire time.
    - Goat
      
      Dude is a Fraud.
      
      “One Eye on the score” WOW!!!
      
      Spare me his bullshit.
Pat D

The thing I don’t like about 42? That line where Pee Wee Reese says “maybe someday we’ll all wear 42.” Seems like totally unnecessary foreshadowing.
- Gonzo
  
  Didn’t Buster say there was a scene where Jackie Robinson flips a bat? I think Hollywood does what it wants.
  - Pat D
    
    There appears to be a shot like that in the trailer. There’s also a shot where he gets hit in the head. I wonder which one happens first.
- dkidd
  
  terrible line. no one would ever ever ever say that except in a movie
Aubrey Graham

When does the minor league season start?
- forensic
  
  About 50 minutes ago… ;-)
jjyank

Well at least Anthony Rizzo has my fantasy season off to a good start.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Ditto.
theskyisfalling

CC since debut
Innings pitched 2nd
K’s 1st
wins 1st

If he was on another team, this board would be saying we need to sign him. Its game one folks
- CapitalT
  
  What have you done for me latelyitus
Tyrone Sharpton

If they really wanted to be under the threshold, with this roster, I wish the yanks traded cano for a bevy of prospects. whatevs, too late now
Big Member

wow yanks nice april fools prank…i did not realize that its actually hughes we have on our mound wonder how he got so tanned
- Anthony
  
  lol..
- Gonzo
  
  Tanning pills à la Soul Man starring C. Thomas Howell.
  - forensic
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFo1LNAQh6U
Dela G

Man this lineup is so fucking depressing
CapitalT

Are we sure that the batting order isn’t and April fools joke and the season starts tomorrow?
- Pat D
  
  Wow, these comments aren’t getting old.
Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores

The Hell? Ijust got in to put on gameday, and this sucks.

The thread is surprisingly calm though, relatively. Not happy, mind you. Just calm.
- http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
  
  Perhaps unsurprised?
  - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores
    
    Probably.
FIPster Doofus

Inauspicious.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

Wow. Not even at attempt at that pitch, huh?
The Real Greg

It’s game one but I am going to get this off my chest. Axisa wrote a good article earlier about old thinking applying in new reality. The business of baseball has changed and we are still stuck in the past way of doing things.

We need to get new brains into this organization who understand and can work within the new realm of baseball.

In other words, it’s time to let Cashman go.
- Jim Is Bored
  
  lol
  - The Real Greg
    
    Really? You can’t see this. The reason the lineup is what it is today is partly because the organization has not embraced this new reality. Now to be fair the two injuries are not the Yankees’ fault, but you see what I mean.
    - Jim Is Bored
      
      lol
    - CS Yankee
      
      Who wrote that article?
      
      They will be fine and adjust in a proper manner, they are the New York Yankees.
- Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores
  
  Wow, Greg. For once, I agree with you.
  
  I like Cashman. A lot. I really do. But he’s been with the team forever. Now, he’s done a great job, but the Yankees have reached a point, with the Steinbrenners’ new style of management, where we’ll have to change our approach to managing things like free agents and prospects. It might be the time to try somebody new.
  - Jim Is Bored
    
    Ok, this opinion pisses me off.
    
    The Yankees have made a distinct effort to focus on the minors the last 2-3 years. This is a complete switch from the 90’s.
    
    People here either want George back, or they want something new, or they want both, and you can’t fucking have all of them.
    
    Either you want business as usual(George style) or you want something new(which is what cash is doing).
    
    Get your damn stories straight.
    - The Real Greg
      
      I want what the Rays are doing combined with the money we have.
      - Get Phelps Up
        
        The Rays built their core by finishing in last place and getting top draft picks.
        
        The Real Greg
        
        Which is what the Yankees did in the late 60s (Thurman Munson) and in the early 90s (Derek Jeter).
        
        Jim Is Bored
        
        Then guess what, you might get your wish. If we finish in last this year, we can be the rays from the late 90’s, early 2000s.
      - Jim Is Bored
        
        That is what every team in baseball wants.
        
        What an original opinion.
        
        jjyank
        
        Hah, yeah pretty much. Everyone wants to be the Rays With Money. A lot easier to say that on the internet than do it, of course.
    - LK
      
      I thought the renewed emphasis on the minors happened when Cashman got increased authority in the mid-2000s. If so it’s been much longer than 2-3 years.
    - Guns
      
      Speaking of getting stories straight, Cashman began focusing more effort on the farm system when he gained autonomy in 2007. This hasn’t been a new development of the last 2-3 years. So far, these efforst have led to little to no impact players. You might count Robertson because he is a dominant reliever. But first round picks like Brackman, Culver and Bichette Jr. were widely questioned and have so far proved to be poor decisions. The Yankees player development is very sub par in my opinion.
      - Jim Is Bored
        
        It’s been 6 years.
        
        6.
        
        People act as if that’s an eternity.
        
        Is Cash all of a sudden responsible for injuries? The only possible point that follows is he needs to hire new player dev guys in the minors, and I’d agree with you there.
        
        But we’ve been drafting at the bottom because of the success of our MLB team. There aren’t any Jeters hanging out in most drafts around 32-35.
        
        Steve
        
        Some people act like it’s an eternity. Others outright lie and say that it’s 2 or 3.
      - jjyank
        
        All, all rankings have the Yankees at an above average farm system. So I wouldn’t say sub-par.
        
        Guns
        
        Where talent evaluators rank a farm system and what the Yankees actually produce from that farm system are two different things.
        
        The Yankees get very little from their farm in comparison to other teams.
        
        http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
        
        The Yankees have gotten a two-time 40+ HR hitter and four years of an above-average RF out of their farm system in recent years.
      - Jim Is Bored
        
        Bichette had one great year and one bad year. Patience.
        
        Who am I kidding. No one here is patient.
        
        I’m going to follow suit with RT and remember why I avoid game threads like the plague.
        
        jjyank
        
        No! Don’t leave me all alone!
        
        The Real Greg
        
        Listen, I’m going to go too. I know it’s game 1 and the Yankees could have a great year. It’s just the negative vibe I’ve gotten from the organization and the fans.
        
        DC
        
        Pot calling the kettle black.
    - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
      
      No, I wish we still had George, but since we don’t I’d like a new General Manager who is ready to adjust to the new management style. Cashman might be, but he’s been here for a long time and he’s used to working underneath George, not Hal.
      
      It’s not difficult, you don’t need to be a dick.
  - jjyank
    
    I think I’d really like to see what Mike and Joe discussed on the podcast. Yanks let Levine go, give Cashman his job, and promote Eppler to GM.
Jim Is Bored

For real, I can’t believe people are complaining about the lineup as if it’s a surprise.
- The Real Greg
  
  It’s not a surprise. But it could have been prevented partly with smart business decisions.
  - Jim Is Bored
    
    Don’t care. The surprise means people weren’t paying any attention in the off season.
  - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores
    
    Okay, today really IS weird. Two times on the same thread where we agree.
    - Jim Is Bored
      
      My annoyance at people being surprised at our lineup literally has nothing to do with whether this lineup could have been prevented.
      
      Greg’s response was completely irrelevant to my comment. Which surprises no one.
      - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
        
        I think Greg was trying to point out that part of the complaining isn’t from surprise, but from the fact that we have this lineup at all.
forensic

Full count, two outs, runner on first, good history against a pitcher…

Nah, no need to swing at a fastball right down the middle.
whocarestom

For once, I’m glad to be at work.
- trr
  
  get a grip on yourself, fer chrissake!
Jeff Karstens, Male Model

I haven’t felt this bummed watching the Yanks since the last time they played a game that mattered. That sucks.
FIPster Doofus

Middlebrooks strikes out? Shocking.
Anderson Silva

This team has a legitimate shot at being the worst in the division. This is sad.
- jjyank
  
  Also has a legitimate shot to be the best.
- trr
  
  C’mon now Anderson
- DC
  
  lol
Guns

Bryce Harper. He’s so hot right now. Harper…
Leg-End

Much better inning from CC, now lets get some hits.
Pat D

Future Yankee Bryce Harper.
- The Real Greg
  
  Not with the business of the new MLB. He isn’t getting out of Washington until he is in his 30’s.
  - jjyank
    
    How do you know? Nobody knows what the composition of the Yankees or the Nationals, or the rest of the MLB will look like in 5 years.
    - The Real Greg
      
      It’s the trend of the game. Did you read Axisa’s article?
      - jjyank
        
        Yes, I have. And that was Joe, by the way. Just because other players have been getting locked up doesn’t mean Harper will. He might, but he doesn’t have an extension yet. Let’s wait and see what happens.
        
        Jim Is Bored
        
        Don’t you remember? A trend means it happens 100% of the time, dummy.
        
        LK
        
        I think we have enough information at this point that in the current environment it’s unlikely that Harper makes it to free agency, as the Nationals will likely either sign him themselves or trade him for a cache of prospects to a team that will.
        
        FIPster Doofus
        
        Indeed.
        
        LK
        
        *internet high-five*
        
        jjyank
        
        I’m not saying they won’t. I just don’t like speaking in absolutes. Maybe Washington signs him. Maybe they don’t. Maybe they trade him. Maybe the team that trades for him in 3-4 years in the Yankees. Maybe he hits free agency. Nobody knows what anyone’s situation will look like in 5 years, is all I’m saying.
        
        LK
        
        I don’t think anyone’s saying that we know for sure. However, just because you don’t know for sure doesn’t mean that you can’t say anything about the probabilities of various things happening, and Bryce Harper becoming a free agent after 6 years of service time is an unlikely proposition.
        
        jjyank
        
        Projecting anything 5 years into the future is an unlikely proposition. For the record, I was responding to Greg’s statement “He isn’t getting out of Washington until he is in his 30?s.”
        
        We don’t know that, is my only point.
        
        LK
        
        Personally, I doubt we’ll have to wait 5 years into the future because I think they’ll lock Harper up before that.
        
        jjyank
        
        They might. Time will tell.
  - Pat D
    
    I’m remaining optimistic.
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    Yeah. Elite free agents are becoming a thing of the past.
  - Guns
    
    They already gave Zimmerman a huge deal. Do they have the money for Strasburg AND Harper?
    - FIPster Doofus
      
      Sure. They’re a winning team in a big market and their owner is loaded.
dkidd

nice comeback inning

let’s break their hearts
FIPster Doofus

The first hit of the season goes five feet. Unsurprising.
jjyank

We missed that speed, Brett. Unfortunately, that seems to be the best way for you to bunt.
forensic

Woohoo!!! Won’t be no-hit all season!

Line drive too!

/boxscore’d
Tank Foster

Regarding the original post….I’m not worried. The sooner the Yankees clear out the older players, the dead wood, the sooner they can rebound. The fact that it looks bleak this year only means that we are getting close to the bottom, and things will go up from here. A bad record every few years isn’t so bad. There is a new order, with teams locking up talent at younger ages, yes, so the Yankees will have to adapt. Part of that means drafting well and developing good young players, and while the Yankees are certainly not the worst franchise in this regard, they are definitely not the best. We are at the end of the free agent model of Yankee Dynasty, and now they must go back to the drawing board and figure out a new way.
forensic

What a horrible side camera angle. Shows you literally nothing with how high it is compared to the batters lower body.
JLC 776

Fuck that.
jjyank

Fucking damn it.
FIPster Doofus

Jackie Tebow Jr.
Preston

well crap
Kramerica Industries

Oh boy.

The Jackie Bradley bullshit is only going to grow now.
Get Phelps Up

So is Bradley this year’s Ciriaco?
- jjyank
  
  I fucking hope not.
- Preston
  
  No Bradley is actually good.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

How much was ESPN on “Jackie Bradley, Jr.”‘s nutsack for drawing a walk the first time up.

He’s gonna take ball one and they’re gonna lick his taint next.
- jjyank
  
  I hate the kid already, and it isn’t even his fault. The amount of slobber on his junk is staggering.
  - MannyGeee
    
    This. trying not to hate him, but ESPN is really making this guy into the second coming.
Pat D

No mention of Trump going into the WWE HOF this weekend, Michael?
FIPster Doofus

Fuck off, Iglesias.
Athenian

Microcosm of whats to come.
- jjyank
  
  Ahhh, look who’s back!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Welcome back, sir.
Miami Yankee

At least Nunez didn’t sky that one into the stands.
Big Member

great yanks…go with the fat man who is known for choking on opening day while you have a guy who knows how to pitch on opening days in AAA…wang better fill in for him next week.
VernonWells

Looks like Axisa was wrong about Bradley!

And NYY fans jealous than Sox have a prospect that can play at MLB level.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  “And NYY fans jealous than Sox have a prospect that can play at MLB level.”
  
  It sure would be nice, especially with the $189 mill mandate.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  The guy’s had all of 2 plate appearances at the MLB level.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Are you willing to sit through the year the Sox had last year in order to have guys ready to take that step next season?
forensic

Woohoo! A hit to the outfield!!!

Killin’ it, time to rally!
jjyank

Yay, a real hit.
FIPster Doofus

God fucking dammit.
Get Phelps Up

Who needs replay?
JLC 776

Wells robbed.
forensic

Wow, that really looked like it went over the bag.
Adam

Wow, horrible call.
JMK

Definitely a hit.
Ethan

welcome back to baseball and blown calls.
FIPster Doofus

Great AB by Vern. Too bad he got screwed out of an RBI double.
Starks

That was a fair ball hit by wells. Awful call.
- MannyGeee
  
  Don’t worry. Barry thinks we don’t need replay. Its all good, it adds to the human element.
  
  Stupid. Just stupid. If we really believe that “Too Many Homerz” is a plague, then maybe we should not make this the only reason to use technology to tell us the umps are wrong.
Mike HC

Would be nice to get on the board here. Ben Francisco does not inspire much confidence though
JMK

Ben Francisco, everyone.
oldmanalex

ben fucking fran cisco
forensic

That was far from ideal Francisco.
Starks

What a fantastic day by bradley jr eight folks? Nice defensive play, a Walk, and a strikeout. Wow!!! I wonder if the Angels would go for a Bradley Jr for Trout straight up? If not if I am Ben Cherington I am calling Mr Rizzo and tell him how stupid he would be if he wouldn’t do a Harper for Bradley Jr deal.
- forensic
  
  Which eight folks are you talking to?
  - Starks
    
    Lol ipad typing. Right folks!
Mike HC

I thought we had a run there … not quite, but getting closer
jjyank

Please, please score here.
Kramerica Industries

It would be cruel to get zero runs out of this.
trr

Sam Francisco
Mister D

With Ellsbury and Victorino, we’re going to get some epic duel-misreads.
oldmanalex

Btw, AROD seemed pretty emphatic about proving people wrong. Never really herd him be so direct. Any thoughts? Can even be close to who he was or is he just being delusional?
- Guns
  
  I’d go with delusional. Old age does crazy things to your mind.
- Starks
  
  Any production we get from this joker is a bonus. I assume the yankees are thinking the same. If they just listened to cash a few years back ugh! When he opted out i was so happy and then got word that the yankees caved for no reason and voila.
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    Well, A-Rod was the main reason for a World Series title in ’09, so there’s that. His contract is abysmal and always has been, but people lose sight of the fact that he was the biggest factor in a championship. And isn’t winning it all the point?
    - jjyank
      
      Flags fly forever.
    - forensic
      
      People also lose sight of what he and the situation was at the time of the contract.
    - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
      
      Not to mention he carried the team with an absolutely insane year in 07′.
Starks

I honestly ant remember the last time i thought a broadcast crew was as awful as this trio. Truly awful and i never complain about this but these guys are horrid.
- Pasta Stumbling Sojo
  
  I just tuned in to the broadcast, what have they been saying?
  - Starks
    
    Well besides the all the Bradley jr squealing like teenage girls and all being anti yankees and making stupid comments non stop, awful tones and delivery, etc etc etc.
Barry’s Gift Basket

Come on Nixy!!
I can’t digest you’re playing OD for the yankees though.
- Barry’s Gift Basket
  
  Fuck you Nixy.
Stratman9652

If this ends up in a Francisco Cervelli grand slam I will shit bricks.
- King George
  
  Who had Cervelli as the savior of that inning?
FIPster Doofus

That’s twice now, Nix. What the fuck.
Mister D

That’s a guess hitter guessing, huh?
Guns

He’s a ballplayer, he’s a gutty player and he’s gonna give you a professional at bat…
- trr
  
  OK, Mrs Nix….
forensic

Two straight AB’s, men on base, full count, takes a fastball right down the middle.

Absolutely pitiful.
Starks

Wtf are you looking at nix two straight at bats?
Kramerica Industries

Oh dammit. Clear strike, too.
Karl Krawfid

SOme shit never changes folks!
- The Real Greg
  
  No it doesn’t. a very tiny part of Rivera’s mind is going to say “I came back to this?”
  - DC
    
    I hope Cervelli made you cry.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  A little too soon?
  - Get Phelps Up
    
    Both of you.
Guns

It really is shocking because this team was so good with RISP last season and all throughout the playoffs, I’m surpised they haven’t come through so far with all the great additions made in the offseason.
- DC
  
  And they just did.
  - jjyank
    
    Which is why comments like this should at the very least be held off until, ya know, the inning is actually over.
- Jim Is Bored
  
  Boom.
  
  Fuck your negativity.
Karl Krawfid

Ok thats new.
Eddard

Cervelli! That’s why he’s playing! We finally have clutch hitting again!
forensic

Cervelli!!!
jjyank

FUCK YES!
Miami Yankee

Let’s go Frankie! Woo!
JLC 776

TWO runs!!! I didn’t think we’d score two runs all year!!!
Anthony

Yea Cervelli!!
Kramerica Industries

Make-up call, at worst.

We’ll take it.
- Kramerica Industries
  
  Hit the line. Couldn’t tell at first.
Mike HC

Cervelliiiiiiiiiiiii … keeping that Spring Training going
- forensic
  
  He was actually pretty damn bad offensively in spring training (started well, did nothing for quite awhile after that). Really don’t want that to keep going.
  - Mike HC
    
    Good point. I guess I stopped paying attention to his stats after the good start.
Get Phelps Up

Cervy!!!
Barry’s Gift Basket

CERVIEEEEEEE!!!!
Adam

Cervy!
http://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

Seriously who didn’t see that coming.
Preston

Captain Fist Pump in the clutch!
The Real Greg

Ironically the first Yankee runs come from the position that people thought no offense would come from.
Starks

Cervelli will be a pleasant surprise this year just u watch. A better contact hitter then martin, you will see.
forensic

The third base ump is probably tired of this inning by now. Everything right on the line.
FIPster Doofus

Damn. Thought Gardy was gonna have at least a double there when it came off the bat. Nice inning, though. Back in it.
- The Real Greg
  
  So did I. Looked like it just died.
  - MannyGeee
    
    fallacy of the jetstream.
JLC 776

Dammit, Gardner. Every time you hit the ball in the air, you owe me ten push-ups.

(seriously though, solid line-drive).
jjyank

Alright, alright. Lead is cut in half. Really need a shut down inning here, CC.
SeventhAce

You got Cerved!!

I think the brain trust at ESPN just had their minds blown up.
- CS Yankee
  
  The Great Gazoo made this a ballgame again.
  
  The game isn’t half over and everyone is on the ledge or screaming on the way down..WTF?
dkidd

we’re winning this game
Barry’s Gift Basket

Hey, not only homeruns (those stupid sons of bitches) can kill rallies, go figure.
oldmanalex

BENFRANSISCO CERVELLI
Karl Krawfid

This is a joke right?
- FIPster Doofus
  
  I don’t mind it. Gomes destroys lefties. Now you get the L-L matchup.
- forensic
  
  Eh, it’s a fine move. It’s on CC at this point to do his damn job. Get one of Bradley or Iglesias. It he can’t do that it’s his own damn problem.
  - jjyank
    
    Agreed. Gomes hit lefties, and it was a rookie left hander after that. It’s on CC to execute.
The Real Greg

First Binder decision. Will it work?
- King George
  
  History says no (Opening Day 2012, Grand Slam to Peña comes to mind)
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    Anytime you can avoid pitching to a legend like Sean Rodriguez, you do it.
    - King George
      
      Do you mean Future Hall of Famer Sean Rodriguez?
      - FIPster Doofus
        
        Of course.
Barry’s Gift Basket

If CC doesn’t put that punk away this time I’m gonna puke… a lot.
- Barry’s Gift Basket
  
  *runs to the bathroom with his index in his mouth*
oldmanalex

I like Girardi calling for the IBB on opening day. I think the AL east will come down to only a handful of games. I can’t see anyone running away with the division and this year more than ever, I feel there should be a sense of urgency from day 1 to accumulate wins.
jjyank

Fuck, CC.
King George

CC was scared to pitch to Bradley. Holy fuck.
- MannyGeee
  
  He musta been watching ESPN before the game.
Karl Krawfid

Way to go Joe!
The Real Greg

So far the binder has failed but the verdict will still wait
- King George
  
  Jury currently deliberating
  - The Real Greg
    
    The verdict is Not Guilty by a Technicality
FIPster Doofus

At least Iglesias sucks.
dkidd

please do not walk the worst hitter in major league baseball
Mike HC

Will be interesting to see how many pitches the Yanks allow CC to go not only today, but all season.
Starks

What a great ace, you give up 4 runs vs this lousy redsox lineup and then the team fights for you gets back in the game and what do you do? Load the bases smh..
Get Phelps Up

Thank you CC.
Starks

Our ace has 102 pitches through 5 lol. Smh
- FIPster Doofus
  
  He had a bad game. The Yankees should try to get out of his contract somehow. His career is over.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  Shut the fuck up. Please.
  - jjyank
    
    This.
  - forensic
    
    You forgot the smh…
- thenamestsam
  
  This is classic “I only ever watch the Yankees” behavior. Try watching some other teams play baseball once in a while. You’ll notice that every team’s ace struggles sometimes. Might help you get a little perspective.
  - MannyGeee
    
    I would argue you can get the same information by watching CC pitch year over year. Some days he’s on, some days he’s off. He gets better as the season goes on. it is what it is.
    - thenamestsam
      
      Sure, but if your opinion is “CC Sabathia is not an ace because I’ve watched him for 4 years and some days he’s on and some days he’s off” then watching some other teams might give you a little perspective that other aces do the exact same thing.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  One trick pony you are.
forensic

Whew…
The Real Greg

The Binder gets off with a technicality
VCR1111

Felt like I was watching Dellin Betances for a sec there…keep chipping away guys! Let’s go Yankees!!
Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)

Seriously, people: I know that we’re worried about the trolls. That’s very fair. But when people say things like “I hope we get a new GM soon” or “Wow, this really is a bad lineup” it doesn’t mean we’re bridge jumpers or idiots. We’re allowed to express our frustration about the lineup. It doesn’t mean we didn’t expect it to be like this. It just means we’re frustrated.

Saying we want a new GM, we think our minor league system could be better, or we’re not satisfied with Hal is not the equivalent of bridge-jumping. And I don’t even believe all of those things. But it doesn’t mean I think the team sucks. I don’t. IT doesn’t mean I think we’ll be bad forever. I don’t. It doesn’t mean I don’t think we have a shot to make the playoffs and, by extension, win the world series. I think we have every chance in the world. But pessimism doesn’t ALWAYS equal trolling.
- MannyGeee
  
  Counterpoint… There is nothing factual about me calling someone a troll. If your opinion is “Fire Cashman. He sucks”, then that’s OK.
  
  If me saying that you are exhibiting a bridge jumper mentality with your opinion is solely my opinion, and I would appreciate you respecting that.
  
  Jus sayin’
  - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
    
    Right, but then you’re being a dick to somebody. Let’s not pretend that bridge-jumper isn’t meant as an insult. It’s fooling nobody. Also, “Fire Cashman, he sucks” is dumb. “Fire Cashman, I don’t think he should come back for x reasons” deserves either a real response or to be left alone.
    - MannyGeee
      
      Agreed. I would respond in kind to anyone who provides reasons 1, 2, & 3 for ANY argument they provide. But YOU and I both know that 90% of people aren’t doing that. I invite that conversation, to be honest. It could be fun.
      
      However, the last guy who tried that was just this morning… and he was mad Cashman didnt trade for Stanton or Heyward. So yeah.
      - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
        
        I mean, earlier Greg, a person who it is well known that I REALLY don’t like, made the comment that he thought Cashman should be replaced soon. I agreed with him. People RIPPED into him. He never said he hated Cashninja. He never said he ruined the team. He just thought it was time for a new GM-I believe the blogmasters came up with an idea for a reorganization of the Yankee staff in an earlier podcast, though I might be wrong.
        
        I didn’t think that was fair.
Karl Krawfid

Jorge!
FIPster Doofus

Random Jorge Posada commercial. I miss that dude.
- Mandy Stankiewicz
  
  Hip! Hip!
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    I miss the random RAB comments for Jorge.
    
    Hip Hip….
    
    JORGE!
The Real Greg

Nunez has not been good on offense today, but okay on defense
Get Phelps Up

The first of many base hits for Robinson.
Mike N

Hai, guys! Have we decided yet whether CC is a “true ace”?
FIPster Doofus

I like Youk a lot so far.
- forensic
  
  Yup, he’s really grown on me too during the Spring.
- Mike N
  
  Yep!
The Real Greg

the ball is not carrying out to right today. That was hit solidly and Gardner’s line drive last inning seemed to die in right field
Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)

I feel good that even though we didn’t score we still got a couple of hard fouls and a hit. It doesn’t feel like Lester is back in “shut-down” mode.
Barry’s Gift Basket

Phelps? Wasn’t he supposed to start sometime this weekend or so??
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Already scratching my head.
- jjyank
  
  Tomorrow is an off day, they might be using it to skip the 5th starter.
- forensic
  
  He’ll either start again on 4 days rest or 5 if they put CC ahead of him. Seems weird, but not really bad when you think about it.
Kramerica Industries

Hello, Sir Phelps-A-Lot.
Mickey Scheister

I’m sitting in an airport about to board, I’m praying my plane has wi-Fi. It’s a regional airport so prob not. Go Yankees! Even in Rapid City SD, I’ve had several people comment on the Yankees jersey! I’m gonna go out on a limb and say the Yankees demolish Boston’s pen.
Mike HC

Phelps brings back memories of Ramiro Mendoza for me.
- Mike HC
  
  You know, other than just giving up that triple
  - Adam
    
    He is pulling some awesome brujo stuff here with the guy on third!
Barry’s Gift Basket

Phelpsy + Nuney = Eddard in ecstasy.
Kramerica Industries

Yay at ESPN briefly using a pic of C.C. from the 2009 season.

Many good memories there.
Mike HC

Defense!
FIPster Doofus

NIXY
forensic

Nice job Cervelli!
jjyank

YEAAAHH
Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)

FUCK YEAH
Cool Lester Smooth

Baseball.

Player.
Mike HC

Cervelli is kind of asking for his leg to be broken blocking the plate like that.
dkidd

lol girardi playing the infield in
- forensic
  
  What’s wrong with that?
Get Phelps Up

AJ with 10 K’s in 4.2 innings!

/Should of kept
- MannyGeee
  
  the ~~dalelama~~ MannyGeee prophecy’d this in the confidence thread this morning.
- RBC
  
  He can pitch, but he couldn’t get it done under the pressure of NYC
MannyGeee

One thing for sure… Nunez doesn’t make that throw. No fcking way in hell
Mike N

Nice play!
Barry’s Gift Basket

Attaboy Nixy, sorry about before and the “fuck you” stuff.
Mickey Scheister

New York Nix!
- FIPster Doofus
  
  I like it.
Starks

Let me ask all of your cumgurglers this question that think CC is so great. What ace fails to pitch past 5 innings on opening day vs a line up as poor as this? I can see if this is the first time this has happened but how many times have we seen a piss poor start from Cc in big spots? Too many for a true ace. He is a very good pitcher but not a true ace end of story. Smh.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  O:S
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    If I “+1″ this, does it go against O:S?
  - Mike HC
    
    Unfortunately, I hear this “CC is not a true ace” line not only on blogs, but by family members and friends as well. And those people I can’t O:S.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  What about him almost single handedly winning the ALDS last season? You’re an idiot.
  - jjyank
    
    Also he was the 2009 ALCS MVP.
    
    Do you have anything else to say, Starks, or are you really just that single minded?
    - Starks
      
      You guys are idiots. He had a very good alds last year, what happened in the alcs? He was very good in the 2009 playoffs but ace quality? Dont think so. What about the rest of his career? Lets look at the numbers and see if he is a true ace in the same breath as verlander and price or kershaw? There are only a handful of true aces in mlb and the comes the second group of guys thwt Cc certainly belongs too.
      - jjyank
        
        I’m an idiot? Go ahead and click the link I posted below. Look at the numbers. Then get back to me.
  - Barry’s Gift Basket
    
    Yeah he comes of like an idiot becasue there are many other aspects about this team that somebody can complain about, and he is picking on CC after 4 years of ace-like performances.
    
    That’s not too smart, even for a troll.
    - Starks
      
      4 years of ace like years? 3.22+ era is ace like? Lol please.
      - Barry’s Gift Basket
        
        Name 10 pitchers you’d rather have this last 4 years instead of CC?
        
        If the bar to be called an ace is to be “Pedro-in-his-prime” like, you won’t find many, because that is like probably the highest peak in history.
      - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
        
        This has to be one of the dumbest comments I’ve ever seen. You’ve literally defeated your own argument in an attempt to make the opposite point.
        
        Barry’s Gift Basket
        
        So, what you say? yay or nay on the troll stuff?
- Barry’s Gift Basket
  
  “What ace fails to pitch past 5 innings on opening day vs a line up as poor as this?”
  
  Many.
  
  Now drop it, CC is cool.
  - Starks
    
    No doubt cc is cool i really like the guy alot but he is no ace and the stats bare that out.
    - jjyank
      
      http://www.fangraphs.com/stats.....position=P
      
      No they don’t.
      - Starks
        
        Those are ace stats to you? One season over 20 wins a 3.50+ era lol….come again. Mike Mussina is laughing at those numbers.
        
        Get Phelps Up
        
        And we’re all laughing at you citing win total.
        
        jjyank
        
        *sigh*
        
        Since 2006, CC is second in wins, 9th in ERA, 6th in xFIP, and first in fWAR.
        
        So who’s the idiot? He’s easily a top 10 pitcher on the planet for about half a decade, if not more. That’s an ace.
        
        jjyank
        
        He’s also #1 in innings pitched, if you like the work horse aspect.
    - Cool Lester Smooth
      
      What stats? He’s been the 6th or 7th best pitcher in baseball while he’s been a Yankee, depending on which version of WAR you want to use.
- Long-Past-His-Day-Rod
  
  Jon Lester?
- MannyGeee
  
  Hey Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)….
  
  Can I call this dude a troll, or is all of this his opinion too that he’s entitled to?
  - jjyank
    
    Better question: does this land him on The List?
  - Mike HC
    
    People are entitled to not love CC, but a dozen comments on it kind of gets grating.
  - DC
    
    He hit troll status after the third time he voiced his opinion in one game.
    - jjyank
      
      Also, calling people idiots for disagreeing is pretty trollish.
  - Barry’s Gift Basket
    
    Haha, Jesus, now we need an authorization to call a troll “troll”?
    
    Too bad I already did. Didn’t know, sorry.
  - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
    
    Now THIS, this is a troll. Exhibit A.
  - Improbable Island’s Dirty Midget Whores (Formerly RRR)
    
    Wow, you people are seriously being dicks. How about instead of mocking the comment you all use common sense?
    
    I mean, seriously. Authorization?
- Alkaline2.0
  
  Yes. CC’s ace status has been revoked due to this game.
  
  Also, please name these too many blown big game starts. I would take CC in a big game every single day.
Barry’s Gift Basket

Good job kid, but about giving up leadoff triples; don’t do that.
forensic

Great job Phelps!!!

/resistingcommentaboutmovinghughesoutofrotation
Mike N

Way to get out of that jam!
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

Flaps out, Sori
forensic

Ok guys, it’s a hitter’s park but you need to hit it a little farther than those.
dkidd

uehara’s k/bb is insane
Kramerica Industries

What a worthless inning.
FIPster Doofus

Uehara was a sneaky good signing by the Red Sox on a one-year deal. I’ve gotta hand it to them for that move.
- Mike HC
  
  Yup. That was probably their best move of the off season.
BigBlueAL

Holy crap that was one pathetic inning offensively.
- sweet sassy molassy
  
  You might as well Ctrl + c that right now. It’ll come in handy.
MannyGeee

yuck. wow. how about more than 5 pitches guys
TomH

Haffner, Overbay, et al., have to learn the Yankee Way of taking pitches.
- BigBlueAL
  
  To be fair throughout their careers both Overbay and especially Hafner have been very patient hitters who draw walks.
dkidd

hypothetical exercise:

you get to pick 5 yankees to have their “best case scenario” season, everyone else you take your chances. who are your 5?
- jjyank
  
  Hafner, Youk, Ichiro, Hughes, Phelps.
  - jjyank
    
    Actually scratch Phelps and switch in Nova.
  - Havok9120
    
    Yeah, switch out Phelps for Nova and that’s a good list.
- Mike HC
  
  Cervelli, Nova, Gardner, Wells and Hughes.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  Cano, Ichiro, Youk, Hafner and Nova
  - jjyank
    
    I’m curious, why Cano? I feel like he’s one of the only guys on the roster I would put in the “take my chances category”.
    
    I only ask because our lists are identical otherwise.
    - Get Phelps Up
      
      I didn’t see the take the chances part. Still, best case scenario Cano is really fun to think about.
      - jjyank
        
        True that.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Cervelli, Youk, Ichiro, Hughes, Nova.
- dkidd
  
  i would go
  
  andy
  nova
  phelps (best case means forces himself into the rotation)
  youk
  hafner
- forensic
  
  Jeter
  Ichiro
  Gardner
  Youkilis
  Half-Granderson/Half-Teixeira :-)
- Barry’s Gift Basket
  
  CC, #HIROK, Andy, Hughes, Nova.
  - dkidd
    
    that was my first instinct, but we’ll still need some offense
    
    i take my chances with cc and hirok and get the upsides of youk and hafner
FIPster Doofus

Don’t walk an undisciplined hitter to start the inning. Damn.
Mike N

Uh, oh.
Get Phelps Up

Can we please stop walking Salty?
- RBC
  
  I never understand that. He’s horrible. Shame on the Yanks.
forensic

Yuck, this is no bueno…
forensic

Here’s hoping Logan’s horrid ST doesn’t rear it’s ugly head here…
dkidd

FHOFJBJ versus Left Fat
forensic

Geez Logan…
Barry’s Gift Basket

I hate that punk.
- Barry’s Gift Basket
  
  Jeez, reply fail.
RBC

In another world….

Mets 11, Padres 2

Go figure.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  I hope dalelama is having fun.
Kramerica Industries

This Iglesias bullshit is already long tiring.
forensic

Geez, this is getting really annoying.
Evan

What happened on that play: Cano miss the bag?
Jackie Bradley grounds out, pitcher Boone Logan to second baseman Robinson Cano to first baseman Lyle Overbay. Will Middlebrooks scores. Jarrod Saltalamacchia to 2nd. Two out.
- forensic
  
  Ball deflected off Logan to Cano who threw to first.
JMK

This “God Bless America” rendition is horrible.
Barry

Holy terrible God Bless America. Broadway must really be a fraction of its reputation.
Rizi Walnuts

Wow, Cervelli standing in against chaos
forensic

Anybody else suddenly lagging big time here?

Methinks it’s time for a rally spillover thread.
dkidd

we are winning this game
RBC

I’m at work so I’m can’t watch or listen… What happened with “God Bless America”? Who sang?
- JMK
  
  I don’t know who the singer was, but she did the whole warble-y voice thing where she goes high to low and stretches notes that shouldn’t be stretched. The voice wasn’t very powerful either, so it just sounded amateurish. I get that performers want to add their spin to the song, but it was a disaster.
Get Phelps Up

Tie this up Nooner.
forensic

Joe’s going to bunt Nunez to give up Cano…
- forensic
  
  or not…
JLC 776

Time to SHINE!!!
dkidd

overmatched
JLC 776

Wow. What a terrible AB.
Karl Krawfid

Every strikeout has been right down the middle right?
jjyank

Took two pitches right down the middle. Damn it Nunez.

Cano, let’s start your MVP campaign right now.
Ruby Rich

Alright, Robbie….
Big Member

wtf nunez you were supposed to be my fantasy teams secret weapon
teddy

nunez you are awful
JMK

Look on the bright side, Nunez has been pretty good in the field today.
teddy

cano missed a cookie
FIPster Doofus

Way to justify that 12-year extension, Robbie. Jerk.

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