Game 18: Start A New Streak

April 19, 2014 by Mike Axisa 363 Comments

The five-game winning streak came to an end last night thanks to a rather spectacular bullpen meltdown. Oh well. That’s going to happen from time to time. The Yankees have lost consecutive games just twice this season — first two games to the Astros then two games to the Orioles — and to avoid their third set tonight they will have to overcome what feels like a pitching disadvantage.

Ivan Nova has been New York’s worst starter this season — it feels like he has not had a single easy inning yet — but his last start was his best, so hopefully he’s heading the right direction. Rays righty Chris Archer has been good this year but his last start was his worst, a seven-run beatdown. He crushed the Yankees in three starts last season, though that was completely different lineup. I’m not sure his history against the Bombers means much of anything. Here is the Rays lineup and here is Joe Girardi‘s lineup:

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Brett Gardner
DH Carlos Beltran
C Brian McCann
RF Alfonso Soriano
3B Yangervis Solarte
1B Kelly Johnson
2B Brian Roberts
SS Dean Anna
RHP Ivan Nova

It is warm, humid and raining in St. Petersburg. The Tropicana Field roof will take care of all that though. First pitch is scheduled for a little after 7pm ET and can be seen on YES. Enjoy.

Mark Teixeira Update: Teixeira (hamstring) played seven innings in an Extended Spring Training game this morning, his third straight day of game action. He is eligible to be activated off the 15-day DL tomorrow and he insists he is ready.

David Robertson Update: Robertson (groin) threw 16 pitches and faced five batters in an ExST game. He is eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Tuesday and the expectation is that he will indeed be activated.

Rotation Update: As expected, Joe Girardi confirmed Vidal Nuno will start tomorrow’s game. There’s a pretty good chance he will then be shipped to Triple-A Scranton before the team’s next game to clear a rotation spot for Robertson.

Jimmy

I’ll take that lineup. Hopefully Nova starts heating up and we can set up another 4 game series win.
- nycsportzfan
  
  Beastly lineup.
Ghost of Mariano

I need a palette cleanser after last night.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  Last night? I have no recollection of that game.
  - Ghost of Mariano
    
    I just wish I could forget.
  - Winter
    
    I think it was rained out after the Trop’s roof broke.
Michael

Anyone know what happened to Banuelos?
- forensic
  
  As in something new happened today?
  - Michael
    
    taken out in first inning after giving up a bunch of hits.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Yeah he got creamed. Probably threw 30+ pitches in that inning and they took him out before he threw more.
  - forensic
    
    Yuck.
Wheels

Good photo of that Ellsbury catch.
M-Three

Hopefully it will be Daley sent down for Robertson on Tuesday. Even if he isn’t great tomorrow, Nuno is a better option and much more deserving of a roster spot than Daley. I said it before, Daley is a just a junk baller and isn’t an upgrade over anyone in our bullpen. Plus, even with Nuno being available until probably Thursday, we still have Phelps and Warren who could give us some length is necessary.
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  Yea, that won’t happen.
- Mr. Roth
  
  Daley and Nuno are both junk ballers. The difference is going to be that Daley is a junk baller available to pitch, while Nuno is a junk baller not available to pitch. Why send down the guy who can pitch and keep the guy who can’t on the roster?
  
  Available >>> Not Available
  - M-Three
    
    If they do go that route, hopefully Daley is sent packing as soon as Nuno is eligible to be recalled. Give me the 2nd lefty who can also give us distance over a junk throwing journeyman anyday, everyday.
    - Mr. Roth
      
      Although I think you’re giving Nuno way too much credit, I do agree that he’s more valuable than Daley. I think the move will just be until Nuno can be recalled back to the majors.
Jersey Joe

NO SCOTT SIZEMORE!

BLASPHEMY!
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Is this what happens when the Yankees face Archer?

Yes, Other Barry. It is.
The Other Matt

Wow. Girardi has 3 left handers in a row, with Anna in the 9 hole and then Ellsbury, Gardner 1-2.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Archer’s splits are huge.
  - The Other Matt
    
    Yeah I have seen, but then if you get into a situation late in the game you leave the opportunity for Jake McGee to see three left handers in a row, if they weren’t to pinch-hit Jeter for Anna. It’s not all that big of a deal in my eyes, it’s just that we all know Girardi for loving to break up his left handed hitters in the lineup.
- forensic
  
  Jake McGee might as well start stretching out that arm right now.
Jersey Joe

For some reason, it just bugs me to see the bottom of the order composed of the infield.
- forensic
  
  We’ve been spoiled by some of those near all-time great all-around infields they used to field.
- The Other Matt
  
  They have to bat somewhere. Girardi could’ve had Roberts bat second to split up Gardner and Ellsbury and bump everyone else down. In that case Gardner would lead off and then bat Ellsbury 3. But it probably serves well to have your better hitters the chance to receive the most at bats.
The Other Matt

To start or sit Chris Archer in my fantasy league? Quick, I need answers before 7:10 !
- forensic
  
  I started him.
  
  Of course, with the way my fantasy moves have been going for most of the season that means he’ll be knocked out before finishing 2 innings.
  - The Other Matt
    
    Yeah, I really had no intention on sitting him. People always say sit a player when they play against your favorite team (the Yankees obviously), but then if they perform well you have to deal with the agony of them beating your team and not receiving contribution for your fantasy team. But with the way Archer has thrown the ball against the Yankees, so far, it’s too risky to sit him.
- Wheels
  
  I think we’re gonna see good Nova.
  - Wheels
    
    reply fail.
  - The Other Matt
    
    I’d love to see that. Hopefully he can give them length as well, I don’t know many pitches Nuno will be able to throw tomorrow. I’m guessing somewhere between 80-90.
    - Wheels
      
      Boy was I wrong.
- Winter
  
  I started him. Never let team allegiance get in the way of fantasy, or vice versa.
  - The Other Matt
    
    Well said my friend. Well said.
  - forensic
    
    I have trouble with the vice versa part of that. There’re certain players/teams that I go out of my way to avoid if there is any other option because I just can’t root for them.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      I agree I have a long standing policy to not draft Red Sox players or acquire them in anyway.
      - The Other Matt
        
        Yeah, I have no Red Sox players. And I kind of went out of my way to draft Jeter, but I have no qualms about it though, since I have Tulo.
nycsportzfan

Gameday says those 1st 2pitches to Ells were flat out strikes.
- No 2013 again
  
  they looked good. It’s compensation for Joe West’s terrible strike zone against the Yankees yesterday.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    No doubt. Whos behind the plate tonight? I’m about to turn on Sterling and Suzyn in a minute.
No 2013 again

Ellsbury is a hit machine
nycsportzfan

Ells is amazing!
nycsportzfan

Gardner is the kinda of striking out looking.
forensic

Suzyn: “What else did Ellsbury do? He saw 7 pitches. 7 pitches that everyone in that dugout got to see everything that Archer had.”

This after an AB where Archer threw only 4-seamers (according to Gameday). Yeah, that’s really showing them everything he has.
No 2013 again

Gardner always takes fastballs down the middle for strike three.
SevenAces

How is that 4th pitch to Gardner a strike?!
Steinbrenner’s Ghost

gotta love how Ells grinds it out.
The Guns of Navarone

Gardner loves to watch. He stands there at first and watches…and at the plate he takes more strike 3s than anyone I’ve seen
- ALZ
  
  Several pitches there should have been a ball though.
- RkyMtnYank
  
  No kidding, I think he took it a little to literally when the coaches said … watch what Ells does!
- nycsportzfan
  
  I agree, Gardner has to recognize these pitches right there, with 2strikes on him. That should not be a weakness, of a slap hitting, speedster.
  - RkyMtnYank
    
    with his speed even bunting would have been better
  - The Guns of Navarone
    
    That should not be a weakness, of a slap hitting, speedster.
    
    Bingo.
    
    His walks are down and strikeouts are up from his 2010-2011 levels. I remember that was the worry when he was first brought up… that his patient ways wouldn’t work in the bigs because pitchers would challenge him more due to his lack of power.
Dalek Jeter

Something something dangerzone, something something Prussia. I’m not even trying anymore.
forensic

Cesar Ramos, who averages over 91mph on his fastball, is a ‘very soft-throwing lefty’ according to Sterling.

Boy, they’re in rare form tonight. It’s going to be a long night.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Yup, thank god I’ll be home by 9:15 for the end of the game.
Mr. Roth

Chris Archer looks like he’s stoned out of his mind in his picture on the cbssports pitch-by-pitch.
YankeeDJW

Anyone else concerned over the amount of K’s for Gardner? He’s on pace for 150 strikeouts this year. I think his previous high is 101. Not good for a top-of-the-lineup guy.
- Mr. Roth
  
  It’s 59 at bats. He has just as much a chance of striking out 150 times as Solarte has to finish the season with an OPS of 1.008
No 2013 again

yay, when Archer is on the mound they become a little league team.. pathetic.
- TheRealGreg
  
  Hmm?
Dalek Jeter

50 internet dollars says Ike Davis is worth at least 2.5fWAR for the Pirates this season and the PTBNL the Mets are getting which is supposed to be the key guy for the Mets never sees Triple A, let alone the bigs.
- The Other Matt
  
  I could see him hitting a few out to right in PNC, seeing as though that’s about the only favorable part of the field for a hitter. I have no inclination as to what may happen to the player PTBNL’s future will be.
forensic

Random thought: has anyone seen Kramerica Industries this season? Outside of an appearance or two during the offseason, he’s been MIA.

Real life must’ve gotten in the way, especially if he’s not here during a Rays series. That kinda sucks.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  I feel like he was around a bit in ST, but not at all since the season started, real life sucks sometimes.
- Havok9120
  
  Yeah, we’re still missing a few regulars.
The Other Matt

Anyone see Matt Williams pull Bryce Harper for not running out a ground ball to first?
- forensic
  
  I noticed he didn’t finish the game, but didn’t know why. I have to kind of applaud Williams for that.
  - The Other Matt
    
    I think Harper is kind of pissed because Williams has had him batting 6th and 7th (I think) on more than a few occasions. I don’t like it because he tried to show up Harper after the game when they asked him about it, and Harper always runs hard, so if he were to send a message he could’ve done it with someone else. Just reading the tea leaves I surmise they don’t have the best of relationships. But that’s just my opinion.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  I didn’t, but if that’s seriously why he pulled him, that is incredibly incredibly dumb. I’d rather my player be healthy and play 150 games, losing out on the 3 infield singles he may beat out and 4 times he might get on via an error, by not hustling every time. Than have him only play in 120-130 games and either need consistant time off because of a nagging leg injury or 85-90 games because he’s constantly tearing his hammy (a la Jose Reyes).
  - The Other Matt
    
    Yeah, ironically, it seemed kind of childish on Williams’ part. But as I said, just reading tea leaves I think there might be a rift there.
  - forensic
    
    I’d rather my player be healthy and play 150 games, losing out on the 3 infield singles he may beat out and 4 times he might get on via an error, by not hustling every time.
    
    I’m sorry, but I so despise this cop-out reply to anytime someone dogs it.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      I don’t look at it as a cop-out, honestly. What is to be gained besides “playing the game the right way” (the oldest cliche in the history of the game) by running out routine grounders. I mean, Harper played all out in 2012 and 2013 and played a total of 257 games, meanwhile Cano “dogged it” more often than not and played 321. Sure, anecdotal evidence, but I think it’s sorta telling.
      - forensic
        
        Harper didn’t miss those games because he hustled to first, he missed games because he runs into walls head-first.
        
        Jeter hustles every play and barely missed games (prior to last year) as have tons of other players in history. Puig dogs it with the best of them (often) and still ends up with injuries every other day it seems.
        
        I don’t see any real correlation between the two. There was another article on this that I saw somewhere recently, just don’t quite remember where. I’ll try to find it eventually and link to it for you.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Harper’s spot came up with the tying run in scoring position in the ninth inning too. No guarantee he comes through, obviously, but you’d rather have him at the plate than Kevin freaking Frandsen.
  - The Other Matt
    
    Absolutely. It’ll be something to watch though, since Williams just got the job, and, obviously, Harper isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
Michigan Yankee

How many games in 2015 could the rotation listed below win? What would that do to the weekly confidence poll? The best of all, its so very possible.

Scherzer
Sabathia
Tanaka
Peneda
Nova
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  Want no part of Scherzer.
  - The Other Matt
    
    He’d be a good player for the Mets to go after, if they we’re actually willing to spend money. Imagine if Harvey comes back to what he was last season, having:
    
    Harvey
    Scherzer
    Colon (Syndegard should be ready to go before/by the end of Colon’s contract)
    Wheeler
    Niese/Gee
nycsportzfan

If you could have one player not named Evan Longoria on the Yanks, who would it be?
- nycsportzfan
  
  from the rays
- The Other Matt
  
  Ben Zobrist. He has really grown on me watching him play these past few years.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    Good answer. I actually would go with Jake McGee, believe it or not. I’d love to have that young loogy for the next 10yrs. Hes really good.
    - Mr. Roth
      
      I respect your opinion, but you are now eliminated from the candidate pool for GM when I buy a MLB team.
      - nycsportzfan
        
        Fair enough.lol If it helps, I changed my choice to Myers, as I simply forgot about him. But, thinking about the Yanks starting rotation going forward and what we have in the farm system, and realizing Matt Thornton is aging, is why I picked McGee. Hes still pretty young, and I love the thought of McGee, Betances, Warren, and DROB anchoring the bullpen the next 5-10yrs
    - The Other Matt
      
      It seems kind of crazy not to mention David Price as well. In that case, would you rather have Price (knowing you’d be able to lock him up moving forward) or Longoria (already on a long term deal)?
      - nycsportzfan
        
        You can’t choose Longoria. Its player from Rays not including Longo.
        
        The Other Matt
        
        True. So many responses to your initial comment, I had forgot what it originally was.
    - forensic
      
      No way I’d use an opportunity like that on just about any reliever, much less a guy who may end up just being a LOOGY.
      - nycsportzfan
        
        I knew it was kinda a sleeper pick, but I was thinking about Tanaka and Pineda anchoring are rotation, and thinking about are farm, which dosen’t have a ton of high upside LHP’ing to begin with, let alone stud pen lefty.
        
        But I changed it to Myers, as I forgot about him..
        
        Myers just hit a HR by the way. Fuck!
        
        Mr. Roth
        
        Unless I was guaranteed that the reliever is the 2nd coming of Mariano Rivera and will change his saves record, there’s way I’m picking a reliever.
        
        Mr. Roth
        
        change = challenge
        
        Mr. Roth
        
        Wow, I butchered that. Let’s try again:
        
        Unless I was guaranteed that the reliever is the 2nd coming of Mariano Rivera and will challenge his saves record, there’s no way I’m picking a reliever.
- forensic
  
  Likely Zobrist, and I’m not really sure anyone else is too close to him.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    On the current yanks team, and thinking beyond, i’d go with McGee. Betances, McGee, Kelley, Drob, and Warren could be scary for sometime.
- Tom
  
  Ignoring contract?
  
  Zobrist – still ridiculously underrated. Not quite sold on Myers yet (he’ll be good, just not sure how good)
  
  If contracts is a factor, than maybe Myers (Zobrist is a FA after 2015)
  - nycsportzfan
    
    I actually forgot about Myers. He’d be my choice. He’d be great to add to Ells and Gardy as future OF, especially when Belty goes to DH and Ichiro is gone..
  - forensic
    
    Myers is close, but comparing the state of the OF to the state of the IF, I’d have to take Zobrist first.
    - nycsportzfan
      
      Age was my deciding factor when choosing between Myers and Zobrist, and McGee. I would wanna take advantage of one of those young guys the Rays got. I do love Zobrist as a player though.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  David Price anyone?
  - The Other Matt
    
    Clearly he has been tremendous so far in his career. But something about him screams to me that he will decline in these next couple years.
  - forensic
    
    The declining velocity and large reliance on one pitch would scare me.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  From the Rays? Chris Archer. Kid’s got electric stuff.
  - Macho Man “Randy Levine”
    
    You just want to make Archer jokes.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      Well, duh and or hello. That’s just an added bonus though.
  - forensic
    
    Archer is a good choice, but I might actually lean toward Cobb over him (though his injuries are somewhat starting to mount).
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      I was tossed up between the two of them, Cobbs injuries made me lean towards Archer.
      - nycsportzfan
        
        Jesus, I forgot about Hellickson as well. Hellickson, Myers, Cobb, Archer, Myers.etc Even not including Longo, your getting yourself a solid player.
nycsportzfan

Got him with the breaking ball. Nice way to start the night Nova!
Dalek Jeter

God, John hates Nova he’s spent the last few minutes talking about how such an incredible hitter like Ben Zobrist has such bad numbers against a guy like Ivan Nova.
- nycsportzfan
  
  I thought I heard him say, he dosen’t understand how someone with Nova’s stuff, is so inconsistent, which I would have to agree with?
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    That’s how he ended it, but he started with how Zobrist is like 3-25 or something like that and “how can such a good Lefty hitter have such terrible numbers against a righty as inconsistent as Ivan Nova.”
    - nycsportzfan
      
      I missed that part. I got them on radio, MLB network on TV, plus Gameday and RAB on computer.lol I hate when Yanks aren’t on TV for me to see. They will be tomorrow though.
forensic

Zobrist has ripped the ball every AB the last couple of games with almost nothing to show for it, lucky for the Yanks (but not my fantasy team).
- nycsportzfan
  
  Zobrist is a fantasy stud usually, as he can play everywhere. I don’t have a team this yr, alittle short on cash, but did a bunch of mocks, and always tried getting him on my squad.
Wheels

Oh come on.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

God, I really hate the Rays announcers.

I say it every year, every series – but they’re awful.

Staats is a remnant of the MSG ’89 Yankee years and he has always just straight up sucked.
- YankeeDJW
  
  They’re probably my 2nd least favorite, just behind the Blue Jays. So obnoxious.
  - forensic
    
    I don’t know how many other teams you’ve really listened to, but there are a ton of other terrible ones too. White Sox, Marlins, A’s (they’re not too terrible, but they’re whiny), Mariners, Pirates, Indians, etc.
    
    They’re not all terrible for the same reasons, but many of them are beyond homerish, which just drives me nuts.
    - nycsportzfan
      
      Oh the Tampa homerism is ridiculous with those guys! Ugh!
    - http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
      
      Marlins aren’t that bad. White Sox seem terrible because Hawk is a fucking idiot, but Stone is OK.
      
      The Rays are well beyond whiny and have always had a chip on their shoulders.
      
      Examples: constantly bitching about balls/strikes and referring to K-zone, but when the K-Zone shows they got a break they pretend to be oblivious.
      
      Staats always referring to the Yankees “squawking” when they question a call without that actually happening.
      
      Talking about the magnamity of their starting pitcher even when he’s not on the mound.
      
      Ignoring game action (usually involving their opponents mounting a rally or mowing down Rays batters) because of this week’s raffle or ridiculous 5-minute story about this week’s concert.
      
      My pet peeve: Always making reference to the Yankees “not needing those calls, they have enough help already.
      
      They’re garbage. Constant garbage. Every team may take shots at the Yankees – it goes with the territory.
      
      This is not that. This is something else. Rant over.
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  All other teams’ announcers generally suck.
  
  Except Scully, of course.
  - http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
    
    Mine is not a novice, uninformed opinion.
    
    I’ve heard them all for years. Unfortunately, living in Florida I’m stuck with their crew more often than I’m like.
    
    They suck. I’m quite certain of it.
    - Macho Man “Randy Levine”
      
      Oh, I’m not saying that Tampa’s announcers don’t suck/aren’t annoying.
      
      But I’ve found that pretty much all other teams’ announcers are intolerable.
The Guns of Navarone

Longoria made an out! If I’m Nova I tip my hat and call it a night. Gotta go out on a high note.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YaaZZN9VYs
nycsportzfan

This freaking Myers kid is gonna be a beast. Prick!
No 2013 again

Glad to see that Foster hates the Yankees just like Joe West.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Fuck this whole umpiring crew.
No 2013 again

Of course our pitching would get Myers going.
Dalek Jeter

Of course the day I bench Myers.
- Leg-End
  
  Never sit them when they play against your team, fantasy rules.
Wheels

Strike 4.
Mickey Scheister

He should’ve been out three times in that AB.
The Other Matt

Random, but: Am I crazy for thinking Dean Anna or Brendan Ryan may actually be the starting shortstop for the Yankees come Opening Day, next season?
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Dean “I’m a Man” Anna will earn it!
- forensic
  
  No offense, but I hope you’re crazy.
  - The Other Matt
    
    Unless Hardy is a match, or you really like Asdrubal Cabrera that much, because I think Hanley re-sings with the Dodgers. One player I would keep an eye on, as I said in a chat before, is Starlin Castro. If he doesn’t have a good year with the Cubs this season, they might be willing to move him since they have Javier Baez in the minors, not too far away. And he has the potential to be a 30+ HR guy.
- Havok9120
  
  I can see them skimping huggge on one of the three positions, especially if ARod can’t play 3rd.
Mickey Scheister

I’m liking the TB announcing crew, they’re at least acknowledging the umpiring crew missed some calls against the Yanks.
nycsportzfan

Ok offense, lets get some runs on the board here. We got a really nice lineup tonight, with only one righty in there against the RHP, so lets do some damage.
The Guns of Navarone

I’ve seen this movie before
No 2013 again

This is just like last season, they are swinging early and hitting everything weakly.
- nycsportzfan
  
  Lets not forget how tough it is for the Yanks to play @Tampa. Even if we lose this one, if we can take tomorrows game, we split, which isn’t bad, considering how bad we usually are in Tampa.
forensic

92 to 87 is almost 10 mph???
- No 2013 again
  
  Archer? I’ve seen quite a few 94 and 95mph
  - forensic
    
    Likely, but not the two pitches and the AB she was talking about.
nycsportzfan

Jesus, Nova!!! Its still early, but my god, the inconsistency is maddening!
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Bad Nova.
nycsportzfan

Tyler Austin having what I suspect is his best game of the yr for Trenton. 2-3 2b,3b,2run,1bb,1rbi. Thats good to see.
The Guns of Navarone

Nova’s fastball is just atrocious
- No 2013 again
  
  It’s more hittable than Hughes’ fastball.
Rolling Doughnut

Get someone up sooner rather than later.
- No 2013 again
  
  Why bother? They can’t hit Archer..
forensic

Well, this is no bueno.
No 2013 again

HR allowed to a .190 hitter.. Nova continues to amaze.
WAjohn

Wasn’t this supposed to be the year Nova put it all together? Reminds me a bit of Hughes, you see glimpses then boom, rockets hit everywhere.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  To me, this is just what he is. He’s an “inconsistent” starter. The league is littered with them. His fastball is ENTIRELY too hittable and I don’t believe he’ll ever be anywhere near as good as everyone hopes he’ll be.
nycsportzfan

Archers on tonight. Nova better smarten up, or this could be over with another run or 2 by Tampa.
- No 2013 again
  
  I don’t get this. Archer is throwing fastballs on the plate over the plate… Why can’t they hit him?
Dalek Jeter

forensic, I got caught up with a customer, and idk if you have “email for replies on” so I’ll leave this here because I’m curious as to what you think. http://riveraveblues.com/2014/04/game-18-start-a-new-streak-102069/#comment-8072259
- forensic
  
  Replied above.
  
  Aside, I remember that email thing showing up at some point but don’t see it now (unless I’m blind), but I never ended up using it anyway.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    I saw, if you find the article please link it, I’m honestly interested.
nycsportzfan

Novas giving up flat out rocket hits.
WAjohn

For those interested, there’s a free UFC on Fox.
nycsportzfan

Wow, Novas a piece of shit.
The Other Matt

Longo goes Longo.
No 2013 again

Game over.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Shit, 58 minutes? that’s gotta be a record for shortest game not called due to weather/darkness in history.
  - Chip Rodriguez
    
    Greg’s called games more quickly than that.
    - Macho Man “Randy Levine”
      
      Yes, see below. He’s already kinda calling the Red Sox series.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    Its gonna be tough, but 4runs isn’t impossible to come back from. Kinda sucks it looks like Archers on his A game, but its possible.
No 2013 again

Same garbage pitch Myers hit. Nova fucking sucks.
Eric Young

The inconsistency is just too painful. If we can get an upgrade – or a high, high pick – I’m ready to put Nova in a package. (Of course, I have no idea what could be out there.)
- WAjohn
  
  Yes, other teams are definitely interested in trading young talent for inconsistent starters with the propensity to hang his curve.
- Steve
  
  It’s always cute when people who don’t know how baseball works start proposing trades. Please, explain this “high, high pick” you’d like them to pursue
  - Eric Young
    
    Always so condescending, Steve? It was a comment made out of exasperation.
Mickey Scheister

DFA Nova.
Wheels

Fuck man.
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Really BAD Nova.
forensic

Well, this just feels like a shitty continuation of last night. Please, someone stop the pain!!!
- nycsportzfan
  
  I’ll be very happy splitting against Tampa, just because of how hard its been for us down there in recent yrs. Even if this one stays bad, we got a chance to split tomorrow. I’m gonna stay optomistic until tomorrows game is over. If we lose 3of4, it’ll truly blow though.
TheRealGreg

Nuno better pitch well tomorrow or not only will we lost 3 of 4 but our bullpen will be completely spent for the Red Sox series, even with an off day in between
- nycsportzfan
  
  Nova’s probably the one guy on this teams whos demeanor and attitude strikes me as really bad as well. Nuno seems like a quiet standup guy. If he pitches well, who knows? We could use another LHP in the rotation.
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  Yea, that’s not true at all.
The Guns of Navarone

When the fuck did this place become a house of horrors for the Yanks? I know the Rays are a good team but, you know, so are the Yankees. I really dread series at the Trop
- TheRealGreg
  
  Blue Jays have sucked in Tampa for about the same time, and they are an average team.
  
  I think they lost 17 straight series in Tampa and they split this year.
Yan Solo

Just tuned in. Looks like Nova’s working on his resume for the next bus ride to Scranton. Ouch. Dude, just likes to streak one direction or the other, huh?
nycsportzfan

I coulden’t even get my post saying for Nova to be careful with Longo in, and he gave up another HR. Now after the game, we get to here Nova say how good he was, i’m sure.
Rolling Doughnut

Longo can hit Nova’s best pitch so Nova figures fuck it, para que me esfuerzo, just give him the cookie and be done with it.
Havok9120

This is unfortunate.

However, this is not last year. A four run deficit does not an automatic loss make.

Jordan Brink, why have you forsaken us?
- forensic
  
  Mike’s gotta try to sneak a Brink picture in the Game Thread tomorrow to see if that fixes it.
  - The Other Matt
    
    If not tomorrow, then at least when CC pitches.
- Rolling Doughnut
  
  Archer’s last start ended badly for him. Let’s hope for a repeat.
  - forensic
    
    The end of Archer’s last start was the best part of it. He gave up 1 run in the 1st, 3 in the 2nd, and 2 in the 3rd (1 combined in the 4th and 5th).
- No 2013 again
  
  I don’t know what game you are watching, but the offense looks terrible.
  - Havok9120
    
    Luckily, judging a team’s offensive capabilities by four innings of a single game is incredibly stupid.
    
    Otherwise, I’d probably just turn off the game and do other things.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      Everybody knows the team who scores first always wins and the team who gets blanked for a few innings is awful. Don’t you know anything, Havok?
    - forensic
      
      Well, they are 0-5 when trailing after 5 innings and 0-6 when trailing after 6 innings.
      
      That will certainly change over the course of the season, but it’s not likely to be tonight.
TheRealGreg

Amazing how fast feelings can turn in a season. Two days ago, we were riding high. Heck, last night we were riding high. Now it’s all gone to pot. Need to see when it will swing back our way
- Wheels
  
  When Tanaka and Pineda start.
  - TheRealGreg
    
    Correct.
- Eric Young
  
  The team only projects to about 86 wins, so I’ll enjoy the games I can (and it’s been a fun start).
rek4gehrig

I could’ve hit that pitch and I don’t even play baseball or softball.
WAjohn

Welp, that sucked. I remember looking forward to starts by Nova.
The Guns of Navarone

Send him to the minors now so he can turn it around again. Don’t wait until June
- forensic
  
  He’s out of options, that’s not going to be an option for him/them this year.
Paulc

Well, bad nova showed up…sucks..so freakin consistent at bein consistent bad then sent down. Then back up and good…and freakin archer….owns us.
TheRealGreg

If this inconsistency continues, I would seriously think about trading Nova. If he’s not going to get any better…
- Scarfonso
  
  Just as his value is in a free fall. Great idea.
Eric Young

As of right now, Nova’s current WHIP is higher than Swisher’s lifetime.
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  SSS.
- Mikhel
  
  And Boggs’ WHIP
  - Mikhel
    
    And I mean Wade… :-/
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      His career WHIP is still lower than Mitchell Bogg’s ;)
Dan in Athens

If Nova had any options left, he definitely be visiting Scranton again. The inconsistency is ridiculous.
- The Other Matt
  
  Then I guess CC would be in Tampa (Yankees, not Rays), in that case?
  - Mikhel
    
    Nope, Dan’s comment is because when Nova debuted he had good starts then began to struggle, he was sent to the minors and when he was recalled he dominated; that happened again the next two seasons.
    - Dan in Athens
      
      Yes, from what I can tell there are magical waters in Scranton that turn Nova from sub replacement to near Cy Young. It is amazing.
      
      Seriously, he’s got good stuff and I love the guy, but he really does seem to pull everything together if he gets kicked in the pants/imbibes the miracle waters of SWB. That being said I’m not panicking on small sample size.
Mikhel

SuchinghhjfgdysjsghgGGGGGGGGAAAAAGGG! Longoria and Myers again :'(
Mikhel

Fitting that Nova in spanish is no va = “doesn’t go”… :/
Dalek Jeter

Pitch 1: 95mph
Pitch 2: 96mph
Pitch 3: 95mph
Pitch 4: 94mph

The first 4 pitches of Beltran’s AB. This kid throws GAS.
- Mikhel
  
  Throwing hard is not the only quality, he can also manage the corners of the plate, pitches low but in the zone, can mix offspeed pitches when needed.
  
  Nova can throw hard but his location either doesn’t changes or throws consistently belt high or even higher, throws pies basically.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Nova tops out at 94/95 and sits at 92/93, I’m not saying that’s not enough, it absolutely is and Nova isn’t pitching anywhere near to his stuff. On the other hand, I was just pointing out that Archer SITS AT 94/95. That’s a young Verlander fastball.
    - Mikhel
      
      yeah, but as I pointe out: pitching hard is not enough, you can sit at high velocities like Nolan Ryan but if you can not locate the pitches is not going to help, Archer could even get by IF he throws slower and keeps managing his pitches like has shown.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    Novas problem is and continues to be not being able to locate consistently. That is obviously not gonna change anytime soon, and probably why he wasen’t much of a prospect or heavily thought of for so long.
    - Mikhel
      
      Yeah, he is consistent only at being inconsistent with his location, when he is throwing low pitches he can dominate with slow grounders and the occasional high pitch can be devastating at high velocities but he has been unable to do so consistently.
      
      He has the stuff, but needs to educate his location.
forensic

So, how about we just talk about team and RAB chemistry again? :-)
will

good pitchers always shut down the offense.
- Havok9120
  
  Price is a bum, now?
  
  That was quick.
Peter

Man, Nova really does kind of suck. Seems to have very little going on above the shoulders. Disappointment after disappointment with thus guy.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  His body language on the mound is awful.
- nycsportzfan
  
  He can go on stretches where he pitches downright ace like, but he can’t do it consistently. Hes one of the more frustrating players I can remember, just because the stuffs there. The guy just can’t do it consistently.
  
  If Nuno does well tomorrow, I hope they keep it in mind, and put Nova on notice.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    If Nuno does well tomorrow, I hope they keep it in mind, and put Nova on notice.
    
    This!! He WILL pitch well tomorrow and even this series out, unless they can start mounting some kind of O today, it’s looking doubtful though.
- forensic
  
  Why is it that everytime someone struggles or is inconsistent it’s because they’re stupid or a ‘mental-midget’?
  
  Why can’t it just be that that’s the kind of pitcher and stuff that he is/has?
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    It’s really easy to put the blame on the person rather than their talent/ability. Ugly, sure, but really easy.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    Nova has terrible body language, and his always saying he did well after games he was terrible last yr, was frustrating as well. I think in this case, its safe to call Nova a dink or whatever.lol
The Guns of Navarone

“Myers now in scoring position.”

Except you’re always in scoring position against Nova
Dalek Jeter

2014 Nova = 2012 AJ Burnett on RAB

2014 Solarte = Jayson Nix+Luis Sojo+Miguel Cairo in the Yankee radio.
nycsportzfan

DROB coming back Tuesday, and Tex tomorrow, which equals, fucking sweetness!
- The Other Matt
  
  Don’t think that’s going to stop Nova from giving up home runs to guys named Ryan Hanigan.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    Nova better just watch out, because guys like Nuno, and Phelps could be breathing down his neck before long.
Eric Young

Over/under for how far into Nova’s post-game interview before he says “felt good” or “confidence”? I’m going with 4th answer.
Mickey Scheister

Does Nova have any options remaining?
- forensic
  
  Nope.
Wheels

I just wanted to watch an enjoyable game tonight. Thanks Nova, shit.
No 2013 again

Is Nova hurt? He used to throw 95-96mph but today he’s 91mph.
rek4gehrig

I’m speechless
Mickey Scheister

Remember when the Yanks used to dominate the Rays?
- forensic
  
  The Rays? Not really.
  
  The Devil Rays? Sure, those were the good ole days.
The Guns of Navarone

Thanks for stopping by San Diego
- Mickey Scheister
  
  Go fuck yourself San Diego. I’m Ron Burgundy?
Chip Rodriguez

Good lord Ivan, WTF?
RkyMtnYank

Nova used to throw 95+, wonder what happened cuz this ain’t getting it done.
- No 2013 again
  
  Wonder if he’s hurt.
nycsportzfan

Wow, and 2 think, I thought Cabral was the most embaressing thing I seen in baseball.lol Novas getting close to changing that real quick. Honestly, there isn’t one of us who’d give up 2hrs to Ryan Hanigan in the same game.lol
- LarryM. Fl
  
  You are talking about Home Run Hanigan appropriately named by John Sterling.
The Other Matt

Nobody informed me that Ivan Nova was schedule to throw DP today.
- The Other Matt
  
  *BP
No 2013 again

90 OPS+ and 21 career HRs in 8 seasons. That’s the guy Nova has allowed 2 HRs to.
will

Well At least we know Joe will pitch Delin tonight
Jorge Steinbrenner

CC Sabathia: “this is the sorriest bunch of fucks I’ve ever played with.”
- forensic
  
  lol
LarryM. Fl

Ivan Nova = Phil Hughes. Starting to loss faith in Nova
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  One of these days the Yankees will develop a good starting pitcher. I’m almost sure of it.
  - Mickey Scheister
    
    They did, Tanaka. A 25 year old ace…yeah boy!
    - LarryM. Fl
      
      relatively cheap to!
Slu

I guess since Hughes is gone, someone needs to give up an obscene amount of dingers.
Dalek Jeter

How well does Nuno have to pitch tomorrow for the team to consider skipping Nova once and giving Nuno a 2nd start?
- WAjohn
  
  Well what it should take is I’m thinking 7 innings 2 ER or less 6 hits. With Joe I’d say if Nuno threw a nono, Joe would say something like, well Novas my guy, he had a great second half last year and we are going to do everything (even sacrifice games) to get him back to where he was.
- forensic
  
  No matter what, I don’t see them making a change this early in the season.
- LarryM. Fl
  
  less than 4 homers
will

6ip 2 runs
forensic

Suzyn just read Williams’ post-game comments about removing Harper. I don’t really have a problem with the move, but he’s wrong to make a sarcastic, wise-ass reply to a question about it. He should be above that as the manager.
- The Other Matt
  
  That’s why I commented earlier, to me it was childish or immature Williams behalf for going about it the way he did afterwards. Not to mention I don’t agree with the move to begin with, because Harper always runs out balls hard, so it’s like give the guy a break.
Dalek Jeter

They finally got to the Harper thing in the radio booth and they compared it to Jeter…who dogged it on a base hit like a week ago.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Not that they will ever admit Jeter did such an unholy and horrid thing.
  - WhittakerWalt
    
    Jeter has also never blown a routine play in the field, dontcha know.
Mickey Scheister

Archer is just dominate and it’s soooo frustrating watching him just mow down this team, regardless who they run out there against him. See ball, hit ball! C’mon guys! Joe should threaten to bring back V. Wells or Overbay aka Loverbay aka Overbuy aka the Great Herpe if they can’t hit this guy. All these pop-ups and this weak contact is killing me!
Dalek Jeter

WE HAVE A RUN!

KELLY FREAKING JOHNSON!
- forensic
  
  YAY!
  
  At least if they’re going to tack a run onto Archer they were nice enough to do it with another guy on my fantasy team.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Kelly Johnson? Really? I mean, sure he’s got a lot of pop for a guy with 2B eligibility, but I wouldn’t think he averages’ or gets on base enough to be worth carrying.
    - forensic
      
      The versatility of 3 positions and the bit of power worked enough for me. It’s a very deep league.
      - nycsportzfan
        
        Yah, I agree, picking KJ late makes sense. Hes coming into a lineup he can just be a guy, and has the short porch to take aim at, and as you said, has multiple position versatility. He’s been a sleeper ever since he signed with Yanks. Alot of people seen him having one of his good yrs , now that hes with NYY.
    - Chip Rodriguez
      
      Johnson’s owned in both of my 12 team leagues. Decent power and 1B/2B/3B/OF eligibility, which is damn useful.
      - Dalek Jeter
        
        I didn’t realize he had OF eligibility and completely forgot he had 1B eligibility…versatility like that is definitely useful though. I take back my confusion Forensic.
        
        Chip Rodriguez
        
        that’s what Yahoo FBB gives him. Dunno about ESPN, but I wish I had him.
        
        Grabbed Prado late in the draft for utility, but he’s sucked so far.
No 2013 again

OMG, a run!
Mickey Scheister

A RUN…YES…YES!!!

/changes pants
nycsportzfan

There we go Kelly Johnson! Get us on the board, baby! Lets fucking go!
nycsportzfan

Kelly Johnson is definitely making himself look like a bargain signing early on, like many figured he would.
forensic

Suzyn makes it sound like it’s some extremely complicated, advanced math to find out what Longoria hits against the Yankees in his career.

Hint, it’s .310/.394/.591 (not including tonight), and that only took me about 4 seconds to ‘calculate’.
- WhittakerWalt
  
  On Thursday night her and Pops took quite a while to find the part of the stadium scoreboard which showed the pitch count. The Rays have been playing in this same stadium since 1998. Presumably the scoreboard configuration has not changed in that time, yet these two nimrods couldn’t figure out where to look to find the pitch count.
  Research is really not their thing.
  - Wheels
    
    lol, Pops.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  is that against current Yankees or in his career vs all Yankees. if it’s the latter, where’d you get it?
  - forensic
    
    That’s his career split against the Yankees. It’s right on BR.com. I figured you would’ve known this.
The Guns of Navarone

Yeah, shift him to the right side… and pitch him away, even off the plate away. Makes perfect sense to me.
- forensic
  
  The shifts aren’t always based on where you’re going to pitch a guy, it’s based on what a guy does with pitches. When they shift, it’s because the guy tends to pull everything, even outside pitches, and rollover on them (like we’ve seen Tex do a million times). If they were comfortable enough to go the other way consistently, then they’d be a much better hitter and wouldn’t be shifted against as much.
  - The Guns of Navarone
    
    I felt like complaining!!
    
    LOUD NOISES!
    - Tom
      
      An interesting article on pitching to, or against, the shift.
      
      http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/why-would-a-pitcher-pitch-against-the-shift/
      
      Way too many #’s, but the takeaway is the GB rate on outside pitches that are grounded the other way isn’t that significant where it would dramatically alter the benefit of the shift. And given that location is better for limiting damage on balls in the air, it’s probably the best place to pitch with or without the shift.
Wheels

It’s getting ugly.
Peter

Not buying this AT ALL. He gets hammered and all of a sudden he’s hurt? Fuck Nova, he’s a lying piece of shit.
- The Other Matt
  
  Wow.
- Rolling Doughnut
  
  His FB topped out at 92 tonight. Maybe he is hurt.
- No 2013 again
  
  I think he’s bad, but he was throwing 91mph when he’s usually at 95-96mph
- Algernon Blackwood
  
  Peter, I’m sure you already know this, but you are a real shithead.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

Oh, great. Possible surgery.
- nycsportzfan
  
  huh?
  - http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
    
    Numbness in the hand.
Rolling Doughnut

Just walk Longoria outright.
YankeeDJW

This is bad, even by Nova standards.
nycsportzfan

I guess Nova was hurt after all?
- WAjohn
  
  Yes his vagina was very tender.
YankeeDJW

How do bullpen phones just stop working? It seems to happen quite a bit in baseball, but my desk phone at work or the landline at my parents’ house get far more use and have far fewer problems it seems.
- Chip Rodriguez
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGfKfMmR-xU
  
  Why bullpen phones sometimes don’t work.
  - YankeeDJW
    
    A little ‘roid rage going on there.
Zach

I didn’t think we were going to sweep, which is why last night was so frustrating.
It’s one thing to have a game like this, it’s quite another to lose the way we did last night.
The Other Matt

You could just about bet Nova will miss his next start. At the vey least.
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Could this day get any worse?

I said it ironically, so I think I’m OK.
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  Asked and answered, I see.
nycsportzfan

I like this Matt Daley. He can pitch some. I thought he should make the team outta ST.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  you were saying?
  - nycsportzfan
    
    ugh
Chip Rodriguez

Matt Daley’s career ERA is now 54.00
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  No it isn’t.
  - Chip Rodriguez
    
    er, season ERA. *was, no longer is. Hopefully it won’t be back there.
nycsportzfan

Okay, i’m done with this one. The Rays are just lambasting everyone outside of CC and Betances this series. I’ll check in with you guys tomorrow.
nycsportzfan

I will say this one more thing. If we win tomorrow, after these 2straight beatdowns, it’ll still be a split in Tampa. A Win is the same weather its 1-0 or 10-1.. Tampa fans can jump for joy all they want, but if we split tomorrow, then they gained nothing.
- YankeeDJW
  
  It’s still not fun to watch.
Mikhel

JoeG showing us why he is a genious: intentional walk to pitch Myers who is killing yankee pitching…
Chip Rodriguez

numbers put up by the Rays so far: 0, 1, 3, 2, 4.

Should I worry about a 5 run inning soon?
- http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
  
  Yes
Wheels

Dick Vitale is a Rays fan?
- YankeeDJW
  
  Another reason to dislike the Rays.
  - Wheels
    
    heh
- forensic
  
  Yeah, for awhile. Season tickets and everything (not that it’s surprising for someone with his money).
Mikhel

Agreed, splitting a series with a division rival is fine, specially with two other division rivals going at it (Os vs bosox).
- Mikhel
  
  Reply fail again, thank you androidddddd hahaha
YankeeDJW

Grantland’s fantasy mailbag doesn’t seem high on Gardner ever getting his base-stealing form back:
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/roster-doctor-fantasy-baseball-mailbag-george-springer-wil-myers-royals-brett-gardner/
Zach

The Rays have always been a thorn in our side, especially when we play them in the Trop.
All we can do now is hope to split tommorrow before going to Boston, who is having issues of their own.
But let’s be clear too, if anyone think one team is going to run away with this division, they’re fooling themselves.
- Mikhel
  
  Do you remember that time the Yanks scored like 20 runs in a game vs the then Devil Rays… and the next day the Devil Rays scored 20 or so runs against the Yanks? Late 90s maybe, or maybe mid to late 2000’s when Longoria came up to the majors and hit his first HR against the NYY (like Myers and I think also Upton hit his 1st vs the Yankees).
  - Zach
    
    I do indeed. It sucked back then as well.
    I’ll say this on our rivals, there are issues with all of them.
    Hence why I think once we can get our bullpen sorted out, we will be a force to be feared.
    - Mikhel
      
      Yes, there are still issues to be resolved with our bullpen.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

Yuck
Zach

Let’s be blunt folks, there were going to be bullpen issues that weren’t going to be figured out in spring training.
Better for us to figure out how to fix it now versus down the line.
forensic

Well, Mr. Daley, this wasn’t the best way to make your case for staying on the team. I always find it hard to kill guys coming in to blowouts (since the offense probably sees pitches like beach balls at that point) but this was pretty bad.
Wheels

Holy shit, make it stop.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

More walks. Telling you, especially since Dellin is going to have to pitch some innings tonight, he’s getting sent down as well.
- will
  
  The umpire was squeezing delin on the first walk, that guy was struck out, and the error didn’t help, the 2nd walk. He didn’t get the call and he walked that guy. He still struck out 2, gave up no hits. With more consistent work, he’ll be better.
http://www.draftstreet.com/register.aspx?r=Jedile Jedile

Betances to the Rotation!
Kiko Jones

Nova is a POS beyond redemption, he’s done; let’s trade him, DFA him, burn him in effigy; I never liked that guy and knew he was worthless from the day I first laid eyes on him, etc. etc. etc.

Did I miss anything from that hit-parade of nonsense? WTF?!

Sure it’s frustrating but are we the ultimate ‘what have you done for me lately?’ fanbase or what? Ugh.
Mikhel

Dean Anna pitching!!!!!

Wade Boggs, Swisher and now Anna. Swisher pitched I tHINK vs Tampa, Boggs pitched with the NYY vs Anaheim and WITH Tampa…now Anna vs Tampa… the Tampa connection!!!

and it seems like a knuckleball like Boggs
- Winter
  
  Boggs’s knuckleball was better, though.
Winter

Anna doesn’t look like he has his best stuff today. Keeps leaving pitches up in the zone.
Chip Rodriguez

Wow. So Dean Anna went from emergency backup catcher a few days ago to emergency backup bullpen guy?

Talk about utility!
Mikhel

Anna seems to be balking but the umpires are not calling the balks… LOL
- Winter
  
  Yeah, I don’t think you’re allowed to double clutch when you’re pitching…
  - Mikhel
    
    Cool gesture by the umps.
YankeeDJW

We can still come back!
- YankeeDJW
  
  Or not.
forensic

Game over. I say it takes about 20 seconds for Mike to post the recap thread.
Mikhel

By the way: I am watching José Contreras (ex Yankee) pitch with Tijuana right now in the Mexican Baseball League.
- YankeeDJW
  
  Bet he’s better than the beach-ballers we trotted out there tonight.