Game Six: End of the Trip

April 6, 2014 by Mike Axisa 420 Comments

Honestly can't remember the last time some idiot didn't run on the field during a series in Toronto. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty) — Can’t remember the last time some idiot didn’t run on the field during a series in Toronto. (Getty)

For the fourth time in the last six years, the Yankees opened the season on the road. Their season-opening six-game road trip comes to end this afternoon, in the rubber game against the Blue Jays. Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda were both impressive these last two days, but now the rotation turns back over to CC Sabathia. His first start was awful early and great late. Hopefully he continues that roll he was on from innings three through six against the Astros.

I was hoping the Yankees would walk away from this trip with four or even five wins in the bank. It is the Astros and Blue Jays, not for nothing. Instead, they need to win today just to split the six games and go home with minor league signee Yangervis Solarte as arguably their hottest hitter. Grab a win this afternoon, fly home on the heels of a series win, then enjoy the home opener tomorrow afternoon. Maybe even hit a homer. Sounds like a plan. Here is the Blue Jays lineup and here is the Yankees lineup:

LF Brett Gardner
SS Derek Jeter
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
C Brian McCann
DH Alfonso Soriano
1B Kelly Johnson
2B Brian Roberts
RF Ichiro Suzuki
3B Yangervis Solarte
LHP CC Sabathia

It’s sunny and warm in Toronto today, so the Rogers Centre roof might actually be open for the game. Either way, the Yankees will definitely play outdoors tomorrow, when they return to Yankee Stadium for the first time since saying goodbye to Mariano Rivera last season. I can’t wait. Anyway, you can watch this game live on YES and, depending on where you live, MLB Network. Enjoy.

Jersey Joe

I’d love me a W.
Mike HC

Can we end this policy of only showing Tosh like fan reactions to these idiots that run on the field, and just show the idiots running on the field.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  End both that and the hackneyed, obligatory moralizing by the announcers when someone runs on the field.
  - Mike HC
    
    agreed
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Agreed on both counts. I’d much rather get the semi-entertaining view of some douche running on the field than some players barely amused face along with Kay’s “I hope it was worth getting arrested” speech.
Bavarian Yankee

I’d love to see Gardner, Jeter and Ellsbury batting 1-3 for the rest of the season.
Rolling Doughnut

Open slow, finish strong, like UConn. Hope he’s over his opening day jitters. It would be nice for CC to be DeAndre today.
Mr. Roth

I’m loving Ellsbury in the 3 spot today. He’s been looking great at the plate, so may as well ride the hot hand to victory.
Jersey Joe

OVER/UNDER: Yangervis Solarte plays sixty games this season.
- Bavarian Yankee
  
  if he keeps on hitting he’ll play 150 games. Even if he doesn’t I’d take the over right now. Just stay healthy and you’ll get in plenty of games.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Over.
- forensic
  
  Way over. It was funny how much in denial people were acting over how much PT the utility man would get given the state of the IF.
gageagainstthemachine

Based on that photo, I would say that although he’s lost a lot of weight, Rob Ford looks as crazy as ever!!
Yangeddard Solarte

I thought CC would be the worst pitcher on the staff and through 1 start that has been exactly the case. He needs to prove today that he can win these rubber games that are the difference between a series W and a series L. Getting back to .500 and heading home would get some momentum going into the home opener. The club will hit better in YS but CC needs to pitch better.
CONservative governMENt

Sabathia becomes a True Yankee today!

* I’m pretending today’s starter is a crafty veteran lefty named Carsten Sabathia that won the 5th starter job and is looking to surprise people this year.
forensic

Ok, CC. This is the kind of game you need to step up. I’m not expecting much, but if you really still consider yourself the leader of the staff, then you have to do enough to let the team have a real chance today and avoid losing two consecutive series to potential last place teams.
Sweet Dick Willie

and through 1 start

Really? You’re using one start to justify your pre-season inklings?

Whatever.
- Sweet Dick Willie
  
  Reply fail.
forensic

Given that there’s no real way Jeter is moving down in the lineup, I think I could deal with this 1-3 for now even when Beltran is in the lineup. Put Beltran 4 and shift everyone down from there. Even though I don’t have a huge problem with Gardy batting 7, this is better (at least for now until some guys in the middle decide to try to earn some of their paychecks).
- CountryClub
  
  So far there has been no reason to move Jeter anywhere. He’s had good ABs and has hit the ball well.
Electric

Damn, for a second I thought Melky had the day off.
forensic

Yeah Gardy! That’s how you do it! Looks like Hutch might be a little slow to the plate.
Electric

What do you know Gardner!
Jersey Joe

I’m scared Yangervis will go the way of Zolio, and burn out in a few games. I already have delusional visions of Solarte in a platoon with A-Rod next year at the hot corner.
- Lukaszek
  
  Zoilo never really got much of a chance to prove himself, I wonder what he can do with a longer playing time
forensic

Geez Jeter, why are you so insistent on giving away free outs so often??? At least give yourself a chance.
forensic

Well, it does the job at least.
Wheels

way to get on the board.
Jersey Joe

Small ball: I’ll take it.
forensic

Yay Soriano!!! You actually got on base!
Dalek Jeter

I missed the start, how’d the run score?
- forensic
  
  Walk, steal, grounder to 1st, grounder to 2nd.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Good. That’s how runs should be scored! None of this “hit a homerun” nonsense. Built runs are more valuable. Somehow.
    - FIPster Doofus
      
      They’re grittier.
Mike HC

Maybe that will wake Soriano up
Electric

Kelly gonna break the drought right here
Chip Rodriguez

Sori’s on base at last!
Yangeddard Solarte

This guy can’t throw a strike and you don’t even need to throw a strike to get Soriano out. Make him pay.
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Small ball FTW.

Now let’s see some long balls.
Wheels

Yeah!!! Kelly Johnson
forensic

Yeah Johnson!!!

Of course, you have to do it the day I sit you on my fantasy team…
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

K Jizzle
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Look at that. Sori’s got a hit now.
- forensic
  
  Best contact he’s made all season.
Jersey Joe

Nice job Sori.
Jersey Joe

Any ideas for a long-term first base solution? If Tex is out for a while, I don’t know if what we got now will get it done.
Wheels

awesome start
Jersey Joe

K’mon Kelly.
forensic

Good start, nice early lead. Hopefully some of it is still there after CC’s half inning.
Electric

Kelllllllllllllllyyyyy
No 2013 again

Very nice to see the offense alive
- Wheels
  
  isn’t it?
Chip Rodriguez

2 out RBI!
Yangeddard Solarte

Now CC’s gotta make this stick. Every other starter put up a good to great performance. CC’s been handed a 3-0 lead and needs to make it stick like an ace should.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Well that didn’t take long
Wheels

fuckin Melky.
forensic

Ok, that’s quite enough of this shit. 3 straight games with a homer for Melky?!?!?!
Leg-End

Oh CC, what has happened to you.
Chip Rodriguez

FFS Melky, save the homers for some other team.
Karl Krawfid

Really Melky? 3 hr’s 3 games?

CC looks terrible again.

Everything up.
Chip Rodriguez

So in 6 games, Michael Pineda is the only pitcher who doesn’t give up a run in the first inning.
Yangeddard Solarte

Get Adam Warren warming. Jesus Christ this guy shouldn’t be on the staff.
FIPster Doofus

Oh, come on. Fuck off, Melky.
Ron

I’m not even mad even more. Once you realize he is the number 5 starter you expect shitty outings.
Mike HC

Melky looks like he got some of that magic back after a terrible year last year.
forensic

Another pitch right down the middle. This is not a comforting start for CC. Guess there really might not be any of that lead left after this inning.
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

Someone’s testing him after the game, right?
Jersey Joe

Christ CC get it together.
dontshushme

Melky is still juicing
forensic

Geez guys, seems like it took you forever to try to turn that DP.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  BUT THEY LOOK LIKE THEY BEEN TURNIN IT FAWEVER!
  
  /Suzyn Waldman’d
Dalek Jeter

Good to see Melky’s back on the juice.
No 2013 again

We got spoiled watching Cano turn DPs. Roberts’ arm is so weak and inaccurate compared to Robbie’s.
Electric

That double play needs to be turned regardless of the shit.
Jersey Joe

Ugh, this is reverse 2013. Offense gets it done, but the pitching just can’t maintain the lead.

Make it stop!
- Lukaszek
  
  I’d say the offense was more at fault for all of the losses than the pitching. If we actually had an offense, then Kuroda and Pineda would both have a win.
  - Jersey Joe
    
    Well this specific game.
Wheels

thanks ump.
forensic

Looks to me like that was a little bit of a gift there. CC needs all the help he can get though.
forensic

At least part of the lead is still there.
nycsportzfan

Figured the offense was gonna get hot anyways, so not surprising to me to put up 3spot in the 1st, and happy CC got through his dreaded 1st, fairly unharmed.
Chip Rodriguez

Thought that was a generous call on the K, but no complaints. Get out of the inning soon, CC.
Yangeddard Solarte

Put another 4 runs on the board and maybe CC can bring it home. He’s nothing more than a $20 million #5 starter now. I just don’t get how a 32 year old can fall right off the map. Kuroda’s much older and doing just fine. Learn how to pitch.
- OldYanksFan
  
  He’s more like 35 in terms of IP.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  Sadly, you’re giving him too much credit as a #5. He’s been one of the worst starters in baseball since last season and it’s continued so far this season. If his name wasn’t CC Sabathia with his track record, he would’ve gone down with a phantom injury or flat out released.
OldYanksFan

Over/Under that Melky is back on the ‘Roids
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Yes. He is.
- Winter
  
  Under?
- Macho Man “Randy Levine”
  
  I don’t think that’s really an Over/Under question. I think it’s just a “What are the odds?” question.
- Wheels
  
  who knows, who cares
Axis of Mike

Impressions of first inning:

Finally offense. Hosanna!

We need a real 1st baseman.

Melky, to Yankees, in 1st game: “If you throw me a pitch above the belt and over the plate, I will punish you.” Yankees response: “Sorry, what did you say? We weren’t listening.”
The Guns of Navarone

Maybe if the Yankees would stop throwing meatball change-ups up in the middle of the plate they could get Melky out. Not trying to take too much away from him but the homers he’s hit have been some of the worst pitches I’ve seen thrown this season.
Axis of Mike

Gardner is killing me with these takes. I mean, I get it, he’s tryna be patient and make the pitcher work but jesus already.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  I love that Gardner takes a lot of pitches…I just wish he’d take more bases when he gets on.
Dalek Jeter

“He has handled everything at third base.”

I swear he’s made at least 2 errors, not including that brainfart with the bases loaded.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  I’m worried Solarte will get the Nunez treatment…develop a reputation of being significantly better than he really is because the organization, and the fans in some cases, have some odd crush on him
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Funny you call that “the Nunez treatment.” I call it “the Nixian effect.”
    - forensic
      
      I was gonna say that same thing.
    - The Guns of Navarone
      
      Haha that one works too…but not until they call Solarte “a baseball player”
      - WhittakerWalt
        
        I think he’s too ethnic to be gritty.
        
        Dalek Jeter
        
        I lol’d
        
        Jorge Steinbrenner
        
        They don’t give exceptions of those out like candy. DeWayne Wise got his “gutty, gritty” card and that’s it. Enrollment closed until 2045.
Electric

Good to see Solarte making that play after the one he botched horribly on Friday night.
Yangeddard Solarte

He’s got the bat, he’s got the glove, he’s got all the tools to be successful. Those thinkin Solarte will fall off a cliff are sorely mistaken.
- Winter
  
  You’re right. Solarte’s going to bat .500 for the rest of the year.
Dalek Jeter

I read the Chad Curtis article right before gametime and into the top of the first. I’m still sort of nauseous, could really use a win after that.
- WhittakerWalt
  
  I hate Chad Curtis. What article are you referring to?
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    The one Mike posted this morning, Greg Hanlon from “sports on earth” did an extensive interview and overview of the molestation case. Dark, dark stuff.
    - WhittakerWalt
      
      My gorge is rising.
forensic

Every ball has been hit right on the screws.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Sounded like at least Lawrie’s grounder was a cue-shot, no?
  - forensic
    
    Eh, even that was hit relatively hard. And it quite possibly would’ve been a hit if Tex was over there since he wouldn’t get to the bag as quickly as Johnson (certainly a hit if Johnson wasn’t so far off the bag).
Yangeddard Solarte

They’re scalding these balls off CC right at people. Need more runs.
Macho Man “Randy Levine”

It still amazes me how MLB and BRef have different numbers.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  How do you mean? Like…different averages listed or they use different stats? Cause mlb.com is very old school with the stats it had listed.
  - Macho Man “Randy Levine”
    
    They just have different numbers for some things. Go to MLB.com’s all-time stats leaderboard for hits, for example, and then compare it to BRef.
    - forensic
      
      Yeah, MLB.com including the pre-1900 stats while BR doesn’t (I believe that’s their cutoff). I like to go by MLB.com on stuff like that (I pitifully keep track of stats during each season on some spreadsheets) just because it’s more complete and it’s what would be considered official by the sport (even though it is a different type of game).
WhittakerWalt

Papa Yankee is going to ejaculate after every Jeter base hit, isn’t he?
Wheels

Jeter’s already hitting way better than he did in ST.
CountryClub

Jeter has certainly looked like Jeter at the plate so far. Great to see.
Electric

As good as Encarnacion is at the plate he is SO bad in the field
- forensic
  
  “As good as he is at the plate, that’s how bad he is in the field.”
  
  – McCarver
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    I thought the same thing. My mind actually immediately went to the Family Guy spoof of him.
Wheels

break the drought McCann.
Dalek Jeter

I feel a McCannon blast right here.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Or…you know…not.
nycsportzfan

Ellsbury is a fucking beast!
forensic

Geez McCann, that was right down the middle.

Soriano up? Guess the inning is over.

/reversepsychology
Wheels

frustrating.
forensic

It’s been another day. Guess it’s time for Soriano to complain about DHing again.
- OldYanksFan
  
  Truth is Beltran should be our ‘official’ DH, and should only play the OF against tough RHP’s, and resting Sori …. maybe 30 games.
  
  DH’ing is not easy for guys not used to it.
  It’s a unique mindset, and many players have trouble adjusting.
  Carlos should be told he will be our ‘primary’ DH, so he can get the routine down.
  
  Sori is a better fielder, and I’d rather have Carlos stay fresh and be able to have his SwH bat in the lineup as much as possible.
  - forensic
    
    Totally disagree. The only positive to your theory is that it might keep Beltran’s bat in the lineup more, but he should play plenty anyway (and still get days off whatever role he’s playing).
Dalek Jeter

*Hangs head*
Yangeddard Solarte

How many times are Jeter and Ellsbury going to be on 1st and 2nd with no outs before they push at least one run across the board?
forensic

And another pitiful performance by the offense. 1st and 2nd, no outs, and the runners don’t move an inch.
The Guns of Navarone

Three straight fastballs up and out over the plate for McCann; foul, foul, swing and a miss strike three. That sucked
OldYanksFan

Sori now 0 for 16.
- forensic
  
  0-17.
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  17
- WhittakerWalt
  
  There’s a reason the Cubs didn’t want him. This is why we got rid of him back in 2003, he just flails too often.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Also, you know…early 2000’s Alex Rodriguez was one of the best baseball players ever.
    - WhittakerWalt
      
      NO YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO SAY THAT!!
Yangeddard Solarte

Nobody was going to hit that ball 6 inches inside.
Winter

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/05/new-canadian-money-smells-like-syrup-melts-in-heat/
- forensic
  
  It’s kind of sad that them smelling like maple syrup is a bigger story than the fact that they melt and are ruined if they get hot.
  - Ethan
    
    I’ve been using the new money for almost 3 years now. I’ve never heard of it actually happening to someone I know. I’d guess the fact that US money gets ruined in water is more of a problem than Canadian money melting. Canadian money doesn’t tear or gets ruined if it comes in contact with water.
- Ethan
  
  The maple syrup part isn’t true.
nycsportzfan

Gangsta changeup to K melky by Carsten Charles!
Winter

Oh man. I’m not looking forward to the Yankees playing four games @TB.
- forensic
  
  I miss the Devil Rays days.
Dalek Jeter

The biggest thing about CC’s lack of velocity the past 14 or so months to me isn’t so much 88-91 can’t get people out it’s that instead of there being an 8-10mph difference between his fastball and his change up there is a 4-5mph difference.
- nycsportzfan
  
  That change to get Melk man was a thing of beauty though, you gotta admit.
nycsportzfan

BROB baby!
WhittakerWalt

ICHIRO’S BACK
Wheels

Solarte! fuckin A
forensic

Solarte! Thank you for stealing 2nd earlier, Roberts, otherwise you’d be stranded on 3rd soon.
WhittakerWalt

“Grounds rule double” said no one ever besides Sterling.
Get Phelps Up

A Yankee is going to win the ROY award but it won’t be Tanaka.
WhittakerWalt

Once the outfielders start making adjustments we’re going to feel a lot less great about Solarte.
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  Just enjoy it while it lasts.
  - WhittakerWalt
    
    I am, for sure.
Need Pitching & Hitting

So who had Gardner for 1st HR?
- nycsportzfan
  
  No one. Mike.A and myselfs little prediction of Ells(mike), and Sori(me), were both wrong. Oh well, happy for Gardy.
nycsportzfan

Gardner gets the 1st tater of the yr! How fitting!!!lol
Get Phelps Up

A homer!!
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

No-power OF with the first HR of the year, love it!
mustang

Still way to early but when do we start taking this guy for real?
- WhittakerWalt
  
  Probably never. David Adams, anyone?
  - mustang
    
    True.
    
    We will see.
- Jorge Steinbrenner
  
  As a legit starting-caliber guy? Let’s see where he is mid-season. Just enjoy it right now.
vicki

lol.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Eduardo who?
forensic

Yeah GARDY!!!

Broke the seal!
Wheels

still only 1 out.
CountryClub

YEAH
WhittakerWalt

GARDNER PLANTS ONE!
Yangeddard Solarte

Still think this Solarte kid is going away? What a ballplayer. What a pickup.
- mustang
  
  Cashman successes !
- Mr. Roth
  
  “What a ballplayer.”
  
  He may or may not be a lot of things, but one thing we can all agree on is that he sure does play baseball.
Jorge Steinbrenner

This feels like New York Yankee baseball to me.
BigBlueAL

So who had Gardner hitting the 1st Yankee HR 6 games into the season?? :-)
nycsportzfan

Is Toronto 2nd to Yank stadium as far as stadium Gardy has hit most HR’s in? I feel like hes now hit a few taters at Toronto in his career.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  This was his 2nd homer in Toronto, tying it with the Trop.
- forensic
  
  That was his 2nd here. He also has 2 at Tropicana Field.
  
  16 at Yankee Stadium.
forensic

Wow, Encarnacion looked like he was in slow motion going after that grounder. And apparently diving would’ve been way too much work.
Axis of Mike

Who guessed Gardy’d be the first to go yard? Not me.
Lukaszek

The ball went over the wall, I’ve never seen that happen before

What happens, do they like throw the ball back and re-do the play? Or is it counted as an out?
Dalek Jeter

Who had Gardy as the first show of the season?
- Axis of Mike
  
  I woulda lost that pool. And, btw, he’s redeemed for taking all those hittable balls in the last AB. I hereby renounce all criticism of him for one week.
- Wheels
  
  probably safe to say no one.
  - Jorge Steinbrenner
    
    Same folks who had UConn/Wisconsin, I’m sure.
    - Need Pitching & Hitting
      
      Kentucky won.
      - Jorge Steinbrenner
        
        My bracket lost. All that matters.
        
        Kidding. Go UConn.
Get Phelps Up

Why don’t they just build a new ballpark?
- Axis of Mike
  
  I guess because they’re already at risk of losing whatever fan base they have. The owner has publicly stated this, I’m not just opining. If they go on a run and get to the series or whatever, maybe they could build. That’s my take, anyway.
Axis of Mike

You know, Ellsbury used to be a problem for me because I wanted to hate him for being a Red Sock but I just couldn’t. Really, really nice having him on the team.
Nathan

Last Yankee rookie hitter to have this kind of (early) success?

Melky?
- forensic
  
  It’s been 3 1/2 games. Guys have little streaks like this all the time. It’s fun, but nothing to go Eddard over.
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  Solarte has 17 PA’s so far and is hitting 533/588/800
  Melky’s debut was 211/211/211 in 19 PA in 2005(granted in his age 20 season)
  The next year he hit 267/313/267 in his first 6 games (18 PA)
- Mr. Roth
  
  David Adams did it last year.
- Jorge Steinbrenner
  
  Last rookie to have two or more hits in his first three games, or something of that sort, was…….Joe DiMaggio.
forensic

That was a relatively easy catch, but it sure is nice having Gardy and Ellsbury out there next to each other.
nycsportzfan

This teams gonna be so fucking good this yr! I love the way this teams built, including farm system. Yanks are in very very good place right now, if you ask me.
- Axis of Mike
  
  +1
- nsalem
  
  Agreed. Getting rid of Nunez was major addition by subtraction.
- Wheels
  
  Lawrie, lol
  - Wheels
    
    wrong spot.
    - Need Pitching & Hitting
      
      It works anywhere.
forensic

At least CC seems to have found a little bit of his location. Hopefully he can keep it going for a few more innings. Maybe even save a little extra work for the bullpen given the O’s and Red Sox coming into NY next week.
CountryClub

For those that don’t want to be spoiled before DOTF is posted, I’ll just say that trenton had an interesting inning today.
Need Pitching & Hitting

A hit!~!!!!
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  Did they save the ball?
Chip

Lost in all of this: CC looks really sharp
- Dalek Jeter
  
  This is why I hate listening as opposed to watching. As of right now, Sterling’s calling it right down the middle. Not saying CC is dominating, and not saying the babip gods are on his side. Then on here, we have commenters saying everything is hard hit right at people and others saying he looks sharp. Which is it?!
  - forensic
    
    Like his last start, everything was getting rocked the first couple innings. He seems to have found better location the last couple innings and looks a bit better.
forensic

I just saw a pig fly by my window…
- nsalem
  
  He’s got a heart and he’s got a head. I really think he will figure it out. Agreed he may not return to what he was, but he still may very well have a few good years ahead of him.
  - forensic
    
    A few good years? Are you really talking about Soriano?
Karl Krawfid

CC is out there flexin’ now.
nycsportzfan

For all you CC bashers, hope your eating alittle crow today, as he looks really solid, and on his game.
- Axis of Mike
  
  Fuck the haters. CC, like Ichiro, is not to be counted out just yet.
  - nsalem
    
    I have much more confidence in CC’s future being brighter than Ichiro’s. Hope I’m wrong.
    - forensic
      
      Why do you hope you’re wrong? If Ichiro’s done, it’s just one year and he’s gone. If CC’s done, it’s a ton of money for several more years.
      
      If only one can turn it around, you should hope you’re right that it’s CC over Ichiro.
      - nsalem
        
        I was just referring to Ichiro when I wrote I hope I’m wrong.
  - Winter
    
    CC is 33. Ichiro is 40. I’m counting on CC bouncing back much more than Ichiro.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    I’m with ya. I’ve said all offseason(after most transactions done), that Ichiro needs to stay, as I thought he could make a nice little 2nd career, outta being the 4th OF’er, PH’er, PR’er, and defensive replacement.
    
    As for CC, I never doubted him. Like I said, even in his worst season, he won 14games last yr, and was deserving of benefit of the doubt, with how hes done for us every other yr, and in his career. People give up to easy on players.
    - nsalem
      
      CC was awful last year. Him winning 14 games is totally irrelevant to the conversation.
    - Axis of Mike
      
      Yeah, I heard you say that and I’m saying he’s still good enough to start. Obviously Girardi agrees.
    - nycsportzfan
      
      Ok, now I wish I didn’t post anything about CC, as now I look like the idiot.lol Thanks CC, really appreciate it. Pfft!
- nycsportzfan
  
  Flat out dealin!
- Wheels
  
  Dude c’mon, it’s not unreasonable for people to have concerns about CC.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    Concerns are one thing. Saying hes finished is another. Come on dude.
Axis of Mike

That was a big inning!
Dalek Jeter

CC hit 92 in the Sierra AB fwiw.
Yankee$

I hate to say it but Lawrie rubs me the wrong way the way Chad Curtis did 15 years ago.
- forensic
  
  Lawrie’s a piece of shit. Has been his whole career, it’s part of why the Brewers traded him.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  I’m not following? Are you saying he’s going to get convicted of molesting teenagers in 15 years? That’s a huge comparison to draw just to call somebody an asshole. (Which is exactly what Lawrie is IMO, just roidrage induced douchebag…not so much scum of the Earth douchebag.)
  - Yankee$
    
    Yes I agree but I never thought Curtis would end up a child molester 15 years later either. I agree though Asshole Douchebag can take many paths (but not too many good) still I should draw the line between Asshole Douchebag and Sociopathic Morally depraved scum of the earth. Cheers.
  - Yankee$
    
    I’m glad you didn’t jump on me for “rubs me the wrong way” which was unintentional but based on the circumstances, the wrong phrase to use.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      My reaction to this comment is exactly why I’m going to hell.
      - Jorge Steinbrenner
        
        I probably went in a worse direction than you did.
      - Yankee$
        
        I’ll save a shady spot for you.
      - vicki
        
        you’re my people.
Wheels

nice CC.
Nathan

Masterfully placed pitch by CC.
Yangeddard Solarte

This is what CC should be doing all the time. Look at him out there striking guys out right and left. If he can pitch like this we’ll have one of the best staffs in baseball.
forensic

He’s out.
- forensic
  
  Wow, can’t believe that play stood. Looked pretty clear to me.
  - Long-Past-His-Day-Rod
    
    We’re either looking at two completely different feeds or just have completely different minds, my friend. I thought he looked safe all the way in every shot.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Safe, call stands.
forensic

So, the other day a review in one game took 5 minutes. The reason? Another game had a review at the same time and MLB apparently never thought two games could have a review at the same time so they only have one umpire/crew in NY and the 2nd game had to wait for the first one to finish.

They seriously couldn’t see that possibility happening???
Winter

He looks out, but I’m not sure if it’s conclusive.
forensic

No way that was a 6 minute review. He just reached 2nd four minutes ago on my DVR.
- Axis of Mike
  
  All for naught anyway. Sheesh.
Axis of Mike

It’s OK, Gardy, you get a a pass for the REST OF THE GAME!
Yankee$

So now one time through the rotation, and two for the big man, I’m starting to feel giddy. Sure, Solarte is coming back to earth (this week probably) but the others will hit. This will be a fun summer of baseball in The Bronx.
Wheels

anyone up in the bullpen?
Dalek Jeter

Okay, CC’s losing it a bit. Get somebody up.
Yangeddard Solarte

Time to get the pen up. Get Warren up.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Well this is all falling apart rather quickly.
WhittakerWalt

Get some outs.
Wheels

dammit
Yangeddard Solarte

Get this POS out of there. Where’s Warren? Stall! Do something!
forensic

Come on CC, don’t give it all away now.
Karl Krawfid

Our infield efense sucks.
- forensic
  
  There’s no d in our defense…
- Winter
  
  None of these would have been “easy plays,” though.
  - Karl Krawfid
    
    You don’t think Solarte had to make that play?
    - Winter
      
      I think it’s a tough play for any 3B. That ball was scorched.
WhittakerWalt

Hey we should bring in David Phelps!
forensic

Ugh, just couldn’t make it easy, huh?
marechal

Death by bloopers and groud balls.
Yangeddard Solarte

And I’m sure we’ll hear more of, “Well if you just take out CC’s bad innings he’s been very good!” You could say that about any pitcher. I hated when people said that after the Astros game and now they’ll say it again. Get him out of there already.
- WhittakerWalt
  
  And you know they’ll say that.
Dalek Jeter

Ugh. This just went from a good start from CC and a step in the right direction to “ugh.”
- WhittakerWalt
  
  It’s never going to be easy for CC, ever again.
- Yankee$
  
  Yeah, I spoke of giddiness a wee bit too soon.
Nathan

Well there goes that.
Chip

Well that escalated quickly
- Lukaszek
  
  That’s not the only thing that escalated…
WhittakerWalt

Insurance runs time, please.
Yangeddard Solarte

That better be it for CC. Go to Warren, Kelley, Robertson to close shop. Putting CC out there again is just asking to lose.
Dalek Jeter

So any combination of Betances/Warren/and Thornton in the 7th, Kelley in the 8th, and Robertson in the 9th and lets get home at .500 please?
- WhittakerWalt
  
  The good news is that if you take away the innings where he’s gotten knocked all over the park, and the fact that he’s averaging 2.6 homers allowed per 9 innings, CC’s been fantastic.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    I hate defending CC…but I don’t think you can lay all the blame at his feet. The organization has to realize he’s no longer the lefty ace they signed…if he was on the same leash as Nova was a few days ago he’s probably out right after the bloop single to Bautista.
    - Need Pitching & Hitting
      
      Doubtful. Different situations. CC had been very strong for 4.2 innings immediately preceding that. Nova had been shaky all game.
      No matter who was pitching in that scenario, the bullpen likely wouldn’t have even starting warming until after the second hit.
    - WhittakerWalt
      
      Maybe, but he has to give us more than 5.2 innings. Eating innings might be the only contribution he has left.
      Anyway, you know Joe always has too much faith in his veteran presents.
      - Dalek Jeter
        
        It’s a tough call. Do you want 200+ league average to slightly below league average innings or 170-180 slightly above league average innings?
  - forensic
    
    lol
MartinRanger

God damn it CC, I was just starting to think you’d be fine.
- Yankee$
  
  He’ll be fine.
  - MartinRanger
    
    I’m not watching: how hard was he actually hit that inning?
    - Winter
      
      Bautista’s hit was a little blooper that dropped, but the other three were hit quite hard.
Dalek Jeter

Gotta love those singles of the wall.
Jvela

Quick question: how many years does CC have on his contract after this year?
- Winter
  
  2015 and 2016, plus a vesting option for 2017.
- MartinRanger
  
  Two and a vesting option.
  
  Yankees gotta stop with these big extensions to aging players. Though this one’s not nearly as bad as A-Rod.
nycsportzfan

Nice rip by McCann. Lets get a tack on run here, bombers!
Dalek Jeter

So that single changed nothing for Soriano?
- WhittakerWalt
  
  It’s amazing that he’s had such a productive career, when you see how clueless he looks on outside pitches. I guess that says a lot about how great and quick his swing is.
- MartinRanger
  
  He’ll get on a roll eventually. If he’s still struggling at the end of May, I get concerned.
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    I don’t think he’ll “get on a roll” for the rest of the season. I think Soriano is the extreme of a streaky player. He’ll be what he is right now for 2 weeks, then he’ll carry the team for 2 or 3 weeks, then go back to a shell and so on.
    - MartinRanger
      
      That’s exactly what I meant – he’s got a hot streak due up soon. It won’t last, but in the end he’ll even out as a quality part of this lineup.
nycsportzfan

Soriano is having mind numbingly bad at bats. He missed that thing by over a ft. Thats just bad.
MartinRanger

Two righties due up to start as well. That’s gotta be it for the big man. Hopefully he can build on this going forward. This is an extremely good lineup, and CC’s definitely still figuring it out up there. Plus he was never a great first-half pitcher even when he was throwing in the mid-90s if I recall correctly.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Man, Sori is a hacker sometimes.

Everyone hating on him now will be quiet once he gets his timing a little better and starts bombing some.
- Mr. Roth
  
  THIS!
Chip

Soriano proving that the second half of last season was a mirage. Dude is Josh Hamiltonesque at the plate right now
- Deathstroke Heathcott
  
  He’s always run hot and cold. When he’s cold, he’s brutal. When he’s hot, he hits like 7 homers in 2 weeks and you’re happy.
forensic

Soriano flukes into a hit, and then goes back to himself and swings at a pitch in the dugout.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Tough to lay off a borderline pitch like that.
- Long-Past-His-Day-Rod
  
  Hehehehe
Yankee$

Any time now Soriano.
Winter

Is there no chance of seeing Beltran as a PH?
WhittakerWalt

Soriano shows that his one hit was a fluke.
nycsportzfan

One thing I don’t like about are offense, is there is a ton of upper cut swingers. It don’t always hurt, but it makes high pitches that much tougher to get to.
BigBlueAL

Looks like there wont be any insurance runs so its up to the bullpen to lock down this win.
nycsportzfan

Dellin Betances time? Maybe a mix of Betances and Thornton to get through 7th, and then go with Kelley and then DROB, and then WIN!
- nycsportzfan
  
  Goin with Warren. I love are bullpen right now. So many options.
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  I’m guessing Betances’ next outing won’t be in a higher leverage situation.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    I hope not. Hes not done anything to warrant taking him outta pressure situations yet. Sure , a couple walks, but not enough to mess with his confidence or anything.
    
    But, with so many options, its probably tough to decide who goes when, on Giardi’s part.
will

Something tells me betances won’t be pitching any time soon, well until rothschild works with him
MartinRanger

Now Roberts…to be honest if he gets hurt it may be a blessing in disguise. I’m really not sure he has much left. If Sizemore is healthy I think he’d be a better option, and move KJ to second when Teix gets back. I love Solarte but I’ll be stunned if this goes on for much longer.
- Lukaszek
  
  Yankees are a Solarte-powered vehicle
- Winter
  
  I don’t want another IF injury. Roberts may not be great, but he’s not bad for a bottom-of-the-lineup type guy. Even if he’s not hitting great, he sees a ton of pitches and, when he does manage to get on base, he can give the other team a headache.
  - Winter
    
    Also we sorely lack depth with Teixeira on the DL. I don’t want to give up even more. For example: You think if KJ weren’t stuck at first we’d have seen Beltran as a PH last inning? I do.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Wait, I stepped away from the computer, did Roberts break?!
  - MartinRanger
    
    He’s fine for now. I was just speculating long term. I get a distinctly Tony Womack 2004 vibe from him.
- vicki
  
  i wouldn’t count roberts out. he’s getting a few hits, taking a few walks. and he had a decent august and september last year (5 hr in september, from both sides of the plate). i believe in a healthy brian roberts.
  - Mr. Roth
    
    This.
    
    Roberts has looked great so far. I don’t get why it seems like so many people are rooting for him to get hurt. It’s like they just want to prove that their assumptions were correct.
    
    The guy works the count, makes good contact, is solid on the bases, and can play a decent 2B. Why hate?
- forensic
  
  He’s had a lot of good AB’s, played generally solid defense, and can really help when he’s on base. I don’t see the big problem with Roberts. The last thing they need is another injury, especially just to replace that guy with another guy who hasn’t stayed healthy for any time in two years.
  - MartinRanger
    
    Fair enough. I’m just really bearish on Roberts being a helpful contributor. While Teix is out I certainly hope he stays healthy. Going deeper into the season I think the Yankees will have better options.
    - nycsportzfan
      
      Roberts has been a on base machine for us, and is always really good, when healthy. I hate assuming injuries. Hes stayed healthy before, its not impossible. Hes very talented player.
Yankee$

Go to hell Carolina, Go to hell!
Yangeddard Solarte

Adam Warren has locked down the 7th inning guy role. Warren-Kelley-Robertson is a trio that could be good for years to come.
nycsportzfan

Mark Reynolds might not be with us anymore, but hes still helping us, as hes got the only ribby hit, in a 2-0 lead for Brewers against blosox , and there deep in the game(7th)
- Lukaszek
  
  Mark Reynolds is quite a Red Sox killer, wish we kept him
  - forensic
    
    No thanks.
  - nycsportzfan
    
    I did really want to resign him, but the way Solarte’s played, i’m kinda happy we didn’t bring him back.
forensic

Nice job Warren! Even got through their biggest bat in Melky…
- Dalek Jeter
  
  Melky couldn’t find his syringe before the AB.
  
  /half kidding
  - vicki
    
    juicing shows me they care.
  - WhittakerWalt
    
    It’s certainly tempting to say that Melky’s juicing again. I’ll admit to making a crack or two myself.
    But every pitch he’s hit for a homer has been put on a tee for him. Any major leaguer should do that with those pitches.
    - Dalek Jeter
      
      Elvis Andrus: *Hits same pitches to warning track* *Sobs*
      - WhittakerWalt
        
        Hahaha, I should have specified major leaguers who had SOME kind of power.
        
        forensic
        
        heh, and just 15 minutes after you guys talk about this, Andrus goes and hits a homer against the Rays.
Winter

To answer Michael Kay’s question, Ichiro has struck out 3 times in a game 17 times.
- forensic
  
  I like retrosheet better for some things like this. At least they don’t charge you or hide half the info like BR does (though BR is certainly an invaluable resource).
  - Winter
    
    Sure, it’s just faster to find it with play index.
    - forensic
      
      Maybe, for the above reasons I haven’t tried it out a ton to have a real comparison.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Tweet:

Mark FeinsandVerified account
?@FeinsandNYDN
A Yankees home run AND an Alfonso Soriano hit in the same game? Amazing. That breaks his 0-for-17 start to the season.

Response:

Vernon WellsVerified account
?@VernonWells10
@FeinsandNYDN I could do that!
- Dalek Jeter
  
  So Vernon Wells is self aware enough to know how fucking awful he was last year?
  - Need Pitching & Hitting
    
    I’m sure getting paid $21M to sit on his ass this year helps with the sense of humor.
  - WhittakerWalt
    
    He probably is. He was always good-natured and self-aware.
    - vicki
      
      he’s cool as hell. the crazy blue jays overpay, inexplicable angels trade, and last year’s yankees’ desperation doesn’t change that. even if you want to say we paid the entire 14mm for last season that still only accounted for 6% of our payroll. he had some nice moments and carried himself with grace.
forensic

Breaking News!!!

Bill Madden just discovered there are more strikeouts in baseball today than in the past.
- Dalek Jeter
  
  http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130223000930/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/b/b3/Kevin-Butler-Mind-Blown.gif
Wheels

Come on, get this last out.
vicki

dammit. i need shawn kelley to be dominant, since apparently we gave up a stud lead-off guy to get him.
- nycsportzfan
  
  Thats how the M’s got Almonte? I wondered how they got him?
- MartinRanger
  
  Between Melky and Almonte the Yankees have bad luck with guys who look like no-hit 4th outfielders.
nycsportzfan

Good work Kelley! Now lets tack on, and completely ensure, that CC gets his 1st W of the season.
forensic

Even starting pulled over a touch toward LF, Ellsbury was so close to that. Oh well. This is where we hope Kelley’s HR tendencies don’t come into play now.
Wheels

Atta boy Kelley.
forensic

Nice job Kelley!
nycsportzfan

8th place by himself on all time hits leader for the Captain. Think about that for a second.
nycsportzfan

Ok DROB, its time for you to shut the door! Lets do this!
Wheels

That would have been a homer at Yankee Stadium.
forensic

McCann’s saying ‘Can’t we go play in Yankee Stadium yet???’.
RetroRob

Okay, just need a detailed but quick recap of the first 8 1/2 innings.

Just kidding.
- nycsportzfan
  
  Yanks went up alot. Toronto then came back with 3run 6th, and here we are.lol
  - RetroRob
    
    Thanks, that works, although all I care about now are the last two outs!
    - nycsportzfan
      
      Oh yeah, and Gardy ended the Yanks homerless streak, which is kinda funny, and very cool at the same time.
Karl Krawfid

Fuck man Adam Lind.
- nycsportzfan
  
  Scary stuff. HOping the count don’t go full. Get em on this 2-2 pitch, please!
Dalek Jeter

Just when my hatred for Brett Lawrie is entering “apathetic” levels he has to go and do something to bring it back to “vitriolic” levels.
MartinRanger

Damn it. Careful David.
nycsportzfan

Come on DROB, close this door! 2more outs!!!
vicki

god. of all people.
Dalek Jeter

Thanks for that 1 pitch live look in MLB.com. You’re definitely making a happier customer.
Wheels

nice.
RetroRob

Not graceful, but an out.
nycsportzfan

Here we go. Fuck!!! Get outta this DROB! Time for your Hoodini act!
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

I wanna see the PitchFX on that last one…
forensic

Ugh, shit, come on Robertson!

Lots of close pitches this inning.
BigBlueAL

Would feel alot less nervous right now if the Yankees wouldve scored again after the 4th inning.
Kenny

Don’t like this houdini bit at all.
MartinRanger

Get a distinctly Wetteland vibe from Robertson.
Long-Past-His-Day-Rod

Robertson is dealing 94-95 today
forensic

Figures, it has to come down to Melky…
Axis of Mike

Noting. Above. The. Knees.
Wheels

Yankees win!
RetroRob

Nice, if scary.
MartinRanger

Don’t let Melky beat us please for the love of god.
forensic

Whew, got lucky there. Can’t put the tying run in scoring position that easily.
Dalek Jeter

D-Rob’s got this.
- nycsportzfan
  
  Yes he does! Yanks win baby! CC’s first W of the yr, and DROBS 2nd SV of the season. Also the first series win of the season for Yanks.
  
  Good work Yanks!
itsallhowuseeit

Fuck you juiceman
nycsportzfan

This turned into a grinder! One more out, and there hottest hitter up, and its Melky, the former Yank outta all people.
MartinRanger

That is what they call a Cardiac Save.
Axis of Mike

Nail it down man.
RetroRob

So Merdith’s interview of Derek gets cut off?
BigBlueAL

Never a doubt in my mind lol.
- Axis of Mike
  
  I had faith in our boy!
forensic

Whew, that was concerning off the bat.

Big win, needed this one!
- Axis of Mike
  
  +1
- nycsportzfan
  
  I was scared off the bat, myself.lol Very satisfying victory.
will

he hung that
Axis of Mike

Curve ball! Scary but no harm done. Great game. See y’all later!
vicki

oh, i get it. cc left the door open to help drob with the contract year stat-padding.
- Axis of Mike
  
  Diabolical!
- forensic
  
  And to help my fantasy team.
  
  Since I know how much you love fantasy baseball. :-)
  - Dalek Jeter
    
    Hah, I have D-Rob on my team too! Thanks for the save, CC…but you gotta get better buddy.
Yangeddard Solarte

A brilliant game to get the series W and split on the road trip. CC is, and continues to be, the weakest link. Offense put some runs on the board and CC nearly blew it. If not for the lock down pitching of Warren, Kelley and Robertson this game would have been lost. Solarte shows no signs of slowing down and I fully expect the big bats to come alive on the home stand.
RetroRob

So was Gardner’s HR the first of the season for the Yankees?
- Rolling Doughnut
  
  Yes.
Rolling Doughnut

DRob just has to do it the hard way. But gets it done. CC was better but he still got hit pretty hard. Oh well, 3-3 and get back to YS. Not too bad.
Bronx Boy

Welcome home, boys
mustang

Going home a half game up on the Red Sox in second place and one game back of the Rays that’s the important thing…LOL

:)
Get Phelps Up

Can’t sat I expected the Brewers to sweep the Red Sox.