New York Yankee 2007 Post Season Thread

[Doctor Z]

4.0

[Tenbatsuzen]

"Red Sox Nation is officially in panic mode - the collapse is underway!" - Sportscenter tonight.

Abraham's blog has some funny posters. Jokes about Saffron risoto and Shelley Duncan abound.

[Doctor Z]

Who better to hit the game-winner for Baltimore than Kevin Millar?

[sailor]

what are the odds of gagne signing an extension?

and no posts today in the boston thread?

[Tenbatsuzen]

Can someone PLEASE post HBox's Gabbard photoshops from last year?

[Bulldogcakes]

Mo: He's pretty nice for a dirty Indian. Though I can't sleep at night because I'm afraid he'll sneak into my hotel room and scalp me.

http://www.nba.com/media/knicks/celebs_060119_mariano.jpg

So thats what happened! I thought he was just going bald.

[Bulldogcakes]

You know the more I look at it, the more questions I have about how much you really gain with Tori Hunter. He'll be 33 years old when you sign him. He also strikes out a lot, averaging 100 per season. Career OBP of .324. That's not a Yankee profile player. Some say his defense is declining, but even if it is he was already one of the best in baseball, so some decline would still leave him as an elite CF. He would cost the Yanks at least 13-15 mil per season. Is he really that big an upgrade from Melky defensively? He covers more ground for sure, but Melky covers plenty as well. As far as overall hitting goes, Hunter has a career OPS of around .800. So does Melky, and he's young and on the upswing. Again, is he really worth spending the 15 mil on? Getting Hunter and letting Abreu walk means you would move Melky to right and have an upgrade defensively there, but again not by much. And you lose a lot with Hunter's bat as opposed to Abreu's (career OPS of .910). Are the extra few outs you'll get with Hunter's range worth giving up .100 points of OPS for?

Maybe you pick up Abreu's option and keep the current OF as is. We all know the stats of how much the Yanks win when Abreu hits. The one who just never fits into this equation in any way is always Damon. I don't think he'd fetch much, but I also don't think he wants to be a 4th OF at his age and I have no idea if he has any desire (or ability) to play 1B.

Tough call. The only clear decision is to trade Damon, what you'll get back I don't know.

[Bulldogcakes]

If you pass on Hunter and wait until 2009, you can choose between Carl Crawford (who I love) as a 28 year old, or for shorter term deals you have Garret Anderson, Manny Ramirez and Vladimir Guerrero as free agents. Not a bad field of players either, every bit as good as this years and with Crawford being so young maybe even better if you focus solely on him.

[HBox]

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5169/gabbard2ib9.jpg

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1555/gabbard1mz9.jpg

[Kevin]

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5169/gabbard2ib9.jpg

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1555/gabbard1mz9.jpg

WHAT DO I HAVE TO SAY... THIS IS NOT A BIT!!

[Tenbatsuzen]

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1555/gabbard1mz9.jpg


EVERY time I see or think of this image I fucking chuckle. No lie.

[Dudeman]

4.0

http://www.kistenet.com/brandon/images/Han%20Solo.jpg

Great, kid. Don't get cocky.

[TheGameHHH]

If you pass on Hunter and wait until 2009, you can choose between Carl Crawford (who I love) as a 28 year old, or for shorter term deals you have Garret Anderson, Manny Ramirez and Vladimir Guerrero as free agents. Not a bad field of players either, every bit as good as this years and with Crawford being so young maybe even better if you focus solely on him.

theres honestly no player in the majors i want more in pinstripes then Carl Crawford.

[HBox]

These are the worst pieces of "art" I've ever seen in my life! They look like some middle-aged Midwestern housewife painted them. I'm literally just laughing here. Did this guy get paid to make these and then this afternoon realize he forgot to paint them and then just took a picture of A-Rod and surrounded it with pastel colors? I just can't describe how bad this is. It's beyond my ability to describe in the written word.

[Bulldogcakes]

I know they want Alex to stay, but really. Thats a bit much.

[HBox]

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8190/artcrapml6.jpg

[Tenbatsuzen]

These are the worst pieces of "art" I've ever seen in my life! They look like some middle-aged Midwestern housewife painted them. I'm literally just laughing here. Did this guy get paid to make these and then this afternoon realize he forgot to paint them and then just took a picture of A-Rod and surrounded it with pastel colors? I just can't describe how bad this is. It's beyond my ability to describe in the written word.

I said on Abraham's blog it looks like something that someone would get at a late 80's Bar Mitzvah.

It's just AWFUL and atrocious. Glavine got a pair of Jetski's for God's sake!

[Tenbatsuzen]

I know they want Alex to stay, but really. Thats a bit much.

I hope that's Sarcasm, because if I'm A-Rod, I've got Boras on the phone.

Do you think instead of Peter Max, Steinbrenner painted it? I hear they give you finger paints in the home.

[zildjian361]

These are the worst pieces of "art" I've ever seen in my life! They look like some middle-aged Midwestern housewife painted them. I'm literally just laughing here. Did this guy get paid to make these and then this afternoon realize he forgot to paint them and then just took a picture of A-Rod and surrounded it with pastel colors? I just can't describe how bad this is. It's beyond my ability to describe in the written word.

peter max was a 60's stoner who painted great black light posters no wonder he knocked the third 500 picture down think LSD :smoke:

[Tenbatsuzen]

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8190/artcrapml6.jpg

That really needs to be an avatar.

Just fucking brilliant, H.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Is Good.

[Doctor Z]

Something is definitely wrong with Wang. I just hope he's not hiding an injury. He's looked really bad in his last 2 starts, his last one being the shortest/worst of his career. Something is fucked, and I don't like it.

[HBox]

Something is fucked, and I don't like it.


http://nemotaku.info/blog/images/ANN.jpg

[Bulldogcakes]

Something is definitely wrong with Wang. I just hope he's not hiding an injury. He's looked really bad in his last 2 starts, his last one being the shortest/worst of his career. Something is fucked, and I don't like it.

Nah, I don't think they'd fuck with his career like that. They need him too much.
I think its just a few bad outings in a row. Pettite had the same thing a few weeks ago. It happens. Mussina had it for . . . oh . . . . April May and June. Now they're both back on track.

Wang needs to keep his ball down. If he's actually too STRONG, he'll get hit hard.

[Bulldogcakes]

yes!!!

Who's Betta Than Betimit!

[Bulldogcakes]

I hope that's Sarcasm, because if I'm A-Rod, I've got Boras on the phone.

Do you think instead of Peter Max, Steinbrenner painted it? I hear they give you finger paints in the home.

A custom Peter Max is worth more than brand new Hummer. Which would have impressed everyone. Maybe A-Rod's a big art fan?

But anyway, I meant the whole ceremony thing. I like the Yanks being about winning, not personal milestones. If A-Rod got stuck at 499 and we win the WS I couldn't care less about the HR's.

[Tenbatsuzen]

yes!!!

Who's Betta Than Betimit!

Kanyon.

[Bulldogcakes]

I usually don't listen to the games on radio. Does Sterling have a Betemit call? Or a Shelly Duncan one?

[zildjian361]

Pearl Jam's cant find a better man he never heard that song nice HR :drunk::unsure:

[HBox]

A custom Peter Max is worth more than brand new Hummer. Which would have impressed everyone. Maybe A-Rod's a big art fan?

But anyway, I meant the whole ceremony thing. I like the Yanks being about winning, not personal milestones. If A-Rod got stuck at 499 and we win the WS I couldn't care less about the HR's.

Peter Max and his art are things that are bets left in the 70s.

If A-Rod is a fan of that I just can't pay him $30 million on principal alone. He can go hit his record breaking HR elsewhere and Peter Max can go throw Paas egg dye on a canvas and give it to him.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I usually don't listen to the games on radio. Does Sterling have a Betemit call? Or a Shelly Duncan one?

I believe he tried "Bet on Betimit!" but hasn't used it since.

[Kevin]

Sterling is raving about how great those paintings are.. I had to laugh reading these posts..

[HBox]

Sterling is raving about how great those paintings are.. I had to laugh reading these posts..

Of course Sterling loved them. I'm not surprised at all.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Of course Sterling loved them. I'm not surprised at all.

When the sculpture dropped... "GOODNESS GRACIOUS!"

[Bulldogcakes]

I believe he tried "Bet on Betimit!" but hasn't used it since.

I'm still hoping against hope that "Duncan Hits a Donut" will catch on. For the sponsorship potential alone.

Somebody came up with "SLAM DUNCAN!" which is great, except you really should only use that for grand slams.

Maybe for Betemit home runs he could do a take off on Brian Regan's bit and go "HEYYYY BETTA BETTA!!"

. . . . anyone?

[Tenbatsuzen]

. . . . anyone?

http://paultan.org/wp-content/truck_vs_car_crash.jpg

[Tenbatsuzen]

That slider is something else. Jesus.

[Kevin]

Sterling.. WHAT A JOBA BY JOBA....

[Bulldogcakes]

Is it too soon to project Joba to 300 wins and put him in the Hall of Fame?

[HBox]

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/8955/jobanx9.jpg

[sailor]

did mora just try to drop kick posada?

[HBox]

did mora just try to drop kick posada?

He just awkwardly tried to jump away and swipe at Posada's glove at the same time.

Bloopers are infuriating.

[Bulldogcakes]

Fuck. Mo's been shaky lately, it finally caught up with him.

[Tenbatsuzen]

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/8955/jobanx9.jpg

I think we've finally found the replacement for crying benoit.

[Doctor Z]

Jeter's got a knack for driving in that winning run from 3rd with a lil' tapped slow-roller.

And I'll take it every time.

Shaky performances from Wang and Mo, but we still pulled out the win, which is the most important thing. Joba looked fantastic again.

[HBox]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070814/capt.dfda721469874a6f9bd4ca71936eaa87.orioles_yank ees_baseball_nysw112.jpg?x=380&y=240&sig=p3uuHaazgfzxo6AoT_tfAg--

God that's awful.

[HBox]

I mean seriously, those paintings have the making of a Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm episode. Just imagine Larry David getting something like that as a gift. It's so awful, I just can't believe it.

[A.J.]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070814/capt.dfda721469874a6f9bd4ca71936eaa87.orioles_yank ees_baseball_nysw112.jpg?x=380&y=240&sig=p3uuHaazgfzxo6AoT_tfAg--

God that's awful.

Hoo hoo -- Peter Max is ripping off Bobo!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/mikeyboy/ronfez/fezportrait.jpg

[sailor]

were those done with a copy-cat?

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lO9MFXX6MPM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lO9MFXX6MPM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[Freitag]

Since the Yankees already have a black memorial stripe for Lidle, I think the only way to honor Rizzuto - and his years of service to the team both as a player and an announcer - is to have his number on their sleeve.

[Bulldogcakes]

http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Phil-Rizzuto---Holding-bat-across-legs-posed-sepia-Photofile-Photograph-C10107233.jpeg

RIP Scooter. You will be missed.

[Kevin]

http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Phil-Rizzuto---Holding-bat-across-legs-posed-sepia-Photofile-Photograph-C10107233.jpeg

RIP Scooter. You will be missed.

Rip Scooter.

[Tenbatsuzen]

They have a classy tribute to Scooter... and then we have to see fucking Giuseppe Franco.

DIE.

[HBox]

I love Cablevision. They are so great.

[HBox]

I've been watching since six and I wish they got more comments. I heard Torre say that Rizzuto liked to jog out on the field 17 times already.

[Tenbatsuzen]

HBox's mod quote + avatar = comedy.

[Bulldogcakes]

If Jeter lays down a bunt for a hit and then points to the sky, I think I just might totally lose it.

[Tenbatsuzen]

"Markakis" sounds like a race of aliens on Star Trek. or an erectile dysfunction drug.

[Bulldogcakes]

Oooof. That'll leave a bruise.

[Kevin]

Oooof. That'll leave a bruise.

And why did they chose this scrub over Kennedy again?? He fucked up that 8 run comeback, now this garbage outing..

[Bulldogcakes]

I would have loved to have seen Kennedy, not that I know he'd do better but just out of curiosity. Kennedy is the type though that might struggle in his first few outings in the bigs. He does a little of this and a little of that. If he's nervous and off a little, he'd get hammered.

I wouldn't write this game off yet. This Cabrera usually looks good against the Yanks for a few innings, and then they beat his brains out around the 5th or 6th. If not hey, cant win em all. Yanks are 32-10 since late June.

[Kevin]

I would have loved to have seen Kennedy, not that I know he'd do better but just out of curiosity. Kennedy is the type though that might struggle in his first few outings in the bigs. He does a little of this and a little of that. If he's nervous and off a little, he'd get hammered.

I wouldn't write this game off yet. This Cabrera usually looks good against the Yanks for a few innings, and then they beat his brains out around the 5th or 6th. If not hey, cant win em all. Yanks are 32-10 since late June.

From everything i heard, Kennedy is just as poised and polished as the other 2 kids that came up.. Even if he got hammered.. He still got a lil taste of the bigs, and goes down.. If he pitched well.. Even that much more confidence.. We know Karstans stinks.. Like i said, he fucked up that other game.. Kennedy, you have a chance.. This was basically a throw away game, and id rather have seen the kid.. I do not want to see Hey Arnold character head pitching unless its a blow out either way...

[Bulldogcakes]

From everything i heard, Kennedy is just as poised and polished as the other 2 kids that came up.. Even if he got hammered.. He still got a lil taste of the bigs, and goes down.. If he pitched well.. Even that much more confidence.. We know Karstans stinks.. Like i said, he fucked up that other game.. Kennedy, you have a chance.. This was basically a throw away game, and id rather have seen the kid.. I do not want to see Hey Arnold character head pitching unless its a blow out either way...

If you really want to get on somebody for this game, its Clemens. It was his start, and he decided he'd rather throw at Rios than pitch a game for a team in a pennant stretch.

I LOVED it when he did it, but this is the fallout from it.

[HBox]

Today sucks so far but at least here's one shitty YES commercial we'll never have to watch again. (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/half_hour_news_hour_shelved_65085.asp?c=rss)

[HBox]

Shelley Duncan rules. Props to Torre for not pinch hitting Damon or Giambi there.

[Bulldogcakes]

duncan Hits A Donut!!!!

[Doctor Z]

That's the biggest waste of a magical bottom-of-the-9th comeback I've ever seen in my life.


Mariano is dead to me.

[Terry-Two]

Ball Game Over – Yankees Lose…THHHEEEEEEE YAAAAANNNNKKEEEEESSSSS LOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSEEEEEE!!!

[Bulldogcakes]

Cashman has until midnight to sign top draft pick (http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1187153121269190.xml&coll=1)



Because Brackman had some arm issues -- there is some thought he may need elbow surgery after signing -- and chose agent Scott Boras as an adviser, he dropped from a possible top-10 pick to the Yankees at No. 30.

Since its Boras, you know nothing will happen until the last minute. The article doesn't say what will happen if he doesn't sign. If anyone knows, please tell me.
This is the type of "high ceiling with some question marks" guy that the Yanks came up big with Chamberlain on. Its also the kind of guy like Humberto Sanchez that could be gone for 2 years.

[BoondockSaint]

From mlb.com

Here's how the new rule works: Teams have until midnight ET tonight to sign their draftees. If a drafted player does not sign by tonight -- and that includes having all the I's dotted and T's crossed, including physicals by that time -- they re-enter the Draft pool. If it's a college junior or a player headed to junior college, that means they will be eligible in 2008. For high schoolers who decide to attend a four-year college, they will have to wait until 2010 to enter the Draft odyssey once again.

Nothing has changed regarding college seniors. They still have until just before next year's Draft to sign or they re-enter the Draft.

The blow of not signing an early pick is cushioned somewhat under the new rules. If a team doesn't sign its first- or second-round pick, there is compensation, moreso than in the past. If, for example, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are unable to sign No. 1 pick David Price, they would get a comparable pick -- No. 2 overall -- in 2008.

The compensation for not signing a third-round pick is a sandwich pick between the third and fourth rounds.

[7fttall500+]

That's the biggest waste of a magical bottom-of-the-9th comeback I've ever seen in my life.


Mariano is dead to me.

I totally agree with the first comment....the second one, you should be ashamed of yourself!!!!

[citymedic27]

I dont think the yanks have the pitching nor bullpen to make a serious run at the world series. giving up runs like they do is ok in the regular season, but in the post season, big no no. Sorry bronx bombers, more like bronx bums this season.

[Kevin]

I dont think the yanks have the pitching nor bullpen to make a serious run at the world series. giving up runs like they do is ok in the regular season, but in the post season, big no no. Sorry bronx bombers, more like bronx bums this season.

For the Love of God, Relax people.. Its 2 games.. We can't win every game.. Mo is just going through one of those things.. He will be fine.. Its not like Hughes got bombed.. He gave up a run on a ball that should have been caught, and the other 2 on an inf hit basically.. They are fine..

[Kevin]

New York Yankees: The Yankees and Andrew Brackman have reached an impasse and the deal to sign the team's No. 1 pick is on hold at the moment, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. The team and Brackman's representatives are continuing to negotiate the details of a contract and the team hopes it can resolve the impasse.

The former North Carolina State pitcher will need Tommy John surgery and the team does not expect him to reach the majors before 2009

[A.J.]

Fucking Yankees, Reports Nation (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/fucking_yankees_reports_nation)

[ChrisTheCop]

That's the biggest waste of a magical bottom-of-the-9th comeback I've ever seen in my life.


Mariano is dead to me.

in bed.

[Bulldogcakes]

Fucking Yankees, Reports Nation (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/fucking_yankees_reports_nation)

Nice! Love the Onion.

[Bulldogcakes]

Brackman signs (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/wires/08/15/2010.ap.bba.yankees.brackman.0218/)

Brackman Scouting report (http://brewerfan.net/ViewAmateurPlayerProfile.do?playerId=660&draftId=5)

A towering presence on the mound, listed at 6'9", 235, but he reportedly may be as tall as 7' now. Brackman dazzled scouts on the Cape this past summer, with reports of a fastball as high as 101 mph. He works comfortably in the 93-95 range, and there's no reason to believe he wouldn't be able to sustain that velocity at the next level. He also throws a very good slider and a promising changeup.


Brackman does display a very good, natural pitching sense, and with his intimidating presence he is not shy about pitching inside. The biggest issue with him is obviously his size, which helps and hurts him. It helps him in that he is at a natural advantage facing hitters and pitching on a downward plan that makes his already hard fastball appear that much nastier. It hurts him in that you don't see too many super-tall pitchers in the big-leagues, as he will have to keep his mechanics in check to make sure his extra-long limbs don't lead to wasted movement and possible arm problems down the road.

Well, he's already having Tommy John, so now you have to wait and see if anything else will go wrong. Huge guy, throws very hard. Sounds like a right handed Randy Johnson IF he ever pans out, which of course most prospects don't and even Randy didn't for the first 5 years of his career. This guy will be all about his mechanics and health.

These are the guys Cashman likes, ones with a big upside that fall to where the Yanks can still get them selecting at the bottom of the draft each year. If he didn't have the elbow issue (and Boras as an agent) he would have gone in the first few picks by all accounts.

[Bulldogcakes]

Wow that was fast.

Verlander pitching, I guess I can go food shopping after all.

[Kevin]

Big game Mussina strikes again... Is there a worse big game pitcher??

[cougarjake13]

Big game Mussina strikes again... Is there a worse big game pitcher??

randy johnson ???

[Doctor Z]

Remember that time when we won 9 out of 10 and were 4.0 games out of the A.L. East?




...That was a fun day.

[Kevin]

At least we made him work.. 30 pitches..

[cougarjake13]

Remember that time when we won 9 out of 10 and were 4.0 games out of the A.L. East?




...That was a fun day.



its not that bad
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.
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yet

[Doctor Z]

Sweet, 3-game losing streak. Awesome. Way to keep pace.

PS - Mussina is 100% done.

[TheGameHHH]

im so done with moose.........if the yanks make the playoffs i wanna go to war with Wang, Hughes, Pettite and Clemens.....moose can sit in the bullpen for all i care behind Joba, Viz and Mo

[Bulldogcakes]

Do we start posting vomit pictures yet?

[TheGameHHH]

forget pictures, lets get Moose a bucket cause he was throwing up all night

[RingWraith]

im so done with moose.........if the yanks make the playoffs i wanna go to war with Wang, Hughes, Pettite and Clemens.....moose can sit in the bullpen for all i care behind Joba, Viz and Mo


I'm with ya. I never trusted Mussina against any playoff-caliber teams, especially this year.

[tupper65]

So what the hell is going on now?

Is this just a minor 'bump' in the road or is this the beginning of another collapse like earlier this summer?

The hitting is better, the pitching is more solidified, and we did come up against 2 very good pitchers in a row, so I'm leaning toward the 'bump'. I think the rest of the series will tell all. All of the next three starters that we face have ERA's around 5 and we are throwing Petite, Clemens and Wang. If we don't at least split this series, we might be in trouble with a trip to the house of horrors in LA.

[HBox]

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1706/racistdj4.jpg

[HBox]

Thank you Andy Phillips. It was nice of you to cut off that throw and let that run score. Really nice.

You aren't hitting anymore. If you can't play defense either I don't know what you would be doing here.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Thank you Andy Phillips. It was nice of you to cut off that throw and let that run score. Really nice.

You aren't hitting anymore. If you can't play defense either I don't know what you would be doing here.

SHELLEY DUNCAN!

[Bulldogcakes]

Thank you Andy Phillips. It was nice of you to cut off that throw and let that run score. Really nice.

You aren't hitting anymore. If you can't play defense either I don't know what you would be doing here.

With Wilson Betemit here, you start to wonder if you really need 3 guys that can play first. I'd kinda like to have that roster spot for another bullpen arm, with the way Joe uses his bullpen.

[HBox]

I'm lucky enough to be watching this in HD tonight and I can see in Stunningly Bright and Defined Detail a fucking swarm of moths flying all over the infield in a crazy tizzy. It's actually quite annoying.

[Sarge]

I'm lucky enough to be watching this in HD tonight and I can see in Stunningly Bright and Defined Detail a fucking swarm of moths flying all over the infield in a crazy tizzy. It's actually quite annoying.

Ridiculously annoying.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I'm lucky enough to be watching this in HD tonight and I can see in Stunningly Bright and Defined Detail a fucking swarm of moths flying all over the infield in a crazy tizzy. It's actually quite annoying.

It's the mirrors!

[HBox]

It's the mirrors!

No, no, no, it's the "meeeerrrrs."

I'd love to be in the room for the pitch for that commercial. '"K, you want to sell your HDTVs to sports fans and you want to emphasize the mirror technology. OK. So here's my idea. We take a little girl and an elephant, and we put them in the middle of a non-descript field. Then the girl talks gibberish for twenty seconds before getting to the HD pitch. But here's the best part. She can't pronounce mirrors!"

[HBox]

I don't care what anybody says. Andy Phillips is awesome.

[Bulldogcakes]

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/18/189722.jpg

"You guys were saying . . . . . . ?"

[Tenbatsuzen]

No, no, no, it's the "meeeerrrrs."

I'd love to be in the room for the pitch for that commercial. '"K, you want to sell your HDTVs to sports fans and you want to emphasize the mirror technology. OK. So here's my idea. We take a little girl and an elephant, and we put them in the middle of a non-descript field. Then the girl talks gibberish for twenty seconds before getting to the HD pitch. But here's the best part. She can't pronounce mirrors!"

The same girl is in a new KFC ad, hawking extra-crispy.

If you think that's bad, you should see Tony Raines (NASCAR driver) trying to say the Mirrors line during races.

[HBox]

This robot beer woman commercial is really freaking me out.

[Bulldogcakes]

Just something I came across Googling since the Big Z just signed with the Cubbies.

2008 Free Agents (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/10/2008_mlb_free_a.html)

2009 Free Agents (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2002/02/2008-09-free-agents.html)

This years list is pretty weak, even more so with Zambrano signed. Maybe a few good relievers. Next year is a fucking bumper crop of great talent all over the place. Pitchers and position players.

I know the Yanks like to stick something under the Christmas tree for fans to renew their tickets, but this year I don't see anything big unless it comes via trade. An A-Rod extension is like kissing your sister, no matter what the price tag. If that falls through Glaus should be available, he was put on waivers recently. Damon is a very likely trade candidate, but I doubt he'll fetch much coming off a down year.

Also, the guys who are up for free agency next year may be dealt this off season, and the first name that comes to mind there is Santana.

[cougarjake13]

This robot beer woman commercial is really freaking me out.

your freaked out ???


its making me horny

[TheGameHHH]

Just something I came across Googling since the Big Z just signed with the Cubbies.

2008 Free Agents (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/10/2008_mlb_free_a.html)

2009 Free Agents (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2002/02/2008-09-free-agents.html)

This years list is pretty weak, even more so with Zambrano signed. Maybe a few good relievers. Next year is a fucking bumper crop of great talent all over the place. Pitchers and position players.

I know the Yanks like to stick something under the Christmas tree for fans to renew their tickets, but this year I don't see anything big unless it comes via trade. An A-Rod extension is like kissing your sister, no matter what the price tag. If that falls through Glaus should be available, he was put on waivers recently. Damon is a very likely trade candidate, but I doubt he'll fetch much coming off a down year.

Also, the guys who are up for free agency next year may be dealt this off season, and the first name that comes to mind there is Santana.

Crawford, Lackey, Peavy, Santana........those are some huge names for 2009

[Tenbatsuzen]

I forgot this game was on Fox. like Kenny Albert, fucking HATE McCarver.

[TheGameHHH]

I forgot this game was on Fox. like Kenny Albert, fucking HATE McCarver.

hows this for a shitty situation? i just moved to florida and DirecTv doesnt come to install until tuesday. I can't watch the game on my mlb.tv package because its a nationally televised game. so now im stuck with no t.v. and no way to watch the yanks today. to make up for it im going to the Marlins game tonight to try and catch a Bonds HR. Plus Blues Traveler is playing after the game.

[HBox]

to make up for it im going to the Marlins game tonight to try and catch a Bonds HR. Plus Blues Traveler is playing after the game.

Why punish yourself? It's not your fault DirecTV can't come until Tuesday.

[TheGameHHH]

Why punish yourself? It's not your fault DirecTV can't come until Tuesday.

hahahaha, ill give u credit that was somewhat funny. but honestly, for years my buddy and i have been talking about how we want to go to the ballpark and sit down and score a game. every time we go to the Bronx we get so caught up we dont have time to score the game in the book. so tonight we figured with Bonds in town it would be a nice opportunity to score the game and get a chance to see him play. why not go? its two teams we dont care about, plus it'll be nice to watch some National League ball.

and blues traveler is excellent, thats all im gonna say to defend them.

[BoondockSaint]

How do you give up a bomb to a guy still wearing braces?

[JPMNICK]

Clemens looked decent tonight, put in 6 innings which is not bad.

[Tenbatsuzen]

How do you give up a bomb to a guy still wearing braces?

Shit, I thought Easy-E had come back from the dead.

[Doctor Z]

Let's hope Wang is Wang today... He's been pretty off his game his last 3 or 4 starts, but it's basically imperative that we keep this thing rolling right now, especially after that 3 game slide. Boston may or may not be out of the picture, but being behind Seattle for the wild card pisses me off.

I'd also like to keep being able to say we haven't lost a series since two series before the All-Star break (with the exception of pesky Baltimore).

[Bulldogcakes]

Apparently I'm not crazy about A-Rod

Cubs, Sox unlikely to go for A-Rod (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/515779,CST-SPT-deluca19.article)

That leaves the Angels, who would be operating from a position of power with no other teams in the derby -- unless Boras is able to pull off another fast one and dupe an owner, again, into believing there's a ''mystery'' team bidding for A-Rod. Hicks fell for that once; hard to imagine another owner being so gullible.

As much as the Rangers hate the idea, Rodriguez's best option might be sticking with the Yankees and drawing $27 million each of the next three seasons.

Again, I just don't see the market being there for him. Will every team in Baseball want him? Yes. Can they afford him and does the location make sense for him? Doubtful. I still think his best option is an extension with the Yanks. But the Yanks may balk at his demands as well, especially if Troy Glaus is available for a reasonable trade. He'll give you a little less (but still comparable, career OPS of .856 to A-Rod's .963) production at half the salary without all the drama.

But with a new stadium coming and future milestones to be reached, I still think keeping him will be the first option for the Yanks. But it has to be an extension, or he's gone.

[TheGameHHH]

is it just me or is seattle just following our lead......every time we win, they win. everytime we lose, they lose. its getting annoying.

[Bulldogcakes]

Yanks Prospects Tabata, Garcia Injured (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/264685.html)


Yankees outfielder Jose Tabata will miss the remainder of the season after surgery to remove the hamate bone in his right wrist.

The injury has bothered the 19-year-old outfielder since playing in the Venezuelan Winter League, and he’s seen five different hand specialists over the past year to get a proper diagnosis.

“It’s a six-week rehab and he’s going to be fine,” Yankees senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman said. “He tried to play through it and he shouldn’t. He’s had problems with it on an off for a while and it really bothered him on a swing.

Nothing too serious, but he's done for the season (which ends soon anyway). Betances went down with an inflamed elbow (http://mvn.com/mlb-yankees/category/news/injury-report/) a few weeks ago, so their 2 top guys after Kennedy will finish the season on the DL.

[Bulldogcakes]

The Sterling Shake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fINd9Z3U2TQ)

Turn down the volume, its scratchy.

[cougarjake13]

is it just me or is seattle just following our lead......every time we win, they win. everytime we lose, they lose. its getting annoying.

vince mcmah... errr bud selig wants it that way to keep things interesting

[Bulldogcakes]

Joba and Edwar-check

Cleveland-check

Detroit-check

http://nomaas.org/images/cashsoprano.jpg

"Hey Boston . . . . ."

[Doctor Z]

Back to 4.0 and feeling great...

...for at least another 24 hours.

[cougarjake13]

Joba and Edwar-check

Cleveland-check

Detroit-check

http://nomaas.org/images/cashsoprano.jpg

"Hey Boston . . . . ."

what the hell is wrong with carmela's face in that pic ???

[TheGameHHH]

seattle is really starting to piss me off, so are the white sox for that matter

[sailor]

what the hell is wrong with carmela's face in that pic ???

they copied it from dave's tattoo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/mikeyboy/SNC11725.jpg

[Bulldogcakes]

what the hell is wrong with carmela's face in that pic ???

That's Cashman's bitch.


Click the bar and look closely.

[Bulldogcakes]

Good article about A-Rod (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/not-that-theres-anything-wrong-with-that/)

The question is this: Are the Yankees willing to pay almost $36 million a year for the future Hall-of-Famer’s post-35 year old career? That's the question facing the Yankees. Yes, the deal with the Rangers gives the Bombers a leg up, however it is only in place if A-Rod doesn't opt out. The Yanks have to make it worth Boras/A-Rod's while not to; quite frankly, I doubt they care that New York loses the subsidy if Rodriguez opts out; they likely are of the opinion that it isn't their problem.



Bottom line: A-Rod's opt out will be ridiculously expensive for any team, including the Yankees. Regardless of what Rodriguez will do at the end of 2007 the Yankees, due to their money, have to be considered front runners. Having said this, the team that does land Rodriguez will come to regret it. In 2000 the Rangers paid $252 million for a player just coming into his best years. The winner of the A-Lottery will likely be paying around $200 million for the Hall of Famer's decline phase.

This is what is known as the winner's curse.


BTW-Hardball times is one of the best baseball sites around.

[Bulldogcakes]

An interesting breakdown of Hughes' mechanics

Story 1 (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/not-that-theres-anything-wrong-with-that/)

Story 2 (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/phil-hughes-part-2-more-video-analysis/)

Hughes vs Chamberlain (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/chamberlain-or-hughes-whos-got-better-mechanics/)

Bottom line is Hughes has already had shoulder issues, and should try to tighten up his delivery. This guy thinks he loses velocity as a result, and we saw in his first outing at the stadium his velocity was down a bit. He likes Hughes delivery except that one spot. Watch the radar gun with Hughes, if he's 92-95 he's fine. If he's 90-92 something might be wrong, and it could be his shoulder again. I wonder if he got into a bad habit after the ankle sprain.

Also when it comes to Chamberlain, he will be good as long as he keeps the ball down. When he gets it up they say his ball straightens out (like Farnsworth) and becomes more hittable. Working in relief he should be able to keep a lid on it most of the time I would think.

[Bulldogcakes]

Hughes has been sitting with the fastball around 89-92 tonight. As I'm reading some scouting reports about him, some say he works around 93-95, others say its low 90's or 90-92. His 2 seamer is slower, so no surprise there. Plus everyone says radar guns are different everywhere you go, so who the fuck knows. He looks good so far tonight, although Cano owes him one of those runs back with his shit glove. He didn't have to go walk the next two guys afterwards, though.

I remember the Yanks saying Wang's delivery was smooth and flawless (http://insidetheyankees.com/players/chienmingwang.htm) when they signed him, how durable they thought he'd be and how they never expected him to be on the DL. Next thing you know he had shoulder surgery and it took 2 years to regain his form.

[HBox]

Hughes has been only been pitching for a little more than a month now. Before that he hadn't pitched for almost two months. It could just be a matter of working up arm strength.

[Bulldogcakes]

http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2004/winter/images/atomic-bomb.jpg

[Dudeman]

http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2004/winter/images/atomic-bomb.jpg

nice exhibition for a possible future employer

[Bulldogcakes]

Hughes has been only been pitching for a little more than a month now. Before that he hadn't pitched for almost two months. It could just be a matter of working up arm strength.

Yeah, it could be a lot of things, most of them not serious. That article I posted said that the loss of velocity can be from his more over the top delivery. Its just that I kept hearing about what "perfect mechanics" Hughes has, and then I dug up this stuff. I didn't even know about the shoulder inflammation in 05. Other guys have also said similar shoulder stuff. Shoulders just scare the crap out of you. They're like Tommy John, they take forever when they go bad. Wang had it twice though, and has managed to keep it together.

Now I know why they're being ultra careful with him.

[Doctor Z]

.
FUCKING CUNT!

[Bulldogcakes]

Well, I needed to get to sleep anyway.

Just keep hitting the ball to Cano, you'll score all night.

[Doctor Z]

.
JORGE JUICED ONE!!!

[Doctor Z]

OH... oh no...

don't do that...


please... PLEASE don't do that...

[Dudeman]

OH... oh no...

don't do that...


please... PLEASE don't do that...

he's setting them up for a triple play

[Doctor Z]

TAKE THAT FARNSWORTH!!! You TRIED to lose this game for us, but we didn't LET YOU!

[commish13]

Mo just came really fucking close too.

[Doctor Z]

Worst loss of the season.

[TheGameHHH]

ok, new night......they can beat Escobar and theres still hope for a series victory.

[BeltOfScotch]

Any chance they can get Ian Kennedy to L.A. in time for the second inning?

[Kevin]

Mussina is the greatest big game pitcher ever.. Life on the line, i chose him anyday!

[Doctor Z]

6.0 in the division and 2.5 in the WC.

Playoff hopes fading...

[Doctor Z]

Mike Mussina belongs at home.
Retired.
Because he's no longer a major league pitcher.

We would've had a better shot if we started Tyler Clippard or Ron Villone tonight.

[Kevin]

6.0 in the division and 2.5 in the WC.

Playoff hopes fading...

2.5 wouldnt be bad if it werent 4 in the loss

[Tenbatsuzen]

BTW, Z, I can't begin to tell you how your "fucking cunt" post in huge letters went over while surfing the board at work today. Jesus.

[Doctor Z]

.
MY NAME IS MATTHEW AND I LOOK AT PORN AT WORK!














AND I HATE MY BOSS!

[Tenbatsuzen]

Mike Mussina belongs at home.
Retired.
Because he's no longer a major league pitcher.

We would've had a better shot if we started Tyler Clippard or Ron Villone tonight.

You were saying, fucko?

[BeltOfScotch]

I hate the Angels

[Kevin]

If the Yankees have any balls.. Cut Mussina tommorow and bring up Kennedy.. He cant be worse than this fucking homosexual. The Tigers did it with Monroe after signing to like a 3 4 year deal, to bring up the kid.

[BoondockSaint]

This should count as two losses.

[Marc with a c]

im not watching, what's the score?

[BoondockSaint]

im not watching, what's the score?

Garret Anderson 10
Yankees 5
Rest of Angels 8

[Marc with a c]

Garret Anderson 10
Yankees 5
Rest of Angels 8

wait. what's the score?

[BoondockSaint]

wait. what's the score?

Angels 18
Yankees 5

[Marc with a c]

Angels 18
Yankees 5

ouch.

[TheGameHHH]

this one felt almost as bad as that 19-1 loss last year or two years ago against the Indians i believe.

[Kevin]

this one felt almost as bad as that 19-1 loss last year or two years ago against the Indians i believe.

22-0

[TheGameHHH]

22-0

damnit, why did i think it was 19-1? did they only get one hit?

[Kevin]

damnit, why did i think it was 19-1? did they only get one hit?

Dunno.. They turned it around big time after that.. Maybe this does the same..

[HBox]

This season for Mussina is becoming very reminiscent of the David Cone fall off the face of the earth season.

[Bulldogcakes]

Glad I went to bed at 6-1.

[RingWraith]

Can we "DFA" Mussina now?????? I mean this guy could potentially destroy the Yanks chances of getting into the playoffs.
At least when he plays any of the good teams.

[TheGameHHH]

This season for Mussina is becoming very reminiscent of the David Cone fall off the face of the earth season.

too bad Moose didnt throw a perfect game first.

[Bulldogcakes]

Want to hear something else? Even if the Yanks make the playoffs, their most likely opponent in the ALDS will be. . . . . .thats right, the LA Angels. The team that they are 2-7 against this year and has one of the best records in baseball at home (42-17 at home) while the Yanks are below .500 away (29-32). The team that Torre hasn't had any answers to for 10 years.

In that case, I can't lose. If they beat them then you'd have to like their chances against anyone who's left. If they lose then Torre's fate will be sealed. Either way I'm happy.

[Marc with a c]

i dislike the yankees, and i hope they lose tonight.

[Tenbatsuzen]

too bad Moose didnt throw a perfect game first.

Carl FUCKING Everett

[Bulldogcakes]

i dislike the yankees, and i hope they lose tonight.

All the gays hate the Yankees.

[Kevin]

i dislike the yankees, and i hope they lose tonight.

Don't make me out you on your lil secret damn it!!

[Doctor Z]

.
HEY, THAT'S THE MELKY WAY!

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN!

[HBox]

Abraham said on his blog that Moose isn't guaranteed any more starts past his next one.

[Doctor Z]

Andy Pettitte seriously deserves a fucking gold medal tonight. What a performance... This guy knows when the fuck he HAS to win.

I feel pretty good about this one with Joba and Mo in the pen.

[Kevin]

Andy Pettitte seriously deserves a fucking gold medal tonight. What a performance... This guy knows when the fuck he HAS to win.

I feel pretty good about this one with Joba and Mo in the pen.

Mussina- Eats moose cock
Pettite- does not..

[Kevin]

This kid is just unreal.. He just made Vlad and Cabrera look like little leaugers.

[JPMNICK]

100mph pitch to vlad, and then he struck him out.

also, is it really striking out the side when you allow a base runner? i know he got 3 strikeouts, but someone did make it on base.

he looks awesome, i wonder if they will move him up to a starter to replace mussina

[Dudeman]

100mph pitch to vlad, and then he struck him out.

also, is it really striking out the side when you allow a base runner? i know he got 3 strikeouts, but someone did make it on base.

he looks awesome, i wonder if they will move him up to a starter to replace mussina

or closer? (someone had to say it)

[Bulldogcakes]

Abraham said on his blog that Moose isn't guaranteed any more starts past his next one.

Richard Neer last night said the same thing. I guess Ian Kennedy once the roster expand?

Kay said that Mussina was going through the lineup before the game and saying something like "I can get this guy, I can't get that guy". If he saying stuff like that, he's beat himself before the game even starts. If he gets dropped, I wonder if he even wants to pitch again next year.

[Bulldogcakes]

or closer? (someone had to say it)

I don't think so. As good as he's been in the bullpen, he has 3 quality pitches and usually guys like that start. Plus he's still working on his changeup, if he gets that he'll be "unfair" to quote Paul O'Niell.

[JPMNICK]

Richard Neer last night said the same thing. I guess Ian Kennedy once the roster expand?

Kay said that Mussina was going through the lineup before the game and saying something like "I can get this guy, I can't get that guy". If he saying stuff like that, he's beat himself before the game even starts. If he gets dropped, I wonder if he even wants to pitch again next year.

Igawa pitched 6 scoreless in AAA the other night, maybe they bring him back up

[Bulldogcakes]

Moose's next start is vs the Tigers. The team with every other hitter that "He can't get out". The team that just beat him 18-9 where he didn't make it out of the 2nd inning. If Torre is serious about looking elsewhere, the rosters expand when his next turn comes around Sept 1 vs Tampa. All this time we thought that the Yanks as an organization just didn't believe in going with young pitchers. They were a veteran team and Torre just wouldn't use any kids. With them ever talking about dropping Mussina from the rotation, it shows what a big change in direction (or improvement in the farm system) the Yanks have taken.

But if they drop him it leads to a bunch of questions I cant figure out. Let me make a list of the "I cant see"s here
-I can't see them going with 3 first or second year arms in the rotation this year or next year.
-I cant see Mussina traded to the NL. He's too anal about knowing each of the hitters and he'd have to learn a whole new league.
-I cant see Mussina fighting for the 5th spot in spring training. He doesn't enjoy the game that much and at his age he doesn't want to deal with that.
-I cant see them trading Mussina anywhere because he makes too much $ and the Cashman HATES to eat salary for any reason. If Cashman would eat any salary, Farnsworth would have been gone already.
-I cant see them doing an "expensive headache for expensive headache" trade. You might as well just keep him.

I'll assume that one of the big 3 young arms go in a deal for an 09 free agent to be in the off season like Santana or Sabathia. That's still one rotation slot for another. No change for Moose.
I guess he's the 5th starter next year no matter what. Unless he retires, if he thinks he just cant do it anymore.

[JPMNICK]

who would retire when you can sit around for a season and collect 18 million dollars?

[Bulldogcakes]

Igawa pitched 6 scoreless in AAA the other night, maybe they bring him back up

Maybe, he has big league experience. But if they're serious about trying to win games down the stretch you'd have to bring up your best, and thats Kennedy. Here's his stats
W 12 L 2 ERA 1.82 GS 26 INN 140.2 BB 50 H 89 SO 158

His hits to innings pitched is insane. Walks about 3 per 9, thats OK if it stays there and/or he keeps the hits down. I heard Sweeney Murti say on the FAN the other day that we'll likely "get a look" at Kennedy in September. I hope so, I'd love to see him.

[JPMNICK]

Maybe, he has big league experience. But if they're serious about trying to win games down the stretch you'd have to bring up your best, and thats Kennedy. Here's his stats
W 12 L 2 ERA 1.82 GS 26 INN 140.2 BB 50 H 89 SO 158

His hits to innings pitched is insane. Walks about 3 per 9, thats OK if it stays there and/or he keeps the hits down. I heard Sweeney Murti say on the FAN the other day that we'll likely "get a look" at Kennedy in September. I hope so, I'd love to see him.

I think Kennedy depends on what happens with Mussina, and how the Yanks are doing in the standings. i also would love to see him

[Bulldogcakes]

who would retire when you can sit around for a season and collect 18 million dollars?

I think its 12 mil, but Mussina is a weird guy. He doesn't really enjoy pitching, its a job to him, and a difficult one. Plus he's such a perfectionist, I don't know if he wants to go through another season full of failure. He reminds me of Paul O'Niell that way, who retired early. It would be a classy move to just step aside if he feels he cant do it anymore. He said before he re-signed with the Yanks that he didn't plan on playing anywhere else.

But you're right, chances are he comes back. But if he loses the 5th spot to Kennedy in spring training then all bets are off. I don't see him becoming a reliever anytime soon. Maybe the Yanks DFA him, and just pay the salary.

[Doctor Z]

Just got home, haven't heard anything about the status of this game... Anyone know if it's gonna be played tonight?

[TheMojoPin]

God, If Mussina ends his career without a WS ring, it'll only be too sweet.

[Bulldogcakes]

Game is starting in a few minutes, around 11:00.

There's no way I'm watching this.

[Doctor Z]

If we lose this one now, after coming from behind twice... I dunno... I just don't know...

[TheGameHHH]

i just got back from Disney tonight and on the drive back from Orlando I figured I was gonna miss the game. i cant believe they started at 11pm, this is sweet since im up.

[JPMNICK]

4 hour rain delay, and Clemens has given up all 6 runs

[Doctor Z]

HEY, you know who's proven in big spots, with the season on the line?

EDWAR RAMIREZ.

[JPMNICK]

HEY, you know who's proven in big spots, with the season on the line?

EDWAR RAMIREZ.

Joba coming in next?

[HBox]

HEY, you know who's proven in big spots, with the season on the line?

EDWAR RAMIREZ.

That's the kind of thinking that had him sitting on the bench for two weeks straight and Torre putting in the likes of Farnsworth, Proctor and Villone over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.

I find it refreshing that Torre is giving the new relievers a chance.

[HBox]

This late game reminds me of last year. It was the last week of the season and the Phillies were playing the Nationals. They played like 6 or 7 innings and then there was a huge, long rain storm. They finally resumed play at like 2 in the morning. At that point I was sitting at a blackjack table at the Borgata. It was surreal to be sitting there watching live baseball in the middle of the night while playing blackjack. And it was actually nice and quiet so i could hear the announcers and everything. It was a very nice night all and all. At that point the Phillies were still alive for the playoffs too so the game meant something.

[Doctor Z]

Looks like Edwar worked out, gotta hand it to 'im... Give the ball to Joba here. Can't second guess that move.

But man, we need this game SO fucking bad.

[Doctor Z]

Joba's first 9 innings in the majors:

No runs
3 hits
15 strikeouts


...Dirty.

[Doctor Z]

Wait, no... you can't... you can't do this... don't...

...

. . .

But... but why?



Putting Farnsworth in here is the exact equivalent Joe Torre literally saying "We don't need to win this game. It's not important."

[Kevin]

Wait, no... you can't... you can't do this... don't...

...

. . .

But... but why?



Putting Farnsworth in here is the exact equivalent Joe Torre literally saying "We don't need to win this game. It's not important."


You were saying??

[JPMNICK]

why can Joba only pitch 1 inning. are they saving him for tomorrow? these rules with him hurt me to watch because i KNOW he can go more. i guess it is short sighted to want to use him up now. i just feel like it is feast or famine with torre and the pitchers

[Doctor Z]

Just cuz Farnsworth was successful ONCE, doesn't mean he is suddenly trustworthy.


Sometimes a dog shits a diamond.

[Kevin]

why can Joba only pitch 1 inning. are they saving him for tomorrow? these rules with him hurt me to watch because i KNOW he can go more. i guess it is short sighted to want to use him up now. i just feel like it is feast or famine with torre and the pitchers

Its not Torre's call.. The rules are set by Cashman and the rest of the brass.. For every Inn he pitches, he gets a day off..

[HBox]

I think the rationale is that Joba still has an inning ceiling. They are willing to go over if they make the playoffs but they still want to limit his innings for now. I think the Joba rules are only in effect until the very end of the season or when he Yanks are close to true elimination. The thinking being that you want to have plenty of innings available to use then. But don't overdo it now. Cashman already admitted the Joba rules aren't set in stone. Abraham said on his blog after the rules got out saying that Cashman was pissed about it, saying that now if he wants to go back and change things he has this hanging over his head.

[Doctor Z]

It's pretty awful that babying Joba takes priority over winning games and trying to make the playoffs.

[HBox]

This is as bad a game by an ump I've ever seen. A huge, wildly variable strike zone, then makes one of the worst strike calls you'll ever see, then compounds it by screaming at Posada in the middle of an at bat, then rings him up on another bad call and just waits for his first opportunity to toss him.

[Doctor Z]

Nothin' like bad calls determining the outcome of vital games!

[Doctor Z]

Jesus Christ... Granderson is like 7-for-7 tonight. Fuckin' shit.

[Doctor Z]

Okay, seriously....

seriously...


I'm going home.

[HBox]

I honestly think this ump is out to screw the Yanks now.

[TheGameHHH]

It's pretty awful that babying Joba takes priority over winning games and trying to make the playoffs.

this isnt babying Joba, you have to understand this kid is supposed to be the future, not the now. there is significant research that shows if a young pitcher has a serious innings increase from one year to the next, his risk of suffering serious arm injury is vastly increased. the yankees want to do everything to avoid that happening to Joba, its being intelligent not babying.

[JPMNICK]

this isnt babying Joba, you have to understand this kid is supposed to be the future, not the now. there is significant research that shows if a young pitcher has a serious innings increase from one year to the next, his risk of suffering serious arm injury is vastly increased. the yankees want to do everything to avoid that happening to Joba, its being intelligent not babying.

i guess they need to avoid the kerry wood situation, makes sense, just hard to watch when his numbers are what they are.

and Mariano has been making me nervous all season, but he got out of that mess.

i wonder if he comes back in for the bottom of the inning

[Doctor Z]

Wow... So they pick off Polanco to make it 2 outs and no one on... And somehow, Henn sucks enough to give up 2 singles and a homerun, all with 2 outs, all to batters that he was ahead of 1-2.

6.5 in the division (time to kiss this pipedream goodbye), 3.0 in the Wild Card (not impossible, but fading fast).

[JPMNICK]

Wow... So they pick off Polanco to make it 2 outs and no one on... And somehow, Henn sucks enough to give up 2 singles and a homerun, all with 2 outs, all to batters that he was ahead of 1-2.

6.5 in the division (time to kiss this pipedream goodbye), 3.0 in the Wild Card (not impossible, but fading fast).

the division is done, and unless the mariners start to lose some games, the wildcard might be done too. they play 3 games against the Yanks this week.

[Bulldogcakes]

Joba's first 9 innings in the majors:

No runs
3 hits
15 strikeouts


...Dirty.

Edwar Ramirez's record

9.2 Innings
15 strikeouts

Outside of the time where Torre didn't use him for 2 weeks and he was rusty and gave up the grand slam, he's let up only 2 runs otherwise. Giving him an ERA under 2.00 for the rest of his outings. He also struck out 102 in 56 innings in the minors this year, so its not just a total fluke.
He hasn't received any hype, but he just might be the future setup man they've been looking for. I love his ability to come out of the pen and get a strikeout. That will come in handy if the starter gets in trouble.


Plus, he has the worlds greatest music on his MYSPACE page (http://www.myspace.com/edwarramirez).(That's for H-Box)

[Bulldogcakes]

Just cuz Farnsworth was successful ONCE, doesn't mean he is suddenly trustworthy.


Sometimes a dog shits a diamond.

I cant stand Farnsworthless, but to be fair he's been good lately. Last 4-5 outings have been solid.

[Bulldogcakes]

the division is done, and unless the mariners start to lose some games, the wildcard might be done too. they play 3 games against the Yanks this week.

Its amazing. I've been scoreboard watching for over a month now and the fucking Mariners never lose. You look at their roster and figure they have to have a bad stretch somewhere. They have an excellent bullpen, and not much else. Weak starters, around the middle of the league in runs scored. They really should be around a .500 team.

To be fair, the Yank's team ERA is 8th in the AL (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?sort=ERA&split=0&group=7&season=2007&seasonType=2&statType=pitching&type=reg). For them to go anywhere in the playoffs, they'll have to hit.

[TheMojoPin]

i guess they need to avoid the kerry wood situation, makes sense, just hard to watch when his numbers are what they are.

Actually, it's avoiding what happened to Prior. Wood was called as someone who have a decent amount of DL time from the second he was drafted based on his mechanics and how hard he was worked in high school. Prior, on the other hand, posessed the so-called "perfect mechanics." Of course, his doward spiral started when Dusty Baker rode him like a whipped mule in 2003. That was Prior first full season as rookie and he ranked in the top #5 on the "pitcher abuse" scale. That's just stupid. Pitchers never pitch on any kind of schedule anywhere close to what they're expected to do in the MLB and Baker has him pitch over 120 pitches in 7 different games in his rookie season. I'm sorry, but you'll never convince me and a lot of other people that Prior's problems are most to blame on how insanely high his rookie season workload was. Sure, the linedrive to the elbow and the crash-up on the basepaths in the next 2 seasons didn't help, but his body was already severely taxed from 2003. Most young pitchers need to be relatively eased into their fulltime roles. Guys who are horses in terms of their stamina and health are incredibly rare.

[TheGameHHH]

good game so far, wang looks good.

[Tenbatsuzen]

so far, wang looks good.

All too easy.

[RingWraith]

So the Mariners finally lose a game when the Yanks win. Can't remember the last time that happened.

[Doctor Z]

So the Mariners finally lose a game when the Yanks win. Can't remember the last time that happened.

April 29th, 1936. It was a Wednesday.

[JPMNICK]

Actually, it's avoiding what happened to Prior. Wood was called as someone who have a decent amount of DL time from the second he was drafted based on his mechanics and how hard he was worked in high school. Prior, on the other hand, posessed the so-called "perfect mechanics." Of course, his doward spiral started when Dusty Baker rode him like a whipped mule in 2003. That was Prior first full season as rookie and he ranked in the top #5 on the "pitcher abuse" scale. That's just stupid. Pitchers never pitch on any kind of schedule anywhere close to what they're expected to do in the MLB and Baker has him pitch over 120 pitches in 7 different games in his rookie season. I'm sorry, but you'll never convince me and a lot of other people that Prior's problems are most to blame on how insanely high his rookie season workload was. Sure, the linedrive to the elbow and the crash-up on the basepaths in the next 2 seasons didn't help, but his body was already severely taxed from 2003. Most young pitchers need to be relatively eased into their fulltime roles. Guys who are horses in terms of their stamina and health are incredibly rare.

i meant to say prior, but it was 4:00am.

dusty baker did kill his career. i guess lessons were learned all across baseball from that

[TheGameHHH]

All too easy.

i know i set myself up there, but nobody else was saying anything. i thought i would motivate conversation.

[Bulldogcakes]

Joba watch (http://blog.stats.com/2007/08/joba_watch_1616.html)

The sample size police might come after us on this one, but Joba Chamberlain is doing something pretty remarkable.

So far, not a single big league hitter has made contact with his slider. That's right. This youngster is sporting a slider WHIFF rate of 1.000 in six appearances. Some of the victims: Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Gary Sheffield, Miguel Tejada, Pudge Rodriguez, Orlando Cabrera, and Vlad Guerrero.

He throws it so hard, and his fastball is so good that hitters are left with no option other than to look fastball. Then the slider comes, it looks like a fastball and they're toast.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Some of the victims: Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Gary Sheffield, Miguel Tejada, Pudge Rodriguez, Orlando Cabrera, and Vlad Guerrero

Not a free swinger in the bunch.
Seriously though he looks terrific should be a good series. See you all Tuesday.

[Doctor Z]

Remember that one time, when Phillip Hughes was a good pitcher?


Yeah, I remember that day...

[Doctor Z]

Well, the offense is certainly making a concerted effort to win this game.

The big question is... Can Hughes SUCK ENOUGH ASS to lose?

[HBox]

Well, the offense is certainly making a concerted effort to win this game.

The big question is... Can Hughes SUCK ENOUGH ASS to lose?

I have never ever encountered a more reactionary person than you.

Do you want to complain about Joba? I mean, he hasn't struck out every man he's faced so far. In fact, he's given up a few hits. The fucking bum. It's like he WANTS us to lose.

[Doctor Z]

Um, I've done nothing but praise Joba all over this thread. ...Because he's played well.

[HBox]

And all it took was almost flawless numbers from Joba. In the future he WILL give up a lead and when does you WILL be all over him.

As for Hughes, what did you expect? He's 21. Under ideal circumstances he wouldn't be up right now. Under any circumstances he was going to go through growing pains. And his starts have been relatively mild compared to what some young pitchers can do in their first starts. He hasn't had a complete implosion yet. He gives up some runs but always fights through, settles down and gives as much innings as he can. And he's been doing this all without his best fastball. His fastball is usually up to 95 but he hasn't touched that since coming back from his injury. He's shown a lot of guts and pitching smarts.

[Bulldogcakes]

Leiter is tough to take. He actually just said "Outside of the 5 runs he just gave up, Hughes has been dominant". And the douchebag Kay agreed with him.

Look, Hughes is still 21 and we all know he's learning on the job. But when Igawa gave up 5 runs in 6 innings everyone said it was a disaster. Lets not sugar coat where Hughes is at this point of his career. I think its pretty obvious he needs another pitch. He has one, he came up as a fastball/slider pitcher. But the Yanks wont let him throw his slider because they're worried about his shoulder. And those worries are legit.

[Bulldogcakes]

He's shown a lot of guts and pitching smarts.

I agree. Thats what you like about him most, his baseball IQ. He'll figure it out.

[Kevin]

This like Hughes 7th start?? He is 21 and missed three months... You can't expect the guy to be dominating.. Its just stupid overreaction.. He like all youngsters has not masterd his control yet.. When he does spot, he is dominating.. You just have to give the kid time.

[HBox]

Leiter is tough to take. He actually just said "Outside of the 5 runs he just gave up, Hughes has been dominant". And the douchebag Kay agreed with him.

Look, Hughes is still 21 and we all know he's learning on the job. But when Igawa gave up 5 runs in 6 innings everyone said it was a disaster. Lets not sugar coat where Hughes is at this point of his career. I think its pretty obvious he needs another pitch. He has one, he came up as a fastball/slider pitcher. But the Yanks wont let him throw his slider because they're worried about his shoulder. And those worries are legit.

Actually he has been throwing the slider occasionally since being brought up. And the concern was about his elbow, not the shoulder. And it wasn't because of any past injuries, the Yanks just don't like teenagers throwing sliders. They believe it leads to elbow problems in the future.

[Doctor Z]

7.5

[Kevin]

Yanks have this rather nasty habit of making mediocre to bad pitchers look great... And congrats to the tigers for taking 3 out of 4.. Because you KNOW Mr Big game pitcher Musscock is getting bombed tomorrow..

[Bulldogcakes]

Actually he has been throwing the slider occasionally since being brought up. And the concern was about his elbow, not the shoulder. And it wasn't because of any past injuries, the Yanks just don't like teenagers throwing sliders. They believe it leads to elbow problems in the future.

I'm really crushed that you don't click my silly links (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/if-it-aint-brokea-video-review-of-phil-hughes-mechanical-changes/). I posted that last week.

EDIT-We're both right. He had both a shoulder and an elbow (http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/5/18/132841/667)
Hughes has had nagging injuries as a pro, including a sore shoulder in 2005 and a sore elbow in 2004.

You're right though, he did throw a few sliders today here and there. But he used to feature it as a main part of his repertoire, and he doesn't anymore.

[HBox]

I'm really crushed that you don't click my silly links (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/if-it-aint-brokea-video-review-of-phil-hughes-mechanical-changes/). I posted that last week.

EDIT-We're both right. He had both a shoulder and an elbow (http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/5/18/132841/667)


You're right though, he did throw a few sliders today here and there. But he used to feature it as a main part of his repertoire, and he doesn't anymore.

I should have been more clear but my point was mostly that the slider is known as a pitch that taxes the elbow. Pitching in and of itself is harmful to the shoulder.

And I'm pretty sure he has always had a shoulder and an elbow. I'm not quite sure how he'd pitch without them.

[Kevin]

I should have been more clear but my point was mostly that the slider is known as a pitch that taxes the elbow. Pitching in and of itself is harmful to the shoulder.

And I'm pretty sure he has always had a should and an elbow. I'm not quite sure how he'd pitch without them.

It would be pretty though to pitch without either.. But without both?? No chance!

[Bulldogcakes]

It would be pretty though to pitch without either.. But without both?? No chance!

http://www.findagrave.com/photos/2006/139/1439_114813400898.jpg

Then THROW THE BALL WITH YOUR LEFT ARM, YOU SISSY!

[Bulldogcakes]

I should have been more clear but my point was mostly that the slider is known as a pitch that taxes the elbow. Pitching in and of itself is harmful to the shoulder.

Looks like you're right. (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-rise-of-philip-hughes/)

Yankees minor league pitching coach, Nardi Contreras, made him swap his slider for a curve largely to reduce pressure on the arm that the slider imparts.

I didn't know about the elbow injury, so when they wrote this I thought they were referring to the shoulder.

[Kevin]

http://www.findagrave.com/photos/2006/139/1439_114813400898.jpg

Then THROW THE BALL WITH YOUR LEFT ARM, YOU SISSY!

Btw.. He looked NOTHING! like John Tuturro..

[Bulldogcakes]

Seattle plays 17 of their final 34 games against top teams like LAA, Yanks, Cleveland and Detroit. The Yanks have only 10 tough games left of their remaining 32 vs Boston and Seattle, most of them within the next week. Basically, The Mariners are just finishing up an easy part of their schedule, and are now hitting a hard one. Yanks are in the reverse position after the Red Sox series this week. Sounds good, right? If Seattle goes 9-8 vs the good teams and 11-6 against the rest thats a 20-14 record. If the Yanks go 5-5 vs the good teams and 15-7 vs the others thats 20-12.

Yanks would lose the WC by 2 games.

Next weeks series vs Seattle could decide the Yankees fate. Yanks have Clemens, Wang, Hughes and Seattle has Felix Hernandez, Ramirez, Washburn. Yanks should win the middle game, Seattle should win the 3rd. Yanks will need a big effort from Clemens.

One other unknown here is the Orioles. Yanks have 6 left vs the O's and have played lousy against them all year.

[Bulldogcakes]

Another thing about Mussina, I don't know how big a deal it is saying he won't get any starts past this next one. The Yanks have an off day every week in September until the last week.
Maybe Torre starts Kennedy vs the D-Rays on Sept 1st, but after that he'll go with a 4 man rotation for the stretch run. He won't need a 5th starter until the last week of September.

[TheMojoPin]

Btw.. He looked NOTHING! like John Tuturro..

I think the TBIB is a mess of a series, but Turturro's performance as Martin is completely baffling. The guy is a great actor and with the right production could look a lot like Billy, but I have no idea who the fuck he's playing in the miniseries. For one thing, where'd the cornfed accent come from?!? He's playing Martin like he just walked out of the backwoods of Kentucky the day before he got the job managing the Yankees. And Christ, ESPN couldn't upped to budget a bit to do a better job on the cartoon ears they slapped on him? Ech...

[TheGameHHH]

2 out of the wild card with just over 30 games left, the playoffs are still a possibility but the division race is over. apparently the red sox don't lose baseball games and the white sox decided the weekend was the time to really mail it in.

[Bulldogcakes]

2 out of the wild card with just over 30 games left, the playoffs are still a possibility but the division race is over. apparently the red sox don't lose baseball games and the white sox decided the weekend was the time to really mail it in.

Yeah, but 3 in the loss. They will need a bad week from Seattle or a sweep in the series to really grab hold of the WC. Its a very good possibility they just don't make the playoffs this year.

And the White Sox are a hideous, disgraceful baseball team. I wish we were playing them.

[Bulldogcakes]

So far the only 2 outs Mussina has recorded have required GREAT fielding plays.

[Bulldogcakes]

http://www.corporateartists.com/images/kreskin.jpg

"I predict that Mussina will suck all night, and Leiter will tell us all how well he pitched"

[Kevin]

http://www.kupywrestlingwallpapers.info/wallpapers/ken_kennedy_2_preview.jpg

[TheGameHHH]

so tonight we gotta put our faith in john lackey and the angels cause this game is over with verlander dealing