Searching For Split - Moose vs. Feldman 8:05

          The Yanks will be finishing up a four game set against the Texas Rangers tonight in Arlington, before the head west to face the Angels. The Yanks will be going for the split. Moose will take the mound for the Yanks and face Scott Feldman for the Rangers.
Game Time: 8:05
                                      moose profile pic.jpg                                                    ph_444857-1.jpg
I'm going to make an attempt to do an in-gamer with a new chat window type thing I found. If it works, sweet. If not, I'm going to have to stick with the back and forth comments.




Announcement: Semi Moving

          I barely even watched this game so I won't attempt a recap tonight, but thank jeezus the Yanks won. If the Yanks had fallen another game tonight they might as well have pulled out the shovels and started digging their own grave.
          On to the point of this post: I've decided to semi-move this blog on over wordpress. I say semi because I will likely be doing a "mirror site" type of thing, making breifer [dictionary check?] posts here and linking you guys to the full post at my new site. Well, that's the plan. I'll see where things go.
          So, for anyone that cares, here's the link to the new site:
http://f4td.wordpress.com
Let me know what you guys think of the move. I would hate to lose readers along the way. I'll still be commenting posts on the blogs here, because I've apparently become a bloghead. I would like to say that french word for goodbye here, but I don't know how to spell it so, you know what I mean.

P.S. Sir Sidney with solid outing, plus the win? I know Jeff is shocked.

So Pittsburgh Wasn't Stupid After All - [Joba Update]

Xavier Nady + Damaso Marte
for
Jose Tabata + Dan McCutchen + Ross Ohlendorf + Jeff Karstens
Sounded like a pretty ingenious trade for the Yanks and a downright giveaway for the Pirates, am I right? [rhetorical question]

Well take a look at what two of these guys in the trade just did:

Jeff  Karstens - The guy just went 9 innings surrendering just 2 hits my friends, and had a perfect game going into the 8th. Oh and by the way, he also had two hits, facing Randy Johnson I might add. Since joining the Pirates Karstens has made two starts, earning a win in both. 15 innings, 7 hits, 0 runs.

Damaso Marte - The guy gave up a walkoff grand slam on Monday night to lose the game for the Yanks. Since joining the Yankees Marte has pitched 4.2 innings, allowing 6 earned runs and 4 walks while still somehow managing to strike out 8.

The trade still looks good for the Yanks with Nady tearing it up... but Pittsburgh isn't looking so retarded now huh?

Side Notes:
- Abraham is reporting that Joba has been placed on the 15-day DL [also reported by the Daily News and NY Post] while Chris Britton has been called up. Still no word on what the Doc has said but I have a feeling we won't be seeing Joba anymore. Ian Kennedy will be starting on Friday in place of Joba, while Dan Giese starts on Saturday.
- OMFG, Tampa won again today, despite being down 7 - 4 in the bottom of the ninth. They hit two blasts to score 6 runs in the last inning to win the game. What is with this team? When did they become the Yankees?

Here's The Updated Story On Joba:
"This from Brian Cashman: Chamberlain has what is being described as rotator cuff tendinitis. He will be rested for "about a week" and then start a throwing program after being evaluated again.

He will return to New York.

Just for your own reference: "tendinitis" is a nice way to say he has a little tear in his rotator cuff.

Joe Girardi said before the game he was optimistic Joba would play again this season. But a rotator cuff issue is nothing to mess around with. Don't expect to see Chamberlain any time soon this season, if at all." - Pete Abraham

Nice Try, But That's All She Wrote

I'm not usually the one to wave the white flag when comes to the Yanks but lately I'm finding it easier and easier to say this:
thatsall-1.jpgThe Yanks are now 6.5 behind in the AL East and 3.5 in the Wild Card. Though 3.5 is not insurmountable, there are 3 other teams all vying for that spot. It'd be a different story if the Yanks were actually putting up a fight, but aside from that 8 game winning streak following the All-Star break, the Yanks have not proven themselves at all this season.
If there is some sign that the Yanks will make the postseason this year let me know, because all I see is this:
1) The Yanks do not have a competent 5th starter [or 4th for that matter]
2) We have no knowledge of the severity of Joba's injury
3) The Stopper, Perfect Pettitte, can't seem to do his job lately
4) The Bullpen has been eehk since Farns was booted and Bruney made his return
and 5) Pav-ow-no is becoming a starter option... yikes
I repeat: If there is any sign or reason why this team will or should make the playoffs let me know.

Side Notes:
- Nice grand slam retaliation tonight by Sexson... too bad it came after someone gave up a 3 run scoring double to my boy Crush Davis. Hmm... how could that have been prevented?
- As much as it pains me to imagine Betemit at shortstop or just in the game for even one inning, Jeet seriously needs to sit a night. The guy has been as cold as dry ice... no wait, what's colder than dry ice? I'll tell you what is... Jeter. [Line from Blades of Glory if you didn't know... uber funny movie.]
- I don't know what the stats are because I don't care, but I'm sure if you look it up you'll find out that the number of runs the bullpen has given up has spiked since the trade of Farnsworth. I know everyone was happy Pudge would be coming to New York and thought that the bullpen would survive without him but this odd phrase has been ringing in my ear and it might be relevant: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
- Someone just psychoanalyzed me and guess what: I'm a sore loser... the fits of rage, the repeated punching of pillows and the tossing of random things at the tv that's been through hell... it's all making sense now.

Worst... Loss... Everrrr

Proof Below:
texas walkoff.jpgTie game in the bottom of the 9th and a walk-off grand slam to win it for the Rangers... enough said. To say this loss was horrible is an understatement.

Side Notes:
- Seriously, when the F is that instant replay coming?
- I know Marte is the veteran and what not, but the walk...  2 walks... 3 walks wasn't a hint to pull him out? Nady ties it, but Marte hands the win to the Rangers on a silver platter [Pittsburgh laughing].
- Oh and Joba left the game tonight with right shoulder stiffness... with the Yanks' luck who knows how serious it is.
- Big G knows the trick to pick up some luck. Grow a 'stache, get a few hits out of it, then shave it. Simple and it works. I like it.
- Case of Good News / Bad News: The Yanks avoid going another game back in the standings as both the Rays and the Red Sox lost... but they lose another chance to gain ground on both of them.
- Thanks to everyone that stopped by in the in-gamer tonight, especially to Jason, who stuck it out for the whole 9.

Big Note: From Pete Abraham:
"Joba Chamberlain will fly back to New York tomorrow for an MRI and other tests on his right shoulder.
The injury appears more muscular in nature and does not involve the labrum or rotator cuff. "It doesn't hurt in the wrong places," Chamberlain said. "My velocity was fine."
Joe Girardi said that at the very least, Chamberlain would miss his next start. The last time he said that about a starter was Chein-Ming Wang."
Hmmm... Ian Kennedy might be finally getting his second shot.

Game 1 Of 10 Game Road Trip - Joba vs. Padilla 8:05

          The Yanks will kick off a four game set against my second favorite team the Texas Rangers tonight in Arlington. The Yanks will be facing the Rangers, the Angels and the Twins in the "Let's see what you got" 10 game road trip that starts tonight. Joba Chamberlain will take the mound for the Yanks and face Vincent Padilla for the Rangers.
Game Time: 8:05
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Updates To Come:

6:19: The Stache has met it's demise. It had no more luck left in it so Big G finally said his goodbyes. I wonder if he'll stay clean shaven or see if he can squeeze some luck out of a new 'stache.

6:21: Nady named Co-Player Of The Week for going 10-19, with 10 RBIs and 3 long balls. Keep making Cashman look like a trade God.

6:50: Just realized [courtesy of Sean of Yankees Daily] that the last regular season game at Yankee Stadium will be on ESPN. How crappy is that? It'd take me forever to list the reasons why I hate ESPN so I'll cut to the chase: I want to thank whoever is responsible for this for slapping the Cathedral in the face. Nice job.

6:53: According to Pete Abraham, Joe G. has said that Dan Giese will start on Friday while Raz moves into the bullpen.

7:38: Melk is sitting out tonight and Girardi said he just wanted to give him a day or two off. Everyone knows Melky needs it. With the speedster Christian starting in center, it'll be fun to see what havoc he causes on the bases.

7:45: It is currently 102 degrees in Arlington with 28% humidity making it feel like 104. It's going to be tough just to breathe, let alone play baseball.

7:52: Good news: Mo says he's ready and able to pitch.

8:13: Single by Bobby and A-Rod walks with two out. Big G up and looking weird.

8:21: And G comes through with a single to put the Yanks on the board.

8:24: The Yanks only put up 1, but have Padilla heaving for air.

8:30: Joba holds the Rangers down in the 1st, throwing 13 pitches.

8:36: Yanks go quickly and quietly in the 2nd.

8:43: Efficiency from Joba so far. Let's hope that lasts.

8:55: Yanks fail to put up some more runs but push Padilla's pitch count to 55 after 3 innings.

9:05: Joba ends a tough inning with a K of Michael Young. A run was prevented from scoring by a great stop by Jeet and Salty's overslide.

9:15: Big G cranks a homer to put another run on the board for the Yanks. Should've shaved that 'stache a while ago.

9:16: Robbie cranks one to tack another on. 3 - 0 Yanks. Padilla at 79 pitches with two outs in the 4th.

9:41: Balk gives the Yanks another run.

9:50: Red Alert: Pudge smiled.

9:55: Crazy inning unfolding for the Yanks. Someone get these umps glasses, pleease.

9:57: Joba now serves up another HR to make it 6 - 5 Texas.

10:04: Joba is taken out of the game with an apparent injury. Pray it isn't serious.

10:20: Yanks get something stirring but not able to push across a run. Still waiting on word on Joba.

10:25: Edwar works a nice and easy 1-2-3 inning.

10:36: Yanks go down 1-2-3. With Joba taken out it seems the bats have got the air taken out them. The Yanks can easily tie this game and with the loss by Tampa, they have a chance to gain ground tonight.

10:40: As of yet, the word is "stiff right shoulder" on Joba.

10:44: Bruney pitches a solid 7th. Time for some more runs. A-Rod, Giambi and Nady coming up.

10:50: The X-Man strikes again! Homer! Tie Game.

10:57: The other guy in the Nady deal, Marte, coming into the game.

11:07: Marte allows a triple by Murphy but gets out of the jam by striking out my boy Crush Davis and getting Saltalamachhia to fly out.

11:19: Jeet had a chance to give the Yanks the lead but gets robbed of an RBI single by Hamilton in center.

11:36: It's all over. Marte walks the bases loaded and Byrd hits a walk-off grand slam. One of the worst losses this season. Not a good way to start of the road trip.
Thanks to everyone that stopped by tonight.

Old School vs. New School

It seems like more and more of the Yankee players are switching to the retro highsocks look.
Which do you think looks better, high / low?

           arod highsocks2-1.jpg               arod lowsocks2-1.jpg
High / Low?

           damon highsocks-1.jpg               damon lowsocks-1.jpg
High / Low?

       joba highsocks-1.jpg               joba lowsocks-1.jpg
High / Low?

     moose highsocks-1.jpg               moose lowsocks-1.jpg
High / Low?

I think the retro look looks better, though maybe not on some players. A-Rod is definitely the best at rockin it.

P.S. I'll be hosting an in-gamer tonight for the start of the Ranger-Yankee Series. I'm also thinking of hosting one a week, possibly on Wednesdays [except I'll skip this Wednesday, considering I'm already going to host tonight's.] It'll be the new Hump Day Treat. Be sure to check out the original in-game man --> Jason over at Heartland Pinstripes.

X-Man Powers Yankee Comeback To Seal The Split

x-man-1.jpg          X marks the spot... and that spot happened to be in deep left field today, where X-Man's blast in the 7th inning landed to give the Yanks a three run lead, beginning the see-saw battle that winded up playing out in the final game in this series versus the Angels of... [where are they from now?]... in the Bronx. I only saw bits and pieces of the game today, but I did happen to catch the bomb by X that lifted the crowd off their seats. X winded up with 4 hits and 6 RBIs for the game. One of the other trade acquisitions, Ivan Rodriguez, actually got the party started with a home run in the 5th that put the Yanks on the board. The Wise One, also known as Cashman, was probably feeling like he should've been bowed down to today.
          Today's win was huge, not just to salvage some pride, but surely to pump up this offense before they head into the hazardous heat of Texas for a four game set against the Rangers. Joba Chamberlain will face Vincent Padilla tomorrow night to start off the series. I will probably do an in-gamer for at least one of the games against the Rangers because the Yanks are facing my second fav team :) Maybe tomorrow. Let me know what day is best for you guys.

Other Notes:
- Abreu really saved himself with the bat today. I saw his blunder on the bases and... jeez. That's one of those plays that you scratch you head and furiously scream "What were you thinking?" Did I or did I not say that the Yanks manage to embarrass themselves at least once every time they face this friggin team?
- I heard Christian was tearing it up on the bases. Speed is a murder weapon.
- Turns out Edwar is not so unhittable versus the Angels.
- Farns ain't with the Yanks anymore but still found a way to get them back for the trade that sent him back to Detroit, surrendering the lead for his new team while facing the Rays. The Yanks will have to try to gain ground again tomorrow.
- I wasn't able to stick around, but shout out to EJ for running a great in-gamer today.

Angel Whipping Enough To Make Yankee Fans Atheist

whip.jpg
Wappah! Whipped by angels... not nice. Damn this game was pitiful.
Have I mentioned how much I hate the Angels?
I'll be the happiest person in the world if the Yanks can at least win one this weekend. With Sidney Ponson on the mound tomorrow... it could be another loooong night.

Other Notes:
- Thx to EJ for stopping by for the in-gamer. I know this game was hard to watch.
-The Yanks showed more fight today in the 9th, despite being down by 9 runs. It was just a smidge too late, but after going pretty much the whole season with no effort late in the game, I have to say I'm proud... *fake tear*.
- WHEN will the instant replay begin? Someone should start an investigation as to why these umps having been blowing every big call that comes their way. I wouldn't be surprised if another betting scandal turned up.
- I probably won't be posting this weekend but alert me if Pudge ever smiles.

Attempt At Another In-Gamer - Pettitte vs. Garland 7:05

          The Yanks will go toe to toe against the Angels tonight in the beginning of a four game set in the Bronx. Andy Pettitte will be on the mound to start the series off for the Yanks. Jon Garland will go for the Angels. I'll be attempting another in-gamer tonight before I head out for the weekend, though I don't know if it'll work out b/c apparently MLBlogs is having server issues [though I just commented on someone's blog with no problems so we'll see...] Either way, I'll be giving updates, and if people are able to comment then fire away. Any and every one is welcome.
Game Time: 7:05
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Updates To Come:

5:16: Manny actually gets traded. Manny will now be a member of the Dodgers... how weird does that sound. I wonder if he'd dare to pull any of the antics with Joe Torre as his manager now. Hmm...

5:24: The lineup has changed a lot during the season this year, but it has never looked like this:
     Damon DH
     Jeter SS
     Abreu RF
     A. Rodriguez 3B
     Giambi 1B
     Cano 2B
     Nady LF
     I. Rodriguez C
     Cabrera CF
This has been one hell of a trade season.

6:47: Edwar Ramirez was served with a 3 game suspension for the throw way over Millar's head yesterday. He's already filed for an appeal. Daniel Cabrera also got suspended for 6 games for hitting A-Rod on Tuesday. It's just me but, I don't think either of those pitches were intentional, though the Cabrera one was a little iffy. Either way, it was not that serious. The suspensions are uncalled for.

7:10: Pudge is wearing #12. The guy looks good in a Yankee uniform.

7:15: According to Kay, Victor Zambrano has been signed to a minor league contract with the Yanks.

7:18: Pettitte and Ivan seemed to be having a little trouble, but Andy works out of the inning throwing 24 pitches.

7:34: Anderson gets picked off at second. Not a smart move on his part.

7:40: Andy gets out of another pressing inning. Pitch count: 43. I hope he and Ivan can get on the same page tonight.

7:43: Paul O'Neill should broadcast more often. Love him.

7:49: The Yanks are hitless through two. It's too soon to tell but it's almost like clockwork that the Yanks show little offense following a blowout... hope that's not the same case tonight.

8:00: Damn it. I hate the Angels. Score 3 - 0.

8:04: &@%#! 6 - 0. I don't think it's too early to call game over right about now.

8:11: Pudge goes down swinging in his first at bat as a Yankee. The crowd cheered when he was announced, then booed faintly when he struck out... kind of hilarious.

8:26: Pettitte is not having the kind of outing I hoped for. He's at 83 pitches threw four and the Yanks are down by 6.

8:33: Bobby does it again. Homer! His tag team buddy A-Rod, follows him with a double drilled into left center.

8:46: Yanks only able to score one. Let's see if Pettitte can hold it here.

8:49: And Andy works a 1-2-3. Let's see if we can get some more offense.

8:58: A triple by Melky and a base hit by JD to drive him in. 6 - 2.

9:01: The Yanks only get one run again, but I'll take it.

9:12: Andy gets pulled after going 6.1 allowing 9 runs... not a good night.

9:20: Okay... now it's game over. Damn. Imagine what Pudge is thinking: I come to New York just to get bombed my first game? Score: 10 - 2.

9:30: And Cano can't stop a ball from going past him for his life right now.

9:46: August starts tomorrow. When are we getting that instant replay that we were promised? These umpires are unbelievable. You've got to be kidding me. A 4 year old would've got that call right. It's still a blowout, but the Yanks were showing a lot of life. That just killed it.

9:57: I hate the Angels. I hate the Angels. I hate the Angels.

10:20: Yank attempting a rally again. What is happening?

10:25: Game officially over. That's 3+ hours of my life I won't get back.
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