July 2008
Angel Whipping Enough To Make Yankee Fans Atheist
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.
- 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.
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:
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Nady LF
I. Rodriguez C
Cabrera CF
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.
All Hail Bobby Abreu – Subscript Headline: Farnsworth Gets Sent Packing
2 home runs by Bobby. 2 doubles by X-Man filling for him at right. Can we see Abreu at DH just a little more often? Thank you. I don’t know what A+ Abreu likes about those half a days, but he was making some noise in the Bronx today. The guy went 3-4, with 3 RBI’s, 2 homers and 4 runs scored. Not bad. The guy right behind him pitched in some too. A-Rod picked himself up 2 hits [one of the home run variety] and 2 RBI’s. Great day for the offense, which needed to be jump started after the last 3 disappointing losses and LA coming into town tomorrow night. The Yanks also got help on the bases from the O’s though. I mean, their first 5 runs were scored on two hits, but whatever, I’ll take it.
The pitching was solid today as well. Joba made a quality start, going 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits, while striking out 6. Though 6 innings does the job, I would love to see him start going a little deeper. Speaking of doing the job, the pen did it again. Edwar relieved Joba and, again, did not allow a hit. Want to know why? Because he only threw one pitch. The pitch sailed over Millar’s head and Ramirez was tossed immediately. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t intentional [though you never know]… but ump, are you serious? The pitch didn’t hit him, no warnings, it was his first pitch and do you think the Yanks would send Edwar, of all people, for retaliation? C’mon. It’s not like the Yanks hate the O’s. They’re nobody… but, all is done. Yanks win anyway.
Andy Pettitte will be on the mound for the Yanks against LA tomorrow night at the stadium. LA will bring their new acquisition, Mark Texiera, to bat, while the Yanks will bring their new-new acquisition, Ivan Rodriguez. Yes, another trade just happened.
Other Notes:
- Kyle gets traded for Pudge… c’mon… I was JUST starting to like Farns. Seriously, who will be our new retaliation gun? You can’t teach that kind of ability to induce terror. And… now, can we only get rid of Betemit?
- One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen: Bobby scores in the first with a pretty slide, gets called safe… and then turns around to argue. When he realizes that those cheers weren’t for an out, he says “Oh, okay.”
- Just found out that Farns cried when he heard of the move… ouch. Gotta feel bad for the guy. He finally starts pitching, and then gets shipped.
What. . . Is. . . Happening?
First things first… I would like to state for the record that I officially hate Wilson Betemit. Can someone please just grab his bat and take a swing at his ribs for me? Better yet… put on a blindfold, picture him as a piñata [which shouldn't be too hard] and see if you can get candy to fall out, which I doubt, but who cares? It’ll be fun either way.
The list of things that just blew my mind tonight:
3. Pittsburgh actually has a reason to laugh tonight
[with both of their former players, that they so graciously gift wrapped and sent to the Yanks for no cost, each having a special part this loss]
4. Carl Pav-ow-no pitched two innings in the minors without allowing a run or breaking a nail
Though the Yanks weren’t able to pull it off tonight, they did something they haven’t done a whole of this season: have energy in the late innings. I would love to see some more of that. I would also love to see someone do some voodoo magic so Tampa can go on a 20 game losing streak, like they used to… but I’ll settle for a 10 game losing streak at the least.
Strangely, though the Yanks lost tonight, I don’t have any of the usual post-loss feelings [i.e. furiousness [is that a word?], hopelessness and/or indifference]. I’m somewhat surprised they put up a fight and I’m pretty sure that they would’ve won if Betemit had not been the last man in the batter’s box, but what are you gonna do? I’ll accept this loss. Raz wasn’t too shabby, I don’t know what happened to Marte & Mo, and the bats tried. I won’t accept another loss tomorrow though. Granted, there will be higher pressure put on Joba to end this mini losing streak, but Joba eats pressure for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Joba Chamberlain and disappointment do not rhyme. Let’s not get swept, shall we?
Other Notes:
- Big G had some day. He chokes in his first two at bats, with runners in scoring position each time… then gets two bloop singles and another off a comebacker that deflected off George Sherrill’s glove and winds up with 2 RBI’s tonight.
- Boston almost got no hit… HA. And I thought the Yanks had trouble against the Angels.
- I gotta post this quote from
Deflation Pt. 2
Raz on the mound tomorrow night to face Daniel Cabrera. Let’s not let another one of these happen again, m’kay?
- X-Man finally notched his first hit as a Yankee tonight, putting the Yanks on the board with a solo shot to left center in the 7th. That is how you wear the pinstripes.
- Ramirez… still unhittable.
- JD: Thank you for showing up tonight.
Because 7. . . Scratch That –> Jon Ate 9
So the new Yankee killer has done it again. I thought the Yanks could pull off the sweep tonight, despite facing Loser Lester on the mound for the Sox… I was wrong. I told Steve T. of “The Boston Red Sox Blog” in the HDLR on Friday that I would congratulate Lester if the Yanks didn’t win it tonight so I have to say it: Congrats Jonathan Tyler Lester… you helped the Yanks make fools of themselves and flushed the Yanks’ chance at 9 straight down the toilet. Seriously… how you manage to get 10 hits and score only two runs [which were scored on a dribbler that didn't go foul and a walk with the bases loaded] is beyond me. The Pre-All-Star-Game Yanks made a reappearance tonight… and it did not look pretty. If that team is making a comeback I’ll be uber pissed. The winning streak was a hell of a lot of fun while it lasted though. This game, however, was not. The difference in the game was 7 runs… which just so happened to be the number of runners the Yanks stranded tonight… way to go.
Usually these Boskees games are exciting, despite what team wins at the end, but this one was just… blah, so I’ll sum up the game quick and easy: The Yanks got smacked. Cano didn’t even get a hit! That’s how bad it was. The 8 game winning streak will have to rest at 8 and the Yanks will have to try to start another one tomorrow. It’s back to the Bronx for a three game series against Baltimore at the stadium. Mighty Moose will be on the mound for the first game to start the series off right. I smell win #14 in the air and #20 for the season in the vicinity.
Other Notes:
- The birthday boy managed to pick himself up two hits tonight… as well as fly out and line out when runners were in scoring position. Glass half full or empty?
- Peace Ponson, it was nice knowing you. Even if the Washburn deal doesn’t happen, Ian Kennedy’s strong performance in his last start in the minors screamed: “Bring me back.” I’m not opposed to giving Ian another shot.
- After the game Sid said this: “I actually felt pretty good but feeling good doesn’t mean anything. … I pitched like crap.” At least he knew it.
- I saw an A-Rod sign go up behind home plate with the man in the batter’s box. That is one verrrrryyyy brave fan… who will likely be leaving Fenway tonight with a couple of bruises that weren’t there before he got there.
- I swear I will throw a fit the next time I hear “Manny being Manny”. Try Manny Being Moronic. The only reason he can get away with half the things he pulls is because a) his bat and b) it’s Boston.
Wow. . . Anger Issues
Did anyone else see this? This vid is of a minor league brawl, in which one guy makes an attempt at firing a ball at someone in the dugout, but instead, misses and hits a fan, who had to be hospitalized. Regardless of who he was aiming at… the guy is a pitcher and missed a throw into the dugout? How does he hit the glove?
8 Straight. . . Yummy. Where’s That Broom?
Who knew the All-Star break could act as an elixir of life? After a sub par start to the 2008 season the Yanks have come out of the All-Star break undefeated, winning their last 8 games, mowing down anyone in their path in the process [i.e. the Red Sox]. The Yanks scored 10 runs in today’s game to take the win in the middle game of this series against the Bosox and will go for the sweep tomorrow night.
Pettitte had a tough time to start this game, giving up two in the first, and certainly did not make it easy on himself throughout the game. However, The Almighty bent but, as always, did not break. He winded up going 6 innings, allowing just 3 runs, while improving his record to 12 – 7… I have a feeling he and the Moose will be battling for the most wins on the team for the rest of the season. One of the things I love about Andy [that he happened to display in this game] is his ability to get out of potentially big innings and rough it, even when he doesn’t have his best stuff. Good work from him today and even better work from the bullpen. The pen did not allow a run today again. If some other team has a more deadly bullpen than the Yanks right now let me know. Even the new addition, Damaso Marte, got in on the party, striking out Big Papi on 4 pitches in the 7th. Wappah! How are the pinstripes feeling?
The offense was outstanding as well. Though they started off slow, they poured on the runs in the 6th and 8th innings. The hottest bat on the team, Robbie Cano, drove in 3 runs and picked up 3 hits [one of which was a homer], giving himself his 7th multi-hit game in the last 8 games. Everyone has been asking for months: When the hell is RC going to start hitting? Umm… I’m guessing now. Cano, I got one question: Was that so hard? After the All-Star break Cano has been hitting with an avg. of .514. The real trick will be keeping it up. As for the rest of the offense, the only guys in the starting lineup without a hit in today’s game were Big G and the newly acquired Xavier Nady. X-Man will have to try to get his first hit as a Yankee tomorrow.
X will have to try to do it against Jon Lester, who will be starting for Boston tomorrow against Sidney Ponson [though that might change] on ESPN [ugh]. Lester is tough, but I’m still saying 9 straight. Bring on the Crazy Stein!
Other Notes:
- Special thanks to everyone that stopped by today in the in-gamer. It was a lot of fun. Luckyleftie… if you’re out there, let us know!
- Edwar is still unhittable. Mariano devastates with his cutter but Ramirez is doing it with his changeup. *Loving it.*
Round 2: Pettitte vs. Wakefield
This will be another in-gamer today so drop by if you want, even if you’re a Sox fan [I won't hold it against you].
vs. 
Updates To Come:
3:02: Seems the deal for Nady and Marte wasn’t exactly as first reported. In the deal the Yanks gave up: Ohlendorf, Tabata, McClutchen & Karstens… In my mind, that’s still a great deal. I’ll cry if/when Cashman leaves.
3:17: Nady will be playing left field today. Gardner was optioned back to Scranton and Hawkins has been DFA’d.
3:18: Pete Abraham is suspecting a trade for Jarrod Washburn. *Drumroll in the background*
3:34: Manny is back in the lineup… someone kissed his boo boo?
3:52: Random question here, why in the world does Fox always start games at 55 minutes after the hour?
3:56: Fox chose Meacham to go through the lineup. I wish Duncan was back. Only he could introduce the lineup with some spunk.
4:00: Not so great start by the Yanks. Pettitte: Mow ‘em down.
4:07: Red Sox score first… arghh.
4:09: I know the Red Sox have no rules against long hair / facial hair but wow. Is Manny that opposed to a hair cut?
4:17: Nady chose #29 and Marte #34.
4:20: Yanks aren’t doing a whole lot today. Seems the K is Melky’s best friend.
4:30: I’m going to strangle this ump. Pettitte is now sitting at 41 pitches.
4:36: Not the super start by Pettitte I was hoping for. Through 2 innings he has thrown 49 pitches. Can the Yanks put some runs on the board?
4:44: Thank you Bobby.
4:48: Yanks score only one. A little more distance and Big G would have put 3 more runs on the board.
4:59: Cano is on fiiiiiirree. HOMER.
5:06: JD drives another in. Yanks score two in the inning and take the lead.
5:15: Not a bad inning there by Pettitte. I know we have the lead but I’m greedy… more runs!
5:23: Here’s this from Rotoworld:
Jarrod Washburn reportedly will want something extra in order to waive his no-trade clause to go to New York.
what he’d like as far as compensation goes for waiving his no-trade
clause if dealt to the Yankees. The agent will verbally discuss this
this with the two teams once an agreement in principle is reached.
After that, once all final offers are on the table, Boras will phone
Washburn and he’ll say yes or no. The Seattle Times believes a deal
could be close, though it seems to be more of a hunch than anything
else. Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner are among the possibilities to go
to Seattle.
5:29: Cano gets caught stealing… bummer.
5:40: Pettitte gets through five allowing just two today. It hasn’t been easy but Pettitte is holding it down.
5:45: Another run and Wakefield is gone… let’s get this party started.
5:50: And from Pete Abraham:
TRADE UPDATE, 5:41 p.m.: Jarrod Washburn might not
be a Yankee today, but it could happen as early as tomorrow. The
Yankees appear willing to absorb the $14 million he has left on his
deal in return for not sending Seattle any player of significance. No,
not Kei Igawa.
Washburn will either waive his no-trade right or get compensated by Seattle in some way.
It’s a lot of money, but Washburn would be an upgrade on Ponson or
Rasner. Having him around also would cushion the blow if Andy Pettitte
and/or Mike Mussina retires after this season or go elsewhere.
5:52: Jeet drives in another. Score now 5 – 2.
5:53: Excuse me, make that 6 – 2.
6:02: I’ll admit, that play to end the inning for the Sox was sweet, but the Yanks still leading, score: 7 – 2.
6:11: I didn’t think Andy would finish 6 innings but he proved me wrong. Nice K of Crisp to end his night.
6:27: The Sox are threatening and Marte is coming in to face Ortiz… welcome to the Yankees.
6:31: Marte gets Ortiz to strikeout. *Rounds of applause from Yankee Universe* Edwar coming in.
6:33: Inning over.
6:36: Another update from Rotoworld:
SI.com’s Jon Heyman believes Jarrod Washburn could be traded to the Yankees within the next day or so.
Heyman believes the Yankees will take on Washburn’s entire salary and
give up just a single minor leaguer in return as a result. The Yankees,
though, won’t be willing to extend Washburn beyond 2009 in order to get
a trade done. For what it’s worth, the Yankees’ website is currently
listing Sunday’s starter as TBA after previously saying it was Sidney
Ponson. Sunday is Washburn’s day to pitch.
6:45: Damon gave everyone a scare there but seems to be fine. He’s not in the trainer’s room and has his boyish smile on his face.
6:48: Did I or did I not call it yesterday? A-Rod gets plunked.
6:54: Jeezus. How hot can Cano be? A-Rod seems to be hurting. Someone will get one thrown at their head tomorrow if A-Rod is seriously injured.
7:07: A-Rod is taken out to try and stop the swelling while Edwar continues to perform well.
7:21: Robertson on the mound for the 9th. Let’s end this.
7:25: Game over. And theeeee Yankeeees win! 8 straight and undefeated since the All-Star break… mmmm, tastes good.
#2000 And The Result Is The Same As Most –> Yankees Win . . . Excuse Me While I Say HA!
According to Michael Kay tonight’s game was the 2000th regular season game played between these two teams and the Yanks have won 1090 of them… scratch that… 1091. When the Yanks last faced Boston I posted a list of what a typical Boskees game is/includes. I’ll bring it back out and instead turn it into a checklist. Let’s see…
a) an extra inning game, or otherwise one of the longest 9 inning games in history —– it wasn’t that long tonight, but it felt like a drag at the beginning. this gets half a check.
b) a comeback [by either team] and/or multiple lead changes throughout the game —– what the F? no lead changes, no comeback? why? because the yanks scored first… HA … no check
c) one or more hit batters —– joba came mighty close to hitting youk but hit the bat. this still gets a check.
d) at least one ejection —– check. lowell got himself ejected within 2 seconds… congrats.
e) a late inning upset —– no upset for the yanks, but the faces of the Bosox fans at Fenway did not look happy when mo got save #25 [of 25] after striking out Drew… I’d say check.
f) fire/drama… enough said —– double check
g) occasionally something rare [record broken, weird play, etc.] —– Hmm… I can’t think of anything… does no Manny count?
Okay, this game wasn’t 100% Red Sox / Yankees typical, but it was still great. Why? Here’s a new list:
a) the Yanks won… HA
b) Joba almost smacked Youk with the ball… HA
c) Bosox fans thought they could get to Mo, and didn’t… HA
d) The Sox got shutout… HA
and lastly e) in the 9th Ortiz did zilch… WAPPAH! [said George Lopez style]
Alright, I’m done. I apologize for inconsiderate nature toward Sox fans… but c’mon, if they won this game they’d be doing the same thing.
For some reason I don’t feel like recapping this game tonight and besides, if you didn’t watch the game you suckk [no offense of course]. Andy Pettitte vs. Wakefield tomorrow. Round 2…
Other Notes:
- My money is on A-Rod getting hit tomorrow, but it’ll probably happen when the bullpen takes over because getting hit by Wakefield is like getting a mosquito bite.
- I wiiiiish this was a National League game. I would of paid to see what would of happened if Joba got to first base.
- Yanks made one hell of a trade to get Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte today. Cashman shall now be known as the wise one.
- For anyone in love with Joba for his performance tonight, take a listen to his theme song: Joba Like It’s Hot.
- I almost forgot to mention that the Red Sox hitters struck out 12 times tonight. I’m sorry, but I have to say it… HA.
*The previous stated “ha”s shall not be confused with A-Rod’s trademark “Ha” in “The Ha Game” in Toronto last season.*
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