July 2008

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.

All Hail Bobby Abreu - Subscript Headline: Farnsworth Gets Sent Packing

abreu4-3.jpg          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?

millar-2.jpg          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. 
*Wooooo saaaahhh*
Okay, I'm feeling better now.

Now, ladies and gentlemen...
The list of things that just blew my mind tonight:
1. the Yanks attempted a comeback
2. someone hit a shoooot off Mariano
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
WHAT is the world coming to?
          In all seriousness though, what the hell happened? Fate seriously had a grudge against the Yanks tonight. I mean, the game started off normal. The Yanks blew chances, Raz let a few score, same old same old. But THEN...  Marte, one of the guys Cashman committed highway robbery for, watches the bases get cleared and the Yanks go down by 5 in a matter of minutes... the Yanks score two before the other guy Cashman committed highway robbery for, X-Man, comes up to the plate and K's to end the inning that the Yanks could've kept scoring in [until it was Betemit's turn to bat of course]... Mariano, El Máquina, serves up a blast to the first batter he faces, scoring what happened to be the winning run... and lastly, the Yanks actually come close to coming back from a 4 run deficit in the 9th when I thought they'd go down 1-2-3.
          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 Ramón Vázquez, who made 3 errors in tonight's game for the Rangers in Arlington and then won the game with a double in the bottom of the 9th: "I just wanna say thank you to the fans that stayed here and were clapping for me to get a hit... and for those that were booing me, take that beep." Lol. That was an intentional beep too.

Deflation Pt. 2

There's nothing like two back to back blowouts to put the brakes on a team.

flat tire 2.jpg
What a monster embarrassment of a game is all there is to say.
Raz on the mound tomorrow night to face Daniel Cabrera. Let's not let another one of these happen again, m'kay?

Other Notes:
- 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

capt.8738d318a30f4053968fcc132c2eee11.yankees_red_sox_baseball_bxf102.jpg          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?

          17 were ejected in that game [including each manager]. I like watching an occasional fight in a game as much as the next fan but that went overboard times 2. I have two words: anger management.

8 Straight. . . Yummy. Where's That Broom?

8fe464495a7e9c2055c8d451bd5c39d5-getty-80319920jr001.jpg          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].

Pettitte will be facing Wakefield in less than an hour at Fenway and my prediction: Pettitte will kick some ***. Game Time: 3:55.
 
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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.
         According to the Seattle Times, Washburn has told agent Scott Boras 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!

capt.daf070bf994d48e5ac6a99b88d076cd5.yankees_red_sox_baseball_mack105.jpg          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.*

The New Lullaby

          Ok, this is semi not baseball related but is one of the coolest things in the world. If I ever have kids some day this will be their first present. Whoever has a little one should definitely buy this:
           Can you imagine Mariano coming into that? *thinking about it*. . . LOL. The company that sells this also has lullaby versions of Coldplay, Radiohead, The Cure, The Beatles, AC/DC, The Ramones, Green Day and more. I'm kinda sad they didn't have Eleanor Rigby on The Beatles one, but it's still cool. Here's the product page: http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/web/page.asp?pgs=products
          The Boulevard of Broken Dreams one is kinda funny, but I like the ones of Redemption Song [Bob Marley] and Lovesong [The Cure]. I was let down by the I Wanna Be Sedated [The Ramones] one though. It sounded more like a Christmas song. 

Just Wondering... Who'd win?

          Everyone knows about the whole Joba / Youk situation and I said yesterday on Small Ball's blog that [although I highly doubt that they'd actually fight and though I don't wish to see them fight... seriously] I'd bet money that Joba would win if things ever got physical. I'm wondering who you would pick to win in a fight in these theoretical match-ups?

                                              ph_501955.jpg                                       ph_425903.jpg
My Pick: Joba
You don't throw 100 mph and not throw a mean right punch.
                                              ph_120074.jpg                                       ph_121347.jpg
My Pick: Ortiz
Sorry A-Rod, but Ortiz looks like he can bash some heads.
                                              ph_123660.jpg                                       ph_150035.jpg
My Pick: Nuke
V-Tek might have semi-won against A-rod [and Kyle may look a little goofy in his picture], but nobody beats Farnsworth.
                                              ph_121250.jpg                                       ph_449097.jpg        
My Pick: Mariano
Match-up speaks for itself.
                                              ph_120903.jpg                                       ph_134321.jpg
My Pick: Damn Manny
Who are we kidding... Pavano would probably trip on his way to fight Manny and break his pinky toe and have to be carried off the field.
                                              ph_115629.jpg                                      images.jpg
My Pick: O'Neill
No hard feelings here against Hawkins, but you saw what Pauly did to those water coolers.

This is all in good fun. In no way do I endorse fighting between players *cough*, so who has your pick?

Bullwinkle Knows How To Handle The Broom

moose5.jpg          You knew they were coming. The only question was when? Well, guess what: They're heeeere. I present to you: the real New York Yankees [ya know, the ones that actually win]. The Yanks have finally turned up the heat, extending their winning streak today to 6 straight, giving all those who have been counting them out for the AL East and Wild Card a big "hey, not so fast." The guy that got the win today for the Yanks: none other than the Magic Man, Mike "Moooose" Mussina [you know you love the alliteration]. Though everyone shouted "stick a fork in him, he's done" when the Moose was on the mound just last year, the Stanford man managed to rediscover his ability to sit 'em down this season, which is exactly what he did today, throwing eight solid, shutout innings allowing just 6 hits, while striking out 7. No one, including the Moose himself, thought he'd have 13 wins with two months of play left to go. Amazing.
          I don't think anyone knew that Cano, when he finally found his stroke, would be this hot either. Though he didn't drive in any of the 5 runs today, he produced another multi-hit game [his 6th straight, coinciding with the Yanks' 6 game winning streak]. Though the entire offense seems to be on a roll since the All-Star break, in these last 6 games Cano has hit with a .538 avg. That is simply the definition of hot. Another guy that has been hitting a bit better as of late is the other half of the C&C boys, Melky Cabrera. His avg. for the last 6 games has been .333. However, in today's game, the two guys that put 4 of the 5 runs on the board were A-Rod and Justin Christian. The rookie drove in the first two of the game with a double in the 5th, while MVP put two more on the board with a double in the 6th. All in all, it's great to see this offense finally breathing again, especially before they head into Fenway to face the Red Sox in another three game battle for the AL East.
          The pitching matchup for the first game is a beauty: Joba Chamberlain vs. Josh Beckett. The one right after it screams headline: Andy Pettitte vs. Tim Wakefield. Ahh, what a series it will be.

Other Notes:
- I can't help but think what Kay was saying about A-Rod as hilarious. The guy will likely be the future home run king... and he has trouble catching pop-ups. Oh, the irony.
- Was Perkins mad in the 5th or what? I believe his exact words to Casilla were: "What the **** is wrong with you? One out!"
- After going to the game last night I forgot to give my favorite Crowd Quotes:
#1: Guy behind me: "We need a ground ball double play here."
       Girl he was with: "What's a ground ball?"
       Guy behind me: " A ball hit on the ground..."
       [I swear she actually asked that]
#2: Announcement: "Now batting for the Twins #2, Denard Span."
       Guy sitting two seats to my left: "The guy's last name is Spam?"
Ahh... Yankee Stadium.
- I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but I thought it was funny. Right after Moose struck out Gomez in the 8th he did the whole turn-a-round, sort of "brush the shoulder, without brushing the shoulder" move that said: "Pff, I got this."
- It seems that after going to the doctor they've found that Jorge's shoulder has gotten worse... but get this: they are going to try rehabbing him for two weeks and then try to have him play only DH or 1B [despite the fact that after surgery, which he will need eventually, he will need 6 months of rehab, which would make it difficult for him to be ready for Spring Training / Opening Day next season if the Yanks keep holding it off]... wasn't this the same guy that made a point of saying "I'm a catcher. I want to catch." not too long ago?

Picz From The Game

          Here are some pixx I took at the game, in which the Yanks extended their winning streak to 5 straight and 9 straight at home:
102_0257.JPG^This is the 1st panorama I ever made. It didn't come out great, but what ever...^
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Sir Sidney Looking To Keep 'Em Coming

          The Yanks are off to a mighty fine start to the second half with three straight wins over Oakland. They start a three game series with Minnesota tonight before heading to Fenway to likely recieve a hell of a lot of boos.

Sir Sidney to face Nick Blackburn at the stadium. Hopefully he'll get the Yanks another win tonight. Game Time: 7:05

Doing an in-gamer today so:

Updates To Come:

6:38: On the pre-game show they're talking about Posada as if he has died. I understand how much he means to this team and I love him as much as the next Yankees fan but... wow. Considering all the injuries the Yanks have had this season [Matsui, Wang, Hughes, A-Rod, etc.] this isn't the end of the world. Good news though: Damon is back. He's been activated and is back to leading off tonight.

7:22: Abreu hits it up the middle, but doesn't hit Blackburn this time. A-Rod then hits it out. I called that one in my head.

Just found this pic of the back of a beer vendor's head at Yankee Stadium, taken during the All-Star Game [curtesy of homerderby.com]. Talk about pride. I wonder if he got a bonus for that.

all-star-hair.jpg7:36: Oh wow. Close play and Molina is arguing up a storm. Just some advice Jose: Do not argue with umps from now on because 1) they always win and 2) if you get thrown out, the only catcher we have left to send in is Moeller.

7:48: Who was worried about Molina's bat? Anybody?

7:56: All the bats are showing up tonight. Jeet drives in one. Who loves merry go rounds?

8:02: 6 runs are a whole lotta fun. Blackburn gets yanked [no pun intended] after 1 and 2/3. Now this is what the offense should have been doing since Game 1.

8:12: Niiice 1-2-3 inning there by Ponson.

8:13: Cano just smacks it out to right. No one is hotter than RC right now.

8:27: Melky makes one hell of a play. The kid can play center field.

8:41: This game is only in the top of the 5th?

8:52: So far only Big G doesn't have a hit tonight. The bats have finally awakened. Thank goodness for the All-Star break.

8:54: 2 hits for Molina tonight. I don't think the Yanks have to worry about behind the plate.

9:12: Not a bad job by Ponson. 5.2 innings, 3 runs, leaves with the lead.

9:15: Jeet drives one out for his 6th homer of the year. Would love to see more of those in the second half.

9:22: Kay and Leiter talking about being too smart for baseball and overthinking. Kay's words: "Paralysis by analysis". Lol.

9:32: Cano with another hit and RBI. What a turnaround... the kid went from being the absolute worst, to the hottest bat in the lineup.

9:43: Now they're praising Joe G for the way he's handled the bullpen this season, and I have to agree. Girardi has made the bullpen as strong as it can be this year. Last year, not to knock on Torre but, it seemed as though the same guys were coming out of the pen again and again and were consquently overworked. This year, Girardi has spread the wealth and the bullpen has turned out to be one of the strongest parts of this team.

9:46: Another hit for Molina.

10:10: The Yanks not settling for 11 runs? Now you know they're hot.

10:17: Game over. Yanks win 12-4. Great game for the offense. Those devils from Tampa won tonight so the Yanks did not gain any ground, but a solid win nonetheless. Hopefully Boston will lose.

Just... Great

          Whoever loves injuries is going to be pretty happy at this: it is being reported that Jorge Posada will be going back to the DL with continuing shoulder problems. There's a possibility he'll be out for the season if surgery is his best option... which it likely is considering he already tried to rehab and hasn't been 100% since coming off the DL in June like he's claimed. At least the Yanks have a more than capable backup at catcher. Jose Molina has been amazing filling in for Jorge behind the plate. However, Matsui has already been counted out for most, if not all, of the season, Damon has been out, [but will be returning soon] and Melky has been a disaster at the plate so far this season, so basically it's like he hasn't been in the lineup either. With another bat, a switching hitting bat at that, out of the lineup, I'll dare to ask it... What else can go wrong? Seriously, the lineup has not been the same as that of Opening Day for more than two consecutive games.

Top 10 Perks Of Being An All-Star

          This was on Letterman during the All-Star Game, which CBS obviously didn't think would last that long. The Top Ten Perks Of Being An All-Star Presented By Derek Jeter:



My favorites: #2 & #3.

Since The Fans At The Stadium Won't Do It, I Will: Thanks Francona.

francona.jpg          I'll make this post short because I'm honestly tired of hearing about the rivalry these past few days. There has been much talk about the fans and their treatment of Red Sox members during the All-Star Game. They were obviously all booed [some more than others], but one that I feel should of got a standing ovation instead was Red Sox manager and manager for the American League in the All-Star Game, Terry Francona. With all eyes on this monster event in New York Francona couldn't have handled the situation any better. Not only did he put Jeet and A-Rod in their normal lineup slots, but made sure they both got ovations, as well as trying his best to get Mariano to end it. Francona is a very respectable guy and anyone going to the next series with Boston in the Stadium [which I believe is during the end of August] should remember to give him a hand or start a chant of his name. It's obvious at times that the New York fans take this rivalry all too seriously. They can be rude, vulgur, disrespectful and an utter disgrace, but can also be the greatest fans in the world. The simple fact of the matter is that the All-Star Game was not about the Red Sox or Yankees. It was about watching the greatest players of past and present take the field in a final sendoff to the stadium, which has been a sanctuary. So, thanks Francona for respecting the House, the players and New York. You deserve a hand.

Yankee Stadium Will Settle For Nothing Less Than The . . . Dramatic

yankee stadium asg.jpg          The last All-Star Game in the last year of Yankee Stadium results in... something that could never have been scripted. Not a single American watching this game, playing in it or managing it could have imagined this: a miraculous 4 hour 50 minute win for the AL in 15 innings. This game was all that you could ask for and a bag of chips. If you've never really liked baseball before and watched tonight's game, I bet you're loving it now. If you're not.... well, you're just not normal. The game doesn't get any better than that. Every player on the American League team got into the game and only in Yankee Stadium would the one guy who did not want to come into the game end up being the winning pitcher. Ode to Scott Kazmir.
          The MVP tonight: J.D. Drew, who I actually rooted for in the 15th [as I said, history was made tonight... but I will deny this if ever asked in a court of law]. Drew tied the game when all thought this game would be a sleeper. Miraculously, he was the only hitter for the AL, other than Morneau, to have a multi-hit game.
          The guy that drove in the winning run: the same guy that drove it in two years back: Michael Young, who shall now officially be known as Mr. Midsummer Classic.
          I wish I could spend hours ranting on how incredible this game was but 15 innings speaks for itself. Yankee Stadium enjoyed more history tonight [as if it hasn't witnessed enough]. So, in closing, to sum up what this game was [and baseball is] simply, I'd say... life.

P.S. If you want to know my thoughts throughout the game check out the last post.
P.P.S. Also, just to mention: 34 total K's tonight... hmm, think that's a record?
Okay, one last note. I forgot to mention the greatest quote of the night: "Don't try to be a hero. Try to be a winner." -George Brett.

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All-Star Game 2008

The All-Star Game has begun.

                              AL Lineup:                                       NL Lineup:
                              Ichiro Suzuki RF                             Hanley Ramirez SS
                              Derek Jeter SS                                 Chase Utley 2B
                              Josh Hamilton CF                           Lance Berkman 1B
                              Alex Rodriguez 3B                          Albert Pujols DH
                              Manny Ramirez LF                         Chipper Jones 3B
                              Milton Bradley DH                         Matt Holiday RF
                              Kevin Youkilis 1B                            Ryan Braun LF
                              Joe Mauer C                                     Kosuke Fukudome CF
                              Dustin Pedroia 2B                                 Geovany Soto C
 
Ben Sheets v. Cliff Lee

Updates To Come:

8:21: I took some pixx today of the All-Stars in the parade. They aren't that good because I took them with my phone [my damn sister lost my camera] but I went through hell to be able to take them so pretend you like them. I'll be uploading them later, probably in a separate post. Ahh, ASG will soon begin.

8:49: Dozens of Hall Of Famers took their spots on the Yankee Stadium field. The Stadium is now truly the Field Of Dreams. The Boss Man threw out the ceremonial first pitch. This game is officially historic.

8:55: Niiice start by Cliff Lee. Let's see what the AL offense has got tonight.

9:02: Already a single and stolen base by the Capt'n. Somebody wants another ASG MVP.

9:20: The first two are in the books with no score. This looks to be a low scoring game. I got $20 on the AL scoring first.

9:40: Good pitching is exciting... except during the All-Star Game. Let see some runs. Josh, take one out of the Stadium.

9:54: Okay, so now I'm down $20, but it's only a matter of time before the AL strikes back.

10:11: The Capt'n lets the crowd down, with a ground out to end the inning... #%@&.

10:34: All of the greatest hitters on one field *cough* except Varitek *cough* and only 2 runs in the game. Goes to show you, good pitching beats good hitting any day. The AL is still down. The NL has a good shot.

10:53: Joe Girardi catching again down in the bullpen. Weird but cool.

10:54: J.D. Drew just tied it. 'Bout time.

11:02: Yankee fans chanting "Mariano". Now they're chanting "Overrated". I think it's safe to say Ortiz has lost his "Most Hate Red Sox Player" title.

11:05: Now the NL takes the lead. Papelbon getting booed hard. Up next for the AL: Quentin, Crede, Sizemore. I say Sizemore gets it done.

11:19: Sizemore singles and steal a bag. Longoria drives him in. Tie game.

11:24: We get the answer we've been waiting for... since there's a tie game in the 9th, and playing at home, there will be no save situation for any AL pitcher. K-Rod is in. If the American League scores in the bottom of the 9th Mariano would not have pitched in the All-Star Game [assuming K-Rod isn't pulled in the middle of the inning]. Let's hope for extra innings.

11:27: K-Rod does get pulled. Enter Sandman. Let's hope for a 9th inning walkoff.

11:35: 6 pitches and 2 outs. That's Mo being Mo.

11:42: Extra Innings. Mo still out there.

Sidenote: About the whole Papelbon situation and what he said about closing the ASG... I'll admit it was blown out of proportion and the fans have been jokingly tough on him as well as downright rude but it is New York and not that it's an excuse but... I don't think anyone expected the fans to be nice. He's been taking it pretty well though. I heard that during the parade when the fans began a chant of Mariano he polished his World Series ring. I'll give it to him for that.

11:53: Rivera gets another DP to end the inning. On to the bottom of the 10th. Give him the win.

11:58: If the AL takes it here I have an idea of a specific player who will go home crying. Initials: D.U.

12:00: The clock strikes midnight and I say Longoria will be Mr. July... 16th.

12:03: .... Morneau?

12:05: Bases loaded with no outs and no run scores? in an All-Star Game?... Excuse me, i'll be tearing my hair out.

12:13: Joe Buck had an interesting point considering the whole "home field advantage in the World Series" thing... what happens in the event of a tie? Of course Buck went on to make corny jokes about it [ex: dance off]... but seriously, what happens?

12:24: It was a close play but Navarro was safe!! When did they say instant replay was coming?

12:25: We are going to the 12th inning. No matter who wins, this will be an awesome send off for the Stadium.

12:28: Francona is running low on pitchers. He essentially has only one left considering that neither Kazmir nor the Rays want Kazmir to pitch. Tell the Moose to get his *** down there. If not, wheeeere's Joba?

12:30: First Buck pronounces Justin Duchscherer's name wrong and then McCarver calls Kinsler Morneau.... ugh, Fox.

12:37: Sherrill comes in and says E-Z P-Z Lemon Squee-Z. Bottom of the 12th...

12:46: 13th inning... oh... my... jesus...

12:53: I say let Big Papi pitch.

12:55: If the AL doesn't score right now... you don't want to know what I'll do. Nerves are a curse.

1:02: I truly feel sorry for D.U. He must be thinking his life sucks right now... then again, he's a Major League ballplayer... he'll live. Pete Abraham said this one: "Dan Uggla could be the first player DFA'd during an All-Star Game." Funny.

1:06: 14th!!... If I don't post within the next 5 mins I'm in a coma due to banging my head on the wall. I'm only 17, I can't take this much stress!

1:11: Two deep fly balls. This game is amazing. Apparently the stadium would not settle for a run of the mill All-Star Game. Half the stadium is empty though. Those losers. I would've stood there if the game lasted 3 days. But, I guess those rich people who could afford a ticket would rather sleep. Time is money right?

1:17: Those who have stayed are getting their money's worth. This game has been the equivalent of a season.

1:18: 15th inning!! I have nothing left to say.

1:23: Francona is tearing himself up on the inside. He said he will not let Kazmir pitch over a certain amount of pitches which essentially means that if the AL does not score in the bottom of the 15th... we may witness a forfeit... okay, now I'm tearing myself up on the inside.

1:26: Bottom of the 15th... all or nothing at all. *Drumming in the background*

1:33: I've never rooted for a Red Sox player in my life until right now. Drew, please, one more time.

1:37: Michael Young did it two years ago, and it's Deja Vu all over again!!

Hell of an F-ing game!!
I'll be back with a small wrap of the game [since I'm as tired as everyone else]. ASG '08 will live forever in history. Yankee Stadium has done it again.

Not A Winner, But On Top Of The World

josh hamilton.jpg          I got one question for Hamilton after tonight: How does it feel? I would imagine the answer to that question would be somewhere along the lines of what Tony The Tiger would say, "Grrrrrrreat." In one night the former drug addict has become a hero in the Bronx. You knew the story of the Josh Hamilton coming into tonight, the story of a guy who struggled with drugs and alcohol, but got convinced by his grandmother to clean up and did just that. Now, not only is he an All-Star but he's the thief of the spotlight. He had every fan in Yankee Stadium up on their feet, cheering for him. Unfortunately, he's only human and didn't have enough energy after his mammoth first round to beat Morneau, but he's still the man and is the Home Run Derby King in my eyes. God, I love this sport.

P.S. I don't know Justin Morneau [obviously] and he's probably a great guy as well, but he's just robbing everybody. First, he robbed Jeet of an MVP award two years back, which I personally felt the Capt'n should've won, and then takes the Home Run Derby trophy from Ham tonight. Tsk Tsk.

Home Run Derby '08

The Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium has begun.

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With Yankee Stadium's short porch in right there's no doubt the lefties will have the upper hand tonight.
Who will win the Derby this year?

Updates To Come:

7:19: When asked about hitting one of out the ballpark [a feat never been done before in Yankee Stadium with a fair ball] Hamilton said "You guys know that little opening where the subway goes through... watch out."

8:16: Mr. October threw out the first pitch to Jeter. Jeet's pick for tonight: Josh Hamilton.

8:35: Sizemore hit a beautiful blassst to right that landed in the opening between the bleachers and box seats. Sweet swing.

8:51: Utley made a great late push but it may not be enough. Utley ends up with 5. Longoria: 3. Uggla: 6. Sizemore: 6.

9:05: Berkman jumps out in front with 8.

9:14: Morneau ties Berkman, but was looking mighty tired after all those drives.

9:21: Braun makes a late stab, pushing him into the second round. Ham up next.

9:52: ...28 home runs. Josh Hamilton [my pick] is a beast. He already has fans of any and every team loving him. Longest: 518 ft... ridiculous.

10:03: Right about now I don't think anyone cares about the other batters. What they're thinking: When is it Josh's turn again?

10:27: Hamilton makes it look easy. If he doesn't win it everyone will go nuts.

10:53: He didn't win the trophy but he was the highlight of the night. *Bowing down to Josh Hamilton*

More Garbage

          All I have to say about today's game is thank God for the All-Star break. The offense for this team sucks right now, and they know it. Letting a guy on a 90 pitch count go into the 9th inning is unbelievable. If the Yankee hitters are still striking themselves out after the All-Star break I might lose my mind.
 
Anyways, tomorrow Home Run Derby '08 begins.
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     The Participants:
     - Lance Berkman    
     - Ryan Braun                        
     - Josh Hamilton    
     - Evan Longoria
     - Justin Morneau
     - Grady Sizemore
     - Dan Uggla
     - Chase Utley

* As expected, Big G decided he will not be participating after not making the All-Star team.*

          I'll be rooting for Hamilton. Who has your support in the HR Derby?

Other Notes:
- C.C. Sabathia hit a homer to tie the game for his team in Milwaukee today [his second home run this season] ... someone is loving the National League. The picture up on MLB.com has to go though, makes him look like a balloon. Can his uniform get any baggier?
- Hell of a game in Texas today. The Yankee offense should have watched it... could've learned something. Ian Kinsler is unbelievable. 25 game hitting streak now. He's got my vote for MVP for the 1st half.

From FanFest

           Sorry for the subpar quality [took the pixx on my phone] but here's pixx from FanFest.
 
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[left] entrance to the Javits Center
[right] super huuuuge FanFest baseball
[below] Casey Stern answering fan questions
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[left] cutout pic of 2008 yankees
[right] portrayal of what the new Yankee Stadium will look like
[below] a hott corvette
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[left] vintage yankee cap
[right] 61st home run ball hit by Maris in '61 to break the Babe's record
[below] funky yankees ball signed by Paul O'Neill
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[left] Josh Hamilton "clubhouse locker"
[right] A-Rod "clubhouse locker"

Definition Of Embarrassment: New York Yankees

          This game was too pitiful to recap. 2 hits, horrible defense and another loss. If I had $20 for every time this team's offense sucked x2 this season I'd be able to buy the team and ba