E-Boland and the Bombers

So can Joba go 4 innings today?

My guess is that Farnsworth will get the call in Vizcaino's spot. Veras may also see some time out there.

The Vizcaino injury is problematic because he's the guy that we go to in order to get lefties out.

I just hope that Farnsworth is up to the task now.

It is good that they are resting his shoulder ... or we would have another burned out arm ... sorry, yet another ...

Viz. turned around with Mo's help ... maybe Mo would be a good pitching coach when he is done playing ...

We are using a B team lineup for an important game but we need lots of RH bats ... I think we will do ok ...

Washburn will be excited to pitch in Yankee Stadium and he always does well against us, even when he was with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California of the West Coast of North America of the Western Hemispher of planet Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Take that Artie Moreno!

See you tomorrow Yankee friends...

It's parents night at my kid's preschool

I'll have my XM receiver with me at the meeting while I pretend to pay attention.

Hemisphere ...

"Sully, are you married?"

"No ..."

"No mom ... he's not married ...!!!!"

Have fun Sully.

I'm glad those days are over for me.

Well, maybe not. I miss my Boys being little.

Nice inning for the Kid. he threw 21 pitches and kept the ball DOWN in the zone.

I like the way that he challenged the Seattle hitters, especially Beltre. He needs to keep doing that and pitch to his strengths.

Ant,

Let's just say that Washburn is from planet Earth.

It's easier.

Have fun, Sully. Nice to know Newsday is giving you some time off from the blog.

Sully have fun at the meeting ... You are a good father and husband and a good man, considering especially you root for that OTHER team that froze Ted Williams' head ...

Guess what, tomorrow a friend of mine (yes, quite the little hottie!) is taking me out to dinner at Brio, the best restaurant in St. Louis ... While there I will get to see one of the Liv Tyler clones ... I will bring my lap top and show LT clone III your on line presentation ... then she will go insane and fly to SF to see you ...

I think that's a great idea!

Say hi to the twins!

(Your babies, not the team in Minnesota)

Anonymous what do you think of the lineup tonight.

Does history with Washburn have to do with it in one on one matchups?

I don't think Duncan faced JW before though ...

I hope we can win.

Go Yankees!

Go John G., my Arizona friend.

Hey Ant,

On a serious note; did you hear about what happened on the U of A campus this morning? I figured since you're a journalist, you may have some details.

Jeter did not tag Ichiro, it's true, but he came as close as possible without touching him intentionally. He knows how much Ichiro hates when people touch him.

Damn!

He threw that ball right over the plate.

Serves the Yankees right for giving up the homer. Ichiro was SAFE!

Phil "Gopher Ball" Hughes doing his thing, I see, while Clay is just tossing no-hitters.

The Yanks got what? 20 hits last night?

What do we have tonight?
zero
zip
nada
nothing.

Com'on now.

At least Molina did something.

Hughes has to put that dinger to bed and go out and get these guys now. He has to keep it at 2-1, then the Yanks have to get some stinkin' hits off of Washburn.

For crying out loud: this guy was 1-5 in August.

Big strikeout by Hughes! Followed by a pop-up. Nice job getting away from a lead-off double without any harm!

Now we need to start hitting.

Hughes is pitching a good game. Let's get this kid a win.

Can't anybody hit this guy?

*Testing*

1 lousy hit!

I'm getting sick and tired of us making all of these pitchers look better than they are. I know that Washburn is good, but he ain't THAT GOOD!

Ichiro got robbed,
twice.

Nice 8 pitch inning for Hughes.

He's looking pretty good tonight.

I wish that I can say the same for our bats.

John

I like what i see tonight from the boy.

So do I Phucker.

He's rising to the occasion for sure.

Now we have to hit!!!!!!!!!!

Something different something I haven't seen in quite a while

I know he gave up the homerun and that double last inning but I like his velocity and his..."Attitude?"

I don't know but he seems like he's maybe even slightly angry.

I LIKE THAT.

Fingers crossed!!

I hope I didn't just put the whammy on him.

Be nice to see what happens if we could get him a lead this inning.

Hughes is pitching a 4 hitter and he only had the one bad pitch to Ibanez.

We need baserunners and for someone to get a big hit. If we get the lead, we throw Hughes out there for the 6th then it's Joba time.

Giambi looks sick!

This is very irritating

WHERE IS ABREU POSADA AND GIAMBI!!!

I DON'T EVER WANT TO SEE BETIMIT FROM THE RIGHT SIDE EVER!!!

HE IS NOT A SWITCH HITTER

In the words of Bob Uecker;

"1 hit, one damn hit?"

Fortuately, I am allowed to say damn on a blog.

Anyway, this is painful to watch tonight. Its amazing how one night, they look like world beaters at the plate, and the next they look anemic. For some reason they cant hit this guy's slow garbage.

Shelley is pretty good out there in right...nice arm!

Well last night sure seems like an aberration so far with the offense. The dead bats society rears its ugly head again so far.

That's 6 innings and 2 runs. I had predicted 6 innings and 3 runs. Pretty good on that one.

Unfortunately, the bats haven't done anything yet. If the Yanks put up a couple here, then Joba comes in.

Thanks for the bobble lopez!

Relief Efforts: Ranking the 2008 closers
[quote]
http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=re905

1. J.J. Putz, Mariners: Dominant numbers, the best of any reliever on our Player Rater, and with no end in sight. Gets the nod for No. 1 because we know he's healthy and won't switch roles anytime soon.

2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox: Nothing wrong with coming in second. Pitches fewer innings than Putz, but also fans more hitters. The way he's used, it will be tough to earn wins.

3. Joe Nathan, Twins: Just because the saves were down this year, and have gone down four straight seasons in Minnesota, doesn't mean the same will happen in 2008. This guy is very underrated for consistency and durability.

4. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels: A few more worries than a year ago at this time, but still safe. The five wins are a treat. No closer with more than six saves has more.

5. Takashi Saito, Dodgers: So what, he'll be 38 by next spring training. Yes, the Dodgers have Jonathan Broxton on call to close and Jonathan Meloan to set him up, but Saito is ranked No. 2 on our Rater for closers right now, with a 1.31 ERA and 0.72 WHIP. You think he's going anywhere? The Dodgers might try, but ultimately will keep him.

6. Bobby Jenks, White Sox: And here's the No. 3 reliever on our Rater. As great as that perfect innings streak was, he doesn't crack my top 5 for now or next season, but he's close. Should remain a 40-save threat for years.

7. Trevor Hoffman, Padres: Obviously check back to see if he returns, but I see no reason why he wouldn't, since his contract is guaranteed and his performance has been fine.

8. Huston Street, Athletics: Alan Embree will be warming up in the seventh innings next season. Street appears brittle to fantasy owners, and I can't refute that's the case. I have some concerns. Of course, he could get 35 saves and serve a disabled list stint next year as well.

9. Billy Wagner, Mets: There's clearly something wrong with him recently, as right-handed hitters are getting good swings at him, and he's allowed runs in five straight outings. I think it could be his elbow, and one has to wonder if Wagner wants to keep on pitching next season and beyond. He's flirted with retirement talk before. I'll assume he comes back and pitches well.

10. Mariano Rivera, Yankees: I think we'll see him back in pinstripes, but my concerns are with his effectiveness. The way Joe Torre uses his bullpen, he has to be more careful with Rivera. Look for cult hero Joba Chamberlain to be in the rotation.

11. Jose Valverde, Diamondbacks: Sure, he seems safe today, but tell me there isn't a worry in your mind about this guy? There has to be. Doesn't matter to me if he ends up with 50 saves, either. This will just make him more overrated next season. Accumulated saves rarely come in concert with dominance, and this guy is not dominant.

12. Francisco Cordero, Brewers: See the Valverde paragraph. I feel pretty much the same way about Cordero. He has a job, assuming the Brewers want him back (and they will) and if I can get him later, I'll take the 40 saves with the 3.30 ERA.

13. Eric Gagne, Orioles: What, you didn't know he left the Red Sox? Well, he didn't. But who thinks Gagne will return to that team? The O's spent a ton of money on their bullpen last offseason, and I really doubt they would enter 2008 with Danys Baez as their guy. Chris Ray won't be doing any pitching. Gagne is pitching for a new contract, and I think this team gives him a one-year deal. Then the question becomes, if I think he's a closer, doesn't ranking him in this spot make it appear I don't trust him. Well, that's a fair point. I think Gagne has struggled with Boston not because he doesn't like his setup role, but because his arm is barking. And it will be barking next year as well.

14. Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals: This is a pretty nice bargain pick, don't you think? He's having a fine season, should be back for more, and nobody talks about his balky hip any more.

15. Chad Cordero, Nationals: Forget about the dominant 2005, I say. Cordero remains a fine closer, just not as fine, and if the team would score more and have more leads, he could go back to being a 40-save guy. It was clear when he didn't get dealt that he's a part of the future. Watch, I write that and he ends up on Texas by December.

16. Brad Lidge, Astros: I admit this seems like an odd ranking for him. If I think he'll be healthy and closing, he'd need to be a top-10 option, no? If I rank him in the 20s, I assume he'll be hurt or have performance issues. I don't think we can trust him fully, not in the closer role. He continues to be a strikeout monster, but it seems to me something always goes awry.

17. Joel Zumaya, Tigers: It's time. Time for Zumaya to take that next step up, time for Todd Jones to take that step out, and time for a guy who throws in triple digits to save 35 games. I just don't think it's a lock Zumaya will dominate in the role.

18. Matt Capps, Pirates: He's the only pitcher in baseball with 15 or more holds and saves, though a Rockies reliever will join him soon. Like the Rockies reliever, Capps keeps the job in March.

19. Manny Corpas, Rockies: And here's the Rockies reliever. Corpas has a 1.87 ERA at home. Maybe it's time, based on Corpas and his lefty predecessor, to stop assuming Rox relievers can't conquer Coors. In time, we'll see Casey Weathers get a chance. He was in the most recent draft. Then again, once upon a time Ryan Wagner was supposed to be a fine major league closer.

20. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays: His Tommy John surgery went well by all accounts, and the team thinks Ryan will be ready by spring training. Poor Jeremy Accardo has done quite well in the closer role, and he'd be a decent draft handcuff. There's really no reason Ryan can't come back strong, but I'll hedge just a bit anyway.

21. Joakim Soria, Royals: The numbers are actually better than you would expect, and if not for the period in which Soria was removed as closer for the older, recovering trade bait, he might have 25 saves by now. Next year he gets there.

22. Kevin Gregg, Marlins: Considering the fact this guy wasn't supposed to be a closer, and he's going to end up topping 30 saves, I'd call this a really good year. The Marlins seem to have a new closer every single season. Last year it was Joe Borowski. The year before, Todd Jones saved his career, and in 2004 it was Armando Benitez. Gregg breaks the trend and keeps the job.

23. Al Reyes, Devil Rays: He's had plenty of hiccups since the All-Star break, but the Rays have a really cheap club option for 2008 on him, so expect him back and to be prime trade bait by next June.

24. Rafael Soriano, Braves: Sure, I have doubts, but I think I actually will trust the guy more when he has spring training to prepare for the season, as opposed to the odd timing on Bob Wickman getting flat-out dumped. Soriano has the stuff to succeed. Roger McDowell has next spring to teach him to allow fly balls that don't go over the fence.

25. Carlos Marmol, Cubs: Now it gets fun! I think if Lou Piniella knew just how good Marmol would be in relief, he would have made this move months ago. Well, he tried to make the move, didn't he?

26. Brian Wilson, Giants: Nothing against Brad Hennessey, but Wilson's fine performance since being promoted is a good sign he'll at least get a chance to win the job next spring. He throws harder and profiles better as a closer. Hennessey could end up back in the rotation, for all we know.

27. Scott Linebrink, Indians: Well, he is a free agent, and I don't think the Tribe wants the incumbent fella back, even though he's one save off the major league lead (and with a 5.50 ERA). The Brewers can't afford all those bullpen guys, and Linebrink has been a closer in waiting for awhile.

28. Joe Borowski, Reds: Then again, Mr. Borowski does have 40 saves already, so chances are in this case some man's trash is another's gold, or whatever the line is. The Reds will take vagabond Borowski while they continue to look, in vain, for the future closer. I don't think Bill Bray is the answer.

29. Todd Jones, Rangers: What's so wrong with the job C.J. Wilson is doing? Well, nothing, really. Joaquin Benoit has done nice work as well. And for all we know, Akinori Otsuka will be just fine next spring and be in the picture as well. That's why I'm selecting someone on another team to come in and get the job. It's too muddled, and none of those guys has that classic closer profile. The Rangers need some washed up guy, a David Weathers type. Maybe Jorge Julio. I'll play it safer and say Jones finds work again. Of course, I didn't rank his team last.

30. Octavio Dotel, Phillies: This is the kind of move I see this franchise making, and no, to answer your question, this doesn't make me smile. First of all, Brett Myers is a starting pitcher masquerading in a bullpen. He wants to start, he expects to start, and if he doesn't start I think he'll demand a trade. Tom Gordon is toast, burnt toast. I'd like to predict Scott Mathieson gets a shot, and maybe in time he does, but I'll say the Phils spend some money on Dotel, who is not only a supreme injury risk, but wasn't a great closer to start with. He'd fit right in with this crew for the injuries and performance. [/quote]

We've gotta start getting some guys on base. I don't understand this stuff.

Nice call on your prediction Daddy.

The Kid has looked good tonight. The best I've seen since the Texas game.

Molina really turned on the "jets" there, didn't he?

What is the Yankees average with runners at third and less than two outs? I am so sick of them stranding men at third with less than 2 outs.

DAMN IT JETER GET A HIT!!!!

YOU'RE DEREK F%^KING JETER!!

THE GUY IS ON 3RD BASE

THERE'S 2 OUTS

WE'RE DOWN BY A RUN TO THE TEAM WHO IS VIRTUALLY IN SOLE PURSUIT OF STEALING OUR PLAYOFF TICKETS

THAT'S YOUR CUE DEREK!!!

HELLO!!!!

MR. CLUTCH!!!!

GODDAMN I'M DRINKING!!!

I think AROD just said next drink is on him Michael PTRS.

APRIL A-ROD IS BACK FOR SEPTEMBER!!!!

THANK YOU LORD!!!

THANK YOU ALEX!@!!

THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!

NOW GET THE LEAD AND LET JOBA AND MO PUT THESE SEATTLE STARBUCK SUCKERS TO SLEEP!!

John G.,

I read the statement of the U of A President ...

I just am glad your son is safe.

Are we going to win this game or what?

Anonymous, I want to be mature about our disagreements, even though you have doody on your head.

I want to read about all the relievers ... thanks for that post, maybe I will read it in the morning.

How does Joba's stuff rank up there with them?

This is off topic, but I give the Mariners some cresit. At least they don't wear those assinine new batting helmets. I hate those helmets. Now come on Posada.

My overall prediction for this game is getting closer and closer. I predicted 7 runs for the Yanks tonight. They've gotten 4 so far. All I need is a 3-run HR by LECHE and I'm dead on for the night!

Well, I'll take a base-hit and another run.

Well ...

Hughes threw well. Not too many walks.

A Rod with the HR. In a big game, that's a 250 mil. player ... !!!!! I hope he stays, sans T shirt for the Mrs. (*)

Duncan bunting ...

Way to go Molina, would the other kid we released have done that. (Very classy kid though, I admire that, and he uses his REAL name!)

Joba will throw maybe 3 innings in this very important game?

I have a new idea for a Superhero: Anonymous Man!

No wait, "Middle Aged Man"

Hey the clock on the VCR doesn't work ...

Looks like a job for ... Middle Aged Man!!!!!!!!

(*) New idea for North Korean T shirt ... on front "Raise high the banner of proletarian internationalism." On the back "Ha Row Arec Baldwin!"

BOOM!

7 runs!

Tomorrow, I will bless all of you with some additional ESP!

MVP!

MVP!!

MVP!!!

Unreal!

I should play hurt everyday.

97 pitches is too many ...

Hughes is giving up too many HR's ... needs to move the hitters off the plate a little, not head hunting don't get all excited ...

Hitting is balance.

Pitching is keeping hitters off balance, unless you just blow them away ...

But these guys can hit a fastball to a certain level ...

I don't know about 99 MPH ...

I saw Dan Plesac in his prime up close and Bruce Hurst, standing in the batter's box ...

Plesac threw incredible heat, struck out Strawberry with 99 MPH fastball in the All Star game, no problem ... like "See ya!!!"

That guy, for a lefty, threw the hardest ... he had braces and looked like a little kid ... also a good person. Teddy Higuera too, very polite, taught me some Spanish! Down to Earth Mexican man.

Hurst, what a curve ball, better than Zito, tigher, 12 to 6 and once he established called strikes with it if you didn't swing, he threw it in the dirt so you swung and couldn't hit it anyway.

I like the 12 to 6 curve. Like Wainwright. He has 13 wins in his first year as a starter. Not bad. And he lives in America's greatest city.

Michael PTRS there is a documentary on Nietzche tonight on CNN, hope you won't miss it you nihilist? Or are you a Soren Kierkegard existentialist ...

I am many confused ...

Now that we have a big lead, I will leave Joba in for a 3 innings.

We will win this game ... bases loaded what tension the Stadium must be insane.

And Washburn is gone ...

Hughes!!

It's 7 - 2!!!

GO PLAY THE LOTTERY NOW!!!!!

This is a great win ... wow 6 runs ... get the good pitcher out of the game, it's like 1998 ...

Leave Joba in for 3 innings ... then ... let him throw 3 more in a post game scrimmage!

Michael PTRS wrote "Thank you Lord!"

He is saved ... praise God!

Now ... send me all your money!!!!!!!!

I BELIEVE!!

I BELIEVE!!

If only the Mega Millions hadn't been won last week...

We need a lead off hitter. Damon sucks. He is 2-21 in his last 23 at bats

WHY IS MARIANO IN? I KNOW HE PITCHED WELL THIS GAME BUT WHY PITCH HIM? ITS 10 TO 2, REST HIM!!

Mariano hasn't pitched in awhile and they have tomorrow off. Plus Monday off. He needs work. Simple as that.

H-U-G-E. W-I-N. P-A-Y A-R-O-D

Again, read my earlier posts, I predicted that Hughes would pitch 6, Joba 2, and Mo the 9th no matter the score. I gave reasons in that post, but a quick recap:
1. Joe Torre is the manager and this is a big game, so, it's a no brainer.
2. Mo hasn't pitched yet in the series.
3. Because Seattle did it in a blowout to us with Putz on Monday.

So, I was close on the pitching this afternoon. Had I known it would be a blowout all day, I'd have known that Edwar would get work too.

A-Rod has to stay now ...

Then we will have A-Rod and A-Hole ... meaning Anonymous (just kidding I am just being silly!)

And A-Rod ...

Good night guys!

Ant

Michael PTRS ...

I am so glad you are saved ...

Would you be interested in starting a Yankees Blog Prayer Group?

I am laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes.

A-Rod

A-Hole

And the squirrel lives not in a tree but a hole, with the A-Hole ...

God, stop my sides are hurting ... even my friend in Florida (yes, kind of a hot blonde babe but sugary sweet almost nauseating uber-Christian) is laughing as I write this ...

Just a note: As of right now, the Angels are only a game ahead of Cleveland. For those Sox fans who are telling us how we're going to get the Angels and the Angels will hand it to us again, we might not even play them. The Sox might have to deal with them. Now that would be some great pitching matchups. I'd like to see it; it would be good baseball.

I also always like the angles involved when a former prospect (Jake Westbrook) gets a chance to play his former team.

These are comments from sox fans after their lose to jays

Report Violationhoodooslab (9/5/2007 at 11:36 PM)
good to see vernon get out of his slump... now keep it up for my fantasy playoffs!
Report Violation1tombrady2 (9/5/2007 at 11:38 PM)
not a terrible loss...schilling looked decent...bats were kinda silent

jd drew is laughing all the way to the bank

i dont care what you say about his go ahead 2 run home run...variteks laziness and missing that tag at home cost this team the game

Report Violationphil7964 (9/5/2007 at 11:43 PM)
Not only was it a lazy tag, but did anyone not think Glaus was sitting on a fastball??? I said to my buddy while we were watching the game after the 2nd ball that the game would be tied if Delcarmon throws a fastball and there it was.
Report Violationvfazio33 (9/5/2007 at 11:44 PM)
I understand Tito sticking with Lugo... after all, Cora isn't an upgrade. But if Manny wasn't hurt, would Drew even get on the field? Francona should drop him to 9th as he is an automatic out. Its frustrating that he comes up with the bases loaded and one out and everyone knows the best thing that will happen is a sac fly, and there is a better chance he'll hit into a DP or strikeout.
Say what you want about the Yankees, they don't have black holes in their batting order. Between Youk, Varitek, Lugo, and Drew, usually 3 of those guys are ice cold.
Report Violationred888sox (9/5/2007 at 11:44 PM)
This was a terrible, terrible game. What an awful way to kill all the momentum from four straight hard fought wins. Schilling pitched well, but the bullpen was awful. Delcarmen leaves a fastball right over the plate and gets taken deep. There is no way you can afford to do that in a one run game. Okajima, for whatever reason, has an era of over 5 in his last 14 games. He struggled again tonight. I was so upset when he gave up that homer. I just don't feel confident with him in anymore. He seems to allow at least one baserunner every time he's in.
I can't even bear to think about leaving the bases loaded with one out. How awful. No surprise who was up. It doesn't take a genius to know that Drew was up there. It doesn't take einstein to know that drew messed up again. All he had to do was put the ball in the outfield. A simple sac fly would have been fine, but instead he #### up and strikes out. No surprise when he got 2 strikes. I was hoping for more boos from the fans. He did get some though. Then youkilis comes up. Wow, he has struggled. Again he strikes out, for the second time today. He has become a strikeout machine. The Greek God of Strikeouts. The sox could have broken it wide open there. They end up leaving something like 9 or more runners on. That seems to be the case almost every time they lose. What a disappointment. I really thought they were energized and were going to go on a long winning streak.
Report Violationred888sox (9/5/2007 at 11:49 PM)
Why didn't francona pinch hit pedroia for cora in the eigth? I thought that was a bad move. I know he said coco didn't get the bunt down, but if he did, pedroia would have pinch hit. It doesn't matter. I would much rather have the rookie of the year up than a bench utility player. I also think that there was some awful pitch selection in the inning that schilling struggled. All the blue jays were just coming up and swinging at that first fastball all night. He and varitek should have figured that out and started to throw some splitters, curveballs etc. But he continued to throw first pitch fastballs and they got hit. I wouldn't say that varitek's tag was lazy. Lowell's throw was a bit high, so he had to reach up and bring the tag down. It was a close play, but tek did try to block the plate. That was the turning point of the whole game because after that the jays tacked on 2 more. Could have been the end of the inning there. What if Lowell's throw was lower. I hate what ifs.
Report Violation1tombrady2 (9/5/2007 at 11:49 PM)
sox need to get som wins and wrap up this division...papi needs to rest badly
Report Violationphil7964 (9/5/2007 at 11:50 PM)
Plus, this series is a good example of why the Sox are in trouble. Game 1, 10-1 and with bases loaded and 0 out can get any runs. Next thing Dice, who looks to be hitting the wall, can't get out of an inning and by the time the bleeding stops it is 10-9 and had to use the A-list in the bullpen. Then tonight, Manny being out condenses the line-up and Drew has proven that he can't seem to handle late situations and Youk seems in love with his homer swing. Not that Manny has been an auto RBI as he used to be, but it seems that unless a pitcher happens to throw the ball right where Drew takes his usual swing it will be a big K. And, Okie also seems to be hitting the wall, and Gagne has not helped that situation at all, especially now with a bad shoulder or whatever problem he has (crushed confidence is probably a more accurate diagnosis). Not to say that the Sox can't win and other teams don't have issues, but the middle of the line-up reliance of Drew and Youk may prove to be a huge problem
Report Violation1tombrady2 (9/5/2007 at 11:54 PM)
i think you guys are overreacting a little to much..this team has been playing without contest in the division all damn year

the closest the yankees have been all summer has been 4 games i believe..and as soon as it hits 4 games the sox seem to hit the gas pedal and blow teams outta the water to get distance again..it seems almost every night tito is resting somebody and trying to keep them fresh for hte playoffs

i think manny would be playing if htis division race was closer...this team isnt stupid

Report Violationred888sox (9/6/2007 at 12:00 AM)
i agree with you phil. I also think that manny's situation is more serious than most people think. An oblique strain is huge. That is what swinging a bat is. Twisting your body. That involves oblique muscles. If his oblique isn't completely better, then he can't play. If you try to play before you are completely healed, you can hurt it even worse. It is a tricky injury.
Report Violationphil7964 (9/6/2007 at 12:03 AM)
You might have a point about the division, but the yanks still scare me even if they would need to go something like 17-5 if the Sox go 11-11 the rest of the way. But, what bothers me are Dice and Okie running out of gas and not producing with less than 2 outs and runners in scoring position, and this seeming to be the case with some of the same guys for a while. But, as you said, just when it seems that they are falling they pick it back up. But, can they pick it up against the best teams in the league in the playoffs? That is what concerns me. Maybe if they clinch with a week left and have a shot at home field they can rest some guys and I can #### words, which I will happily do!
Report Violationjwesleystephens (9/6/2007 at 12:10 AM)
I pray nightly that the first ever 14 million dollar minor leaguer is Nancy (JD) Drew. He #### me off each and every night. No emotions, no heart, just chewing his 14 million dollar gum in right field with no intensity in his eyes. You would figure one of the 14 million dollars a year we give him would make him want to win a game, right?? Oh and I am so tired of this, "We saving him to the playoffs..." Tito gives more days off than any manager in baseball.
Report Violationred888sox (9/6/2007 at 12:12 AM)
i'd say youkilis is definitely the biggest disappointment of the second half of the season. He had such a great first half and has now completely just lost character. Too bad paplebon was used the last three days. If the pitching didn't absolutely blow up monday and he didn't have to go save them, he may have been available today to pitch the ninth instead of okijima. what if

Watching the game last night, I saw an improved Hughes with velocity and a so so curve which did its job. I wish he throw the changeup more frequently especially to the free swingers.

I know Giambi gives it his best but I believe the layoff or diminished skills are hurting us at the plate. He has indicated that the Yankees want him to hit home runs but their are times when pitches on the outside corner should be taken toward leftfield especially with the shift employed.

Shelley Duncan needs some more playing time especially against lefties. The kid played a decent RF with a quality arm. How about last night for example with Arod sitting, Duncan plays first and keep Abreu in the lineup in RF. We have a better contact hitter in Abreu for Giambi. And Duncan gets some swings.

Jason has been injured and a slow bat the last two years. It should be time for an even more diminished roll. We can't wait for his bat to heatup.

I know Roy considers his bat a big plus but their is no basis for this confidence. Giambi has had difficulty at the plate.

Larry makes some valid points.

Shelley should be in the lineup. I say in RF though ... how many balls get out there?

I remember as a little boy watching Gary Carter play RF for the Expos wearing a batting helmet in the field ... He was maybe 19 or 20 years old ... why not leave Duncan out there ... He's a good role model for kids to not give up and keep trying. Think that guy is afraid of the wall? He restores much needed balance to the team in several important ways. And you can't beat his energy.

Giambi sad to say we have to write off. The fact remains, steroids and cortisone in the long run destroy one's body and health.

Giambi sacrificed his health for money, now he will have to pay back that money to get his health back ... I wish him well he seems decent as a person and it is good to see him back. He never lashed out in the media when attacked. You have to respect that. He is laid back ... maybe a Cali. team can DH him.

But Duncan at 1B I am not sure about that, Larry M. ... not to be arguementative. Do you want him touching the ball that many times? He may do great there, what do I know?

Too bad Phillips got hurt. But what can you do? His mom was not well. His wife was not well. Now he's hurt ... just another test for him. He proved himself this year and he will be back, yes?! (Nice to see Phelps and Pena doing well too! Even out of pinstripes.)

Be A Mitt came with a poor label, did well in the beginning but has REALLY tailed off. (Proctor has not been great for LA, his arm may be hurting.)

So what are the options at 1B? Be A Mitt? Giambi? We could put Posada there. He was signed as a 2B and played 1B vs. the Mets years ago in an IL series.

Molina hit a home run ... let him run for a few games, rest Posada at 1B and see how it goes.

What a great win!

A-Rod stays!

But we have to continue to cut out the dead wood ...

Abreu (fine in 2nd half)
Giambi
Clemens
Moose

They all need to go by next year ...

I think we will get the Wild Card now. You don't recover from losing 11 of 12 at this point in the season. No way.

Nice win last night. Hughes looked good but he needs to get his breaking stuff over for more strikes. This will make him more effective. He also needs to get his out pitches a little closer to the plate. Right now they are so off the plate that the batter knows they are going to be balls and will not chase. Overall it was a great win and after last night A-Rod is definitely the MVP. This guy has come through with big hits all year. Now we just need to get Damon and Giambi back on track and we will be OK.

couldnt agree more Dog

if giambi can get back on track, his timely hits will prove very effective, especially behind matsui and in front of cano.

and damon needs to set the table a little more. get on base to open the game and let jeter drive him around the bases....game will flow from there.

and a-rod looks healthy and having fun. now he has to replicate these last few games...make that this whole regular season...for the playoffs.

going to KC and TOR before BOS. gotta take 4/6 prior to BOS and hope they hit a skid. if Yanks can get lead down to 4 games, that series in fenway will be insane.

Miguel,

I agree. It would be nigh to go in there and sweep them again but I think it is highly unlikely. Unfortunately at this time we have to aim for the wild card which is a lot more obtainable.

Every time Giambi has a bit of a slump people start demanding he be released and that he is done as a player. Then he will heat up and crush everything thrown his way for about 3 weeks and people will demand his presence in the lineup every day, no matter who is pitching.
We need to face the fact that Giambi is the type of guy who will be streaky as hell for the rest of his career and I'd say let him slump now and he can wake up in late September and get it going through October, when he is one of the few Yankees who have showed up the past few years.
His bat isn't slow, he's just trying to crush ever pitch and a little hit here and there will set him off on a tear, it's been his pattern since he's been a Yank so just wait for it.....it's coming.....the monster will awaken.

The Hughes outing let's everyone breathe a sigh of relief, most of all Hughes himself. Confidence is a huge factor and now his is probably built back up a bit and his teammates confidence in him is picking up so they don't feel like they have to score 10 every time he pitches, a relaxed, patient hitter is what we want at the plate, not a guy with a white knuckle grip on the bat trying to hit a grand slam every time up.

Sully: What are Sox fans saying about Okajima? He looks tired to me, if I were them I'd rest him for a while.

Jim A.,

Long term, steroids DESTROY the body.

Just look at Lyle Alzado.

How long has Giambi been on steroids?

Yes he is very streaky ...

Maybe he will get hot.

I hope so.

Ant

Ant,
I realize that about steroids, however he is supposedley off them now and if you haven't noticed, he's in pretty good shape. I think he still has a few good streaks left in him. He's the type of guy whose confidence dissipates quickly when he struggles (and this is probably due to the fact that he was so dominant when he was on steroids, his confidence was sky high) but a hit goes a long way with him and he usually runs them off in bunches. Plus, he's just a good guy and I'm all about giving a good guy another chance. I guess I'm just an old softie.

Jim A.,

Oki has admitted as much...says he is fatigued...it shows. I believe that Dice-K may be in somewhat of the same boat. I, as well as many Sox fans, dont have the confidence in either of them right now to be consistent....or consistently "good".

I believe the AL team with the most consistent bp in the play-offs will go the WS this year. I'm not sure that will be Boston.

WANG SORE BACK AND VIZACAINO SORE SHOULDER.

YEA,JOE WILL BE BACK BUT NOT WITH THE YANKEES. CLUELESS WILL NOT GET A CHANCE TO RUIN THE KIDDIE CORPS.

Casual,
I think the Sox have enough of a cushion and enough depth to rest both those guys and they should. I thought they threw more in Japan and weren't worried about conditioning as much.

Ben,
It's Torre's fault that Wang's back got stiff? Is he the team masseuse or something?

Jim A.,

Okijima has quite a few more appearances and innings pitched so far this season than ever before. Dice-K has not reached his high-water mark...or even close yet...who knows?...maybe it's the 5 man vs 6 man rotation, maybe it's a wall he will crawl over...dunno, but clearly his pitches are much "flatter" more "lifeless" than earlier in the season.

Ant Colony: You are not being argumenitive when disagreeing with me about Duncan at first base. Its conversation about our team, a little give and take.

Lyle Alzado was in my wife's English class. She indicated in the past he was never that big. She knows nothing about sports and the use of steroids.

A college friend of mine was Lyle's best friend at Lawrence High School on Long Island. It was terrific see the two of them together walking in front of the camera after Oakland's Super Bowl Victory. They were joined at the hip.

A stiff back is not the same as a sore back. Wang had a stiff back from sitting for 45 minutes. He did not injure his back after sitting for 45 minutes. He retired the first batter -- stiffly but effectively.

Some great pitchers get figured out by the league and then they suck (give credit to the hitters). Some pitchers start out bad and then improve their game (give credit to the pitchers). I think we've seen this quite a bit this season throughout the league.

I thought that Hughes was great last night. He kept the breaking ball down in the zone for the most part and as you all know, he was keeping it up in his past few outings and was getting killed with it. He does need to throw it for more strikes as some of you mentioned, and he does need to use the change more, but I was real happy with that outing last night.
I was worried that Washburn was going to do it to us again, and then that "5 o'clock lightning" struck. Now we need to carry that over to KC and sweep those guys. We have Kennedy, Pettitte and Wang going in those three so we should be in decent shape.

As far as Matsuzaka and Okijima are concerned, I think that they may have hit a bit of a wall. This is the first time that Matsuzaka has pitched more than once a week which is the normal rotation schedule in the Japanese leagues I believe, so he's worked a lot this year. Okijima gets the call a lot so he's a little tired as well. Since the Red Sox have a big lead and they should be able to pad it this weekend against Baltimore, maybe Francona can give him the weekend off. They should be able to get by without him for this series. Maybe he can limit Matsuzaka's pitch count to say 80 pitches st that he can get some rest also.
If those twp guys don't perform in the post season, Boston will be in trouble.

Trivia Watch: Multiple names for Squirrel have been tossed around the blogosphere and the tabloids -- "Scooter" seems to be one sentimental favorite.

Welcome Wagon: Nice to see Casual Observer among us more regularly these days but some of the old regulars seem to be missing. What happened to Bronx Bomber for example? And have all the other women disappeared? I think everyone is back from the Cape by now, so what's up?

Am I the only one who thinks Joe Torre has done well to stave off complete disaster in an injury-plagued rebuilding year?

Marianne,

You are not alone. Quite a few of us believe Torre did a masterful job this season given the fact that the Yanks almost reached China with the hole that they dug for themselves.

You have my vote on "Scooter" for our furry little friend. Someone brought that name up yesterday I believe.

Hey, at least we have a live mascot. The Anaheim Angels have a stupid stuffed monkey.

Beware of the Angels!

The team that scares me the most.

stuffed monkey or no

John G.,

I'm glad to know others are watching JT with appreciation this year, unlike some hyper-vocal bandwagon types. I give thanks for Cashman as well, each time one of our excellent crop of young home-grown talent shows his pinstripe breeding!

Back to mascot/trivia matters: Some moneygrubber will come up with plush stuffed 'Scooter Squirrels' but we can hope that NYY fans will be above their tacky commercial ploy.

Meantime Johnny Damon helps keep the live one around -- he provides it with a sunflower seed stash, I read today...

And I gather the furry 'Scooter' is backed up by a deep bench.

Agreed on the Angels Cas.

I certainly don't want to face them in the 1st round.

But unless thr Tribe can overtake them, we'll be seeing them.

If Detroit doesn't overtake us for the WC that is.

I'm not too worried about Okajima... I mean did we expect him to have a 1.00 ERA for the whole season?

My god it has almost balloned up to 1.80!

I'm more concerned about Dice-K.

Jim A. I agree with you 100% on Giambi. I questioned Joe forcing Johnny Damon into the lineup at Giambi's expense, but for the most part that has worked out. Giambi is the closest thing we have to A-Rod in that he can literally carry the team when he's on. He was playing intermittently until recently and let's not forget he missed a couple of months. It's almost like Spring Training for him since he's had some 70 plate appearances since he returned. We need his experienced bat in the lineup. He stretches the other team's pitchers. Melky and Cano swing at the first pitch they see almost every time up there. It's great when they are going good, but only Jeter, Posada and Abreu consistently work the opposing pitcher to drive up pitch counts win or lose in every at bat. Giambi does this in spades and he can't lose the ball with the best of them. For all the crap he's taken he was a good sign if you throw out the two injury/steroid years. It's a damn shame he can't field because I love his approach. I will always love him for his two homers off Pedro in Game Seven in 2003. I'd like to see him get a ring with us because he's weathered the storm and he's a good guy. I understand he clogs the bases and presents DH problems for us, but I'm with Jim A. all the way on this. He's not done by a long shot and like it or not he's with us one more year. He ain't sitting and never would have this year except that he was hurt for two months plus. I've always been a Johnny Damon fan, except when Javier Vasquez is pitching, but if he can't play CF for us we should move him to the NL. I love the energy he brings and the fact that he has fun playing this game, but no way do I DH him when I have Jason Giambi in the fold. If healthy Jason will still do 30 homers 110 RBIs and 100 walks even if he hits .260. Do I platoon him against LHP? Maybe, but I'd do the same thing to Matsui, Damon and Abreu if I had real major league talented RH hitters on my bench. Of the four of them only Damon and Abreu at least try and go to LF against LHP. If Matsui or Giambi do it seems like an accident. Too often they wind up dribbling something to 1B or 2B. Anyway, I'm completely confident that if Giambi is left in the lineup all month at 1B he will produce. Just my two cents. I know most of you will not agree. Go Yankees!

Jim -

That is Hyprocritical to say that about Giambi.

"Give a good Guy another chance"

Then bash a bonds in the same breath.

Bonds to me good or bad has shown more consistancy and display of talent recently than that of Giambi.

Now if he is not on Steroids then we are viewing a great great player. and if he is off it then his play this year is still great and consistant.

Taking ANT's words posted about the length of Steroids use and the Damage it does on one's body strength;s Bonds defense that perhaps he did nopt take steroids

I eat my previous words regarding Torre and think he done a OK job and becasue of his earlier goofs that helped in the Teams Demise. I think at one point Torre was lost this season he pulled it together at one point but My salute goes to two managers who happen to be in the same division.

1. Tony Larussa

2. Lou Pinella

FOR ALL THOSE WITH A WARPED PERCEPTION OF REALITY:
WANG HAD NO BUSINESS GOING OUT FOR THE EIGHT INNING AFTER HE SAT FOR 45 MINUTES AND CLUELESS HAD NO BUSINESS USING AN OVERUSED VIZACINO IN A BLOWOUT...GOT THAT JIM A@@HOLE THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PITCHERS HAVE TO SIT FOR LONG PERIODS THEY GET STIFF.SAY SOMETHING THAT MAKES SENSE.

2-LETS BE CLEAR ON DICE AND OKEY-DOKEY... THE LEAGUE HAS CAUGHT UP WITH THEM..SULLY,YOU KNOW BETTER, OK DOES HAVE AN ERA OF 1.80 BUT IN HIS LAST TEN GAMES HE IS 0-2 WITH AN ERA OF 6.30 AND DICE IS NO LONGER FOOLING ANYONE.LAST 10 GAMES 4-5 ERA 4.65.STOP WITH THE DOUBLE TALK AND HALF TRUTHS.YOUR BS MIGHT WORK HERE BUT YOU GET RUN OFF A RED SOX BLOG.

3-ALL THOSE JOE TORRE FANS.
STOP IGNORING THE FACTS. YOU CLAIM JOE HAS DONE A GOOD JOB. WHEN AND IN WHAT AREA.NOT THE BULLPEN AND NOT WITH HIS IN GAME MANAGING.NOTICE HOW CASHMAN SET THE RULES WITH THE PROSPECTS AND HOW HE CALLS UP TRIPLE-A PITCHING COACH DAVE EILAND TO HELP GET HUGHES STRAIGHTEN OUT.
FACE FACTS, CASHMAN WILL NOT GIVE JOE A CHANCE TO BURN THESE KIDS OUT. HE'S GONE BUT SHED NO TEARS HE'S LEAVING A LOT RICHER THAN WHEN HE ARRIVED.

LMAO....

In the words of the immortal Bugs Bunny...."That duck is a maroon"...

Our friend "Ben" here...needs to take his own advice and stick a Thorazine suppository up there.

LISTEN TO IN BRED CASUAL OBSESSER TRYING TO BE FUNNY.
THORAZINE SUPPOSITORY???
SOUNDS LIKE AN ACT YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT.
IN THE WORDS OF BEN DOVER...BEN DOVER ...