On the Yankees beat

Man, I love living on the West Coast... all of these games start at reasonable times!

With the "weird" start times, I'm guessing that "shadows" will hinder the hitters, and the sun will play havoc with the defenses early in the game. The really sad part about TBS broadcasting the entire first round, is the absense of "over the air\free" baseball viewing. There are people that love baseball but can't afford cable\satellite TV.

I'm not that thrilled about the schedule because the games start at 2 and 3 out here in Phoenix, but I'll find a way to watch these games.

It's funny Sully, because I don't really mind these times on the East Coast as I should be (hope to) able to get out of work in time for all of them, but if I was on the West Coast with this schedule, I'd be pissed. Those would be some really early games and I would not be able to leave the office THAT early.

You knuckle draggers should be glad you even made the playoffs! I really fail to see what the big deal is with the NYC school system as you are all quite inferior in intellect compared to myself? The idiocy of you Yankee fans , common trash!

Furthermore , if I catch you in the superior state of Maine , I will use you as target practice and bury you in my 50 acre woodlot.

By the way , did I mention I just inherited a 50 acre woodlot from an underachieving relative. I know you will all find that hard to believe as us Mainers are of superior intellegence and breeding. This one just a mere step above you twits and was dealt with accordingly.

Barrel , fish , bang........

Didn't know "females" in Maine were such good shots! We will kick the crap out of The Nation when we see you again! Unless the Halos do it first! Cheating "TV in the dugout", "Puke-less peeking", "Red Sharpie using" pieces of fertilizer. Down with the Nation! Boston Sux!

BFB....lame.

630 eastern seems a wierd dtime, u sure its not 630 central time, and 730 eastern?

M from J,

Anonymouse is having a good laugh at your falling for his imitation of Casual Observer.

Anonymouse can't even get the order of F, B, B right.

While the comment doesn't sound like Casual Observer's usual prissy words, it fits his/her attitude to a "T."

Oh, and like fish barrel bang has any logical order to begin with, right.

Keith Law:

"Outside of Chamberlain and Rivera, their bullpen is scary. Their next-best reliever is Edwar Ramirez, who has a Bugs Bunny changeup but has to use it very heavily due to his lack of a breaking ball and straight, average fastball. Behind him, it's Luis Vizcaino etc."
-----------------
How can we take anything that they write on ESPN seriously when this guy is saying that Edwar Ramirez is the third option out of the pen???

I know that Viz hasnt pitched well of late, but the rest of late should help him and Farnsworth despite being possibly the biggest waste of money on the team this side of Pavano and Giambi is better than Edwar. Hell, how about Hughes (who I think will play a big role as either a reliever or starter -- SHOULD BE! before the playoffs are done), Veras, and Olendorf ahead of him as well.

Opinions are one thing and I disagree with many on ESPN, but this was the most assinine thing I have ever seen any sports wrtier - especially a so-called "baseball expert" write. Has this guy even watched a Yankee game over the past month, or was this just a joke, maybe a typo?

Let the ESPN Bashing begin!!!

I'm having an identity crisis apparently.

Thought that I would tell all of you that I bent over for Ben Dover in the shower last night. Jeff and Cashman cheered.

Anemone and Cas Ob are both losers! They are probably bangin' fish in the barrel together! Pathetic tree huggin', insect eatin' (yes, lobsters are related to cockroaches)Bosox lovin' losers.

Man... Peavy looks like Hell so far

ESPN probably thinks we are gonna have Pavano going in Game 2, just in case Kevin Brown's back starts acting up again! I can not believe the garbage coming out of that studio. Even makes Kay-Mouth sound almost tolerable. Good Grief! This has got to be intentional (joke). No sports channel can be that CLUELESS!

I prefer barrel of monkeys!

Thanks Chris!

The schedule could be worse. Now I can get home from work, crack open a beer, and not miss any part of the game. (Friday I may have to leave a little early.)

And re: "Bugs Bunny changeup."

Bwa ha ha ha. "One, two, three strikes, yer out."

Jo-Mo is capable of throwing three innings. That's fine for the post-season, just fine.

Went to the game in Baltimore yesterday with my son and my nephew (my nephew's first game). It was a beautiful day and my nephew asked if we should be wearing our Yankees Jersey's going into the stadium, he didn't want a bunch of people getting on us and I told him "just wait 'til we get there, you'll have a hard time finding an Orioles jersey" and that was the case. It was truly Yankee Stadium at Camden Yards. I am so thankful the Yanks won for my nephew, he was thrilled.

Man, I am worried about the bullpen, but I have to be honest and say if they can throw Britton, Joba and Mo, they should be okay. They may have to mix Hughes in their now and then but it just might work.

Let's go Yanks!

I just read ESPN's write up for the Yankees:

"Their pitching staff is a mess as ESPN insiders predict Ed Whitson will start game 1, Hideki Irabu will start game 2 and Andy Hawkins going game 3.

With Steve Sax and Alvaro Espinoza up the middle, the infield defense is a mess and Kevin Maas can be easily jammed inside.

Either way, it is going to be a chore for Manager Stump Merrill to get a win from this crew.

Meanwhile the Red Sox seems poised to win every playoff game, especially from their endorsement from Jesus of Nazareth

- Jayson Stark reporting"

Now we're getting baseball commentary from the Big Blue Monster from Monsters Inc..

Where's Buzz Lightyear?

They spelled "Sully" wrong in Monsters Inc
They spelled it Sulley

Who the f--- spells it Sulley?

There's no E anywhere in Sullivan...that makes no sense.

I understand Cleveand is a very good team with two studs at the top, but looking at it objectively, its very hard to believe that 7 of 10 analysts - well 5 of 8 is you dont count steve phillips who we already knew was an idiot and Keith law - see above threads picked the Indians.

Like most of you, I am a huge fan and its tough to look at it without rose colored glasses, but weren't the Yankees the best team in baseball fr the final 3 months of the season?

I think that despite all the hype surrounding him they are really underestimating the impact that Joba could have on this series - remember 96 - the Yankees were outmanned offesively, defensively and itching wise in every series especially the world series, but Mariano was the equalizer.

Also think that they are underestimating the impact Hughes can have out of the bullpen helping Joe piece together the 6th and maybe 5th innings.

Mussina is a huge worry and shouldnt be starting game 4 - I's rather see him in game 3 as I dont want the season resting on his shoulders in a possible elimination game. If they go into game 4 down 2-1, Wang has to come back on three days resr. He should be able to. He is young - will be rested going into the series and is a sinkerballer.

Wang, Pettite
Mussina in game 3 if the Yanks are up 2-0

Clemens in game 3 if the series is tied, or Yanks down 2-1

Mussina in game 4 if the yanks are up 2-1

Wang on short rest if the yanks are down 1-2

Mussina pitching an elimination game = Tom Glavine pitching a Must Win for the Mets. Strikingly similar pitchers these days. I know Glavine throws pretty much only change-ups, but both refuse to throw the call over the plate, rely on guile more than skill and are 5 years past their day.

oh ESPN just updated the playoff probables. Yankee Ace Scott Sanderson was a late scratch due to an injury suffered getting out of his wheelchair Luckily Pasquel Perez was released from prison in time to be added to the 25 man playoff roster and will make his start.

Peter Gammons is also reporting that the Yankees are already looking into to their pitching plans next year. Reportedly, Darryl Kyle will try to make the most miracualous comeback in baseball history. Kyle is reportedly in the best shape he has been in since 2001, and its said that his arm speed is lighting quick now due to the lack of connective tissue and he is coincidetally working on a "Bugs Bunny Change-up" where he will actually spin his arm around 360 degrees 4 times before releasing it; although he has lost quite a bit of weight and there is concern that fermaldihide (horribly spelled I know) may be added to the list of banned performance enhancing drugs. Nonetheless, Kyle will throw a bullpen session for the Yankee scouts after the playoffs.

Comeback Player of the Year of just a marketting gimic? You make the call.

p.s. I sincerely apologize if any of Mr. Kyle's relatives read this blog. I am only the messenger - Remember, Andrew Jackson (did you ever look at a 20 dollar bill) reported this. I am only the messenger.

It just goes to show you that the best pitcher doesn't always win.

The pitching matchup tonight obviously favored the Pads with Peavy on the hill and he's getting hammered.

Glavine was the best the Mets could offer yesterday and he got clobbered too.

The best pitching in the game on the field usually wins -- not the best pitching on paper before the game starts.

Guys, don’t take ESPN’s “analysis” seriously, if you go to the first link I’m posting, Tim Kurkjian clearly predicts Indians in 5 (along with many others). If you go to the second link, an article he supposedly wrote for the series, he ends it with the Yanks winning in 5.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/series?series=nyycle

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=3043832

As you can see, it’s total BS.

Even though Yanks have won many postseason games and even world series games on FOX, I think not having Joe "Only Yankee out there is Jeter" Buck and Tim "Been hit with way too many foul tips" McCarver is going to bode well with Yanks karma. FOX has proved, in recent slumping years, to be too anti-Yankee.

I always laugh when I hear about Yankee fans complaining about bias on ESPN.

The funny thing is that Red Sox fans often complain about ESPN bias against their club as well.

The truth of the matter is that ESPN is very PRO Red Sox AND Yankees.

Why?

It's all about the Benjamins.

Simply put, the Yanks and Red Sox get the most coverage because they have the biggest following and the biggest ratings.

If it were up to ESPN, they would fix the ALDS to ensure the Yanks/Red Sox meet again in the ALCS.

I never want to hear the words "Hall of Fame" and "Trevor Hoffman" in the same sentence.

Hall of Fame closers don't blow 2 games that could clinch a playoff spot in 3 days

Mets First Baseman Carlos Delgado holding a Derek Jeter Jersey.

[img]http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20071001/capt.141606f5ce1b40959404e86aa129beeb.mets_collapse_baseball_nys113.jpg[/img]

New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado, who fractured his wrist in Sunday's 8-1 loss to the Florida Marlins that ended the Mets season, carries a jersey from New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter at Shea Stadium in New York, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007. When asked, Delgado wouldn't reveal where or how he got the jersey.

Well Tally Ho and all that good stuff Yankee underlings. I must say that this morn my dear man servent "Hobbs" awoke me with the paper , coffee and eggs benedict. Oh it was to die for! Oh speaking of "to die for" , did I mention I inherited a 50 acre woodlot from a relative who was a step in intelligence above ye simple Yank folk? I had to render him senseless as his ilk can not be part of my illustrious breeding. Plus , what a hoot it is to brag about having a 50 acre woodlot.

Last night Hobbs cooked a hen on the spit and it was divine! While I ate it with a vintage 1968 Chardony I laughed to myself how all you "joe sixpacks" on here were probably having hot dogs and mac and cheese! I almost couldn't finish but did...it would be poor manners not to.
After my eggs benedict , I had so much trouble figuring out whether to wear my Armani or Hugo Boss as one must look good even if only to taunt the lower class on a computer. I picked the Armani , it probably costs more than all of your wardrobes combined, trash! Lol , now for a long day of insulting , belittleing , and condesending...your Yanks will be lucky to win 1 game.

Typical Trevor Hoffman. Faltering in the big spot. He should never ever be mentioned in the same breath as Mo. He is a choke artist who will always wilt in the big spot. I could care less how many saves he has. Hey Cas, can you have your butler make me some pancakes please? Thanks.

haha i dont know whats funnier, Hoffman in a save situation or Casual Observers morning hello.

I said it over a week ago on one of these threads and John G. agreed I think, but I'll say it again, Trevor Hoffman is completely overrated. Sure, it's easy to save games against mediocre teams all season long but he has seemingly never closed out a big game for the Padres, and unfortunately for them, he's only had a few chances. Think about the year for this guy, he blew the all star game and two of his teams biggest games and ended their season for him. Jayson Stark will still knight him and say he's the best ever, but we all know better.
He's lucky because the choke job done by the Mets will overshadow this, but he is pathetic.

Jim,

I agree. He is not even close to Mo in the big spot. He is a number collector. He is not much better then Lee Smith.

As far as the game schedule, "it is what it is" to borrow a term from Forest Gump. Fans of baseball will find a way to watch the game.

As far as ESPN, who cares, what they think. I base my hopes on a 6-0 record during the season when our play was not stellar and pitching was suspect. Our pitching is still suspect but our all around play otherwise borders on stellar. So, Yanks win the series from Cleveland in 4 or 5. I'll make it short and sweet. No matter who we play its off to the WS. This team has the ability to play well enough to win against anyone and presently are doing so. After the first 5 games with Boston we're 10-3 on the plus side. Our starting pitching just has to get us into 6 innings and it can be done. LAA our record is on the downside but I just feel confident about the Yankee fortunes.

Chris and Sully,

Are those ESPN analyses serious or were your posts taken from Saturday Night Live skits? These professional sportswriters didn't really say that about the Yankees, did they? Or are you guys just playing around?

Of course ESPN wants the Yankees in the playoffs for $$$ sake but they want them to lose the World Series. They love the Yankees for the money and attention the Yankees bring them but they want the Yankees to lose because hate them nonetheless. They want to see them set up so they can fall and enjoy mocking and belittling them in the process. The Yankees losing to the Red Sox in Game 7 of the World Series is a dream come true for ESPN.

I just read on ESPN that the Yankees just made an announcement that they are going to start their rookie sensation Andy Hawkins in the first game. I'm thinking he is going to throw a no hitter......I just hope he doesn't lose the game. I also heard that Joe is going to start Mike Gallego at short. I’m sure Jeter is not to happy about that.

Dale Berra at third, over Mike Pagliarulo, what is Joe thinking? I mean, I know he loves Yogi and all but this is an outrage!

I can't wait until they bring up Brien Taylor- You heard it here first: I predict this guy will go down in history as one of the best pitchers ever!

My Lord , Dog you rabid canine , Andy Hawkins was a free agent aquisition in 1988. Mike Gallego wasn't a yankee until hawkins mercifuly was dismissed. I guess your ill breeding made you think that would be funny. Possibly that old dog can't be taught a new trick.

After a brunch of mimosas and assorted fruit , I read some of the prior postings by the lunatic fringe on here. One had agastly accused me of being a charlatan by using the order in which I posted my famous catch frase. Well , one must have a barrel to put the fish in to shoot..now musn't one? Anyone with a simple prep school education could tell you that. Though , the "joe paycheck" crew on here wouldn't have the knowledge to fathom that.
Well I am off to skeet shoot on my land. by the way , did I mention I inherited a 50 acre woodlot from a relative of lower intelligence? Much higher than the commoners on here but not worthy of my status.
Tata , low lifes and try not ot muck up the place with your common street trash bantar.

I did not take it from SNL, I was just goofing around.

Cas,

I was wondering when the Red Sox ball will begin. Of course when I say ball, I mean dance. I here that you have the biggest balls of all. Is that true?

That WAS pretty funny....except that someone should point out to knuckledragger that if he wants to continue to impersonate me (and clearly he does...he is obsessed), that terms like "Tally ho" are indigenous to England, not New England...it's more "ayuh" around this neck of the woods. It should also be pointed out that owning 50 acres in Maine is not exactly much to brag about...many many Mainers own far larger tracts of land, but I am appreciative of my little inheritance.

On the eggs Benedict however, he is right on the mark....I make an outstanding eggs Benedict and it is my family's favorite request on Sunday mornings.

I dont wear suits..of any kind, the only "Hobbs" in the household is my grandsons stuffed animal from the "Calvin and Hobbs" comic strip, but I do use my rotisserie on the charcoal grill alot.

So, all in all....you did a good job KD....and for once you were humorous. Kudo's!

I can get you a ticket to the ball KD...I'm sure you're just itching to dance with Papelbon.

Cas,

I have to say that being impersonated is a little creepy, but whoever it is was actually kind of witty. That is why I don’t believe it was Anon. I don’t think that he could form that many words in a row.

Dog,

I have to agree....clearly, he must of had some help.

As luck would have it , Hobbs failed to clean my skeet gun! So after a severe tongue lashing I must await his completion of his failed task.

I see another is laying claim to my moniker and I will have none of it! Tally Ho is used in the finest prep and post schools in New England , you idignant imposter. I challenge you to a duel at dusk on my 50 acre woodlot. By the way did I mention I absconded it from a relative with a mere public college education? I won't have any of that trash tied to my sur name!

Now as far as the ball is concerned , you must be of ill breeding. The next "to do" is clearly the spring catillion!

ah...typical....

Cant leave a good thing alone...has to keep going to the well.

Well, KD...you've managed to get yourself a bunch of attention...I'm sure you are just trembling with excitement.

Back to baseball,

I am happy that I will be able to watch most of the post season in HDTV. Up to now, I've only had that luxury when watching a game on ESPN...but TBS also is in my HD package.

I think both the Sox and Yanks are sitting pretty for the ALDS....I think the Angels and Injuns are the two teams feeling the pressure.

I'd disagree CO...Id say BOS with the best record in AL is feeling a good amount of pressure, as are the Yanks. Yanks proved alot in 2nd half, but the pressure is always at a high peak to win WS in NY, especially during playoffs.

CLE is young and inexperienced, like Marlins of 03. They might be a little more easy going knowing they are going against some well-respected AL teams.

and everyone has ANA written off, and they are lone west coats team. their pressure might not be as high as BOS and NYY.

then again, its playoff baseball. EVERY team has pressure!

You moppish fop you are to discontinue using moniker post haste! I will not have such boorish behavior linked to the greatness that is I!

I challenged you to a duel and like a true Yankee coward you did not accept! If this is the dearth of your commitment The Red Sox will sweep your illbred team. That is if it can even get passed the rust belt Indians.

Miguel,

Of course every team is feeling a certain amount of pressure...but I think the two strongest teams in the post are the Sox and Yanks. They both have the offensive might to go with pretty solid pitching, overall. The Angels and Injuns are in the post for a reason...they are good teams, and either of them could go all the way...but I think it is not a stretch to say the Sox and Yanks will be favored in those two series, and I'm sure the Angels and Indians are aware of that ...hence they may be feeling a bit more pressure.

Miguel ,

Never question me or my intellect or I will have you placed on the first boat back to Havana!

KD,

It's "past", not "passed"...I can see why you would make that mistake....obviously, you were "passed".

Well , Hobbs has finished cleaning my skeet gun , finally! I am off to enjoy my life of leisure.

Just know the coward impersonating myself is only doing so to feel better about himself. What a pity.

I will return after my luncheon with my superior friends , where I will undoubtedly speak of your childish exploits , then fill you in on my gloriuos day! Til then!

Besides, why would either the Sox or Yanks feel pressure??

Both teams are where they expected to be... in the post season.

Poppycock imposter , both can be used you bufoon! If you had a job I would tell you to by a dictionary and you would see.

Buy not by , in my heated state I erred. My only one ever but just the same must correct it.

by the way , did I mention I inherited a 50 acre woodlot? Oh well , off to shoot skeet...

People have written off the Angels?

REALLY?

I'm f---ing TERRIFIED of the Angels!

understood - but now that they both are in, i believe yanks and sox have much more pressure to absorb because of their expectations and the fans expectations.

BOS record and crown as AL east champs certainly has to be on their minds. and im sure the BOS fans expect nothing less than a WS, especially with the year they've had.

and the Yanks have been feeling pressure since july, and even more now that they are in the dance. plus, not winning the whole shabang since 2000 is certainly weighing on their minds.

agree to disagree......when in rome hahaha

not to mention buffoon, instead of bufoon. Take heart...you qualify either spelling.

ANA - i simply meant news media and other foolish espn / fox sports/ si.com writters.

any A.L. baseball fan surely knows what ANA is capible of.

as a yanks fan, im glad we aren't playing ANA first go-around

by the way , did I mention I inherited a 50 acre woodlot?

Sully,

My biggest fear of the Angels is their ability to run, run, and run some more. That said, I think the Sox are at an advantage due to the injuries the Angles have, I think the Sox have more depth at offense, pitching, and on the bench. Starting at home is a big big help too...the Sox have fared well against the Angels at Fenway...why would that change?

Written off?...no...but surely sully, you DO expect the Sox to win that series?

Every NL team is going to play the "We're underdogs that everyone counted out" card. It's like a league of underdogs... there's no f---ing favorite.

Meanwhile nighty prayer vigils at FOX are taking place to make sure the Cubs are in the World Series

what injuries do ANA have?

i think i read Vlad has a sore bicep, which will limit him to DH. yet they do have juan rivera back, no?

I watch very little NL baseball...but I'd love to see the Cubbies make the WS.

I dont know if Rivera is back or not, but I do know that besides Vlad, Figgins is banged up but still playing, although he has not played well as of late. Escobar and Colon are both battling arm issues...

I mean there is a reason this team faded so dramatically over the past (not passed) month.

No guarantee certainly, but I like the Sox chances.

A note to the Real Casual Observer just to say if you are going to make fun of your rather scary fan about his spelling, you should watch your use of phrases like "must of" or "would of" my friend. It is "must have" and "would have", a very common mistake but one that should not be overlooked.

Good point...noted.

Sully,

You were joking about ESPN commentary on the Yankees? but the sad fact is that it's not surprising if ESPN were to make comments like that...it's hard to tell if those comments are fact or fiction...and that's really the crazy sick thing about your jokes...the need to ask if they were jokes or the real ESPN comments.

ESPN is a sham. Sunday, after the Colorado victory, and the Padres loss set up a Monday "sudden death" playoff game, their SportCenter top story was Week 4 of the NFL. Since they are not broadcasting any baseball playoff games, and the Monday Rockie\Padre game would be going "head-to-head" with their 3rd rate Monday Night Football, they weren't about to give the "sudden death" baseball game it's "just due". So much for unbiased reporting\jounalism. When is Fox Sports going to "step up to the plate", and give the viewers a real alternative to SportsCenter?

This blog becomes more and more a joke everyday...

Cas Ob knows quite a bit about Red Sox balls. And by the by, please check the chamber pot under your canopy bed and you will see I left a load of Mississippi Mud in there for ya. You can send it to Fenway for your "boys". They can use it to rub up some of those balls you are very familiar with. Varicose might even rub some under his eyes, for effect. Bosox sux!

ah mikey....

as usual, a very classy post.

Good Morning Gentlemen:
And Sully,

I wouldn't get too upset at the "good folks" at ESPN. Tell me, when have they been consistently correct?
In fact, back in 2002 when the analysts were rating the teams in the post season, Harold Reynolds, who I think is a great analyst, picked the Yanks in a cakewalk over that team in Orange County Ca., and look how that turned out. Who cares what they think?

Jim,

I'm glad that you had a great time at the game with the kids. I was thinking about you while I watched the game. You beat me to the punch on Hoffman. He's the most overrated closer in the game today. He couldn't deliver in a big spot when his team needed him the most. His performance last night just adds to the claim that Mo is the best closer, ever!

I'm not going to write tickets for the Yanks and Red Sox trips to the ALCS just yet. I think the Hekowis and Mousketeers may have something to say about that.

Just being cautious.

Well,

Hoffman is now out of the picture....the next over-hyped closer to be exposed is likely going to be Borowski. You Yank fans should be happy about that.

To tell you the truth Cas, I'm hoping that the Yanks are leading in every game going into the 9th and Brioski will be a mute point.

I have a hard time understanding how he leads the AL in saves with that 5+ era, John.

By the way....Borowski has a 7.14 era against the Yanks...

Of course that is based on one appearance.

I don't know Cas. By looking at those numbers, you'd think that he blows more games than he saves.

He probaly feasted on teams like KC and Texas, then got his clock cleaned against Boston, New York, Detroit, etc.

What the hell is the deal with Clemens? Is he starting or what?

Sully:

He's riding off into the sunset of his career.

I don't Sully.

When I had ESPN on this morning, the ticker at the bottom of the screen said that he's scheduled for game 3. The paper said that Torre hasn't commited to him yet.

It's like opening up a can and finding "mystery meat" or something.

Correction: He's riding off into the *twilight* of his career.

Nyuk nyuk.

I meant to say I don't know.

What a lame I am!

John and Sully,

I think Torre knows exactly when Roger is going to pitch, and he's just yanking everybody.

I'd bet on Game 3, with Hughes ready in the pen if the leg cramps up, or the blister returns, or something else gives way.

Holliday's defense is right there with Abreu's. Any ball hit in their direction is an "adventure". No way I would give Holliday the MVP. His numbers are outstanding, but an MVP has to be at least "adequate" on D.

Ed,

I agree with you. I don't believe that Torre wants to tip his hand.

Roy,

If I had a vote for NL MVP, it would be Rollins.

The guy hit 30 HR and 20 triples. I mean everytime I turned a Phils game on during the summer, Rollins was up and he hit a triple. In fact, one game that I was watching when Philadelphia was playing SF, he 2 triples. Sunday I turn it on and he hits, you guessed it, a triple.

I think Clemens is hurt worse than we thought. I looked at the post game celebration interviews after they clinched the WC against the DRays again and Andy Pettitte didn't sound all that confident that Clemens would be ready for the first round of the playoffs and he knows Clemens better than anyone I guess. I do not like the idea of Mussina pitching in a must win situation, not at all.

John: I appreciate the thought about the O's game I attended. My poor nephew had never gone to a game in his life and he just turned 18! He's as die hard a Yankee fan as I've ever met though so it was great to be able to take him to his first game. I tried to get a picture of the look people get on their faces when they see a ML field for the first time (baseball lovers anyway) but he peeked in while I was in line for food, but the look on his face when he turned around was great. I remember when my dad took me to my first game (Yankee Stadium, 1974), I just froze as I walked out of the tunnel and he hit me in the back and said "breathe kid, breathe". That's a great feeling that I'm sure most of you guys remember.

Regarding the Indians, Betencourt scares me more than Borowski any day. Borowski is a lot like Todd Jones, you don't know how they close games out but somehow they do.

Hoffman is a glorified Borowski/Jones.

He's a saves compiler who never got hurt. (See also Lee Smith.)

Yeah he has more saves than anyone else, but he does NOT belong in any short list of greatest reliever ever nor Hall of Fame.

You take the 5 greatest relievers (Rivera, Gossage, Fingers, Sutter, Eckersley) they all slammed the door on the big one and they shortened games.

Yeah there were some blemishes (Brett's homer off of Gossage, Gibson's homer plus Eck blew saves in 1990 WS and 1992 ALCS, Rivera and 2001 and 2004) they all got the job done and those blips in their careers were all the more dramatic because of the pitcher on the mound.

Hoffman? His highlights include a 9th inning series winning homer let up in 1996, a blown save against Atlanta in the 1998 NLCS, the Brosius homer in the 1998 World Series, letting up a clinch preventing triple to Tony Gwynn Jr and coughing up 3 runs to end a 13 inning classic each team leaving blood on the field playoff game.

Can you IMAGINE how vilified he'd be in New York, Boston or Philadelphia?

OK... end of rant.
Back to work

I remember my first Yankee game Jim like it was yesterday.

It was May 1967 and my Dad got 2 box seat tickets, 2nd row right behind the plate. The Yanks were playing the Senators and Camillo Pasqual was pitching for the Nats. My Dad pointed out Frank Howard to me and I remember telling him at the time that Howard was a giant! I never saw anyone that big in my young life!
The Mick struck out in his only at bat and Steve Whitaker hit a three run HR off of the right field foulpole. When I first walked into Yankee Stadium, I was in awe!
Al Downing walked right in front of me!
That was the day that my brother became a Met fan. He was upset because my Dad only had the 2 tickets and he took me to the game because I was the oldest.
LOL.

Changing the subject:
Baumback had an interesting article on the Mets making a play for Santana. He said that the Mets should offer "Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose" Reyes who could become the face of their franchise as they move into their new stadium.

Amen, Sully, amen. Right on point.

After the words of Keith Law and Ramirez's Bugs Bunny change, I found Jim Johnson's comparison of Trevor to Edwar that much more amusing. Here it is:
And Trevor is not and never will be Mariano Rivera. He’s a pitcher with an Edwar Ramirez changeup and a better fastball who has played for a really long time on a consistantly average to above-average team in a joke division. Here’s to longevity… but not ever closing out a big game. Ever.

If you remember the posting for the Joba t-shirts, www.jobathehutt.com then I thought I'd provide this:
If you want to pick one up, our readers can get an extra $2.50 off per tee by entering code: jobabronxblock

The Rockies can hit and have a great, young, real, true, All-American core ... good role models for our kids, (Helton, Holiday, the shortstop) no earrings, not so many tatoos, they have a Christian team ethos which has upset the Mainstream Media to no end ... and of course there's no idiotic dancing (Reyes for example) and it will be good to see those kind of players get the exposure our kids need to escape the low live voluntary slavery of the postmodern culture. It's sickening.

Way to go Rockies ... !!!

There is no reason the Yanks can't and shouldn't win it all.

The Mets should wait to sign Johan S. as a FA, why trade Reyes or any of the young stars ... ?

What about Bedard or Sowers ... Omar is good at making the Gabe Paul type pickups. He is a real wheeler dealer ... with more money he is doing a lot more than he did in Montreal ... even with his anti-white bias which is all too clear as you analyze his trades from A to Z ...

Omar said he did well this year but should let others praise him ... Kazmir, Bannister ... lack of development with Pelfrey ... these things really hurt them.

Pedro and El Duque are brittle and in many ways remind me of the older Yankee starters.

The Mets will get the right mix and hopefully the NY baseball scene will be competitive next year with a good rivalry.

The Yanks have retooled ... still don't understand why they drafted Brackman if he needed surgury. They couldn't find a healthy kid with all this talent around our nation?

If Matsui is done the Yanks should try for Colby Rasmus and or Ludwig from the Cardinals.

One last thing ... Tampa's airport has the most beautiful women ... what a nice city ...

Off to the Everglades ...

Go Yankees!

John G.,
Hate to agree with a sports reporter, but I think that would be a good trade for both Mutts and Twinkies. Twinkies got the kid coming back from TJ surgery, who was as good (if not better) than Johan, and Reyes/ Randolph no longer have a working relationship. Gardenhire can straighten out Jose,No Way, No Way, No Way and Santana would take the Mutts to the promised land. (Of course we would be waiting for 'em).
Mutts Starting Rotation:
Santana
Pedro
Perez
Maine
Pelfrey/Humber/Fill in the blank
Good post, John G.

I applaud the new Casual Observer! Putting that uppity , self serving , egomaniac in his place! The sad part is the original CO is too wrapped up in himself to realise he has been torn apart and exposed for the turd he is. All he can do is try and correct spelling as a defense , like a pathetic beaten man.
I say kudos to you "New Caual Observer" your words ring true!

Oh and Yanks take the Indians and face The Angels in the ALCS.

Oops mispelled Casual Observer...ie: Caual. better fix it before that is his great comeback! Go Yanks and Sox fans go home!

Nate Silver at Baseball Prospectus did some extensive research and he found that three traits correlate well with post-season success: Ks per 9, FRAA and Closer performance.

If this analysis holds true, the Yanks should win. The teams are close in Ks per 9, but the Yanks have the advantage in the other two categories. I'm not sure if any of the three was weighted more than the other, but seeing as how the Yanks dominated 2/3 of those stats, I'd say it gives them the statistical edge. What I think it really tells you, that magnifies the bullpen/closer importance and fielding importance is that the playoffs are built on close games. You have a lot of good to great pitchers pitching, so runs are few and far between and teams stay within striking distance. A key defensive play or misplay could easily make the difference. The same could be said for a shaky closer. Does this hurt us in the Wang/Sabathia matchup? Sure. But it's the game of the first two I expect the Yanks to lose, bouncing back to win with Pettite on the mound.

Essentially, this reitterates the fact that Minky should be at 1b throughout and that Joba/Mo could really come through to change the tide on this series.

FYI: FRAA = Fielded Runs Above Average and the Yanks advantage in this area is 27-14.

Good analysis and point HYD! i hope it rings true. btw , why did you apologise for those rather nonsensical , taken out of context remarks you made the other day? If I had been on i would have defende you as you were not wrong and by the 1st ammendment had every right to say it.

Mike,

Thanks Man!

I like your redition of "No Way..." better than "Jose..."

The next time we play the Mets in interleague, I'd love to hear the crowd at the Stadium singing that everytime he comes to the plate.
Assuming that he isn't shipped out before that.

Comparing that guy to Jeter!

Com'on!!!

Ant,

There's just something about teams that play in Denver that just rub me the wrong way. It's not logica