OK, the Mets are garbage, but he has to beat somebody.
But the big deal, again, was Mo Rivera batting. And you know what, Mangler Joe Girardi really thought Rivera had a shot. He did. He really thought Rivera had a shot. A good shot. If it was a strike. (Reason No. 2,386,732,896,496 post-game news conferences are garbage).
Still and all, a sweep is a sweep, and a little history is nice, too.
Yanks/Mets was the Sunday game, and we once again got to enjoy the work of Jon Miller, Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips. Miller was probably drunk, but mostly he worked on the pronunciation of the Latin players' names. Morgan was more concerned with team spirit, than the game, and Phillips was speculating where Derek Jeter might finish his career. As if there's any chance he'll be anywhere but shortstop for the Yankees until he decideds he doesn't want to play shortstop for the Yankees.
You morons.
I'd love sports so much more if the games were broadcast in silence. Just the roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat, the pop of the glove ... beautiful.
Or, if Michael Bay directed. That would be pretty sweet, too. Everytime anyone made contact with the ball, it would explode. Twice. Awesome.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
The white Wanger
Even up 7, with everyone hitting, it still didn't feel good.
Four-plus shakey innings from Pettitte? Ugh.
And Aceves goes 2, again. Why! What is the compulsion to use every guy every night? It makes no sense. But Phil Coke got two innings in, so all is right.
Still, 11 runs, 16 hits ... and no of them came from Tex. 0-5 and 7 left on. Ouch.
Now on to Citifield and Mets.
Is 499 saves impressive? I'm torn. I love Mo, but the closer is probably the most over-rated position with the most over-rated stat. Whatever. 500 anything is pretty good I guess.
Four-plus shakey innings from Pettitte? Ugh.
And Aceves goes 2, again. Why! What is the compulsion to use every guy every night? It makes no sense. But Phil Coke got two innings in, so all is right.
Still, 11 runs, 16 hits ... and no of them came from Tex. 0-5 and 7 left on. Ouch.
Now on to Citifield and Mets.
Is 499 saves impressive? I'm torn. I love Mo, but the closer is probably the most over-rated position with the most over-rated stat. Whatever. 500 anything is pretty good I guess.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
And another thing(s)
Is Jose Veras in witness protection? No, he's in Cleveland, which I guess the same thing. He was traded ... for no one. Ouch.
And that whole Mariano Rivera is going to hit! sequence last night was a little, overdone. Until he ripped a line drive into center. Sure, it was caught, but at 56, or however old he is ... you know, it just occurred to me no one has ever questioned how old Rivera is. To finish the thought, Rivera look comfortable out of the box, easily loping to first base. At least he wouldn't end his season, gasp, running.
Which ALSO reminds me. Andy Pettitte doubled against the Marlins and said, if he had to run again, it would cost him innings. Really? Running does that? I hope he was joking, but I didn't hear otherwise. A guy on the verge of making the Hall of Fame should be able to run the bases without fear of halving his start. Come on Andy, you're better than that.
And that whole Mariano Rivera is going to hit! sequence last night was a little, overdone. Until he ripped a line drive into center. Sure, it was caught, but at 56, or however old he is ... you know, it just occurred to me no one has ever questioned how old Rivera is. To finish the thought, Rivera look comfortable out of the box, easily loping to first base. At least he wouldn't end his season, gasp, running.
Which ALSO reminds me. Andy Pettitte doubled against the Marlins and said, if he had to run again, it would cost him innings. Really? Running does that? I hope he was joking, but I didn't hear otherwise. A guy on the verge of making the Hall of Fame should be able to run the bases without fear of halving his start. Come on Andy, you're better than that.
We won?
We won!
And Mariano got into a game! And got people out!!
Still, Bruney looked awfully shaky, but he may have been squeezed here and there. Fact is, he's gotta be the bridge. There's no one else.
Joe Girardi needs to get ejected more. He sucks.
The Yankees rolled out some online service yesterday for cable customers and Optimum online users ... blah blah blah. Oh, and you have to have YES. So, if you have those things, and pay a fee, you can watch Yankees games online.
Apparently they aren't aware of MLB.com, MLB.TV, ESPN Gamecast, Fox, CBSsportsline or any one of a billion other places you can follow the Yankees online ... for free. None of it is perfect, but it's functional, and free.
Nice job Yankees marketing team. Way to do your research.
And Mariano got into a game! And got people out!!
Still, Bruney looked awfully shaky, but he may have been squeezed here and there. Fact is, he's gotta be the bridge. There's no one else.
Joe Girardi needs to get ejected more. He sucks.
The Yankees rolled out some online service yesterday for cable customers and Optimum online users ... blah blah blah. Oh, and you have to have YES. So, if you have those things, and pay a fee, you can watch Yankees games online.
Apparently they aren't aware of MLB.com, MLB.TV, ESPN Gamecast, Fox, CBSsportsline or any one of a billion other places you can follow the Yankees online ... for free. None of it is perfect, but it's functional, and free.
Nice job Yankees marketing team. Way to do your research.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
It's blurry, but I like to think that's from the rage
"You rotten bums! You overpaid weenies! ... you make my butt sting! I *detest* you! You're all garbage! All of ya! Back up the truck! Back it up!"
Monday, June 22, 2009
Protest this
What Girardi should be protesting is losing his ace after an inning. He should be protesting A-Rod's lack of everything, his spotty bullpen, Derek Jeter's preternatural ability to smash ground balls at infielders, c'mon Capt. Clutch! Johnny Damon going Benny Hill in left.. And Joe's concerning about bookkeeping. Figures.
Fish and bugs
And now the Yanks are four back.
Again, the Red Sox find a way to win, the Yankees find new and inventive ways to lose. But they also have the tried and true methods they've relied on: Rookie? Loss. First time facing him?: loss. Fly ball hit to Johnny Damon? Loss.
And now the Yanks get an angry Braves team.
Is there anything better than a manager/player/player freakout/ejection? No. Bobby Cox never fails to entertain.
Again, the Red Sox find a way to win, the Yankees find new and inventive ways to lose. But they also have the tried and true methods they've relied on: Rookie? Loss. First time facing him?: loss. Fly ball hit to Johnny Damon? Loss.
And now the Yanks get an angry Braves team.
Is there anything better than a manager/player/player freakout/ejection? No. Bobby Cox never fails to entertain.
The Associated Press
Cox was disputing a non-call. Chipper Jones hates mustaches.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Better, but still garbage
Wanger lasted five innings last night, and was outdueled by John Lannan, the guy better known for serving up Barry Bonds' *** home run, and being rather pleased about it.
The Yankees had two solo home runs and the 'Nats did little better, cashing in on a horrendous call at first that likely changed the game.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox bludgeoned the Marlins, again, and the Yanks slipped three games off the pace. A win tonight, even they even play is critical, but ultimately, the Yanks need to sweep these series. The Red Sox rarely fail to collect wins (in bunches) against inferior teams, which is just about every team in baseball, if not every team.
Still, I'm absolutely impressed with Phil Hughes. There's no good reason for the treatment he's receiving and the inexplicable favoritism being shown to Joba Chamberlain, who has done nothing to prove he deserves to be in the rotation any more than Hughes. Certainly, either could do exactly what Wang is doing.
The Yankees had two solo home runs and the 'Nats did little better, cashing in on a horrendous call at first that likely changed the game.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox bludgeoned the Marlins, again, and the Yanks slipped three games off the pace. A win tonight, even they even play is critical, but ultimately, the Yanks need to sweep these series. The Red Sox rarely fail to collect wins (in bunches) against inferior teams, which is just about every team in baseball, if not every team.
Still, I'm absolutely impressed with Phil Hughes. There's no good reason for the treatment he's receiving and the inexplicable favoritism being shown to Joba Chamberlain, who has done nothing to prove he deserves to be in the rotation any more than Hughes. Certainly, either could do exactly what Wang is doing.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
On cue
The Yankees win. Hooray.
There's been lots of talk about how the Yankees pitchers are better with anyone but Jorge Posada behind the plate. Some stats suggest this is the case, although Michael Kay pointed out Posada has caught Chien-Ming Wang four times this season, so, you know, lies, damn lies and statistics.
Posada puts a sign down and expects that pitch. He's gotten into little finger-flashing battles with Joba Chamberlain and AJ Burnett, who want to throw what they want to throw. For Joba, that lasts about four-plus innings per start. So, you see how well that's working for him.
Last night, CC Sabathia shook a sign with two on and threw a slider that Anderson Hernandez, a light-hitting second baseman dropped into the left field seats. My feeling is Posada wanted to go low and away again with a changeup, the pitch Hernandez swung at and missed immediately before the home run. The hit turned Sabathia's otherwise dominant performance upside down, although briefly, and gave me flashbacks to Randy Johnson, who seemed to hate pitching with leads. Or winning, or even looking as if he knew what he was doing.
There's no denying Fransisco Cervelli has given the Yankees a boost, and probably is outplaying his skill, at least at the plate, if not behind it, but Posada has four World Series rings and has caught Hall of Famers, would-be Hall of Famers and should-be Hall of Famers. He's obviously doing something right. And he's been doing it for a long time.
I understand pitchers are the guys who get the win or the loss, but, let's face it, sometimes pitchers are stupid, prideful and shortsighted. Throwing the wrong pitch in the wrong place to the wrong batter nearly cost the Yankees last night. It's cost them too often during the last near-decade.
There's been lots of talk about how the Yankees pitchers are better with anyone but Jorge Posada behind the plate. Some stats suggest this is the case, although Michael Kay pointed out Posada has caught Chien-Ming Wang four times this season, so, you know, lies, damn lies and statistics.
Posada puts a sign down and expects that pitch. He's gotten into little finger-flashing battles with Joba Chamberlain and AJ Burnett, who want to throw what they want to throw. For Joba, that lasts about four-plus innings per start. So, you see how well that's working for him.
Last night, CC Sabathia shook a sign with two on and threw a slider that Anderson Hernandez, a light-hitting second baseman dropped into the left field seats. My feeling is Posada wanted to go low and away again with a changeup, the pitch Hernandez swung at and missed immediately before the home run. The hit turned Sabathia's otherwise dominant performance upside down, although briefly, and gave me flashbacks to Randy Johnson, who seemed to hate pitching with leads. Or winning, or even looking as if he knew what he was doing.
There's no denying Fransisco Cervelli has given the Yankees a boost, and probably is outplaying his skill, at least at the plate, if not behind it, but Posada has four World Series rings and has caught Hall of Famers, would-be Hall of Famers and should-be Hall of Famers. He's obviously doing something right. And he's been doing it for a long time.
I understand pitchers are the guys who get the win or the loss, but, let's face it, sometimes pitchers are stupid, prideful and shortsighted. Throwing the wrong pitch in the wrong place to the wrong batter nearly cost the Yankees last night. It's cost them too often during the last near-decade.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bottom feeding
The Nats worry me. They stink, but they'll have guys no one has ever seen, not even the California Penal League, and those are the guys that make the Yanks look clueless.
5-4 CC Sabathia goes against 5-1 Shairon Martis. The guy's got 5 wins and Nats have 16. I feel an embolism coming on. And two hits for the Yankees.
5-4 CC Sabathia goes against 5-1 Shairon Martis. The guy's got 5 wins and Nats have 16. I feel an embolism coming on. And two hits for the Yankees.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Lemme git dis strate
That was one of the more unlikely series I've seen in a long, long time.
Winning on a two-run error in the bottom of the ninth.
Losing to a guy who hasn't won a big league start since 2006.
Beating the best pitcher in the National League like a drum.
Oddly, I fell asleep right after Jeter singled in the ninth of the first game, and woke up at 3:30 a.m., groggy, on the couch, in time to see Rodriguez pop up the 3-1 offering. I was conscience enough to hurl an insult and then completely confused by the events that unfolded right after. I wonder how John Sterling's head didn't explode.
I had the pleasure of listening to radio broadcast of What's-His-Name Nivea (or whatever) mowing down Yankees batter after Yankees batter. It's sickening, but not a surprise, not at all. Of course, that didn't stop Suzyn Waldman from saying, repeatedly, "He's not doing anything special ..." Really Suzyn? Is that why $200 million worth of talent looks like a collection of child? Apparently, nothing special, is all it takes to beat the Yankees.
Which means what for Johan Santana?
There's a trend now that when a player doesn't perform as expected, he must be injured, something must be wrong. Andy Pettitte stunk, so his back must be bothering him. Santana lost, his volacity has slightly down, so his arm must be hurting.
Maybe they just had shitty outtings. How about that?
For the record, I totally called the Iran elections.
Winning on a two-run error in the bottom of the ninth.
Losing to a guy who hasn't won a big league start since 2006.
Beating the best pitcher in the National League like a drum.
Oddly, I fell asleep right after Jeter singled in the ninth of the first game, and woke up at 3:30 a.m., groggy, on the couch, in time to see Rodriguez pop up the 3-1 offering. I was conscience enough to hurl an insult and then completely confused by the events that unfolded right after. I wonder how John Sterling's head didn't explode.
I had the pleasure of listening to radio broadcast of What's-His-Name Nivea (or whatever) mowing down Yankees batter after Yankees batter. It's sickening, but not a surprise, not at all. Of course, that didn't stop Suzyn Waldman from saying, repeatedly, "He's not doing anything special ..." Really Suzyn? Is that why $200 million worth of talent looks like a collection of child? Apparently, nothing special, is all it takes to beat the Yankees.
Which means what for Johan Santana?
There's a trend now that when a player doesn't perform as expected, he must be injured, something must be wrong. Andy Pettitte stunk, so his back must be bothering him. Santana lost, his volacity has slightly down, so his arm must be hurting.
Maybe they just had shitty outtings. How about that?
For the record, I totally called the Iran elections.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Eight is the loneliest number
Well, what can I say?
Another rainy day, another horrible loss.
Some random thoughts about the game:
How do you drop a fly ball that hit your palm? Then look at the sky as if the offending air molecules were there, taunting you?
How can the same guy get doubled off on fly ball/line drives two days in a row? He does understand the rules, right? Bad base running killed two rallies.
Is it just me, or are the umpires this year especially bad? Not biased, just awful. Strike zones seem to change from pitch to pitch.
How can you give a warning after the first guy is hit? In the third game of a series already overhyped and a little chippy?
Another rainy day, another horrible loss.
Some random thoughts about the game:
How do you drop a fly ball that hit your palm? Then look at the sky as if the offending air molecules were there, taunting you?
How can the same guy get doubled off on fly ball/line drives two days in a row? He does understand the rules, right? Bad base running killed two rallies.
Is it just me, or are the umpires this year especially bad? Not biased, just awful. Strike zones seem to change from pitch to pitch.
How can you give a warning after the first guy is hit? In the third game of a series already overhyped and a little chippy?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
That sinking feeling
Oh Wanger, what's become of you?
Are you going all Chuck Knoblauch before our eyes? You're still throwing 95. You're ball still sinks, but you just don't know where it's going, do you?
Last night's loss was a little easier to swallow. The Yanks didn't quit, they just got beat by better pitching. Credit the Sox bullpen, which I still don't think is that great beyond Okerjimer and Sphincterface [seriously, Pappelbon's face looks like a butt], which shows how much I know) and Phil Hughes, for pretty much putting the breaks on both offenses.
Are you going all Chuck Knoblauch before our eyes? You're still throwing 95. You're ball still sinks, but you just don't know where it's going, do you?
Last night's loss was a little easier to swallow. The Yanks didn't quit, they just got beat by better pitching. Credit the Sox bullpen, which I still don't think is that great beyond Okerjimer and Sphincterface [seriously, Pappelbon's face looks like a butt], which shows how much I know) and Phil Hughes, for pretty much putting the breaks on both offenses.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Rolling over
The Red Sox have less talent but more confidence, which isn't new or original, just true.
David Ortix couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat, but put one on a tee for him, and even his 75 year old body can turn around a straight fastball.
It was pretty obvious from the start the Yanks had no interest in playing last night. Some of that may be Josh Beckett ... a lot of it may be Josh Beckett ... but going 0-fer the season so far isn't painting an encouraging picture.
Also, MY9 is trash. I pay for HD service, and yet once every few days I'm forced to watch squished, grainy baseball. Add rain or mist, and the game looks like its being transmitted through a Resident Evil noise filter. In short, it sucks.
Oh, that reminds me. Michael Kay, as disgusting as dip is, baseball players are adults and this is America. So keep your opinions about how unhealthy the habit is to yourself, OK? You don't chew, I don't chew. That's fine. If, in 30 years, BJ Upton or Melky Cabrera are fine with their jaws hanging off their faces, then I'm fine with it.
You self-righteous jerk.
David Ortix couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat, but put one on a tee for him, and even his 75 year old body can turn around a straight fastball.
It was pretty obvious from the start the Yanks had no interest in playing last night. Some of that may be Josh Beckett ... a lot of it may be Josh Beckett ... but going 0-fer the season so far isn't painting an encouraging picture.
Also, MY9 is trash. I pay for HD service, and yet once every few days I'm forced to watch squished, grainy baseball. Add rain or mist, and the game looks like its being transmitted through a Resident Evil noise filter. In short, it sucks.
Oh, that reminds me. Michael Kay, as disgusting as dip is, baseball players are adults and this is America. So keep your opinions about how unhealthy the habit is to yourself, OK? You don't chew, I don't chew. That's fine. If, in 30 years, BJ Upton or Melky Cabrera are fine with their jaws hanging off their faces, then I'm fine with it.
You self-righteous jerk.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Stadium on 'roids?
The Star Ledger has a small story about Mark Teixeira getting defensive when asked about the home runs at the new stadium. Yes there's been a bunch, probably too many, but, the balls Teixeira hits would be out of most parks, including Yellowstone. I'm pretty sure he hasn't hit one cheapy all year, as opposed to many others, including several by Johnny Damon, A-Rod, DJ and Nick Swisher.
I'm not complaining, and I doubt they will, but Teixeira is the last guy that should be questioned about the prolific home run barrage.
An odd moment from last night was Damon's late solo shot that gave the Yanks a 4-3 lead. It was a hanging curveball, and garbage pile Michael Kay started his call slightly before Damon made contact. When he did connect, Damon reacted as if he didn't get it all. The ball landed about five rows deep in rightfield. Not exactly a moon shot.
Teixeira, on the other hand, hit his first inning home run halfway up the second deck.
I'm not complaining, and I doubt they will, but Teixeira is the last guy that should be questioned about the prolific home run barrage.
An odd moment from last night was Damon's late solo shot that gave the Yanks a 4-3 lead. It was a hanging curveball, and garbage pile Michael Kay started his call slightly before Damon made contact. When he did connect, Damon reacted as if he didn't get it all. The ball landed about five rows deep in rightfield. Not exactly a moon shot.
Teixeira, on the other hand, hit his first inning home run halfway up the second deck.
Monday, June 8, 2009
A-Rod on the Hudson
How do these celebrities pairings happen?
Does one group of people call the other's group of people and the people set up a meeting?
Or did A-Rod finally get his NetFlix copy of "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and think, that Kate Hudson, she's a cutie. I wonder if she'll get a malt with me? Or take a quick pop over to Paris for a late dinner?
Is Kate Hudson a Yankees fan? Doesn't she have to be?
Did she introduce A-Rod to Goldie and Kurt?
"Alex this is my mom, Goldie, and Snake Pliskin. I mean Jack Burton. I mean Tango, or was it Cash ...?"
"It's Kurt."
"Right, this is Kurt."
"This is Ale ..."
"We know honey, They guy with the steroids and the hooker, and the divorce ... Derek Jeter wasn't available? Or even that Milky guy? First it was the stoner, now this ..."
Awkward.
Does one group of people call the other's group of people and the people set up a meeting?
Or did A-Rod finally get his NetFlix copy of "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and think, that Kate Hudson, she's a cutie. I wonder if she'll get a malt with me? Or take a quick pop over to Paris for a late dinner?
Is Kate Hudson a Yankees fan? Doesn't she have to be?
Did she introduce A-Rod to Goldie and Kurt?
"Alex this is my mom, Goldie, and Snake Pliskin. I mean Jack Burton. I mean Tango, or was it Cash ...?"
"It's Kurt."
"Right, this is Kurt."
"This is Ale ..."
"We know honey, They guy with the steroids and the hooker, and the divorce ... Derek Jeter wasn't available? Or even that Milky guy? First it was the stoner, now this ..."
Awkward.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wang, Wang, Wang, Wang
Deficit erasure ... it's a wonderful thing.
I'm confused though. Chien-Ming Wang was awful, but John Sterling and Michael Kay made it sound as if his 4-plus innings and 5 runs were what the Yankees expected, even wanted. Huh ... that's odd. You'd think what they expected and wanted was 7 innings, and maybe 2 runs. No?
If Wang is healthy enough to start, to bump Phil Hughes from the rotation (Hughes should stay, Chamberlain should be in the bully), Wang should be the Wang Yankees fans have come to expect, not the Wang that throws 88 mph belt-high sinkers. I just set a Wang record. Not the first time ... thank you, I'll be here all day.
Even with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada on the bench, the Yankees found a way, beginning with Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena, both of whom should keep their spots as back-ups, even when, in Cervelli's case, Jose Molina returns. I wonder if the Yankees are shopping Jose.
I wonder, also, where former Pirate Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte have been shipped.
And then there's this headline from NBC:
Gonna go wash my hands.
I'm confused though. Chien-Ming Wang was awful, but John Sterling and Michael Kay made it sound as if his 4-plus innings and 5 runs were what the Yankees expected, even wanted. Huh ... that's odd. You'd think what they expected and wanted was 7 innings, and maybe 2 runs. No?
If Wang is healthy enough to start, to bump Phil Hughes from the rotation (Hughes should stay, Chamberlain should be in the bully), Wang should be the Wang Yankees fans have come to expect, not the Wang that throws 88 mph belt-high sinkers. I just set a Wang record. Not the first time ... thank you, I'll be here all day.
Even with Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada on the bench, the Yankees found a way, beginning with Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena, both of whom should keep their spots as back-ups, even when, in Cervelli's case, Jose Molina returns. I wonder if the Yankees are shopping Jose.
I wonder, also, where former Pirate Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte have been shipped.
And then there's this headline from NBC:
Melk Man Delivers to Porn Star's Hotel Room
There's a video with the story. I'm assuming it's NSFW.Gonna go wash my hands.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Burnett suspended?! For missing?!?!?
So, let me get this straight:
Vicente Padilla hits three batters, and has a history of doing so, and gets fined.
AJ Burnett misses and gets suspended for SIX GAMES?!
Did Bob Watson go to Burnett's house and punch his kids for good measure? Maybe kick Burnett's dog? Insult his mother?
By any standard, this is insane, but not surprising.
Ah, breath in that Yankee hatred.
Vicente Padilla hits three batters, and has a history of doing so, and gets fined.
AJ Burnett misses and gets suspended for SIX GAMES?!
Did Bob Watson go to Burnett's house and punch his kids for good measure? Maybe kick Burnett's dog? Insult his mother?
By any standard, this is insane, but not surprising.
Ah, breath in that Yankee hatred.
Choking on the Big Apple
Alex Rodriguez makes $27 million per year (give or take).
Alex Rodriguez allegedly, reportedly, is dating Kate Hudson.
Alex Rodriguez cannot hit a flyball with one out and a man on third.
Alex Rodriguez can ground into a double play with one out and the bases loaded.
The Yankees were never out of last night's game, yet, they looked and felt like the Yankees I've grown accustomed to seeing: listless, hopeless, disinterested.
Alex Rodriguez is the reason.
His return to the lineup coincided with the Yankees' resurgence, but it's in spite of his return, incidental, coincidental, rather than cause and effect. Sure, it's possible, even likely, Mark Teixeira is seeing better pitches because of Rodriguez, and Teixeira is taking full advantage of it.
But Rodriguez, the elite of the elite, is doing nothing. He's hitting .258, and looks clueless at the plate. He's the guy that should make his own breaks, not rely on others to thrive.
With Damon standing on third and one, Rodriguez swings at strike one, takes strike two and swings at strike three, a fastball tailing up and in he no chance to hit, let alone get in the air or to the right side to get Damon home. Four runners left on with less than two outs in two at bats. And he blows a bubble and struts back to the dugout each time.
For all his talent, Rodriguez is amazingly stupid ... that is cause and effect.
Alex Rodriguez allegedly, reportedly, is dating Kate Hudson.
Alex Rodriguez cannot hit a flyball with one out and a man on third.
Alex Rodriguez can ground into a double play with one out and the bases loaded.
The Yankees were never out of last night's game, yet, they looked and felt like the Yankees I've grown accustomed to seeing: listless, hopeless, disinterested.
Alex Rodriguez is the reason.
His return to the lineup coincided with the Yankees' resurgence, but it's in spite of his return, incidental, coincidental, rather than cause and effect. Sure, it's possible, even likely, Mark Teixeira is seeing better pitches because of Rodriguez, and Teixeira is taking full advantage of it.
But Rodriguez, the elite of the elite, is doing nothing. He's hitting .258, and looks clueless at the plate. He's the guy that should make his own breaks, not rely on others to thrive.
With Damon standing on third and one, Rodriguez swings at strike one, takes strike two and swings at strike three, a fastball tailing up and in he no chance to hit, let alone get in the air or to the right side to get Damon home. Four runners left on with less than two outs in two at bats. And he blows a bubble and struts back to the dugout each time.
For all his talent, Rodriguez is amazingly stupid ... that is cause and effect.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Mount Teixiera goes boom
They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
It's also pretty nice in the form of a takeout slide at second that sustains an inning and turns into seven runs.
Mark Teixiera's slide is a great example of the new attitude the Yankees have. For too long, they appeared disinterested, as if playing baseball were a chore. They'd get down, and fast, and they'd fold up.
This team doesn't fold. It gets pissed and scores runs, even when A-Rod is trying to end a rally. Last year, that dribbler he hits to Kinsler in the fourth is a surefire double play, which would have ended to game. Sure, Tex's speed was born mostly of anger, he was hit twice, but whatever. Blowing up a rookie SS at second got his pound of flesh and was a great baseball play. He could have charged the mound, gotten ejected and hurt the team. He didn't. He kept his cool and did the smart thing. Vincente Padilla didn't last much longer. And the lefty brought in to face Hideki Matsui paid the price.
Then, of course, AJ Burnett went out buzzed Nelson Cruz, who had taken him deep in the second inning. Cruz didn't appear to appreciate it, at least judging by the weak hack that ended his at-bat and wet stain on his pants.
USA Today ran a story about the jet streams at "Homer's odyssey," the nickname the new Yankee Stadium was given. It was on display last night, from the fly balls for outs, that should have been routine, to the moon shots Matsui and Jorge Posada (and Cruz) hit. Neither Matsui's nor Posada's shots traveled as far as I thought they would, but you knew immediately they were long and gone.
It's also pretty nice in the form of a takeout slide at second that sustains an inning and turns into seven runs.
Mark Teixiera's slide is a great example of the new attitude the Yankees have. For too long, they appeared disinterested, as if playing baseball were a chore. They'd get down, and fast, and they'd fold up.
This team doesn't fold. It gets pissed and scores runs, even when A-Rod is trying to end a rally. Last year, that dribbler he hits to Kinsler in the fourth is a surefire double play, which would have ended to game. Sure, Tex's speed was born mostly of anger, he was hit twice, but whatever. Blowing up a rookie SS at second got his pound of flesh and was a great baseball play. He could have charged the mound, gotten ejected and hurt the team. He didn't. He kept his cool and did the smart thing. Vincente Padilla didn't last much longer. And the lefty brought in to face Hideki Matsui paid the price.
Then, of course, AJ Burnett went out buzzed Nelson Cruz, who had taken him deep in the second inning. Cruz didn't appear to appreciate it, at least judging by the weak hack that ended his at-bat and wet stain on his pants.
USA Today ran a story about the jet streams at "Homer's odyssey," the nickname the new Yankee Stadium was given. It was on display last night, from the fly balls for outs, that should have been routine, to the moon shots Matsui and Jorge Posada (and Cruz) hit. Neither Matsui's nor Posada's shots traveled as far as I thought they would, but you knew immediately they were long and gone.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Joe Biden is an idiot
It is for to laugh. Mr. VP made light of the Yankees' start during a Park Avenue fundraiser, I assume for Fred Armisen, who's better imitating David Paterson as NY's governor than Paterson is as NY's governor. And breathe.
Biden said the Obama administration got off to a fast start, unlike the Yankees. Fine. The Yanks were mediocre for about 30 games ... but how far in advance are these speeches written? Does veeper open a newspaper? Look at the Internet? Listen to the radio?
News flash: We're fighting two wars Joe. Yeah. The auto industry tanked. The housing market flushed itself months ago (guess how much my house dropped ... go ahead, guess!) And the Yankees are the hottest team in baseball (arguably).
Biden said the Obama administration got off to a fast start, unlike the Yankees. Fine. The Yanks were mediocre for about 30 games ... but how far in advance are these speeches written? Does veeper open a newspaper? Look at the Internet? Listen to the radio?
News flash: We're fighting two wars Joe. Yeah. The auto industry tanked. The housing market flushed itself months ago (guess how much my house dropped ... go ahead, guess!) And the Yankees are the hottest team in baseball (arguably).
Monday, June 1, 2009
Can't win e'm all
Although it seems they should.
The Yankees should be enjoying a sweep of the Indians, but Brett Gardner was too scared to steal second in the ninth. Too scared.
He apparently has never seen himself run. Or Kerry Wood pitch. Or Kelly Shoppach throw.
What's interesting is I completely thought it was idiot Joe Girardi's fault. He, apparently, was as mad as I was that Gardner's fear turned into a rally killing double-play off the bat of Jorge Posada, who would lose to a glacier in a foot race.
Either way, I'm happy the Yanks took a win away from check-cashing dog Carl Pavano. What's the matter Carl, run out of injuries to invent/milk to the point of embarassment? No dangerous sneezing or stair-climbing recently?
Someone should do something about the mound at "Progressive" Field. When, by the way, did that name change happen, and have I been living in a cave? Andy Pettitte tweaked his back and then a Rafael, Bettancourt I think, hurt himself yesterday, doing little more than throwing a pitch.
Grounds crew need to check itself.
Half-game. Need to build.
The Yankees should be enjoying a sweep of the Indians, but Brett Gardner was too scared to steal second in the ninth. Too scared.
He apparently has never seen himself run. Or Kerry Wood pitch. Or Kelly Shoppach throw.
What's interesting is I completely thought it was idiot Joe Girardi's fault. He, apparently, was as mad as I was that Gardner's fear turned into a rally killing double-play off the bat of Jorge Posada, who would lose to a glacier in a foot race.
Either way, I'm happy the Yanks took a win away from check-cashing dog Carl Pavano. What's the matter Carl, run out of injuries to invent/milk to the point of embarassment? No dangerous sneezing or stair-climbing recently?
Someone should do something about the mound at "Progressive" Field. When, by the way, did that name change happen, and have I been living in a cave? Andy Pettitte tweaked his back and then a Rafael, Bettancourt I think, hurt himself yesterday, doing little more than throwing a pitch.
Grounds crew need to check itself.
Half-game. Need to build.
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