10/02: June 26, 2005
Posted by: Patrick
Easy call: Race is a runaway, by Dan Shaughnessy:
And hey, they still could. There is one game left and they have yet to secure a spot in the postseason (it won't be easy for them to not make the playoffs). As you can tell by reading this blog, I'm not one to poke fun at such things (we try to stay positive), but June 26? As in, the 26th day in the month before July (before the all star break), before August and before September? Do you think, for example, Mr. Jeter would be saying such things in June? I believe we'd here him talking about how we have a long way to go, how we need to stay focused. If you were to ask him who is going to the World Series, he'd say the Yankees - what else would you expect him to say? But, I don't think he'd be yelling it out unprovoked or talking about it anymore than you pressed him to. I won't even comment on the Shaughnessy remarks as they kind of speak for themselves.
Via noMaas.org.
It's OK to say it. Don't worry about jinxing them. The 2005 Red Sox are going to win the American League East. By a landslide. Come late September, this is going to look like Secretariat at the Belmont in 1973.
After looking up at the Orioles for two frustrating months, the Sox moved into first place Friday night and they are there to stay. Stop worrying about the Yankees, Orioles, and Jays. It's not even going to be close.
''We're going to the Series, boys!" shouted Kevin Millar in the locker room after yesterday's 7-1 thrashing of the Phillies (the National League really stinks this year, no?). ''We're back! The [expletive] Sox are on a roll!"
After looking up at the Orioles for two frustrating months, the Sox moved into first place Friday night and they are there to stay. Stop worrying about the Yankees, Orioles, and Jays. It's not even going to be close.
''We're going to the Series, boys!" shouted Kevin Millar in the locker room after yesterday's 7-1 thrashing of the Phillies (the National League really stinks this year, no?). ''We're back! The [expletive] Sox are on a roll!"
And hey, they still could. There is one game left and they have yet to secure a spot in the postseason (it won't be easy for them to not make the playoffs). As you can tell by reading this blog, I'm not one to poke fun at such things (we try to stay positive), but June 26? As in, the 26th day in the month before July (before the all star break), before August and before September? Do you think, for example, Mr. Jeter would be saying such things in June? I believe we'd here him talking about how we have a long way to go, how we need to stay focused. If you were to ask him who is going to the World Series, he'd say the Yankees - what else would you expect him to say? But, I don't think he'd be yelling it out unprovoked or talking about it anymore than you pressed him to. I won't even comment on the Shaughnessy remarks as they kind of speak for themselves.
Via noMaas.org.
Posted by: Patrick
In addition to us, check out posts by noMaas.org, Jen, Brian MacMillan, Pride of the Yankees and Steve Lombardi.
10/02: Joe Torre
Posted by: Patrick
Steve Lombardi has a good post on Joe Torre this year.
My comment over there:
I agree. Anyway, who is the smartest baseball manager in the world? And does it really matter in the grand scheme? Not really. Torre makes decisions you or I may or may not agree with on a daily basis. Everytime we disagree, someone else agrees, so our disagreement is meaningless. Sometimes when we disagree, his way works. Sometimes when we agree, his way doesn't work. It doesn't particularly matter. When all is said and done, Torre's great.
This Yankees team loves and respects Torre - and he feels the same way about them. Yes, Joe makes mistakes with line-ups, pitching choices, game calls, you name it. He's not the smartest manager in the world. But, because the players care about him, and vice versa, they will do what he asks from them without question. And, in this case, that means play like a pro, don't get distracted, play hard, and don't give up.
There were many times this season where I thought that Joe Torre should be fired. And, in retrospect, that was wrong. Because of his standing with the players, he was able to keep this team together and working hard.
There were many times this season where I thought that Joe Torre should be fired. And, in retrospect, that was wrong. Because of his standing with the players, he was able to keep this team together and working hard.
My comment over there:
I agree. Anyway, who is the smartest baseball manager in the world? And does it really matter in the grand scheme? Not really. Torre makes decisions you or I may or may not agree with on a daily basis. Everytime we disagree, someone else agrees, so our disagreement is meaningless. Sometimes when we disagree, his way works. Sometimes when we agree, his way doesn't work. It doesn't particularly matter. When all is said and done, Torre's great.
10/01: Yankees Win the Division!
Posted by: Patrick
Excellent. Congratulations to the Yankees, coaches, front office and organization in general. It may not have been pretty, but you've won the division. Another year in the playoffs. Thank you.
Seeing Torre and Sheff together at the end there was cool. Thought I'd do a quick overview recap. Read the full recap for more detailed info.
Randy stepped it up today with 7 and 1/3 of 5 hit, 3 earned run baseball. Gordon allowed 1 earned over 2/3 and Mo finished it out with a quick 9th. The Yankee offense did the job, scoring 8 runs on 12 hits and a walk. Every lineup spot either scored a run or drove in a run. In order: Jeter (2 for 4, 1 run, 1 RBI), A-Rod (4 for 5, 2B, HR, 2 run), Giambi (0 for 5, 1 run, 1 RBI), Sheffield (1 for 4, 1 HR, 2 RBI), Matsui (1 for 4, 1 run, 1 RBI), Cano (1 for 4, 1 RBI), Tino (1 for 4, 1 run), Bernie (1 for 4, 1 run) and Flaherty (0 for 3, 1 RBI). The pitching was good, the offense was good, the defense was good. Good game all around.
Tomorrow it'll be either Mussina or Wright against Schilling. If we beat Boston and Cleveland wins, Boston and Cleveland will play 1 game playoff for the Wild Card. If Boston wins or Cleveland loses, Boston wins the Wild Card.
Seeing Torre and Sheff together at the end there was cool. Thought I'd do a quick overview recap. Read the full recap for more detailed info.
Randy stepped it up today with 7 and 1/3 of 5 hit, 3 earned run baseball. Gordon allowed 1 earned over 2/3 and Mo finished it out with a quick 9th. The Yankee offense did the job, scoring 8 runs on 12 hits and a walk. Every lineup spot either scored a run or drove in a run. In order: Jeter (2 for 4, 1 run, 1 RBI), A-Rod (4 for 5, 2B, HR, 2 run), Giambi (0 for 5, 1 run, 1 RBI), Sheffield (1 for 4, 1 HR, 2 RBI), Matsui (1 for 4, 1 run, 1 RBI), Cano (1 for 4, 1 RBI), Tino (1 for 4, 1 run), Bernie (1 for 4, 1 run) and Flaherty (0 for 3, 1 RBI). The pitching was good, the offense was good, the defense was good. Good game all around.
Tomorrow it'll be either Mussina or Wright against Schilling. If we beat Boston and Cleveland wins, Boston and Cleveland will play 1 game playoff for the Wild Card. If Boston wins or Cleveland loses, Boston wins the Wild Card.
Posted by: Patrick
Tino is in the lineup today at 1B with Giambi DHing. Posada will get a day off with Flaherty batting last. It goes Jeter, A-Rod, Giambi, Sheff, Matsui, Cano, Tino, Williams, Flaherty.
Top 1: Jeter leads off with hit number 200 of his season (first time since 2000). A-Rod follows with a single up the middle and Jeter hustles over to third. 1st and 3rd, no out. Giambi hit a ground ball fielded by the second baseman in short right field and he threw to second to force A-Rod, Renteria lost his balance (untouched by A-Rod) and was unable to throw to first. Jeter scores, leaving on a man on 1st with 1 out. Yankees 1, Red Sox 0. Sheffield hits a rocket over the monster - 3-0, Yankees. Matsui grounds to first for the second out. Cano flies out to Manny for the third out. Yankees 3, Red Sox 0.
Top 1: Jeter leads off with hit number 200 of his season (first time since 2000). A-Rod follows with a single up the middle and Jeter hustles over to third. 1st and 3rd, no out. Giambi hit a ground ball fielded by the second baseman in short right field and he threw to second to force A-Rod, Renteria lost his balance (untouched by A-Rod) and was unable to throw to first. Jeter scores, leaving on a man on 1st with 1 out. Yankees 1, Red Sox 0. Sheffield hits a rocket over the monster - 3-0, Yankees. Matsui grounds to first for the second out. Cano flies out to Manny for the third out. Yankees 3, Red Sox 0.
10/01: "Put it in the books."
Posted by: Patrick
The Yankee pitchers are ready to go. Some choice quotes:
Rivera ready to rumble:
Notes: Mo, Flash armed and ready
Rivera ready to rumble:
Mariano Rivera looked relaxed as he slouched on a black leather couch in the middle of the clubhouse yesterday afternoon, his eyes glued to the television.
Mel Stottlemyre saw his closer enjoying some down time, walked over to the couch, plopped himself down just inches away and smiled a somewhat devious smile.
"Ready to pitch four days in a row?" Stottlemyre asked, still smiling.
And Rivera didn't hesitate to answer. "Put it in the books," he said.
Mel Stottlemyre saw his closer enjoying some down time, walked over to the couch, plopped himself down just inches away and smiled a somewhat devious smile.
"Ready to pitch four days in a row?" Stottlemyre asked, still smiling.
And Rivera didn't hesitate to answer. "Put it in the books," he said.
Notes: Mo, Flash armed and ready
Chacon could work out of the bullpen this weekend if he is needed, or he could be held out in case New York is forced to play a one-game playoff on Monday.
"If they need me to pitch," Chacon said, "I'll be ready." ...
Mussina, who was on an pitch count of 80 in his first start back and about 100 in his second start, knows that there will be no such thing as a pitch count if the division crown is on the line.
"This is a playoff game," Mussina said. "There are no limits."
"If they need me to pitch," Chacon said, "I'll be ready." ...
Mussina, who was on an pitch count of 80 in his first start back and about 100 in his second start, knows that there will be no such thing as a pitch count if the division crown is on the line.
"This is a playoff game," Mussina said. "There are no limits."
Posted by: Patrick
According to startribune.com:
Interesting. So, the Yankees and Red Sox can be tied and NOT have to play a one game playoff. Of course, counting on the Indians losing isn't a good idea. But, theoretically, we could clinch today. Whew, boy...
Via Steve Lombardi.
If the Yankees and Red Sox finish tied, with better records than the Indians: New York and Boston make the playoffs, the Indians are out. Yankees win the AL East because they have the better record vs. Boston.
Interesting. So, the Yankees and Red Sox can be tied and NOT have to play a one game playoff. Of course, counting on the Indians losing isn't a good idea. But, theoretically, we could clinch today. Whew, boy...
Via Steve Lombardi.
Posted by: Patrick
Wakefield impersonator hired:
Don't know if I'd go that far... also don't know if it'll do much good, but I guess it can't hurt.
The way George Steinbrenner sees it, the best way for the Yankees to finally figure out how to hit Tim Wakefield is to practice against the next best thing.
And that's someone who learned how to throw his knuckler from Wakefield.
So, at Steinbrenner's request, the Yankees reached out on Thursday to one of their former pitchers, Joe Ausanio – who pitched with Wakefield in the Pirates organization in the early 1990s – and asked him to throw batting practice before Saturday's game.
"Honestly," Ausanio said Friday night, "I thought they were joking." ...
Ausanio said, "This is the opportunity of a lifetime."
And that's someone who learned how to throw his knuckler from Wakefield.
So, at Steinbrenner's request, the Yankees reached out on Thursday to one of their former pitchers, Joe Ausanio – who pitched with Wakefield in the Pirates organization in the early 1990s – and asked him to throw batting practice before Saturday's game.
"Honestly," Ausanio said Friday night, "I thought they were joking." ...
Ausanio said, "This is the opportunity of a lifetime."
Don't know if I'd go that far... also don't know if it'll do much good, but I guess it can't hurt.
Posted by: Patrick
Welp, it's all tied now in the AL East. The Yankees wasted good pitching and lost by the score of 5-3.
Wang was good, allowing 3 earned runs through 6 and 2/3. The bottom of the 6th was the big inning for the Sox, as they scored 3 runs. Wang induced a bases loaded ground ball to Jason Giambi. With Ortiz running home, he had time to throw. But, he threw it wild, bouncing it to Posada. This was followed by a sac fly that would have ended the inning - if Giambi had made the play - instead, it lead to another run being scored. Leiter would face Ortiz, walking him and Proctor would pitch the final 1 and 1/3 scoreless. All told, the Red Sox scored 5 runs on 4 hits and 7 walks.
The Yankees got 7 hits and 2 walks, led by Hideki Matsui's 3 for 4 day. He had 1 RBI. Jeter was 1 for 5 with a 2 run shot in the 7th. Cano was 2 for 4 with a run while Giambi had 1 hit and A-Rod scored a run. Sheffield, Posada, Sierra and Bernie were all hitless. Besides the Giambi error, the other thing that sticks out to me is Jorge Posada coming up with a man on third and 1 out two seperate times and failing to deliver 1 RBI. If Giambi makes the play and Posada gets 1 guy in - we win. Unfortunately, as I said... we wasted good pitching and now find ourselves tied for the division as a result. I can't say that I cared much for the home plate umpire, either.
If we're going to win, we're going to need to win 2 out of the next 3 games (including playoff). We win 2, we win division. We lose 2, we lose division. It's Randy and Wakefield (16-11, 3.96) tomorrow at 1:15 PM Eastern in what we have to look at as a must win. Deep breath, folks.
Wang was good, allowing 3 earned runs through 6 and 2/3. The bottom of the 6th was the big inning for the Sox, as they scored 3 runs. Wang induced a bases loaded ground ball to Jason Giambi. With Ortiz running home, he had time to throw. But, he threw it wild, bouncing it to Posada. This was followed by a sac fly that would have ended the inning - if Giambi had made the play - instead, it lead to another run being scored. Leiter would face Ortiz, walking him and Proctor would pitch the final 1 and 1/3 scoreless. All told, the Red Sox scored 5 runs on 4 hits and 7 walks.
The Yankees got 7 hits and 2 walks, led by Hideki Matsui's 3 for 4 day. He had 1 RBI. Jeter was 1 for 5 with a 2 run shot in the 7th. Cano was 2 for 4 with a run while Giambi had 1 hit and A-Rod scored a run. Sheffield, Posada, Sierra and Bernie were all hitless. Besides the Giambi error, the other thing that sticks out to me is Jorge Posada coming up with a man on third and 1 out two seperate times and failing to deliver 1 RBI. If Giambi makes the play and Posada gets 1 guy in - we win. Unfortunately, as I said... we wasted good pitching and now find ourselves tied for the division as a result. I can't say that I cared much for the home plate umpire, either.
If we're going to win, we're going to need to win 2 out of the next 3 games (including playoff). We win 2, we win division. We lose 2, we lose division. It's Randy and Wakefield (16-11, 3.96) tomorrow at 1:15 PM Eastern in what we have to look at as a must win. Deep breath, folks.
09/30: "Embree eager to beat Sox"
Posted by: Patrick
