How bout them Yankees!? (2010-2012)

A continuation of the 2009 Thread...

they suck

Yeah, all World Champions suck

...especially when they do it 27 times.

Go Yankees!

Chan Ho Park???

You can't have too much pitching, right? He's one of those low-risk, high-reward guys that Boston toyed with like Brad Penny and John Smoltz (and look how well they turned out). I think Park pitched well in the Series if my memory serves me correctly.

Hey, you wanna talk bizarre? Why is Sergio "my ERA is over 5.00" Mitre even being considered as a fifth starter!?

How's this for ridiculous???

Splitting Sox-Yanks to increase competition?


Hopefully this isn't a serious consideration!! The fucktard who thought of this idea already forgot how Tampa Bay did in '08???

This idea sucks ass.

this is stupid as splitting up the cubs and cardinals...

Yeah I gotta agree this idea is a few cans short of a six pack.

It's like cutting off the balls to serve the penile tissue. It's anti-logic.

Everyone knows you like the entire package jk lol

So the rotation is set and possibly Joba Chamberlin's career as a Yankee. The rotation is as follows:

1) CC Sabathia
2) AJ Burnett
3) Andy Pettitte
4) Javier Vasquez
5) Phil Hughes

As for Joba, it looks like he'll be the setup man until Mo finally retires and takes over his position as closer. I'm sure that makes a lot of fans happy. I was always in favor of seeing him as a starter, to give him a shot. He didn't do great this spring and I think he'll do excellent out of the bullpen.

I just don't feel 100% confident in Hughes yet. Remember in 2008 when he went 0-4 with a 6.62 ERA? Plus he was injured in 2007 and 2008. And not to mention he'll be on an innings limit like Joba was to not overburden his arm.

Fucktard?? I love it. Its not politically correct or polite, but Holy Shitwitch it is a super superlative. Better than Assache and much better than Fuckstick. I've met many Fucktards in my life and now I have a word for them. Geoff, thank you.

And oh, yeah, that idea of splitting up the Yanks and Sox is Fucktarded.

You're welcome

My best friend and I, for years, have combined expletives/insults for added effect -- tho apparently we're not as original as I thought.

I kinda like bullfuck, myself, and thought I made that up, too. Ahh well.

Anyone see Denard Span of the Twins hit his own mother with a foul ball? When the Twins played the Yankees in spring training the other day, Span hit a foul ball into the stands. Moments later, he realized that the ball had struck his mother in the chest.

I didn't see it when it actually happened, but I saw the replay on ESPN where they just showed him walking over to her while she was being attended to. What a freaky moment.

what about the Yankees' ambidextrous pitcher ?

his dad trained him ever since he was 3 (!) and even designed him a 6-finger glove (!!).

holy cow that's a new one!

Yanks take 2 outta 3 in Boston to begin the season

The Yanks should go down to tampa and take care of business.

ds

Lets go Yankees...
ds

The Yankees 2009 World Series Championship ring

I wonder what the gag ring they gave to Matsui first looked like...

Pictures of A-Rod with his ring

Fuck him .

But I AM happy for the rest of the team .

I'm sure there are plenty of women who would. I understand that Cameron Diaz is his latest blond.

I read that Cameron Diaz doesn't bathe .

Ahh, the fake ring was a replica giveaway from spring training: Matsui returns for ring _ a fake & a real one

Don't be making fun of my future wife!

Cameron Malta?? I don't know. It just doesn't sound right.

Geoffrey Diaz sounds better

Then you're okay being Mr. Mom??

Abso-freakin'-lutely!!

This is the first time since 1926 that the Yankees began the season winning their first four series

Yep and they are still looking up at the RAYS!

Only because they didn't play yesterday

I hate when the Yankees play in CA. I can never make it through more than a few innings.

Now it's the Rays looking up at the YANKEES! See how much difference a day makes

Hey, Irish, it's like the third week of the season. Let's see where everyone stands come September.

In the meantime, I flove Phil Hughes.

Triple Play started by A-Rod -- but how could that be the first Yankee TP since 1968??? Wow. It looked so easy! lol

I hear you. That's why I was busting DonT's chops.

WFAN wondered how John Sterling knew immediately that the triple play was the first in 40 years......when he doesn't usually know what day it is.
Triple play....I would just like to get to third base!

PLEASE Joe Girardi, pull Javier Vazquez from the rotation! The guy CANNOT pitch in New York (he's 1-3 with a 9.00 ERA).

Agreed, Irish. He sucked the last time he pitched for the Yankees. What made them think he'd be good THIS time??? I didn't get that trade at all.

TIS says The Yankees SUCK!!! They can't even beat a California team.

And after admiring the ginormous photo of Jeter's butt, she still feels that way????????

She's too busy admiring her new buddy Tupac.

They fell in love with his NL stats and the fact that he's thrown 200 innings 9 of the last 10 years. True, but thus far he hasn't even pitched into the 6th inning (which is something he did in 28 of his 33 starts last year I believe).

2 interesting articles thus far in the early MLB season

Sweep in Baltimore has Red Sox fans asking: is season over?

Problems piling up

A true topic that is very much overlooked

Yanks' other starters have been great

Yanks on target with Hughes

Why can't Burnett pitch well in Boston? I don't understand it.

It's so depressing to see those empty seats behind home plate. Is it the money? Or is it that they're owned by corporations that don't always use them.

A-Rod and Thames (et al.) just won in dramatic fashion against anus-lips Papelbon, and you're looking at empty seats??

That was great, wasn't it??? I can't help it. We haven't been to the new stadium because it's so almighty expensive, and in every shot of every batter, all you see are dozens of empty seats.

AWESOME ending to the game last night! It couldn't have come from a better pitcher, Papelbum!

Forbes: Yanks worth $1.6 billion

NEW YORK -- Yankees fans have another title to crow about.

The franchise that has won 27 World Series championships is now the most valuable brand in sports, according to Forbes magazine.

The New York Yankees name alone was judged to be worth $328 million toward the team's overall value, Forbes said in an article published online Tuesday. The magazine says the Yankees are worth $1.6 billion.

The Yankees beat out another team with a massive worldwide fanbase, English soccer team Manchester United, thanks to increased merchandise sales, improved local TV ratings on their own network, and the falling value of the British pound against the U.S. dollar.

Source: ESPN New York

A little less awesome for the Yanks tonight, but hardly the end of the world... even the O's have won some.

Since this is basically I12's thread... Happy Birthday! lol

And as I said on Facebook, I'll be at Saturday's game, 5 rows away from A-Rod's ass, so look for me with the Yankees cap and Jeter shirt. Can't miss me. lol

I thought I was the only one who wore a Jeter shirt to a Yankee game??

As I said on FB, I am SO jealous! And you'll have a great view of the second best butt on the team!

Sorry, thought this was the Ladies Thread for a second.

I bought it in '96, before I (and most people) knew who he was.

Went to the Yankee game yesterday with my brother and some friends. Our seats were 6 rows from the field (I swear I was close enough to smell Derek Jeter's deodorant). The seats retail for $250 a piece and we got them for FREE through my brothers job. Included with the seats were free passes to the Audi Yankees club.

View from the Audi Yankees Club



Yankee Liberty



A view of CC Sabathia from our 6th row seats



My brother and I

You just had to show me up, huh? lol

I'll post my pics after tomorrow's game

was that the game where a-rod thought he had another walk off, but it was only in the 8th? lol

Hey, I didn't even know I was going to the game until my birthday (Wednesday night). I was going to see if you wanted to meet up but then I reread your post and saw you're going to tomorrow's game.

Yes it was. A great game, but fast. It started at 1pm and ended around 3:30pm.

GREAT seats, I12. In that picture, you and your brother look almost like twins.

I've been told we look alike. He's 3 years older than I am

Here's where we sat. I didn't realize we had Row 1 seats on the
second level: great seats!! (Not as good as I12's, though :p)

Freakin' hot as hell, and got a nice sun burn which I'll be
paying for tomorrow.

Stadium is very nice, btw...

Don't you mean hot as hall? JK

What is that, your only picture?? Didn't you take any of some actual PLAYERS???

Sounds like a great day. I thought you were at yesterday's game, and I was blaming that extra-innings debacle on the Malta jinx!

You had never been to the new Stadium before Geoff? Very sweet indeed. We lucked out on Thursday, it wasn't as hot as today (I think it was mid-high 70s).

I have a few more, but I'm too tired right now. Gotta wait.


You would think so, right? After the first inning down 0-2 I was like, see! But the boys brought it later

No, first time. It's kind've a project (and expense) to go with any regularity (1.5 hr avg drive up, then 15 minute walk, then 20 minute subway ride -- each way). HD is fine by me! lol But now and then it's nice to actually get IN it rather than just watch it in comfort. Cuz there's no comfort in any Stadium

Get Off My Mound!!!

That's OK. Let them have their shirt. ARod scored two runs against the Athletics last night, and one of them was a grand slam.

A tacky shirt is one thing; winning is everything.

Here's my Yankee Stadium "tan" 4 days later.
I never learn....




PS - I'll explain that awesome iPhone case soon.

Great, there goes my breakfast.

Thanks boss.

CLIFF LEE!!!!

Report: Lee trade to Yankees is off

I wouldn't say its off yet. Seattle is trying to get as good of a deal, and it means fucking with New York and anybody else in the paranoia and try to outgraft everyone, then so be it.

I mean surely that ankle issue shit just didn't pop up all of a sudden?

Well I guess Texas gave a better offer.

Oh, man. First Bob Sheppard, and now The Boss himself.

there won't be another owner that could fire somebody 5 times and rehire them 6 more times. rip, and geoff look at this way...the yankees will most likely win the world series.

The other day, John Flaherty, former back-up catcher for the Yankees and current YES Network announcer, caught a foul ball that had been hit into the announcer's booth. I love this footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEWiavmteUI

this almost scared me

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/18/report-yogi-berra-hospitalized-after-fall/

Bam, if possible can you copy and paste the article for us to read along with the link? Not a big deal, but would be really nice

Seems that Yogi takes Coumadin, a blood thinner. When he fell, he had minor cuts and bruises, but because of his meds, it was difficult to stop the bleeding. Here's some info:

A source tell the newspaper that Berra, 85, is in good condition after undergoing a procedure that was termed successful. He is expected to be released from the hospital Sunday night.

Berra suffered cuts to his nose when he fell from his his front porch Friday night. The bleeding intensified Saturday, the News reports, leading to Berra's admission to the hospital. Berra is taking the blood thinner Coumadin.

Berra was unable to attend Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. The News' source said Berra will travel to Cooperstown, N.Y., for next weekend's Hall of Fame ceremonies.

Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/...l#ixzz0u5guQTLs

okay, i'll start when the cubs win the world series o wait...

Hey, BAM posting only the link is infinitely better than some ppl around here who post "articles" with no link/source at all...

Which is why I said post both.

Big series Yankees Rays this weekend

Why hanve't the Yanks pulled the trigger on a big trade?

That loss hurt. Up until that point, Hughes pitched a beautiful game.

Thoughts on the Berkman trade, that is if thungs don't go amok?

I don't think we needed 1B/DH Berkman, but whatever.

There were more trades:

Yankees acquire Kerry Wood from Indians


In fact, I don't think we needed any of those guys, really.

And to think, I thought The Boss was dead.

I'd be glad to have him back, then.

He's a very lovable character, a genuinely good guy, and has such a funny personality. I know he'll be greatly missed by Houston fans. Hope he returns, actually, if that's possible. He's had a down season, but I'm sure he could provide a spark and make an impact wherever he plays. I know it doesn't fit with the business principle in baseball, but he and Oswalt are two I definitely wish to see do well in the future.

GO RAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, go to Hades.....and get back your real name.

Why the hell's the game on so early on a weekday?? Missed A-Rod's 600th HR.

It was on this afternoon?? Mr. Babe's going to be PISSED! He's been DVRing all the games so he doesn't miss the HR, but I think he might not have scheduled this one.

I was thinking the exact same thing when I saw on ESPN.com that he hit it in the first inning.

I like to think the Yanks will improve now that the 600 shit is over with.

Yanks are 12-0 in games that A-Hole doesn't play in.

My husband just quoted that to me at dinner tonight. Why doesn't it surprise me???

We jinxed it; they are now 12-1. Did your hubby also call him A-Hole?

I don't really follow baseball but thought this story was humorous. To baseball fans, were Jeter's actions really dirty pool or just using your brains?

Yankees take a hit but Jeter doesn't

Had the Yankees won the game, I'd've felt a little dirty about it (for about 2 seconds lol). But it's funny as hell, and I don't blame Jeter at all. He's not the first, nor last, to get on base that way....

Derek Cheater couldn't stop the Rays!

The Rays are looking pretty damn good right now.

Blasphemer, Blasphemer! Why don't you start a "How about them Rays" thread and see who joins? Even your manager thought it was cool move.

The Yankees get hit more than any other team, especially Jeter. So, for once it only hit his bat and not his elbow or hip or knee or hand.

DT, you are now officially dead to me.

I started one in '08. Since 99.9 % of the boards are from NY its an uphill battle.

Did you tear your shirt?

Yup, and said the Kaddish.

And it did no good. The Yankees can't quite put it away. CHOKING????

Really? Who is in first place right now???

Hanging by their fingernails. They should have picked up a game yesterday after the Rays' dismal performance, but they didn't. Maybe those old guys are getting tired.

Shame your guys couldn't pull it out last night, DT. It came a lot closer than I liked, but The Boss's monument watched over my boys.

Looks like this will be an exciting postseason, for sure!

A bone headed move by the Rays manager caused the outcome. But a win is a win.
Rays pitching is a mess right now, and it is looking more and more like they'll settle for the wild card.

The postseason is the postseason. Getting there is what counts.

If the Yankees hang on and win the division I think they have to play Texas in the first round. While it is tough being a wild card, in this case the second place team in the AL East may have an easier time of it in its first round.
Rays will fade after this season. Carl Crawford probably going to the Yankees, and because of poor attendance and a stadium controversy, the owners are cutting the payroll. If that happens Carlos Pena will also go, and Evan Longoria wont be far behind. Those are the core of this team, and if Boston doesnt shell out some $$ for youth, the AL East will belong to the Yankees for the foreseeable future.

Of course I want my boys to take it, but it's nice to see the Rays in the race. I'm so sick of the NY/Boston thing. I had the opportunity to see Miami play the Braves back in July. The Braves are playing so well, and I would have loved to see them, but we got hit with Tropical Storm Betsy (or was it Betty?) and didn't go.

I like to see new and different teams mixing it up.

That's REALLY coincidental, Babe.

Last month we took my daughter up to BC and we had tickets for the Red Sox-White Sox game, but that was the weekend of that big hurricane warning on the Atlantic Coast, so we blew off the game and had dinner at a nice Portuguese restaurant in Boston Common. Of course the whole storm blew out to sea by the time it got up north, but dinner was great .

I've been to Sun Life Stadium in Miami plenty of times, and you guys didn't miss anything. It's an awful place to see a baseball game. It was built for football, no matter what they try to tell you. I can't wait for the Marlins to get their own stadium in two years. It should be great!

We did get a fair amount of rain that day, and we went up to the Sawgrass Outlets instead. It seemed like a good day to spend some indoor time. All the trips we've made down there, I have yet to go to the Aventura Mall. My husband won't put up with spending time in a mall when he's paid for us to go to sunny Florida.

To get back on topic, the Yankees are ahead of the Rays right now. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Hoping for a split 2-2 series, and then hoping the Red Sox come to town and deliver a beating to the evil empire. BTW nice, tasteful monument to Steinbrenner.

The Red Sox? Doubtful. It's September, which is not usually their best time of year.

The Yankees usually take some time to build up a head of steam, and that's why they do so well in August and September when the rest of the teams are fading. They played so well earlier in the season that the opposite is true now.

Did I mention what a classy, tasteful, not over the top, not tacky "monument" to Steinbrenner is?

Rays won last night because after the rain there were only a few thousand fans in Yankee Stadium, and they thought they were playing a home game. I'll take a win tonight and a 2-2 series split and RUN!

Oy, are the Yankees getting their heads handed it to them right now! Good for your boys, DT!

You may have mentioned something about the tasteful monument.

M-E-T-S, METS! METS!! METS!!!

Great to see the Jedi defeat the Evil Empire!

Now THAT really would take a miracle!

To be fair, it was his stadium.

I didn't know the Rays lost!

Got free tickets to the game tonight

If they beat Boston tonight, they at least clinch for the Wild Card, right? Of course, considering how badly they've had their asses beaten this last week, that's not exactly a given.

RAYS CLINCH!!!!!!!!

Yankees, too!!!!!!!

Congrats, DT. See you in the playoffs.

And whoever emerges victorious wins an ass kicking...South Philly style.

You WISH!

You WISH! [/quote]

It's officially ON.

Could someone please tell me how the Yankees ended up in first place without even playing? That's a rhetorical question, btw. I don't need anyone to actually explain it to me.

And, Klyd, the Phillies' ass is grass and the Yankees are a lawnmower.

Let's skip the playoffs and get to the main event.

How about we actually end up in first place before a comment like that?

Well we were in first place yesterday when I wrote that!!!!!

The Rays did the Yankees a favor by winning the division, because Texas would have destroyed them. I have a feeling the Rays and Yankees will meet again in these playoffs. And the Rays will win because they have better pitching (C.C. cannot pitch every day) better speed, and they are younger.

According to YES, Sergio Mitre and Dustin Moseley were added to the Yankees' ALDS roster. Javier Vazquez, Chad Gaudin and Royce Ring did not. A.J. Burnett will be available out of the bullpen.

I think I'd almost rather have Vazquez in the pen rather than Burnett at this point.

ALCS rotation: CC, Hughes, Pettitte, Burnett (ugh), CC, Hughes, Pettitte

A little scary with AJ, but I guess it makes sense to save Hughes and Pettite for possible 6/7 games.

And the good thing is we should only have to face Lee twice (Games 3 & 7).

Yeah. Right.

Y'all can feel free to root on the Yankees all you want and it won't bother me in the slightest. haha New York will probably have a better chance against the NL than would Texas.

All I can say about last night's game is WOW! The last time I checked the score it was 5-2 Texas in the top of the 8th. Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning and saw they won 6-5

i guess a well known yankee fan has passed away. o yea i guess he has an Wikipedia page.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseba..._at_age_82.html

The Yanks have to win three in a row to avoid facing Lee in game seven. That's a tall order. The guy's post season numbers have been Gibson-esque.

There have been some iconic pitching performances in this year's post season. I honestly believe all of this great pitching is a residual effect of steroids being forced out of the game.

I think that's a good thing. Because for all of those inflated numbers and the excitement of the long ball, this is baseball. There's nothing like a pitcher's duel on a crisp autumn night with everything on the line.

Not to worry, Yankee fans. I just heard that CC Sabathia has an ERA of 1.10 after 3 days of rest. I'll take those odds any day.

"How bout them Yankees" ---- direct quote from Cliff Lee.

Lee is eating the Yankees' lunch. They will not get past Texas. Hope C.C. goes on a diet...if not he wint be able to get that arm past his stomach next year.

Doesn't help if the team can't hit .

Yankees start offseason by firing pitching coach

...what about their hitting coach?

Source: Sox courted Mariano Rivera

BOSTON -- The Red Sox offered reliever Mariano Rivera a two-year, $30 million deal and were prepared to non-tender closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to a baseball source with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

Rivera turned down the Red Sox to return to the Yankees, who offered the same money as Boston. Rivera's pending agreement with the Yankees was first reported by the New York Daily News.

The Red Sox on Thursday night tendered a contract to Papelbon, who was paid $9.35 million last season and is arbitration-eligible, which will drive his salary into eight figures. Papelbon is a year away from free agency.

By any measure, the 30-year-old Papelbon had the worst season of his career in 2010. His 3.90 ERA was more than a full run higher than in any of his previous five seasons in the majors, and his eight blown saves were also a career high.

On Thursday night the Yankees and Rivera's agent, Fern Cuza, were putting the finishing touches on Rivera's contract.

"There are a lot of steps in the process, from agreeing to something in principle to getting the physical done," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday morning when asked if the Rivera deal was done. "Until all those things are covered, I'm not in a position to say."

The Yankees could announce that the deal is official as soon as Friday.

Source: ESPN

Now they can turn their attention to Cliff Lee!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yanks, Jeter hammer out new deal

Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees ended their protracted contract stalemate Saturday, reaching an agreement on a three-year contract with a creative and complicated player option for 2014.

If he declines the fourth-year option, Jeter will be guaranteed $51 million, including a $3 million buyout. If Jeter exercises the option, he'll receive between $56 and $65 million. The amount depends on a points system. He earns points based on if he finishes anywhere among top six in AL MVP voting and if he wins World Series MVP, league championship series MVP, Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Awards.

Both sides made significant compromises the past two days to try to reach an agreement with Jeter.

Several teams courted Jeter, but the Yankees captain never considered leaving the team that drafted him in 1992.

Jeter, 36, is coming off the worst offensive season of his career, with career lows in batting average (.270), on-base percentage (.340) and slugging percentage (.370), although he did score 111 runs, drive in 67 and steal 18 bases. He also made his 11th All-Star team and won his fifth Gold Glove award at shortstop. Jeter enters the 2011 season just 74 hits away from 3,000 for his career.

On Friday, the Yankees reached a two-year agreement with closer Mariano Rivera worth about $30 million.

After settling with Jeter and Rivera, the Yankees will turn their attention to the pursuit of lefty Cliff Lee. Negotiations figure to intensify when the winter meetings start Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Source: SI.com

His new contract calls for a $50,000 bonus if he is able to field a ball hit to his left this year.

Looks like we have a new everyday catcher

Martin finalizes $4 million deal with Yankees


Nothing like picking up scrubs, but hopefully he'll bounce back...

The left? The hand that has the glove? Are you referring to the guy who won the Gold Glove this year?....and last year and three other times? I guess he'll pocket another $50,000.

Objectively watch him play - he can't go to his left anymore. He doesn't get to a lot of balls hit up the middle that average shortstops do get to. He doesn't touch them, there is no error. His fielding percentage is artificially high and he wins the gold glove. I like Jeter a lot - a real class guy that is headed to the hall of fame but he is no longer anywhere near the best fielder.

From the Rawlings website, which sponsors the award:

"The managers and coaches from the Major Leagues are responsible for selecting the winners prior to the conclusion of the regular season. They may not vote for players from their own club and can only vote for players in their own league."

So objectivity has nothing to do with it. And I think managers and coaches must see something in Jeter that puts him above "average shortstops".

Where have all the Yankee fans gone? Can Jeter regain his hitting form? He's looking better lately. Should the anemic Jorge Posada gracefully bow out? Somehow they keep winning. Thank you Curtis Granderson.

Alright, let's fire up this thread for the 2011 season. I can't believe the game last night. I'm glad they won and I watched it until the 12th inning. Why did Girardi take Colon out? He was at like 87 pitches going into the 9th. I think if he would have left him in, the game would have been over in 9 innings instead of 15. I understand having the convenience of Mo, but why not give the guy the night off? He honestly wasn't needed. Let Colon start the 9th and if he gets into trouble, you can always bring Mo in then. I think Colon deserved to finish up last night.

Girardi is too much into those modern-era statistics. I agree with ya Irish.

Yeah Joe is so much into statistics, he only won a WS ring.

~The team just got old, and its finally caught up to them.

All by himself? What does that have to do with being a manager? And yes, they are getting old....actually they are already there.

No but context its needed. I remember certain BBers back in the day wanting Torre's head, and I was having to repeatedly post "4 rings!!!" because it wasn't sticking.



So far as Yanks manager he's won a WS title. I know that means little in NYC, but I like to keep shit in perspective before I wholly dismiss his managerial skills.

And yeah you're right about the age. That whole Posada incident was just sad.

Just "Yankin" your chain RR , Nolan Ryan is trying to bring back the pitchers who go 9 innings. It bugs me when these managers use pitch count and that lefty-righty stuff and I think Girardi is of that school. I can't help but think they use that to counteract the second guessing of their owners.

Yanks-Mets this weekend. The Geriatric Boys v. AAA Mets. I feel sorry for the Mets with all their injuries, but they are hanging in there.

Joba, gone for 2 years; Jeter's bat has dropped off; starting pitching has been gaps; A-Rod eh. In total they just don't look like a first place team. .... and they are not.

Crap, just what we needed...

lets go yankees!!!

"We"?? Do you put a uniform on with them just before a game??

I think he feels a geographical connection, SC. Toms River is almost New York . . . . . like Jersey pizza is almost pizza .

He should be rooting for Philadelphia.

they just got beat by the cubs

...and you should be rooting for the Mets!

Thank you!

Colon, Chamberlain, and now Jeter? Jeter is NEVER out! WTF? And 6 away from 3,000 hits? C'mon!!!

I feel your pain! Maybe Steinbrenner told him to take two weeks off to make sure he gets 3,000 at the stadium.

Things are looking a bit grim in Yankeeland.

That's why being a Yankee fan is so exciting. Despite these obstacles, they somehow have keep making it to the postseason. Remember the year (2005??) that they somehow made it with the likes of Aaron Small and Al Leiter on the pitcher's mound??

Seems like 2008 again when they Yankees got bit hard by the injury bug

As a transplanted fan - from NY to South Jersey (Philly country)- I still listen to WFAN on my ride home. It's a little static at times but today Mike Francesa had Brian Cashman on. They are juggling people. After the next 3 games vs. the Rangers, they go on the road for interleague play: Cubs, Reds...?...He said they will need 13 pitchers. There will certainly be some names we don't know. Fun times ahead

And you're telling me I should root for the Mets?

as a cubs fan i can't wait till this weekend...hopefully they can take two games, and geoff if they do be prepared

Yanks on a roll. No Jeter. When he comes back he should bat 7,8,9. His OBP is .320. He shouldn't be batting 1 or 2. Maybe as the captain he will ask Joe to move him down in the order. Sorry SB.

MC, there's really no wiggle room there for forgiveness. You dissed Derek Jeter, and now you're dead to me. Nice knowing ya.

No please, I'm alive, alive, alive. Jeter can bat No.1, all year, every day. I'm sure his first day back he will go 7 for 7 and the 3,000th hit will be a game winning grand slam. The President will call him, there will be a ticker tape (do they still make ticker tape) parade, he'll get the key to every city in America. I was just trying to banish the demons that have invaded his calf muscle and put voodoo poop on his bat.

Hey,how about that Texia-she-rah - 300 homers. Be my friend godmother?

MUCH better!!! Aw, how could I ever really be mad at my man from the Hudson Valley??? Let's split a dish of veal saltimbocca from Marcello's while we watch Jeter's 3,000th hit. What do you say?

MC, you're from the Hudson Valley? What part? I live in Montgomery, between Newburgh and Middletown

Sorry for that un-Yankee like rant, SB. Frustration at not having the Jeet in the lineup. I like the Marcello plan, but I'd have to add a seafood appetizer; some kind of calamari thing. I'm glad you have forgiven me. ... and of course Limoncello apertif.

Irish...I'm former Hudson Valley, down valley; grew up in Pearl River, got married and moved to Suffern. Moved to South Jersey 4 years ago (Philly country). AND I CAN'T GET THE YES CHANNEL! Well, I can get it, but they black out most of the games. BASTIDs. I know Montgomery. I played softball in Newburgh many years ago. The Airport Diner was our sponsor.

Very nice MC. Thanks!

I haven't been watching much lately -- been busy with the usual summer stuff -- so y'all can thank me for the Yank's recent run of good fortune!

So you must have been watching yesterday to jinx Jeter's return

Ah, Mr. Jeter has done it! Congratulations, Mr. 3000!!

Congrats to Jeter & all "youse" Yankee fans. Also. class act move by the guy who caught the ball and gave it back to Jeter for nothing.

I agree, the guy was great to give it back, and Jeter and the Yankees showed their gratitude. He got four box seats for the rest of the 2011 season, as well as signed balls and jerseys from Jeter. He also got to meet Jeter and several other Yankees, including the legendary Reggie Jackson.

I hate when those Red Bastard Sox beat the Yankees in Fenway. Yes, SC.....HATE!

Oh, did the Sox win again???

I'm having trouble keeping up with them. I guess the Yankees are, too.

When mom and dad argued at night I'd hide under the covers with a big red with gold nobs plastic plugin radio, volumn down low, listening to Mel Allen and others doing the Yankees many times crying myself to sleep.
Later the Yankees were on my beat for two decades with front row press box seats behind home plate off the third base side. Covered thousands of games on deadline. Was humbled walking tunnels of old stadium all those years and to this day remember being under the covers crying.

kjk.....that is one teaser of a post. "a beat" and "deadline" not a cop, but a reporter. If you are talking Yankee Stadium, you must have some great stories. Please share and pay no attention of SC. Aliens kipnapped him in Brooklyn when he was a kid and altered his brain to become a Red Bastard Sucks fan. He'll tell you its because his brother sang doo-wop with Rico Petrocelli, but don't believe him.

I see this was your 9th posts.. welcome, hang around.

kjk - Welcome to the boards. I'd also love to hear some of your assignment stories.

Pay no attention to MaryCas. Ever since she moved to the pine barrens of New Jersey's Devil she has been kind of strange. She'll probably even try to convince you that she's a guy.

You two crack me up

Hi, thanks everyone

MaryCas, thanks. Nova's good, plus Soriano come playoffs produce more than Beantown can handle.

Now we're talkin'. Mo is scaring me. 3 shaky outings or as John Sterling said today, "his August blip."



A budding Yankee fan. My grandson Thomas (half of the the twins - sister Callie). And as you can see I'm planting the seed of Godfather fanhood. See I am a guy. You can't trust that SC guy, but ya gotta love him.

Congratulations, handsome little boy.

Absolutely adorable, MC.

The babies are getting big, MC! Thomas is adorable, and I love your shirt. When we go to Italy, I would like you to wear it every day, please.

Oh, and the Yankees rule!

What the heck is wrong with MLB? Who's in charge of scheduling? On the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, they're REALLY going to have them playing on the road against Anaheim? That's ridiculous!

Why? Do the Yankees think that the September 11th attacks were solely against them? Do the Yankees think they have special priveleges and connections to the 9/11 anniversary??

Actually, HBO did an excellent documentary on the 2001 World Series and how it helped to heal the city of NY in the aftermath of the attacks. I don't know if you've ever seen it, but I highly recommend it airs again. I've been looking for it, but haven't seen it on the schedule.

And FWIW, do you really think that Irishman speaks for the entire Yankee organization as your post implies?

1. There are two baseball teams in New York City. The Yankees have no claim on the day as their own.

2. The return to normalcy (including sports events) back in 2001 after the attacks was the single best healer for the populace.

3. I'll leave any implications of my post to your imagination.

Did I ever say the day was all about the Yankees? No, of course not. But seriously, what were they thinking when they made this year's schedule? BOTH New York teams could have been home. The Yankees played a day game while the Mets are playing a night game. You're telling me the Yankees couldn't have been home for this weekend?

Yes, there are two NY teams. The Mets played at home today, and I agree with Irish that the Yankees should have as well. They are NY teams, and it was their city that was attacked on that horrible day. Players of both teams have given time to the families of the victims in the aftermath, and it would have been nice to see them both here in NY.

But you're crying about the Yankees not being in town on the anniversary of the worst day in the City's history.

EXACTLY SB! That was my point. Not to mention the HBO documentary but the YES Network also featured a special about 9/11 and how the Yankees helped not just during the 2001 World Series but also with the friendships they've made with some of the victims families that they still share to this day.

But did I ever say it was solely about the Yankees? Once again, no. It just so happens that the Mets are home and the Yankees were away on this day. I just think it's poor that the Yankees aren't in New York on this day.

Congratulations to Mariano Rivera for his 600th save! He is undoubtedly one of the greatest closers in the history of the game. Go, Mo!

One of the greatest closers? No, he is THE greatest closer of all time. Congrats to Mr. 600 and still counting

602! Congrats, Sandman!!

SQUEEEE!!!

Here's to the greatest closer of all-time

So let me ask you guys the question that's being asked. Which records more impressive: Jeter's 3,000 hits or Mo's 602 saves?

IMO, it's Mo. Mo is one of a kind. Every season, the doom and gloomers says it's his last, but he just keeps on going.

Very good point SB. Not to mention the fact that whenever he does blow a save (which is somewhat rare) the same old words are repeated, "he's finished."

However, in Jeter's defense, I believe only 28 other players in baseball HISTORY have obtained 3,000 and no Yankee has EVER done it.

Congrats to the 2011 AL East Champion New York Yankees. I'll be honest. Even I didn't pick them to win the division this year

A GREAT article that I'm glad was written. Girardi always seems to get the blame but never the credit. I absolultey agree with them this time that a major reason for the Yankees success this year has been because of Joe.

Joe Girardi = Credit

It was a great victory. I was impressed when they didn't celebrate until they clinched the division. So who are you betting on for the Wild Card - Boston or Tampa?

I'm REALLY hoping for Tampa or even Anaheim at this point. I just hope it's not too late yet. Actually glad the Yankees lost yesterday so Tampa could move a half game up. Hopefully the Yankees can sweep Boston this weekend and then Tampa can sweep the Yankees after that to secure the wild card.

Another good article, this time giving credit where credit is due with Brian Cashman and not panicking when the Yankees didn't sign Lee and trade some of there younger stars (such as Nova) who are carrying them now.

Brian Cashman = Credit

The Yanks are in, the Blow Sox are OUT! I thought there would be a certain Red Sox fan checking in here. I hope he's OK. Wouldn't want him to suffer from chagrin or other such malady.

May the New Jersey Devil stick a pine cone up your nose.

Sportsmanship, fellas!

Went to the Yanks/BoSux\\\Sox (j/k! ;)) game last weekend and there were A LOT of Sox fans there -- in the subway as well (hell, right next to me -- couples even, NYY/BOS couples) and everything remained quit civil. Until fans got a few drinks in them, anyway -- but -- I never like to hear "Yankees Suck!" or "Boston Sucks!" chants at any game! It's a game! Kids are there, for chrissakes. Some Yankee fan asshole even yelled shit at Boston fans right in front of me -- NOT COOL!

Cheer your team, don't jeer the other team....

There are many pine cones down here to choose one. I'll try to find a small one.

I can't believe they canned Terry Francona! I guess he didn't pitch good enough or hit enough home runs.

It looks that way and if it is, in fact, true, it's a disturbing move. They (Sox management) looked for a scapegoat and they found an easy one even if he (Francona) wasn't the responsible party.

The Sox have now become something I hate... an over-bloated, overpaid and over ego inflated team of big babies. Now the A.L. East has two of those teams.

i hope francona goes to chicago...the north side of chicago.

There are no big babies on the Yankees, egos-yes, overpaid-yes,yes,yes, and CC Sabathia is bloated.

2 quick things:

1) I haven't heard a PEEP out of anyone in the baseball world about the Yankees this offseason. Since they haven't signed a big free agent, they've got no one left to kick. No one's batting an eye at the spending spree the Marlins and Angels went on. I can only hear it now if the Yankees did that. Oh wait, I did in 2009.

2) For all the haters out there that say the Yankees "buy" championships:

"AOL News ranked the Yankees as having the No. 4 best system in the Minors entering 2011 and Baseball America rated New York at No. 5 this past spring."

Minor League Baseball

I love the Yankees , have many years and always will ! Best time of the year when I can watch um. I would follow these boys ta Hell and Back .
Just Sayen!

I Frosty need a NY stocking cap ! For my shaved head on my shoulders , damm around hare ya gotta say it the way it is If anyone can help me send me a PM ( not at night I am sleepen PM as in Personal Message

Yankees sign Hiroki Kuroda

Yankees trade Jesus Montero

So let me get this straight. You "may" have found a solution to your rotation problem by signing Hiroki Kuroda. Ok, fine. Could turn out to be a wise signing. Then you turn around and trade Jesus Montero AND Hector Noesi to Seattle for Michael Pineda and Jose Campos. Not to say Pineda's a bad pitcher. But why the F would you trade Montero?! I really don't understand why they would do this and for Pineda. I would only trade Jesus Montero for a Felix Herandez, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, etc. I do NOT understand this trade!

You've matured, Irish. And don't get bent out of shape because I absolutely mean that as a compliment .

It's just that four or five years ago you were prone to toe the company line, so to speak, where the Yankees are concerned.

So I applaud you for taking off the blinders and being objective. Because this move makes no friggin sense.

Posada to announce retirement Tuesday...

I've always liked Jorge, he was often clutch, but he never was that great behind the plate (at least guarding it). Sad to see him go, tho.

It is sad to see him go, especially the way he did. He wore down like Bernie, but I'm glad he didn't decide to play somewhere else. Once a Yankee, always a Yankee. The Core Four is now down to two. Rivera seems to have held up the best.

I beg to differ!

I am very sad to see Jorge retire, but I agree that it was time, and I'm glad that he went out in pinstripes. He went out like a champ and he'll be missed! Hip-hip-Jorge!

I am getting so ready for some ball games ! Went to a RUSH, ice hockey game the other night just don't do it !

But we all know that it is going to be a super Yankee season ! right .

I can't wait either. April 6 cannot arrive fast enough! I wasn't a huge fan of the trade, but I'm interested to see this Pineda kid. Plus I wanna see how Kuroda does in the AL East. I wonder who'll win the 5th spot. I personally think Hughes should get it. They keep saying about how he should go in the bullpen? WHY! Because he had success in 2009. Ok. But that was then and this is now. They don't need him in the bullpen. They've already got Soriano, Robertson and Rivera. Plus, they're getting Joba back in June. What are they gonna do if they don't have Garcia next year? Try to insert Hughes into the rotation then? No, do that THIS year so he can build up his innings so next year he won't have as short of a leash.

My friend things change so much from day to day, but we are getting closer to the date of having some good games, I love those Yankees , and have ever since I was a kid that was a spell ago. But I have this feeling this year is really going to be a good one for this outstanding team. Alot of other things in this country are sliding down the hill, but a good hot dog only with onion's and mustard lol, popcorn, beer, and the Yankee Spirt. To heck with the rest of it,and not having some red, white, and blue. fun in life !

Thanks , Irishman12

Ooops, I posted in Random and its already here...Yankees 2012. Big year comin' up....130 wins.

No problem Frosty. And MaryCas, 130 wins? Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Everyone continues to look over Boston but I'm not. Had that team won 1 more game last year, they would have been in the playoffs. I think Valentine will motivate this team better than Francona did and they'll make the playoffs. Everybody on that team, particularly Beckett and Lester will have a chip on their shoulders for getting ousted in that whole "clubhouse scandal."

Personally I think the Yankees and the Angels have the best rotations in the AL, but remember, the MLB season is extremely long while the playoffs are short. Just ask the past 2 World Series Champions San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.

He never really set the world on fire. In his MLB career I don't think he has a winning record even though the Dodgers were playoff teams or contenders much of that time. His era is probably about 3.50, but he can be one of those inconsistent Jeckyl and Hyde pitchers. He's also 37 or 38.

I'd like to see Ibanez have a decent year. He's not the same hitter he was when he joined the Phillies in 2009, but in that short right field at Yankee Stadium, he could still hit a few homers. His bad legs prevent him from playing in the NL, but he should find a part-time dh role in the AL. He'll hit .250 and if he gets 300 ABs, he'll hit 12-15 HRs.

Yeah, you're right. Make that 135

Bringing this up made me think of Swisher. Who do you guys think will be playing right field next year because I think this is Swisher's last year? Think they'll bump up Dickerson or sign a free agent next year?

They seem to often sign some has-been used-up "slugger" to replace real talent... but hopefully not!

True. But sometimes those guys come through. See Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia for examples.

I am just thinking they are going to sign a free agent and he is going to be a good one, who ever that might be.

I'm not so sure. They're pretty adamant about getting the payroll down to under $189 million by 2014 I believe it is. If they do sign someone, I'm not sure it'll be for crazy money. Depending on how much comes off the books after this season.

still think free agent but totally agree with you, on keeping the price down. The way I do look at it if the NBA can mess around the Yankees can take our best team and do what is all american and do it right. Go Yankees !

Great, now there's "concern" for David Robertson sprained his right foot moving boxes. What the heck? I thought these guys were athletes!? I hope this doesn't effect him long term because I DO NOT feel comfortable putting Soriano in the 8th inning set up role and we don't get Joba back until about June/July.

Well, he didn't just get hurt moving boxes. He was carrying the boxes when he tripped and fell down the stairs.

Yes, but the boxes were empty! He said he missed the bottom stair and injured himself. SMH

Good new for Robertson at least. They say it's only a bone bruise and he should be out of his walking boot by tomorrow. Whew!

So take me through this again? WHY did the Yankees resign Pettitte? Now they have 7 pitchers trying to fill 5 spots: Sabathia, Kuroda, Nova, Hughes, Pineda, Garcia and Pettitte. Let's say the Yankees get there wish and move Hughes and Pineda to Triple-A to start the season. Garcia's currently a little banged up, Sabthia and Kuroda are locks for the rotation. And what can we realistically expect from Pettitte? He hasn't pitched in almost a year and a half. Maybe if he came back in June/July a la Roger Clemens I could understand it. Furthermore, when can we expect him to be a part of the rotation. April? Not likely. May, June? I like Pettitte, don't get me wrong. I'm just confused by the signing.

Hughes had another good outing today save for one pitch that cost him 2 runs. I've been a BIG advocate to have him in the rotation this year. If he and everyone else who I think makes it does indeed, this will be there lineup:

-Sabathia
-Kuroda
-Pettitte
-Nova
-Hughes

I could live with that. Bump Pineda down to Triple-A and possibly trade Garcia. Could be A LOT worse. Remember the question marks going into last season?

It looks like Joba will not be back this season, and there's a chance he may never pitch again after a freak accident. He was at a recreation center with his son and jumping on a trampoline. He dislocated his ankle and the bone actually broke through the skin. He lost so much blood that they thought he might die.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseba...ticle-1.1049622

^^Yeah, i saw that article earlier. I feel bad for the guy, I remember when he was first brought up and his appearances were very exciting as he was striking batters out and would go after hitters with his fastball. I would get very excited when it was Joba Time!

Why Joba, why!? SMH

I feel bad for him, but can't understand why a highly paid professional athlete would go near a trampoline. While many people associate broken necks with trampolines, severe ankle breaks are much more common. This is the type of injury that may result in the team voiding his contract.

This will be cruel, but it's true: What a fucking moron.

It unfortunately reminds me of Wang. I know Wang wasn't on a trampoline, but he also wasn't the same pitcher since that day in Houston either

Remember the "Joba Rules"? I actually bought a T Shirt that summer from a street vendor that says "Joba Rules In The Bronx".

Given that he still was on the DL, I am surprised that he would risk himself on a trampoline, but they said he's been spending a great deal of time with his son, and was probably just having a good time. He certainly didn't display great common sense.

Just read an article that says Joba expects to be on the mound in July but Cashman says thats not likely.. more power to him if hes motivated to get back that soon.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseba...ticle-1.1050303

June?

I think he's been dipping into his mother's crystal meth.

He may be motivated all he wants, but that's a potentially career-ending injury.

That's what I meant, Babe. I think it's wishful thinking on his part. But whatever gets him through the night, I guess .

NO WAY he's coming back in July. I think he may have been referring to his target date from the Tommy John surgery. Kendry Morales had the same injury and he hasn't played in a MLB game since May 2010 (almost 2 years now). He's done for the season and will be lucky to be back next year.

What a difference a year makes. Remember last year around this time people were saying the Red Sox had too much pitching and the Yankees not enough? Then the Yankees went on to win the division while Boston completed the greatest collapse ever? Now they're saying the Yankees have too much pitching and the Red Sox not enough. How will this season play out?

The honor of the "greatest collapse ever" goes to the 2004 Yankees. You can read the thread here of the 2004 season if you've forgotten.

I'd still give it to Boston. The Yankees lost 4 in a row. Teams lose 4 in a row a lot. It's called a skid. Try losing 21 of your last 29 games AND missing the playoffs entirely.

A skid? Against your mortal enemy. The big games for all the pennies? It's called a CHOKE!!!

Oh, BTW - It was never done in the playoffs before the Yanks did it.

So what? Small sample size, it happens. It's happened in hockey too. Call it a choke if you'd like, but I'm calling an 8-21 record in the month of September with a 8/9 game lead already over your "mortal enemy" a COLLAPSE!

So what???? It hasn't happened before, or since. I think a once in baseball history event is more noteworthy of a "so what".

Yeah, and that was 8 years ago. A lot's happened since then (a Boston and New York championship). Stop living in the past, it happened - move on.

Irishman.... the pot calling the kettle black. You can't even accept that they CHOKED.... Aaaarggghhhhh hhacckk haacckkk (the sound of the CHOKE).

Did someone say "four straight in the championship series"??

WARNING! WARNING! There is a Red Suck fan infiltrating the Yankee thread. Be careful! He is cunning and relentless. His tactics are despicable, like telling the truth and then sneaking in a lie. Don't be fooled by his charming personality. Be warned he is the worst kind of anti-Yankee fan - HE LIVES IN NEW YORK. Blasphemy! The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you! He even claims a relationship with Rico Petrocelli and has a poster of Carl Yazstremski on his wall - bigger than Vito Corleone. Be warned Yankee fans.

I hereby withdraw from this thread.... I said my peace, er, piece.

I've been thrown out of better joints than this.

Haarrrrummmmphh.

MC, you're pretty funny tonight! Whatever it is that's got you going, when do you plan on sharing with your friends?

I switched from Svedka to Skky.

It was just a warning, you don't have to leave. Please stay, we need the contrast.

Sure. You just wanna see me get suspended.

What are you doing here? No Philly thread?

So the Yankees rotation in order is:

1) Sabathia
2) Kuroda
3) Hughes (YES!)
4) Nova
5) Garcia

Thoughts?

I'm happy with this rotation given that Pineda will now be on the 15-day DL with right should tendinitis. Not good that he's injured already. I know it's early but I'm still not sold on that Montero trade. SMH.

Go Sox!

Skyy grape with cranberry juice. Delicious!

I watched the Yankee/Ray game yeasterday with my son. Despite the loss the Yankees did a couple of things very well. They had some long at-bats, ran deep counts, and made TB pitchers, especially Shields throw a lot of pitches. Also, twice the Rays had runners on first and third with no outs, but were prevented from scoring. Even with the score tied in the ninth and bases loaded and no outs, Rivera was a strike away from getting two outs without the winning run coming home.

I didn't watch it yesterday unfortunately (stupid 3:10 start time). Sounds like CC didn't have his best stuff and I was sorry to hear that Rivera blew the save. Oh well, it's only game 1.

I don't know about you, but David Phelps has impressed me thus far this season. I hope he can continue to keep it up. So glad to see him gaining some big league experience.

Was able to score some sweet Yankee tickets through work for Saturday 4/28. I'm SO excited! My first time being down in almost 2 years, plus I get to see Cabrera and Fielder play. I'm a little bummed because Verlander's slated to pitch the day before but we should have Sabathia the day I'm going. The tickets retail for $600 and have access to some of the bars and clubs and foods included as well as nonalcoholic drinks. I can't wait!

Have a great time, Irish! I still haven't been to the new stadium. Just too expensive.

Thanks SB! I still plan on going down in August because my best friend's a Rangers fan and he's never been down either (he's actually going with me to the Tigers game). You can actually get some bleacher seats pretty cheap for probably under $40. The train is a sweet ride down since it drops you off right in front of the Stadium. I highly suggest you get there if afforded the opportunity.

You lucky SOB! That is going to be an amazing game! Enjoy the stadium, it is like a big sports palace. I have been to a few games there, check out the hardrock cafe in the stadium if u have a chance its pretty good.

I hope to head to the stadium also sometime in August or September when I get some free time from work. Maybe go to a Red Sox or Rangers game if they are in town.

My son, daughter and nephew are going to the Yankee game tonight.

I've been before. This will be my second or third time going. I went when in 2009 and 2010, just didn't make it last year. These tickets are valued at $600, they're in the championship suite. Plus I get free access to the Audi Club and the Mohegan Sun Bar among others. The Audi Club had the best tasting Guiness I've ever had in my life. I'm not sure why it was good (probably the temperature that they had it at) but it was incredibly smooth. Should be an AWESOME day as long as the weather holds out!

Night and day for some in the Yankees rotation. Hughes had the best spring whereas Nova had the worst. Thus far in the early season, Nova's had the best start while Hughes has been the worst.

Damm the Yankees are wiping the floor with the Red Sox.

That was an incredible comeback on the part of the Yankees today. Geez, almost four hours for a nine inning game.

Their games always take a long time.

Oh, by the way, BOBBY VALENTINE SUCKS MOOSECOCK.

Ain't that the truth! What a jerk. And to think his name was mentioned as a possible replacement for Joe Torre back in the day? Puh-leeze.

SC, as a Red Sox fan, I was wondering what you thought of them trading Papelbon?? I think he's a great closer.

I would have preferred if he had stayed with the Sox. He lost a bit of his edge from when he first came up but he is still heads above anyone they have now.

The Sox have made a few BAD moves this past year (hiring Valentine is the worst). I'm not looking forward to a fun season this year.

BIG win for the Yankees last night. Way to keep battling and NEVER give up, even being down 9. Unbelievable come back in the last 3 innings Couldn't be happier that they've spoiled Boston's 100-year celebration.

Boy, Bobby Valentine was pretty quite during the post-game show. I wonder if he's regretting any of those Yankee comments now?! L-O-L

Briefly met Jim Kaat tonight, who was signing autographs at the local BlueClaws game. I was happy to find a card for him on ebay a couple weeks ago for him to sign. Doc Gooden will be here end of June so I got one of his, too, from the same series...

I asked him if he'd be on YES this season, but he said no, he's on MLB Network....





Kitty looks a lot older than he did just a few years ago on YES....

Yankees game tonight! Let's see how long Garcia lasts. I'm NOT happy that Girardi isn't starting CC on his normal rest today instead

Wow, Mo now has a twisted right knee after landing awkwardly shagging fly balls in the outfield. Why is he out there shagging fly balls in the first place?!

ESPN reports that Rivera has torn his ACL. Season over for him, and considering his age, his career too?

Hall of Famer.

I saw this on the news this morning. He tore both the ACL and meniscus. As someone who nursed her husband through that identical injury, I can't imagine how he could come back from something like that. For sure, his season is over, and, quite probably, his career. What a shame. He will definitely go down in the history books.

Not a good way to go out for Mariano!

I think this Robertson guy should be adequate though.

sorry to hear this. i hope who takes over for mariano can win for your guys...other wise expect trade rumors of carlos marmol for a 'i heart new york' tshirt.

I remember Kaat pitching for the Phillies around 76-79. He was considered an older pitcher then. He worked faster than any pitcher I've ever seen. He took barely any time between pitches, which would frustrate hitters. He was a terrific all-around athlete too.

Pettite is slated to start Sunday -- glad we're not rushing him back

Yeah. And I hope they don't move Hughes just yet. He showed some promise in his last start. Yes it was against Kansas City but what's it hurt to see another start or 2?

Mo was diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf. That's pretty serious stuff, and I'm going to guess that he will be put on anti-coagulants for at least 6 months. That might slow his recovery, as doctors like you to limit physical exercise when you're taking them to diminish the risk of bruising/internal bleeding.

I hate to be negative, but I think its over. Love the Mo. Hey, SB, wouldn't it be a complete trip if Jeter wins the batting title? Hamilton is on a tear. Should be interesting.

Mo has gone from, "Write it down, I'll be back," to turning his possible return over to God. It's a brutal injury to begin with, and the clot complicates things. Mo is just lucky they caught it early before it went to his lungs, like Serena Williams's.

When he said he'd be back, I admired him for his spirit. It's certainly possible as there are incredible advances in this field, but I wouldn't hold it against him if he doesn't come back.

Best outing of the year for Hughes. Hopefully he's turned a corner and the Yankees keep him in the rotation when Andy comes back tomorrow. That would leave Phelps the lone man out unfortunately.


By the way, what ever happened to Freddy Garcia? Not that I miss him but I haven't heard his name in about 2 weeks since he was demoted to the bullpen.

Let's keep it that way, huh?

LoL, works for me. Also, digging the new avatar Don Geoff

Other than the 2 homeruns he gave up, I thought Pettitte looked pretty good for a guy who hadn't pitched in the majors in 18 months.

How cool, the Yankees and Mets both have 20-15 records. Now they have to get into first place.

So Nova left his start last night with a bruised and sprained right ankle and now Robertson's on the DL with a strained left oblique muscle. Who's next to go on the DL?!

Toronto 8
New York 1

Hey dt

Why don't you start a "How about those Blue Jays" thread? Then you can post replies to yourself. Maybe even SC would join in.

It's not my fault 1/2 of the people here are from New York

dt, this is why I believe women shouldn't follow baseball.

Toronto 4
New York 1

Oh yeah, I was told I throw like a guy, and I once stretched a double into a single. BTW, the Blue Jays kicked Yankee butt....OUcH. I think I'll go have a LaBatts or a Molson.

I would recommend a Cracked Canoe or Alexander Keith's. Both are better beers than Labatt or Molson.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y. They gotta start hitting or the 2 1/2 starting pitchers are going to be laboring.

Yanks want to get rid of StubHub

Do they realize how stupid they sound? The attendance is down because StubHub sells tickets for too LOW a price? I have yet to attend a game at the new stadium because I simply can't afford it. The tickets, the parking, the food, it's all outrageously expensive. They've taken what was once a nice family outing and made it unavailable to most.

Anyone hear anything about Mo??

Am I the only one who read the article and was thinking, "what are they talking about?!" I have NEVER had an experience on StubHub where the tickets were less expensive. They've always been HIGHER than their face value.

As for Mo, he's scheduled to have the surgery on Tuesday

Same here. A few years ago, they were playing the Red Sox at home on my husband's birthday. I thought it would be a great gift. Even the crappy seats on StubHub were outrageously expensive. Even the "OK" seats were $750 each. Needless to say, we watched the game on TV.

I think Mo is going to be surprised at how long his recovery might be. The blood thinners he will be on force you to limit activity (bruising can be dangerous, a cut can be life-threatening), plus they can make you light-headed and lethargic. In my experience, he will be on them a minimum of six months after the clot, but hopefully he will rehab successfully over the winter.

Yeah, the article only stated that he plans on pitching in 2013. When he was first injured, I thought I remember him saying that he was going to try to be ready for the start of the season. I heard no such claim in this story so I'm taking it as, he won't be ready for the beginning of the 2013 season.

Such a shame for this guy. I REALLY hope this doesn't ruin his career the way the base running incident in Houston sidetracked Chien Mieng-Wang's career. He was never the same pitcher.

6 in a row. The Nationals are thanking the Yankees for sweeping Mets and Atlanta.....oh and thank you Mets for 2 against the Rays.

Also, Mo's surgery went very well, so that's great news. Here's hoping he has a good recovery. Even if he never pitches again, the man is a legend, and I hope he does well.

Roberton's coming back too this weekend against the Nats. Plus, Gardiner's gonna be out another 3-4 weeks with an elbow strain

9 in a row. go. go. go.

Clemens found Not Guilty ... Guilty or not, it was still nice to hear...

I wasn't surprised at all. I followed that trial and after Pettitte said his chances of remembering that conversation were 50-50, I knew it was over.

Not only that, but what happened recently with Ryan Braun (him getting off on a technicality due to an improper chain of command), I figured the same would hold true here and it looks like it may have. I genuinely feel bad for McNamee if he did indeed store that material as it was and didn't doctor it up. He felt it was the smoking gun, Clemens disposed of material. Nobody could say he was lying, here was proof. That's no good nowadays. He had to follow proper storing techniques and due to the lack of this, it was all for not.

10 now. 1 more and they tie their longest winning streak with the 1985 team, since the division era began

Yesterday I heard Swisher on WFAN with Mike Francesa. He is a whack job, but a nice, happy whack job.

Yeah I like Swish. He seems like a kid out there, genuinely having fun - no ego. Hard knowing it'll be his last year in New York probably

I may have mentioned in another thread that my brother-in-law has a catering business. Among his clients are the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. He often provides pre or post-game meals for the team and visiting team.

Some of the newer Yankees, who recently played in Scranton, have been talking about the food, particularly the assorted sromboli he made, which was a favorite. Now the NY Yankees contacted him to deliver a bunch of stromboli to the team on a get away day in July. He's hoping to bring it personally to the clubhouse. If so, he'll try to bring my boys as helpers that day.

I always wanted you to think of me like a son....

Where do I sign up, Kly?

I'll give him your name and SB too. They're actually at the game today, and will meet with someone in the front office. Apparently there's a lot of red tape for vendors bringing food to the stadium that the team will eat.

He's still lucky to be doing business with the AAA Yankees. Last season when he was on vacation, an order came in from the stadium that included sauteed chicken breasts. The substitute chef used chicken that was to be discarded. As a result, half the team had severe stomach cramping the next day and they lost by double digits.

Wow, there goes the lefties in the rotation. Sabathia's on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin (they expect him back shortly after the All-Star break) and Pettitte's out now for a minimum of 6-8 weeks with a fractured ankle!

They'll just have to hit lots of homeruns.

Prior to both CC and Andy getting hurt I said the Yankees should try to get a bat before the trade deadline because what happened last October I feels going to happen again. They CAN'T hit with runners in scoring position to save their lives and when they go up against the best pitchers in the American League (i.e. Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver, etc.) they have to manufacturer runs and cannot rely solely on the long ball.

Now I think they should get both, a hitter and pitcher because the guys they have in Triple-A just aren't ready, no matter how much they wanna talk them up. Bestances just got optioned to Double-A as a matter of fact. I believe somewhat in Phelps but haven't seen enough of him. How long will he hold up for? Can he handle a pressure situation as a playoff start? I'll see what Warren's got but his Triple-A numbers don't overly impress me. I'd like to see the Yankees go after Matt Garza but I know Chicago's not going to let him go lightly and I wouldn't want the Yankees to raid the farm to get him.

And don't even get me started on Freddy Garcia...

They could use Gardner back in the lineup. A little speed couldn't hurt.

I haven't heard this but a coworker said during Wednesday's game the broadcasters said he was put on the 60-day DL. Again, I haven't heard anything about that and I'm wondering if she didn't him confused with Pettitte?

Damn, you guys got a good team. My White Sox were lucky to get a split of that four game series. Jeter plays like he is still 25.

Yes, he does!

I kinda thought that one would garner an SB comment... he is worth every million he has earned.

I have to say, the player I'm most impressed with this year is Robbie Cano. He has just been outstanding! Although I hated losing Soriano for ARod (who honestly has never impressed me all that much), we never would have gotten Cano without that trade.

Robbie took an O'fer at the Home Run Derby. I think he took a dive.

I've never been interested in the HR derby. It's glorified batting practice, and it's painful to hear Chris Berman react to every hr as if it were the Second Coming.

The news in Yankee land is that Reggie Jackson has been indefinitely banished from the team. Jackson, who's been a Yankee consultant for years, had criticized Alex Rodriguez' numbers this season, and questioned the validity of his career statistics in light of his steroid admissions.

EVERYONE criticizes A-Rod cuz he hasn't really lived up to his salary (except for one spectacular year in NY). But I guess the difference is that Reggie's Reggie.

What do you guys think of Kansas City's reaction to Cano? Personally, I felt it was a little classless but that's just my opinion. I know Kansas City hasn't been relevant since 1985 and they need SOMETHING to cheer about, but what breaks it for me is everyone congratulating the crowd on the Internet today for backing up "their boy" Billy Butler, who isn't a great homerun hitter to begin with.

The same thing happened in Arizona last year with Fielder for not including Upton.

According to ESPN , MLB is proposing a change to where the hometown will have 1 participant in the homerun derby which I am completely against.

Nowadays, it seems they hand out All-Star selections like candy. I'm completely against the requirement that every team must be represented. And this just goes even further. It deludes the All-Star selection IMO. Guys should have to earn a spot, not be given it because some quota that Bud Selig dictates must be met!

I have no problem with Kansas City fans booing him. It comes with the territory, and while the criteria for selection to the derby are largely subjective, they had a hometown boy, who could have been included, but wasn't. I'm sure Cano didn't take it personally.

If MLB wants to make sure a hometown player is included in future competitions, I have no problem with it. As I discussed above, I have minimal interest in it, but the fans, who fill the All-Star stadium, enjoy the spectacle, and adding a home team boy to the mix would increase excitement. For the most part players generally aren't too disappointed not to be part of this exhibition.

I know the All-Star game rosters were expanded to avoid the debacle of 2002 when Torre and Brenly persuaded to pull the plug on a tied game, so that the last pitchers avoided a risk of being overworked. I think this makes it a little easier for all teams to offer a good player to the game.

I support having all teams represented in the game because the All-Star Game is a celebration of the entire league and all of the fans. Every year there are players selected to the team, who opt out due to injury or some other reason. Sure, several teams like Oakland, Kansas City, Montreal/Washington and Pittsburgh have often struggled to keep all-star caliber players, but I think there aren't too many players, selected, who are completely undeserving.

My brother-in-law will cater the stromboli meal, which I mentioned earlier, for the Yankees and Blue Jays on Wednesday after the day game.

I'm free on Wednesday!

GREAT come from behind win for the Yankees last night! Hopefully picking up right where they left off.

I hear A-Hole did his usual non-clutch act today. Bases loaded pop up. He's a stat compiler, just like Dave WindFall. Hit a grad salami when your team is ahead by 10.

He was as useless as always, MC. All he needed was a nice blooper so that they could get a runner home and bring Cano up.

I can't stand him, even tho he hit that previous 2-run homer. He's just not a clutch hitter any more.

A-Rod : Hit :: Wetteland : Strikeout

This year: 2 for 12 with bases loaded. Too much pressure to break Gehrigs grand slam record. He did have one MVP year with the Yanks, but his biggest stat years were with Texas -- last place team, no pressure....oh yeah, and the juice helped.

Any more???? ANY MORE??? When was he EVER??

Except for *1* year in New York.... Texas and Seattle.

Texas and Seattle don't count. As for his one good year in NY, I'm pretty sure that was his pre-contract year.

No SB, he opted out during the World Series of 2007 and received a lot of flack about it. He resigned before the 2008 season.

I read that as "resigned" as in "quit", and I was like, "WTF?" and then realized it was re-signed!

My bad SB

Ichiro's a Yankee

ESPN

Stunning development.

In the words of Frank Barone, "Holy Crap!"

I was away from the computer for hours, and was trying to get chit off my DVR so wasn't watching the game, then I was texted, "Go Ichiro! Welcome to the Yankees! :)" and was like, what?!!

Awesome.

Must've been weird walking from one dugout to the other on his home field.

Alex Rodriguez has broken hand

ESPN

To be fair, will anybody really miss A-Rod?

Not me!

GREAT win for the Yanks tonight! Always nice when they beat Boston. Haven't heard old Bobby Valentine chirping too much recently

Okay, guys, let's start da trash talking right now... prepare for da beatin' of your lives tonight in Chicago!

Final score:
White Sox - 32
Yankees - 0.

Mark,

Maybe if Dickha was playin', but come ahn, dis ain't dah Bears playin'.

Yankees 47, White Sox, 1 (check swing homerun). Where's Nellie Fox?

WTF??!! Maybe he was trying to relieve that post-op pain.

Yankee Pitcher Pineda Arrested For DUI

Sox - 9
Yanks - 6

I'll take it

Clean Sweep. Congrats Mark. Minnie Minoso would be proud.

Thanks, MC. Gotta admit, Jeter is one heck of a pure ball player. He is worth every million you guys pay him. Maybe we will meet again in the post season?

Chicago played extremely well. Our pitching could not stand up to them, especially Youklis.

But who is this Jeter you speak of?

She ran in the Olympics, quite muscular, pleasant face, strong thighs.

Oops, my bad... I meant "Dream Boat Derek"!

I seriously do hope that he gets MVP this year. How many seasons like this could he have left? A few years ago I thought he deserved it, and it went to Mauer.

He should have got it that year. But this year?...Miguel Cabrera or Mike Trout likely. How about MVP for the past 20 years?

I think Trout will get it this year. When Mauer got it over Jeter a few years ago, I knew that was his best shot to win it and he wouldn't have another chance of it. I think he has a chance this year but I'd be surprised if they gave it to him.

Soriano gives up big homer in the 9th. Oh Mariano, where are you?!

That was quite the debacle. I don't know how they are still in first place, and now they may have lost Texeira! You're right, though, MC. Mo is irreplaceable, and I'm afraid that he may never be back.

The Orioles are on a hot streak. Losing Tex and A-Rod at the same time is big. Maybe they don't hit for average, but they are forces to avoided by the opposing pitchers.

And they drop 2 out of 3 to the Blue Jays. Really!?

They better kick some Oriole ass. A 3 game lead could go fast.

Exactly. As sad as this is to say, they're lead in the division has been cut in half since A-Rod went down with his injury. However, the platoon of players filling in for him have collectively produced better than A-Rod by himself. It's been the pitching (Nova, Soriano's blown save) and sloppy defense (CC's game against the Blue Jays).

The bats have been a bit anemic too. 5 Hits last night. Poop. Good thing they had that 10 game winning streak a couple of months ago.

A good come from behind win today!

The Baltimore Urinals have the fire in the belly. The Yankees have too much money in their pockets.

They will enjoy watching the Rays in the playoffs.

What a choke! The A.L. East (IMO the best division in baseball) sure looks different of late. That's a good thing!

The Rays and Red Sox will be playing golf in October.

An A-Bomb from A-Rod. Hard to believe he has hit 300 HRs as a Yankee.

I'm looking forward to a Yankees/White Sox ALCS! How's that sound guys? BYW - I did my pennance for the football thread, MC.

great joke mark! like the yankees will make the playoffs lol

Great game last night, but thank goodness the Orioles lost today, too! I still can't get over that 14 inning win last night. It was exhausting to watch, I can't imagine actually playing it.

BAM,be careful dissin' the Yankees when visiting the Yankee thread.

BAM is a bit careless that way, isn't he?? Hmmmm....It's late September. Aren't the Orioles supposed to collapse like a cheap tent right about now? And yet, not so much. They're unbelievably hot.

Geez, what a nail-biter of a game last night! 1 more to win the AL East!!

The Yankees control their own destiny. All they have to do is win tonight and they clinch the AL East and win the No. 1 seed in the playoffs!

We DVR'd the game and are watching the debate, so we'll watch it later.

CONGRATS to the 2012 American League East Division champs and also for clinching home field advantage through the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. They really had to work for it this year!

PS - Bobby Valentine got fired today from Boston. Good, now maybe he'll stop talking smack about them and plays from 10+ years ago (like the Jeter flip in Oakland). Don't get me wrong, I liked Bobby but when he started to run his mouth about things that he had NOTHING to do with, I just find that to be cheap. SHUT your mouth until you actually DO something. And if that something is to have your team finish 24 games below .500 and lose 90+ games for the first time since 1965, then that disqualifies you as well.

A GREAT year to be a Yankee fan! #28, here we come!

IBANEZ! AWESOME come from behind win last night and 1 win away from the ALCS!

Gotta hand it to Girardi. That was a ballsy move to put Ibanez in for A-Rod.

And it paid off! Ibanez, who is 112 in baseball years, was the hero not once, but twice. I honestly thought that the game-winning run was a replay of the tying run.

My son, nephew and brother-in-law were at the game last night, and delivered another big order of stromboli to the clubhouse in the afternoon. Maybe Ibanez had an extra slice and that's the cause of his heroics.

I could have gone too, Klyd. My brother had a ticket for me if I wanted it, but I turned it down becuase it was a little too cold for me last night. Stupid me. Now you know I'm not a Yankees fan, but I'm a good all around baseball guy. And I missed a piece if history .

It ain't over yet, though. This has been a really good series from the fan's point of view. I expect Baltimore to win tonight. I always go with a guy coming off a big win, so Saunders looks like the ticket tonight. Hughes is too erratic.

The O's may win tonight, but I didn't pick them (or the A's or Nationals) to survive the first round of the playoffs because they're not accustomed to postseason play. Their opponents have key veteran players with sold playoff experience, and that's a good advantage.

Agreed. I think the O's will will tonight, but the Yankees will wrap it up tomorrow night. We'll see.

I'm so SICK of hearing that. It's not you MC, it's that mindset. I don't care how much money A-Rod is making. I don't care about hurting his feelings if we have to drop him in the lineup or pinch hit for him. This is about more than Alex Rodriguez. This is about the New York Yankees (the TEAM) and winning World Series title #28. He hasn't done ANYTHING for us so far anyways. If he came up last night, I guarantee he would have stuck out. Thus far in the series he's 1-for-12 with 7 strikeouts. He's hurting us, not helping us. I'm glad Giradi FINALLY decided to do something with him!

PB, you could have called me about the ticket! I have to give credit to the Orioles. I expected them to fizzle long before now and they are hotter than ever. Great series!

I was never an A-Rod fan. There are any number of players I would rather see in the lineup. Nice to see Mo in the dugout last night!

The Yankees offense is TERRIBLE. How can you only muster 1 run in 13 innings of a potential series clinching game? Good game thrown by Hughes and I tip my hat to Baltimore for the way they've played all year. It all comes down to this. LET'S GO YANKEES!

Girardi can't possibly start A-Roid against a right handed pitcher tonight. If he does and A-Roid goes 0 for 4 and the Yankees lose 2 to 1, then Joe might have himself a problem with Hal and Hank during the off season.

I was half right on last night's game. I picked to Orioles to win. But only because I thought Hughes would get tattooed. I was dead wrong on that one. Hughes pitched well.

How many times did they ground out or strike out with men in scoring position? Geez, Louise, it was like they were all in some sort of A-Rod induced coma. The guys who they could usually count on to help them out, like Swisher and Granderson, have been awful at the plate. They can't expect Ibanez to get them out of trouble each and every game.

They'd better step it up tonight, or I think I12 is right - Girardi could be in trouble with the Steinbrenners.

I like how A-Rod gets blamed for the poor play of his teammates.

Right or wrong, when you make his kind of money you become a target of the masses.

I watched much of the game, particularly the first six innings. I don't think Hughes pitched well. He missed repeatedly with location and was in a few jams where some Oriole hitters whiffed on pitches carelessly left up in the zone. He threw too many pitches, and his ball to strike ratio was bad. I thought the Orioles offense squandered many opportunities, not just because they were getting base runners, but because they had poor approaches on hittable pitches. Though the game was 1-1, I thought that Saunders far outperformed Hughes.

I had to feel bad for Chamberlain getting pegged by the broken bat that he never saw, reacting only when the batter yelled. Interesting to see whether the swelling was controlled enough to make him available.

If you pinch hit for Rodriguez in game-on-the-line situations, you might as well start someone over him. My guess is that A-Rod will start.

Finally, while the Phillies failed to make the playoffs, it was a little warming to see former Philles outfielders, Ibanez and Werth, win big playoff games with walk-off homers on consecutive days. Now it's time for Hunter Pence to hit a game ending homer.

No, A-Rod gets blamed for playing like crap year after year during the postseason.

But you have to give him credit because he was able to get out of those situations and limit the damage. He didn't pitch a gem but based on the situation he was in (I think in 3 innings he had runners on first and third with 2 or less outs) and only gave up the 1 run. His location was bad but he did strike out 8 as well.

Agreed! He had a great postseason in 2009 but, like any sport, what have you done for me lately? And just think, we still have ANOTHER 5 years of this after the season

Wow, I just read this too!

A-Rod benched for Game 5

Not necessarily, Irish.

Sure, it's impossible to trade a 37 year old with a huge contract who can't hit righties anymore if they were tossing dodge balls, but the Yankees have so much money that they can always decide to eat it. It's not likely, but you never know.

He's made it obvious he wants out of NY. Will the Yankees pay all that money just to get rid of him? Hard to say, but if he's that freaking unhappy, good riddance.

EXACTLY! What's the Dodgers phone number again?

Also, SB, where have you heard that he wants out? I've never heard anything but the opposite. About how much he loves New York, and being a Yankee, etc.

Haven't heard it, just seen his face and his performance. Some guys just can't make it in NY, and I think he's one of them. There are plenty of players who leave the Yankees after performing poorly and do well elsewhere.

A-Roid did have a couple of MvP seasons with the Yanks and one good series. But for me he is just a compiler like Dave Winfield was. If they were winning 8-0, Winfield would hit 2 homeruns.

All the sports pundits thought he would shatter Barry Bond home run record. That's looking doubtful.

I never wanted him as a Yankee. They should have gone for pitching, pitching and then pitching. Do you think he can redeem himself tonight? I love when he strikes out and then while walking back to the dugout he looks back at the outfield or scoreboard.

A-Rod isn't starting tonight. If the Yanks lose, how will this be spun into being his fault?

(But yes he's stunk this series. No argument there.)

He took a spot away on the roster from someone who COULD help them.

I tip my hat to Baltimore. They were pesky and wouldn't go away ALL year but the Yankees were finally able to beat them and their bats came alive a little bit. That could be a good sign going into the ALCS. Now, BRING ON THE TIGERS!

Let us hope....
Tigers vs Yankees
The Yankees are the Yankees, which scares every team in baseball except the Tigers. Detroit seems to relish the challenge the pinstripes bring, especially when the games take place at Comerica Park. The downside of the Yankees is that the Tigers would have to open the series in New York, rather than having home-field advantage. That said, the Tigers always seem to steal one game at Yankee Stadium, making the thought of three straight games at Comerica Park very enticing. The Yankees' rotation, which has long been the Achilles heel for this team, all of a sudden looks like a strength. Andy Pettitte pitched Game 2 of the ALDS like he pitched Game 2’s a decade ago. CC Sabathia is an ace. Hiroki Kuroda looks like what the Yankees had in mind when they signed him in the off-season. And Phil Hughes has a nice track record at Comerica Park (3-2, 2.78 ERA), which is where he’d likely start Game 3.

The problem with the Yankees is the offense. Alex Rodriguez’s struggles are well-documented. But Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson are slumping just as badly. Swisher is hitless in his last 34 postseason at-bats with runners in scoring position. And Granderson has nine strikeouts in the Orioles series, heading into Game 5 today. Unlike Rodriguez, both are in the lineup. All three figure to be in the lineup in the ALCS if they advance. That’s only good news for the Tigers. New York has a better bullpen, but I’d give the Tigers the edge in offense and the starting rotation. And it has to be mentioned that the Tigers have taken out the Yankees the last two times the teams met in the postseason.

Good for the Yanks. Now bench A-Rod for rest of the playoffs.

Exactly... he hasn't been a clutch hitter for YEARS! Maybe he's missing his steroids or something. And it's a shame, of course. But he's been worthless for A LONG time.

I wish the Pirates or someone could afford him... ...but I shouldn't say that, because I like the Pirates.

Careful what you wish for, buddy .

For some reason I keep seeing the '68 World Series, which is the first World Series that I remember watching and pretty much fully understanding. I was 9 years old. It was Tigers-Cardinals, by the way. Call it a hunch.

So back to the ALCS. Tigers in six.

ARod is in tonight's lineup, but he's dropped to 6th in batting order.

Roller-coaster is right. Amazing, incredible (yet again) Ibanez HR heroics! But then Jeter goes down for the year. The non-hitting a-holes (most of the team) REALLY need to wake up now!

To be fair, they put up a remarkable comeback in the 9th (homerun by Ichiro!) ultimately to lose and now Jeter is out after one cringeworthy-looking injury.

What a game.
Tough break for Jeter, I like him. TBS is really really biased for the Yankees.
It was good to see Detroit show some heart, rally and come back from Valverde's mistakes.
I don't want to see Valverde again and neither does Mitch Albom.
No way Tigers can trust Valverde again

You mean the manager's mistake (for leaving Valverde in so long in the ninth).

The Yanks didn't just lose the game... they LOST it! You have bases loaded THREE times in the early innings and score a total of no runs??

I know. Wonderful, wasn't it?
Don't worry. Detroit's bullpen is such crap that it will be difficult to ever truly say NY is out of it..

That's been the Yankees story too often this year. They just can't seem to drive in those runs with men in scoring position. It's been so frustrating.

The loss of Jeter is huge, not just because he's had such a good season, but also because he is truly the heart of the team. Plus, let's face it, the man just wants to play baseball every day.

Tough loss for my boys, but a good job by the Tigers. Congrats, Lilo!

Jeter's onfield presence alone is an insurmountable loss, Babe.

Today's game is a must win. If they go down 0-2 the way the rest of the team is hitting (not just A-Roid, Ronnie ), this series doesn't make in back to the Bronx.

Yeah, I hope the Tigers win it for Leland, our own Lilo, and my boy Elmore Leonard (who turned 87 last week and is still putting out a novel a year; a quality novel a year ).

Go Tigers!

What's up with all the unsold ALCS tickets at Yankee Stadium?

My sons were at yesterday's Yankee game, and were shocked by the numerous empty seats.

The Yankee hitting performance is obviously pitiful, and even more discouraging when you consider that Detroit's two best pitchers haven't been on the field yet.

The best thing for the Yankees right now is to play on the road. The hitters can escape the toxic atmosphere of Yankee Stadium, get the fans off their back, and clear their heads. Slumps become syndromes when you carry the weight of each previous failure to the plate with you.

My friends went, and said there were plenty of seats available at the box office. They paid less than face value, buying them I believe on Stub Hub.

I'm just amazed at the TOTAL lack of offense. Cano sets a MLB record for the most consecutive at-bats without a hit (26 and counting)? Not to mention Kuroda throws 7 2/3 innings of great baseball on 3 days rest! The pitchers can't do any more at this point short of grabbing a bat themselves. Absolutely PATHETIC.

And what did the Yankees brass do in the offseason last year when hitting was a problem for them then too in the postseason? Oh, that's right, trade their best hitting prospect for a pitcher who didn't even make it out of spring training. What's next? Try doing something smart this year: let Swisher walk and resign Ichiro (at least for 1 more year), try to trade A-Rod (even if you have to eat a big part of his salary) and bring up Nunez or Dickerson full time and give them some big league at-bats or see what's brewing in the free agent market. I know Josh Hamilton's available but I'm not sure the Yankees want to travel down that path, in part because he didn't exactly finish the season sizzling and who know's what salary demands he's going to make?

There are no takers for A-Rod. When he had his agent interrupt the celebration of Boston's world series victory in 07 to announce he was opting out of his contract, there was absolutely no interest in him outside New York. There is less interest in him now as he is aging and subject to testing for PEDs. Unfortunately, the Yankees and A-Rod are saddled with each other, a loveless marriage, consummated by greed and egotism.

..to hell. Oli, see if you and SC can start a Red Sox-Tigers thread.

Hey, I want to see the Yanks beat Detroit (so the Giants could kick the crap out of them).

Doesn't look like I'll be getting my wish.

Now don't jump the gun. Bernie Williams has not officially retired and Paul O'Neil isn't far away. And I hear that Daryl Strawberry has been swinging a big stick lately.

The Yankees already have enough old farts who ain't producing. They don't need any more.

They can't be any worse than Swisher, Granderson and A-Rod have been thus far.

Probably not. I am dumbfounded at how poorly those stars are playing now. It's unbelievable (even though ARod never struck me as a clutch player). REALLY bad timing for the Yanks.

Neither A-Rod nor Swisher is starting Game 3 versus Verlander. And Hughes instead of CC. This should be interesting.

The voice of Bob Sheppard is heard; batting fourth and playing center field, number 23 - Williams - number 23.

Verlander will be gone in the fourth.

Speaking of old farts....

Go Tigers!

We spent the last few days in Cooperstown, about 4 or 5 hours in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Wow! It was great! Seeing all the Yankee memorabilia was incredible, but also so frustrating given the last week!

It is an awesome place SB. I've been twice!

Has a team ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the pennant?

You're kidding, right?

The only team ever to do it was your 2004 Red Sox against the Yanks. But you already knew that .

Damn shame. Can't believe that my boys lost it after being in 1st place all season. This is just so very, very bad in so many ways. Certainly can't blame the pitching, it's been fantastic. I'd like to take that spoiled bunch of bums and slap them up and down the Bronx until they get their heads straight.

As an aside, Swisher knocking New York fans wasn't too bright. I doubt he'll be back.

Look at the boy's hairdo! What made you think he was bright?

I was momentarily blinded by his hot wife .

And I'm sure that they love one another's souls.

Strangely we somehow think these are people have common sense, financial responsibility and couth. Most of them are Neanderthal morons; their knuckles have recently risen above the pavement. Their intellectual and social skills are barely average. They happen to do one thing good. Not all of them of course, but a large number of them....hello Swish, hello Alex, hello....many of you.

Wonder if the Yankees will do more than they intended and try to bring Josh Hamilton to the Bronx since he'll be the big slugger on the free agent market and that's what they need DESPERATELY! I think Swisher's gone. If they don't sign Hamilton (and even if they do), I hope they can resign Ichiro for another year.

Loads of empathy extended to my NY Yankee fan friends... not hitting is exactly how my White Sox lost the division to Detroit in the last two weeks of the season! Oh well, wait 'til next year!

Wait just a minute:

A-Rod to Marlins?

PLEASE Christmas come early this year!

My husband was just saying this on Sunday night, that ARod would end up in Miami.

BTW, stupid rain delay.

$125 million left on A-Rod's contract. How are they going to deal with that albatross?

Well, the Yankees avoided this season's denouement tonight due to the postponement.

THE YANKS DIDN'T LOSE TONIGHT!!! WOOHOO!!!

They're all wet!

Did it even rain?? It was dry as Angela Lansbury (don't know why that was the first name that popped into my head lol) the first hour of the "rainout"

It was raining a little outside of the tri-country area but not in Wayne County when the game was scheduled to start.

They didn't want to have to start the game and then stop for a rain delay and start again (or possibly be rained out). They wanted to get all 9 in but the forecast for today is 90% chance of rain at 4pm game time.

May as well root for the no-hitter now, Yankees fans. A piece of history and all that. Cuz this one's all over but the shouting.

So much for the no-hitter .

are you kidding me , already 6 / 1 tigers
the fat lady can start to sing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The fat lady started singing about three days ago. She can finish now.

I'd like to root for the Giants now, but I'm afraid I'll jinx them, too.

It's not your fault, Geoffy. They just weren't built to go distance. Not at their collective age.

Congratulations, Lilo. I'm happy for ya.

Me, too. And you gotta be happy for Cabrera after that year he had. I hope he gets his ring.

Thanks SC!! We've waited for this.

I said I was happy for you too, you ingrate .

I went to two of the yankee and detroit playoff games at the stadium, and IMHO they deserved to be swept. The vast majority of the team didnt play like they wanted to win. It was painful to watch such a storied franchise play so horrible.

I am very happy that the Tigers won, I am a big fan of Cabrera, Verlander, and Fielder. I predict a Tigers vs Cardinals world series which would be a good one.

Now the real A-Rod off-season drama begins...

Thanks to Throggs Neck as well!!!!

Your very welcome .

Where's Grammar Police Geoff?? You forgot the apostrophe and "e". What kind of Catholic school education did YOU get??

Lilo, Congratulations! Your boys deserve it! They played well and completely dominated.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the Yankees in the off-season. I think that we will not see the return of Swisher, ARod and perhaps Granderson. They may trade Ibanez as well. And who knows if Jeter will be able to return? Same for Mo.

It will be interesting to see how the Yanks rebound next season. With the Yanks and RedSox in possible rebuild mode, i wonder how my Jays will fare....

If I had to stop and point out every single mistake I see every day, I'd have absolutely no time left to make my own mistakes (accidentally, of course)!



I really like Swish and Grandy, though. A-Rod I never really liked that much. Ibanez shouldn't go anywhere. I'm just kinda worried about Girardi -- he might already have been gone if George was still alive.

But... The Yanks had the best record in baseball this year (and many other years). The postseason collapse wasn't Girardi's fault, really, cuz he wasn't at the plate. Who do you blame? I don't think it was anyone's fault -- it was ALL their fault!

DET vs STL doesn't interest me in the least, and I don't know if SFO can pull out 4 W's in a row, but I hope they can. I don't like STL.

He won a ring with the Marlins back in 2003. Verlander and Fielder don't have them however

I know, Irish. I just hope he gets another to top off the incredible year that he had. It would be the cherry on the cake.

Boy, now that was embarrassing. Thankfully I don't make those mistakes/typos often .

This is tough, even by New York standards. Today's front page of the "New York Post":






I wonder if the chick in the stands sent that back to ARod.

I'm a little late joining this farewell wish to those Single A players that were added to the Yankee roster for the series; C-Rod, Squisher, Can-Blow, Chewvez, Texasass, Grandlesson.

It should be an interesting off-season. Best record, most homeruns, don't mean squat if you can't finish the job. The Steingrabbers and Cashboy have a lot of figgerin' to do. Do we want aged superstars or scrappy winners?

Congrats to the Tigers. Their pitching was superb. Lilo, I hope they go all the way. I like Leyland. He's not a robot like GeeRahrDee.

Thanks MC. We'll see. The funny thing is up to just about 2 weeks ago there were quite a few Tigers fans who wanted Leland and Dombrowski fired....

Poor guys just couldn't handle being booed.

"Report: Booing bothered Yankees"

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/new-york-yankees-booing-alcs-101912

Nick Swisher on being boo'd, how tough it was:
"Especially home, where your heart is, where you've been battling and grinding all year long. It's just frustrating, man. You never want to be in that spot. It's not like you're trying to go out there and do bad on purpose. It's just tough, man."

Battling and grinding? You're playing an F'n game for millions of dollars; grow up.

Just a jab from Spellman to the Mount.

I know, MC, let's have a pity party for those poor millionaires who get to do nothing for the next five months. Poor babies.

David Letterman just said that you can tell it's autumn in NY when the Yankees are cleaning out their lockers.

He also made the following comment:
The Yankees #1 problem was that Derek Jeter broke his ankle and couldn't play.
The Yankees #2 problem was that Alex Rodriguez DIDN'T break his ankle and continued to play.

Went to a luncheon yesterday. Former Yankees backup catcher and current YES announcer John Flaherty was the keynote speaker. He was very, very good, down-to-earth, pretty funny, too. I got some pics and an autograph for my husband.

Anyone see this photo of Derek Jeter on the back of the NY Post? They're calling him Derek Eater! His ankle may be broken but he can still make his way around the buffet table!

Reminds me of when a few buddies and myself bumped into Nick Johnson when he re-signed with the Yankees a few years back at a nightclub on the Upper East Side. He was with two friends and was trying to be all incognito. Nobody recognized him until we went over and wished him good luck in the upcoming season. Needless to say, he wound up getting injured (like usual) and was out of Yankees by the next year.

Now there is more of him to love, SB!

I heard about this on ESPN. Much ado about nothing! He'll be fine when the season roles around. It's December, who cares?

Ain't THAT the truth!

Will there be a Fat Jeter era, like Fat Elvis?

Good News. A-Hole is going in for hip surgery and he'll be out til June. Hopefully the Yankees can build a 20 game lead before Dud comes back....maybe he will retire.

I heard about this and like you, I was immediately happy. Sad, huh? What's even worse is he still has 4 more seasons after next!

My Facebook post about this said, "A-Rod tore his labia again"

I was always suspicious that Madonna went both ways.

It was YOU! I told Mr. Babe about this, but I couldn't remember where I had heard or seen it. He laughed so hard that he almost fell off the kitchen chair.

Kevin Youkilis is now a Yankee.

Wow the White Sox shoulda signed him again this year. Don't be mad he's a good player

Don't worry, I'm not happy about it either and I don't expect much out of him. I never liked Youkilis

I don't understand it. They let Chavez walk for $3 million, and sign Youkillis and his bad back for $12. Chavez had a much better year, and is only a year older.

That Brian Cashman is some kind of great GM. He couldn't shine Gene Michaels toe nail.

Or Bob Watson's, either .

Maybe the Yankees can start up that Senior League that Graig Nettles was trying to start.

Curtis Granderson took one in the arm today. First at bat of the pre-season, I believe. Broken arm. He's out until at least the end of May. Huge loss in an already anemic lineup.

http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/yankeesblo...J#axzz2Lqx2mdq5

To be honest when a speed guy strikes out over 100 times a year it's never a good thing. You look at hard numbers his value goes way down. His LOB number very high also! Limited range and arm! Bottom line the numbers he produce does exceed to the numbers he allows between K's, arm/ range and runners stranded!
At the end of the day and Ok player, who is over valued because he's a Yankee. Just sucks because we have limited depth in the Minors to replace him!

Wow, so Granderson's out for 10 weeks already. Not a good start to the season. I think he's gone after this year anyways but this lineup is getting thinner by the day unfortunately.