Thursday, July 31, 2008
Yer Out!
So should be the umpire who called Pudge out at the plate....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Labels: 2008, Angels, Ivan Rodriguez, umpire, Yankes
Posted by Steve Kenul at 9:44 PM
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Pavano in the News
It is rumored that the New York Mets are interested in pitcher Carl Pavano.
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Labels: Carl Pavano, New York Mets, rumor, trade deadline, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 8:29 PM
Hawkins Traded
LaTroy Hawkins who was recently released and placed on waivers, was picked up by the Houston Astros and worked out a deal to send minor leaguer (A) 2B Matt Cusick to the Yankees farm system.
This will be updated until the final release.
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Labels: Houston Astros, LaTroy Hawkins, Matt Cusick, minor leagues, trade, trade deadline, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 8:10 PM
Pinstriped Pudge
Yankees sent middle reliever Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ivan Rodriguez. Rodriguez has won 13 gold gloves through out his career with Texas and Detroit and was named to 14 All-Star teams.
Granted Pudge is in his 18th season and is older than Posada, he is a veteran, and the Yankees need one especially with the young pitching.
His presence in the line up is a boost for the offense which has been known to fail with runners in scoring position, and giving strong outings by pitchers a stingy lead.
Farnsworth on paper has had the best season of his career, but wathcin ghim pitcher day after day, he was nothing lioke his stats claim.
Yankees again rob another team. I love the Evil Empire.
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Labels: 2008, Ivan Rodriguez, Kyle Farnsworth, Pudge, trade, trade deadline, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:56 PM
Monday, July 28, 2008
Bleh!
What an ugly game. And what an ugly attempt to be a Nomaas.org artist too.
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Labels: Mike Mussina
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:20 PM
Posada To Have Surgery
Jorge Posada will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder.
Posada, who signed a four year $52.4 million contract before the season began, started the season on the DL, made a short appearance as a DH, 1B, and backstop batting .268 with 3 home runs and 33 RBI in 51 games. His batting, slugging, and on base percentages are well below career average and as a catcher, has thrown out a smidgen over 20% of all base runners, also below league average.
His first stint on the DL was due to shoulder discomfort. He was placed in the 15-day DL and went though rehab only to show no definitive results.
Posada was placed on the DL again for discomfort and decided to opt for surgery, which is reported to be more intense than the surgery he had back in 2001.
Posada's injury consists of damage to the tendons around the labrum, but not a full rotator cuff tear.
Here are the recent DL reports for Posada from ESPN:
Yankees July 22: Placed catcher
Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list; activated outfielder Johnny Damon from the 15-day disabled list.
Yankees June 5: Activated catcher
Jorge Posada from the 15-day disabled list; optioned pitcher Dan Giese to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the International League (AAA).
Yankees April 29: Placed catcher
Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list; purchased the contract of catcher Chris Stewart from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the International League (AAA).
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Labels: 2008, injury, Jorge Posada, shoulder
Posted by Steve Kenul at 5:34 PM
Look Who's Still Here
Fresh off a series victory in Fenway Park, the Yankees head into the final two months of the season thick in the middle of the AL East race. The Bombers currently stand 3 games behind the soon-to-be-fading Rays and the will-inevitably-be-there-until-the-end Red Sox. This should come as no surprise, as the Yankees, despite their many mishaps over the years (signing Giambi to an A-list contract, Carl Pavano, not trading Hughes/Kennedy for Santana), still have a rotund $209 million payroll that allows them to field a veritable star-studded team of current and former elite players. By comparison, the Red Sox have the next highest payroll at approximately $150 million. Again, it's not a surprise that these two powers are in contention in late July, and have been dating back to the days when a Bill Clinton was still at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Now, in the years following the Yankees last World Series appearance in 2003, they have become somewhat of slow starters. This could be due to many factors (aging players taking longer to perform optimally is just a suggestion), but the media has wasted no time hurling themselves off the Yankees bandwagon faster than your drunk uncle Charlie in an attempt to become the first to claim the Yankees dynasty/era as over. Hell, quality baseball reporter Buster Olney even made a few bucks off this concept. For further proof, you may search the archives of the New York Post, New York Daily News, ESPN.com or USA Today from April-June of 2004-2008. Or if you are a masochist, you can attempt to view any old episodes of Around The Horn/PTI from this time frame.
But the numbers/reality reveals that the Yankees have proven adept at digging themselves out of whatever hole they find themselves in around mid-May and are able to pull themselves out to the point where a position in the playoffs (and until last year, a division title) seem like an inevitability.
Yanks are Done, Too Old, WHERE HAVE YOU GONE PAUL O'NEILL!?! etc." Moments2004:April 25 8-11, 4.5 Games Back
2005:May 6 11-9, 9GB
June 7 28-30, 7GB
2006:April 8 1-4, 3GB
**Note: This was arguably and inexplicably the low point of the media hysteria, as thusly summed up in this hyperbolic opening paragraph in a Jon Heyman
Newsday article:
"Opening Night in Oakland is but a memory. Things are deteriorating fast for the Yankees out west. And if George Steinbrenner can get Yankees/New York Post spinmeister Howard Rubenstein away from that Page 6 scandal, it won't be long before Steinbrenner issues his first statement."
Or this from Ed Price,
Newark Star-Ledger:
"The Yankees offense has not looked grand since the season opener, managing just six hits last night at Angel Stadium in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels that dropped them alone into last place in the American League East."
Again, this was a mere five days into the season.
2007:April 27: 8-13, 6.5GB
May 29: 21-29, 14.5GB
June 27: 36-39, 11GB
2008:April 19: 9-10, 3GB
May 20: 20-25, 7.5GB
June 11: 33-33, 7GB
Enough already. As someone who watched the Braves reel off 14 consecutive division titles, the latter half coming amid predictions of their demise, I find it foolish to count out a heavyweight contender until you literally have 'em on the ropes, going down for the count. That was not the case for those Braves teams, and it is not the case for these Yankees teams. While I respect and acknowledge that just being the New York Yankees will draw unparalleled media coverage, it's safe to say that predicting doom and gloom for the Yankees in June will make one look like a foolish baboon. Boom.
Yankees Final Regular Season Records, Standings2004: 101-61 (1st place, AL East)
2005: 95-67 (Tie-1st)
2006: 97-65 (1st)
2007: 94-68 (2 GB, AL East; won Wild Card)
2008 (current): 58-46 (3 GB)
Used with permission from
runaroundsues.blogspot.com
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Labels: Newark Star-Ledger, Newsday, runaroundsues, stats, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:39 PM
Yankees Runs per Game Stats
Since the Yankees seem to have a hard time scoring runs, I went ahead and did some fun research.
My results:
APRIL125 runs / 29 games = 4.3 R/G
4-3 in one run games
4-3 in 5+ run games
2-2 in shut outs
-4th in AL East 3 GB-2007131 runs / 23 games = 5.7 R/G
0-6 in one run games
4-2 in 5+ run games
0-1 in shutouts
-5th in AL East 6.5 GBMAY124 runs / 26 games = 4.8 R/G
5-3 in one run games
5-3 in 5+ run games
1-1 in shut outs
-4th in AL East 5.5 GB-2007137 runs / 28 games = 4.9 R/G
1-5 in one run games
8-1 in 5+ run games
1-1 in shutouts
-4th in AL East 13.5 GBJUNE137 runs / 28 games = 4.9 R/G
5-4 in one run games
4-4 in 5+ run games
4-1 in shut outs
-3rd in AL East 6.5 GB-2007142 runs / 27 games = 5.3 R/G
3-4 in one run games
6-4 in 5+ run games
0-3 in shutouts
-2nd in AL East 10.5 GBJULY40 runs / 10 games = 4.0 R/G
3-1 in one run games
2-2 in 5+ run games
1-2 in shut outs
-3rd in AL East 6.5 GB-2007 July 12 (as of)61 runs / 9 games = 6.8 R/G
1-1 in one run games
3-1 in 5+ run games
2-0 in shutouts
-2nd in AL East 9.5 GBTOTAL426 runs / 93 games = 4.9 R/G
17-12 in one run games
15-12 in 5+ games
8-6 in shut outs.
-2007471 runs / 90 games = 5.2 R/G
5-16 in one run games
21-8 in 5+ run games
4-6 in shutouts
LEAGUE AVERAGE422 runs / 93 games = 4.5 R/G
Yankees rank #15 on team runs scored.
-93 runs from first place Rangers (519)
+80 runs from last place Padres & Nationals (346)
In 2007, Yankees ranked #1 in runs scored, only AL team to score 900+.
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Labels: 2007, 2008, runs per game, stats, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 3:56 PM
Yankees: Pretender or Contender
After winning nine straight division titles, and making the playoffs every year since 1995, the dynasty known as the Yankees are in a decline.
Last season we saw the Yankees stumble out of the gate only to regain their footage, make a run towards the playoffs fitted with young stars who came up and damn near saved the season. Oh, they also had an MVP named Alex Rodriguez.
This season is almost a replica of last year. Poor clutch hitting, bullpen implosions, and another slow start. At least they still have that MVP fella.
A rash of injuries have taken playing time away from A-Rod, ace Chein-Ming Wang, pitcher friendly Jorge Posada, two break through seasons from Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon, plus the injuries from Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Brian Bruney (was paid to mention Bruney's name).
The Yankees, in desperate need of relief pitching and a live bat have made headlines.
Joba Chamberlain was removed from the pen to the starting rotation raising questions on who the bridge will be to Rivera. Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins do not have impressive resumes.
Richie Sexson was recently taken from waivers and thrown in the line up and will be used against left-handed pitchers giving more power to the line up who suffer heavily under lefties.
But before I give my two cents, it does amaze me how things just fall in place. Mussina has already matched last seasons win total, Chamberlain has been a very effective starter, and Farnsworth made a turn around providing just enough support to get to Rivera. And speaking of Rivera, 23 for 23 in save opportunities is something to be noticed.
What the Yankees need to do before the July 31 deadline is trade away a bat for an arm. Granted the Yankees are suffering in the once surplussed outfield, I say trade Bobby Abreu for a #2 or #3 starting pitcher.
Randy Wolf of the Padres, Paul Byrd of the Indians, and even Bronson Arroyo from the Reds are all possibilities.
The Yankees have plenty of bats, trade one for a pitcher to bolster the rotation, and better yet, the relief corps. Granted, good relievers are hard to come by, but if there is a will, Big Stein will pay.
The offense is still there, only down by about a run per game from last year. Hitting will only improve. If the pitching stays the same, and the Yankees add one arm, whether it be a starter or reliever, the Yankees have a great chance of reaching the playoffs again.
With that, the Yankees
can be a contender. But until then, and it pains me to say this, right now they are pretenders.
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Labels: 2008, bullpen, pitching, trade, trade deadline, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 3:54 PM
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Hawkins Released
Xavier Nady is reported to be in uniform tonight and playing left field tonight vs the Red Sox. To make room for the additions, the Yankees have designated reliever LaTroy Hawkins for assignment.
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Labels: assignment, LaTroy Hawking, Red Sox, Xavier Nady, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 1:11 PM
Joba, Joba, Joba!
For everyone who thought Joba moving out of the bullpen was a bad idea, smack yourself in the face. Even me.
Joba out-pitched Red Sox "ace" Josh Beckett striking out nine and allowing no runs en rout to a 1-0 victory. Jason Giambi drove in the sole run in the third inning, and Mariano Rivera recorded a five-out save.
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Labels: 2008, Joba Chamberlain, Red Sox, rivalry, win, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 12:47 AM
Friday, July 25, 2008
Nady to Yanks
The Pittsburgh Pirates have dealt OF Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte to the Yankees for Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Tabata, Jeff Karstens, and Dan McCutchen.
Original reports of the deal included two Yankees Minor League pitchers, Phil Coke and George Kontos, who are no longer included in the trade.
Marte is scouted to be a great pitcher with closer material. A good move for New York with the decline of Rivera. Melky Cabrera may return as a bench player as Nady could be his replacement.
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Labels: 2008, Damaso Marte, Dan McCutchen, Jeff Karstens, Jose Tabata, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ross Ohlendorf, trade, Xavier Nady, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 7:12 PM
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Farnworth Throws No-Hitter
After a rocky first half of the season, Yankees reliever Kyle Farnswroth has thrown nine consecutive hitless innings finishing the "no-no" with a scoreless 8th inning against the Minnesota Twins. He allowed 1 walk and three strikeouts en rout to this minuet achievement.
Congrats Farnsworth on a great turn around.
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Labels: Kyle Farnsworth, no-hitter
Posted by Steve Kenul at 11:24 PM
Saturday, July 19, 2008
2008 All-Star Game Play-by-Play
Top 1stCliff Lee (CLE) pitchingHanley Ramirez batting (FLA): foul, strike looking, ball, strike out swinging
Chase Utley batting (PHI): strike looking, foul, ball, strike looking
Lance Berman batting (HOU): strike swinging, fly out to right center
0H 0R 0E 0LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 1stBen Sheets (MIL) pitching Ichiro Suzuki batting (SEA): ball, fly out to right
Derek Jeter batting (NYY): strike looking, ball, strike looking, foul,
base hit to secondJosh Hamilton batting (TEX): strike looking, ball,
Jeter steals second, strike out swinging
Alex Rodriguez batting (NYY): ball, strike looking, ball, foul out to catcher
1H 0R 0E 2LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Top 2nd Lee pitchingAlbert Pujols batting (STL): strike looking, ball, ball, strike swinging, ground out third -> first
Chipper Jones batting (ATL):
base hit to centerMatt Holliday batting (COL): ground out first unassisted,
Jones to second on force playRyan Braun batting (MIL): foul, strike swinging, strike out swinging
1H 0R 0E 2LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 2nd Sheets pitchingManny Ramirez batting (BOS): ball, ball, foul, foul, foul, strike out swinging
Milton Bradley batting (TEX): ball, ball, strike looking, ball, strike looking,
ball fourKevin Youkilis batting (BOS): ball, ball, foul, strike swinging, ball,
Bradley steals second, foul, strike out swinging
Joe Mauer batting (MIN): ball, ball, foul, ball, strike looking,
ball fourDustin Pedroia batting (BOS): strike looking, ball, fly out to center
0H 0R 0E 3LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Top 3rd Joe Saunders (ANA) pitching Kosoke Fukudome batting (CHC): strike looking, ball, foul, ball, ground out first unassisted
Geovanny Soto batting (CHC): fly out to center
Ramirez batting: ball, ball, strike looking,
base hit to rightUtley batting: foul, ground out first unassisted
1H 0R 0E 1LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 3rd Carlos Zambrano (CHC) pitching Suzuki batting: ball, ball,
base hit to rightJeter batting: check throw to first, ground in double play shortstop -> second -> first
Hamilton batting: ball, foul, ground out second -> first
1H 0R 0E 2LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Top 4thRoy Halladay (TOR) pitching Berkman batting: strike looking, ball, strike swinging, strike out swinging
Pujols batting: foul, strike looking, foul, base hit to right, out at second right -> shortstop
Jones batting: ground out shortstop -> first
0H 0R 0E 0LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 4thZambrano pitchingRodriguez batting: strike swinging, foul, ball, strike out swinging
Ramirez batting: ball, foul, ball, foul, ground out second -> first
Bradley batting: ball, strike swinging,
reached by throwing error on shortstopYoukilis batting: ball,
Bradley picked off at first0H 0R 1E 0LOB
AL 0 – NL 0
Top 5th Ervin Santana (ANA) pitching Holliday batting: strike looking, ball, strike swinging, foul, foul, ball, foul,
home run to rightBraun batting: strike looking, ball, foul, ground out second -> first
Joe Crede (CHW) replaces Rodriguez at thirdFukudome batting: strike looking, strike looking, ball, ball, strike out swinging
Soto batting: strike looking, strike swinging, strike out swinging
1H 1R 0E 0LOB
AL 0 – NL 1
Bottom 5th Nate McLouth (PIT) replaces Fukudome at center fieldRussel Martin (ATL) replaces Soto at catcherDan Haren pitching (ARI)Youkilis batting: strike looking, foul, fly out to center
Mauer batting: ball,
base hit to shortstopIan Kinsler (TEX) pinch runs for MauerPedroia batting: ball, ball, check throw at first, ball,
Kinsler steals second, ball fourSuzuki batting: strike looking, ball, check swing strike, strike out swinging
Jeter batting: ball, strike looking, strike swinging, ball, foul, ball, ground out pitcher -> first
1H 0R 0E 4LOB
AL 0 – NL 1
Top 6th Justin Morneau (MIN) replaces Youkilis at firstKinsler replaces Pedroia at secondHamilton replaces Ramirez in left fieldGrady Sizemore (CLE) entered in center fieldJason Varitek (BOS) replaces Mauer at catcherJ. D. Drew (BOS) replaces Suzuki in right fieldJustin Duchscherer (OAK) pitchingRamirez batting: strike looking, ball, strike swinging, foul,
base hit to leftUtley batting: ball, foul, check throw to first, ball, ball,
base hit to right, Ramirez to thirdBerkman batting: strike swinging, ball,
sac fly to center, Ramirez scoresMike Young (TEX) replaces JeterPujols batting: strike looking,
base hit up the middle, Utley to secondJones batting: ball, ball, strike looking, strike swinging, strike out swinging
Holliday batting: strike looking, pop out to second
3H 1R 0E 5LOB
AL 0 – NL 2
Bottom 6th Dan Uggla (FLA) replaces Utley at secondMiguel Tejada (HOU) replaces Ramirez at shortstopCorey Hart (MIL) replaces Holliday in left fieldAdrian Gonzalez (SD) replaces Berkman at firstAramis Ramirez (CHC) replaces Jones at thirdHaren pitchingHamilton batting: strike looking, ball,
base hit to centerCrede batting: ball, foul, foul, foul, foul, pop out to second
Sizemore batting: ball,
Hamilton steals second, strike looking, ball, ball, foul, strike three looking
Bradley batting: fly out to center
1H 0R 0E 3LOB
AL 0 – NL 2
Top 7th Carlos Quentin (CHW) replaces Hamilton in leftJoe Nathan (MIN) pitchingBraun batting: strike swinging, foul, check swing strike out
McLouth batting: ball, ball, fly out to center
Martin batting: ball, fly out to center
0H 0R 0E 0LOB
AL 0 – NL 2
Bottom 7th Ryan Ludwick (STL) replaces Braun in left fieldEdinson Volquez (CIN) pitchingMorneau batting: ball, ball,
double to rightBattery meetingKinsler batting: ground out to shortstop -> first,
Morneau advances to thirdDioner Navarro (TB) pinch hitting for Youkilis: ball, strike swinging, foul, ball, foul, strike out looking
Drew batting: ball, foul, ball,
home run to right, Morneau scoresYoung batting: strike looking, strike swinging, ball, strike out swinging
2H 2R 0E 2LOB
AL 2 – NL 2
Top 8th Navarro stays in the game, replaces Varitek at catcherJonathan Papelbon (BOS) pitching (boos followed by a “Mariano” chant)
Tejada batting: strike looking,
base hit to right (more boos)
(More “Mariano” chants)
Uggla batting: strike swinging, strike looking, ball, (overrated chants), strike out swinging
Gonzalez batting: ball,
Tejada steals second, a
dvanced to third on throwing error by Navarro, sac fly to center, Tejada scores (more boos)
David Wright (NYM) pinch hits for Pujols: strike looking, foul, strike three looking
(Bronx cheer)
1H 1R 1E 1LOB
AL 2 – NL 3
Bottom 8th Brian Wilson (SFG) pitchingQuentin batting: ball, ball, fly out to center
Carlos Guillen (CHW) pinch hitting for Crede: ball, foul, strike swinging, foul, foul, ball, foul, ball, strike out looking
Billy Wagner (NYM) pitchingSizemore batting: ball, foul,
base hit to rightEvan Longoria (TB) pinch hitting for Bradley: ball, foul, ball,
Sizemore steals second, battery meeting,
ground-rule double to left (fan interference), Sizemore scoresMorneau batting: ground out pitcher unassisted
2H 1R 0E 1LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 9th Guillen stays in at thirdFrancisco Rodriguez (ANA) pitchingA. Ramirez batting: foul, ball, strike swinging, ball, ball,
ball fourChristian Guzman pinch runs for A. RamirezHart batting: strike looking, fly out to right
Mariano Rivera (NYY) pitchingLudwick batting: strike looking, ball, (“Let's go Yankees” chant), ball, strike swinging, ball, strike three swinging,
Guzman caught stealing second0H 0R 0E 2LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 9th Guzman stays in at thirdRyan Dempster (CHC) pitchingKinsler batting: strike looking, ball, check swing strike, ball, foul, strike three swinging
Navarro batting: ball, foul, ball, foul, ball, strike out swinging
Drew batting: strike looking, ball, ball, ball, strike looking, strike three looking
0H 0R 0E 0LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 10th Rivera pitchingMcLouth pitching: ball, strike looking, ball, foul, foul, ball, foul, strike out looking
Martin batting: strike swinging, ball, foul, foul, foul, foul, ball,
base hit to rightTejada batting: strike looking,
base hit up the middle, Martin advances to thirdUggla batting: strike looking, ground in double play second -> shortstop -> first, Tejada out at second
2H 0R 0E 2LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 10th Aaron Cook (COL) pitchingYoung batting:
reached base by fielding error on second basemanQuentin batting: reached base by fielding error on second baseman, Young to thirdGuillen batting: intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball,
intentional ball four, Quentin to secondSizemore batting: ball, foul,
ground into fielders choice. Young out at home first -> catcher, Quentin to third, Guillen to second.Longoria batting: ball,
ground into fielders choice. Quentin out at home second -> catcher, Guillen to third, Sizemore to secondMorneau batting: strike looking, ground out shortstop -> first
2H 0R 2E 7LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 11th Joakim Soria (KCR) pitchingGonzalez batting: ball, strike looking, ball,
base hit to left fieldWright batting: strike looking, strike swinging, ball, strike out swinging
Guzman batting: strike looking, strike looking, fly out to right center field
Hart batting: ball, ball, strike swinging, strike swinging, fly out to right
1H 0R 0E 3LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 11th Cook pitchingKinsler batting:
base hit to centerNavarro batting: ball, check throw to first, foul, check throw to first, ball,
Kinsler caught stealing second, ball, strike looking,
ball fourDrew batting:
base hit up the middle, Navarro to secondYoung batting: strike looking, ball, ball,
double to center, Navarro out at home center -> catcher, Drew to thirdQuentin batting: ball, ground out shortstop -> first
3H 0R 0E 2LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 12th Soria pitchingLudwick batting: ball, foul, ball, ball,
ball fourMcLouth:
bunt hit, Ludwick to secondMartin batting:
sac bunt, Ludwick to third, McLouth to secondTejada batting: intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball,
intentional ball four(longest All-Star Game in terms of time)
Uggla batting: , strike swinging, strike swinging, strike out swinging
George Sherrill (BAL) pitchingGonzalez batting: strike looking, strike swinging, strike out swinging
2H 0R 0E 8LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 12th Cook pitchingGuillen batting:
double to deep leftSizemore batting:
force out to second -> first, Guillen to thirdLongoria batting: strike looking, ball, foul, strike out swinging
Morneau batting: intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball,
intentional ball fourKinsler batting: ball,
Morneau reaches second by fielders indifference, foul, ground out third -> first
1H 0R 0E 4LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 13th Sherrill pitchingWright batting: strike swinging, ball, strike looking,
base hit to right-center fieldGuzman batting: ball, strike looking,
sac attempt, Wright forced out at second.
Hart batting: foul, foul, strike out looking
Ludwick batting: ball, ball, ball, strike looking, pop out to second base
1H 0R 0E 1LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 13th Carlos Marmol (CHC) pitchingNavarro batting: strike looking, ground out second -> first
Drew batting: strike swinging, ball, ball, ball, strike looking,
reached by error on second basemanYoung batting: ball, foul, strike looking, ball, ball, strike three looking,
Drew steals secondQuentin batting: foul, ball, strike looking, strike out looking
0H 0R 1E 2LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 14th Sherrill pitchingMcLouth batting: fly out to deep right
Martin batting: ball, ball, foul, fly out to deep right
Tejada batting: foul, ground out shortstop -> first
0H 0R 0E 0LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 14th Brandon Webb (ARI) pitchingGuillen batting: ball, line out to shortstop
Sizemore batting: strike swinging, ball, ball, strike swinging, foul, strike out swinging
Longoria batting: ball, strike looking, ball, strike looking, strike out looking
0H 0R 0E 0LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Top 15th Scott Kazmir (TB) pitchingUggla batting: ball, strike swinging, strike swinging, strike swinging
Gonzalez pitching: strike looking, ball, ball, strike swinging, fly out to left
Wright batting: ball, ball, ball,
ball fourGuzman batting: ground out to first unassisted
0H 0R 0E 1LOB
AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 15th Brad Lidge (PHI) pitchingMorneau batting: ball, strike swinging, strike swinging,
base hit to centerKinsler batting: strike swinging, strike swinging, ball, fly out to left
Navarro batting: strike looking, ball,
base hit to center, Morneau to secondDrew batting: ball, strike swinging, ball, foul, ball, foul,
ball four, Morneau to third, Kinsler to secondYoung batting:
Sac fly to right, Morneau scores2H 1R 0E 1LOB
AL 4 – NL 3
WP: Scott KazmirLP: Brad LidgeMVP: J.D. DrewTime: 4:50
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Labels: 2008, Alex Rodriguez, All-Star Game, American League, Brad Lidge, Derek Jeter, J.D. Drew, Jonathon Papelbon, Justin Mornueau, Mariano Rivera, National League, Scott Kazmir, Yankee Stadium
Posted by Steve Kenul at 2:40 PM
Thursday, July 17, 2008
My Wish
I have been a fan of these Yankees since I was a baby, and 25 years later I was able to see my first ever Yankees game when they defeated the Red Sox 2-1 in a thriller. I have a huge collection of Yankees memorabilia and collectibles from a team autographed baseball of the late 1950s to a "Final Season" coke bottle bought today.
All I ask for is your signature to send me a brick of old Yankee Stadium when they tear it down.
Thanks.
My Brick <-click there
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Labels: brick, petition, Yankee Stadium
Posted by Steve Kenul at 9:18 PM
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Papel-wrong
I have heard different stories on this subject, and I am going to make one thing clear.
Jonathan Papelbon has no right to pitch the final inning of the All-Star Game. He does not deserve it, he did not earn it, and he has not made any history in Yankee Stadium.
Terry Francona should be in the right mindset to have Mariano Rivera pitch the ninth inning, no matter what.
Rivera was won four World Series rings, won a World Series MVP, won three reliever awards, and has become one of the greatest closers of all-time. He is a staple in the Yankees franchise and has NOT BLOWN A SAVE (ahem...).
So Paps, if you think you are the deserving player to pitch the final inning, then you need to go read some history books and understand that you are far from deserving.
Know your history and know your place. The ninth inning at Yankee Stadium does not belong to you.
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Labels: All-Star Game, Jonathon Papelbon, Mariano Rivera
Posted by Steve Kenul at 5:00 PM
Dear Chase Utley
Fuck you too.
Love,
New York fans.
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Labels: Chase Utley, fuck you
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:58 PM
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Bobby Murcer 1946-2008
I'm sure I speak for all of baseball, we are going to miss you.
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Labels: Bobby Murcer, death
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:57 PM
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Guess What?
Gate 6 Section M21 Row B Seats 14 & 15
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Labels: All-Star Game, All-Star Sunday, tickets
Posted by Steve Kenul at 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 06, 2008
A Secret...No More
My day started like anyone else's. Except when I woke up, I was going to have a great day.
After I won a $100 StubHub gift certificate on this site, I went and looked for tickets. The weekends would have been best for me since I didn't have to leave work, and I could prep myself for the game. I saw that the Red Sox were coming to town and decided, that's the game for me. This was back in December and I knew it would be a long wait before I get to actually attend the game. I didn't care.
April rolls around and I receive my ticket in the mail and immediately show it off to my family and friends. It was placed on my cork board so I can see it everyday. Then the day finally came.
Now before I continue with the rest of my story, I am going to let everyone in on a secret of mine. I have been a Yankees fans since the late 80s. They were a horrible team at the time, but I was a child and didn't know about that. So, 25 years I wandered this planet, being a huge fan of the Yankees...never attended a game. I have been to Shea Stadium before this. My sister, who's not even a fan, attended a game before me. But now it was my turn.
I live on Long Island, so the best way to get to the stadium is by train, and the hop on the subway. Most of you can relate to that, and I wasn't about to pay for parking and get lost in the city.
I was surprised to see how crowded the train was so early in the morning, so I found a car that had a few guys dressed in Yankees gear and asked to sit with them. We made small talk, and I was offered a beer, three actually. So here I was, getting trashed at noon, talking about the Yankees, and explaining to them that his was my first game. They gave me a few tips on where to go, and invited me to go to the bowling lanes with them and continue my drinking.
We arrived at Penn Station and walked over to Herald Square in the rain. It became quite obvious that we weren't the only ones attending the game as I saw more people in Yankees gear, and the occasional Red Sox fan quietly walking along trying not to be noticed. Kinda hard when your wearing bright red.
Once we got to Herald Square, we jumped on the subway to 161st street, Yankee Stadium. As I go off the train and walked up the stairs, the entire street was in pandemonium. Yankees fans, Red Sox fans, vendors selling, cops controlling, hot dogs cooking, bottles opening. It was a wild atmosphere and I became part of it. We headed over to the bowling lanes, had a few more beers, and waiting around until the stadium doors opened.
After a few minutes before the doors opened, we split off and went to our respective gates. I was going through gate four, right at the front of the stadium. Some people must be blind because one of the two gates were crowded, and the other gate right next to it was bare. Same gate, two different entrances So yeah, me being the observative one, went to the less crowded gate and was sent right in. The one good thing that I am happy about was that instead of ripping the stub off the ticket, they would scan it, and send you in.
The first thing I wanted to do before I even attempted to walk to my seat was going to Monument Park. I walked down to the field level seats and headed towards the park. But it was a slow walk. Instead of rushing to the park, my eyes were fixated on the field. Since it had been raining earlier in the day, the tarp was still on the field. But for the first time ever, I saw the Yankees logo behind home plate, the frieze on the far wall, the timer counting down the home games left, the foul poles, the dugouts, and the bullpen in the distance. Truly an amazing site.
I continued along the field seats and was escorted back inside so I can get in line for Monument Park. I asked a security attendant where I can go to get to the park, but instead of giving me directions, she told me what the park was about. I already knew what it was about, I just needed directions. I left her and headed towards left field and came across a crowd and a man giving everyone directions to the park line.
Longest line ever.
It snaked all the way to the top of the stadium and had about an hour wait. I was thinking about leaving the line initially since the park was going to close soon, but I stuck it out and got lucky. After waiting and waiting, I finally reached the park.
I saw the long line of retired numbers and read a few of the inscriptions on the plaques below them, and quickly headed to the main park of the park. Once you walk in, three monuments greet you, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Miller Huggins. To the left was Mickey Mantle, and the right, Joe DiMaggio. On the wall there were the other Yankees greats including the first owners, and the three popes that served mass. And the most fitting ones, Mel Allen, and Bob Shepard, two of the most famous voices in Yankees history.
As I was walking towards my section, I remember my impromptu posse that I met on the train recommend the Italian sausage. So I stopped at Premio's and ordered one with onions and peppers. It's a good thong they recommended that, and now I recommend it to you too. Very delicious and I should have bought more.
My seat was pretty high, but I had a great view of the entire field. I began to look around again imaging where the greatest home runs hit landed. Left field for Aaron Boone, right field for Roger Maris, and the black seats that A-Rod has taken a liking to. I even tried imagining Babe Ruth hitting one of his blasts and rounding the bases, and both Mantle and DiMaggio taking the field. Nearly 100 years of history, and I had about three hours to absorb it all.
The game started off great with Mike Mussina starting of a bit shaky, but getting out of the jams he put himself in. As for the Yankees offense, not any better. They did get runners on, and the only run that scored was Giambi bumbling around from second and slid past Varitek for the first run of the game.
Where I was sitting, it was hard to see the players, but I did make out Giambi's mustache, and Youkilis' steroid induced goatee.
Through out the game I saw the grounds crew dance to “YMCA”, Cotton Eye Joey attempting to dance to the song he is named after, and listened in to “Take me out to the Ballgame”. The only reason why I listened in was because I had forgot about it. I was too busy recalling history to even realize the game had reached the 7th inning stretch. During this time the jumbotron showed a celebrity fan sitting on the field level seats. Former mayor and talk show host Jerry Springer. He help up a Yankees hat and was welcome with a "Jerry, Jerry!" chant.
The game was headed to the 9th inning, Yankees up 2-0, and then “Enter Sandman” blared over the speakers. Everyone was up on their feet giving Mariano Rivera a healthy welcoming entrance; myself included. The night before the game, I had hoped for a close game solely because I wanted to see Rivera close out the game. Then things got interesting.
Rivera was very shaky allowing a hit, hit Manny Ramirez, gave up an RBI single to Mike Lowell, followed up by another hit by pitch to Youkilis. Bases loaded, no outs, 2-1 ballgame. Rivera struck out Coco Crisp, Varitek popped up, and Lugo struck out to end the ball game. The stadium went wild, Boston fans were silent. Which was a good thing because I was sitting next to one and he was annoying as hell. It was getting late in the game, and you can clearly hear him getting more and more upset. He even started yelling at the jumbotron saying that the Yankees were using old clips in their rally bit. Plus he though the black seats were sold on night games when in fact those seats are rarely sold if at all.
After Lugo struck out, Sinatra's, ”New York, New York” rang out and a good portion of the stadium sang along. Me, I listened to every sound, cheer, and tune.
I stayed around a little bit to take in as much as I can before heading out. I was given a tip to head out the game by right field, so I made my way there. It was very crowded and I started to think, that was a bad tip, only to realize I went the wrong way and was exiting out of left field.
I made my way out and walked around to the bat to meet up with my posse. I never did find them and noticed a lot of people were standing by the barricades looking at something. Naturally this sparked my interest and looked as well.
It didn't take long to figure out that they were staring at the players parking lot and catching a last glimpse of them leaving. I saw Johnny Damon speed off in his Porsche, Bobby Abreu driving by giving us a goofy smile, Rivera and Joba Chamberlain (Audi with New Jersey plates, I'm going to track him down) gave a little wave, and one player was picked up by a limo. It must have been Madonna picking up A-Rod.
After the players left, I headed inside the Yankees clubhouse store and bought a Final Season pennant, and the golden Home Run Derby baseball. It's not real gold, or gold paint, or anything that resembles gold. Just plain dyed horsehide.
After all the activities for the day slowed down, I made my way back to Long Island.
I had experienced the greatest day since arriving in New York. I can now say I have been to Yankee Stadium and experienced everything game day has to offer. The field, Monument Park, ninth inning drama, Rivera, and of course a victory.
So there you have it. My secret is out, and it's no longer a secret.
Oh, by the way, I'm going again to see the All-Star Futures Game.
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Labels: Red Sox, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:57 PM
Friday, July 04, 2008
The Big Day!
Tomorrow I am heading off to the Bronx to catch the Yankees v Red Sox game. I bought my ticket back in December of 07, arrived in the mail early April, and has been on display and I can finally put it to use.
My morning will be a bit busy though. I am heading of to CVS to load my Green Dot card and purchasing two tickets for the Futures Game at Yankee Stadium, part of the MLB All-Star Week.
Once I get back from the game, I'll let my readers know about this.
PS: Hello Brian.
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Labels: game, Red Sox, tickets, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:32 PM
Jorge Posada will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder.
For everyone who thought Joba moving out of the bullpen was a bad idea, smack yourself in the face. Even me.
Kokoyaku
