Tuesday, June 30, 2009
First and Last
As a reward for notching his 500th career save against the Mets last night, the Yankees gave him the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in today's game. Needless to say he was also needed to throw the last pitch. Chamberlain sailed through five long innings and left with a 3-3 tie before the bullpen made things interesting and the game wound up in a 5-5 tie by the eighth inning.
Yankees smacked in three more runs and Mariano Rivera entered the ninth and shut down Seattle for his 501st career save.
Red Sox pen gave the Orioles a win by allowing five runs in the seventh and eighth innings for a 11-10 loss.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Labels: 2009, 500, AL East, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Red Sox, save, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:42 PM
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wang Decision
I still don't know why Wang is in the starting rotation. He is now 0-5 with an ERA higher than an obese person's blood pressure. Hughes on the other hand was a nice exception when he was in the rotation. So why is he demoted to bullpen duties?
So far from what I have seen this season, Hughes should be a starter and Wang should be long relief...especially since Jose Veras was DFA'd. I'd throw up some stats backing up my reasoning, but it's late and I have US Open traffic to deal with in the morning.
Nationals win their 17th game of the season, Sox over fish, Yankees three back.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: Chein-Ming Wang, Jose Veras, Nationals, Phil Hughes, Red Sox, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:46 PM
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Well This Sucks
The Yankees can beat the Blue Jays. They can beat the Rays. They can beat the Orioles. But dammit, they have no shot at beating the Red Sox. None, zippo, nada. Yankees might as well lost the rest of the season for a shot at the #1 pick in the draft.
Oh wait.
This isn't football.
The draft started today.
Damn.
0-6 against the team they need to beat and it does not look like they will win at all against their rivals. They had a chance before Mariano Rivera blew it and now nothing can happen. Burnett lasted less than three innings before giving up five runs (Almost glad I traded him away in my keeper league).
Anyway, now both teams are tied for first place in the AL East with two more games coming up. Yankees will look to go 0-8 and concede the season series.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: AJ Burnett, AL East, Mariano Rivera, Red Sox, rivalry, we suck, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:28 PM
Monday, June 08, 2009
Nuthin but a Homer
Four home runs were hit in today's festivities as the Yankees take two of three games in the series. Swisher went for #12 which is half of his 2008 totals. Teixeira's 18th bomb moves him ahead of his Rays counterpart Carlos Pena and Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz for tops in the AL. Only Adrian Gonzalez (also a 1B) has more with 22.
Pettitte was his typical self and earning the win with former starter Phil Hughes putting in a perfect inning of relief work.
Rivera earns save number 14, only one behind Brian Fuentes of the Angels.
Boston was idle today putting the Yankees a full game ahead with a crucial three-game series starting tomorrow. June? Crucial? Yes. The Yankees can handle the other three teams in teh East, but are a dismal 0-5 against the Sox this season. Four more losses and they lose the East if they tie with Boston.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: Adrian Gonzalez, AL East, American League, Boston, home run, league leader, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixiera, Nelson Cruz, Nick Swisher, Red Sox, win, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:25 PM
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Ye Olde Flip Flop
It appears the Red Sox and the Yankees are going back to their classic fight for the AL East title. Last night Rivera became Brad Lidge and handed a win to the Rays as Boston defeated the Rangers and lost the division lead.
Today was different. Rivera said no to the Rays and buckled down the save for another come-from-behind win by the Yankees. Yankees score three in the eighth by some sloppy Rays relief pitching. Chamberlain, who was in line for the loss, can now breath a little easier and settle for the no decision.
Yankees are once again in first place by only a half game with one more game against the Rays...then we say hello to the Sox for a mid-week series.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: AL East, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Red Sox, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:01 PM
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Rain Rain Rain
It has been raining all day in New York and the game was cancelled with no make-up date yet. Boston lost to the Rangers so now the Yankees sit alone in first place by a half game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 2009, AL East, first place, Rays, Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 2:22 AM
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Melky is Clutch, Burnett Sits
I did not see the game. Shame on me.
Boston won, Tampa won, Jays sinking faster than the Titanic. Still tied for first and once again the best team in the AL. Tough series next week against the Rays as Boston welcomes Texas.
Chein-Ming Wang made his second Yankees "debut" and it was the same stuff. Texas scores a few runs, Wang weeps. I don't get it. Before the injury last season Wang wa son pace for a career year. This year he is on pace for a not so career year...obviously.
A.J. Burnett has been suspended six games for throwing at Nelson Cruz. Understandable since he threw at his head and not his ribs like he was supposed to.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 2009, AL East, American League, best record, clutch, home run, Melky Cabrera, Red Sox, Texas Rangers, win, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 9:36 PM
Monday, June 01, 2009
Yanks Set Record in Win
Stand aside Boston, Yankees are here to claim another record. And a defensive record at that.
In 2006 the Boston Red Sox set a record for playing in 17 consecutive error free games. Tonight the Yankees made it 18 in a row. That's 162 innings without an error. No bobbles, no dropped balls, nothing of the matter.
One would think that in the 150+ years of MLB history that this record would be a lot longer that 18. Keep in mind that on any given day a player will throw too hard and overthrow the first baseman, or a fielder will charge too hard and the ball will get by them.
My prediction, Yankees make it 22 in a row before a gaffe.
Joba Chamberlain was vintage Chamberlain tonight (vintage as in his bullpen days) allowing only 2 runs to the Indians while earning his third win of the season.
Yankees have a full game lead in the AL East.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 18, 2009, Cleveland Indians, error, error free, error streak, Joba Chamberlain, record, Red Sox, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:11 PM
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Like It's Supposed to Be
Yankees and Red Sox fighting for the AL East crown, just like back in the day...two seasons ago. Blue Jays are falling and falling fast and the Rays just aren't last years Rays. I have already predicted the Blue Jays to finish last in the East behind Baltimore.
Sox take on the sinking Jays this weekend and the Yankees seek revenge against the Tribe. Crucial series for the Yankees as Boston will possibly take all three from Toronto.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 2009, AL East, American League, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 11:18 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 2008, Joba Chamberlain, Red Sox, rivalry, win, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 12:47 AM
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: game, Red Sox, tickets, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:32 PM
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Yankees vs Red Sox 2008
Over the past few years, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have been the center of the baseball universe. The Yankees were making the playoffs every year, and the Red Sox were still looking up. 2004 things changed when the Sox made history by coming back from 0-3 in the American League Championship Series to top the Yankees an advance to the World Series and sweeping St Louis for their first title since 1918. Since then the so called curse has been thrown out the window and a true rivalry formed. Last season the Red Sox pulled ahead of the injured Yankees and held onto the lead for the entire season. The Yankees on the other hand had problems getting to the playoffs.
Pitching staff injuries were the main concerns and the Yankees suffered through another losing April and at one time, tied for last in their division. The Yankees after the All-Star break became white hot and shoved their way through the standings and came within 1.5 games of the Red Sox. They did not take the lead, but instead, took home the wild card and proving to their critics that you can not count them out.
In the playoffs, the Yankees made yet another quiet first round exit losing to Cleveland in four, as for Boston, they topped the Colorado Rockies in a four-game sweep to take home their second title in four years.
What will 2008 bring us? Will Boston win the East again? Will New York once again prove they are a playoff team? How will the young players perform?
Here are my thoughts on the matter and predictions for the upcoming season.
Red Sox pitching:Josh Beckett - ace of the staff, 20 game winner, "robbed" of the Cy Young
Dice-K - Japanese import, solid #2 pitcher
Tim Wakefield - Knuckler, will turn 44 this year
Jon Lester - Rookie pitcher, cancer survivor
Clay Bucholtz(?) - Undetermined, threw a no-hitter
Curt Schilling - Out for the season
Yankees pitching:Andy Pettitte - Veteran of the staff, more post-season experience than all Boston pitchers combined
Chein-Ming Wang - Sinker expert, successive 19-win seasons
Joba Chamberlain - 100MPH, biting curve
Phil Hughes - Impressive pre-hammy debut
Ian Kennedy - #1 draft pick, 2007 MiLB Pitcher of the Year
Red Sox pen:Hideki Okajima - Unorthodox motions, superb set-up man
Jonathon Papelbon - A young Mariano, feeds his dog baseballs
Mike Timlin - Seeing less outings, certified DOOP pitcher (designated one-out pitcher)
Julian Tavarez - Long reliever, allows too many on base
Yankees pen:Kyle Farnsworth - Farns-worthless, one good day = two bad days
Mariano Rivera - Still impressive, shows signs of age
Mike Mussina - Starter turned bullpen coach/reliever
LaTroy Hawkins - Move to AL will impact negatively
Red Sox infield:1B - Kevin Youkilis - Average hitter, above average fielder
2B - Dustin Pedroia - 2007 Rookie of the Year, still braking in his cleats
3B - Mike Lowell - Career year led to 2007 WS MVP, will not reproduce the same numbers again
SS - Julio Lugo - Forgets to bring his bats to games, defense is poor
DH - David Ortiz - Still a power threat, still won't win an MVP
Yankees Infield:1B - Jason Giambi - Today's Dave Kingman, weak hitter, but if he makes contact, bye bye
2B - Robinson Cano - above average hitter for 2B, fielding needs improvement
3B - Alex Rodriguez - 2007 MVP, another 40HR, 120RBI campaign in '08
SS - Derek Jeter - Has a chance to pass Pete Rose in career hits, overrated defense
DH - Hideki Matsui - Move to DH will improve offensive production
Red Sox Outfield:LF - Manny Ramirez - Will improve offensive numbers, won't improve fielding numbers
CF - Coco Crisp - Still waiting for break out year, improved defense in Fenway
RF - J.D. Drew - 2007 numbers below career average, will see slight improvement
OF - Jacoby Ellsbury - Promising future, gave me a free taco
Yankees Outfield:RF - Johnny Damon - Maintains a weak arm, defense declining
CF - Melky Cabrera - Young hitter has room for improvement
LF - Bobby Abreu - Great fielder, just don't hit the ball near the wall, will have improved offensive numbers
OF - Shelly Duncan - Impressive MLB debut, unimpressive finish
Red Sox Bench:Alex Cora - Below average hitter, could replace Lugo
Sean Casey - Should have stayed with the Reds, lack of playing time will impact numbers
Yankees Bench:Wilson Betemit - Multiple positions will give him plenty of playing time and allow starters to rest more often
Jose Molina - Will not come close to matching Posada's career averages
Red Sox Manager:Terry Francona - Ended 86-year drought, ended Yankees 9-year AL East run
Yankees ManagerJoe Girardi - 2006 NL Manager of the Year, big shoes to fill after Torre's departure
FINAL PREDICTIONRed Sox will win the East by three games, Yankees will once again make it to the playoffs winning the Wild Card.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 2008, preview, Red Sox, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:07 PM
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Well Now
The Yankees STILL have the best post all-star game record even after a horrible 16-0 loss to the Tigers who now trail one game behind New York in the wild card standings.
Many questions are popping up with one being will Mike Mussina still remain in the starting rotation.
Mussina, from what I have seen, has only had two games in which he has had a successful outing, but his last three mirror Kei Igawa.
Mussina claims that if there is a pitcher in the Yankees organization that is better than him, he will remain a starter.
Sorry to burst your ego there, but Ian Kennedy may replace you and possibly even bring back Igawa, both as of now are better than you.
I wouldn't be surprised if they bring Ron Guidry out of retirement as an emergency sub.
The other question is will the Yankees make the playoffs.
Forget about the AL East, the run is over. The Wild Card slot is still up for grabs as the Yanks trail the Mariners by to games and they will play each other next week.
The Yankees begin a three-game series against the Red Sox tonight at home with Andy Pettitte taking the hill. This is a must win sweep for the Yankees to gain needed ground in the East, but a two-of-three will only give them one game.
September is a relatively quiet month with the exception of a series with Seattle and Boston one last time.
For the rest of the month the Yankees deal with Toronto, Tampa, and Baltimore.
This is now a sprint for the finish.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: Mike Mussina, pennant race, playoffs, Red Sox, wild card, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 11:10 AM
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
For Yanks, Things Get Tough
Two months left to go and the Yankees
have a very tough schedule. Having warm-up games against Kansas City and Toronto, they will soon face all three division leaders, plus the two teams in front on New York
in the wild card chase.
Following the Toronto series currently under way, the Yankees head to Cleveland, one of the highest scoring teams this season for a three game stretch in which we could see a change of hands in the wild card race. The Yankees have not had great success while on the road losing eight of nine after a nine-game winning streak during the
interleague games this past July.
Yankees head back to the Stadium to face Baltimore who have found a way to beat New York. The Detroit Tigers, baseball's other high scoring team, visits New York for the first four-game series as they try to fight for either the Wild Card of the Central lead.
Next up is a trip to Anaheim, the only team to have a winning record since 1996 against the Yankees. Early this season the Angels swept a three-game series only to have the Yankees respond with a two-of-three series victory powered by double-digit run support.
The Yankees stop by Detroit again for one last four-game series hopefully setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
The rivalry resumes when the Boston Red
Sox visit New York for the fourth meeting. Red
Sox drew first blood with a sweep until New York finally got their game back and evened out the series later on during the season.
A slight "vacation" follows up as the Yankees end August and send them selves into the home stretch against Tampa Bay.
The month of September will be the final trial for New York facing Seattle, Kansas City, Toronto, Baltimore, Toronto, Tampa, and one final
Sox series.
As of right now the Red
Sox still lead the AL East with a six game lead over New York.
Detroit leads the wild card by a half game with New York temporarily tying it yesterday afternoon.
Yankees chance for the wild card lead stands at 100%, but to win it is a near 93%.
To take over the East remains at a low 40% for now. The Yankees need to win the six games the Red
Sox lose in order to raise their odds.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: 2008, AL East, Detroit Tigers, Indians, playoffs, Red Sox, schedule, wild card, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:42 AM
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Head to Head with the BronxBlogger
Here is a recent chat log from me and a fellow baseball fan and owner of the
My Opinion on Sports empire.
dolphinfan: Dude, 4 HR's in a row!
bronxblogger: I know, crazy
dolphinfan: are you sick yet?
bronxblogger: no, still a close game
dolphinfan: Yankees pitching has really let them down this series
bronxblogger: big time
bronxblogger: then again, two rookies wont help
dolphinfan: I thought they had it in the bag Friday
bronxblogger: it was all Yankees, till Rivera pitched
bronxblogger: almost like Brad Lidge in the playoffs
dolphinfan: I've never seen him melt down like that
bronxblogger: I think he wants to be released
dolphinfan: really?
bronxblogger: two blown saves in two chances
dolphinfan: they said on ESPN Friday night that they didn't feel as if he was in shape yet
bronxblogger: he had plenty of time to get in shape
dolphinfan: I agree, but they were talking about number of actual pitches thrown in games
bronxblogger: he needs to throw the bad pitched in the bullpen, not on the mound
bronxblogger: although I am impressed with the Yankees hitting this series
bronxblogger: we can hit their best pitching
bronxblogger: got 5 off schilling, 5 of Beckett, 5 of special k
dolphinfan: A-Rod has impressed everyone this season.
bronxblogger: get the bullpen to relax, and we can take them
dolphinfan: Schilling seems done to me
bronxblogger: he's been done
bronxblogger: still riding on his bloody sock
dolphinfan: I was about to say the exact same thing
bronxblogger: I think Jeter hit the first home run off of Special K
dolphinfan: after his debut he really hasn't seemed all that special to me
bronxblogger: no, not much
bronxblogger: great movement, but gets in trouble when there is a runner on base
bronxblogger: as was demonstrated today
dolphinfan: I expected him to be more of a no contact at all guy
bronxblogger: same here
dolphinfan: people are hitting off him more than they should for a guy with that much hype.
bronxblogger: yup
dolphinfan: A-Rod is in position for more heroics if B.A. gets on
bronxblogger: I don't like Papelbon, he's too good
dolphinfan: he is throwing some nasty junk but is only a pitch away from a walk
bronxblogger: and the save
dolphinfan: true
dolphinfan: A-Rod time!
bronxblogger: A-rod needs a hit, at least a hit to be welcome back to NY
bronxblogger: but a HR will be thankful
bronxblogger: power vs power
dolphinfan: yep!
dolphinfan: he has been amazing this month
dolphinfan: 0-2
dolphinfan: first sweep at FP in 17 years
bronxblogger: well get them later this year
dolphinfan: several more opportunities
bronxblogger: just like last year, they owned us at first, then they gave us the East
dolphinfan: I never would have expected a sweep from either side
bronxblogger: I will say this, we can hit off their best
dolphinfan: the problem is giving up runs
bronxblogger: bullpen needs to relax
dolphinfan: like four consecutive HR's
dolphinfan: that had to make you sick
bronxblogger: Vizcaino and Farnsworth are both getting rocky after a nice season
bronxblogger: I was more impressed than sick
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: chat, dolphinfan, Red Sox, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 11:19 PM
Friday, April 20, 2007
Rivera you Bastard
How in the fucking hell are you going to blow a three run lead? Three damn runs!?
That makes you two for two this year; two chances, two blown saves.
Absolutely pathetic.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: loss, Mariano Rivera, rant, Red Sox
Posted by Steve Kenul at 9:30 PM
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Let it Begin
No teams gather as much attention as the Yankees and the Red Sox, and nothing gets the baseball world more excited then when these two play each other.
It seems as if the players step it up a notch as if they were playing in the playoffs. Derek Jeter diving in the stands chasing after a foul ball, Melky Cabrera leaping up and over to rob Manny Ramirez of a home run, and Alex Rodriguez duking it out with Jason Varitek.
Riot police once had to play the role of stadium security and any brush off pitch can set off a nuclear explosion of fierce emotions.
The Yankees will play three games in Boston where last time they played there in 2006, they put together a five game sweep taking full and permanent control of the AL East. Boston came to New York taking two of three, but by that time, they were too far in the way of coming close to the division lead.
One question for Boston:
What are you going to do about this guy?
No rivalry is larger, Yankees, Red Sox, let it begin.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: Red Sox, rivalry, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:21 PM
History of the Rivalry
Jan. 3, 1920 “The Curse of the Bambino”
In what has now gone down as one of the greatest tales in baseball lore, Boston owner Harry Frazee sells Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000. This came just two years after The Babe helped Boston to their last World Series title in 1918. Since that time, the Yankees have gone on to win 26 World Series, while the Red Sox have not won one. This transaction has come to be known by baseball fans as “The Curse of the Bambino.”
May 30, 1938 “The Original Brawl”
What would a rivalry be without some good old fashioned fist-a-cuffs. In 1938, Red Sox player-manager Joe Cronin and New York outfielder Jake Powell fight on the field and beneath the stands before a Yankee Stadium record crowd of 83,533. Both players were fined and suspended for 10 games. This would be the first of many altercations between these two teams.
1941 “Williams vs. DiMaggio”
Boston’s Ted Williams had one of the best seasons ever in which he hit .406, becoming the last player to reach the .400 plateau. Unbelievably, he was outdone by the Yankees’ Joe DiMaggio and his record 56 game hitting streak. DiMaggio overtakes Williams to win the AL MVP, and the Yankees go on to win their 5th World Series in 6 years.
Oct. 1 & 2, 1949 “The Pennant Race”
A classic pennant race comes down to the last weekend of the season. With the Boston Red Sox ahead in the standings by two games, the New York Yankees had to win the last two games in Yankee Stadium to reach the Series. Unfortunately for Red Sox fans, that is exactly what they did. The Yankees win their first of a record five consecutive World Series titles.
May 20, 1976 “Munson vs. Fisk”
In one of baseball’s classic brawls, The Yankees’ Thurman Munson crashed into Boston’s legendary catcher, Carlton Fisk. This ignited a fierce brawl between the two catchers that resulted in them both being kicked out of the game.
Oct 2, 1978 "Bucky Bleeping Dent"
In 1978, the Red Sox and Yankees were forced to play a one game playoff to decide the winner of the AL East. This came after Boston was leading the division by 14 games on July 19. In one of the most heartbreaking moments in Red Sox history, light-hitting Yankees’ shortstop Bucky Dent sent a fly ball sailing over the green monster and cementing a comeback win and the end of Boston’s season. Since that day, Boston fans have never uttered Dent’s name without the now famous middle name.
Oct 11, 2003 “Martinez vs. Zimmer”
In one of the strangest brawls ever, Yankees bench coach and former Sox manager Don Zimmer lunges at Boston’s ace, Pedro Martinez during game 3 of the ALCS. Martinez moves to the side and tosses the 73 year old Zimmer to the ground, which ignites an even bigger brawl. Later in the game, Yankees reliever Jeff Nelson and outfielder Karim Garcia tussle with a Fenway Park groundskeeper after he cheers for the Red Sox in the Yankees’ bullpen.
Oct. 16, 2003 “Aaron Boone?”
The Yankees come back to tie game 7 of the ALCS after Boston manager Grady Little fails to remove a tired Pedro Martinez in the 8th inning. The game goes into extra innings where slumping Yankees’ third baseman Aaron Boone smashes a homer off Boston knuckeballer Tim Wakefield that sends the Yankees to yet another World Series and Boston home for another long off-season. Grady Little is canned days later.
July 24, 2004 “Yet another Brawl”
Newly acquired Yankees’ shortstop Alex Rodriguez and Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek exchange heated words after Rodriguez is plunked by a pitch in this regular season match-up. Varitek pushes A-Rod in the face, which ignites a bench clearing brawl. The inspired Red Sox go on to win the game thanks to Bill Mueller’s ninth inning home run off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. This is at least the 7th time these two teams have fought in their long history.
Oct. 20, 2004 “Redemption”
In what might possibly go down as the best postseason series in history, the Boston Red Sox fought back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees 4-3 in the best of seven game ALCS. Coming back from three games down is something that has never been accomplished in the history of major league baseball, and the Red Sox did it against their arch-nemesis. The series had two extra inning games that were both won by the Red Sox in walk off fashion. The Red Sox went on to play the St. Louis Cardinals in their first World Series since 1986.
August 19-23, 2006 "The Sweep"
Heading into Boston with a slim 2 1/2 game lead of the Red Sox, the Yankees staged a record setting series in which one team would claim not only bragging rights, but also a sure fire chance to win the AL East. The Yankees were that team. A record five game sweep against the Sox convinced the world that the Yankees were indeed the better team and adding insult to injury, playing in Boston. Former Red Sox Johnny Damon assisted in the sweep with his home runs and timely hits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: Red Sox, rivalry, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 5:28 PM
For everyone who thought Joba moving out of the bullpen was a bad idea, smack yourself in the face. Even me.
No teams gather as much attention as the Yankees and the Red Sox, and nothing gets the baseball world more excited then when these two play each other.
Jan. 3, 1920 “The Curse of the Bambino”
May 30, 1938 “The Original Brawl”
1941 “Williams vs. DiMaggio”
Oct. 1 & 2, 1949 “The Pennant Race”
May 20, 1976 “Munson vs. Fisk”
Oct 2, 1978 "Bucky Bleeping Dent"
Oct 11, 2003 “Martinez vs. Zimmer”
Oct. 16, 2003 “Aaron Boone?”
July 24, 2004 “Yet another Brawl”
Oct. 20, 2004 “Redemption”
August 19-23, 2006 "The Sweep"
Kokoyaku
