Yanks vs Boston: Game 56-Open Thread

We need some runs tonight

I have little to no confidence that Wang will pitch effectively tonight. Hopefully we can jump on Pauley and outslug them tonight.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 7:12 PM EDT reply actions

runs and more runs

Not only to help out Wang, but to beat up their bullpen. I'd like to think 5 would be enough for Wang to win. But I'd really like the Yankees to get into the bullpen early tonight again.

by collink on Jun 6, 2006 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

Keep in mind that the Yanks have trouble with rookie pitchers- to start the year they did great against former Cy Young winners, badly against rookies. The first matchup of a pitcher and a hitter tends to favor the pitcher.

by SP on Jun 6, 2006 7:29 PM EDT reply actions

Great call

They are making this kid look like Cy Young tonight, even though he got shelled in his last start.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Bernie

Wow, that was a terrible play. What was he doing?

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

let's hope that was a meaningless shot

oritz is going to hit 'em, so it's best when no one is on the game is still early.

by collink on Jun 6, 2006 8:00 PM EDT reply actions

Posada

Man, I can't help but wince watching him run around the bases. Just add some more to the legendary "warrior" status of Jorge. I have always thought how incredibly underrated he was, not only for his stats, but for his heart and soul.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

Just got home

and see that we're run-less. Is their rookie that good or are we flat?

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Flat

They need to be more patient- only one walk through four, only 50 pitches for the Boston pitcher. Jumping all over Beckett worked last night, it's not working tonight- there's been two or three first pitch outs.

by SP on Jun 6, 2006 8:35 PM EDT reply actions

So much for being patient

way to go Bernie!

But yeah I agree the Yanks should have made this kid work a little more tonight.

by collink on Jun 6, 2006 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

BERNIE!

The Sporting Brews
Editorializing the Yanks since 2005.

by PinstripePowerhouse on Jun 6, 2006 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

Uh

Although Bernie just jumped on a first pitch.

by SP on Jun 6, 2006 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

BERNEEE

Now we're talking.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

Manny

Man, I wish that pitch had hit him in the head. He is the biggest douchebag in baseball.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 8:45 PM EDT reply actions

And on cue

He makes a selfish, retarded decision on the bases. He was barely halfway to second when Cano caught that ball. Just goes to show you: You don't run on Johnny Damon's cannon arm!

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Second

I second that- who the hell tries for a double on a liner to center? What a douche.

by SP on Jun 6, 2006 8:48 PM EDT reply actions

Fan on the field

NESN didn't show it. What happened? If it was a streaker and I missed it, I'll be pissed.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

Get Bernie out of there!

When is Joe finally going to realize that Bernie cannot play the field? That is the second play today he botched.

by tiyuri on Jun 6, 2006 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

Bernie

Don't let the once in a blue moon homer fool you, Bernie has no place on a team that is trying to contend. He is old and sad to watch now.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Andy!

Man, that saved at least one run with that liner. Very un-Giambi.....

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

Wang

So he goes seven. Now the heartburn kicks in. Proctor? Farnsworth? Mo?

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

pitcher's duel

wow, just got home and i sure didn't expect to see a 1-1 game in the 7th. looks like Good Wang showed up -- but where are the bats? sheez, this is a rookie with a 6+ ERA. maybe we should have saved some of those hits from last night. :)

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:14 PM EDT reply actions

Hometown scorer?

That was a base hit? Really??

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:21 PM EDT reply actions

just like a line drive, hey?

that was pretty pathetic.

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Bases loaded...

Giambi v. Seanez

Giambi will:

A) Hit a grand slam

B) Hit a two-run (or three-run) double)

C) Walk

D) Be hit with a pitch

E) Strike out

?

by MVB on Jun 6, 2006 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

He just took ball four (twice)

He should have walked on the previous pitch, but we will take it! We need A-Rod to come through here since Farnsworth is warming up. Man, we need Dotel here soon.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

A-Rod!

Always there to get a huge clutch hit!

by MVB on Jun 6, 2006 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

Well.....

He did just win Player of the Month, so I am giving him a pass for a few days at least. Sure could have used a base knock there though.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

A.R.O.D.

by Four Train on Jun 6, 2006 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

A Rod

Now that was a clutch opportunity wasted. What I don't get is why he never changes his approach at the plate. Always the big looping swing when all we needed was a punch through the infield.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

A Rod

I know. That drives me crazy. I like the guy and want him to succeed, for himself as much as the Yanks (well almost). He's got to adjust in key situations so that AA pitchers like Seanez don't make him look silly.

by Four Train on Jun 6, 2006 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

"relief" pitching

Ugh! #2 is coming out to pitch...

by MVB on Jun 6, 2006 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

Hopefully

He gets Loretta so Ortiz can only tie it.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

He got Ortiz

Now get the douchebag.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

I wish we had a bigger lead

Because Farnsworth is diesel enough to not only throw at Manny, but also kick his ass for charging the mound.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Have my eyes decieved me?

Did Farnsworth just fan Big Poppy?

Then he must be saving his brilliant slider for Manny....

by MVB on Jun 6, 2006 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

Melk Man

Saves the Yanks from Farnsworth. Beauty!

Was that a slider?

by Four Train on Jun 6, 2006 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Melky!

"That was pure youth, speed and recklessness." --Mike Mussina on Melky Cabrera's 6/5 sprint for home

by JaneKnowles on Jun 6, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

Hideki Who?

The Sporting Brews
Editorializing the Yanks since 2005.

by PinstripePowerhouse on Jun 6, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

exacly my thoughts

i bet Matsui's wrist is staring to heal real fast!

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Melky!

who says that guy can't play D!

Melky is THE man!

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

I think we have our 2007 LFer

Move Matsui to right and thank Sheff for his time in pinstripes. Then use that $13M and get some starting pitching please Mr. Cashman!

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

i like that plan!

sold me!

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Bubba

Will be the odd man out when he comes back. I don't see him taking Melky's job and Joe seems determined to stick with Bernie.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

MELKEEEE

Did you see the look on his face? And Manny's? Priceless.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

Damon

and Damon's reaction as well. that's a web gem classic.

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice!!

That look on Ramirez's face is absolutely priceless...

by jp340 on Jun 6, 2006 9:40 PM EDT reply actions

This one is for Lee

Melky took a much better route to that ball and had time to leap and catch it, unlike the last time Farnsworth gave up a bomb.

That being said, we really need Farnsworth to stop giving up these (almost) blasts.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:42 PM EDT reply actions

Melky

starting to finally cut him some slack, hey? not bad for a rookie if you ask me.

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I am getting soft I guess

Just pointing out the difference in the two plays. It is nice to see progress in just a matter of days.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Melky

yeah, watching him develop is going to be fun, fun, fun. i'm pretty sure he's never played much left field at all up until now -- mostly CF in the minors, i think. anyway, he seems to be learning quickly.

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

That is my point

I am really impressed by his quick progress in LF, as shown by the different outcome on two almost identically hit balls given up by Farnsworth.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Melky

This guy's becoming a staple. Almost nearing "my boy" status, a la guys like Brosius.

by Four Train on Jun 6, 2006 9:46 PM EDT reply actions

Bernie

Really has no place hitting against righties. He is now approaching the Mendoza line from the left side of the plate.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:48 PM EDT reply actions

Why do you hate Bernie ?

Was he not hitting left-handed when he knocked that ball into the bleachers?

He is still a very valuable member of this team, and has been more productive than you might think.

Everyone would say Cano is having a great season, but compare his stats to Bernie's:

Williams has 26 RBI and 26 runs in 170 AB's

Cano has 22 RBI and 29 runs in 214 AB's.

Almost 50 more AB's for Cano and they have similar numbers.

Oh and by the way, he was a big part of the reason why the Yanks won 4 World Series, so give him a damn break.

by matthaggs on Jun 6, 2006 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions

All for giving Bernie a break

but not through the misapplication of a stat comparasion.
Bernie 170 AB, 26 RBI, 26 R, 62 TB, 22 SO, .312 OBP, .365 SLG
Robbie 214 AB, 22 RBI, 29 R, 86 TB, 21 SO, .338 OBP, .402 SLG
I agree that they are pretty even as hitters. Robbie has a slightly better slugging and on-base percentages, but they are both far from elite. Until you consider position. Robbie plays 2B, Bernie is OF/DH. So the best way to compare them is with a stat like Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) which figures out what an average player at the position produces compared to what our guy produces. It leaves out defense, which is fine with me because I don't trust most defensive matrixes.
Robbie's VORP is 7.1, which is good for 6th on the team.
Bernie's VORP is -3.5, which is second to last. Though last place belonged to Terrence Long. Since he's been sent packing, that puts Bernie last among hitters (in case you couldn't guess, Aaron Small logs in a whopping -11.3 for the title of "Most Likely to End the Season in AAA").

So being a logical, rational, baseball fan I know that it's best to limit Bernie's playing time. But like I said, I'm a baseball fan, so that means I still want Bernie Williams pinch hitting for the likes of Stinnet, Cairo, Crosby, and maybe even Melky with the game on the line.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Jun 7, 2006 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Thank You

That stat comparison was comical at best. You forgot to mention the fact that Cano is adequate defensively, which is something that simply cannot be even remotely argued for Bernie. Bernie is a terrible, terrible choice to receive playing time. I said it this winter when they resigned him and I emphatically repeat it now. The decision to bring Cairo back was a terrible one, but Cashman's cave-in on Bernie was the worst of the winter. Don't let one home run fool you.

As for the "he helped us win" argument, so did Yogi Berra. Why not have him be the backup catcher? Hell, he helped us win a ton more rings than Bernie did, so why not give him Posada's job? Running a team with your heart instead of your head is a sure fire way to mediocrity.

I have loved watching Bernie over the years as much as everyone else, but right now the best thing for him and the Yankees would be for him to realize that he needs to hang it up since Torre is completely incapable of realizing that he is not worthy of playing time.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 7:11 AM EDT up reply actions

MIssing the point

I wasn't trying to compare Bernie to Cano, I was just illustrating how youth and a high batting average can make your stats look a lot better than they really are. This is not the role Bernie was expected to play for the team this year, and he is doing a more than adequate job.

My point was that Bernie has been deceptively productive at the plate, at least in comparison to a guy like Cano, and you can't kill him for being in the lineup against a righthander WHEN HE HIT A HOMERUN LEFT HANDED FOR THEIR ONLY LEGITIMATE RUN OF THE GAME!

It's one thing if Matsui and Sheffield are both available and Torre keeps throwing him out there.
But they're both not available, and if you would rather play a guy with two major league hits under his belt (one in a 10-0 game) over a guy who still takes better at bats in big spots than almost anyone else on the active roster then you're nuts.

by matthaggs on Jun 7, 2006 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Where are these productive at-bats?

Am I missing something? How do you hit .216 productively? It is not like he is walking a ton. I would argue that he is deceptively unproductive, as evidenced by the once in a blue moon HR last night.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions

who cares...

I'm not saying he's Roger Maris, I'm not even saying he's the same Bernie Williams, I just don't get why you're so anti-Bernie, especially when there is no real alternative to playing him right now.

by matthaggs on Jun 7, 2006 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

He is nowhere near adequate

I am not anti-Bernie, I am just pro-reality. Mattingly is my favorite player of all time, but I don't want to sit here and advocate giving him playing time either. Bernie WAS a great player, but he is no longer anywhere close to replacement level. Thompson, while nothing to shake a stick at, is more likely to be adequate. They are between a rock and a hard place with the injuries, but that shouldn't preclude them from making the lineup choices that are most likely to lead to success. Right now, Bernie is a singles hitter against lefties. That sucks for a corner OF/DH, but with the injuries it is probably OK to play him against lefties. He should not play against righties really at all and his defense is even worse than it has been the past few years.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Be Fari, he's at least adequate...

While it's true that your favorite player you've never seen play in a real game (Thompson) would not have kicked Mike Lowell's bloop into a double, I can pretty much guarantee you that neither Thompson, Berra, or Mattingly or anyone else you want to mention from the past or future wouldn't have put one in the bleachers with his team losing 1-0.

His experience in the big games still goes a long way in my view, and in the view of most pitchers who would prefer to see him on the bench. Ask Curt Schilling who he'd rather face.

He should be the DH and he shouldn't be playing every day, but since that's not an option right now, I'm fine with him in right field. There are enough "Baby Bombers" out there already.

p.s. the next time Sheffield makes a nice play in right field will be the first time, so Bernie & co. aren't exactly replacing Ichiro out there.

by matthaggs on Jun 7, 2006 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Should read "be fair"

My spelling is as bad as Bernie's fielding.

by matthaggs on Jun 7, 2006 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Trying not to be unfari, but....

I was just using those old players to show that heartfelt feelings of affection for a player and his glory days should not cloud a team's roster making decisions, which it obviously did in the case of re-signing Bernie. Thompson or others may or may not have hit last night's HR, but I am fairly certain they could hit better than .216 against righties. Hell, even Bubba Crosby could do that much and at least he could catch the ball as an added bonus. As for Bernie only being a DH, that spot is now Giambi's because Phillips is a far better option than any of our outfielders. Bernie is now a weak singles hitter (as evidenced by his OPS, not ONE FREAKING HOME RUN last night), which is unacceptable for a DH.

By the way, I would prefer not to ask Schilling anything, besides, "Pardon me Mr Schilling, would you please punch yourself in the face repeatedly?"

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Cairo is not good

Might be a great clubhouse guy, but he is approaching a Tony Womack level of suck. Utility infielders are a dime a dozen, so it may make sense to find one that can hit (generous homer official scoring aside).

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I've enjoyed

reading your back and forths about Bernie, but I think comparing Cairo to Womack is just plain nuts.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 7, 2006 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

If only...

is the qualifier I tag to all of this. If only Shef and Matsui weren't hurt, if only I didn't love Bernie so much, if only I wasn't so excited to see the new kids play.
I like Cairo, but playing him more than once or twice a week leaves him over exposed. He's got decent instincts on the bases and is steady around the infield. If Jeter hadn't been hit you wouldn't have seen him in this series, so I'll let him alone.
Bernie's playing time is much harder to justify, but there are situations where having a veteran bat off the bench is advantageous. With 2/3 of our starting outfielders hurt, he's going to see more time than he should, but the same would have been true of Ruben Sierra so I'll hold that to Joe.
I guess my feelings are summed up as, I know it's bad but what can we do? Barring the arrival of a big name right fielder (Melky is our everyday left fielder now), Bernie is going to see way more playing time than he should.
But I still hope he can get a little hot streak going and do something spectacular.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Jun 7, 2006 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

A brief comparison

Womack's career line: .273/.317/.357
Cairo's career line: .270/.318/.363

Hmm, not only are they fairly similar, they are virtually identical in their ineptitude.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Cairo

don't forget Cairo's 2003 year with the Yanks at 2nd base....he probably should have stayed here, although Cano might not have gotten as early a shot as he got.

I think Cairo batted .297 or something and was as clutch as they come especially against the Red Sox.

He's good for the team in my book.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Jun 7, 2006 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Eneter Sandman...

....and I hold my breath for the next 5-15 minutes....

by MVB on Jun 6, 2006 9:48 PM EDT reply actions

5 minutes?

more like 5 pitches! i think Mo is back. :)

by lee on Jun 6, 2006 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Mo

Mo has been AWESOME lately. This was a follow up to that 3 inning effort last week.

And he did it at the best time....one run game against the Sox.

5 pitches.....no other closer does that. He's the best.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Jun 7, 2006 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Thuuuuuuuh Yankeeees win!

"That was pure youth, speed and recklessness." --Mike Mussina on Melky Cabrera's 6/5 sprint for home

by JaneKnowles on Jun 6, 2006 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

New Era?

Can the Yanks be heading toward a new era without an exclusive bunch of non-mercenaries and with homegrown talent leading the way again?

Melky, Andy P, Cano. Don't forget Wang. The kids are alright.

The most satisfying win of the year to date.

by Four Train on Jun 6, 2006 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

Er

Please insert "without exclusively relying on a bunch of mercenaries". And chalk my language garbling up to pure giddiness.

by Four Train on Jun 6, 2006 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Phillips

Phillips is not a kid. He is a 29 year old career AAAA player who is enjoying a hot streak right now.

by tiyuri on Jun 6, 2006 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Phillips = Spencer

Anyone else think of Shane Spencer when they see Andy Phillips?

They kind of have the same swing almost.

Not sure why anyone would throw him a fastball. Throw it slow like the kid for the Sox did tonight and he has no chance.

by matthaggs on Jun 6, 2006 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Great, great win

Without the Captain for a second straight night and they get the job done, surprisingly with great defense on a night that the bats were ice cold. Now hopefully they jump on Schilling again tomorrow night.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 6, 2006 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

Jumping on Schilling

Now that's an image I'll take to sleep tonight. Like counting sheep.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Mo

He's looking sharper and sharper. Now if we could only find someone to pitch the 8th who doesn't throw almost-bombs and/or walks people.

by Yankee Fanne on Jun 6, 2006 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

Now' he's fourth all-time on the saves list

Greatest. Reliever. Ever.

I wish the red sox the best in their 2090 playoff campaign

by roatti on Jun 6, 2006 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Well...

...not, ice cold. They did pick up 9 hits and three walks. But how about Wang- impressive, huh? 109 pitches.

by MVB on Jun 6, 2006 9:56 PM EDT reply actions

Who would have guessed

Beckett-Mussina was a slugfest and Wang-AAA pitcher is a gem. And a great win for the Yanks.
I love baseball.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Jun 6, 2006 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

Useless fact of the night

As I was watching the game, I was keeping track of hits to see if the streak of games with 10 hits or more would continue. The Yankees had exactly one hit in every inning, except for the 7th, when they ruled Cairo's squib a hit. That probably should have been an error, which means the Yankees would have had 8 hits, one in every inning. Strange year for records- there was the 12 game record hit streak, and the game where they scored in every inning.

by SP on Jun 7, 2006 1:03 AM EDT reply actions

Everyone can keep on bitching...

about Cairo, Bernie, A-Rod, et al. but we have to remember one thing, though it's early in the season still, this bunch of no-names is in 1st place in the AL East, just finished beating the winningest team in the Majors 3 out of 4, and has the most productive offense in baseball.

No one, and I mean no one, could ever imagine a team with EVERYONE of its stars, and almost the entire starting linup hurt and/or out of the lineup with rather serious injuries would be playing over .600 ball and leading the division.

These guys are playing their hearts out, and playing damn good baseball.

Just shut up and enjoy some great ball some serious heart. Some of them are trying to show that, despite their ages, either young or old, they're good ballplayers.

by GrandEd on Jun 7, 2006 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

The no names

Yep, I'd never heard of Jeter, A-rod, Giambi, Posada, Mussina, Johnson, or Rivera before this season.
I'm as excited as anyone for the AAA kids to step up and see the bright lights, but let's not forget who the core of the team is. Excepting Mo's back spasms, the pitching has gone unhurt (well Tanyon got hurt, but we were rooting for that to happen). It's easier to replace top tier outfielders than infielders, so we've been lucky there. And it's not like we've burried the division; the Red Sox have been in first place all but a handful of days.
Which isn't to say I'm not excited, I just feel like playing devil's advocate today.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Jun 7, 2006 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Pitching injuries

That is just not true. Don't forget Glass Assed Carl, Chacon is on the DL now and Small started the year injured.

by tiyuri on Jun 7, 2006 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Amen

Amen brother....my sentinments exactly.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Jun 7, 2006 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

agree

well said, GrandEd. this is as exciting and fun-to-watch Yankee team as i can remember in a long, long time. sure, there's still a bunch of future HOF'ers that are still in their prime that are a significant factor -- but don't anyone try to tell me that they are the only reason this team has gone 12-3 over the last 15 games and is now in first place. the no-namers and over-the-hillers have been a very, very BIG part of this -- you can't spin it any other way. i don't give a hoot what the stats say, i watch the games. and i can tell you that guys like Cairo and Phillips and even the over-the-hill Bernie are making huge contributions.

i guess some fans want to see a team of nothing but future first-ballot HOF'ers playing, and they are going to consistently bash anyone who doesn't measure up to that caliber, regardless of how they might be playing. heck, for that matter, they'll even bash the future HOF'ers when they go into any kind of slump. but i much prefer this type of team -- we've got some great players who are playing great, we've got some great players who are having sub-par years, we've got some once-great players who are still contributing in a big way, we've got some promising young players who look to be developing in to future stars, and we've got a handful of average players who also are making a great contribution. you throw them all together and every night it's exciting to watch, and the results so far have been pretty incredible.

by lee on Jun 7, 2006 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

right on

by Greenfuzz on Jun 7, 2006 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually...

At one time or another every core Yankee was injured...

Jeter- bruised thumb and wrist
Matsui- broken wrist
Sheffield- injured wrist and right leg
Damon- injured leg
Posada- back spasms
Giambi- flu
Rodriguez- flu

I guess Cano is the only healthy one on the team.

Bernie William's defense is horrible, it was painful to watch last night. But he still has a decent bat and is better then most pinch hitters in the majors. Torre should let him start twice (maybe three times) a week, while Thompson gets a chance to play.

Cairo is nowhere near Womack. Womack was Womack. I mean, you can't really compare anyone else to him, he was soooo bad. Just thinking about him makes me shudder. Cairo at least makes the pitchers work ( Womack would always chase the first pitch or strike out on three pitches, all swinging).

by MVB on Jun 7, 2006 1:09 PM EDT reply actions

Flu?

Almost every major leaguer misses a few games during the year, so I don't know if the flu really counts as an "injury," but I see your point about the others. You forgot to mention another injury: Bernie playing all year with a giant fork stuck in his back. Womack is just a faster, more selfish version of Cairo. Statistically, they are virtually identical.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

They are the same player

Look at the career stats. Both can play the middle infield positions adequately. Hell, given his speed and the fact that he can sort of play the outfield, one could argue that Womack is the BETTER of the two. That is like saying that drowning is slightly worse than burning to death, however. They are both terrible players, but for all intents and purposes they are virtually the same player. Womack is just a fast Cairo.

Womack's career line: .273/.317/.357
Cairo's career line: .270/.318/.363

It is virtually impossible to get the stat lines of two players to be as close together as Womack and Cairo. Offensively, there is almost an exact statistical match.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

Me too

I guess so, but then again you would have that panic period knowing that you were about to drown. If you burn to death, you gotta hope that you can inhale some smoke and just pass out or at least that the fire wouldn't take too long to kill you. Either way, you are screwed!

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 3:11 PM EDT reply actions

Great teams are made up of no-names

Some of the greatest Yankee teams of all time have had a bunch of no-names that provided the spark necessary to win all of the World Series that they've won.

The teams of Ruth and Goehrig, the 40's with DiMaggio, the 50's-60's of Mantle and Berra. All of them had guys that you'd have to be a hardcore Yankees fan to remember the names.

Think back to the 50-60's team. That's as far back as I go.

The team had guys like Pepitone, Howard, Richardson, Kubek, Boyer, Tresh, Ford, Terry, Maris, Mantle, and on and on.

Richardson had the record for the most home runs by a 2nd baseman in WS history. He also had the record for most errors by a 2nd baseman in WS history.

We can bash this team, and we can watch guys like Cairo, who may not be the best fielder ever, but he seems to come through in a clutch situation more than a lot of the stars on a lot of teams.

by GrandEd on Jun 7, 2006 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

Pay no mind to those that feel the need

to bash despite the Yanks being in 1st place following two impressive wins against the Bosox that would not have happened without the heroics of Bernie and Melki. Some people are never satisfied.

Unlike last year, I once again EXPECT the Yankees to win on any given night and that is a good feeling. I am enjoying this season far more than last.

The few who are complaining appear to just be trying to stir things up--otherwise they would point to the team in the history of baseball that had an all star HOFer at every position,

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on Jun 7, 2006 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't need an all-star at every position

But then again, you also don't need an atrocious bench, especially not with the oldest roster in the majors.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 7, 2006 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously

This is a much funner season to watch, and it's settled into a very good point lately. I also watch expecting to win. That comeback win against Texas really brought that home to me. During the streak, I expected the Yankees to win. The last handfull of years, I would watch those type of games and not know what would happen, that comeback game I didn't know. But when we won, It solidified this feeling that were back to having a team that can win and will win even when they aren't supposed to.

During the streak we had a lot of unremarkable guys who won't get in the hall of fame. But the team gelled and connected and everyone contributed and some players were great enough that we took home the titles.

This year, guys who are not supposed to do good things are connecting for us, and the greats are still solid if they aren't always electric. (Some of those greats are electric sometimes, like Mo is back to being Mo) And then we have Damon, who seems to just be having so much fun and loving his teammates, that cheering for Melky was great. I think that has an effect.

by Greenfuzz on Jun 7, 2006 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions