New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays GameThread, Apr 15, 2008 7:10 PM EDT

Game #15 - New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 6:45 PM EDT in Game Threads Comment 67 comments

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays

New York Yankees

Johnny Damon, LF
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Álex Rodríguez, 3B
Hideki Matsui, DH
Jason Giambi, 1B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Chad Moeller, C

Andy Pettitte, RHP (1-1, 3.09 ERA)

Tampa Bay Rays

Jason Bartlett, SS
Carl Crawford, LF
Carlos Peňa, 1B
B.J. Upton, CF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Jonny Gomes, DH
Mike DeFelice, C
Justin Ruggiano, RF
Elliot Johnson, 2B

Edwin Jackson, RHP (2-0, 0.64 ERA)

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, Joe Girardi, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and of course Mariano Rivera will wear #42. The entire Rays' team will also wear #42.

Tonight's pitching matchup is a rematch of Game #5 in which the Rays beat the Yanks 6-3 at Yankee Stadium 10 days ago.

Pettitte is a lifetime 13-3, 3.60 ERA in 22 games against the Rays but he has not fared well in his last two starts against them (0-2, 6.35 ERA).

Jackson is a lifetime 2-1, 4.72 ERA in 8 games (4 starts) against the Yanks.

Yanks career numbers vs. Jackson can be viewed here. Rays career numbers vs. Pettitte can be viewed here.

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Let's go

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 7:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You know the 2-5 hitters on the Rays

could start for anybody.

"You play the game to win the game, and not to worry about what's on the back of the baseball card at the end of the year." - Paul O'Neill

by yankee come lately on Apr 15, 2008 7:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

He got all of that one.

"You play the game to win the game, and not to worry about what's on the back of the baseball card at the end of the year." - Paul O'Neill

by yankee come lately on Apr 15, 2008 7:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweet

Cano worked a walk from an 0-2 count. Great AB.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 7:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Man

Andy’s flirting with danger tonight

"You play the game to win the game, and not to worry about what's on the back of the baseball card at the end of the year." - Paul O'Neill

by yankee come lately on Apr 15, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pettitte

It’s not often a pitcher gives up 5 hits in 2 innings and doesn’t give up any runs.

He didn’t fool anyone in that 2nd inning.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right

He has to settle in and we need 5 or 6 runs

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and yet

he wiggled his way out. Sort of an Anti-Kevin Brown.

"You play the game to win the game, and not to worry about what's on the back of the baseball card at the end of the year." - Paul O'Neill

by yankee come lately on Apr 15, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pettitte just doesn't have it tonight

Hopefully, he can battle for a few more innings and keep his team in the game.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

damn

"You play the game to win the game, and not to worry about what's on the back of the baseball card at the end of the year." - Paul O'Neill

by yankee come lately on Apr 15, 2008 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they've hit some pretty good pitches

I don’t like the walks though

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're probably going to see Albaledjo pitch 2 innings tonight

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Farnsy

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please don't say that

I’d rather see Hawkins tonight

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shouldn't we see

Ohlandorf?

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawkins too

I doubt we’ll see Ohlendorf because he pitched 3 innings on Sunday.

Traber can pitch an inning.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice atbat Arod

400th double

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Giambi forgot

his opposite field drills from ST.

It’s amazing how easily he gets away from something that should be common sense.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice job

manufacturing that run. It’s so nice having Jeter back in the lineup.

by mrljdavid on Apr 15, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Team is starting to look good

I like the hitting and baserunning

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not so good with the baserunning there

But the hitting is coming around.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walk and steal

Scoring on a single, runner to second on throw, scoring on a single.

I even like the steal attempt that failed

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The team in general looks much more energetic

the last couple of days. And the defense has been much better.

Great job by Pettitte in the last 2 innings.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Andy's at 70 pitches

If we’re luck he gives 2 more.

Keep farnsy on the bench

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Apr 15, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gutsy performance by Pettitte

He didn’t have it all tonight and he battled through 6 innings.

Albaladejo will probably pitch the 7th.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Arod

It appeared he didn’t try to snag that grounder in the hole. It looked snaggable.

It also appeared that Andy was very upset about it.

"Well, that kind of puts a damper on even a Yankees win."
-- Phil Rizzuto after hearing about the Pope's death

by matthaggs on Apr 15, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

I noticed that myself.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn....

they could have put the game away there.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Man

for the best hitter in baseball, A-Rod strikes out a ton.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hawkins gives up # 22

From Tyler Kepner:

Late in spring training, I saw a baseball signed by the entire Yankees team. LaTroy Hawkins added a "21" to his name. He was excited to switch to the number, which Morgan Ensberg did not want.
I asked Hawkins why he liked 21, and he said it was because of Roberto Clemente, a figure who always fascinated him because he died 10 days after Hawkins was born on Dec. 21, 1972. I mentioned that I’d read a terrific biography of Clemente, by David Maraniss, and Hawkins said he looked forward to reading it.

It turns out, though, that Yankees fans did not want anyone to have 21. They booed Hawkins during the Yankees’ first homestand, as if he had betrayed the spirit of Paul O’Neill, the last Yankee to wear the number. Now, according to the esteemed Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, who covered Hawkins in Minnesota, Hawkins has decided to switch to 22.

You can’t blame Hawkins for wanting to avoid the aggravation. But any fan who booed Hawkins was really pretty foolish. How many numbers should the Yankees retire? Paul O’Neill was a wonderful player who helped win four World Series. But the Yankees have already retired 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 (twice), 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44 and 49 – with 2, 6, 42 and maybe 13, 20 and 51 to be retired someday, too.

It seemed sensible to finally put 21 back in circulation, and Hawkins’s tribute was classy. The fans’ reaction to him was not.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oops...that's gives up # 21

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

That whole thing was a tempest in a teapot.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Apr 15, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's taking 22?!

That’s Roger’s number.

BOOOOO!

Kidding. He can have it.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Andy back out for the 7th?

Dicey.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On second thought

Good call by Girardi sending Andy back out.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Aw, shit

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Farnsworth sighting

fasten your seatbelts

"Well, that kind of puts a damper on even a Yankees win."
-- Phil Rizzuto after hearing about the Pope's death

by matthaggs on Apr 15, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Please score some more runs

Please!!

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm a big fan of the old school road jerseys

I wish they would change it back.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, here we go

More adventures with Farnsy. Where will he take us tonight?

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good News Everybody!

It’s Professor Farnsworthless!

by mrljdavid on Apr 15, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

Cano with an outstanding play.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see it

Was it Web Gem material?

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

"I want to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee"

by ISG on Apr 15, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guess not

No WG for Cano

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

The good Farnsy showed up tonight. Be another 3-4 appearances before we see that side of him again.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And the Professor does the job

Even gets the ERA under 5.00….but dear lord, don’t let him pitch the ninth.

by mrljdavid on Apr 15, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be damned

A bitter sweet outing for Farnsworth.

He did the job but I don’t like that it gives Girardi a reason to give him another shot.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

it’s good to have the Captain back.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Man, Jeter is hitting the Rays

3 tonight, several last night – just the cure for a subpar start.

by mrljdavid on Apr 15, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Frustrating

Too many LOB tonight.

by docgonzo on Apr 15, 2008 10:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pete Abe says...

the Yanks are just 2-15 on the season with the bases loaded.

Wow, that’s puh-thetic.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Giambi

Sucks.

by Rusty23 on Apr 15, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You're a big Giambi fan

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I said to anyone who would listen (pre PA) when they signed him they would never win a World Series with him at first and much to my chagrin, I was right. Not good in the field and without the juice, he ain’t much at the plate. A guy like Duncan has more to offer. I know Giambi has gets quite a paycheck but at this point, I’m more concerned with putting the best players on the field. Giambi has nothing left to give on the field. Nice guy? Maybe. But does he even give the dugout the energy that Duncan does? I’m not saying that Duncan is the Messiah but I’d much rather see him on the field than a washed up player whose stats I even have to question because of his steroid use. Wow! That was cathartic!

by Rusty23 on Apr 15, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re:

Well, you won’t have anything to worry about after this season because Giambi will be gone. I like Shelley Duncan but he’s not an everyday player either.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Counting the days

Duncan and Ensberg would provide more offense and be defensively superior. Would be nice to get a 1st baseman that could do both. I’d be happy with Mark Grace type 1st baseman.

by Rusty23 on Apr 15, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I loved Mark Grace when he was in Chicago

In fact, he was probably my favorite non-Yankee player. The Yanks could do a lot worse than have a guy like that patrol 1B for the next 5 years.

Too bad there is nobody like that in the organization.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just curious...

Why not? He hasn’t been given the opportunity to start everyday in the bigs yet. I say give him a shot out there at first. In fact this is the perfect time to do so since all we can count on Giambi for is average defense and a homerun every 5th game. If Shelley falters, then maybe the threat of losing his job will wake him up out there at the plate.

by bronxbound on Apr 15, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup.

Although I’m inclined to agree with Anaconda that he’s not an everyday player, I don’t know that for sure so why not put him out there? Like I said above, we have Ensberg as well. I see upside to both of those players. Seriously, is there any real upside to Giambi at this point? We know what he can and cannot do. Can he do anything that those two can’t? I mean, besides hitting right into the teeth of a defense that can get stacked to one side of the field.

by Rusty23 on Apr 15, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For all of his faults...

Giambi is a OBP machine and will start to mash sooner or later. He will hit if they keep running him out there, but the team can’t depend on him to stay healthy the whole season.

Once Giambi does go down (and let’s face it – history tells us he will), the team could do a lot worse than having Ensberg play 1B for awhile.

I don’t think there is going to be a move made with Shelley until both Posada and Molina are back to full strength. Right now, the team is carrying three catchers and two of them are hurting.

Once that happens, I think there is a pretty good chance that Duncan may be called up again, Gonzalez will stay on the big league roster, and WB will get the boot after his DL stint.

by anaconda on Apr 15, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs