Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees GameThread, Apr 2, 2008 7:05 PM EDT

Game #2 - Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 6:15 PM EDT in Game Threads

Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees

Toronto Blue Jays

David Eckstein, SS
Matt Stairs, LF
Álex Ríos, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Frank Thomas, DH
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Aaron Hill, 2B
Marco Scutaro, 3B
Rod Barajas, C

A.J. Burnett, RHP (10-8, 3.75 ERA in 2007)

New York Yankees

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

Mike Mussina, RHP (11-10, 5.15 ERA in 2007)

Pete Abe reports that Jorge Posada was in the original lineup but scratched due to a stiff right shoulder after tweaking it last night making a throw. The injury is not considered serious and is day-to-day.

AJ Burnett is a lifetime 3-2, 3.20 ERA in 6 starts against the Yanks, including 1-0, 0.60 ERA in 2 starts in 2007.

Mike Mussina is a lifetime 23-11, 3.32 ERA in 41 starts against the Blue Jays. Since donning the pinstripes in 2001, Moose is 14-4, 3.42 ERA in 24 starts against them, including 2-0, 2.31 ERA in 2 starts in 2007.

Yankees' career numbers vs. Burnett can be viewed here. Jays' career numbers vs. Moose can be viewed here.

Finally, Jim Baumbach has a good story regarding new Yankee Morgan Ensberg and a run-in he had with New York's finest this morning.

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Comments

Molina

is going to catch Moose most of this year. They worked together all spring.

Cano is a Pimp

by yankeechaser on Apr 2, 2008 6:34 PM EDT 0 recs

go yanks

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 2, 2008 7:08 PM EDT 0 recs

love that rollcall

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT 0 recs

I told you guys I heard thunder last night

no one believed me

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:11 PM EDT 0 recs

Giambi's an idiot

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:11 PM EDT 0 recs

Gah....

already?

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:14 PM EDT 0 recs

Well, that's not good

They aren't exactly hitting the ball hard.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:14 PM EDT 0 recs

I'm ruined

Michael Kay just said the same thing I did... "their not exactly tearing the cover off the ball...."

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

You are done

Done I tell you.

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Don't be so hard on yourself

It was a legitimate observation. You probably at least said it before he did....

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

if he

starts sounding like Michael Kay he's going to throw himself off the Sears tower. I just know it.

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

As long as

any fly ball that goes at least 250 feet doesn't prompt an "It is high! It is far!" out of him, I say he lets himself live a little longer.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

oh

if he turns into John Sterling he's totally nose diving off the Sears Tower.

Or someone is pushing him. ;)

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

You got it, sister

Does anyone on this board like Michael Kay?

He must enough dirt on YES execs to fill the Grand Canyon because I don't see how he could be the broadcast face of the Yankees as well as the face of the YES Network.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

I believe he's in cahoots

with Eliot Spitzer's madam.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

I actually like

him on a lot of the YES shows but hate him calling the games.

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

All i know is

I've been in Boston for too long if I feel nostalgic for any of them.

and man, do they hate Suzyn Waldman up here. I mean, serious frothing at the mouth loathing.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm with them

I can't stand Waldman. She's another one who has dirt on the powers that be. She's failed miserably at every job she's had within the organization.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah, she's lame, but

Some of the stuff crosses way over the line

Let's just say I've heard way too many suggestions regarding better uses for her mouth than giving commentary...

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

she's related to someone

that's common knowledge in NY

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

That explains it

Didn't know that. I may need you to translate NY lingo for me throughout the season.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

He's not bad on CenterStage

because the guests are the stars of the show and they do most of the talking.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nice call.

Man, is Moose a tease...he looks so good to one batter and then like crap against the next one.

The saddest part is that this wasn't an awful performance. Certainly didn't get blown out. The Yankees are still in striking distance.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

And the winner is....

Anaconda...only off by .1

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

hopefully, it'll be on sportscenter tonight.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

That'll help a little

Ok...let's see if we can get out of this jam now

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:16 PM EDT 0 recs

Man, Moose is really working

the outside. Too much nibbling.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:18 PM EDT 0 recs

Pretty lucky, all things considered

One run in after all that?

Incidentally, what the early line on how many innings we get out of Moose tonight?

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:20 PM EDT 0 recs

I say Moose goes 5.1 IP tonight

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

I was going to say 4

but I would hope for 5

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm thinking 4.2

But if he goes further I won't be upset.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

he's not going further

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

Man, at this rate,

1.2 is looking like a stretch....

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

Maybe I should reconsider my 5.1 IP

He'll be lucky to get through 4.0 IP at this rate. And his pitch count is not going to be at his peak since it's only April.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

Abreu CS

and all I can think of is the scene in Major League when Willie Mays Hayes gets caught in the first inning of the first game, and Bob Uecker and the entire press box makes the wank off sign...

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:30 PM EDT 0 recs

Classic

I still love that movie. Wild Thing Rickey Vaughn was the first pitcher to have intro music.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

Oh, one of my all time favorites

So many great lines. And Bob Uecker absolutely rules.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

So that's the game plan?

Give up two hits, then get a DP?

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:38 PM EDT 0 recs

NICE

maybe he's coming back

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:38 PM EDT 0 recs

He's the worst tease in the world

Every time you think he's gonna pull it out, he turns around and folds like origami paper.
it's fools' gold, I tell ya. I'm not falling for it again.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up 0 recs

did anyone see that Gulf commercial?

that is like the gayest commercial I have ever seen for an oil company. All we needed were unicorns.

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:40 PM EDT 0 recs

Saw that....

but it's not really Yankee Baseball without the Guiseppe Franco commercials.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

31 pitches for 2 innings

his movement looks better

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 2, 2008 7:43 PM EDT 0 recs

That is definitely an HBP

Did you see how it bounced away?

And he strikes out.....pffffttttttpppppp.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:46 PM EDT 0 recs

Mussina may not be a solid pitcher anymore

But he's really turned into quite the comedian/prankster/big brother in the clubhouse this season.

From Pete Abe:

"The Moose has a white board at his locker (like he had in spring training) and he wrote "Welcome to Lambeau Field" on it before the game."

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:48 PM EDT 0 recs

The Morgan Ensberg thing was funny too

he is a funny guy.

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

That however, was not funny

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 7:54 PM EDT 0 recs

oh gawd

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Apr 2, 2008 7:55 PM EDT 0 recs

Aww, damn

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 7:55 PM EDT 0 recs

Did anyone see the Bowa meltdown from last night?

Damn, I miss that guy.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:06 PM EDT 0 recs

No, but I saw he got a short vacation

courtesy of the league front office.

Must have been something to see though.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

It's worth watching

Vin Scully didn't have a clue what the deal was either.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ok, Moose

Let's see how well you hit their bats this inning...

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:08 PM EDT 0 recs

First inning flashback....

Giambi seemed a little more lively getting the ball towards first this time.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:10 PM EDT 0 recs

I'm watching the game on ESPN2

and Orel Hershiser is trying so hard to say nice things about Moose. But the message that you get if you analyze what he's saying is: "HE'S OLD and HE DOESN'T HAVE IT ANYMORE".

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:15 PM EDT 0 recs

Ha

Now Orel's talking about how Jeter is a class act, and saying that he dates "high quality girls". Somehow he forgot about Mariah Carey.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:19 PM EDT 0 recs

Moose 58 pitces through 4

we need some offense.

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 2, 2008 8:21 PM EDT 0 recs

Oh dear lord

At least he didn't hurt himself...

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:28 PM EDT 0 recs

Not graceful

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 2, 2008 8:29 PM EDT 0 recs

And needless to say

Giambi doesn't catch the ball (tough one, granted) and the hitter reaches base

Giambi is not helping Moose at all tonight.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:29 PM EDT 0 recs

Burnett has thrown

58. Get Moose through this inning, and then let Giambi and Matsui (and maybe Cano?) run Burnett through the meat grinder.

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 8:33 PM EDT 0 recs

What's happening, dude?

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

Making dinner

I'd love to see Giambi start hitting the other way like Girardi said he did all spring.

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

He did hit that way all Spring

Well, at least the game I saw. Sigh.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

games *

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nice grab by Giambi

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:36 PM EDT 0 recs

would it be too much

to wish for a runner reaching second base?

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:43 PM EDT 0 recs

I don't waste wishes like that

I want a runner to score.

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 8:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

small steps....

Ideally, I'd like four runners to score.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:47 PM EDT 0 recs

PHEWWWW

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 8:48 PM EDT 0 recs

Well....

I was pretty close. 5.2 IP for Moose.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 8:59 PM EDT 0 recs

Nice call

Man, is Moose a tease...he looks so good to one batter and then like crap against the next one.

The saddest part is that this wasn't an awful performance. Certainly didn't get blown out. The Yankees are still in striking distance.

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 9:02 PM EDT 0 recs

Time to get to Burnett

All it takes is a few good ABs.

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 9:03 PM EDT 0 recs

that's what we call

a start.

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 9:06 PM EDT 0 recs

Swinging at the first pitch...

jeez...

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 9:09 PM EDT 0 recs

And that, unfortunately

would be the finish...dammit

by mrljdavid on Apr 2, 2008 9:10 PM EDT 0 recs

Just a throught

Pete A. has this posted over at LoHud
"At some point, they need to re-set the rotation so it’s Wang, Pettitte, Hughes, Mussina and Kennedy. But regardless, Mussina has to give them innings."
I looked at that for a minute, thinking 'why?' and after a minute I still can't think of a reason. Shouldn't we separate Moose and Mini-moose? And shouldn't we separate the guys we're counting on for innings from each other (Wang and Pettitte)? Anybody understand the sportswriter logic?

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

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2008 9:20 PM EDT 0 recs

No....

Wang and Pettitte should be split because, as you said, those are the horses of the rotation and most likely to give the pen a rest. You don't want those guys pitching back-to-back and then work the pen over for the next three games with Hughes, Kennedy, and Moose.

And you're also right in that Moose and Kennedy should be separated as well since they are very similar pitchers.

I don't get his logic there.

by anaconda on Apr 2, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up 0 recs