Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees GameThread, Aug 15, 2008 7:05 PM EDT

Game #122 - Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 6:11 PM EDT in Game Threads Comment 71 comments

Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Mitch Maier, CF
Mike Aviles, SS
Mark Teahen, RF
Jose Guillen, LF
Billy Butler, DH
Alex Gordan, 3B
Ross Gload, 1B
John Buck, C
Esteban German, 2B

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
Gil Meche	10-9	25	25	0	0	0	0	153.0	147	74	72	14	58	121	4.24	1.34

NEW YORK YANKEES

Johnny Damon, DH
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Álex Rodríguez, 3B
Jason Giambi, 1B
Xavier Nady, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Brett Gardner, CF
Jose Molina, C

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
Andy Pettitte	12-9	25	25	0	0	0	0	156.1	173	82	75	17	41	119	4.32	1.37

PREGAME NOTES:

Yanks have won just 3 of their last 10 games.

Keep an eye on A-Rod tonight. He is a lifetime .448 hitter (13-for-29) against Meche with five homers, four doubles, and 10 RBI.

Gil Meche is a lifetime 3-4, 4.64 ERA, 1.39 WHIP in 12 starts against the Yanks. he is 5-5, 3.82, 1.27 WHIP in 12 starts on the road this season.

Andy Pettitte is a lifetime 12-3, 3.58 ERA, 1.28 WHIP in 21 games (19 starts) against the Yanks. He is 5-5, 4.80 ERA, 1.32 WHIP in 12 starts at the Stadium this season.

Yanks' hitters vs. Meche can be viewed here. Royals' hitters vs. Pettitte can be viewed here.

COLE OPTING FOR UCLA: Most of you have probably already heard the rumors regarding the Yanks' #1 Gerrit Cole going to college instead of signing a pro contract.

Well, it turns out that the story is true and his decision to go to college had nothing to do with Scott Boras. Newsday reports that the family made that decision for Cole and didn't even give Brian Cashman the chance to make an offer.

It would have been nice to know this back in early June when the Yanks had the opportunity to draft someone else. But as it stands right now, Cole will not be signing and the Yanks will be compensated with the #28A overall pick in the 2009 draft.

Considering the possibility that Abreu, either Moose or Pettitte, and Ivan Rodriguez could all walk at the end of the season, the Yanks could be loaded with draft picks next season.

Make no mistake about it, Cole was a huge talent and losing him really sucks because he had one of the top young arms of any pitcher in the draft - high school or otherwise. But the Yanks will carry on just fine without him given the depth of young arms already in the system.

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Deceit

I’ve got to say, I have no well wishes for Cole and his family. Choosing to attend college is one thing, lying about your intentions and wasting a whole organization’s time/money/effort/draft pick is quite another. UCLA is not known for their baseball program so the whole transaction is iffy at best. If that was the “lifestyle” he seeks, he should not have wasted everyone’s time. Makes me question Cashman and Oppenheimer as well, did they talk to this kid before the draft? Was he that good of a liar? Or they just blindly believed they could do it? Such a waste.

by Jabu on Aug 15, 2008 6:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have no qualms about someone wanting to attend school

But I do have a problem with him making this decision at the last minute when the Yanks were given clear indications that he would sign him them.

Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing for the Yanks. If he really does have significant maturity issues, it might be best that he deals with that somewhere else.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i listened

to an interview with Cole after the draft and he seemed genuinely excited about pitching for the Yankees.
that’s great that he wants to attend college, but he should have decided his damn mind two months ago and not wasted a lot of the time, energy and money the Yanks spent on him. why did he even have an agent if he wanted to attend UCLA?
it’s a really stupid decision. he’s now going to risk destroying his arm (already has an iffy delivery), something colleges seem to care less and less about each year, possibly be three years farther from arbitration/free agency, three years of lesser coaching affecting him, and perhaps a regression when he faces tougher competition, decreasing his slot in a future draft.

by Travis G on Aug 15, 2008 6:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cody Ransom never heard of him?

What does he bring to the table?

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not a great deal

Ransom is not a prospect. He’s got some pop and a decent glove, but that’s about it.

A career minor leaguer.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

gerret cole did the most responsable thing for the yankees organization. He know that he wasnt ready to start his pro baseball career and he didnt. maybe we will get a shot at him after he comes out of ucla

by geno227 on Aug 15, 2008 7:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BTW....

Matsui went 1-for-3 with a dinger today for Tampa in a rehab game.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 7:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Andy is dealing tonight?

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting stuff

from Dan Graziano of the Ledger:

-Melky Cabrera came into the clubhouse from the batting cage with hitting coach Kevin Long at 3:39 and went right into Joe Girardi’s office. 15 minutes later, he came out, looking upset, having been informed that he’s headed to the minor leagues.

“Just go down to Triple-A and work hard,” Melky said, when asked what his instructions were.

Uncharacteristically, Joe Girardi elaborated.

“We told him we want him to be more selective,” Girardi said. “To keep the ball out of the air when he goes to left field. To bunt more, steal more bases, basically become a weapon on the basepaths. I believe Melky Cabrera could steal 20-25 bases. He’ll be able to work on this stuff down there, and it’s up to him when he comes back.”

-In the meantime, Girardi said, Brett Gardner would play center field. “We didn’t bring him up here to sit,” the skipper said.

Brian Cashman said the reason Cabrera got sent down was because he was struggling AND Gardner was playing well enough to come up and take his job. Guess they don’t have a second baseman down in Scranton playing lights-out, huh?

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope it makes him wanna be a better ballplayer

Cano is gonna loaf, hell he got his payday, Melky needs to battle down there and come back up on fire.

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They could

Play this Ransom guy some at 2b. Maybe catch lightning in a bottle.

by runbrettrun on Aug 15, 2008 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well this RISP sure is troubling all the players

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 8:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well that sucks

We better hope for some homeruns, cause this group of professional ballplayers sure cant hit with RISP.

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it's well past time to bat Nady fifth.

by skwire on Aug 15, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I made that suggestion awhile back

Obviously, Girardi doesn’t read PA but this one seems like such a no-brainer.

I guess Girardi feels that alternating righties and lefties is more important that putting in one of your best RBI producers behind your best hitter.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nady

anyone have a strong opinion for or against moving him to the 2 hole?

by emille2 on Aug 15, 2008 9:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

At this point ya gotta try anything

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 hole's not a traditional RBI spot.

As bad as the Yanks are with RISP we need Nady 5th I think

by Pride O' Ireland on Aug 15, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's a power guy

He needs to hit 5 or 6/

I was thinking of a shake-up:

Damon
Cano get him some fastballs to hit
ARod
Abreu
Jeter – .300 w RISP this season
Nady
Giambi
Catcher
Gardner – double up the leadoff speed

by runbrettrun on Aug 15, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure is fun to help Kansas City

Get out of there slump

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who thinks this team has given up & is just going through the motions?

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

the half owner did kind of give them permission to lay down since he’s already looking towards next season.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry just blowing steam. This season sucks

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've been bracing for it for the last few years

Nothing to do now but hope for the best, and develop a plan.

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

by jscape2000 on Aug 15, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel the same way

but I remember the 1980s very well and this is nowhere near that bad.

They will be as dangerous as ever next season if they just make a handful of smart moves. Signing Sabathia and trading Cano for a young outfielder should be their top priorities.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's still 40 games left Hank

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get that

But those moves I just mentioned need to be made over the offseason regardless how they finish.

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

Agreed,

but I also think this season’s over. This team has the moldy funk of stink all over it. Time to clean house.

by runbrettrun on Aug 15, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

Seems Brett Gardner can get an assist just as well as Melky can.

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

by jscape2000 on Aug 15, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Gardner

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They both suck

Gardner is just a different brand of suck. Stellar at bat he had.

I would say he should have bunted, but Molina is an awful pitcher and fussy Mr. Pettitte insists on having him back there.

If and when Matsui returns, Damon has to be the everyday CF. Unless they’re 12 out by then.

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

*Molina is an awful hitter, not pitcher.

Oops

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's probably a better pitcher than a hitter

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stealing

with Arod batting couldn’t be more retarded, especially when you have a bad foot.

Abreu does it all the time too.

Great, he’s safe. There goes any chance of Arod getting a pitch to hit.

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If he hadn't stolen

with 2 strikes, would he have had a chance to advance?

Arod already wasn’t getting a pitch to hit.

Maybe the (expectation of?) bad foot caused the pitcher to not watch Jeter closely enough. I think it was a good play, or at least it was a smart baseball play.

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

by jscape2000 on Aug 15, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It doesnt really matter Jason doesnt help the situation anyways

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we could get

7 pitch ABs from everyone, we’d win every game.

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

by jscape2000 on Aug 15, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

but Arod might have gotten a fastball instead of a slow curve.

As Leiter said, a 3-2 curve says you’d rather walk a guy than challenge him, and he may not have done that had Jeter still been on first.

Based on his throws tonight KC’s catcher stinks, but risking getting thrown out with your best hitter up doesn’t make sense to me.

Staying on first base would have, in my opinion, maximized Arod’s opportunity to hit the ball over the fence.

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or GIDP, which he's done a lot lately

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

I see

the logic in that. Nothing seems worse than moving a guy from first to second for free, so you’d throw a pitch you can control. But, on the other hand, Jeter didn’t know it was a ball when he took off. It could have been an unhittable hit and run. (I can’t watch the game down here in NC, so I’m just following on Gameday- did it look like a straight steal to you?)

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

by jscape2000 on Aug 15, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't remember

but I’ve heard power hitters say (or maybe I’m making this up) that they find runners in motion while they’re trying to hit distracting. I’ve never heard Arod say it but….

Why risk getting gunned at second when the best home run hitter in the game is up there?

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It doesn't matter

because ARoid can’t w RISP, like the rest of this overpaid, underperforming roster/

by runbrettrun on Aug 15, 2008 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All the more reason

for Jeter to stay at first base.

First base = not in scoring position.

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

by matthaggs on Aug 15, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We got good pitching just need some good hits

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

decent talent, but bad karma

seems like Joba and Hughes have heart

but not sure about Cano

anyway, Girardi seems like the wrong guy. too worried about how the world sees him

I think the Yanks will miss Joe Torre for a decade

too bad, scary Yanks make for more interesting rivals

by Frank Malzone on Aug 15, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

sometimes I wish we could just offer to take the man off first without an out

by emille2 on Aug 15, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And thats your ballgame. See ya on Monday fella's

I mean lets look at the obvious:

A. They cant hit with runner’s in scoring position.

B. Hank helped them raise the white flag the other day.

C. The lost season…….

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 10:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Please, for the love of Thurman,

bring him in…

by skwire on Aug 15, 2008 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gameday

I’m watching the game on there what’s up with the GRD’s?

by emille2 on Aug 15, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That last one was sort of a bloop GRD halfway down the left foul line. You know...one of those that hits the dirt and kicks off sideways into the stands.

Nice pitching by Andy to get out of it, though. Five pitches.

by skwire on Aug 15, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey!

Gardner hit the ball! Now, that’s progress!

by runbrettrun on Aug 15, 2008 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He's already

out performed Melky in August

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

by jscape2000 on Aug 15, 2008 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

at least Michael Phelps won his seventh Gold Medal. That kid is just a freakin’ machine.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that race

and the 400 that was the second day have been the best events of the olympics…Dalhauser’s volleyball match earlier wasn’t bad either – came back from being down 6-0 in the 3rd set

by emille2 on Aug 15, 2008 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Phelps is an absolute monster in the pool

Half Fish Half Man

by MedFan on Aug 15, 2008 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ARod

clutch?

by emille2 on Aug 15, 2008 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BTW....

Jeremy Bleich hasn’t signed a contract yet either. At least, it hasn’t been announced if he has.

I will no longer take any draft pick signings for granted until they are officially announced.

by anaconda on Aug 15, 2008 11:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Never mind...

The deal is done with Bleich, so says Baseball America:

If Gerrit Cole follows through and goes to UCLA as he has said, then Stanford lefthander Jeremy Bleich will be the Yankees’ top signee from the 2008 draft. The Yankees signed Bleich Friday night, though terms of the deal have not been reported. A supplemental first-rounder, Bleich reportedly did not exceed MLB’s bonus recommendation for his No. 44 slot, believed to be $863,000.

Bleich missed about half the season for the Cardinal with elbow tendinitis, but pitched well in the postseason to help lead Stanford back to the College World Series, including throwing six shutout innings to beat Cal State Fullerton in a super-regional. The Louisiana native, if healthy, would instantly become the best lefthanded pitching prospect in the Yankees system.

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