A-Rod, A.J., and the Best Division in Baseball
by jscape2000 on Jul 29, 2010 8:16 AM EDT
in New York Yankees News
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PrintWe're still waiting for A-Rod to drive one. But waiting after a win is much more enjoyable than waiting after a loss.
Am I the only one who expects him go one one of those tears where he gets to 610 in fewer AB than its taken to go from 599 to 600?
A.J. had his offspeed stuff working for him last night, and it showed:
“It’s the most I’ve felt like A.J. in a long, long time,” [Burnett] said. “That’s probably because I was able to throw a curveball for a strike.”
Am I allowed to feel sorry for the Mets yet?
The Tigers' acquisition of Jhonny Peralta to play third base didn't help them beat the Rays last night, so the Yanks didn't gain any ground in the division.
Just when I'm tempted to stop paying attention to the Red Sox unless they're playing the Rays or Yankees, Josh Beckett comes off the DL and looks good. With 10 games left between the Yankees and Red Sox, 6 games between the Red Sox and Rays, and 10 games between the Yankees and Rays, the division is far from over.
Say what you want about hating interleague and the unbalanced schedule- I agree it's weird that the Yankees and Red Sox go months without a single meeting- I agree that it sucks that it makes the division race more like football, where the healthiest team at the time wins- but I like that a playoff spot is still basically up for grabs as August roles around.
And frankly, I wish the Red Sox players all speedy recoveries. I don't want to beat half a team. I want to beat the whole team.
One of the reasons I think I'm always so let-down by the post-season scheduling, is how do you top a September of 30 teams playing every day, when nearly every game has a real consequence to someone?
Is it wrong to feel that way?
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I agree on A-Rod
he’s going to go on a tear once he hits 600. He’s been hot since the break, and even though he’s clearly pressing he’s still getting his hits. I think getting 600 will take a lot off of him, and getting it out of the way will put him on a huge tear. I think August is going to be a big month from him. I’d just rather see 600 sooner than later. He’s getting pitches to hit, and he’s just missing them. Eventually he’ll get a hold of one. Just a matter of time.
A.J. hasn’t given up a run in two starts and is looking good too. Thank god. They need him, especiailly in this race, and especially with Andy out.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot"-Kobe Bryant
Mets..lol
Santana was ‘off’ before the game yesterday. When the team was coming out for warmups, Santana was the only one in the dugout. Maybe he had diarrhea, I dunno.
Who cares if the Red Sox are healthy too? The Yanks missed the playoffs in 08 cuz Wang and Posada were out most of the year, no one had sympathy for the Yanks when their ace and MVP caliber catcher were out with injuries.
I also found it a bit funny (odd?) that a Mets fan was trying to argue with me that the AL East is not the best division in baseball. He’s actually not an idiot, a fairly knowledgeable fan…but yea, I don’t feel bad for the Mets if even the ‘good ones’ think like that. Let em fire everyone and start over.
Go New York Go!
Nice video!!
I don’t even remember seeing that anywhere. I love how Mariano is just standing there laughing.
Mathew Barnaby to Lyle Odelein: "Cornelius, as we like to call him, gets under your skin. Planet of the Apes. Look at him. Seriously. He looks like Cornelious."
Odelein to Barnaby: "He should take a look at his wife. She's God-awful to look at."
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 29, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, you can feel sorry for the Mets
Although their fans can be annoying at times:
Put it in the books! EPIC FAIL
It does seem like the World Champions will come out of the AL East (looking at you Yankees!). The 3rd place team in the AL East could win 90+ games this year. So October could be in September this year.
LOL D-BAG!!!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm with you - Never feel bad for your Competition - OR the Mets LOL
My other half is a Met fan and trust me when I tell you that every Yankee who hit more than 2 home runs could be on the DL in any September and he wouldn’t feel bad for them. When I was a little kid my mother taught me “never feel bad for winning.” Great advice. And I add to it “never feel bad for your competition” – in this case the Red Sox OR the Mets OR any other team in MLB. My heart agreed with jscape –
And frankly, I wish the Red Sox players all speedy recoveries. I don’t want to beat half a team. I want to beat the whole team.But luckily my brain took over — beating the Red Sox is what matters. Who the Red Sox consist of is of zero importance.
Only reason to want the Red Sox healthy
is to not have to listen to their fans whine. On second thought, they’ll whine anyway.
"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel
by tnredneckyankeesfan on Jul 29, 2010 9:04 AM EDT reply actions
If you were watching the Yanks game and saw a bunch of fans
leaving when ARDO had a 3-2 count in his last AB…it may not have been because they thought he struck out…..
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5418788
Go New York Go!
It sounds from that article that it all happened in the 6th inning
I don’t know if only the taunting happened and he was removed later though, as this article is really poorly written.
by Monotonousblob on Jul 29, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
What is the world coming to? I have to agree with McDaniel and Bradshaw.
Nobody felt sorry for the Yankees when Wang got hurt, or Posada went down, or Aceves, or Nick Johnson, or Damaso Marte, or Andy Pettitte, or anyone else. Injuries are part of the game.
Why sympathy for the Mets? Have they been making sad puppy eyes at the teams ahead of them in the standings?
ARod hit the ball hard yesterday, got 2 hits, and joked that he thought he was chasing the career doubles milestone. He finally seems to have gotten over the self- centered jerk ARod that he used to be. I guess the World Series ring was the best thing that ever happened to him. He will be fine.
Without a doubt the AL East rules baseball. Toronto and Baltimore would not look nearly so bad if they played in other divisions. It doesn’t mean the World Series Champion will come from the AL East- it’s too much about who is healthy, who is hot, who’s stud pitchers are on top of their game.
by designatedquitter on Jul 29, 2010 9:32 AM EDT reply actions
Whoa whoa
Sympathy for the Mets? Theyre only excuse so far this year is inept ownership. The Wilpons have handcuffed this team financially. The team should be sold to owners who care and who can spend money. The Mets don’t wanna spend 4 million on Ted Lilly? They’re whole team is healthy right now with the exception of John Maine and occasionally Jose Reyes. I didn’t kick them when they were down last year but Met fans certainly have no problem kicking us in the rare moments that we are down.
Speaking as a Cubs fan
I was a bit annoyed that the Mets couldn’t add 4 million to payroll for Ted Lilly because we could use the prospects. Someone might take him because he deserves a lot better than he gets.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Right
Not to mention I am sure you would sign up for some kind of deal like Brad Holt, F-Mart and some other low level prospect or even Mejia straight up for Lilly. It doesn’t even seem like the Mets made any attempt to move ANYBODY. Yankees almost moved thier top prospect twice so far and had a fire sale of home grown players last offseason for mediocore guys with big names. If the Mets wanna rely on thier farm system to make them a good team again, fine but they gotta relieze this is NY and theres no such thing as paitence here.
Red Sox
I honestly think once they get Pedroia back this team is coming back with a fury. I will never underestimate or count the Red Sox out after..you know what year. On a side note, I like what Joe did with Joba last night, put him in a pressureless spot. Just get outs, just throw the ball and try to get outs. Taking a step back until he gets into some sort of rythm. Lastly its kind of amazing that the team with the 3rd best team in baseball won’t make the playoffs whether it be the Sox the Rays or god forbid even the Yankees..
Sources say Oswalt to Phillies will happen if he waives his no-trade
Werth is off the market… Phillies are back. I really hope they still choke.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
There are still 60-odd games to play, but I’m pretty confident the Yankees will make the playoffs. At this point, it’s about math more than anything else.
If the Yankees can keep up their .640 winning percentage, the only way they’re going to miss the playoffs is if the Rays post a .688 winning percentage AND the Sox post a .778 winning percentage from here on out. Even if they go .600 the rest of the way, the Rays need to go .648 and the Sox need to go .737 for the Yankees to miss the playoffs.
It's funny to think that if the Yankees go .500, they'll be on pace to win 94 games and could miss the playoffs
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Now, addressing this post...
I hope A-Rod goes on a tear after he hits #600.
A.J. feeling good = awesome for us. What he said was very reassuring and I hope this sticks for the rest of the season.
Why not feel bad for the Mets? It’s sad to see their ownership not care whatsoever about the success of the team. I can’t stand when their fans start hooting and hollering, but let’s be honest… they do that during mini win streaks because they can’t do it at any other time. I don’t expect them to feel bad for the Yankees if the Yanks went a couple years in a row sub-.500, but that’s because they don’t really have any class over there in Queens. Whatever, my main concern is what’s happening in “Da Bronx”.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
It's also weird to think that 20/62 games left are against Rays and Red Sox
It’s cool because the majority of the games remaining are going to be meaningful. Especially the last 2-3 weeks of the season.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I found it funny watching their game on ESPN
and one of the announcers said the Mets conducted a study on their stadium and Jason Bay, and concluded that Jasoy Bay’s HR totals would not be affected by the dimensions.
LOL!
The stadium is gorgeous and I actually like the dimensions, but how the hell are you gonna sign a power hitter , who made his money hitting HR’s over a big stupid wall that’s about 250ft away from home plate…and translate it to Citi Field?
There’s a reason why someone like Angel Pagan is doing well, aside from being healthy…its his speed.
If there was any team that should’ve been holding off for Carl Crawford, its the Mets. Bay’s money should’ve went to John Lackey too.
The Mets spend a lot too…don’t let their little brother status fool you. Their GM is an idiot…..
Go New York Go!
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 29, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah true
They spend their money poorly and I think that stadium scares hitters… but that’s hilarious how the announcer conducting that experiment hahahahah
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm disappointed A.J didn't go Rickey on us more than once
Wanted to see:
"It’s the most A.J. has felt like A.J. in a long, long time," [Burnett] said. "That’s probably because A.J. was able to throw a curveball for a strike."
Camp Tortorella - Where Vomit is a Mainstay
Derrek Lee rejected a trade to the Angels to remain with the Cubs
Ouch, HH! Big slap in the face lol.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
LMAO
that sucks.
I believe in the Church of Baseball
by Frank Campagnola on Jul 29, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
anyone else think joba looked a little heavier last night?
could have sworn i saw some double chin action
I believe in the Church of Baseball
by Frank Campagnola on Jul 29, 2010 10:59 AM EDT reply actions
He has looked
heavier all year, didn’t even report to ST in shape, when he KNEW he had to battle for the 5th spot. It’s all about maturity and being accountable, when that sinks in, he and the Yanks will be
better off for it, in the long run.
"Unless your drink is expecting rain, you should probably reconsider.
STAY THIRSTY my friends".
by Great Gatsby on Jul 29, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Yup, he is definitely fatter.
“Congratulations Mr. Sims, you’re the fattest boy in camp!”
Hat tip to whoever knows that quote without searching on the internet for it.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure
about A-Rod going on a HR tear after he reaches 600, his HR ratio is down? He hasn’t been on one all year, so I am not expecting it, just drive in runs, that’s all I care.
I was a little surpsied they used Mitre for two innings last night, thought they would hold him back for today to back up Moseley?
"Unless your drink is expecting rain, you should probably reconsider.
STAY THIRSTY my friends".
But.. but.. but..
We have CHOP and Gaudin!!!!!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
For now
we do, LOL!
"Unless your drink is expecting rain, you should probably reconsider.
STAY THIRSTY my friends".
by Great Gatsby on Jul 29, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
This is true
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
He started to get on one before the break
something like 6 HR in 12 games, and then he had the two HR game in Oakland. And then he had 2 more HR in 6 games during the homestand.
Sounds like a pretty good HR streak to me. Up until this milestone he’s been hitting them at his usual career rate. His HR numbers are down because of the HR slump in April and June, which had something to do with playing through injury, I’m sure.
I don’t really care about home runs, personally. RBI is what really matters, and A-Rod is at the top of the league in that. Although remember last year, Alex didn’t have a whole lot of home runs at this time either. He still wound up with 30 home runs.
He’ll go on a roll sooner or later and we’ll all look up at the end of the year, and he’ll have 30+ HR and over 120 RBI, just like always.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot"-Kobe Bryant
His HR
ratio is his lowest this year, compared to his career HR ratio, look it up if you like?
I don’t know where you are coming up with 6 in 12 games, he has 16 for the year. The most important thing is RBI, not how many HR"s he hits, 2nd in league in that department.
"Unless your drink is expecting rain, you should probably reconsider.
STAY THIRSTY my friends".
by Great Gatsby on Jul 29, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
His slugging percentage has also been trending down since his 2007 MVP season
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
well
his 2007 MVP season was one of the best years out of a Yankees player since Mantle. It’s very difficult to repeat a year like he had in 2007, so it’s obviously going to go down. He’s had difficulty staying completely healthy since 2007 too, so I’m sure that has something to do with it.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot"-Kobe Bryant
Before the break
from the West Coast interleague trip, up until the two HR game in Oakland, he was on a HR streak. You said he hasn’t been on a HR streak all year, I was responding to that. I know his HR rate is down this year. I’m just pointing out that he has had a HR streak this year. His HR ratio is down because he has had too many streaks with no HR.
I agree that RBI, not home runs, are what is important. I’m just saying, don’t be surprised if you look up at the end of September in he has 35 home runs or some number around there.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot"-Kobe Bryant
OK
are you happy now!
"Unless your drink is expecting rain, you should probably reconsider.
STAY THIRSTY my friends".
by Great Gatsby on Jul 29, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Even numbers are tough to get
Especially milestone home run or win totals. There’s a lot of season left and A-Rod will get another home run. As a baseball fan in general, I’m hoping he gets it soon.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Ruben Amaro, Jr.
You are trying to trade for your third top of the rotation guy in a calendar year?
Keep gutting your farm sysytem, glad he is not the Yanks GM, could have kept Lee?
"Unless your drink is expecting rain, you should probably reconsider.
STAY THIRSTY my friends".
I know
Its unbelivable how many prospects Philly has given up. Drabek, Happ, Singleton, Donald….
That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
Join the Lacrosse community The Lacrosse Blog
by bestbostonsports on Jul 29, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
They ain't giving up Brown though
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I know
That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
Join the Lacrosse community The Lacrosse Blog
by bestbostonsports on Jul 29, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Strasburg just placed on 15-day DL
Sucks for the Nats
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
True.. more so for the kid and Washington
Never wanna see a young pitcher go to the DL for inflammation in his pitching shoulder at the age of what.. 20? 21?
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
The last thing you want is another situation like Kerry Wood and Mark Prior
They are the cautionary tale for young pitchers.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Absolutely
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
ouch
that sucks
That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
Join the Lacrosse community The Lacrosse Blog
by bestbostonsports on Jul 29, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
looks like we won't be seeing any Nats games for the next couple weeks.
tho we may get to see Adam Dunn more often….
Go New York Go!
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 29, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
+1 Dunn comment
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot"-Kobe Bryant
Does Skip Bayless make anyone else want to jump off a building?
1st and 10 is such a God awful show
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
On that note
Bayless said the Phillies have a better rotation than the Yankees with the addition of Oswalt…
He also said the Yankees are not as good as last year… WAGON
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
they're not as good as last year.
They’re better.
Go New York Go!
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 29, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel more confident this year than last year
Winning the WS doesn’t hurt the confidence… but this team is real good despite the fact that we critique a lot.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Jul 29, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe the Phillies GM thinks he's a stockbroker and that he gets a commission for every trade.
Keeping Cliff Lee would have made more sense than whatever it is he’s trying to do.
I thought “Skip Bayless” is a command- so I do. I don’t know what he said, so I can’t be concerned.
The Yankees look about the same as last year, stronger in some areas, weaker in others. Stronger rotation, thanks to Hughes and Vazquez, weaker pen, thanks to no Hughes or Aceves. Aging veterans have aged more, younger guys like Gardner, Granderson, even Swisher doing more to fill in. The record is reasonably similar also.
Call it a wash.
by designatedquitter on Jul 29, 2010 2:34 PM EDT reply actions
Best division in baseball?
For what it’s worth:
The top four teams in the AL East are a combined 239-167, for a winning percentage of .589.
The top four teams in the other five divisions combined, the Padres, Rangers, Braves and Giants, are a combined 236-170, for a winning percentage of .581.
The Yankees, by virtue of having the best record in the league, has a better record than the other five first-place teams. The Rays, by virtue of having the second-best record in the league, has a better record than the other 5 second-place teams. The Red Sox have a better record than the other 5 third-place teams. And the Blue Jays have a better record than all five other fourth-place teams.
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