ALDS Game 4 Preview: Backs Against the Wall
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 5:01 PM EDT
in New York Yankees Analysis
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Well, it's now or never. The ball goes to A.J. Burnett tonight with the Yankees just one game away from elimination. The story on A.J. has been beaten to death, so why bother adding to it at this point? It's a new season, and he has all the power now. He can change the way Yankees fans will view him with a winning effort tonight.
Do you have faith in A.J. Burnett?
Opposing him will be Rick Porcello, the Tigers' first round pick in 2007 and a New Jersey native like myself, who has turned in quality starts in his last five outings. Keep in mind, none of those starts came against teams with good offenses. Hopefully Porcello with suffer from the Doug Fister effect, who also faced anemic offenses leading up to the playoffs.
For his career, Porcello is 2-2 with a 5.56 ERA in 22 2/3 IP against the Yankees. Let's hope the Yankees can get to him early, give Burnett a lead, and get this series back to New York for game five.
Yankees - Jeter 6, Grandy 8, Cano 4, A-Rod 5, Tex 3, Swish 9, Posada DH, Martin 2, GGBG 7
Tigers - A-Jax 8, Santiago 4, Young 7, Cabrera 3, V-Mart DH, Kelly 9, Peralta 6, Avila 2, Betemit 5
Current Series
Tigers lead the series 2-1
| Sat 10/01 | WP: Ivan Nova (1 - 0) LP: Doug Fister (0 - 1) |
9 - 3 win |
| Sun 10/02 | WP: Max Scherzer (1 - 0) LP: Freddy Garcia (0 - 1) |
3 - 5 loss |
| Mon 10/03 | WP: Justin Verlander (1 - 0) SV: Jose Valverde LP: Rafael Soriano (0 - 1) |
4 - 5 loss |
|
New York Yankees Tuesday, Oct 4, 2011, 8:37 PM EDT Clear. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 60. |
||
Also, feel free to use this as an open thread for the day's baseball action.
Look for the game thread at 8:15.
112 comments
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0 recs |
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Comments
Let's go Yanks!!! Give 'em hell, A.J.!!!
Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."
Do you have faith in A.J. Burnett?
Absolutely.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
Good AJ avatar for me as well
tonight he shows why he has the big contract
Home of the Jared Jeffries Shot Tracker
by bluecheese999 on Oct 4, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I wanted to come to a place with a big stage. I wanna be on that stage. I wanna pitch in the postseason. Thats all I’m here for.
Those are quotes from AJ Burnett the day he was introduced in 2008 after he was signed. Well, this is his chance. The regular season is over and means nothing. This is a huge stage in the postseason and AJ is front and center.
This was your wish AJ. According to the quote, he signed here so he can get the ball in these type of games. Well, now it’s all his. Go out and get it and send this game back to NY.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
It’s a new season, and he has all the power now.
You’re absolutely right, it’s all his. I just hope he takes full advantage of it.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
In Game 4 of last year's ALCS
AJ was pitching well before that Molina blast. At the very least, he was much better than what we saw from him in all his starts prior to that game.
I hated the intentional walk in front of that. If you’re gonna make him intentionally leave the strike zone for four pitches, and you have people warming in the pen, might as well take him out after the intentional walk.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
My prediction:
A.J. steps up. Jeter shows flashes of clutchness. A-Rod and Teixeira get hits. Nirvana.
by bango31 on Oct 4, 2011 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Andrew Marchand is wondering if the Yankees would have David Robertson pitch three, or possibly four innings tonight.
Really? His longest outing on the season is two innings and he only did that once. Does he really think the Yankees would let him throw 45-65 pitches?
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 5:41 PM EDT reply actions
Don't think so- but I wouldn't hesitate to throw Mariano for 2 tonight
If AJ gets through six with a lead then Robertson for the seventh and Mariano for the eighth and ninth? If he gets through seven then go straight to Mo. Don’t even mess around. Go to the very best.
Hopefully AJ pitches well AND the offense shows up so it’s less stressful to watch this game.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
I’d be more inclined to hope for your last sentence.
On the other side of the equation, I’m not so sure D-Rob hasn’t been better than Mo this season. Just like Mo was used for two innings to get to Wetteland for one, I wouldn’t be opposed to using D-Rob for two innings to get to Mo.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Mo's had MUCH more experience getting through multiple innings than D-Rob has
And also keep in mind Mo’s track record in the postseason- there is literally nobody better who has ever pitched in the playoffs. Robertson has been fantastic this season, but I just get a better feeling out of Robertson for 1 and Rivera for 2 than the other way around.
Still, to get to those guys AJ needs to pitch well and the Yankees need to hit, so those two things should be the top priority tonight.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
The Yankees hitting and good starting pitching should be the priority every night.
And to counter your point, Mariano has accumulated those numbers over a long period of time. He’s pushing 42, and D-Rob is in his 20s. Of course Mo is the GOAT, and for various reasons, but Robertson has been unbelievable this year.
It’s an interesting debate.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Good point about Robertson being younger
He’s never going to come close to Mo’s career. Nobody is, but you are right about how good he’s been this year and that Mo’s stats are accumulated.
Honestly I don’t care how it gets done- I just want a decent pitching performance and a win. I want Nova to get a chance to pitch in front of Yankee fans on Thursday. However they can get it done is fine by me.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
No way to disagree with anything you just said.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Lets go Yankees
I think A.J. goes 7IP 0ER 3H 1BB. Then DROB comes in and strikes out the side and for the 9th, with a 5-0 lead, we go to Wade
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
As my coach, Coach Toal says, "if your tougher than them and you play harder than them and you whoop their ass but only win by six, I don’t give a shit. You still won the game. The media might not like it but we don’t give a fuck about the media, all we care about is winning."
by seton hall and steelers on Oct 4, 2011 6:02 PM EDT reply actions
With an off day tomorrow, no way does anyone but Mo pitch the 9th unless its a 10 run lead.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
I believe in the Church of Baseball.
- Annie Savoy
You go through The Sporting News for the last 100 years, and you will find two things are always true. You never have enough pitching, and nobody ever made money.
- Donald Fehr
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 4, 2011 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Forgot about the off day
Agreed with that thought
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
As my coach, Coach Toal says, "if your tougher than them and you play harder than them and you whoop their ass but only win by six, I don’t give a shit. You still won the game. The media might not like it but we don’t give a fuck about the media, all we care about is winning."
by seton hall and steelers on Oct 4, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Woah
An off day?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer/Editor for Pinstripe Alley, Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
It was quite fun
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer/Editor for Pinstripe Alley, Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you.
"in order that you will write correctly of wat you really see if you dint go around with your eyes shut"
Cricket blog?
Looks like I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue
Rec Generating Database
Jedi Master A-Rod is a poster on Pinstripe Alley. He can be reached by clicking the "Reply" button below his comments.
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 4, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
No time to get rest right now and collect rust. I demand an intrasquad game tomorrow.
by Scooby Snacks on Oct 4, 2011 6:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Help us AJ, you're our only hope...
Hopefully Porcero is as awful as AJ. AJ is our John Lackey.
The Yankee bats are due to heat up after a couple games versus some NASTY pitching, so maybe seeing someone new will be the shot in the arm the offense needs.
I certainly hope AJ brings it tonight, but c’mon, the guy has psyched himself out of games when they were in the dog days of summer, and now he’s going to suddenly get some Jedi-like composure in an elimination game?
Wish we had put Noesi on the roster to clean up after AJ shits the bed around the 4th inning.
I hope I’m wrong…go Yanks!
I’d like to see us destroy that closer, he looks like he’s ready to serve up a blown save.
Good Luck and Adios from a Rays fan
In my totally oblivious state, I didn’t realize that our game was on until I saw that we had been eliminated. I guess that’s good for my overall health. That said, I wish you luck (which I never thought I would ever hear myself saying to the Yankees.) I’m still not fan, but comparing the demeanor of Rivera to Valverde makes me a Yankee fan for this series at least.
See you all next Spring.
Fairweather. How do you call yourself a fan when the Rays eke into the postseason and not know their game schedule? …but thanks!
by Scooby Snacks on Oct 4, 2011 6:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm old, Scooby
We’re all old down here in Geezerville. I have trouble remembering if it’s Rays or Jays, so cut me a little
sorry – dozed off for a second
slack.
Thanks!
Unbelievable achievement just getting into the dance for you guys. Best of luck in 2012.
Aaahhh derka derka derka
Do I have faith in AJ? Not really
Do I hope he keeps us in it, or better yet excels? Absolutely.
Prediction: AJ is gonna AJ, Phil Hughes saves season.
Centaur and Grandy makes Comerica look small. Yankees win.
by Scooby Snacks on Oct 4, 2011 6:17 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
"In AJ We Trust"
"What's Unbelieveable is Believeable Now"
I posted this on RAB
In only 5 of A.J.’s 32 starts this year has he allowed more than four runs making 84.38% 4 runs or less.
22 were 3 runs or less.
In only 3 of his 32 starts did he go less than 5 innings.
In his 2 starts against the Tigers this year he allowed 5 runs in 12 innings which is a 3.75 ERA
Lefties Hit .321/.368/.488 against Porcello. Grandy and Cano should have fun.
Porcello also allowed a .302/.350/.470 batting line at Comerica.
Once men get on against Porcello, it usually steamrolls as he allowed .307/.356/.450 line with men on.
With RISP and 2 outs, Porcello allowed a .326/.376/.500 line.
In contrast, A.J. allowed a .205/.347/.434 line with 2 outs & RISP and a .247/.330/.468 line with men on.
A.J. did his best work in high leverage situations.
Batters had a .232/.309/.416 line in those instances.
On the other hand, Porcello completely implodes allowing .309/.357/.431 line in high leverage situations.
The Yankees can do this.
I believe in A.J.
LET"S GO YANKEES!
America doesn't run on Dunkin; it runs on Varitek.
MarShon Brooks has the dreaded.
by Maxyboy on Oct 4, 2011 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
You got me pumped. Lets go Yankees
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
As my coach, Coach Toal says, "if your tougher than them and you play harder than them and you whoop their ass but only win by six, I don’t give a shit. You still won the game. The media might not like it but we don’t give a fuck about the media, all we care about is winning."
by seton hall and steelers on Oct 4, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Indeed, good sir.
"Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier, the cigars taste better. The trees are greener."—Billy Martin
by Chris McKeown on Oct 4, 2011 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I shall rec
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer/Editor for Pinstripe Alley, Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I am mentally exhausted from all the drama and seeing that potbellied fool beat us
If you're a Yankee fan, or if you're not a Yankee fan - you have to admit, we're winners."
- Paul O'Neill
Squirrel!
Rec Generating Database
Jedi Master A-Rod is a poster on Pinstripe Alley. He can be reached by clicking the "Reply" button below his comments.
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 4, 2011 6:53 PM EDT reply actions
Who let Pedroia on the field in St. Louis?
"in order that you will write correctly of wat you really see if you dint go around with your eyes shut"
Cricket blog?
Ben Franc says no.
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
"Go ahead, celebrate in April, We'll dance in October."
Masai Ujiri, Brian Cashman: Magnificent Bastards
Do I trust AJ?
Let’s just say I’m not worried about him. I’m more worried about Alex, Tex and Jete.
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
"Go ahead, celebrate in April, We'll dance in October."
Masai Ujiri, Brian Cashman: Magnificent Bastards
Ben Francisco has a knack for coming up clutch in the postseason. It’s strange because he’s a bad baseball player.
"Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier, the cigars taste better. The trees are greener."—Billy Martin
perhaps its because they pitched to him like he was Ben Francisco
Garcia was struggling so he gave him something he could hit rather than risking walking him and his control was off enough that it was a bad pitch. Same thing with CC and the bottom of the order last night, these are hitters you shouldn’t be afraid of and getting some contact might not be a bad thing, however when your location sucks and you give them a little more of the plate you can pay for it.
I’ve been following the game on gamecast as I prepare for an accounting test at 8:15 so I didn’t see where the pitch location/selection was.
"Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier, the cigars taste better. The trees are greener."—Billy Martin
by Chris McKeown on Oct 4, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Got my A.J. avatar.
I am pumped.
America doesn't run on Dunkin; it runs on Varitek.
MarShon Brooks has the dreaded.
Still another hour to wait. This game can't come soon enough
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
As my coach, Coach Toal says, "if your tougher than them and you play harder than them and you whoop their ass but only win by six, I don’t give a shit. You still won the game. The media might not like it but we don’t give a fuck about the media, all we care about is winning."
by seton hall and steelers on Oct 4, 2011 7:35 PM EDT reply actions
x
"in order that you will write correctly of wat you really see if you dint go around with your eyes shut"
Cricket blog?
I hear that Lidge doesn't buy Halloween decorations
Just Pujols jerseys.
by PortlandYankee on Oct 4, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
pujo'ls
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
Pull Hos?
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
"Go ahead, celebrate in April, We'll dance in October."
Masai Ujiri, Brian Cashman: Magnificent Bastards
Pool hose.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
On a scale of 1 to 10, what is everyone's panic level?
I’m sitting firmly at a 7. Spend most days at a 4. Will be at 9 if Bad AJ shows up.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
12, but my normal day is about a 9 anyway.
"in order that you will write correctly of wat you really see if you dint go around with your eyes shut"
Cricket blog?
0, We got this
Should you choose to test my resolve in this matter, you will be facing a finality beyond your comprehension, and you will not be counting days, or months, or years, but milleniums in a place with no doors.
Figures
Two people post answers, neither of which are answers within the scale. U guyz R 2 sily.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
LOL, meant 1
Should you choose to test my resolve in this matter, you will be facing a finality beyond your comprehension, and you will not be counting days, or months, or years, but milleniums in a place with no doors.
Phillies got pretty lucky there.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
We laughed at the Braves' and Sox' "one game playoff" predicaments
Now the Yankees have been reduced to 2 “one game playoffs.” Ouch. Baseball’s a weird game but dammit do I love it…
Human element?
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
Yup. Human element.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
Huddle worked.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
Last night would have been one nonstop huddle.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
You'd watch
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
pujols is good i think we shuld trade 4 him romine cervelli nunez pena rec if u agre
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
Good game
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
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