PLAY BALL!!!! Yanks v. Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Open Thread: Game 1

by Jaime R on Apr 2, 2007 1:07 PM EDT in New York Yankees News

Carl Pavano vs. Scott Kazmir

Devil Rays Line-Up:

C. Crawford, LF
B. Zorbist, SS
R. Baldelli, DH
T. Wiggington, 3B
D. Young, RF
A. Iwamura, 3B
D. Navarro, C
E. Dukes, CF
B. Upton, 2B

Yankees Line-Up:
J. Damon, CF
D. Jeter, SS
B. Abreu, RF
A. Rodriguez, 3B
J. Giambi, DH
H. Matsui, LF
J. Posada, C
R. Cano, 2B
J. Phelps, 1B

And so it begins. I'm so excited for this season to start. The Yankees new approach to building a team is on display today. Good to have the the kid Phelps starting the season at first. Pavano starts against a weaker division rival in Tampa Bay. I have extreme faith in Pavano. He's on my fantasy squad. Maybe I've put too much faith in him. If Carl gets through this game without blowing out his arm, it'll bolster my confidence immensely.

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Comments

E-Rod

Plus ca change...

by SP on Apr 2, 2007 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Well Arod gets his E out of the way

early and it did not cost anything, so that's good. Give him props, though, for being the only one who moved.

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on Apr 2, 2007 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

So excited!

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

hehe

Pavano baby! One scoreless inning...

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

Arod

RISP

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

I'm not watching

but with an error and a K with two on and one out in the first 20 minutes, it sounds like Alex is making it very difficult for fans to do the right thing.

by matthaggs on Apr 2, 2007 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions

On a side note

I like the high socks. Makes the guys look like baseball players.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

Giambi goes

up the middle. That's a nice hit.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

And another error

for the left side of the infield.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

Jeter and Arod shaky on left side

Jete bounces one to 1B and then dives for a ball he could have fielded without diving. If you watch, the ball went under his armpit when he dove.

Oh well, unearned run for Pavano but overall he looks pretty good.

by wellblessed on Apr 2, 2007 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Pavano

is clocking 92-94 on ESPN's gun...That's harder than he threw during the spring for what that's worth...he was at 90...

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 1:59 PM EDT reply actions

Nice to hear

from Bobby Murcer.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

I'm watcihng it on ESPN

man, I love Murcer.

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

ESPN blacked out!

WTH, ESPN is blacked out in North Florida.

What a pisser!!!!

by GrandEd on Apr 2, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Jorge Jorge!

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 2:22 PM EDT reply actions

Jete

Tough day. E6, another play he could have made, and a backwards K with 2 on.

by wellblessed on Apr 2, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

Rough day for Pavano

4 runs, 3 errors.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

Pavano

In my opinion, he pitched pretty well. He had no help in the field and no clutch hitting.

If he gives us that all year, I will take it.

by wellblessed on Apr 2, 2007 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

I hope we can turn this around. The fielding was embarrassing today and he pitched decently.

PS I'm not at manitoba's, I'm really hung over today after staying out late with a girlfriend drinking and crying over a boy. So I'm exhausted today and watching in my pj's at home.

PPS Tivo screwed me up and started taping the game on ESPN (which is blacked out locally)so I missed the first inning by the time I started watching and switched it over to YES.

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Pavano

He wasn't too bad. Without the 3 errors, he would have looked a lot better. Let's hope this is a good sign of things to come.

Now, lets hope they can get Kasmir out of there and tear into that bullpen.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Baseball season

Man, it's great to be watching Yankee baseball for another season. Aloha form Hawaii to all my Evil Empire friends.

by Bill Greineisen on Apr 2, 2007 2:58 PM EDT reply actions

Johnny Damon?

Did anyone notice why J Damon was replaced in today's game?

by collink on Apr 2, 2007 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

Cramps

YES says cramps in his calves, doesn't sound like much- he's always bad in cold weather.

by SP on Apr 2, 2007 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

ESPN

ESPN failed to even discuss what happened to Damon. They were too busy talking about irrelevant things like the 1919 Whitesox and how many black guys are on the Devil Rays.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Damon

Didn't hear anything...he better be ok.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Why did Posada

call all off speed pitches for Bruney? SHaking my head in dsigsut

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Cause

young players have more trouble with breaking balls.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

This is what I like to see

Playing some small ball, getting on base, not always swinging for the fences.

Just got back from class, so I don't know how we ended up being down. Guess Pavano's still not up to par yet.

by PsiFighter37 on Apr 2, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

Lets Go!!!

Lets go Jeter, bring em in.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

Mr. Clutch

That a baby Jete!

Way to make up for earlier...Mr. Clutch.

by wellblessed on Apr 2, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Was there any doubt?

A-Rod - that's what being clutch is about.

by PsiFighter37 on Apr 2, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice

You can always count on Jeter.

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice.

I've been waiting all winter to see that again, Jeter's the man.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

Rudy Giuliani

Is Rudy at the game? I am pretty sure I spotted Frank Luntz, Republican pollster, in the seats adjacent to the dugout and in front of the ondeck circle.

www.thezboogie.blogspot.com

by Walk On The Wild Side on Apr 2, 2007 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

Rudy

Rudy is there, saw him in the earlier innings next to the on deck circle.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I really hope

That the yanks don't become associated with his campaign in any way.

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too

But aren't Steinbrenner and A-Rod notable Republican donors?

www.thezboogie.blogspot.com

by Walk On The Wild Side on Apr 2, 2007 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes unfortunately

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

That is your opinion

I happen to think it is wonderful

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Apr 2, 2007 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Me TOO!

I think it is great!

by wellblessed on Apr 2, 2007 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Sadly yes

Yet another reason to dislike A-Rod (I kid!). It is rare that a pro athlete is liberal.

I only want to see Rudy on TV at a game if he is in drag. That is always funny. Otherwise there is a reason I don't watch the Republican Noise Network and would prefer to not have it thrown in my face while watching baseball.

by tiyuri on Apr 2, 2007 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

too late

ESPN already had a fake campaign pin with Rudy and Jeter on their morning show Cold Pizza.

by collink on Apr 2, 2007 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Then...

Frank Luntz must be working for him. Interesting.

www.thezboogie.blogspot.com

by Walk On The Wild Side on Apr 2, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Jetes

Melky always does something to keep a rally alive...

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Sigh

Tripping on the way back to 2nd? Come on.

by PsiFighter37 on Apr 2, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Ugh the mistakes

yikes, is it nerves?

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

At least

he kept Arod from getting booed.

(couldn't resist that one)

by matthaggs on Apr 2, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

Another meaningless HR

right Haggs?

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Apr 2, 2007 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd be

standing and applauding if I was there. great recovery from a rough start.

Frankly i like the sound of the single, sb, run scored before the HR even better.

by matthaggs on Apr 2, 2007 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Viscaino

don't know if I spelled his name right, but I like that - 5 pitches, 3 outs.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Yay!!

Giambi and A-Rod come through!!

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 3:36 PM EDT reply actions

8th inning

the bridge is coming,,,

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

he comes through

I happen to think Farnsworth is kind of cute, particularly with his glasses on. But I liked him better with his hair.

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 3:49 PM EDT reply actions

Mo

Can't ask for a better ending to opening day, than seeing Mo close it out...lets go!

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

that isn't happening now

I don't think with a 4 run lead we'll see him

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Oops

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Doug M.

Check out Doug's power today!

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

"Juan Salas"

I'm pretty sure the Rays bullpen is just making up relievers at this point.

The Son of Dippin.

by Barnes on Apr 2, 2007 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

ARod

2 run bomb...good for him,

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

Damn...Rivera was throwing heat

He was hitting 96-98 on all his pitches. Struck out the side. Great way to begin the season.

by PsiFighter37 on Apr 2, 2007 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Mo's change up

Read about it during spring training, and I was hoping to see it.

www.thezboogie.blogspot.com

by Walk On The Wild Side on Apr 2, 2007 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Moe

3 k's...man he was throwing as hard as I've ever seen him...97 on the gun

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

Radar gun

I think their gun may have been jacked up about 2 mph. But, maybe not- it did look like Mo was throwing hard.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

A-Rod

will probably get some negative press for hitting a home run that cost Mo a save

by Jimbo8624 on Apr 2, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

A-Rod.

He cost me a fantasy save...ha. Nice to see him turn his game around though ending with the curtain call.

It would be great to see him have a smooth, MVP type season. (Obviously capped off with a WS Ring)

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

great start for A-Rod. I hope he continues with it. I'm pumped, game 1 is in the bag.

by Greenfuzz on Apr 2, 2007 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Fox radio's lead-in

was "a rough day for Arod" and focused on his error (that didn't even allow a run to score). Mentioned that he 'made up for it much later with a 2-run homer to make it 9-5. No mention of the crucial single-stolen base.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Apr 2, 2007 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

What I like

most about that stolen base is it allowed Giambi's hit to happen. When A Rod stole the base the infield had to return to thier normal positions. Great move by Alex.

Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f*** the prom queen.

by Edwantsacracker on Apr 3, 2007 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Pavano

How does he get charged with four earned runs? The first run was Jeter's fault, and the run that Carl Crawford scored in the fourth resulted from Phelps' error. All in all, he pitched rather well, considering the three errors behind him. It's the Devil Rays, I realize, but still.

by Nettles Fan on Apr 2, 2007 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Scoring

The run in the 2nd was unearned.
In the 5th, homer= 1st earned run. Then single, steal, single = 2nd run and advance to 2nd on error, bunt to advance Crawford to 3rd, single= 3rd run, runner on 1st allowed to score by Bruney charged to Pavano = 4th run. Crawford scored from third on a single, while without the error he probably would have been on second at the time and still scored (had they still bunted.) I think for this play you can't assume he'd be out but for the error, so you say would he have scored anyway, and he would have, since the runner behind him also came in.

by SP on Apr 2, 2007 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

without the error. . .

. . . Crawford would have been out at second, and therefore, his run should be unearned. It's a judgment call, to be sure, but he was going to be out by plenty.

by Nettles Fan on Apr 3, 2007 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

WOOHOO

what a win! 1 down 161 more left

by bronxbombers123 on Apr 2, 2007 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

Schilling

As an added bonus, Schilling is getting touched up by the lowly Royals.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Apr 2, 2007 4:59 PM EDT reply actions

Music to my ears

Schilling and the Red Sox getting the beat down in Kansas City....beautiful.

"We play today. We win today. Das it." Mariano Duncan, 1996

by matt21oc on Apr 2, 2007 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Curt

looks a bit rattle pfist...

by John Amato on Apr 2, 2007 7:33 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

Perhaps I spoke a little too soon on my bold prediction! Hell, I hope that I am wrong on that one......

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Apr 2, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

There's nothing like opening day!

I took off work and went to the Bronx and met some old BX friends there. It was a glorious day!!! Loved seeing the Sandman ENTER. Go Yanks!!! Baseball is 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, 2007 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

What about...

the 2 sac bunts....I have to say I was highly excited to see that. Nice to see a little small ball being played and not living on the 3 run bomb all the time.

by AKJoe on Apr 2, 2007 10:45 PM EDT reply actions