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An empty glass, the lady sings
Eyes swollen like a bee sting
Blinded you lost your way
Through the side streets and the alleyway
Like a star exploding in the night
Falling to the city in broad daylight

Anyone have lineups? They don't seem to be posted yet.
Game 26: Yankees vs. Blue Jays - Pavano vs. Lilly | 200 comments | Create New Account
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AWeb - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 12:17 PM EDT (#114635) #
According to Yahoo the lineups are:

Toronto

F. Catalanotto lf
O. Hudson 2b
V. Wells cf
C. Koskie 3b
S. Hillenbrand dh
E. Hinske 1b
G. Zaun c
A. Rios rf
R. Adams ss

NY
D. Jeter ss
B. Williams cf
G. Sheffield rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada c
H. Matsui lf
A. Phillips dh
T. Martinez 1b
T. Womack 2b

greenfrog - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 12:20 PM EDT (#114637) #
Glad we're playing near Harlem. If we were playing the Angels, we'd have to wait an extra hour for game time...
Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:25 PM EDT (#114641) #
Great SB by Koskie. He must have picked up something about Pavano's delivery, because he got a huge jump. Or maybe he just guessed.
Paul D - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:40 PM EDT (#114643) #
Should Cat have made a better throw when AROD advanced to third?

I had just turned the TV on, but it looked to me like he didn't send it in as hard as he could have. Was he just poorly positioned, or did he have far to go, or was it a bad throw, or a throw that must left fielders can't make?
jamesq - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:40 PM EDT (#114644) #
ouch Zaun, that hurts! Is it just my memory or does Zaun ground into a lot of DPs?

nice gapper by Rios...
Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:47 PM EDT (#114645) #
If Rios can keep hitting them in the gap like that, I don't care if he ever hits a home run.

Poor Vernon: he's snakebit as well as slumping. He hit a ball hard in the first inning, but right at the left fielder. And, in his second at-bat, he hit a ball down the left field line foul; had he been luckier, that would have been a shot into the corner.

Pat Tabler mentioned that Wells has been having trouble with breaking balls away - and, sure enough, that's what he just struck out on.
Craig S. - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:50 PM EDT (#114646) #
At least they're making Pavano work - 47 pitches through 3 innings.

Wells is just about due for a run of hits. As was already said in a previous post, he's actually hit the ball well today.
Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:53 PM EDT (#114648) #
O-Dog looks badly shaken -- he really barrelled into the umpire there. There's only ever one winner in that contest.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:54 PM EDT (#114649) #
So at what point do we consider putting the high-average, gap-power, fleet-footed Alex Rios in the leadoff spot?
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:54 PM EDT (#114650) #
"If Orlando Hudson isnt the best defensive Shortstop in all of baseball, he's pretty close."

Huh? ;)
Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 01:56 PM EDT (#114651) #
I enjoy watching fielders trying to decoy runners. Koskie was just casually standing at third, trying to look nonchalant, as the throw from Wells came in. Tino got into third easily, but it was worth a try.

Scary moment there for O-Dog - I hope he isn't seriously hurt.
baagcur - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:03 PM EDT (#114652) #
well what's closer to 2nd base than shortstop?
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:03 PM EDT (#114653) #
Heads up by Shea there. Taking advantage of Bernie's pop gun like koskie FAILED to do yesterday.
Mick Doherty - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:05 PM EDT (#114654) #
So it's the former Yankee pitching prospect against the former pitching prospect for a Canadian team ... they seem to have switched places.
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:07 PM EDT (#114655) #
The Anola Guy is now 10 for his last 16, which is... decent.

Wells seems to be having better at bats. The slow start from the 3-4 hitters is a major reason the Jays have had to come form behind in, according to Jerry, 18 of the 16 games so far.

Dr. Zarco - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:11 PM EDT (#114656) #
Well Hudson must have gotten his bell rung pretty good during that collision with the ump as he's now out of the game. The Jays hit Pavano pretty hard that last inning-hopefully more runs will follow.
greenfrog - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#114657) #
What happened to O-Dog?
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#114658) #
The Anola Guy

Love it.

Craig S. - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#114659) #
I love Sheffield's swing. One of the more violent ones in the American League.
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:15 PM EDT (#114660) #
If the Jays need a LH pinch-hitter, Schoeneweis is a .500 hitter against Pavano.

Really. One of his two career hits.

Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:18 PM EDT (#114661) #
One of the more violent ones in the American League.

Yeah, he looks like he's trying to hurt the baseball. I never could understand how it worked for him - all that motion before he actually swings. But it seems to be working for him.

uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:30 PM EDT (#114662) #
That's solid contact in all 3 at bats for Vern today. Nice to see one of them fall in for him.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:32 PM EDT (#114663) #
pathetic slide by Cat there. That's dissappointing. He HAD to hammer him there.
Dr. Zarco - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:33 PM EDT (#114664) #
WHY!??! Why would the Jays do that? Koskie has been on a tear lately, that's a HORRIBLE decision by Gibbons in my mind.
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:33 PM EDT (#114665) #
That's a play (delayed steal of home) you run when you've got rookies in the middle infield. Not with Jeter and Womack.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:35 PM EDT (#114666) #
And that fly would've brought home a run if not for the double steal.

Honestly, with one out and a guy who's got his power back at the plate, why give up that perfect opportunity? He's playing well, so he's unlikely to GIDP, and the sac fly is a likelihood.
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:36 PM EDT (#114667) #
He HAD to hammer him there.

The aim is to dislodge the ball, not cause injuries. You don't "hammer" the catcher unless he's standing up to receive the ball.

Cat did exactly the right thing: (1) slide to make sure you catch the plate, and (2) try to kick or knee the catcher's mitt to try to dislodge the ball.

Dr. Zarco - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:36 PM EDT (#114668) #
Yup, and Koskie's fly ball would have scored the run. I really can't get over that. Koskie's 11 for his last 19 and they try a Little League double steal to thwart a potentially big inning. I almost always give people, especially managers, the benefit of the doubt, but NOT there. Stupid.
Gardiner West - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:36 PM EDT (#114669) #
Very questionable strategy with your #4 hitter at the plate and an average runner like Catalanotto on 3rd...then Koskie's fly out would have plated a 4th run.
R Billie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:37 PM EDT (#114670) #
Actually Cat had to stay at third base not hammer anyone. That was a completely unnecessary giving away of a run. Incredibly huge risk for a run you probably could have scored anyway.
groove - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:37 PM EDT (#114671) #
I would like someone to play Devil's advocate and think of one good reason to try that double steal. I know I tried and I can't think of any reasons that are logical.


Craig S. - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:37 PM EDT (#114672) #
I know it's easy to second-guess managerial decisions, but there's no way in the world to try that play in that situation. I know Jeter isn't the greatest defensive shortstop, but he's way too savvy to fall for a trick play like that one.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:38 PM EDT (#114673) #
You have a much better chance of dislodging the ball if you hammer the catcher.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#114674) #
I wish there were as many posts when the manager made a good call as there are when he makes a bad one.
Pepper Moffatt - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:40 PM EDT (#114675) #
When I people prattle on about agressive baseball and runner in motion plays is the "right way to play the game", it makes me want to puke in my soup. In a situation like that, you gotta go for the other team's throat. Going for one run? Against the Yankees? In the 5th inning? With a play that might work in highschool? I'm baffled.

Other than that, I think Gibby has been doing a marvelous job as of late. :)
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:41 PM EDT (#114676) #
There are tons of posts when a decision is made to a degree of goodness comparable to the degree of badness in the decision we just saw.
Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:41 PM EDT (#114677) #
Ick, double steal. I can't see why that play would be a good idea. I don't think much of it in any situation but here:

1. Koskie is a good hitter so you ought to give him the chance to score the run either by a hit or a sac fly. He's the cleanup hitter, for crying out loud.

2. Jeter is no fool: the play only works if he doesn't notice Cat running in time, or other screwups happen. He also has a decent arm.

3. Cat is not the most robust baserunner. I'd say he is more blockable than many.

The only advantage in putting that double steal on is that Koskie seems to have had a bit of GIDP karma. But overall, a bad decision. Let's not do that again.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:44 PM EDT (#114678) #
The Jays' chances of preserving the lead are now slimmer than turnip soup.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:45 PM EDT (#114679) #
The Yankees have the lead - but if we hadn't done that double steal...
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:46 PM EDT (#114680) #
Why would the Jays do that?

I generally only like the aggressive base running against the bad defensive teams. The Yankees are a pretty bad defensive team, but the one thing they do well on defense are fundamental plays - relays, rundowns, etc.

I also think I would have liked it better if Hillebrand had been hitting, if only because Shea is much bigger risk for the GIDP than Koskie.

Oh well.

Alarming developments: Derek Jeter was 0-12 lifetime against Lilly before this inning. And Sheffield was 2-20, including his homer earlier. So this is disturbing.

Lima-Time lost his no-hitter in the 6th, but the Royals are still ahead 5-2. Smoltz has a shutout through 6 and the Braves just got him a couple of runs. And today's Best Pitching Matchup comes to you from Houston, where Oswalt has an early 1-0 lead over Prior and the Cubs.

Gardiner West - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:46 PM EDT (#114681) #
Plus the Yankees are a team that lives on momentum and by not scoring the 4th run that's exactly what happened...and...two-run double...darn it!!!
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:46 PM EDT (#114682) #
You have a much better chance of dislodging the ball if you hammer the catcher.

No, you don't. When a catcher is standing to receive a throw, by all means plow into him. When a catcher is crouching low to block the plate, forget about it. He's got two hands on the ball and he isn't going to drop it just because you run over top of him.

That's why baserunning coaches teach players to go after the glove once a catcher (or other player) it set - you're hitting the catcher where the blow is likely to cause a drop. Anyway, Posada was down so low he was practically sitting on the ground (terrific catching fundamentals there, by the way). How do you "hammer" a guy in that position? Jump in the air on top of him? Drop to your knees and push him?

Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:46 PM EDT (#114683) #
The Jays are now suffering under the CURSE OF THE DOUBLE STEAL and will never score another run ever again.
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:48 PM EDT (#114684) #
I don't necessarily mind calculated aggressiveness on the basepaths but pinning your hopes on Catalanotto is lunacy.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:50 PM EDT (#114685) #
Lost in all this was a really poorly pitched inning by Lilly.
R Billie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:53 PM EDT (#114686) #
After brainless offence from the Jays, Ted Lilly responds with a pathetic inning of pitching. Can he throw his fastball anywhere but belt high? Has he not figured out that it's not a good idea to throw high fastballs to Sheffield?
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:53 PM EDT (#114687) #
Pavano has inherited Andy Petite's run support luck with the Yankees' so far. They score in droves for him.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:54 PM EDT (#114688) #
Runners at first and second - FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T DOUBLE STEAL
Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:54 PM EDT (#114689) #
Nice start to the inning. Now, as long as the Jays don't try any double steals, they should be OK. :-)

Is anybody listening to the radio broadcast - and, if so, have they said anything about O-Dog?
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:56 PM EDT (#114690) #
They said O-Dog was taken out as a precautionary measure.

It seems Pavano has two pitches this inning - the way outside pitch and the hanging inside pitch.
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:57 PM EDT (#114691) #
Now would be an excellent time for Rios to break his non-HR streak ;)
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:57 PM EDT (#114692) #
pinning your hopes on Catalanotto is lunacy.

Indeed. He's about as fearsome a sight bearing down on you as... Rance Mulliniks?

Now if it had been the Dude...

Lima-Time has now coughed up the no-no, the shutout, and the lead. That was fast. Tied at 5-5.

Now would be a good time, Alex.

Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:58 PM EDT (#114693) #
RIOS - Hit a homerun now or you're New Hampshire-bound!
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 02:59 PM EDT (#114694) #
At minimum we need 2!
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:00 PM EDT (#114695) #
Has he not figured out that it's not a good idea to throw high fastballs to Sheffield?

Not fair. Whatever Lilly has done with Sheffield before today has worked pretty well - the man was 1-18 against him coming into the game. He clearly knows what he needs to do, and just couldn't execute today.

uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:00 PM EDT (#114696) #
Weird game. Two very good pitchers getting whacked around real good.

This would be a nice time for Rios to hit for power, eh?
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:03 PM EDT (#114697) #
GOING!!! GOING!!! SAC FLY!!!
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:05 PM EDT (#114698) #
The Q stopped giving up home runs when he became a relief pitcher - 37 HRs in 643 IPT since 1997 - so forget about that. But you can string together a few hits, which is why you never wanted to bring him into a game when there were already runners on.

Like now.

Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:06 PM EDT (#114699) #
Hallelujah, the curse of the double steal has been broken at last!
Dr. Zarco - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:08 PM EDT (#114700) #
Could Quantrill possibly pitch any slower?? He keeps stepping off, it's rather annoying.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:09 PM EDT (#114701) #
Now I'm upset that ODog was injured.

Prove me wrong, Menechino.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:09 PM EDT (#114702) #
Bases loaded, two out...

I smell a triple steal!
A - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:10 PM EDT (#114703) #
I'm listening on the radio but something tells me that unless the 3-2 was over the heart of the plate, Blue wouldn't have given Quantrill the call. You never show up the umpire and expect to get a call.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:11 PM EDT (#114704) #
THANK YOU FRANK YOU!!!!!!!
A - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#114705) #
Enough proof?
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#114706) #
Sweet. We needed that.

If we hadn't come through there, I think we were in line for the loss today.
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#114707) #
Yah Mini-Me!

Man did that take a long time. Quantrill is pitching at a snail's pace.
Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#114708) #
Nice approach by both Cat and Menechino. They fought the pitcher, and both were rewarded for the efforts. Yay!

Good to hear that the O-Dog was only removed for precautionary reasons.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:12 PM EDT (#114709) #
Is there any better sound than the silent Yankee Stadium?
Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#114710) #
Mighty mouse saves the day yet again!
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#114711) #
The question now - keep Lilly in?
If not, who do you trust?
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:13 PM EDT (#114712) #
Amazing. Quantrill had both I-talians down 0-2 and they both produced.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:15 PM EDT (#114713) #
You mean I-talian-Americans.
Sherrystar - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:16 PM EDT (#114714) #
Mighty-mouse to the rescue!

Great at-bat by Wells again (sarcasm). How many runners left on base now?
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#114715) #
Neither of those "close" pitches were really close to Catalanotto. He just doesn't overreact like he's been thrown at the way Derek Jeter does. Replays showed them a good 6-8 inches off the plate.

Tyler,

I would love to have seen Lilly try to get one more inning. But I like this choice of Walker. Because he can give us 2+ to get to Schoeneweis/Batista
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#114716) #
Wells should start coming to the plate with a cutout paper bag over his head.
Terran - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:19 PM EDT (#114717) #
Wells, including this season, has a career April BA of .221. But he has a career May BA of .317. Maybe he'll have a similiar bounce back this year.
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:19 PM EDT (#114718) #
Agreed... I like the way NYJF36 thinks. If Walker's effective, he can go two, and if he's not effective, another reliever is there anyway.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:19 PM EDT (#114719) #
Nice fast inning for Walker. Now he could possibly go 3 if he continues to look good. Groundballs are a good sign. That's how you knew Doc was on top of his game the other night.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:19 PM EDT (#114720) #
Well said, NYJaysFan - Walker has been nothing short of amazing and performs his role incredibly.

Now he's dropped his ERA to 0.90
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:24 PM EDT (#114721) #
Commentators have been bang-on about Koskie's resurgence - it's all on his patience. It used to be that he'd look increasingly frustrated and desperate for a hit - much like last year's and the year before's Eric Hinske. The fact that both of them have changed so much into patient, effective plate presences has played a huge part in their recent success - I figure it'll easily continue for both of them.

And sure he just struck out, but I've been typing too long to delete it.
JayWay - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:26 PM EDT (#114722) #
I'm so tired of hearing how great Yankee stadium and the Yankee fans are.
Terran - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:27 PM EDT (#114723) #
Hillenbrand is back over .400...
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:27 PM EDT (#114724) #
Yeah he struck out, but that was one earned by Stanton. That curve had really good bite on it.

I was expecting Hillenbrand to actually settle for a walk there and he rips it into the gap. :)
VBF - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:28 PM EDT (#114725) #
DDDDDUUUUUDDDDEEEE!!!!!!!!
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:28 PM EDT (#114726) #
Well Hillenbrand was *this close* to getting a walk with the 3-0 count, but he settles for a double.

And Jays retake the lead on Hinske's double to RF.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:29 PM EDT (#114727) #
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!

Did anyone else hear Rod Black's voice crack like a teenager on that play?
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:29 PM EDT (#114728) #
So, when am I allowed to say that Hinske is back to his ROY form? maybe even better?
Terran - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:29 PM EDT (#114729) #
"Did anyone else hear Rod Black's voice crack like a teenager on that play?"

Yah I noticed that too. Maybe he had a scratch in his throat.
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:30 PM EDT (#114730) #
What's that I hear? Were they yelling "D-U-D-E" at Yankee Stadium?

Or were the locals just expressing their opinion of the Bomber' bullpen?

Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:30 PM EDT (#114731) #
Is there any better sound than the silent Yankee Stadium?

Maybe the sound of the Yankee fans booing their own team? (They were only doing it gently, so far, today, but it was definitely audible after the go-ahead run.)

uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:30 PM EDT (#114732) #
And hey! is that Shea hillenbrand hitting in MAY?
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:30 PM EDT (#114733) #
Hang em and bang em. Well done by Hinske w 2 strikes. He did luck out a bit on the check-swing. It's nice to see these umpires actually care about the rules and not taking care of the New York All-Star team.

Seriously though, I think the same thing just happened to Stanton that happened to Quantrill. They both felt slighted by the calls and tried too hard to blow balls by Menechino and Hinske respectively and didn't hit their spots.

As I type this, Hinske steals third!
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#114734) #
Hinske is nearly KILLED by Gregg Zaun, and yet composes himself to score on the WORST THROW IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL.
VBF - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#114735) #
Wow. Bernie's age is really showing these days. That wasn't even close at all.
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#114736) #
Those Yankee fans really support their team, don't they?
Dr. Zarco - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:33 PM EDT (#114737) #
OK, as much as I, and others, ripped Gibbons about the whole double steal thing, we should give him credit for giving Shea the green light on 3-0. It has led the way for this 2-run inning and shows a ton of confidence in his league-leading hitter.
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:35 PM EDT (#114738) #
Rios is now hitting .333.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#114739) #
Maybe the sound of the Yankee fans booing their own team? (They were only doing it gently, so far, today, but it was definitely audible after the go-ahead run.)

And now Stanton gets the royal treatment.

Jayway,

Yes. Incredibly sick and tired of it. The only way I can watch the Jays in Rochester is on YES Network despite being a 90 mile boat ride from Toronto and a miserable 330 mile drive from New York. And they are not good fans. They are spoiled. Many do not understand baseball, only that their Yankees are entitled to the playoffs every single year. What makes me angrier is how the announcers call the teams they play "The Opposition" as if they are just practice teams that the Yankees lined up to prep for October. I remember something along the lines of "Sometimes the opposition is going to make two good relay throws" when Adams and Vernon combined to nail A-Rod at the plate.

BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#114740) #
With the exception of his breaking ball, Stanton is a mere shadow of his old self. Don't the yankees scout these guys before signing them? ROFL
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#114741) #
Those "single steals" are certainly working out much better than double steals.
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#114742) #
Did I miss the memo? Is May small-ball month?

Another steal by Rios.
Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#114743) #
Judging by the crowd reaction, it would seem that many Yankee fans support their team through thick and thick.

The Jays are hitting and running at will on the Yankee bullpen.

I, currently, am happier than a pig in slop.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:40 PM EDT (#114744) #
That Shea Hillenbrand commercial would be so awesome if those puppets didn't suddenly appear, ruin the surreal atmosphere, and make bad, inaudible jokes.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:40 PM EDT (#114745) #
Hinske is nearly KILLED by Gregg Zaun, and yet composes himself to score on the WORST THROW IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL.

Tyler,

No doubt about that. Williams was no more than 250 feet from the plate and couldn't even reach the mound. I'm quite confident I'd have made a better throw than that. (Used to play centerfield, and I'm about 12-13 years younger than Bernie, but I'm not getting paid the big bucks am I? hahah)

uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:40 PM EDT (#114746) #
The puppets are great.

SHEA SHEA SHEA SHEA SHEA!
VBF - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:41 PM EDT (#114747) #
And they are not good fans. They are spoiled. Many do not understand baseball, only that their Yankees are entitled to the playoffs every single year.

Maybe someone can help me out on this. Yankee fans have always been very loyal, caring fans but were they as spoiled and self-righteous like this in any of their glory years prior to the 90s?

Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:41 PM EDT (#114748) #
Much as I'm enjoying this ballgame, it hasn't exactly been crisply played. 2:36 and we're not out of the seventh-inning stretch.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:41 PM EDT (#114749) #
Those "single steals" are certainly working out much better than double steals.

Note to self...

BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:41 PM EDT (#114750) #
More priceless wisdom from yankee fandom:

"Alex Rios. he should be our next center fielder. i've been thinking this since the middle of last year. what do you guys think?"

Yankee fans want Rios. Muwuhaaaa!
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:42 PM EDT (#114751) #
End those italics.
Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:43 PM EDT (#114752) #
Italics be gone!

I'd rag on the Yankee fans more, but I recall that there were many Jays fans who were insufferable in 1992 and 1993.

Mike D - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:43 PM EDT (#114753) #
Such an important insurance run that inning -- great work by Hinske.

I was watching the Cubs-Astros game the other night, and they were discussing a fascinating statistic. Since 1995, they looked at every time the bullpen has been handed a one-run lead in a save situation -- either because the starter bequeathed a one-run lead, or because the offence surged ahead by one run.

So take a guess -- since 1995, what do you think the MLB-wide conversion rate is for one-run-lead save opportunities?
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:43 PM EDT (#114754) #
Brock, where is that Yankee gem from?
Dr. Zarco - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:43 PM EDT (#114755) #
NYJF-Michael Kay is announcing today on YES, and he's way worse about that entitlement stuff than Bobby Murcer, who I believe calls all the away games (and maybe more?). So it's not usually this bad. And being from Rochester myself, I've never figured out why the city hasn't taken more to the Jays with TO being so close.

RE: Hinske. I think, as UT mentioned, some of his resurgence is due to better patience. But more is due to better weight transfer. He's staying back far better. This is allowing him to hit lefties far better than we've ever seen. Let's hope it continues.
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:44 PM EDT (#114756) #
Italics begone?

Anyway, I think there are as many or more good Yankees fans, as fans of any other team. I myself probably know as many Yankees fans who are proud, passionate, knowledgeable baseball fans as I do fans of any other team including the Jays.

Because of their recent success, I think they have more loud and prominent bandwagoneers than any other team. Which gives rise to the idea that their fans are jerks - but it probably isn't so.

Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:45 PM EDT (#114757) #
In the fifth inning, Mark Prior gave up a grand slam to Mike Lamb and a three-run homer to Adam Everett. Houston takes an 8-3 lead.

He's still in the game.

MEN FROM MARS HAVE LANDED, and Johan Santana is losing 2-0 on a pair of solo homers by Vlad and a Molina.

Sherrystar - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:45 PM EDT (#114758) #
Lead-off walks are killers
Andrew K - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:45 PM EDT (#114759) #
YES network are saying that O-Dog was taken to hospital for precautionary CAT scans. Hope he's okay.
A - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:45 PM EDT (#114760) #
Did I miss the memo? Is May small-ball month?

This is what I really like about Gibbons: he'll change his managerial style based on the team he's playing. With a Yankees team that hasn't aged like fine wine, taking advantage of old men in the OF, less than deceptive pitchers and noodle-armed catchers, small ball (if you can call it that, 8 runs isn't very small) is the best strategy.

Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#114761) #
And, of course, this game is far from over.

It figures that there are Yankee fans (hopefully, a small minority) who assume that they can order up players from other teams, as if from a menu.

I am tired of listening to Pat Tabler drone on and on about Yankee tradition. Yes, they have had many great players, but I root for a different team. Can we have a few minutes on Dave Stieb or George Bell, or Game 6 of the 1992 series, please?
Gardiner West - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#114762) #
Don'tcha love when the Jays jump in front by a pair and then journeymen relievers walk the leadoff hitter in the next half inning?
VBF - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#114763) #
Brock, where is that Yankee gem from?

Don't mean to get off-topic, but Yankee fans were demanding that they trade Cano, Gordon, and Wright for Halladay on some forum on Saturday.

Back to your regular scheduled Jays barnburner.

Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#114764) #
since 1995, what do you think the MLB-wide conversion rate is for one-run-lead save opportunities?

I'd say 55% or so, bearing in mind that giving up a tying run in a game that the reliever vultures counts as a "blown" save even though he gets a win.

Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:47 PM EDT (#114765) #
And then strike out the second guy, Gardiner?
Sherrystar - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:47 PM EDT (#114766) #
Tabler is annoying as hell. Especially his Jeter worship!
HogTownHarry - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:47 PM EDT (#114767) #
PleasePleasePlease - nobody tell Georgie S. that Bernie's completely lost it - I want the Stanks to run him out there 6-7 times a week and remember the player he WAS.
Mike D - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:48 PM EDT (#114768) #
Hudson's being tested as a precaution to determine whether he has a concussion. Feel better, Orlando.

I live in Manhattan, and believe me, there are many, many things to dislike about Yankee fans (and the absurdly cloying YES Network).

But this must be said: their fans, even in the expensive seats, make *a lot* of noise to support their team. They've got to be the loudest lower-bowl infield fans in baseball, and by a considerable margin.

BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:48 PM EDT (#114769) #
The pig trough at ESPN boards.
I also read at jaysway boards a couple days ago that a gaggle of yankee fans at another site were seriously discussing acquiring Roy "Holiday" for Robinson Cano, Jaret Wright and Stanton. I think they are reaching..
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:48 PM EDT (#114770) #
NYJF-Michael Kay is announcing today on YES, and he's way worse about that entitlement stuff than Bobby Murcer, who I believe calls all the away games (and maybe more?). So it's not usually this bad. And being from Rochester myself, I've never figured out why the city hasn't taken more to the Jays with TO being so close.

Zarco,

Exactly!! I respect Bobby Murcer and like the way he calls the game. (Reminds me a bit of Vin Scully). The best description I've read for Michael Kay is 'Yankee Sycophant'

I still haven't gotten up there for one yet this year. Went to 4 last year, including 2 Yankee games which REALLY soured me on their fans and their behavior (even in the hotels and restaurants downtown). I was the only one on the boat wearing Toronto jersey/hat on the way over. They relaunch on June 17, so I'm hoping to get to more then.
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:49 PM EDT (#114771) #
Yes. my mistake it was Gordon not stanton.
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:49 PM EDT (#114772) #
I am tired of listening to Pat Tabler drone on and on about Yankee tradition.

Amen to that. I thought this was supposed to be the Blue Jays broadcast.

Mike D - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:51 PM EDT (#114773) #
Really close, Craig...but believe it or not, it's lower than that. 47% is the league-wide conversion rate -- I found that amazing.

The context for the stat was demonstrating that LaTroy Hawkins' 49% success rate was actually not absurdly low. Anyway, goes to show you how incredibly valuable Mariano Rivera has been over his career.
Gardiner West - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:52 PM EDT (#114774) #
...and then get the 3rd hitter to ground out, Useless T? (I love playing blog ping-pong!!)
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:52 PM EDT (#114775) #
Yankee fans may be loud, but the value is diminished when they cheer for EVERYTHING.

ANYTHING that is hit, there's a huge cheer. It can be a weak popup, a slow roller, but there will always be this gigantic dumb roar from the crowd.
Matthew E - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:52 PM EDT (#114776) #
Maybe Tabler still wishes he could have played for the Yankees. He was drafted by them, but traded away before he reached the majors.
VBF - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:52 PM EDT (#114777) #
I too dislike the Yankeeness of Pat Tabler. Tabler does have a special place for the Yanks in his heart though, for what it's worth. They drafted him many years back.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:54 PM EDT (#114778) #
Erk - Pete Walker is reading too much into his own name.
JayWay - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:54 PM EDT (#114779) #
Not only the fans, but the stadium too.

I understand it's history, but appearance wise, at first glance at least, I don't think it holds up compared to some of the other old greats like Fenway, old Tigers Stadium and Wrigely Field.

Granted, I've never been to YS, and I've been to Fenway and Tiger Stadium, but compared to the intimacy and real old-time feel of those two, Yankees stadium, in its current form, seems more like something out of the early 70's than the 1920's. Also, its spread out, fairly rounded structure really takes away from its charm in my opinion, whereas a place like Fenway is much more compact and interesting with it's unorthodox dimensions and the Green Monster.

The fans in Boston also seem more dedicated and colourful, and they're louder too.

I dunno. It just seems that whenever 'dream sports trips' come up, Yankee Stadium is always first on the list. For the history - OK. But for a one-day, game-day experience, I think a trip to Fenway would be much better.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:55 PM EDT (#114780) #
Well it looks like Walker is not going to give us 3 innings now.

In other 'teams we are chasing with bloated payrolls' news:

Texas leads 3-2 in the 5th after Ryan Drese got out of a bases loaded jam by getting Ortiz to fly out.
Sherrystar - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:56 PM EDT (#114781) #
This game is ugly... and far from over...
Justin (T-Birds) - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:58 PM EDT (#114782) #
With all of these series being split between Sportsnet and TSN, it's getting incredibly frustrating hearing the same topics repeated over and over. I'd really like more continuity and less repetition.
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:59 PM EDT (#114783) #
How did my pick for NL Cy Young do today? Glad you asked:

5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 1 SO, 2 HR, and a nifty ERA of 7.11 on the season. It's never good when your ERA sounds like a convenience store.

At least he had a better day than Prior.

It's the curse of the Magpie. If only I'd picked A-Rod for MVP...

Posada vs Schoeneweis: 7-17 (.412). His three year splits:

As RHB  399 162 119 34 0 21  80  67  3  84 0 0 .298 .402 .541 .943
As LHB 1042   0 275 61 1 50 201 195 19 261 3 4 .264 .387 .468 .855
Is this wise?

Probably not. But it worked anyway.

Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 03:59 PM EDT (#114784) #
And thank you Scotty - keeps Walker at a happy 0.84 ERA.
Matthew E - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:02 PM EDT (#114785) #
Toronto had better keep piling it on. I don't think the Yankee hitters have packed it in for the day.
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:03 PM EDT (#114786) #
Yeah what is the logic of using Schoeneweiss there anyway? To switch Posada around so he has to hit from his better side? To make him face a pitcher that he's 7 for 17 lifetime against? Im glad it worked, but I dont get it.
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:03 PM EDT (#114787) #
Well, I defnitely keep Schoeneweis in for the eighth. Three of the next four hitters hit left, plus Phillips. I don't know if Giambi is available to pinch hit but I'd rather keep him out of the game if possible.
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:04 PM EDT (#114788) #
In regard to the circuslike atmosphere previously discussed, the Yankee fanbase has been diluted by clueless parasites. They truly view the yankees as almost the baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters. Going to the stadium as well as proclaiming yourself as a yankee fan has become a social event.
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:05 PM EDT (#114789) #
Yeah what is the logic of using Schoeneweis

The best thing I can think of is that it's Yankee Stadium move. You don't want Posada taking a shot at the short porch in RF against Walker.

Matthew E - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:06 PM EDT (#114790) #
Check out the linescore - do you realize that the Jays have scored in every inning since the second?

I'm not tempting fate; there's no particular reason why the pattern should necessarily continue. It just didn't feel like that was what was happening.
BrockLanders - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:06 PM EDT (#114791) #
On a sidenote, 23 homeruns between the infield trio of Mora, Roberts and Tejada. Wow.
HollywoodHartman - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:07 PM EDT (#114792) #
Theres a logical reason they've scored every inning since the 3rd. I was asleep for the first 2...
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:10 PM EDT (#114793) #
Jayway,

I agree. I always liked the Yankees of the 60's (Mantle, Ford, Maris) and the old configuration of Yankee Stadium is very cool.
But I went to a game in '99 and was less than impressed. The upperdeck sightlines are absolutely awful. I "saw" Tino Martinez hit a homerun, but didn't actually see it leave the field of play.
I'll take the lower rows of the SkyDome upper deck for $9 CAD anyday.
At least the JV Twins of '99 (no Coomer, or Lawton in the lineup. Bunch of nobodys named Koskie, Hunter, Jones, Mientkiewicz, and Guardado) beat up on David Cone when I went.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:10 PM EDT (#114794) #
Verno now at .202!
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:11 PM EDT (#114795) #
Sweet, Jays about to face their 4th Yankee reliever of the Day.

And thanks Magpie, the short RF argument makes some sense. Didnt think of that one.
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:14 PM EDT (#114796) #
Uh oh - Koskie up, two runners... double steal time!
Useless Tyler - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:16 PM EDT (#114797) #
A double play - if only they had done the double steal!
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:18 PM EDT (#114798) #
do you realize that the Jays have scored in every inning since the second

Not any more. Prepare to be blamed!

NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:18 PM EDT (#114799) #
Is everyone familiar with A-Rod's Speed Stick commercial where he calls NY a 'tough town,' etc?

At the end when they show the product w a ballpark backdrop, look at the light standard in the middle of the shot. The way some of the lights are on and some are off spells a very distinctive 'E5'

Matthew E - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:19 PM EDT (#114800) #
Hey! I gave a disclaimer!
HollywoodHartman - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:21 PM EDT (#114801) #
When do they announce players of the month? (I'm gunning for Chacin for ROM)
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:23 PM EDT (#114802) #
Now this performance by Schoeneweis looks like what they paid for. Very tough on Matsui, Martinez.
The Bone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:24 PM EDT (#114803) #
If the Jays want, they can hold Lilly out until a week Tuesday without any difficulty - is that a good idea?
Gardiner West - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:24 PM EDT (#114804) #
Best outing of Schoeneweis' 13-game Blue Jays career!
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:26 PM EDT (#114805) #
I'm tempted to leave Schoeneweis in to face Womack in the 9th - it's not that Womack has a big platoon split (he doesn't really hit anybody that well, yesterday notwithstanding - but they don't have a RH pinch-hitter (Flaherty? Sanchez?).

I just can't believe that yesterday's cramp is still keeping Giambi out today. A cramp? From yesterday?

Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:26 PM EDT (#114806) #
Where can find more of these "professional hitters"? The one the Jays picked up this year has worked out fairly well Id say.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:32 PM EDT (#114807) #
What does everybody think about giving Huckaby a start tomorrow? Zaun is beginning to look tired (especially on the strike 3 swing) and this has been a long one. Plus today is a travel day after this marathon ends. The X-factor is Rodrigo Lopez. Is it that much more important to play Zaun against righties?
Wildrose - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:35 PM EDT (#114808) #
Time to light up !
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:35 PM EDT (#114809) #
Yankees against Batista:

Womack 1-9
Jeter 2-15
Williams 3-11

Let us not speak of Sheffield, Rodriguez, and Matsui however. Play of the game so far might just be the Catalanotto AB against Q where he managed to come back and work the walk.

Some defense from the Mouse!

Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:39 PM EDT (#114810) #
Had 'em all the way.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:39 PM EDT (#114811) #
I can't remember the last time someone took a decent swing at a Batista pitch.

Batista has been one of the best closers in the majors so far this season.
Matthew E - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:40 PM EDT (#114812) #
Ho hum, just another win.
TorontoDan - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:40 PM EDT (#114813) #
What a great game, what a great win. For some reason I actually had confidence in Batista today. The team showed a lot of character.
Sister - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:41 PM EDT (#114814) #
I'm giddy. A 14-12 Jays team, yet I'm still giddy. Do expectations decline with age?
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:41 PM EDT (#114815) #
Yes, that is a very good win. Yesterday was not a bad loss in my mind as long as the team bounced back like professionals and they certainly did that.

On a side note, where were all those great Yankees fans in the 9th? The wide angle shot showed no more than half of the sellout crowd stuck around for the end of a 2 run game!
A - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:44 PM EDT (#114816) #
For me, the turning point was Walker keeping the Yankees off the board in the bottom of the sixth. So many times it seems we get a run to give up two in the next half-inning. Stopping the Yankees right there is what cemented the shift in momentum.
NYJaysFan36 - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:49 PM EDT (#114818) #
Another interesting note about the Yankees centerfield situation. Shea thought about going to second on a deep fly ball. They needed a relay throw from Jeter just to get the ball to 2nd. Hopefully other teams exploit this.
Chuck - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:52 PM EDT (#114819) #
Sounds like I missed a very entertaining game. I got home just in time to hear Vic Rauter ramble, in what I believe to be an English-like language, to get the gist of what transpired. I swear I feel dyslexic when I hear the man speak. How is it that he is employed as a broadcaster despite the blatant inability to articulate a thought in proper English? Just who's son-in-law or nephew is he?
Chuck - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:56 PM EDT (#114820) #
Hopefully other teams exploit this.

Against Bernie Williams, teams have been running first to third and tagging up on shallow fly balls for years. Williams' weak arm is no secret.

Dave Till - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 04:57 PM EDT (#114821) #
Good news: the O-Dog does not have a concussion. He was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan, but the results were negative (which is a good thing in this context). He apparently was back in the ballpark by the end of the game.

It was fascinating to see Jeter having trouble getting around on Miguel Batista's fastball. Batista seems to be getting more comfortable out there.

That's a nice W to pick up. 14-12 is quite good when it includes home-and-away series against both Boston and New York. And it's good to see the team fighting back.

George must be waxing apoplectic right about now. :-)
Nolan - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 05:03 PM EDT (#114822) #
I haven't noticed this mentioned in this thread yet- has anyone noticed the change in Rios' swing? His swing was always fairly level with little to no no uppercut, but in the last few games I have noticed that he finishes his swings a lot higher than normal. I assume that Barrett has been working on this with Rios.

Has anyone else noticed this or am I seeing things?
Mike D - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 05:04 PM EDT (#114823) #
Dave, don't forget at Texas, at Oakland and home to Baltimore.
HollywoodHartman - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 05:05 PM EDT (#114824) #
I don't think Barnett is working with anyboy right now... While I ahven't noticed the swing, I have noticed the results!
R Billie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 05:42 PM EDT (#114826) #
What I've noticed about Rios' swing is that he's quicker through the zone with it and his legs and hips are now involved more which has to be the case for anyone who wants to hit for power. If he can ever get to the point where he can turn on pitches on the inner half and clobber them and make pitchers fear making a mistake inside he will be a complete hitter.

I think the broadcast crew brought up an interesting stat about Kirby Puckett not having a homerun in his first 600 at bats. His first year at age 23 he had zero in 557 at bats. His second year at 24 he had 4 in 691 at bats. At age 25 he exploded for 31 homeruns in 680 at bats. Rios is 24 this year. I think now that Rios is actually driving the ball there's little reason to be concerned with his homerun numbers.
R Billie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 05:45 PM EDT (#114828) #
Well we get to face Baltimore now. Their batting lineup is like The Thing lumbering towards you and bellowing "it's clobbering time!". Jays' pitchers have to be at their best and the O's pitching staff hasn't been as helpless as a lot of people assumed. I thought they had a decent chance of having a better pitching staff than the Jays outside of Halladay, especially in the bullpen.
uglyone - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 05:48 PM EDT (#114829) #
I mentioned it during the offseason on other message boards, but aside from the obvious body type differences, I think Kirby Puckett is an excellent comparison to Rios, through and through.
Zao - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 06:08 PM EDT (#114830) #
Yeah what is the logic of using Schoeneweiss there anyway? To switch Posada around so he has to hit from his better side? To make him face a pitcher that he's 7 for 17 lifetime against? Im glad it worked, but I dont get it.

Another possible reason (though not likely) is that if the Yankee's put in a right handed hitter in for the next batter (Martinez) then Gibbons could bring in a right handed releiver. Whereas if he didn't bring Shoenweiss in until Martinez and they pinch hit, he would have to stay in. That being said I can't think of any half decent RHB on the Yankees bench today. Who else is on their bench besides Flaherty and Giambi?
Magpie - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 06:20 PM EDT (#114831) #
Who else is on their bench besides Flaherty and Giambi?

Crosby (LH) and Sanchez (RH) - with Giambi presumably unavailable, Crosby was the only possible choice to PH and you wouldn't use him against a LH.

Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 06:42 PM EDT (#114833) #
Hey! I gave a disclaimer!

Fate careth not for disclaimers. Tempt it not!

Nolan - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 08:49 PM EDT (#114836) #
Except for Lilly's struggles, I've been impressed by the Jays pitching staff. Doc has been excellent, which was expected, but even with Doc I had some nagging doubts as to whether he'd ever be as dominant as 2003 again.

Chacin has blown away all my expectations so far. I realize he probably can't keep this up, but he has been incredibly effective this year.

Bush's numbers look bad, but if you take out his performance against Boston, he's cruising along with an even ERA of 3 and averaging almost 7 innings a game (along with a WHIP of .96).
Craig B - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 10:52 PM EDT (#114838) #
Just heard on SportsCentre that Hudson went for a CT scan, he was cleared, and actually returned to the ballpark before the end of the game. He's fine, apparently.
greenfrog - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 11:19 PM EDT (#114839) #
Hillenbrand hitting .410 and leading the league in hitting is pretty cool, but has anyone realized that Rios, with his .330 average, ranks 12th?
Ryan C - Sunday, May 01 2005 @ 11:52 PM EDT (#114840) #
I dont really know where to put this, I guess this place is good enough (why no more roundups?)

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2051252

Olerud has signed a minor league deal with the BoSox.
butteredcat - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 02:03 AM EDT (#114841) #

Hillenbrand hitting .410 and leading the league in hitting is pretty cool, but has anyone realized that Rios, with his .330 average, ranks 12th?

Sure, it would be nice to see him draw a few more walks, but it's hard to complain about a .330 batting average. Great start for the young man and the way he's stung the ball the last couple games has been very encouraging. I was surprised to see a familiar name listed next to Rios in the OPS rankings... guess who?

Rios     88 AB .330 BA .347 OBP .466 SLG .813 OPS
Izturis 105 AB .343 BA .384 OBP .429 SLG .813 OPS

Standard small sample size disclaimer. It'll be interesting to see how these players perform over the rest of the year. I think we'll see Rios lead Izturis by a good 125-150 OPS by the end of the year. But youneverknow, Izturis showed some improvement last year and he's still only 25.

It's hard not to be a huge Hillenbrand fan right now. I promise to fondly remember these happy days when he inevitably slumps and never gets on base due to his aversion to the free pass.

Pepper Moffatt - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 07:58 AM EDT (#114843) #
I dont really know where to put this, I guess this place is good enough (why no more roundups?)

Umm, Ryan, there was a Roundup yesterday. :)

Arms Longfellow - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 08:05 AM EDT (#114845) #
This is sort of off topic but does anyone have any idea what happened to (former Blue Jay) Brad Fullmer? You can't tell me that NO team out there wants to sign a guy who swings a pretty strong bat at times. Did he just quit or something?
JayWay - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 10:43 AM EDT (#114848) #
Ummm... I'm not sure where to post this, but Peter Gammons is reporting in his most recent column that Baltimore could be in the market for Hillenbrand.



Ryan C - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 01:10 PM EDT (#114875) #
Umm, Ryan, there was a Roundup yesterday. :)

There was? Ok my mistake then. Although I still cant find it (Im slow like that sometimes).

Mick Doherty - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#114876) #
Fullmer is now a seemingly permanent resident of the Texas Rangers Disabled List. But I believe he has to come off in the next few days so a roster shuffle may be forthcoming; I think the move of Adrian Gonzalez back to AAA was in part based on the expectation that Fullmer would return, in addition to Nix hitting, like .989 in Oklahoma.
R Billie - Monday, May 02 2005 @ 02:31 PM EDT (#114891) #
I would be interested in a Hillenbrand for Bedard swap. I doubt the Orioles would be though.

Anyway, I think it's strange that the O's would be looking for another righthanded bat when some of their best hitters are righthanded (Mora, Tejada, Lopez).
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