Wednesday, June 20, 2007
6/20/07: New York Yankees (35-33) at Colorado Rockies (36-34) - 9:05 PM ET **Liveblog**
A. Pettitte (4-4, 2.93) vs J. Francis (6-5, 3.61)
NY Yankees
M. Cabrera cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada c
H. Matsui lf
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b
A. Pettitte p
Colorado
W. Taveras cf
K. Matsui 2b
M. Holliday lf
T. Helton 1b
G. Atkins 3b
B. Hawpe rf
T. Tulowitzki ss
Y. Torrealba c
J. Francis p
“Are you ready to step up.”
When the Yankees finally hit .500 at 31-31 in the midst of a nice winning streak, it felt like they had the ability to go 100-0 in their final 100 games. Obviously, we all know it just felt that way. Since reaching .500 in June, the Yankees have gone 4-2. This team will lose games occasionally, even if they do end up making the playoffs. Avoiding consecutive losses would help keep their playoff dreams alive. Tonight, Pettitte tries to get the team right back on track after yesterday’s loss. However, the Yankee offense needs to do its part too, unlike last night. They need to take advantage of that thin air. They need to pound Francis into oblivion. They need to “step up.”
Pre-game chatter: Rachel has an 11-2 record here at RLYW. I don’t think she’s ready to be a part of consecutive Yankee losses just yet.
I can’t liveblog tonight and Larry’s busy watching the Tigers slap the Nats around. Perhaps SG will quit his job and liveblog. Or maybe he’ll do it after work.
***Keith in***
I’ve got the WABC on the radio (no YES here—I have Dish Network), GameDay in another window, a Yankees beer stein full of Pepsi, it’s dark, and I’m wearing sunglasses. (Okay, just my regular glasses.)
Game on….
Top of the 1st
Suzyn Waldman says that Jeff Francis has a “whip-like motion” and a “whip-like action.” I don’t know why that amused me, but it did. Melky leads off. Waldman seems to think that Damon will be going on the DL because of his abdominal strain.
Now Sterling is calling Francis “sneaky-quick.” Melky grounds out to Tulowitzki for the first out. Under other circumstances, I’d just say “grounds out to the shortstop,” but how often do you get the chance to type a name like “Tulowitzki”? It’s the little things….
El Capitan is up, trying to extend his hitting streak, latest in a series, collect ‘em all.
And now it’s 14 in a row. The good news is Jeter is on first base with a single. The bad news is I had to hear Sterling refer to the “Jeterian swing,” which is quite possibly my least favorite of Sterling’s malapropisms.
Cutter just posted in the comments that therer are 300 registered readers for this site. Suddenly I have performance anxiety.
Okay, I’m over it. Abreu up. He runs the count to 3-2
Then he swings and misses. Sterling says it was ball four. GameDay has it on the outside corner but over the plate. I believe the web site, only because I trust Sterling’s judgment not at all.
A-Rod swings on the first pitch. grounds out to Tulowitzki. That inning sure died in a hurry….
Bottom of the 1st
I still remember listening to the 20-10 game back in 2002. Andy Pettitte started that game, too. Here’s hoping the result is similar, but without the whole other-team-scoring-ten-runs thing.
Tavares grounds out to Jeter on a 2-1 pitch.
The Other Matsui comes up. He hits a foul pop that Andy Phillips catches for the second out.
Holliday also grounds out to Jeter, thus giving Phillips all three putouts in his first 2007 game.
Top of the 2nd
Jorgie Porgie runs the count to 3-1 and then clubs a base hit to left field. BTW, there’s a really nice piece by Jay Jaffe on Jorgie’s Hall of Fame chances on BaseballProspectus.com.
The One True Matsui strikes out on four pitches.
Cano runs the count to 3-0, which is something I really enjoy typing. He gets an infield single on a ball that The Other Matsui can’t handle. First and second, one out for Phillips.
I’ve been incredibly disappointed with Torre’s inability to make use of Josh Phelps, but it was obvious that Torre wasn’t going to use him because he put disproportionate emphasis on his bad fielding. Phillips, at least, will get at-bats.
He runs the count to 3-0 and takes all the way. I honestly don’t understand why anyone ever swings at a 3-0 pitch. If the guy hasn’t come near home plate for three pitches, there’s a good chance he won’t again.
Then Phillips grounds into a double play to end the inning. And that’s another inning that dies like a quail…..
Bottom of the 2nd
Helton gets his 1000th hit at Coors Field on the first pitch to ruin Pettitte’s perfect game.
Atkins strikes out on four pitches.
Waldman and Sterling just took a shot at the media reporting something incorrectly, in this case the reports that Joe Girardi already has the Orioles managing job. Glass houses and stones, guys.
Brad Hawpe, who just had to be made fun of constantly throughout his childhood, strikes out swinging.
Now my favorite Rockie, Tulowitzki, comes up. I love that the Rockies have Hawpe, Tulowitzki, and Torrealba coming up all in a row. Pettitte walks Tulowitzki on four pitches.
Torrealba hits a force-out to Jeter, who shovels it to Cano to end the inning.
Top of the 3rd
One of the Yankee sponsors is a law firm called Segal and Lax. Would you want someone named “Lax” to represent you? Just sayin’...
Pettitte leads off. I wonder if three years in the NL has made him a better hitter. I remember watching him bat in the World Series from 1996-2003, and it was comical.
Apparently not—he strikes out on five pitches.
Melky runs the count to 3-1, then pops out to center field. Francis isn’t throwing strikes at all, and the Yankees really should have some, y’know, runs and stuff.
Jeter grounds out to The Other Matsui. I wasn’t enjoying the get-people-on-base-and-fizzle-out innings, but a 1-2-3 isn’t an improvement….
Bottom of the 3rd
Francis grounds out to Cano.
Tavares strikes out swinging.
The Other Matsui grounds out to A-Rod, who makes a nice bare-handed play. Pettitte has only thrown 36 pitches through three, according to GameDay.
Top of the 4th
Abreu strikes out again.
A-Rod strikes out swinging.
Jorgie grounds out to Tulowitzki. The Yankees are wallowing in lameness.
Bottom of the 4th
Holliday strikes out.
Helton flies out to The One True Matsui.
Atkins flies out to Abreu. Francis is pitching his way out of problems. Pettitte, though, is pitching phenomenally. Four Ks, only one walk and one hit, and 48 pitches in four innings.
Top of the 5th
Now would be a great time for the Yankees to figure out Francis’s changeup.
The One True Matsui strikes out swinging, keeping the theme of the evening going. *headdesk* I’ve never liked Benihana, as I prefer real Japanese food rather than the silly stuff Benihana does for tourists, but even if I was a fan, I wouldn’t be after listening to Waldman shill for them for all these years. Gyuh.
Cano grounds out to Helton on the second pitch. Sheesh.
Phillips grounds out to Tulowitzki. I’m not enjoying his name as much now.
Bottom of the 5th
Hawpe grounds out to Phillips.
Tulowitzki hits a single to left.
I like Marc Feinsand. Sterling says the Yankees need “a veteran” to be the DH and a bench player, and Feinsand instead suggests Shelley Duncan, which makes more sense than finding another over-the-hill player…..
Torrealba hits into a DP, Jeter to Cano to Phillips. How very Pettitte.
Top of the 6th
Pettitte strikes out again.
Melky hits a double to the gap that Tavares lets go to the wall. Let’s see if the meat of the order can actually pick him up.
YES! El Capitan hits a double of his own to score Melky, 1-0 Yankees. Finally.
Abreu needs to not strike out again. Instead he grounds to Francis, who makes a nice grab and then stupidly tries to get Jeter out. Jeter keeps the rundown going long enough for Abreu to go all the way to second on the fielder’s (dumb) choice.
A-Rod walks. It’s only not an IBB because Torrealba didn’t actually stand up.
Jorgie Porgie strikes out. It’s Francis’s eighth K, but at least they got on the board. The way Pettitte is pitching, it might be enough.
Bottom of the 6th
Buh??? Pettitte leads off the inning by walking the pitcher. That’s, er, inauspicious.
Tavares negates the value of the walk by wasting an at-bat with a bunt, compounded by A-Rod alertly forcing Francis at second. Bad bad call by Hurdle there.
Holliday makes the dumb move moot by hitting a two-run homer. Sigh. 2-1 Rockies. Oh, I forgot—The Other Matsui popped out to Jeter before Holliday ruined my evening.
And then Helton piles on with a double.
Atkins gets a hit to left, and The One True Matsui nails Helton at the plate for the third out, which ends the inning and keeps the game in reach. Go go Godzilla!
Top of the 7th
Christ, the seventh already? It was just the second five minutes ago, wasn’t it?
The One True Matsui follows up his great throw with a wimpy groundout.
Waldman and Sterling claim that Helton was safe and the umpire blew the call. Honestly—the Yanks’ umpiring karma has sucked rocks so it’s nice to get some of their own back.
Cano grounds out to The Other Matsui.
Phillips strikes out swinging. Way to step up, guys. Did you not see Rachel at the top of the blog??????
Bottom of the 7th
The One True Matsui continues his efforts to get on Baseball Tonight by making a diving catch on what would’ve been a Hawpe double for the first out.
My mortal enemy, Troy Tulowitzki, gets a base hit.
Torrealba bloops a single that Sterling had convinced me that Melky caught. Two on, and Ryan Spilborghs (yes, that’s really his name) pinch hits for Francis. This is good news, as this means Francis won’t be pitching anymore.
Spilborghs hits a dribbler to Phillips, who gets the forceout at second. First and third, now, with two outs for Tavares.
Tavares gets a base hit to make the game 3-1. You wouldn’t imagine that would be an insurmountable lead for the Yankees in Coors Field, and yet…..
The Other Matsui hits a triple to make it 5-1. For some odd reason, Torre is taking Pettitte out…...
L-Viz in to pitch to Holliday, who promptly gets a hit to score Kaz to make it 6-1.
Helton grounds out to Cano to finally end the nightmare.
Top of the 8th
Presumably Damon will pinch hit for L-Viz in the hopes of starting something.
Yup. And Waldman just said he’s pinch-hitting for Pettitte. Good job there, Suzie.
And Damon grounds out weakly to third. Heck, L-Viz coulda done that….
Melky grounds out weakly to short. Apparently somebody has replaced the Yankees with the Washington Nationals and didn’t tell anybody…..
Jeter is down 0-2 then works his way back to 3-2. Then he grounds out to the pitcher.
Bottom of the 8th
Ron Villone in to pitch for the first time since the 4th of the month. This could be interesting—in the Chinese curse sense of the word…..
Atkins flies out to Abreu.
Hawpe flies out to Melky.
Tulowitzki grounds out to Jeter. Not bad.
Top of the 9th
I’ve decided that Jeter is incredibly annoying in his Ford ads.
Jeremy Affeldt in to pitch. He’s a former Royal. This means he should probably suck.
Abreu is channeling his April self, striking out for the third time in four PAs.
A-Rod goes to 1-2. This is a former Royal, f’cryin’ out loud!!!!!
Then he works the count to 3-2, and then walks. It’s a start.
Jorgie strikes out on three pitches, thus crushing the faint hope the walk gave me.
Matsui grounds out to my arch enemy to end the game.
This is my fourth liveblog and my first loss. I feel—empty.
That two losses in a row, two runs in eighteen innings in Coors bloody Field!
Sigh.
Ah, well. Goodnight, everybody!
***Keith out***
Comments
Watched the game last night while listening to the new White Stripes (which is quite an acheivement for Jack White) album and smoking out of an apple. Tonight, I’m stuck in the office with no windows searching for old signatures to obsolete legal documents while following the game on gameday. It’s just not ok if they lose tonight.
I’ll do the blog, unless someone objects.
No objections here.
Hey, 300 registered readers for RLYW!
I have no objection. In fact, having tampered with my bosses’ computer, well, I feel a whole lot better.
Nice, a baserunner!
In fact, having tampered with my bosses’ computer, well, I feel a whole lot better.
Like I said, it’s the little things. *chuckle*
Do they not get that it’s Coors field? I mean, I know Jeff Francis is good and all, but it’s COORS FIELD!
Suddenly I have performance anxiety.
That’s not what the ladies say.
“That’s not what the ladies say.”
Just as a side note, sleeping with Rachel Specter might be the most intimidating thing I’ve ever considered doing (not that it’s an option). When she says are you ready to step up, most of the time I just think…no.
While I think cutting Phelps was dumb, at least Torre seems willing to PLAY Andy Phillips, so I guess that’s something.
Now if only Andy could hit like, well, Josh Phelps. Then I’d be happy.
Phillips is making the most of his playing time. 3 outs in only two ABs!
I’m shocked, SHOCKED, that Kay did not point out how awful a feed Jeter just gave Cano.
A-Rod does a Nettles, or maybe it was a Brooks Robinson.
How are the Yanks doing?
Melky is below replacement level. Now I know all the Yankees woes aren’t tied to Melky, but eleven (11) XBH in nearly 200 AB’s is as bad as it gets.
Ken Griffey, Jr., anyone?
No Nieves, at least. Makes game more watchable. Unfortunately, I’m listening to radio.
“Ken Griffey, Jr., anyone?”
In center? No thanks.
Radio!? Sterling and Waldman, the Zoo People.
Okay, so we keep playing Melky, who really can’t hit. This is a problem folks.
Does anyone think Phelps can clear waivers?
If Torre hadn’t benched him out of the hot streak for 0 for 100 Mienkiewicz he would’ve put together a decent season. Maybe he can get some hits and impress some people in Scranton. He hits the ball really hard when he doesn’t strike out.
Bosox win…. Well it is 11-0 in the 8th.
Okay, so we keep playing Melky, who really can’t hit.
well Griffey it is then. get Krivsky on the phone.
Yeah. Yankees > Sterling and Waldman.
Does anyone think Phelps can clear waivers?
well the Yankees need a DH. maybe they’ll put a claim in.
Sterling and Waldman, the Zoo People.
Speaking as a member of the WCW, I find this comparison offensive to actual zoos.
Ken Griffey Jr. of
9 years/$116.5M (2000-08), plus $16.5M 2009 club option
* 00-08:$12.5M/year, 09:$16.5M club option ($4M buyout)
* $57.5M in salary deferred at 4% interest, to be paid 2009-2024, reducing contract’s present-day value at time of signing to between $9.2M and $9.3M annually, according to Reds management sources
o $5.5M of 2000 salary deferred
o $6.5M/year of 2001-2008 salaries deferred
Pass.
20—You’re kidding, right? Mint-Cave-Witch actually had some clutch hits. Phelps showed nothing, except how to butcher 1st base.
Who would’ve thought, Phelps, the Yankees hero, 2007.
Speaking as a member of the WCW, I find this comparison offensive to actual zoos.
Keith, I didn’t know you wrestle.
this pitcher looks younger than tyler clippard.
and i know cano is a free swinger and he’s real easy to love when he’s going good but will he please develop a little bit more please.
This is very frustrating.
This is like Yankees rewind. Or whatever the YES calls the rebroadcast.
2007
RISP:
Mientkiewicz: .200 .302 .378 .680
Phelps: .280 .379 .320 .699
Phelps: .263/.330/.363
Mientkiewicz: .226/.292/.379
Mientkiewicz was clutch though.
we HAVE to win this game for andy.
Rich, obviously the Yankees make the Reds eat the majority of that absurd deal.
Anyway, this team will not win with below replacement level Melky in CF. It would be nice if they could, but I cannot see it happenng.
So the Reds are going to eat an onerous contract and accept second tier prospects in return for Griffey?
OK, but if not, I would rather lose this year.
Don -
It’s true didn’t have many go ahead hits, and he certainly never ended up on the back page of a tabloid but Torre had a crush on Mienkiewicz from day 1.
Look at Dougs numbers on Defense from this year - they aren’t impressive defensively from old school fielding percentage to and SABR ratings.
Phelps really had some bad luck when he hit some balls hard and they ended up being caught or staying in the park. The difference between an excellent hitter and a poor one at this time of the year is a hit a week.
The biggest travesty in all of this is Carlos Pena, who we let walk. He has more homers than Giambi, Phillips, Cairo, Phelps and Mienkiewicz combined.
If Damon is out for a long stretch, I think the Yanks should just bump everyone up in the batting order one spot, rather than have Melky lead off.
Oh, and since they won’t play Phelps, could they at LEAST play Kevin Thompson in left and Matsui at DH while Damon is on the DL?
Bring back Phelps! The only winning formula for the 2007 Yankees. Clueless Joe, and Ca$hman. Can’t they see it? E=MC3.
Brian, you listening to radio too. That’s what they are talking about.
Duncan would be acceptable, too.
Stick was on WFAN, and he says that he likes Duncan, so he must be good!
Brian, you listening to radio too. That’s what they are talking about.
No, actually.
That’s a pretty funny coincidence. They said they should just move everyone up a spot, too?
But instead of looking for a big bat, the Yankees might as well look for a leadoff type candidate.
And I think yesterday’s Damon’s appearance is a bad sign. If Damon isn’t going to really play the field, just sit him out and if possible either he gets better during the next 5 or so day. Otherwise, retroactive DL and get it over with.
No, I meant they were discussing Damon and DL possibility.
XBH
Melk!
HBO Smash of the Game!
Melky has actually had mostly productive ABs in this series, unlike against the Mets.
Rich, I didn’t mention prospects, you did.
++++++++
ml242, Ah! Carlos Pena, the Yankees hero, 2007…....
+++++++++
Melky! Melky plays, we win!
The only winning formula for the 2007 Yankees. Clueless Joe, and Ca$hman. Can’t they see it?
yes, they should have listened to you in the offseason and traded a-rod.
that wouldn’t have cost them any wins.
That’s pretty funny timing. 
And with what I said, Waldman says Damon is starting tomorrow. Why? Even great numbers against the opposing pitcher, it’s freaking Coors Field!
Jeter!
Did anyone watch the mets last night?
I was at the game and Santana was kind of awesome at the plate. That guy needs to get in the NL really soon. (or the yanks for 6 years / 120M)
Jeter Rules.
Rich, I didn’t mention prospects, you did.
What do you anticipate the cost will be in player assets?
___
That didn’t suck.
Jeter the Great!
Abreu got to second? Francis messed up somehow, huh?
yup—The team is barely over .500. My point is more valid than your attempt at humour. All about the team for me.
except I don’t like hearing about how he “Made the play” on the base paths.
Francis messed up, or heads up play by Jeter, can someone watching report? I don’t trust the radio broadcaster.
My point is more valid than your attempt at humour. All about the team for me.
sorry coach.
also, if i remember correctly, you wanted the Yankees to just decline Sheffield’s option b/c they’d never be able to trade him. right?
i remember.
just maybe Cashman knows a little more than you do.
ARod gets the Bonds treatment.
Rich, Im not being paid $1 million. So I’m not 100% privy to player profiles. Maybe Clippard and…..
Yeah, some suspects for Sheffield. He wore out his welcome, I’m glad he’s gone.
The problem with Griffey, Don, is that he’s pretty much the face of the ballteam - the main reason people come to see Cincinatti.
It’s not like the case of most other players in Griffey’s spot, where the team is just looking to get rid of him (a la Helton earlier this year).
What Ken Griffey is worth on the current trade market is way lower than what the Reds would accept in return for him.
I would rather lose than trade Clippard for Griffey.
If Clippard is traded, it has to be for someone < 30.
Yeah, some suspects for Sheffield.
you’re right. nothing >> something.
Brian, I cannot disagree.
But do you see this team winning it all with Melky in CF? Does anybody here?
Walking Francis? Ugh.
So the Reds are going to eat an onerous contract and accept second tier prospects in return for Griffey?
Why not? We’re talking about the GM who dealt Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez for a bunch of mediocre middle relievers. Given Brian Cashman’s proven ability to cloud men’s minds….
Right, Keith, but like I mentioned before, Griffey is a special case.
Anyone else, I wouldn’t be surprised by anything Krivsky pulled.
I like Clippard, but if the Yankees don’t take advantage of the overrating of their prospects to get some help via trade, then they are doing something wrong. There are some prospects that should be untouchable, but Clippard ain’t one of them.
Alex is going to get a lot of IBB, an impact bat behind him would be nice.
yup, you brought up the Sheffield trade, not me. What did Ca$hman get, really?
++++++
Rich, Clippard is like the 10th best pitching prospect in the organization. Okay, maybe the 9th best.
Yup -
I just went back to see what Don was referring to.
Phelps would make a good DH or ..... first baseman.
Why is he going on and on about American League baseball being more popular with the fans without going through seasonal attendance figures etc. Every announcer sucks. Was that Kay? I wish I had a SAP style button that let Wu-tang call games. Then at least we could have good nicknames.
And can the Yankees win with Melky in center?
I think so. I think finding a bat for first/DH is more important (i.e. easier) than replacing Melky’s poor bat.
Melky is at least playing a valuable defensive position (and doing it well).
But yeah, sure would be nice if Melky hit better.
Griffey staying health, and playing a regular CF.
Really?
But do you see this team winning it all with Melky in CF? Does anybody here?
In 2002, Darin Erstad OBPed .313 and slugged .389 while playing an excellent centerfield. There’s no reason to believe Melky can’t do that.
villainx, right thinking there.
shit
Trade Clippard, but not for a soon to be 37 year old OFer who is almost always hurt.
And that is why walking Jeff Francis is fucking awful.
But do you see this team winning it all with Melky in CF? Does anybody here?
who knows. maybe, maybe not. Luis Sojo has 4 WS rings. Eckstein has 2. the Marlins won with Juan Pierre. Tony Womack has a ring.
Melky is one of the best defensive OFers in the league this year.
the rest of the team needs to pull their weight.
Actually, soon to be 38.
Actually, at this point now, I’m glad I’m not watching the game. This inning is bad enough as is on radio.
Erstad was better than Melky in CF. I think some of you are overrating Melky’s play.
And can this team get ten games over .500?
Nice.
Would someone wake this sleeping mess up. Two runs in nearly two games in Colorado?
yup, you brought up the Sheffield trade, not me. What did Ca$hman get, really?
it doesn’t really matter. you posted on this blog over and over that the yankees should just decline the option and be done with him.
if they got a box of baseballs it’s more than you would have gotten as a GM.
i’m not going to argue about Sanchez, Whelan, and Claggett with someone whose position was so wrong it was laughable.
Alex is going to get a lot of IBB, an impact bat behind him would be nice.
Right, ‘cause the guy hitting behind him right now is just some scrub hitting .344/.402/.564. *rolleyes*
Anybody who walks A-Rod to face Jorgie instead is likely to regret the decision.
If Griffey is used mainly as DH, and sometime CF or LF. I won’t mind if it’s for Clippard.
But a impact bat at DH/1B can carry Melky. And really, Melky is only going to be a regular until Damon is healthy.
Matsui!!!!!!!!!!
Even though replay shows that the calls are evening out in the Yankees favor.
yup, who cares. If a bag of balls makes you happy, so be it. That’s all he was worth then. My point.
But what season will Damon be healthy?
*rolleyes*
Hey, I didn’t say Jorge was a loser. And even if it’s not Jorge, even Matsui can probably put up good numbers. But a big bat would be nice, and that was my sole point. I don’t think you are disagreeing with that.
part of the reason griffey is having his resurgent season is probably because he is no longer aching around in CF.
an impact bat behind a-rod? didn’t we have one of those a few weeks ago?
and cano has seen, hmm i think four pitches in this game.
man it makes me cringe when i see matsui make plays like that, thinking about his blue floppy broken wrist last year. blechh.
But what season will Damon be healthy?
I guess that’s part of the point. Either Damon is going to be healthy and will play CF (not saying he will be better than Melky, but that it likely will be the case), or he’s not going to be healthy and it would hurt his offense regardless. And Damon isn’t what you want as a DH anyway.
By the way, I think it would be cool if Griffey was a Yankee. To me, he’s sort of like the player that got away.
Cano is boring. Why throw him anything good, he gets himself out. 2006 isn’t 2007, the pitchers have adjusted, Cano hasn’t.
I apologize for harping on the point, but if Phillips is going to start at first, how can the Yankees possibly not demote Basak and keep Phelps to be a pinch-hitter?
if melky has a high .700s ops and is above average on defense, that makes him an above average cf overall. i don’t see why they couldn’t win with that. i guess you could call it an area to upgrade, but it’s not a problem.
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