So no A-Rod this week.  Hopefully they’re just being super-extra-extremely cautious....

And Kennedy to throw an inning or two tonight in anticipation of starting Friday.  Kei to bp temporarily.

Player IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Kennedy 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00

Already, bebop?

Kei to bp temporarily.

He was throwing BP Friday in Detroit.

EB- but no home runs!

Guess that rules Kei out of pitching all star home run hitting contest

I was thinking Chase Wright might get called up (he’s 5-1 I think) and he’s on the 40 man. Kennedy could have done with a few more good outings in the minors, but we just couldn’t run Igawa out there again, he should be run out of town.

Johnny Popup does his thing.

Out clinic

shucks no a-rod. i’m sure nelson figueroa’s gonna no-hit us now.

was hoping for some immediate seating in the offense department

eelz- There’s still Baseclogger, Melky, and Robinson I’m-getting-out-of-it Cano!

he was just asking if it was called, Kenny

Per Abraham: Arod won’t be activated this week. Thats awful news

outs R us

Andy spent his extra day off wisely.

Walding thinks Kennedy is pitching Thursday.

haha. did anybody see that blurb in The Onion?

“Roger Clemens Injects Self into Country Singer’s Buttocks”

The way Gomes has hurt Pettitte, a single is okay by me.

Gotta give it up to Gomes on that steal.

Now, come on, I couldn’t have predicted that Pettitte would let Gomes steal second!! I stand by being okay with the single!

I heard Mike and the tennis expert refererence Pete Abe’s blog regarding Nimrods quad.
So global warming is real after all.
The pope is joining Planned Parenthood.
Bin Laden is alive and well in the garage at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
That Darwin guy was right?

"regarding Nimrods quad”

Wearying.

Thurm, I’m slightly puzzled--are you a global warming and evolution doubter?

Evan Longoria is awesome.

How many years ago was Molina hitting .364?  What is he, 0 for 50 now?

Yeah, he’s so bad right now that I actually would have been fine with a bunt there.

Well King George says its all hogwash and he’s always right.
Hit reset on sarcasm meters gents.

Is it just me who’d prefer Chad Moeller.

I think we’ll see Gonzalez in the #8 spot next game.

Guess the bunt would have worked.

Thurm, I figured, but those two cut the opposite way from the pope and Bin Laden lines, humor-wise, so I got confused…

Do you live in Indiana?  Why do I think that?

I prefer Molina because of his defense. Moello is not a great defensive catcher.

"reset on sarcasm meters”

Yeah, I just dislike seeing the Overton Window moved even ironically.

"Is it just me who’d prefer Chad Moeller.”

Even as bad as Molina is, I think it’s just you.

"Do you live in Indiana?  Why do I think that?”

hahahaha

I wasn’t taking the mickey, that was a serious question!  Me and Thurm are tight.

What would the Jays want for Gregg Zaun? Their season is pretty much cooked at this point as it is. Zaun is a pretty fair hitter for a catcher.

Another pitcher caught popup.

We have a trend.

"Overton Window”

Please explain?

I don’t like how Johnny Popup lives up to his name if that’s what he’s called in the thread’s lineup.

Zaun can be traded, but I don’t know--he turned down a deal to back up Posada because he wanted to start.  I wonder how happy he’ll be once he’s on the bench.

As are Fgas and meself. Did a wee WRI yesterday in fact.

"Overton Window” refers to a theory hotly discussed on political blogs (well, liberal ones anyway) - the claim is that by taking a position on the edge and insisting it’s tenable one can shift public discourse in one’s direction, and by repeated application bring about political change.  This is one of the leading explanations of the success of the conservative movement since Goldwater’s advent.  A common related touchword is “framing”.

Bless you, Old T.

Thanks, Rilke.

i know you’re buds it’s still funny though.

Oh! That really looked like strike three on Upton!

Zaun can be traded, but I don’t know--he turned down a deal to back up Posada because he wanted to start.  I wonder how happy he’ll be once he’s on the bench.

If they got him today, he’d be starting for at least a month, probably. How soon is Posada expected back?

Wow, 5 Ks but 55 pitches…

Posada and Zaun would be a hell of a catching tandem.

Yeah, they would.  I’d love to get him.  But there’s also the trading-in-the-division thing, and the fact that Ricciardi is a moron.

Willie Wilson?

Ricciardi is a moron.

I think that might be in the Yankees’ favor. Chase Wright for Gregg Zaun.

Wilson Betemit for Greg Zaun?

has garza gotten one breaking ball over?

HOla, gents.

So...the Kei Igawa Experience.  Over?  Or, definitely truly extremely forever and ever over?

The Yankees should get a discount on him because of that stupid second “g” in his first name.

Buchholz has allowed 5 hits and 4 BB with 2.0 IP.

Er, third “g.” The superfluous one.

The most expensive offense in baseball is getting shut out again

Dang, leaves the bases loaded on a FC and a DP.

Anybody notice that Carlos “How did we let him get away?” Pena is hitting .206?

So his OPS+ is what, 140?

The Yankees should get a discount on him because of that stupid second “g” in his first name.

Just like the discount the Angels got on Torii Hunter.

Nope.  99.  He doesn’t walk like the Giambino.

Anybody notice that Carlos “How did we let him get away?” Pena is hitting .206?

MC, that’s clearly your imagination speaking, because we all know that it was just Brian “How the hell have I stayed a Yankee GM all these years” Cashman not having a clue about what he’s doing and let Pena the superstar go.

"Tori” would be the plural of “Torus” though.

Why is Johnny Gomes running wild on the Yankees?

I predict Gomes steals home here.

“Tori” would be the plural of “Torus” though.

So, Homer Simpson would say, “mmmmmmm Torii” ?

""Tori” would be the plural of “Torus” though.”

Yet he has not even ONE ring.

So Andy Pettitte sucks a bunch huh?

Goddamnit.  Maybe the Yankees offense will wake-up at some point today.

Yeah, this inning sucks.

Doubleplus ungood.  If Pettitte’s going to start imploding before five innings, too...what’s a bullpen to do?

Yuck. Jason Bartlett.

"Yet he has not even ONE ring.”

Zing.

Correction above, Buchholz did give up another run.

Blech for Andy (rather a skew pitcher if I remember correctly).  Food on my family time.

Seriously how did Iwamura hit 44 HRs one season in Japan?  Was his home park also a little league field or something?

andy gets gassed early this season.

Seriously how did Iwamura hit 44 HRs one season in Japan?

The parks are small and the balls are Titleists.

two signs of our impending doom- giambi didn’t throw that into left, chris britton is warming

Wow these balls are all really hard hit.

The one thing the Yankees have going for them is that the game IS still early. They have five innings down five runs - they can make that up.

Rayzz a bit better than previous models.

they do seem to mean bidness.

Make that .205

I have to say I’m not particularly enjoying this game so far.

Chance of a double play here?  150%?

This game blows.

I’m not watching: is Andy somewhat unlucky or are they really tattooing him?

Molina is now a true Yankee.

They’re kicking his ass.

I think he’s not even coming out for the fifth, YM.

Chance of a double play here?  150%?

Higher.

I hate being right.  The Yankees should make Molina takes three strike next time - at least that way he’ll be held to making only one out.

Bah.

Thanks, Brian (I think).

Laptop Thief has now given up 5 hits and 5 BBs in 4.1 IP.  Somehow that doesn’t make me feel significantly better.

Seriously, Britton, you gotta throw strikes if you want to stay in the big leagues.

Cliff Lee toying with our lads last week I could deal with. He had outstanding stuff and made us pay.
Tonight Joe should throw a Billy Martinesque shitstorm.
Our bats need Viagra and PED’s. Garza is not this effin good.

I would be more frustrated by these bloop RBIs if the Yankees were actually threatening to win this game.

Let’s see, the Yankees need to score six runs in four innings just to tie.  Yeah, that’s happening…

This inning would be totally different if Britton had just thrown strikes. What a moron. The dude has to know he needs to throw strikes to stick.

Unassisted triple play in Cleveland to help Lee

It´s on the gameday videos.

This inning would be totally different if Britton had just thrown strikes. What a moron. The dude has to know he needs to throw strikes to stick.

Perhaps he got rusty sitting around.

Our bats need Viagra and PED’s.

I think Andy could use some of that too.

ESPN just informed me that Batshit Krazy Julian Tavarez has been DFA’d.  I say we pick him up.  This team needs to up the Krazy quotient, clearly.

How many runs did Texas score in that game last year?  Because if Igawa gets in this game the Rays may challenge that record.

Let’s see, the Yankees need to score six runs in four innings just to tie.  Yeah, that’s happening…

If not, then yeah, they’re done.

ESPN just informed me that Batshit Krazy Julian Tavarez has been DFA’d.  I say we pick him up.  This team needs to up the Krazy quotient, clearly.

Why Tavarez and not Timlin? Tavarez can at least absorb multiple innings in a blowout.

If Michael Kay were doing the game, he’d comment on what a nice approach that was by Gonzalez. And it was a good AB for the AG

Why Tavarez and not Timlin? Tavarez can at least absorb multiple innings in a blowout.

Don’t look at me, this is Theo the Golden Boy we’re talking about.  Julian got DFA’d when Casey came off the DL, apparently.

i’d guess because timlin’s tenured and white.

Alright only 5 or 6 more cheap hits and the Yankees will be right back in this game.

It is especially irritating to see Garza overpower Abreu.

that’s a weird flappy glove thing he does.

This team needs to up the Krazy A-Rod quotient, clearly.

Fixed.

Barf.

Matt Garza is one fugly lookin’ mofo, ain’t he.

The rage...it is building.

That shouldn’t feel so unexpected.

Oh well, I guess Pettitte is actually going to be 3-4.

Some awesomely weak hitting going on here. And yet Sterling and Waldman are quite confident that the Yankees’ problems are just the pitching.

i think that guy in the pre owned beemer ad played the kid in “the nanny”.

i’m gonna watch themets lose for a little while.

Not much reaction to the unassisted triple play. I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was more rare than a perfect game, do any of you know if it is true?

nick johnson’s on the case.

I hate everything. Cy Garza the most.

i watched it.

i think i read it’s happened about 15 times in the modern era, which would make it more rare than a perfecto.

albert pujols pulled it off once. i think if i was the fielder i would be confused and overwhelmed.

Thanks, eelz.

How’d the triple play happen?  Catch liner, step on second, throw to first?

wait no pujols didn’t. i just found the wiki it’s got mad info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unassisted_triple_play

he caught it, stepped on second, then tagged scooter scutaro

No, catch liner with runners going, step on second and tagged the runner from first base, who was past the second base at the time of the tag.

Thanks, eelz and yfinBrazil!

we should bat odalis perez 4th

What time zone is Brazil in?

Oooh the masses at Shea are getting restless.

i think the mets are actually having a worse game than we are at this point.

Two lineouts for Robby.  Can’t do much else besides hit the ball on the screws…

Now, we are an hour ahead of East time. In summer here it goes to three hours due to both our summer clock and you getting your regular time back.

Could be worse...could be a Blue Jays fan. They haven’t scored in 30 straight innings.

BJs are using their closer in the 9th inning in a tie game on the road.  Now I *know* the end is near.

Could be worse...could be a Blue Jays fan. They haven’t scored in 30 straight innings.

The Mariners had a 24 inning streak earlier this year, as well.

What time zone is Brazil in?

They’re an hour ahead of Eastern time I believe.

This Cliff Lee = Bob Gibson thing is really starting to get annoying.

Maybe Molino’s prowess is returning.

cleveland got some 18 scoreless innings out of their starters today.

And yet, they will split the double header. Since Hafner died and got replaced by a bot, their offense is really not very scary.

Also, I understand he was once a great prospect and all, but if Marte is out of options they should just dfa him.

Wow, that’s sad.

Did bobby just really watch himself back to the bench? Down 6 runs? Jesus dude, swing or something.

Pena has 8 HR’s and plays Gold Glove defense- how many HR’s does Mientnxhvz have?  Craig Wilson?  Andy Phillips?  And look at the 3 Japanese pitchers who came into the league last year- which one is totally worthless?  How are the other two doing? Oh, that’s right- if something works it’s Cashman, but if it doesn’t then it’s Tampa.  Drink the Koolaid- the evidence doesn’t YET support him being a good GM.

What I don’t like about you deriding people using qualifiers for Cashman’s moves is that you are certainly using qualifiers AGAINST Cashman in your judgment, or else you’d be giving him credit for the fact that, as Yankees GM, Cashman has seen the team win three World Series titles.

You would certainly attempt to qualify those three titles, right (and I’m not saying they shouldn’t be qualified)? You’d have to, because otherwise, Cashman would be the winning-est GM of the past thirty years. So if you don’t qualify those three titles, then your argument is shot.

So you qualify them (and, again, not saying those three titles shouldn’t be qualified - I most likely would).

But then you knock people for qualifying his negatives.

I don’t like that.

It strikes me as unfair.

Am I allowed to say, “This team sucks like hell right now?”

Am I allowed to say, “This team sucks like hell right now?”

I prefer the more grammatically incorrect “This team sucks as hell right now.”

Is it safe?

I just got really pissed off when I looked at the stats that those two Boston Japs are putting up and then look at the ugly chipmunk-looking loser we threw out there the other night.  I’m also not sure why we didn’t take a shot on Bartolo Colon- I really hope he gets bombed.

.. pop a xanax and go to bed man.

How do you complain about waiving Pena? He sucked in AAA the year the Yanks had him, he appeared to be done. Then, in the offseason, he retools his swing and works out with renewed vigor and gets a shot with Tampa on an NRI and somehow it works against Cashman for not having predicted that. It’s absurd, no one, not even Tampa thought Pena was capable of that. Pena turned in a historic season out of no where, you simply can’t fault anyone for not having been prepared for that. If not for Tampa, he would have had that season in AAA or Japan or Mexico.

Robinson Cano should have been 3-3 with a double, maybe two. 1-3 seems like a slap in the face.

How do you complain about waiving Pena?

It’s easy when you complain about everything.  He’s complaining about not signing Bartolo Colon, who has made two AAA appearances five weeks apart.  If the Yankees had kept Pena, he’d be complaining about the fact that the guy is making an out in 69% of his PAs.  If the Yankees had won the Matsuzaka sweepstakes, he’d be complaining about the $100M pitcher who throws seven different pitches, none of them for strikes.

If not for Tampa, he would have had that season in AAA or Japan or Mexico.

And of course, the geniuses who run the Rays were planning on Pena having that season in AAA, until the immortal Greg Norton tore up his knee.

Pena hit 19HRs and walked 63times in 381 AB’s at Columbus- that is horrible?  This is a former top prospect who is still young and had a gold glove.  How many AB’s did he get in the majors?  WHo got AB’s instead?  yes, guys who are no longer in MLB. 

Colon- not worth a shot at a minor league deal? 

Do yourselves a favor take a sheet of paper and fold it in half.  On one side write the good signings/trades Cashman made.  On the other put the bad ones.  50/50 at best.  Now look at it on a per $ spent basis and it looks even worse.  The guy has been unexceptional- he will be judged on the success of the young arms.  I hope history views that favorably b/c as of right now, he has not done a great job since taking over in 1998.

Yeah, I call a 28 year old first baseman posting an .824 OPS in AAA horrible. Can we stop with the selective number stuff? I can look at the numbers just as well as you can. It’s not like I’m going to see 19 HRs and 63 walks and stop there and just give in. Do you expect me to say, “Oh, you’re right, Pena was pretty good because we only evaluate hitters by HRs and walks”? That’s not likely to happen. You see his numbers suck, I see that they suck, there’s no need to waste time with this kind of crap. And stop exaggerating Pena’s glove, it is most definitely not gold. Boston gave him a shot that year, and he performed poorly, so they waived him. What would you have suggested? Just keep playing him, day in, day out, while he posts a mid 90s OPS+ or worse just like all the other guys you’re criticizing the Yankees for playing? Pena hadn’t ever put up a full season with rate stats that were average for a starting first baseman. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever to wait on Pena.

What exactly has Bartolo Colon done to get you so excited about him? He has pitched 8 good innings against AAA and that’s a negative for Brian Cashman? Get real.

Why don’t you make your list first. The team hasn’t missed the playoffs since he became GM and he’s won 3 World Series. It’s going to be really hard to knock him down to unexceptional.

This is a former top prospect who is still young and had a gold glove.

He is not still young.  He does not have a gold glove.  He is a former top prospect.  One out of three ain’t bad, I guess.

Look, I don’t give a rat’s tail if you think Cashman sucks.  You’re as entitled to your opinion as anyone else.  But the shit you pick to bitch about is just absolutely freaking ridiculous.  If you want to harp on what you perceive to be Cashman’s ineptitude, at least pick some better examples of it.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/penaca01.shtml

Look at the OPS+ he’s put up on the MLB level.  He has a GREAT glove.  He was 172 OPS+ last year and is almost 100 this year with a .209 avg.  Surely he deserved an AB over poorer players like Craig Wilson, Andy Phillips, Doug Mient...z, Miguel Castro, Aaron Guiel, and Josh Phelps.  The fact that Boston let him go too doesn’t mean anything- the fact is he was a better player than the guys we chose over him.  This doesn’t make Cash a bad GM but it is a negative mark against his record which has quite afew negative marks (and a few positive marks).

Oh, and Pena is 29 which means he is in his prime and should be gold glove if not for the media love affair with Gay Youk.

And I never said Cashman sucks- I said, given the information available, he’s an exceptional GM.  If Igawa and Hughes turn into Cy Young then it will do a lot to improve his record.

He has a GREAT glove.

You know, it really doesn’t matter how many times you say this.

The point on Pena is that five organizations gave up on him, not one.  And 29 teams passed on him before the 2007 season.  And the Rays only signed him as organizational filler.  Every single major league organization thought the guy was pretty much worth jack shit.  So if he’s a mark against Cashman, he’s a mark against every other GM in the game (except Jocketty I guess, since the team he was running then was pretty much set at 1B and they play in the non-DH league).  The fact that you either can’t see or won’t acknowledge this is mind-boggling.

BTW, Pena will turn 30 in four days.  He may have a late peak, or he may never approach his 2007 season again.  But either way, he is no longer a young player.