http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php en sgatbtf@gmail.com Copyright 2008 2008-07-03T20:42:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/redsox_50_37_yankees_45_40_705pm_game_chatter http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/redsox_50_37_yankees_45_40_705pm_game_chatter#When:19:42:00Z BOS: Jon Lester (24, LHP, 6-3, 3.48) vs. NYY: Andy Pettitte (36, LHP, 9-5, 3.98) Lineups… Boston Red Sox J. Ellsbury, LF (.267/.344/.379) D. Pedroia, 2B (.311/.354/.464) J. Drew, RF (.302/.412/.577) M. Ramirez, DH (.279/.370/.500) M. Lowell, 3B (.298/.360/.514) K. Youkilis, 1B (.306/.376/.529) C. Crisp, CF (.270/.313/.434) J. Varitek, C (.216/.300/.364) J. Lugo, SS (.270/.361/.338) New York Yankees J. Damon, LF (.320/.387/.469) D. Jeter, SS (.279/.340/.385) B. Abreu, RF (.284/.353/.456) A. Rodriguez, 3B (.321/.406/.604) J. Giambi, DH (.268/.403/.562) J. Posada, C (.293/.371/.466) R. Cano, 2B (.248/.284/.363) W. Betemit, 1B (.267/.297/.477) M. Cabrera, CF (.240/.305/.345) The easy schedule is over. Liveblog 2008-07-03T19:42:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/ny_post_finally_bats_more_like_it http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/ny_post_finally_bats_more_like_it#When:12:54:00Z When Hank Steinbrenner talks, his people listen. Either that or the Yankees were simply due last night against a starting pitcher with a 5.40 ERA, backed by the worst defense in the major leagues and a dreadful bullpen. Hours after the Baby Boss’ mandate that his lineup start awakening, Jason Giambi hit a grand slam and finished with six RBIs, helping the Yankees to their highest scoring output of the season in an 18-7 thrashing of Texas at the Stadium. I’d be shocked if the Yankees scored a total of 18 runs over the next 4 games. Management, Hank Steinbrenner 2008-07-03T12:54:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/rangers_44_41_yankees_44_40_705pm_game_chatter http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/rangers_44_41_yankees_44_40_705pm_game_chatter#When:20:53:01Z TEX: Luis Mendoza (24, RHP, 1-2, 5.40) vs. NYY: Snacks Pontoon (31, RHP, 5-1, 3.50) Lineups… Texas Rangers I. Kinsler, 2B(.324/.380/.536) M. Young, SS(.287/.339/.417) J. Hamilton, RF(.308/.361/.556) M. Bradley, DH(.321/.440/.605) D. Murphy, LF(.266/.306/.445) M. Byrd, CF(.241/.331/.379) C. Davis, 1B(.333/.412/.800) J. Saltalamacchia, C(.216/.333/.328) R. Vazquez, 3B(.319/.386/.503) New York Yankees J. Damon, LF(.317/.385/.469) D. Jeter, SS(.280/.340/.388) B. Abreu, RF(.283/.351/.454) A. Rodriguez, 3B(.316/.399/.591) J. Giambi, 1B(.264/.399/.545) J. Posada, DH(.292/.367/.462) R. Cano, 2B(.245/.282/.359) M. Cabrera, CF(.240/.305/.345) J. Molina, C(.228/.255/.317) Rangers go for the sweep.  Snacks Pontoon stars in the role of “The Piñata”. Liveblog 2008-07-02T20:53:01-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/ny_daily_news_joba_chamberlain_yankee_offense_come_up_short_in_loss_to_rang http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/ny_daily_news_joba_chamberlain_yankee_offense_come_up_short_in_loss_to_rang#When:12:34:01Z As if the Yankees haven’t had a tough enough time trying to figure out their uneven season, now their superlative closer is locked into a bizarre trend that renders him vulnerable in games that are not save situations. On another night in which the punchless Yankees didn’t hit, Rivera entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied and gave up the winning run in a 3-2 loss to the Rangers in front of 53,223 at the Stadium. Rivera is perfect in 22 save situations, throwing 23-1/3 scoreless innings. But he has entered a game with the score tied six times this year and allowed one run four times - his season total for runs allowed. He gave up three hits to Texas Tuesday night, a season-high, with the big ones a double by Ian Kinsler leading off the ninth and Michael Young’s single through a drawn-in infield to knock in the winner. I’m having a rough time at work of late so I apologize for not writing anything of substance. Thankfully, the Yankees are making it easy for me to ignore them. Players, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera 2008-07-02T12:34:01-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/rangers_43_41_woe_44_39_705pm_game_chatter http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/rangers_43_41_woe_44_39_705pm_game_chatter#When:21:20:00Z TEX: Kevin Millwood (33, RHP, 5-4, 5.08) vs. NYY: Joba Chamberlain (22, RHP, 2-2, 2.03) Lineups… Texas Rangers I. Kinsler, 2B (.321/.375/.532) M. Young, SS (.285/.338/.418) J. Hamilton, RF (.312/.363/.563) M. Bradley, DH (.318/.437/.603) D. Murphy, LF (.270/.308/.451) M. Byrd, CF (.245/.331/.385) C. Davis, 1B (.333/.385/.917) J. Saltalamacchia, C (.215/.336/.331) R. Vazquez, 3B (.320/.388/.508) New York Yankees J. Damon, DH (.315/.384/.463) B. Gardner, LF (.000/.000/.000) B. Abreu, RF (.283/.352/.457) A. Rodriguez, 3B (.322/.405/.601) J. Giambi, 1B (.263/.398/.548) J. Posada, C (.286/.364/.460) R. Cano, 2B (.242/.280/.358) W. Betemit, SS (.266/.280/.494) M. Cabrera, CF (.244/.309/.350) Whatever. Liveblog 2008-07-01T21:20:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/yankeescom1 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/yankeescom1#When:03:17:00Z NEW YORK—The Yankees got another solid performance from their starting pitcher Monday night, but they couldn’t convert scoring opportunities, and the missed chances resulted in a tough 2-1 loss to the visiting Rangers. Right-hander Mike Mussina kept the Texas offense relatively quiet in the series opener, giving up just two runs on five hits in six innings. After his previous start in Pittsburgh on Thursday was cut short because of bad weather, Mussina tallied eight strikeouts against the Rangers, but it wasn’t enough. It should have been enough, ya know, for a normal offense facing the Rangers. Game Recap, Vs. Rangers, Pitching, Players, Mike Mussina 2008-07-01T03:17:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/rangers_42_41_yankees_44_38_705pm_game_chatter http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/rangers_42_41_yankees_44_38_705pm_game_chatter#When:21:09:00Z TEX: Scott Feldman (25, RHP, 1-3, 4.60) vs. NYY: Mike Mussina (39, RHP, 10-5, 3.93) Lineups… Texas Rangers I. Kinsler, 2B(.323/.377/.534) M. Young, SS(.280/.333/.408) J. Hamilton, RF(.312/.362/.565) M. Bradley, DH(.323/.443/.613) D. Murphy, LF(.272/.306/.454) M. Byrd, CF(.252/.340/.396) C. Davis, 1B(.375/.444/1.125) J. Saltalamacchia, C(.214/.338/.333) R. Vazquez, 3B(.326/.391/.517) New York Yankees B. Gardner, LF(-/-/-) D. Jeter, SS(.284/.344/.393) B. Abreu, RF(.286/.353/.461) A. Rodriguez, 3B(.322/.404/.591) J. Giambi, 1B(.262/.396/.542) J. Posada, DH(.287/.367/.459) R. Cano, 2B(.244/.282/.361) M. Cabrera, CF(.246/.312/.354) J. Molina, C(.225/.253/.317) At least interleague play is over. Liveblog 2008-06-30T21:09:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/the_times_and_democrat_holly_hills_brett_gardner_called_up_to_new_york_yank http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/the_times_and_democrat_holly_hills_brett_gardner_called_up_to_new_york_yank#When:12:11:00Z Don’t believe dreams can come true? Just talk to Brett Gardner. Because, Sunday afternoon, Gardner’s big-league dream came true when Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager Dave Miley called him into his office and informed him that he had been called up to the team’s parent club, the New York Yankees. “It really hasn’t set in yet,” Gardner said as his team traveled back from it’s game against Buffalo. “Absolutely, it’s a dream come true. Growing up as a little kid, you get older, and you realize how far away it is. It really hasn’t set in yet, but I think (Monday) when I get there it will definitely happen.” Gardner is scheduled to drive from Scranton to New York Monday and be in uniform for the Yankees 7:05 p.m. series opener against the Texas Rangers. The former Holly Hill Academy, St. George Post 105 and College of Charleston standout has been on the radar for a promotion to the big leagues for some time. In 80 games with Triple-A Scranton this season, Gardner was batting .287 with three home runs, 29 RBIs, 34 stolen bases and had a .412 on-base percentage. His play and injuries to New York outfielders Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui opened a door in the Bronx Bombers’ outfield. While I’m skeptical about how Gardner’s game will translate to the majors, I do look forward to seeing what he can do with this chance.  Thanks to yankeemonkey by way of River Avenue Blues for the link. Incidentally, here are some splits on Melky: Through May 4: .291/.359/.505 From May 5 on: .220/.284/.266 It may be time to try something else. Players, Brett Gardner 2008-06-30T12:11:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/easy_schedule_checkpoint_june_29 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/easy_schedule_checkpoint_june_29#When:01:25:00Z Date Opponent Exp W Exp L Act W Act L 20-May Orioles 0.6 0.4 0 1 21-May Orioles 1.2 0.8 1 1 22-May Orioles 1.8 1.2 2 1 23-May Mariners 2.5 1.5 3 1 24-May Mariners 3.2 1.8 4 1 25-May Mariners 3.8 2.2 5 1 26-May @Orioles 4.4 2.6 5 2 27-May @Orioles 4.9 3.1 5 3 28-May @Orioles 5.4 3.6 6 3 30-May @Twins 5.9 4.1 7 3 31-May @Twins 6.4 4.6 8 3 1-Jun @Twins 6.9 5.1 8 4 2-Jun @Twins 7.4 5.6 8 5 3-Jun Blue Jays 8.0 6.0 8 6 4-Jun Blue Jays 8.6 6.4 9 6 5-Jun Blue Jays 9.2 6.8 10 6 6-Jun Royals 9.8 7.2 10 7 7-Jun Royals 10.4 7.6 11 7 8-Jun Royals 11.1 7.9 12 7 9-Jun Royals 11.7 8.3 12 8 10-Jun @Athletics 12.2 8.8 13 8 11-Jun @Athletics 12.7 9.3 13 9 12-Jun @Athletics 13.1 9.9 14 9 13-Jun @Astros 13.7 10.3 15 9 14-Jun @Astros 14.2 10.8 16 9 15-Jun @Astros 14.8 11.2 17 9 17-Jun Padres 15.4 11.6 18 9 18-Jun Padres 16.1 11.9 19 9 19-Jun Padres 16.7 12.3 20 9 20-Jun Reds 17.4 12.6 20 10 21-Jun Reds 18.0 13.0 20 11 22-Jun Reds 18.6 13.4 21 11 24-Jun @Pirates 19.2 13.8 21 12 25-Jun @Pirates 19.7 14.3 22 12 27-Jun @Mets 20.2 14.8 22 13 27-Jun @Mets 20.7 15.3 23 13 28-Jun @Mets 21.2 15.8 24 13 29-Jun @Mets 21.7 16.3 24 14 Despite losing 5 of their last 9 games, the Yankees are still ahead of expectations on the easy portion of their schedule. I'd probably extend the easy schedule to include the upcoming 3 game set with the Texas Rangers, who are hitting pretty well (team OPS+ of 116) but pitching poorly (team ERA+ of 83). Projections, Sabermetrics, Standings 2008-06-30T01:25:00-05:00 http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/yankees_44_37_mets_39_41_110pm_game_chatter http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/yankees_44_37_mets_39_41_110pm_game_chatter#When:15:53:00Z NYY: Darrell Rasner (27, RHP, 4-5, 4.50) vs. NYM: Oliver Perez (26, LHP, 5-5, 5.29) Lineups… New York Yankees J. Damon, LF (.317/.387/.468) D. Jeter, SS (.281/.342/.391) A. Rodriguez, 3B (.327/.410/.602) J. Posada, 1B (.297/.378/.475) W. Betemit, 2B (.267/.282/.467) M. Cabrera, CF (.249/.315/.357) J. Molina, C (.230/.259/.324) J. Christian, RF (.250/.308/.333) D. Rasner, P (-/1.000/-) New York Mets J. Reyes, SS (.294/.355/.485) L. Castillo, 2B (.253/.358/.325) D. Wright, 3B (.288/.382/.502) C. Beltran, CF (.273/.374/.485) C. Delgado, 1B (.230/.309/.416) R. Church, RF (.300/.365/.522) E. Chavez, LF (.228/.284/.289) B. Schneider, C (.259/.333/.310) O. Perez, P (.200/.304/.200) Posada at first base, huh?  Go Yanks. Liveblog 2008-06-29T15:53:00-05:00