It’s time for another Rangers’ victory!

Hey guys! Ready for a win…

Pregame Thoughts:
1. Excited for Davis to be back- but let’s not expect him to me a team savior. Looking for good at bats and defense from him.
2.Kinler needs to get hot…and Hamilton for that matter.
3. Is Cruz really playing left?
4. It’s about time for a big time game from Millwood.

Pudge for your RH stick and C Davis for your LH Stick and power. Speed at both ends. What is there not to like? Oh, Yeah, It’s Yankee Land. Somebody needs to let these guys know. WE Need Production. I don’t see the problem but the first pitch is still an hour away.

Traveling so I have not been able to stop in the corner for a while. Im about to head again but I just wanted to stop in and say: Lets Go Rangers!

@RF- do you read any of the Yankees boards when they play us? The might not hate us like them, but they definitely look down on us and that can fuel a rivalry….

Yes, we hate them, a lot of it due to that reason. But I don’t think they see us as a rival.

Other than me now, because I live in the metroplex.

Who do they NOT look down on?

So which team do you cheer for in this circumstance PTRF?

I am a Yankee fan, and more of a Ranger follower.

Now, now! Let’s go easy on PTRF. He is actually one of the GOOD Yankees fans!

that is why OBP is not the be-all-end-all stat. How is what Borbon just did any different than a lead off double? It’s not, but all he gets is the BB toward OBP and nothing toward slg%

man, some ugly swing between MY and Ham

So much discussion about Rangers fan hatred, thought I’d gauge exactly how much:

http://www.micropoll.com/akira/mpview/630737-197488

Joba throws a lot out of the strike zone. Hoefully the Rangers will lay off of it.

what’s happen everyone!!!

Not a great read by Borbon on a rope

@PTRF: I was one of the lucky few to get the 25 cent seats for the exhibition games in april. What a thrill….

@Fed; I love Julio, esp his speed, but he seems to be a poor base runner

@Lamar: I think most teams would consider the Yankees a top rival/hated team.

@Fox: You are exactly right about Joba. I posted yesterday on the lineup question that the key for the Rangers is patience against him. Joba will easily throw 100+ pitches in 5 innings if they will lay off. He doesn’t trust his stuff and tries to pick on the corners too much.

Byrd should have been more patient then.

I sort of knew he was going to hit into a double play after Bonbons couldn’t score.

@PTRF: any fan of another team who can come on our blog and not be an idiot is OK by me. And you are even better because you actually like the Rangers, too!

@Rocks-I thought Borbon only plays against RHP;
Also, I’m not real comfy with him in left, yet, from what I’ve seen so far

@PTRF: I think the Rangers one-sided hatred of the Yankees is fairly unique because of our unmatched level of futility and the fact that every single stinkin time we’ve been to the playoffs, we’ve been humiliated by the Yankees. 1-9 and not one other playoff game ever? That brings about some pretty intense hatred.

@scooper: As I’ve mentioned to you before, Evan and you guys are responsible for me following the Rangers. They are young and fun to watch. That being said, if they meet in the playoffs I will be rooting hard against you guys, but I certainly wish you luck.

Looks like Jeter’s going to see 20 pitches in one at-bat.

6:27: This quote from Joe Maddon was just pointed out to me. Apparently Maddon told some of the St. Pete-based writers this over the weekend, but the Rays manager summed up where Michael Young is pretty well: “Michael Young is setting a great example for that entire team.He’s playing with a purpose and a mission, and they’re on his back right now. With his example, they’re not going away.”

Thanks a lot Bin Laden! (Ticket drop) – referring to Dave Anderson, the most conservative 3B coach in MLB.

You cost us a run….in a game where we cant afford to give them up. Nice.

@Lamar: Good point about the playoffs.

@Beer Guy: As far as people hating the Yankees organization, I always find it funny when Cowboys fans think that. I look at the Steinbrenners a lot like Jerry. They both want to win, and that’s all that matters. They will do whatever is within the rules (or find loopholes) to win. As a fan that’s all you can ask for.

I miss pudge’s arm!

@Evan: Great quote!

Gotta wonder if Millwood isn’t suffering from either a nagging injury, fatigue, or both…

@PTRF: You are correct sir! Which is why I detest the Cowboys!

@scooper: you planning on hitting any of the ranger games left?

beautiful throw, pudge!

@Beer Guy: Noted. Hate away on the Yanks then.

Milly’s game plan….walk everyone, then have Pudge throw them out.

Not sure Anderson holds him if he didn’t heaitate

I would agree with PTRF especially with both stadiums opening this year, but lately it seems like Jerry has stepped back a little bit from the limelight. Luckily the Jerry wannabe up in DC still thinks he’s gonna buy a championship and that always makes for good comedy for the rest of us….

@scooper: i might just have to go to that game.

d@mmit!

Yeah, that looks more like Rangers’ Red.

I think what irks me most about the Yankees is not the org. It’s the ****iness of the fans (not all-no offense PTRF) The majority of them are just insufferable. I don’t think Cowboys fans are as high and mighty as Yankee fans.

@all…I’m calling church on Millwood’s season. I can’t remember the last time he had a real good start.

Nice slide by A-Rod. He plays for “my” team, but he’s an idiot.

@PTRF: At the risk of belaboring this issue, I’ll just say that mainly I dislike the organization (Yankees, that is) because of their dominance in the late 90s-early 2000s (I simply got sick of them always winning), and because of the whole money/salary issue, which I think is very much to the long-term detriment of the sport. At least Jerry Jones is bound by a salary cap…

@Rangers Fan: Yes, there are a lot of Yankee fans that are pains in the a$$, but not all of us.

Is he still dating Madonna? Was he ever actually dating Madonna?

Millwood makes me sad.

Its like I said the last time the out-of-shape poor excuse for a #1 starter had an abortion of an outing, the dude is not good. He is either hurt, or he just sucks. There is no other way around it. And dont talk to me about what he did in April and May. Hes doing the same crap he has done his entire overrated career.

And theres a homerun. Get his ass outta here, put Mathis in, and give us a chance to win a freaking game.

@ehren: I’m down the left field line, Section 9, Row 23. It’s Dog Night, so I’ll be there with Bernard (terrior/schnauzer).

This is NOT what we needed from Millwood!

@Beer Guy: I think most people have dated Madonna.

This is going to sound weird…but I hope there is some sort of minor injury with Millwood. Otherwise, he has just lost it. I really think the last time we saw a good, ace type start was in June.

31 pitch first inning. And Joba leads the majors in pitches per inning. Something doesn’t match up here.

Well, the game is still early, one of two things can happen. The Rangers score several runs to come back strong, or they collapse and lose by 20.

All: This ain’t over. Trust me. I’ve watched Joba all year. He’s started 23 games this year, and only has 11 decisions. That should tell you something about his ability to hold leads and stay in a game.

disgusting first inning. borbon botched that badly at 2B.

Millwood looked gutless out there. The walks made him seem scared to attack this team. I suppose he was “unlucky”? Give me break.

TKT thinks he has fallen out of shape. Maybe, maybe not. But he looks horrible.

JasonO- that’s a line from The Hangover. The tkt is just borrowing it.

I’m in a foul mood. See you boys tomorrow.

What a kick in the nuts that first inning was. I dont see how it could possibly have been any worse.

If Millwood is done (injury/fatigue) for the rest of the year, what the heck do we do? What’s the update on McCarthy? Harrison? Who will be the 5th starter if we need one? The time to have answers for these questions is NOW, and JD and Nolan better have some GOOD ANSWERS.

later Jack! nice question to JD today.

We can come back from this if it’s the recent shaky Joba. Then again, we often seem to have a way of helping struggling and/or mediocre pitchers look like Cy Young…

McCarthy is doing rehab starts in AAA. He’s close.

@PTRF: don’t mention it. EVER! LOL

Up-oh…now down 4-0, you know our hitters will revert to form and stop working counts (ala Byrd) and play right into Joba’s hand.

Millwood needs to fight like the “Ace” he supposedly is and find a way to get through at least 5, or else our pen is screwed and you’re looking at a sweep.

Is it Dutch Oven time yet?

Here comes a 2 run Crush job!

ok- good at bat here Davis…

Nice…

a walk. very encouraging.

GREAT START FOR CD

@IrishP1 – The other rivalries that come to mind for me are: NYY vs. NYM, OAK vs. SF, and the long-gone NYY vs. LAD.

As for the poll, I voted for Oakland. My reasoning was they are a division rival that dominated for a long time in the late 80′s, the Moneyball lovefest, and their players always seem to be guys that are fun to hate.

Yes, I hate the Yankees, but their disdain for us makes it seem like we are a sycophant 10-year old tagging along with our 17-year old brother and his friends, hoping they will pay attention to us.

Here comes the “real” Joba.

@evan please explain why our young guys are more patient than the veterans? this is really frustrating! We really needed that run in the 1st.

This game is not about the offense tonight. Its about Millwood being on the mound. I dont care if we score 6 this inning, does anyone REALLY feel comfortable with fatboy on the mound?

there is life!

see, you wait and you get a good pitch …

that pitch was nowhere near where it was supposed to be.

Millwood-take-two

Now what will Millwood do…

Alright, good inning to keep close…buckle up everyone, Millwood’s coming back out….

@IrishP1 – Agreed. And that’s just sad. And that was the point I was getting to.

Classic Joba. Get two outs, lose focus, give up hit, don’t hold runner, walk a guy, get behind again, groove one for a hit.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Joba Chamberlain.

haha! I’m stuck in a hotel room in ATL and the video on my MLB.tv package went out (worst service ever), so I’m having to listen to the Yankees radio network…

They have this chick who is providing color and her quote to describe A-roids D on the Elvis 2B goes as follows:

“A-rod just couldn’t get on his knees fast enough there”

- I couldn’t agree more!

C’mon Milly….suck it up and have a shutdown inning!

@PTRF: Where do you fall on the SP or RP issue for Joba?

@Jason O: That is the “great” Suzyn Waldman. She’s a ton of fun to listen to all year…sigh.

@Jason O: It must be your internet service there. I am having no problems with MLB.tv tonight (rarely ever have problems)

I love watching that “Ghosts of Flatbush” documentary on HBO. Might be the best one they have done as far as sports goes….

So good to havve Davis back in the field…

Nice job CD!

The Dodgers and Yankees don’t play every year since Interleague has started, have they?

Alright Pudge, let’s throw out Jeter again…

To all the CD haters, the first two innings are exactly why fans were begging for him to have another shot.

@Evan: Hah! Nice, so he still follows them, eh? Vin Scully is about the only thing I like about the Dodgers now. I especially find the whole story of Chavez Ravine really shameful and distasteful. You should read about it if you don’t know about that business already.

@The Beer Guy – yea, its the hotel internet here…everyone else slowing it way down with ughhhh….”other streaming video”.

I finally got the MLB app to work on my iPhone though, so HELLO tiny screen baseball!

Also, welcome back Crush! Great walk, score a run, then show of your “he just has a glove” to Goldstein!

@The Beer Guy: Yeah, but he now asks me about the former Braves that toil for the Rangers. He was big on Mark DeRosa a couple years back, now big on Andruw Jones. I’ll have to break the news about the hammy to him.

@TBG – Are you referring to the business of moving the Dodgers to LA or something else? Cause if you’re referring to the move, there’s only one guy to blame for that and that is Robert Moses….

@Evan: Couldn’t agree more with that 7:00 statement! And in the absolute worst case, he can’t be any worse offensively than Hank had been since the ASB. I mean, in one AB he has like 30% of Hank’s walks in that time!

@scooper: I meant to tell you congratulations and say I was wrong…for only the second time in my life. Andruw accepted the DL assignment. You were right, I was wrong. You’re smart, I’m dumb. You’re great, I’m overrated.

Milly is obviously not sharp, tonite, nor has he been since the ASB, but he seems to have a particular 2 out problem tonite.
Got out of it, but how many pitches now–50?

@Irish: Well, generally yeah, but I mean the whole story behind Chavez Ravine (it was a neighborhood) and the way they basically took it for the stadium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A1vez_Ravine

The sections 1940s and 1950s deal with what I am talking about.

White Sox tied it up against Boston. Keep it up, South Siders….

TAG doesn’t give a s***.

Maybe Jones can take a rehab stint in AAA to fix his swing…

Time for a Joba meltdown. He doesn’t understand the concept of picking up your defense.

Not a good place to steal…

Now, why in hell would you send Josh there? Marlon’s bat has been lukewarm at best. Doesn’t make sense….

20/20 hindsight: not sure I buy Hammy going there, with Byrd up

@Fred, I dont care what he did in April and May. All I care about is if the guy on the mound tonight can help my team win. Since July 1st, the Rangers are 3-5 with him on the mound and he has an era around 6. Coming into tonight game, for his career he is exactly a .500 pitcher with an era right around 5.00 In other words, he is reverting right back to the guy he has always been.

I love CD at first base!

I was always more partial to “Handlebars” Davis. He looked like a badass!!!!

That may have been the best inning he has pitched all year. Nice job.

If I have that right, Millwood had four pitches in the third. That’s kind of a comeback.

*** in my previous post, I obviously mean for his RANGER career, NOT entire career ***

Kinsler needs to be benched after that lackluster swing.

@Evan – read anything into Blalock’s use of the pronoun “They?” Was his tone ok?

That’s two AB’s and two pop ups for Kinsler. Rudy, you’re on watch again….

YES Network SUCKS

Man, I don’t blame Kinsler for being so defensive towards fans these days…

@Last: Blalock is disappointed and hurt. He’s about to turn 29 and become a free agent and he’s doing nothing to help his long-term career. But I was impressed with how he answered the question I asked him about dealing with this. He could have chosen to not respond. He instead said he’s got to have a good approach going forward.

The most fustrating hitters to watch on this team Itme to vote your choices

a Kinsler
B Cruz
c Blalock
d Jones

I am going to go with kinsler I like kinsler but it just amazes me that somebody can not get him to stop that uppercut swing that just drives me crazy and the most madening thing to watch in my opinon.

Both pitchers appear to have a “2 out thing”

It’s interesting turning the corner out of the steroid era to see players like Blalock and Jones be pale shadows of their former selves in their late 20′s and early 30′s. For a long time there, it seemed like if not for injuries, EVERYONE continued at the peak of their powers until at least 35.

Blalock might be looking at the end rather than future security

@Evan.

He’s not.. NOT about to turn 29. HES NOT EVEN CLOSE!

HE HAS A LONGGGGGGGG TIME TO GO!

(Note: I have the same birthday, just one year earlier, so 11/21/09 can’t be far enough away.)

I like it… Again!

Have I mentioned that Joba loses focus?

@Last: Sorry, he’s turning 29 and you are hitting the big 3-0. But don’t feel bad. I’m turning Hank Aaron’s uni number in two weeks.

JULIOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Chamberlain now at 80 pitches.

Look at that!
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE NOW!!!!
Let’s do this dance!!!!

The 2nd best thing about that hit? The upcoming NO DOUBT double steal.

1) Hate to see Hank go out embittered, unsuccessful and in denial. I watched him coming thru the minors-loved him and his approach and intensity.
2) Elvis is the new Ted Willams–for one night, at least

Borbon may be better served to go to the Instructional League to learn how to run bases and play the outfield. He runs us out of too many inings. He is a rally stopper too often.

Yes! Great job!!

Once again, will ALL of the people who wanted to get rid of Borbon, and Feliz, and Smoke, and I don’t know how many other players in EVERY trade, PLEASE STAND UP. EVAN, MY FRIEND, you know that Includes you

Elvis!Elvis!Elvis!

(sorry I’m a little late)

It’s a cage match triple threat for MVP….

Mikey vs Jeter vs Tex

NO HOLDS BARRED!!!!

I hope all the Ranger (vets) except MY, see how these kids are schooling them and learn.

PTRF – I’m not familiar with the Yankees middle relief. How has your pen looked this year, sans Rivera?

TEXAS!!!! Guys I live in Connecticut and if we can take 2 of 3 from NY it will be so sweet to talk baseball with these yankee bastards…

Make that five straight two-out hits. Young taking second produces another run.

Evan,
I was thinking of your post from 33,000 feet yesterday. That’s an excellent example of utilizing the “running game” (Borbon taking third, allowing Young to take second), even if it doesn’t involve a steal.

Should send Byrd to AAA to work on his swing too. He’ll be the inning ender.

@PTRF: and, once again, you are right! I hear and I believe!

@Brett: It produced a run and there is nowhere that will show up.

I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!!

@RAT: Marlon is one of Rudy’s reclamation projects.

@Evan: statheads will tell you that it will all work itself out over the course of the season, like everything else stats don’t measure, lol.

as the saying goes and a child shall lead them but for this saying lets go with the childern shall lead them

Hold your breath with Millwood time!

Here’s the replay of Joba’s performance….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ95CvQZFb4

POW POW!!!!

@scooper: Trust me. I’ve watched this moron too long.

@Irish: The late inning guys have been great. Middle relief…not so much. Josh mentioned Dave Robertson warming up. He leads MLB in K’s per 9 innings, but walks way too many. Gets himself in unnecessary trouble.

Alfredo Aceves is another long guy that was great early on, but made a spot start right before the AS break and complained of soreness shortly there after. Hasn’t been the same since. After that it’s a bunch of spares.

Best half inning of Ranger baseball in recent memory.

Are you kidding me? Yank Kevin now. A first pitch hr? I don’t care if there was luck involved. Yank him now….

Damn, how bad to Cruz miss that? I hate to see it, but I think he shoulda caught that.

What a ridiculous homerun… hard to blame Millwood on that one… as much as I want to

How does Kevin Millwood suck so bad

What was Cruz doing? He thought it was way foul it looked like.

Why is Cruz playing left field?

Was it a clever ploy to try to fool the replay camera? Don’t think so, but here’s our cyber top 5 OF. Mighta been catchable.

Guys, I said this to start the game and I’ll say it again, CRUZ NEEDS TO DH and get as far off the field as possible…. Put Borbon in there from now on…

It hit 4 foot up the pole Cruz would have to jump like kobe to get that .

@Rangerette: It’s either supposed to be a tribute to Michael Jackson or a big foam #1 finger.

Even if they don’t want Borbon out there…Why not role with Marlon in LF, Josh in center and Cruz in right…like everyday before Josh got hurt.

@word-agree that it would have been a gem, but wish Cruz had been in the same zip code

Boston should’ve never taken Wagner. Waay too much ego and not enough arm. They will rue the day….

If Millie somehow grinds 5 innings out of this and the Rangers have the lead… hard to not be happy with that in an otherwise crappy performance

If that last pitch wasn’t a strike, Byrd should have walked last inning.

@Scooper, he is a Yankee fan.

Word: as much as I would love to agree with you, I’m under the mindset that no lead is safe with this team as of now….

Nevermind the thought of Borbon getting that home-run then.

@scooper: Thanks. I was at the last Yanks playoff win in the old stadium (game 3 against CLE in ’07) when Roger Clemens got booed and heckled for leaving the game injured. His last game ever and people were telling him he hadn’t done anything for the Yankees and was overrated. Gotta love Yankee fans.

@RyansDad: I know.

Nice job Milly!

That’s three 20-pitch innings for Millwood so far.

@alan: because he is the closest thing to an ace that we have been able to get for years. Fortunately, we are growing some of our own. Also, until the pitching started looking good this year, he was actually the best we had.

2-1 red sox top 7th white sox have 2 on and 1 out

@ryansdad: no problem. Hey, how are ryan and ryansmom?

I don’t know how many of you guys remember this, but Gaudin almost shut us out when he was with the Padres in Arlington

We should get to see Feliz tonight as a reward for having to watch Millie for 5.

@Irish: Yes, he pitched for oakland previously.

Nellie!!

Way to get back, Nellie. Nice revenge shot.

Boom goes the dynamite.

This park make Minute Maid look like the Polo Grounds

Doing good. We had a little family b-day party tonight for the little booger, that’s the reason for my tardiness.

I’m calling one for Crush here

Chris looks great tonight.

2-2 red sox and white sox top 7

Guys I can’t watch the game so can someone tell me if Davis’ batting stance looks different????

can we get OKC hitting coach up here ASAP to work with Ian… Thanks… CD looks like a totally different hitter… he won’t swing unless it’s his pitch

@ryansdad: how old?

Nellie gives and Nellie takes away.

@Irish: Don’t know about Gaudin on OAK. Just know he sucks now.

Come on White Sox!

good evening all! sorry I’m late, but the score sure looks good.

8:08: Buck is a homer pool winner. Repeat: Buck is the winner. Homer pool is now closed. Swim at your own risk. Buck email me.

@Texas: yeah, it is different. more open, less upright (back leg is obviously bent).

LOL. I loved it when Jerry was laughing at the punter.

I assume your comment was in reference to the Cowboy Stadium scoreboard debaucle.

hey chris davis is having a pretty good game. how does he look at the plate…relaxed? calm? confident? patient?

All of the above Jeffrey.

White Sox up 3-2 with bases loaded in top 7. Two outs.

1. ok – i didn’t really go away.
2. JasonO – good. I was about to come pick you up make you watch the movie (how can anyone not have seen that movie?)
3. Evan – as you know, I wanted Hank gone a long time ago. That being said. I’m sad for him and impressed by his professionalism. I hope he takes joy in this ride, remembers some of the clutch hits he had (2 walk offs, plus the big hr against Morrow) and finds a good home next year (maybe the Padres for the minimum and a chance to resurect his career, especially if the Friars move A. Gonzalez).
4. Ehren – thanks. been wondering where you’ve been.
5. Borbon is driving the ball tonight.
6. Surely Mathis is at the ready, right?
7. Once again, I repeat my request for a 6 man rotation in Sept. to keep the arms fresh.
8. If Davis is truly back, look out.
9. Pudge may go down as JD’s second best trade in his tenure here.
10. Elvis has the brightest future of any athelete at this age I’ve seen come through here since Emmitt was a rookie.

Crap. Strikeout. 3-2 CHI going to bottom 7.

I know they’re not OFF the team, but as long as they’re NOT on the Field, I Don’t give a rats a$$ what they do

Biggest douche in professional sports? Alex Rodriguez?

Beginning to believe a little bit more those defensive stats that say Nelson Cruz is the best RF in baseball. Hammy’s jump is horrible out there.

@Jack Daddy: I’m not an A-Rod fan, but he has actually made a concerted effort this year to not be as douchey.

He basically told all of his handlers to leave him alone and he’s not talking to the media all the time like they wanted him to. He’s trying to fit in more this year and be “one of the guys”. he’s never done that before.

@PTRF: What is your take on the Posada/Burnett thing?

@all: last night made me happy that Laird was not a Ranger…anyone else?

@Jack Daddy, I agree with everything you just said.

My prediction is that Blalock ends up in SD next year.

Surely T.O. has to merit really strong consideration for that title…or maybe Carmelo Anthony? Never liked that guy.

Anyone else worried that 8 runs won’t win this game?

What is up with Millwood struggling so much after getting two outs.

A FOUR pitch walk? Are you kidding me.

And I get so sick of hearing how he “battles.”

@ Ryans: I said it earlier, no lead is safe with this team right now.

I seriously doubt that 8 runs will be enough.

@ IrishP1: there ya go, davis!!

@irish – that’s my #1. which one am i forgetting?

@Rangers Fan: I think there is a little something there, but overall it’s not as big a deal as they’re trying to make it out to be.

Burnett is 9-3 with a 2.59 ERA in last 12 starts. Posada caught 10 of those. The problem is that Burnett can get frustrated and let games get away from him. Then he feels like Posada isn’t calling the right pitches. Well, it’s up to the pitcher to throw what he wants. If you don’t like what the catcher called then shake him off and get the pitch you want.

I think they’ll be ok.

Now, sports fans, that’s a veteran pitcher. In a bad stretch, doesn’t have his best stuff or command, throws 50+ pitches in 2 innings, gives up 2 320′ homers and guts thru 5, Cyber folks: quantify “balls”.

Smoak is going to struggle bad with CD gone. He has no protection now.

c’mon Josh…run the ball out

What are the odds 8 wins this?

irish p1 – i’ve been hollaring for a high OBP/count worker, right handed bat to be brought in here next year (and think that will happen). But, I would toss that notion for a chance at Vlad. His bat looks very much back to me. I’ve watched him a bunch the last 10 days and he is raking.

I’d offer $15MM over 2yrs, plus $5 in incentives (.320 +25 HRs gets $5M more, each season).

The quote should say Millwood battles… when he gets himself in trouble for no reason.

Then again, you can’t say Millwood is a constant cake-walker, so battling sounds about right because he’s always faced with unnecessary adversity.

Let’s go KINS!

Jack: I would give anything to see THE ULTIMATE RANGER KILLER in a Texas uni. That would be a day of days….

I’m calling Cruz bomb over the LF ‘pen.

@Fred: I have 2, which, I’m told, is the usual amount

@evan – is there anybody else in baseball that you can think of that:

1. has the pure “stuff” that Beckett and Burnett have; AND
2 seem to just get lit up as much they each will get?

I can’t think of another pitcher off the top of my head (I don’t count Joba – he’s still a pup).

Particularly, Becket. For the life of me, I don’t understand how that guy EVER has a start like he had Sunday night.

All – Ian went to opp field his 3rd AB too. I know he’s still in 240s, but I like his approach so much better since beign back.

Did Cruz tweak his back or something? Bending over a bit too much.

@Ryans_Dad: Forget Noriko for a moment. You win! Everybody wins! Sorry, I get happy pants when y’all win in the Depot Game. Now make our advertisers happy and use them coupons tomorrow!

Now wouldn’t this be exciting…

Here comes a slam.

After seeing MY’s hug of CD in that interview theres no way hank getting benched hurt anyones feelings . Well besides hanks.

Pitch was so bad it was good.

Not to jinx anything, but it looks like Martin Perez is dealing tonight. (Knock on wood)

prediction:

Millwood gets taken out of the game this inning with the score 8-7

Don’t you know Noriko Itami was sitting on the edge of his seat at home?? hehe, too bad, woulda been nice for everyone

See? A little adversity didn’t hurt Perez. And now he is dealing as an 18-year-old in AA!

The kid is warming up. Let’s hope he has a big lead to work with in his first appearance in Yankee Stadium….

I hate how Washington doesn’t know how to manage a pitching staff…. HE’S GASSED…GET HIM OUT

Now, Feliz is up. He should be in the game right now. Sorry, but four of Millwood’s five innings have been stressful and he went to the mound with 93 pitches to start this inning. I suppose the thinking is he’s retired the two hitters he’ll face to start the inning, but he’s yet to get Derek Jeter out and he’ll hit third. Just can’t agree with this one.

Fred, you and me agree on something tonight.

BEWARE: Wash At Work…Millwood comes back out to once again show us the first was not a fluke. Will Wash ever go against his Vets First Rule?

I want to thank AJ’s hamstring too.

M. Byrd.

what a catch byrd

Byrd Man!!

ba ba ba ba ba ba BYRD BYRD BYRD THA BYRD IS THA WORD! MA MA MA MA OOO MA MOW MOW MAMA OOO MA MOW MOW!!!!

@evan – i usually agree with you. But not here. I ride Milly until he puts one on. he’s given up 1 run since 1st. every out he gets is one out we bring it closer to FF. Maybe it saves Oday or CJ to go 1 extra time in this series.

@alan – ditto.

Runners on the corners and nobody out for the White Sox. A little help would be much appreciated….

@Evan: are you leaving us in the off-season to become Marlon’s agent?

Not that anyone here cares, but Jeter is now 18 hits away from tying (and 19 from breaking) Lou Gherig’s record as the all time hit’s leader for the NYYankees.

Feliz coming in. Wise move, Wash.

SING LOUD!
SING PROUD!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!
FELIZ NAVIDAD!
FELIZ NAVIDAD!
PROSPEROS ANOS Y FELIZIDAD!!!!

The guys on YES just called Happy – Neftali Perez… and you wonder why I say these guys suck… they do no research on the opposing team… at least Lewin knows teh other team and can add something to the program

okay he dint make hit but he battled and I guess thats all you can ask what an effort

Nevermind the curve, Ricky, give em the heater….

atta boy Feliz

*kisses fingers, points to sky, walks back to dugout*

@word-there are balls and there are BALLS. Millwood has the latter–quality, not quantity.
Altho, I admit, I wouldn’t have sent the old warrior out for the 6t with what he had, tonight.

@Part Time – I believe it is singleton and cone

@jcouch: Cone’s probably hung over.

red sox white sox tied bot 8th

What’s the comment record for this depot dilly?

The best color announcer on YES is Paul O’Neil. You wouldn’t believe it if you watched him play and remember how upset and frustrated he would get, but he’s a riot in the booth. Always has funny stories to tell.

@ Jack D – these guys on YES saw feliz come in and it sound like this was there 1st time hearing of him… they said WOW his numbers are astronomical… they had no clue who he was

there is something to be said about chemistry, you can sense the younger players are following the lead of vets such as Young and Byrd. This is so exciting to see now, and anticipate.

Borbon and Elvis are so disciplined… I love it and not too mention Smoak draws a lot of walks as well and CD looks better at the plate

@jcouch: Feliz hasn’t gotten a lot of national press. Most announcing teams only know about guys they’ve seen. The YES guys haven’t seen Feliz yet.

MY BABBBBYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Evan – the bad part abou the Twins game was RW had nobody ready to jump in. Tonight, he had KM on a short leash with Happy ready to go.

There’s new Yankee STadium for you.

Love you MY

Band box works both ways!

that’s what the threat of speed, stealing does for ya!!!!

MY wont get MVP but he should be in top 5 for sure.

There goes my hero….watch him as he goes!!!

Bay just gave the Red Sox the lead. Again. BLAST!

Guys, this is why Borbon NEEDS to be at the top of the lineup every day. SPEED KILLS. The pitcher is so worried about Borbon that he serves it up to Mike. I can’t wait until next year when you’ll have Borbon Leading off and Andrus hitting Second. They are going to wreck havoc on opposing teams

prtf – maybe not team announcers, but Baseball Tonight has been creaming over him since his debut (kind of surprising).

This should wake NYY fans up for the next two. They’ll be rabid tomorrow. Nice stage for Dutch.

What MY just did wasn’t exactly clutch but how big are those two runs the way that this game is going. I am biased towards MY but can we ask for anymore out of this guy?

There are only 3 active players with 7 or more seasons with 200+ hits and .300+ average. MY is one of them.

@Lee (as Norm Hitzges) EIGHT!

Hehe….love it. Teixeira vs Feliz, and Feliz wins.

Don’t think we’ve seen this quality of 1B play in a couple of months

Just a bit outside.

I hope Feliz strike him out…swinging

Bring in the 88mph curve to finish him off

WOW… YES had the last three FB @ 101, 101 and 100 to strike him out

Or just throw one by him, it doesn’t matter

3 consecutive over 100?! Pretty confident in his stuff, I’d say.

And Davis (23) is the “old man” of the youngsters!

this is the most quiet i’ve ever heard Yankee Stadium, and i lived there for 6 seasons.

I still can’t get over how effortless Feliz’ delivery looks.

@Jack: Exagerate much?

Wanna wager what leads off BT tonight?

(I know this is a weird question on a night he has 4 hits)…

But at what point do you start to worry about Hamilton’s power stroke? Or do you just figure it’ll come around at some point?

@ Fred- you are right but I believe he is so selective that he will be a better hitter in the majors bc he will get better pitches to hit… I am kinda glad he is struggling right now bc it is a learning experience… also, if wash would give Julio a chance he might at least be a ble to work a couple of walks and lay down some bunts against LHP

Why is Lewin talking about losing streaks?

I can’t speak for everyone, but if Hammy’s power never comes back but he hits at the clip he’s shown over the last month, I won’t ever say a word about it.

Yankee announcers raving about Feliz (“ball just jumps out of his hand” and Holland

1-0 tigers top 1

@PTRF: I’ll lift a XX to you, too! You may be a Yankees fan, but you are also obviously a gentleman. Thank you for spending the evening with us.

Part Time Ranger Fan -

Sure. Heck, I’ll even throw in a few conch fritters. Yummy.

@Jack-I usually agree with yo, but I sure hope you’re right, there

Hey, conch fritters!!! haven’t had those in many many years….

nice AB by Chris. Got good pitch to hit and had good swing. Just missed it.

Who pitches the 8th? I think you treat a 5 run lead vs. this like a normal 2 or 3 run lead. Maybe not CJ here, but at least ODay. Though he pitched all 3 games in TB.

BTW, has anyone seen this site. It gives each teams chances (in %) of winning division, winning WC, and making playoffs. Pretty cool.

http://www.coolstandings.com/baseball_standings.asp?i=1

NY announcers just said CD had been on a “rehab stint”–a mighty long one!

@Evan – any concern with Happy’s workload tonight?

How do you narrow it down to just 3 Up for the Post-Game tonight?

Borbon, MY, Hambone, Elvis, Davis, Happy…

How about 3 Up, 3 More Up?

I need to see this SI issue…how sweet would it be to have them both autograph it?

@fred – its probably more likely that Brandon starts in rotation and Harrison in OKC (JD understands you’ll need more than 5 starters to get through a season). But either way, Eddie and JJ are gone. Suspect Nippert fills the JJ role and they get a lefty in the market (unless Murray wows them in September, if given the chance). I suppose Kiker could also be an option, like Holland was this year. He just needs to stop hitting guys.

Didn’t really want to see Feliz come out for the 8th. Now he probably isn’t available for the remaining two games.

@alan – the last Rangers pitcher (other than Nolan, of course) that I was that excited to see his start for what he might do was Bobby Witt, as a rookie.

@scooper: It’s ok, you can let him rest. Use him against BOS.

@DC: they think there is no way we beat Boston.

@DC: I thought the same thing. I’m not a mathemitician (or speller), so I’m not sure how they come up with that.

Who is “they”?

Bring in O’Day.

@Rangers Fan

What SI issue?

Tigers up 1-0 on the Halos. Keep it up, guys….

just had a thought – what the hell are they saying to Feliz out there? I suppose Elvis translates? Such an awesome kid (Feliz and Elvis for that matter). Have I mentioned that I love this team?

@PTRF: Minnesota….
@Dan-drus: Apparently this weeks issue features Holland and Feliz.

before people begin to question why the use of CJ or FF, look at what NYY did vs. Boston on Sunday. They brought Rivera in for the 9th with a 4 run lead. You have to play the games against Boston, NYY and LAA a little differently. Such explosive offenses, that a 5 run lead vs. them is equal to a 2 run lead vs. say the Royals. Plus, you just CAN’T blow this kind of game.

I’m thinking Wash sneaks back and checks out Corner Comments between innings because he is looking a lot smarter

@Evan – you should check out Corner Bistro in the West Village. I’m sure youv’e been there, but the best burger in the City, by far. You can then swing around to White Horse Tavern and mingle with all the snooty NY writer-types (I assume WHT is still there).

Ummm Josh just called Borbon Jules..with a J. That’s a girl name! It’s Jules with an h sound!

I have to believe Pudge is a comfort for Feliz when he is behind the plate.

Mo hadnt pitched in 4 days

Kinda supports the question on Borbon vs LHP

And the “young” shall lead them…

I love all the “young” guys on this team, even if the only thing “young” is their last name.

@PTRF: That’s what’s been reported but JD said today there are no set rules.

@PTRF: those are “guidelines.” My guess is, if we need him Thursday (Yankees) and he says he can go, he can have his days off against the Twins.

It’s called The Feliz Tour. Everybody sees him only once and then he and they are gone until next visit.

Wow. Grilli? Seriously? What is Wash thinking here?!

I’m nervous about this…

Wash is thinking that if he can get out of this game without using C.J. and FF, then he will have them both for Wed. and Thurs.

I think I would have let O’Day stay in…

I think I pitch Mathis in the 9th.

GET OUT THERE WASH!!!

jeez – maybe grilli should have had a longer rehab stint. we need mccarthy back so we can get nippert back in pen.

Well guys, have I said this before, WASH DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO MANAGE A PITCHING STAFF…. Why in da hell is ODay not in there finishing the F*uckin Game when all he did was get a guy that was perfect until that at-bat… I hate Washington…. not personally, but just as the freakin joke he is for a Manager

Why didn’t he keep O’day in? What did Darren do in the 8th to not be considered for the 9th? I don’t get that move.

Last year I read on a certain Dallas daily newspaper blog from all sorts of unpleasant types that Michael Young was washed up. They were always bellyaching about his contract and how he couldn’t field or hit. Some suggested the Rangers should trade him and eat his contract. One even suggested if he were a man of honor he would return his undeserved gold glove.

Happily those toads didn’t follow Evan to his new home. MY is one of the classiest guys in baseball and is driving this team. Before his career is over I bet he wins a GG at 3rd and maybe wins another batting title.

Agree with decision to bring in FF here. Get this win and play loose the next two games.

@Irish: he had pitched 3 days in a row before having 1 day off.

That should be “tell us how you feel”.

Maybe since Feliz is tapped for two days I imagine he wanted to limit O’Day’s night so he could go tomorrow if needed.

Or am I wrong?

I’d have gone with Mathis instead of Grilli, but I’m glad RW went to FF before it got too out of control. But I understand holding back the top arms, even limiting O’Day since we hope to need them the next two days. We’ll see how this works out.

Oh dear FF does not look on…you can tell in his first few pitches.

Slow down there Jack, Game 3 in 06 was pretty bad

Freakin’ Frankie.

This is not good.
This is NOT good at all….

@PTFR: I thought the tying run had to be on deck.

please god tell me this isnt happenning not boston allover again if so please shoot me now please

crap

This is not looking good…

Still no outs…

Anybody else want to support Wash for letting Grilli start the inning… You CANT give the Yankees any leeway in their stadium. They are the epitomy of a Snow Ball Team. Once they get the ball rolling, it’s hard to stop

Why on earth did he go straight off-speed there…not good pitch calling there.

The Rangers have had a lot of terrible losses of late… They need to be like Millwood and battle through this, I’m tired of the whole “bounce back” talk, we need a winning streak.

Then it should be a save situation. And I think you are right. As soon as I typed “on deck” it didn’t sound right.

Oh, and just to pour salt on this open wound, the Angels just took the lead against Detroit….

Posada, Cano, Swisher combined 1-for-19 in career against Francisco.

Frankie has derailed a season before…can he do it again?

WHAT THE HELL DID WE DO TO PISS OFF THE BASEBALL GODS?! WHAT?!

DO you bring CJ in here? FF is missing the mit badly

Who do we put in now??? Feldman???

how does this happen

I don’t wanna get the wild card if this is what we’re gonna get….

If you wanna have a chance at winning this game you get CJ in there post haste.

Now, the bigger question is: is Franky Frank truly equipped to be a closer on a contender? I doubt it, sadly. I also fear CJ in these situations. Answer? Don’t think Feliz can do it every day.Don’t think we have a good answer

ONE down!

Nice break, but still a long way too go.

How can you ever trust Frankie after this crap

I am not the type to place blame on Wash without giving him his due. That being said, he totally mismanaged his bullpen tonight. With O’Day pitching as well as he did, why bring in Grili who didnt show anything last time. Once the first 2 runners got on in the 9th, I had a bad feeling and I dont usually get those.

Just throwin out there…this ump has sucked.

Awesome

ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS

YES!!!!

ELVIS LIVES!!!

Collective exhale

Biggest sigh of relief in my life… EVER!

Woo-F’in-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Frankie was ok. He got squeezed and didn’t give up some dinks and dunks. Whew. Hey, maybe we’re over the Oakland and Boston type losses.

Wow, what a game guys…

OMG!!!

Elvis!Elvis!Elvis!

Wow, what an ending! Congratulations, all.

Good…make up for that putrid strike zone

@PTRF: that’s pretty gracious for a Yankees’ fan. See you tomorrow?

can you believe the shift in the center of gravity to andrus holland and feliz……i’m just fine the leadership I see from them…….been a fairly quick transition but their impact is undeniable………

I think the record is something like 818. We can get it!

Boy, the result doesnt change the simple fact that Washington made absolutely HORRIBLE decisions with regards to the use of the pitching staff. He has NO feel for when a pitcher has it or has lost it. Neftali’s use (burning him for a day), not getting someone up in the 9th, etc….wow. As positive as “being in it in August when we didn’t expect it in April” (as JD said in his DMN chat today) is fun and worthy of credit…some of his “eyeball test” decisions CANNOT be ignored. I think questions about his decisions are not “un-American” (shout out to Pelosi – this is a joke) or unwarranted.

Again…great win, but Ron really wreaks of…to use a football analogy…”playing not to lose.”

He is making decisions for the wrong reasons I believe (to make his later decisions easier).

Tonight gets my vote for both the Best Win and Worst Win of the year…in the same game.

Baseball is a crazy game eh?

That being said, Wash screwed this up. Leave O’Day in to go 1-2-3 and get out of town without wasting FF and losing all momentum gained by a great offensive performance.

THANK GOD for Dutch Oven tomorrow…he is the one guy other than Feldman that I would like going tomorrow after this crazy game tonight. And he’s 22.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

Okay, Where does Jack Daddy go when he walks out on a Rangers win? And that is how BullPens are destructed. Just think if we didn’t have Feliz in the middle.

Oh my gosh! I was watching the telecast on Suddenlink with Cabrea batting, and the signal goes off at ten when the lease to FXSW was up! I go online to follow the at-bat on ESPN Gamecast, and RANGERS WIN!

I sure hope he is.

The only problem I had with the bullpen use by Wash was leaving Feliz in for 2 innings. I’d like to have him for tomorrow, too. But for the most part, people need to stop blaming the manager for a player’s inability to perform.

I give Player of the Game to Chris Davis, he in effect picked up the 3/10 split tonight by benching Blalock and sending Jones to the DL in one move. Pretty slick.

@beerguy: I really don’t think they will use Feliz on back-to-back days. He only did it once in the minors and I don’t think they want to take a chance with his arm.

@RyansDad: Great Point! Not to mention that he had a great game at the plate and in the field, too.

@PTRF: Absolutely, and believe me that no one would be complaining if Grilli had gone 1-2-3 there. “Way to go Grilli!”, they’d have said. So why blame the manager when he doesn’t go 1-2-3?

@scooper: Agree about Feliz. You have to think long-term. Wasn’t he a starter in the minors? Or did I hear that wrong? If he was a starter then you can’t start using him in back-to-back days. At least not yet. In the playoffs it may be a different story.

@PTRF: Damn, you’re magnanimous! Absolutely right, but also magnanimous.

Any win is a good win. Next week they will all look the same. Just another boring ‘W’

This would have been heartbreak city tonight…just an unbelievable win. I kept thinking if they could just get one out and a double play ball this could all be over. That wasn’t exactly the type of double play I was picturing though. I thought the guy looked safe at second base but I also thought Frankie and some of our other pitchers were getting squeezed in the strike zone, which obviously has a big impact on what type of pitch they can throw in a certain situation.

Great win! Let’s take another one tomorrow. If we can take one of the next two we will have made it through the toughest remaining stretch of the season playing .500 ball. We have a favorable schedule the rest of the way.

Why is Grilli on the roster if he can’t handle a 4 run leas? Those who are bashing Wash on this one are just silly

I think we are about 10 away.

My eyeball tells me that FF isn’t spinning the ball well right now. Not seeing a lot of life on the fastball. At least not until it gets in the strikezone.

Still a game and half back in the WC standings, but the schedule should be easier the next two weeks after they get back.

@Auditor: I think we may have the record, but I’m not totally sure what it is. Do you remember?

@PTRF: I’m dating myself – it is an old-fashioned word, but I kind of like it.

WE did it. New record (prior record for comments was 821 for the Friday 8/7 game vs LaA).

Congrats all.

LA 3-2 over Detroit, top 5th…come on Tigers!

I am most interested in seeing how Holland does under the bright lights tomorrow (in NYC and on ESPN).

Should be a true test for Wonder Boy.

uh, positive.

@auditor: The Yanks have played very poorly on national televised games this year.

Call it Wash’s Revenge. There was no other way he could have kept everyone engaged for the many sponsors if he had played it straight.

@Beer Guy,

Not putting my hopes for an LaA collapse. After Det they have 4 vs Oak, 6 vs Sea and 4 vs KC in a row.

sorry, top 9.

Have a good night, scooper. See ya tomorrow.

happy win for the good guys! sorry i missed all your magic tonight.

@PTRF,

The thing I find unique about the Colo rise (just the same miracle, fire the manager and then win win win for the 03 marlins) is that Jim Tracy was blamed for a lot for bad managing when he was with the Pirates.

A goat in one place and a guineas in another.

@Tom B: Take it to the Flying Saucer or Flying Fish (multiple locations for your $5 off tomorrow). I’m partial to the Flying Fish at Preston Center. Grits and Gumbo is a personal favorite.

No, You can’t start the fire and then call the fireman to put it out and call it a save. Batter in the hole to tie to be a save.

@Evan, I’ll tell’m you sent me. They say, “Huh?”

One thing to consider, I have visited two ballparks this year. The Ballpark here of course and Coors Field back in June. Good luck charm? I think the records speak for themselves.

@Auditor: I believe that the scouts were probably very adament about the need to be patient against Joba. He’s had control issues all year. Throws WAY too many pitches.

Do people who call into post game shows have to fail an IQ test?

This is what I found for google search for baseball saves:

here’s the rule:

10.20 Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:

(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:

(a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
(b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or
(c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings.

@DC, I think RJ would have given him instructions on what it would take to get back to the Bigs, no?

Uhh Rudy did not help Chris one bit. He gets zero credit for helping him get back. ZERO. In fact, according to reports, Rudy all but threw his hands up and didn’t have any idea. Telling, huh?

Intersting, 3-3 LAA and Det game.

@A. Watcher: The Yankees radio team (John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman) are tough to listen to. In NY they are polarizing. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em. A lot of people hate ‘em.

Instead he strikes out. Now will probably walk guy and load bases. Then LAD needs DP to get out of it.

Intentional walk… bases loaded.

@Auditor: Yep, just watched it. Tulo with walk off hit. Wow. Dodgers collars have to be getting a little tight.

Thought Tulo was about to break into a HR trot.

Nice win. Odd, just not a LAD fan with Manny on the team.

BTW, were was Broxton tonight? He has not pitched since Aug 22.

Jack Daddy never walks out on a Ranger game. I just like to be dramatic. But I did close the site. And I did 100% think this was a L. I almost wept when we won. I also went back and read everything, so relax, relax.

A Watcher – FF is a Free Agent after next year. CJ after 2011. Byrd this year. Every other Ranger (other than OV, Pudge, JJ) are locked up at least through 2013.

sorry, Hamilton and Feldman are FA after 2012.

and of course MIllwood is free after next year (if he pitches 180 this year, otherwise free after 09). Bottom line – this team is together for a long time and the only 2 real difficult decisions are Byrd and CJ (I think they let FF walk, in an easy decision).

@Jack,

Millwood is at 161 innings after tonight. Just hope when he hits 180 he does not turn into a pumpkin.

LaA losing…

@auditor – Holland is a big game warrior. He rises up. He’s like the pool house shark that gets better when money is on line. I feel pretty good about tomorrow. 7 IP, 3 runs. 8 Ks 1BB.

It looks like:

Granderson tripled, then
Polanco tripled, then
Ordonez hit sacrifice fly

Det 5 LaA 3

i agree with Evan – Granderson would be on my very, very short list of players I would love to add to this team.

1. Granderson
2. Abreu
3. Joe Nathan
4. Vlad the Impaler
5. Curtis Wilkerson

I don’t know about how ESPN ranks the depth of the starting pitchers for the Rangers. In order, they have:

Millwood
Feldman
Hunter
Holland
Nippert

I would have Holland ahead of Hunter… at least right now. But Hunter does have the lowest starter ERA.

justsayin – FF wasn’t hit hard tonight at all. this is a good hitting team. FF left the curve up to Godzilla (and is fortunate he didn’t hit it out), but otherwise, really didn’t make a bad pitch. The umpire had a tight zone and wasn’t giving the corner, low and away.

FF may indeed be less dominating. But I thought his stuff was fine tonight. His FB probably didn’t seem so fast to their hitters after 2+ innings of Happy.

So, Jack, you’d use 4 instead of 3? And it’s interesting how Millwood has fallen. Can’t say I blame you, though.

Yes I would use 4. As much of a Holland fan as I am (well documented) and although I would start Holland in game 2 (saving Millwood for home, where he has been a beast in his career), I COULD UNDERSTAND the logic of using Hunter instead of Holland, to give you Holland as a lefty in the pen. But, I prefer a 4 man rotatin, using both. In that case, I don’t care which of Holland or Hunter starts game 2/4. I think Holland has the best stuff, so I don’t think you “save” that and in 6 weeks, he should be that much better.

Bases loaded, 2 outs in LA.

I agree with Jack, like Holland on the road to start game 2 (tomorrow will be a proxy assuming the Yanks have the best record and Tex wins the WC).

Detroit dodges a bullet.

Bases loaded and a wild pitch, goes about halfway to the 3rd base dugout. Catcher gets to the ball and throws out the runner at home (IMO he looked save). Ump rings him up.

Gratuitous Post just to make the post count an even 900.

Abreu was out, better camera view after the commercial break. Poor slide at home though.

@auditer – it looked close live, but on replay, not really close at all. horrible slide by abreu. started it too soon and went wide with his lead leg, which never caught plate. pitcher did nice job of blocking plate and tagged back foot. huge play by Det.

SF gets the win PTRF.

Considering the Abreu slide, does anyone ever slide head first into home?

Some guys dive into 1st, almost always head first for 2nd and 3rd, but not home? hmmm.

I can’t figure out our bullpen. Since Feliz has been back, it should be our biggest weapon. And on many nights it has been. But it’s blown 4 games since then and almost 2 more:

1. Oak in Feliz’ debut (the CJ meltdown to blow the collective 1 hitter)
2. Boston on Friday.
3. The Twins game that Hunter started.
4. The Twins game that Feldman started.
5. The Saturday game vs. TB (though the game was tied, so not reall blown, but still
6. Tonight.

We need to get the pen set up. I believe we will.

@auditor – i don’t think they will go head first if the catcher is set up and blocking the plate. too easy to break a finger and you are going to get through the catcher. if the catcher has to move up to get the ball and the come back, you’ll see head first slides to sneak around it.

i’ve never heard this and just made it up, but it sounds good!

@ptrf – espn.com reported that Tor TURNED DOWN Buccholz, Masterson and Bowden (plus 2 good hitting prospects) because they insisted on getting Bard.

I don’t think any package NYY could offer around Joba could match that.

JP Ric. should be fired for turning that down. And tortured.

clete thomas with the amazing catch up against the wall to rob extra bases and get out of the inning!

@ all i think it would be more prudent to wait until late september to think about playoff rotations……
how about what should holland be focused on tommorrow? key of the game?

@JustSaying: The Yanks are very good at making a pitcher work. They can drive up pitch counts. He needs to throw strikes and trust his defense. Don’t give them any free baserunners. Pretty simple stuff.

justsaying – nah, too fun! if we wait to talk about it, may not get the chance!

Key to game tomorrow is the key to every Holland start:

command fastball early, get ahead in counts and finish hitters with the slider and change.

2 on, none out. Dang F. Rodney.

Abreu is a steal. The Yanks let him go because they thought he would command too much money. Well, that and they were tired of his brutal defense. He is an offensive machine, though.

9 hits for LaA tonight and only 1 as extra bases. Typical LaA.

abreu was the pickup of the winter, no doubt.

Ballgame!!

Papelbon’s an A$$. He’s always misunderstood when he makes stupid comments. Can’t stand him and that stupid stare.

@Auditor: And to think they started the run being 12 games UNDER .500. Now 18 over. Incredible. Imagine if they had just played .500 ball before going on the run. They’d be running away with the division.

When they went to the WS in ’07 didn’t they win something silly like 20 of their last 23 games? I don’t remember the exact numbers, but it was silly.

Just looked it up…they went 20-8 in Sept ’07.

ptrf – but you’re right, it was like 20 out of 21 or somesuch.

finally calmed down enough to go to bed.

Guess I have to pull for SAN ANTONIO!

Evan threw out a challenge of 950 comments for tonight. We’re almost there. Let’s get over the top before we retire for the night.

Lol. You’re probably right.

As Rodney Dangerfield would say “no respect” for the Rangers.

Well, the Yanks do have the best record in MLB and are playing at home. They score a ton of runs. Doesn’t surprise me that they are big favorites tomorrow. However, as a Yankee fan I’m not feeling easy about it. Holland has looked great and Pettitte struggles at home. He gets freaked out by the cheap homers to RF and it gets in his head.

Starting to get worried about Grilli.

Nice to see the Rangers on within the first 5 minutes of Sports Center. Uber rare.

Err, maybe it is because of who we played.

And they had the final play… looks like Elvis did not turn the double play.

I think that if they get into the playoffs any rules for Feliz will be thrown out the window. I think they’d use him everyday if the situation called for it.

NF is like our David Price this year.

Nice to have.

If he was indeed safe that is a huge break for TEX. Jeter would have been up, and he’s only hitting .392 for Aug. Would have had a chance to tie it up. Oh, well. Every game has close calls. You win some, you lose some.

I agree, nice to see a call go to the Rangers.

Also, to me it seemed like FF was nailing the bottom half of the strike zone and not getting the calls he should. Game should not have been that close.

Must be Latin night. Isn’t that Spanish for Giants?

It’s better than mistakenly having “Natinals” on your jersey.

Didn’t O’Day wear someone else’s uniform when he first got to Rangers? That’s funny, too.

Auditor, it’s been fun. I must get some sleep. See ya tomorrow.

Wow, I didn’t hear that. I knew he was sick, but hadn’t heard the news.

Just a strange summer for famous deaths.

Still, wow.

Okay, one last post.

Guess the semi finals pairings for the Little League World Series.

Texas vs New York.

You heard it here first!

@Auditor, You are up way past normal unless you are auditing The Dude From Afganistan.

A mere dozen or two from the fabled thousand post category which would bring honor to all and running out of steam.

Okay Tom B, you have replaced PTRF. Let’s do it.

err, sorry for the double post.

How about Them Rangers?

It is now about 15 seconds between hitting ‘Send’ and the computer registering it. I’m thinking some crazy intern has been told to stay until the last poster. He is starving and worn out but he perserveres. Dang Brave Soul

Around midnight that started happening. Could not post for awhile. But Jack and PTRF could. It was odd.

Might be due to Firefox.

As if.

I think that must be some weird forecast for Wednesday’s game. Stand-by for details.

If the Rangers play .500 baseball the rest of the way they will be brushing 90 wins. I think we can do better than 50-50.

ESPN is going to have a field day with the blown call for the final out.

I thought Couch in Conn said the replay showed OUT.

You win some, you lose some and some get rained out. It’s over, we have the “Inglorious Basterds> Scalp to prove it. Case Closed.

If you can’t see it immediately anything can be edited out. I wouldn’t trust a CPA to figure it out now.

Biggest question I have is will AJ come back and play for the Rangers in 2009… don’t think it will happen.

I agree. The next major milestone is if we can get 1k plus comments IN GAME.

I cannot see Byrd back. The outfield is too “full” with Hambone, Murph, Borbon, Cruz. Byrd is, I believe 32, and on the downside of his career.

Also, he has Boras as his agent I believe. Nothing ever comes good out of Boras client in Free Agency.

Spoken like a true Auditor but again you missed ‘One Bean.’ It is now 1010. Easier to digitize.

Let’s keep this going!

Don’t worry Auditor, I here. It is only 9 am in Europe. I keep you company.

No need, still here.

Tired though…

@Auditor, Are You that Energizer Bunny I remember? Doesn’t your battery ever run down? You are now entertaining Europe. Last night it was Afganistan. You are truly a man for all seasons. I salute you or will lead the burial detail. Lead On, Mistro

last!