AP MFY IGT - 2006

[Frayed Knot]

Man he was awful - just another example of relievers who look great one year but burn you in long-term deals. He ws indespensible during their WS year but has been injured, lousy, or both ever since. He's signed thru next season still.
-- After getting the 2nd out of the 9th (on a 400' fly) with an 8-run lead - Foulke suddenly served up: 2R-HR, HR, 2B, 2B, before finally getting the last out as Papelbon was warming in the pen.


And as if the Saturday loss didn't suck enough - holding on to that lead would have meant a 5-game losing streak for the Yanx including 4 straight to NYM & Boston. Shirley that could have set off a panic somewhere.

[metirish]

Ken Davidoff from Newsday feeds the A-Rod haters...the headline alone says it all...

] If it doesn't count, count on A-Rod BOSTON -- Oh, A-Rod. Even when you do something right, it seems so wrong. Of course, Alex Rodriguez smoked the first pitch he saw from Keith Foulke last night well over the Green Monster, the embodiment of a garbage-time home run. His two-run blast pulled the Yankees from down eight to down six in the ninth inning, and things grew mildly intriguing before the Red Sox's former closer settled down to conclude a 9-5 Yankees' loss. Joe Torre, of course, saw the positive in that ninth inning. "These guys are playing their tails off," the Yankees' manager said afterward. But experience dictates that if Rodriguez's 439th homer will be recalled at all by the fan base, it will be done so derisively. More definitive, in the minds of the many A-Rod Haters, will be his four-pitch strikeout against nemesis Curt Schilling to lead off the fourth inning -- right after the Red Sox knocked around Chien-Ming Wang for four runs in the bottom of the third. And with Gary Sheffield likely to be back in the Yankees' lineup tonight, this period will go down as one more blown opportunity for Rodriguez to win some more hearts among his own team's fans. Sure, Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon could have done more, too, since Hideki Matsui joined Sheffield on the disabled list. But A-Rod always takes the biggest hit, because he's A-Rod. "I wish I could say something was wrong with me," Rodriguez said after the game. "I've never been more healthy in my career. When I stink, I just stink." We've seen him stink worse, like in last year's American League Division Series loss to the Angels, and really, the Yankees could have done worse in this stretch without their corner outfielders. They went 5-7, including the May 11 game in which Matsui broke his left wrist. Yet right now, having lost four of five and closer to third place (a half-game ahead of Toronto) than first (2 1/2 games behind the Red Sox), the Yankees seem mired in a funk. Perhaps Sheffield, and his violent swing, can add some life. Sheffield doesn't seem to drown in thought the way Rodriguez does. The game doesn't seem to find Sheffield, the way it's always bumping into A-Rod. "What we do here is, every single day, the measuring stick is different here," Torre said, prior to the game, of Rodriguez. "His individual achievement [takes on importance], even though we think in terms of winning a game, and I know he takes on a great deal of responsibility and takes on a great deal of disappointment when he doesn't produce." Since May 11, Rodriguez is 13-for-47, with three homers and seven RBIs. That's not terrible, but what stands out most, probably, is his 0-for-4 outing in Sunday night's 4-3 loss to the Mets. He left the bases loaded in the fourth inning with a line drive that Cliff Floyd reached to catch, and in the eighth, with runners on first and second and one out, he hit into a 6-4-3 double play. "He's got to let go of what happened yesterday, or two minutes ago," Torre said. "That's the most important thing, is being able to move on from right now and not trying to make up for it. And I have a sense that some of it's there, even though he's not going to volunteer that. And I wouldn't expect him to." The money is great, but being A-Rod has its downside. You have people trying to glom onto your success; yesterday's Boston Globe featured a long story on Jim Fannin, a mental performance coach, who essentially took credit for turning A-Rod from a .220 hitter to a Hall of Famer. And, for whatever reason -- maybe it's his aura, maybe it's the $252-million contract -- his big-moment failures seem to carry far more weight than his achievements. "Definitely the contract has been more of a focus," Rodriguez said yesterday. "In the first six years, I couldn't do anything wrong. Anything. I would screw up, and it would be celebrated." Well, at least that's not an issue anymore.

[MFS62]

]When I stink, I just stink

You'd never hear Jeter admit that.

And that's why I like A-Rod.

Later

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

The "Arod isn't clutch" bashing is probably the most ridiculous, unfair criticism I can recall in the last 10 years of my MFY-hating, but as long as it continues to eat away at the confidence of the team and their fans, I count it as a net positive.

[Elster88]

Johnny Dickshot wrote: The "Arod isn't clutch" bashing is probably the most ridiculous, unfair criticism I can recall in the last 10 years of my MFY-hating

I agree. And there has been a LOT of dumbass bashing by Yankee-fans and Yankee-haters in that time.

[Frayed Knot]

In a way it's knid of fascinating to watch -- when I saw him HR last night down by 8 I just started laughing. He's the only guy in the league who would have been better off grounding out in that situation.

Of course it's almost totally based on pre-conceived notions. I mean how many times did all three sets of announcers (SNY, FOX, ESPN) say things like; 'here's the type of situation Jeter thrives on' over the weekend? Virtually every time he was up basically - and if/when he came through they had a 'we told ya so' moment and if he didn't they just ignore it and dust the same line off the next time.
Jeter had 6 hits over the weekend for instance (although 1 was that mis-played Sac Bunt and another should have been a 'E' on Wright) but also GiDP'd with 2-on/1-out down by 2; K'd w/a runner on 3rd and 2 outs; and ended Wagner's disaster inning by grounding out with go-ahead runs all over the place.
His 2-RBIs "single" past Wright was a great example. If Wright gloves that it's an inning-ending GiDP. One batter later, ARod hits an absolute bullet w/the bases juiced ... but right at Cliff in LF. But in this example, Jeter's clutch and Alex is a choking dog.


btw, if Jeter HRs while down by 8 runs it's not stat-padding, it's an example of his 'never say die' attitude.

[Guest Rotblatt]

A-Rod is to Yankee fans what
Benitez was to Mets fans.

Love. It.

Keep up the good work, MFY fans!

[Centerfield]

Email from my buddy who is an MFY Fan:

did u see the yanks game last night.... of course arod hits a focking 2 run hr when they are down by 8

it's like automatic

[Guest Edgy DC]

I'd love to have something automatic lke that on my team.

[Frayed Knot]

The only guy who suxx worse than Randy Johnson is Matt Clement -- Good Lord he was awful.

Unit tried real hard to lose this game but Clement would have no of it. Staked to a lead with another several Manny HRs + one from Youkilis, he proceeded to start walking the likes of Terrance Long, hitting Kelly Stinnett w/the bags loaded, and throwing wild pitches every batter or so just to keep everyone from getting bored. At one point they showed the career active leaders in WPs; all old guys (not surprisingly: Johnson, Wells, etc) plus Matt Frickin Clement who has about 1/3 the # of innings pitched as those other guys. He didn't survive the 5th.

Also doesn't help that the Sox ran themselves out of at least 2 runs and ... lost by 2 runs! Papi 0-5 w/4 Ks.

[Elster88]

Centerfield wrote: Email from my buddy who is an MFY Fan:

You spelled the word "moron" wrong.

[metirish]

Ok it happened again to me...yesterday I am in line at the A&P checking out, this huge fucking wanker in front who had just paid for his stuff looks at me and says..."a Boston cap huh?..I looked at him and says " looks like it right?"...what a fucking obnoxious bollox he was, even the checkout girl could not believe it...I assume he was a MFY fan..as he is wakling out he shouts back.." good luck to you".....FU wanker...

[Guest Bret Sabermetric]

The story changes once you realize that the Boston cap was ALL Irish was wearing in the checkout line.

[MFS62]

Elster88 wrote: ="Centerfield"]Email from my buddy who is an MFY Fan: You spelled the word "moron" wrong.

88, you owe me a new keyboard, and a cup of the coffee that is now all over my current keyboard.

Later

[Elster88]

="Frayed Knot"]The only guy who suxx worse than Randy Johnson is Matt Clement -- Good Lord he was awful. Unit tried real hard to lose this game but Clement would have no of it. Staked to a lead with another several Manny HRs + one from Youkilis, he proceeded to start walking the likes of Terrance Long, hitting Kelly Stinnett w/the bags loaded, and throwing wild pitches every batter or so just to keep everyone from getting bored. At one point they showed the career active leaders in WPs; all old guys (not surprisingly: Johnson, Wells, etc) plus Matt Frickin Clement who has about 1/3 the # of innings pitched as those other guys. He didn't survive the 5th. Also doesn't help that the Sox ran themselves out of at least 2 runs and ... lost by 2 runs! Papi 0-5 w/4 Ks.

I wonder if the Yanx have the pitching to get into the playoffs. And Pavano doesn't appear to be helping them any time soon.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

The MFY's loss to Kansas City (Basement Bertha should be on the cover of DN tommorrow) has been interrupted by massive thunderstorms. They lead 7-5 going to the bottom 9th, but in a Delay.

I can seee the lightning but no downpour here in civilization yet.

[Frayed Knot]

I can't believe the rain they were playing through in the top of the 9th.
Not only drenching rain coming down but also standing water all over the field. Royals didn't score in the top of the inning so the score's the same whether they resume the game or not.

[Frayed Knot]

Turns out that they waited 2+ hours in order to play the bottom of the 9th.
The Yanx promptly got 2 on w/1 out before Sheffield knocked in 1 with a (slightly) mis-played single. So w/1st & 3rd and only 1 out in a one-run game it looked like the Royals were going to find a way to go down to defeat number 14 consecutive ... and then Giambi GiDP'd.

So the night wasn't a total loss.

[stevejrogers]

Went to the game, saw Captain Intanglibles get hit #2,000. Snapped some pics as well

Fourth "milestone" game I can recall being at

Saw Don Baylor break the record for most career AL HBPs at Yankee Stadium and they STOPPED THE GAME and had a brief ceromony! And Baylor was a Sawk at the time! That was a real WTF moment

Caught Gooden's 100 win as a Met at Shea as well as Clemens 300th win/4,000th K game at Yankee Stadium

Speaking of Captain Intangibles, granted he's now the 8th Yankee all time to get 2,000 hits (behind the usual suspects) and it's actually is a noteworthy accomplishment, but I couldn't believe the attention he got for it on Michael Kay's radio show. Basically Kay opened the show with a "Do Yankee fans still appreciate Jeter's greatness" topic with phone calls!

Geez, GET A ROOM!

[Guest ScarletKnight41]

WB11 described the hit as the biggtest of Jeter's career.

I'm sure that Captain Intangibles would choose a more meaningful hit for that honor.

[stevejrogers]

Granted it has more to do with the severe lack of players playing past 6-7 years with the franchise, but we are still waiting on our first guy to break the 15 hundred barrier!

Our 1,000 Hit Club

1. Ed Kranepool 1,418
2. Cleon Jones 1,188
3. Edgardo Alfonzo 1,136
4. Mookie Wilson 1,112
5. Bud Harrelson 1,029
6. Mike Piazza 1,028
7. Darryl Strawberry 1,025

[Elster88]

The Yankees are about to shut out your Major League Leading Detroit Tigers (6 IP, 2 H, 3 BB , 4 K by Randy?!?!).

[Frayed Knot]

The Tiggers are staying ahead mostly by pitching so far - which is good because that lineup isn't all that impressive looking. Even with a rejuvenated Magglio Ordonez and Chris Shelton playing out of his head for a month, the Placido Polancos and Marcus Thames's aren't too scary.

The Ugly Unit had a no-hitter going until a Pudge single w/2 outs in the 6th. He was then pulled after hit #2 led off the 7th.
Bonderman was pretty decent for Detroit: the Yanx weren't hitting much hard but their grounders were finding holes and two should-have-been DPs weren't turned which allowed runs and lengthened innings thus allowing more runs.

[Centerfield]

A-Fraud:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/060530

[seawolf17]

="Centerfield"]A-Fraud: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/060530

From Bill Simmons' mailbag today:

Q: What was [Terry] Francona thinking on Monday night? How can you pitch to Mr. March in an eight-run game? Doesn't he know that A-Job bats like .900 in six-to-10 run games? You HAVE to walk him in that situation.
-- Chris, Cincinnati

SG: (Giggling.)

Q: I'm at work right now and my buddy and I were just talking on the phone about fantasy baseball and going back and forth checking stats online and my buddy was saying A-Rod is the "opposite of clutch" which led to a discussion of what the word for that is. I tried doing the research on my own and can't find it. So I come to you. What's the word for someone who is "the opposite of clutch"?
-- Tony, Boston

To figure this out, you have to look at the real definition of the word "clutch" -- it's a verb that means to "grab, clasp or seize." ... So what's the opposite of "grab, clasp or seize?" Probably "fumble," which has synonyms that include "grope," "scuffle," "botch" and "mishandle." "Fumble" doesn't work because we're already using it for football. "Grope" makes me think of some lecherous uncle at a Fourth of July party; that doesn't sound right. "Mishandle" is too awkward, and we already use the double meaning of "scuffle" for fights. But "botch" could work -- it has the same "tch" ending as clutch, it sounds like a noun, and it's one of those underrated words that we don't use nearly enough in sports (right up there with "boner" and "fracas"). A-Rod is the premiere botch hitter in baseball. Peyton Manning always seems to come through in the botch. Karl Malone may have scored 35,000 points, but everyone remembers how botch he was in the playoffs.

(Actually, screw this ... it's not working. Sounds too weird. Let's just stick with "he's not clutch," unless you want to go with "arodian" or "arodish.")

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Botch. I love it.

[Frayed Knot]

The good news: The Tiggers have erased a 6-0 defecit (or maybe it was 5-0, then 6-1) and have tied the game heading for the 9th

The Bad News: Twice they've loaded the bases w/0 outs and have scored a grand total of 1 run out of them innings. They should be kicking Yanqui butt at this point.

[metirish]

MFY take the lead 7 to 6 on a Giambalco homer in the 11th.

[Frayed Knot]

The Tigers then seemed to enter a contest in which some sort of prize were being awarded to the team who can screw up the most plays in one inning ... and so one botched grounder, one botched fly, one botched DP, several PBs & WPs, plus a few walks later and the Yanx win it 11-6.

Small sample obviously, but I've been quite underwhelmed by this best-record-in-baseball Detroit team. Tons of Ks w/o the usual power that goes with it; spotty starting pitching (tons of walks); and the next clean infield DP they turn will be their first. I watched pieces of two games and have seen them screw up at least 3 or 4.

[Frayed Knot]

Yesterday I said that the Tigers didn't look too impressive.
Well I've changed my mind ... they REALLY SUCK!!!!

Somehow they had the best RS/RA coming in to this week - which is surprising considering how inept they look at the plate and how the next accurate throw I see them make will be the first.