Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
Randy Johnson pitched an excellent game last night at the Stadium against the Indians as the Bombers moved into first place in the AL East with a 6-1 victory. But the game will be remembered for Johnson getting tossed for throwing the ball at Eduardo Perez in the seventh inning. You remember Perez, the guy who beat Johnson about the face and neck last year when he was with the Devil Rays. It was the old eye-for-an-eye as Johnson was "protecting" his teammate Jorge Posada, who had been plunked the inning before. No matter what you think of such machismo, the move can only win Johnson favor in the Yankee clubhouse. You could also argue that Johnson getting thrown out when he was pitching so well--and against as good a line up as Cleveland's--was foolish. Regardless, the Yankee bullpen did a fine job and the "What were you thinking?" headline will have to wait for another day.
The rumpus began when Jorge Posada was hit in the right elbow by a Jason Johnson pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Yankees had a 3-1 lead at the time (thanks to RBI's by Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano and a solo dinger by Johnny Damon). Posada started to walk away from home plate but as he moved towards first he started riffing at Johnson. It didn't seem that Johnson was intentionally trying to hit Posada, but Yankee hitters have been getting drilled a bunch lately, and it was the veteran catcher--who has always had a good dose of the red ass in him--who finally freaked. Posada was in enough pain that he couldn't grip a bat and was removed before the game concluded. Both benches were issued a warning. Whether or not the incident bothered Johnson, he would not make it through the inning. Robinson Cano to hit into a double play--the only time Cano was retired (he had three more hits and swung the bat with authority all evening). But then Williams doubled to the opposite field before Andy Phillips smacked a two-run dinger to extend the lead to 6-1.
The Big Unit recorded one out in the seventh before throwing way inside to Perez. The pitch did not hit him but it was considered intentional. Perez was heated and the teams meakly emptied out of their dugouts but there was no brawl. As Johnson walked off the field the crowd gave him an ovation. Joe Torre was automatically ejected as well. Johnson appeared more comfortable than usual last night, throwing strikes early in the count and staying ahead of the hitters. He struck out six and didn't issue a walk. I thought the Big Unit missed his location at least four times in the first inning but he only allowed one hit. After that, Johnson settled into a good groove. Again, no small feat against the potent Cleveland line up.
Andy Phillips made the first play of the game when he stabbed a Grady Sizemore ground ball and then raced to first, beating the speedster for the out. Phillips came up limping ever so slightly as he may have jammed his foot sliding into the bag. But that was nothing compared with the aches and pains that Phillips will be feeling after he recorded the final out of the game. Victor Martinez lofted a foul ball to the right side and Phillips gave up his body--his airness!--diving into the stands. It was a scary-looking play at first. Not as reckless as Jeter's famous dive into the stands against the Red Sox, but along those lines. Yes, it was terrific that Phillips made the catch, but he fell hard, banged his chin against a seat and tweaked his back a little something. With the Yanks playing their next two series in National League parks, they cannot afford to lose Phillips (particularly with Giambi--who returned last night and hit a double--still banged up).
It was one of those nights where even the potentially damaging plays worked out for New York. It also reflects just how poorly things are going for the Tribe right now. Today gives Mikey Moose in an afternoon matinee. Joe Torre said that Posada will not be playing today. It is muggy in New York and we are supposed to see showers. But even if the game is delayed some, I think they should get it in.
I watched most of the Sox game last night as well, and must say that Clement looks totally lost. Hard to believe that at this time last year he was an All Star caliber pitcher, and we were bemoaning Cashman's choice of Pavano over Clement. Seems both teams got squat for their $.
I'm confused that Eduardo Perez was surprised. If you hit a pitcher like he did Randy last yr, you should expect to get brushed back or hit. Granted Posada over reacted but based on what Perez did against Randy last yr and protecting his catcher I don't fault Randy for what he did at all. Didn't Perez get hit of Randy in this game? I can't agree with Kaat on this one.
Both the Yanks and Sox need help, I guess it's just a matter of health and who makes the better trades when the time comes.
I've noticed you've stopped linking to the ESPN recaps and link to the SI ones instead. It's not a big deal (as I usually don't care about these things), but it does drive more traffic (read: ad business) to a site that pays you. Conflict of interest? Personal choice? Have you been asked to do so? Sorry, but it just seems like a case where full disclosure is warranted.
After getting swept last weekend, and being all banged up, a combative win, and a move into first place was just what the doctor ordered.
Moose on the mound, and Tiger at the tee, what an afternoon for sports in NY!
Debate as you'd like. My opinion is one among many.
Your business plans are none of my business but I think you could start charging a fee to use this site and you would do quite well. For free, this site is the best value on the web.
Meanwhile, I hope and assume Jorge will return to the line-up tomorrow, but I found it interesting that one of the articles Alex linked to above mentions that Koyie Hill will be out for the year after having bone chips removed from his elbow.
I want to talk about Alex's links to SI. What's up with dat?
SI is owned by Time Warner who also owns DC Comics.
What if, Alex get's a writing assignment for Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman or even say The Flash?
Will you post links to these sites?
Disclose will yourself Alex, Disclose!!
Ack, no, jkay! I've enough addictions I'm paying for already. It's nice to have a free one.
Let's assume for argument's sake that Alex gets some kind of compensation for hits to SI.com that originate here. Then it's in Alex's "interest" to make the links. But I still don't see another "interest" that this conflicts with. You have to have 2 interests for a conflict to arise.
The only betrayal I could see if Alex was reporting on a subject that SI had covered (or was reporting on SI's coverage itself), and Alex touted or somehow defended SI's coverage (or stance) without saying that we was an SI employee. But that's not the case here.
Moreover, espn.com sux.
Also, Grady Sizemore made a nice diving catch to rob Spencer early in the game. That was a really nice play.
i hope u r kidding..
btw, both SI and ESPN recaps are from AP (assoc. press)
so we are not losing or gaining anything by the switch..
even otherwise, i hate the anti-yankee coverage on the " Extra Stink Presentation Network"
sry
Did you see Ozzie yanked a rookie reliever out of the game last night, chewed him out in the dugout, and demoted him to the minors after he failed to "protect" Pierzynski, who had been beaned twice?
Not suggesting the Yanks go to the Ozzie extreme, but it's about time a Yankee pitcher buzzed back, even better that it was Johnson doing the buzzing on his best night of the year.
That is now by my count 3 players who will miss time because they have been hit this year: Jeter, Posada and Giambi. Given the current state of affairs something has to be done to discourage other teams from throwing at our guys. I've been pretty vocal in the past about civilians calling for beanings but some message has to be sent that there will be no carte-blanche head hunting allowed any longer. These guys have to be kept in the lineup.
But since some of us remember the site prior to Alex's relationship with SI, I would only presume it's meant to be a free standing form of journalism, esp. since Cliff is a co-owner, and not an advertisement. As a frequent visitor and appreciator of all things Bronx Banter, I would prefer it not become that or any type of commerical enterprise. But if it does, I'd rather it's clearly indicated.
Right now, I like the sense of watching and debating the Yankees as I would at a bar. Charging admission or only serving the sponsored drinks, changes the nature of the environment. And that's still an extreme that I can't see happening. But even the appearance of a conflict (read further young Dan) is best addressed directly, IMHO.
The rest of the links are so varied - I'm not too concerned. But if Cliff were to start free lancing for the Post, and we didn't see Daily News links from him any more, it seems to be the same situation, no?
21 I saw that, Cliff. If you were the one linking to SI, and Alex was linking to ESPN, I wouldn't have said something - indeed that would seem kosher in some weird way. It was just the abrupt switch that made me bring it up.
But honestly, I think MLB.com is doing it right. And they have the cash flow to keep on doing it better.
Besides, you still haven't identified the potential harm to the readers by linking to Alex's employer. This isn't the New York times writing about how well managed the Red Sox are.
"Young" Dan
Didn't catch the game last night (working on the car, battery disconnected so no XM even) but love the Randy Retaliation. A pissed Randy is the guy George paid for. Now let's get healthy and beat up on the NL for a few days.
Whats wrong.. again, if both recaps are different and the one on SI sucks then u have a point..
but they are both from AP and ur click is of no value to u as much as it is only valuble to the visited site..
so given a choice between "adding to the riches" of SI or ESPN.. i think its fair to say SI is fine..
we are not asked to go that link.. we are meerely given the choice..
if we were paying to this site to read the information then u have a point.. else i am not so sure..
It seems to me that Andy is the Yankee's starting 1B for the forseable future, which is something that still blows my mind. Obviously, if Joe has to chose between Andy or Giambi because there's either no DH (NL parks) or someone like Jeter or Rodriguez has to DH due to illness or injury, he'll go with Giambi at first, and he should. Phillips is finally proving himself to be a fine major leaguer, but Giambi is still an MVP caliber hitter, and that's too valuable to lose, but whenever Giambi can DH, he will and Andy will play first. As for this weekend, it all depends on Giambi's hand. If Jason can play the field, he will (though I do wonder if Joe will be more likely to start Andy behind Wang now that he's seen more of his play in the field).
As for the homer, I wrote in Tuesday night's game thread that Phillips looked just awful at the plate, but in his first two at-bats last night he looked like he had locked back in, something that was comfirmed by his 400-footer to the Cleveland bullpen. It was nice to see that after the 0-fer, the Jeter-induced layoff, and two more 0-fers. Here's hoping he'll ride another hot streak through Nats' poor pitching and Philly's hitting-friendly park.
Notice in 4 I asked a series of questions. You assumed (ASS-U-ME) in 7 I was making a statement.
However subtle the appearance is there IMHO. Alex made his statement on the matter. We can discuss, debate, or denounce accordingly.
Phillips didn't save the game, but you never know what can happen in the 9th inning of an emotionally charged game like that.
Maybe letting that ball land in the seats opens up a window of opportunity for the pissed off Indians. Maybe it means Joe has to dip into the bullpen again. If Andy's catch was stupid (it was) I don't wanna be smart!
My thoughts exactly. Andy lets the ball drop in, next pitch is hit into the upper deck, and Mo has to come in to save the day.
I think Alex, Cliff and Ken have now addressed the matter to most people's satisfaction, and it should be put to rest.
Lastly, Alex is constantly linking to pieces at the Daily News, NY Times, etc. I don't see how he's a shill for SI or he has to have a release of full disclosure with Bronx Banter readers.
Rob, I'm not being disrespectful but I have made a conscious decision to never read ESPN. If you don't like or think that Alex is subtly pushing SI down your throat and not using other sources, then you can go to a billion other Yankee blog sites. I'd hate to not have you here and I am not pushing you either, but you might be going a little too crazy over something that I think is pretty insignificant.
There is a fine line between being tough and stupid and I think it's a complicated line. Look at how much it affects athletes who play when they are hurt. Take Taynon Sturtze and (maybe) Carl Pavano as extreme examples. One played hurt and "toughed it out" when he should not have. The other is accused of jaking it to the extreme.
43 Read what I wrote, tough guy. I honestly think Alex, from everything I've read by him (never met the guy), is a pretty righteous dude. In my mind, his integrity is not in question. Even more reason, in my mind, to avoid the appearance of a conflict.
That said, it's my damn 'opinion'. Nothing more, nothing less. But it amazes me that in this country people would rather avoid, or censor, the views they don't agree with rather than just take them for what they are - words with meaning.
If you want to simply make conversations, perhaps it is better to find a topic that has to do with anything Alex has written in his write-up, or perhaps, something even off-topic, related to today's match-up between Lee and Mussina.
And perhaps, sometimes, silence is golden if you have nothing to say. Taking issues with what match-report a writer of any capacity links to is really questioning the writer's prerogative, and for me, completely out of line.
Nobody wants to censor you. You made everyone think, that's a good thing. We had an open dialogue about the matter, just cause people can't quite get your beef or don't agree then don't automatically interpret that as trying to censor you. I know I'm not. I say some pretty whacked out sh|t all the time, the last thing I want is someone wanting to censor me. Like I said, don't take it personal…..this isn't NYYFans. They are much more sensitive over there.
Rob, no one's trying to sensor you. Not in the least. I was just trying to demonstrate why, in my opinion, I thought your concerns were misguided.
By the way, given the choice between watching a World Cup match or reading this morning's "banter" between you and Rob, I'd have to choose the "banter" every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
I still have an opinion, however small, and it's been stated. And luckily I'm not being censored 51 & 52, even as I might be shouted down.
Mooooooooose!
I saw an opening, so I want down the lane for the slam dunk...I had to take the shot.
An Alan Greenspan looking dude wearing a cap and gown says:
"As this graduating class enters the workforce, I would encourage you to question authority. Just don't do it on your blog site where your future employer might see it."
MMMMMMMMooooooooose! indeed
And you could never dunk on me, D 55 - I'd just keep putting you on your ass.
I see no appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest for the simple reason that Alex owes us absolutely no duty based upon the rules of engagement as established here.
What's the rumpus? If Alex does make a buck or two based on the links (which I sincerely doubt) good for him. I get a lot of pleasure reading this Blog and corresponding with a host of my "yankee pals". Game nights are usually a blast and it's a nice way to stay connected. I can't thank Alex enough for putting this together and taking the time to make sure it's done well. There is nothing quite like this out there. For a transplanted New Yorker it's a little bit of home. Personally I hope Alex does well in his endeavors. Yet so far as I'm concerned, so long as this is a free site and no promises are made one way or another upon which I rely to my detriment the topic started at 4 is none of my business.
Rob, I'm certainly not looking to get into an argument with you about this stuff. You and I have had our share of squawks together but on the whole we usually pretty much see eye to eye on most things "Yankee". I know you appreciate Alex and the site and don't mean this as a personal attack on him. I found it interesting that you noticed the change which was really what caught my attention. It's that level of detail that make your observations about the Yankees and MLB in general worth reading and why you often have managed to change my opinion on certain topics.
And a "Well done," to Andy. Whatever keeps his buttocks off the bench (and the DL). We know Torre's got fast-twitch responses when it comes to benching Andy. Andy knows it too. I admire him for fighting to hold on to his place as an everyday major leaguer. Beats the hell out of bitching to the press or pouting on the end of the bench.
Generally, your assertions are adroit and thought provoking; and I actually think you bring up an interesting point here. What I object to is your diction, as a handful of your remarks on this thread have been snide and, yes, pejorative (meaning: disparaging).
I agree that we live in a time when the simplest of inquiries are treated as crimes against humanity/patriotism/et. al.; but such inquiries can be done with tact and a shred of humility.
http://www.lohud.com/blogs/lohudyankees.html
I'm generally against intentional plunkings - unwritten rules be damned - but I think Unit was 1000% right to do what he did. Yankee hitters have been hunted at leisure for years now. If Unit's actions put an end to that, huzzah.
Someone also mentioned Ozzie Guillen and that 25-year-old rookie. To exile the rook because he didn't plunk someone on Ozzie's order is horrible. The guy has a right to ignore that kind of 'order' if he wants - he should not be sent down because of it. Just my $0.02 (which I have not paid to Alex or Cliff in reliance on anything ;).
58 If the Blog operators make a buck from our traffic flow, I too say good for them. I just want to know about it. That's where my original question was coming from.
59 Someone can disagree with me without questioning my intelligence or comprehension abilities 7. Once they do, they're fair game. The rest of the nonsense was mostly ignored.
And what's with all the lecture and GRE words? I have an opinion. That's it. Can this be d-u-n now?
now Dotel for Small
From Pete's column today:
"Jorge Posada (elbow) is fine. He had a nerve issue from being hit and couldn't grip the bat last night. He was grinning when he talked about Randy Johnson brushing back Eduardo Perez last night. The Unit and Jorge are best buds now. Can peace in the Middle East be far behind?"
lol
I think it's important that there's difference between "plunking" and "beaning" (or at least there is in my mind). When I said I wanted RJ to plunk Perez, I meant that he should hit him in the thigh, rear, or bicep - not the head or face ("not in the face, ok?"). I think it's an important distinction.
Bama, no love for the World Cup?
Listen - I like the kid a lot. I want him to succeed as bad as anyone. Well - maybe not as bad as his Mom or Cliff - but you know what I mean. However, he's a sucker for a breaking ball in the dirt. He's not an automatic out - and he sure does have pop - but he's got a ways to go before he's gonna force Giambi out of the lineup.
That being said - I'm tickled pink he's on the team. Now I just wish he'd slide that hat just a little bit further back. He's got a little of the Jorge Cantu look when he wears it like that. After he climbed out of the seats last night, I noticed he put that hat firmly over his eyes again and I chuckled a little. Kids these days.
Yo Philly. Let the world see your face, young man. It looks better on magazine covers that way. As the fellla playing shortstop about that.
BP
I too am against throwing at someone's head (just wanted to go on record with that since there seems to be a few attorneys around here).
As for the World Cup, I guess I am the typical American soccer fan. I would love to see the US win the World Cup ("Miracle on Grass" I guess they would call it), but since it looks like Scott Erickson will win the Cy Young before we win the WC I don't follow it that closely (even with all the hype from our friends at ESPN). I don't mean to dis the WC, I just enjoyed the "banter" between you guys (even if I had to break out the Funk and Wagnalls to keep up... hey, I majored in Mechanical Engineering at the Univ. of Alabama not English).
Quick, Rob Gee, start another argument.
Over the last 8 games, our O has been rather light.
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