Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Game 120: Yankees @ Twins

Regular Season Game 120
Yankees (63-56) @ Twins (66-52)
The Metrodome - Minneapolis, MN
Game Time: 8:10 p.m.
TV: YES - MLB.TV | Radio: WCBS 880

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES
Johnny Damon CF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi DH
Xavier Nady LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Wilson Betemit 1B
Jose Molina C

Mike Mussina RHP (15-7, 3.27 ERA)

TWINS
Denard Span RF
Nick Punto 2B
Mike Redmond C
Justin Morneau 1B
Jason Kubel DH
Delmon Young LF
Brian Buscher 3B
Adam Everett SS
Carlos Gomez CF

Nick Blackburn RHP (9-6, 3.60 ERA)

Notes: Mussina is 22-6 with a 3.06 ERA in 32 career starts against the Twins, this season he's 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA in two starts. Nick Blackburn has started twice against the Yankees, both this season, and is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA.

*****Ed Price is reporting that Hideki Matsui will begin a minor league rehab assignment on Thursday. He will either be with the GCL Yankees or the class A Tampa Yankees.*****

HANK SPEAKS (From Peter Abraham via Pinstripes):

“I’m not writing off this season. They’re trying hard to win. There’s only so much you can do. They’re not supermen. I think it’s very simple, we’ve been devastated by injuries. No team I’ve ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team. Imagine the Red Sox without (Josh) Beckett and (Jon) Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can’t lose two guys like that.”

“It’s not making excuses. It’s reality. That’s part of the game. That’s clearly our problem. We’re going to win it next year. If we need to add a top veteran pitcher, we’ll do that. We’ll do whatever we need to do. Next year we’ll be extremely dangerous.”

Yanks vs. Blackburn:

ABH2B3BHRRBIBBSOBAOBPSLGOPS
J. Damon 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 .200 .200 .400 .600
A. Rodriguez 4 3 0 0 1 3 0 1 .750 .750 1.500 2.250
B. Abreu 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 .500 .600 .500 1.100
R. Cano 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000
M. Cabrera 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333 .333 .333 .667
D. Jeter 3 2 0 0 1 2 2 0 .667 .800 1.667 2.467
I. Rodriguez 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000
W. Betemit 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000 .000 .000 .000
H. Matsui 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000
J. Giambi 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000 .000 .000 .000
J. Molina 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000 1.000 1.000 2.000
Totals3010102633.333.394.567.961

Twins vs. Mussina:

ABH2B3BHRRBIBBSOBAOBPSLGOPS
M. Lamb 22 8 2 0 1 4 0 1 .364 .364 .591 .955
J. Morneau 17 5 2 0 0 1 1 2 .294 .333 .412 .745
D. Young 17 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 .176 .222 .176 .399
M. Cuddyer 16 3 1 0 0 2 0 3 .188 .188 .250 .438
M. Redmond 11 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 .273 .273 .364 .636
J. Kubel 10 2 0 0 1 3 0 2 .200 .200 .500 .700
B. Harris 9 2 1 0 0 1 2 1 .222 .364 .333 .697
J. Mauer 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 .000 .200 .000 .200
A. Casilla 7 4 2 0 0 0 0 1 .571 .571 .857 1.429
C. Gomez 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .167 .167 .167 .333
N. Punto 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 .000 .167 .000 .167
D. Span 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000 .000 .000 .000
A. Everett 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .667 .667 .667 1.333
Totals1353390212720.244.282.356.637

Stick around and discuss the game
as it happens in the comments section.

115 Comments:

Anonymous said...

From Pete's blog, here's what Hank had to say:

“I’m not writing off this season. They’re trying hard to win. There’s only so much you can do. They’re not supermen. I think it’s very simple, we’ve been devastated by injuries. No team I’ve ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team. Imagine the Red Sox without (Josh) Beckett and (Jon) Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can’t lose two guys like that.”

“It’s not making excuses. It’s reality. That’s part of the game. That’s clearly our problem. We’re going to win it next year. If we need to add a top veteran pitcher, we’ll do that. We’ll do whatever we need to do. Next year we’ll be extremely dangerous.”


That pretty much sums it up. And it's not just the loss of those players, it's what losing those players does to the confidence of the team as a whole. It doesn't just affect the pitching, it mentally affects the hitting as well. It shouldn't, but it does.

Greg Cohen said...

Thanks Pinstripes. I was wondering when Hank would speak.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Boston is already leading 10-2.

Greg Cohen said...

Yup, they had a 10 run first, and Ortiz hit two homers in the inning.

Anonymous said...

they've scored more runs in one inning than we have in the past 3 games

Greg Cohen said...

Hit and run on a 1-2 pitch with A-Rod batting? Ummm... OK.

Anonymous said...

I don't like that call either. A-Rod swings and misses too much.

Anonymous said...

Nice job Meacham.

Greg Cohen said...

Nady has to come through here.

Anonymous said...

YEA NADY!!!

J.A.

Greg Cohen said...

Is anyone else paying attention to this Red Sox game? It was 10-0, now it's 14-12 and the Rangers have 2nd and 3rd with nobody out in the 6th.

Greg Cohen said...

14-13 with 1 out and runner on third... and now it's tied.

Greg Cohen said...

And the Rangers take the lead 15-14.

Anonymous said...

HUGE HIT FOR THE CAPTAIN!

Could they actually win this game?

Anonymous said...

never thought i'd say this but great at-bats by betemit and molina in the 5th. they combined to see 20 pitches

Greg Cohen said...

That's true anon. They battled, which is more than can be said for some hitters.

Anonymous said...

That's what you guys get for complimenting Betemit.

Anonymous said...

And Molina.

Anonymous said...

Hank's comments are lame. Joba has missed 1 game.

Greg Cohen said...

Hahahaha, I soft of feel the same way. I don't like hearing these excuses.

Anonymous said...

Yea, I know what you gonna do. The injuries are definitely a factor. But, that doesn't explain the poor hitting woes for everyone. Matsui and Posada would help....help hitting more DP's.

And, this team is pathetic. If not a gift call from the ump that's another GIDP. It must be Matsui and Posada's fault for that right Hank? Or, maybe you and Cashman just suck. How's that instead.

Greg Cohen said...

Are you the same anon who was blasting Mariano last night?

Anonymous said...

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!

Anonymous said...

Anon....now I get it....anonymous....LOL!

Yup, Mariano's a great closer. That's not the point this year. This year when we needed are "A" type players to come through they have ALL abandoned us at certain times. I am sick of it. I hate this current team and its makeup. To me, Mariano is part of it. I am not sure that I like any player other than Joba. Maybe Nady.

There's Mr. Clutch coming through again. Good thing that was a "normal" situation for him. Its too bad it was 9-3 then he would hit a HR. There is not one thing that I like about Arod. I dont' like him as a player, a person, his maneurisms, his name, his number, etc... He is a cancer, IMO.

Anonymous said...

Well, Moose has been outstanding. You just can't build your team around a 39 year old pitcher who throws 87 mph. I wish Kennedy could learn something from him.

Anonymous said...

Wow, good hit Betemit, that's what happens when you dont' try to murder every ball. But, Cano has to be the dumbest/laziest player in a long time. I would trade him in the off-season if we could.

Anonymous said...

wow, i'm speechless

Dan

Greg Cohen said...

His first blown save had to come tonight, didn't it?

Un-fucking believable.

Jon Bachrach said...

sam did anyone just see that?

Jon Bachrach said...

dam

Anonymous said...

Farnsy we miss you!

Dan

Jon Bachrach said...

we will still win hang tight

Anonymous said...

o no not Nathan. This would be it, this loss would cripple this team out of contention.

Dan+

Anonymous said...

There's no way that just happened. What the hell kind of 0-2 pitch was that? Are you kidding me? What are they thinking? 0-2 fastball right down the middle?

Anonymous said...

Marte is becoming the Eric Gagne of this year.

Dan

Anonymous said...

Another great signing by the FO. Two old men signed to 4 year $40M+ contracts. Brilliant. One on the DL and one that has ruined our season with blown games after blown games. I hate this team , I hate this FO, I hate this manager and I hate all these players. ALL of them , 100% are overrated, overhyped, overpaid, OLD BUMS.

And, great managing again Girardi. Marte sucks when you gonna learn that?

Greg Cohen said...

It just gets worse and worse. They really have to score here. Losing this game would be a killer.

Anonymous said...

You think things are as bad as they can possibly get, and then the baseball gods find a way to twist the knife even more. This is really hard to even comprehend.

Anonymous said...

Your right, that pitch was way to fat for an 0-2 pitch, pinstipes. Throw one up above his shoulders. C'mon Mo, your better than that.

Dan

Greg Cohen said...

Oh no, it's going to come down to A-Rod.

Jon Bachrach said...

that was a good hit by jeter

Jon Bachrach said...

captn is carrying the team

Jon Bachrach said...

if a rod hits into a double play i'm going to throw a chair

Anonymous said...

Clutch at bat after clutch at bat. Great job guys.

Anonymous said...

ugly Abreu,... ugly. Arod, let 'er rip. first pitch, if its there just launch it. If he gets 2 strikes, expect a K.

Dan

Jon Bachrach said...

jeter was clutch

Greg Cohen said...

Nice at-bat Alex.

One freaking pitch.

Anonymous said...

How's that Delmon Young with 5 hr's is clutch but our overhypaid, overrated and GROSSLY overpaid BUMS can't do anything.

We have to get excited about Jeter and his "awesome" hitting and power.

Anonymous said...

terrible, crush that!!! It wasnt even a good Arod swing. What happened to Jeter's foot? I just tuned in 20 minutes ago.

Dan+

Anonymous said...

This has easily become the worst season I've ever watched this team play in my life.

Honestly, I just don't know how it can get any lower.

Anonymous said...

The great Arod strikes again. Ditto for the captain. Its 6-6 Jeter we don't need wiffle-ball slap singles. Do that when we have runners on base. We need a HR.

This is a LOSER team. Girardi should be canned for bringing in Marte.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for screwing up another game for me Yankees. In case you haven't realized, I'm trying to win 20 for the year and win 300 for my career.

Signed,
Mike Mussina

Anonymous said...

Nice call at first there, jackass.

Anonymous said...

Uh oh, here it comes again in a tie game...

Anonymous said...

"Ditto for the captain. Its 6-6 Jeter we don't need wiffle-ball slap singles. Do that when we have runners on base. We need a HR."

Are you kidding me. You want Jeter to swing for the fences? That's ridiculous. That's exactly the kind of crap approach at the plate that's made this team awful.

Anonymous said...

Thank God....

Jon Bachrach said...

Jeter needs to keep getting those wiffle ball singles. leave the HRs to the big wiffers like a rod and giambi

Jon Bachrach said...

hey you there greg?

Jon Bachrach said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Ok, wow, the umpiring has been beyond awful this season, I don't ever recall it being THIS bad.

Greg Cohen said...

More terrible umpiring. What else is new?

Yea Jonny, I'm here.

Anonymous said...

Is it wrong of me to feel like there just no way whatsoever we're going to win this game?

Jon Bachrach said...

got scared for a minute there

Greg Cohen said...

Nah Pinstripes, I feel the same way.

Jon Bachrach said...

whats up man? i just tuned in a little while ago... just in time for the blown save. what can we expect without wang pudge posada, chamberlain etc

Jon Bachrach said...

we need to hire players that dont get injured. when does pudge get back anyways?

Anonymous said...

Wilson Betemit K's. You never see that.

Jon Bachrach said...

maybe molina's got something here

Jon Bachrach said...

what does K stand for?

Greg Cohen said...

Nothing much man, just hoping these bums can find a way to pull this game out.

Anonymous said...

K = strike out

I get the feeling that this game could last another 15 innings and the Yankees still wouldn't find a way to score a run.

Greg Cohen said...

K = strike out

Anonymous said...

What are the chances Sexson comes thru here?

Anonymous said...

0%

Anonymous said...

Well there's a shock for you. Another failure with RISP when you really need it.

Jon Bachrach said...

im falling asleep this game is too long already

Greg Cohen said...

Well I hope it lasts at least another inning.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Adam "Babe Ruth" Everett swinging there on 3-1.

Greg Cohen said...

Great job by Veras. Way to rebound after that awful performance in Anaheim.

Now can they score a couple damn runs please?

Anonymous said...

Nice work by Veras. Can this team please find a way to score a run or two?

Anonymous said...

Oh my God. Line out by Abreu. That's an easy lead off double. I swear there's a turbo hex on this team. It's the only explanation.

Anonymous said...

Holy sh&$. Holy. Sh&$.

Greg Cohen said...

YES! FINALLY A-ROD!!!

BIG KNOCK!

Anonymous said...

THE BUM DID IT! THE FUCKING BUM DID IT!

Anonymous said...

Arod??!!!??!!??!!??!??! We still might blow it though,

Dan

Anonymous said...

Thank You Arod. Thank You. I still don't like you but Thank You. You're the man at the moment.

Anonymous said...

Irod??!!!???!!!???!!??! A couple of Rods smoking the ball.

Dan

Anonymous said...

If they don't win this game... if somehow they lose it, I'm officially giving up on baseball forever.

Anonymous said...

The X-man with the insurance. NICE. EFFING. NICE.

Jon Bachrach said...

woohooooo thats what imma talking about!

Greg Cohen said...

Big HR there. Now they got a little breathing room.

Anonymous said...

Nady!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully Edwar doesnt come in and pull an, Edwar vs the Angels. This team better really take off after this, I dont want to see a 8-1 loss tomorrow.

Dan

Anonymous said...

Well, that was nice. I should go take a shower more often.

Anonymous said...

Yea, they need to take off, if not, they are in trouble.

Greg Cohen said...

I know what you mean Dan. They gotta put a long winning streak together. Like another 8 in a row, and/or a 16 of 18 kinda stretch.

Don't know how possible that is, but one can dream.

Anonymous said...

we are approaching the century mark in comments. Thats got to be a record, a more impressive record than any record set by Michael Phelps this week....... jk

Dan

Greg Cohen said...

Yes, we actually broke the previous record of 65 a little while ago. Thanks a lot guys for all the comments.

Anonymous said...

"Well, that was nice. I should go take a shower more often."

Yes, please. For that reason, and for many others.

Anonymous said...

And, Hughes pithed good tonight with his fastball a 94 mph. That's encouraging.

Anonymous said...

Michael Kay stating the obvious again. No shit that was his biggest hit of the year.

Anonymous said...

100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan

Anonymous said...

LOL

Anonymous said...

1 down, 2 to go.

Anonymous said...

YES. K swinging.

2 down, 1 to go.

Greg Cohen said...

1 to go....

Anonymous said...

Yankees win, thaaaaaAAAAAAA YANKEES WIN!

Anonymous said...

VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY!

Dan

Anonymous said...

Thank God. Nice easy inning by Edwar. Good bounce back by the bullpen and the offense after Mo's disaster.

Greg Cohen said...

Nice win.

Jon Bachrach said...

nice win indeed

Anonymous said...

A win? What the heck is that? Thank You Jesus.

Anonymous said...

yesterday i said they needed something to get this team going in the postgame summary, ( referring to this game) i think this may be the start of some better baseball, all around, and more wins. or at least i hope it does. good win, good night.

Dan

Greg Cohen said...

Yea, hopefully this is it Dan, because it isn't they're probably dead.

Goodnight people, and thanks again for all the comments.

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo, finally a win! YES! YES! YES!

Anonymous said...

picked up a game on the Rays, this is the start. the Rays will blow their lead. they will not win the division, Crawford is out for year and maybe Longoria. we will catch them. they have a series vs the angels this weekend. we can easily pick up 2-3 games by the start of next week.

Dan