YANKEES Clinch AL East! (2 Viewers)

[Peter Reuss]

I was amazed at how the bottom of the Twins order came through. These are guys hitting .220!

Something tells me the Angels won't have people like that at the bottom of their order!

Too bad Morneau couldn't play...might have made a difference. I love seeing the small market teams do well...I think it's good for the game.

 

[Warrior]

Congrats to the Yankees, Angels, Dodgers and Phillies for all moving on to the ALCS and NLCS series, both should be great series.

The four best teams in baseball have moved on to where they belong.

The Red Sox lost to a better team; they were outpitched, outhit, out everythinged. Papelbon blew the game Sunday, but they were down 0-2 to begin with and how many times can you come back from an 0-2 or 0-3 hole.

I find it interesting Dave at how thrilled you are that the Red Sox lost; you're almost happier that they lost than the Yankees winning. You've gone way out of your way to point that out.

More than once.

I don't take the Red Sox losing as badly as I used to; 2004 and 2007 cured me of that, it's just a game, just a series, just a sport, it's not life or death; you get bragging rights for a whole year if your team wins.

How wonderful.

There are much more important things in life than busting someone's stones because your team won and theirs lost.

A bunch of overpaid athletes get to play a kids game and spray champagne all over each other when they win; what a waste of good champagne.

Is your quality of life any better as a result; I think not.

The "thrill of it all" lasts about as long as the parade the next day.

Then it's back to the reality called life.

One would have thought that considering you beat us 9 out of the last 10 times we played this year, you'd want to face us in the ALCS in order to gain revenge from 2004; we'd certainly be an easier foe than the Angels, right?

Good luck with the Angels.

I hope you win.

So you get to play the Dodgers and Mr Torre.

And you can guess how I hope that turns out.

Have a nice day.

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi George,

You make some good points and yes I do enjoy them losing, a lot!. Now what most folks dont know is the history of why I am so joyful about this. It is mainly due to my friends, in laws and other family members who all jumped on the red sox nation band wagon in 04 and started giving me endless amounts of grief everytime the Yankees lost a game, and last year when the Yankees didnt even make the post season it was even worse, to the point that I received red sox stuff for Christmas and yes you can guess where that ended up. So in my not so humble opinion some payback is due. I also think my comments were fairly nice compared to where so many of the fans of the sox like to go.

I also agree that there are many other things to be worried about and I have no shortage of them too so blowing off some steam over the games is a way to relax, sorry if this offends some folks but thats the way its is right now.

Whatever happens next will be a great deal of fun to watch! I hope to see the Yankees in the series but Anaheim is in the way and they are a very good team that cant be taken lightly. I hope my team wins because of the added bonus of maybe seeing the Yankees play the Dodgers fingers crossed.

Time will tell

Dave

 

[Warrior]

Hi George,

You make some good points and yes I do enjoy them losing, a lot!. Now what most folks dont know is the history of why I am so joyful about this. It is mainly due to my friends, in laws and other family members who all jumped on the red sox nation band wagon in 04 and started giving me endless amounts of grief everytime the Yankees lost a game, and last year when the Yankees didnt even make the post season it was even worse, to the point that I received red sox stuff for Christmas and yes you can guess where that ended up. So in my not so humble opinion some payback is due. I also think my comments were fairly nice compared to where so many of the fans of the sox like to go.

I also agree that there are many other things to be worried about and I have no shortage of them too so blowing off some steam over the games is a way to relax, sorry if this offends some folks but thats the way its is right now.

Whatever happens next will be a great deal of fun to watch! I hope to see the Yankees in the series but Anaheim is in the way and they are a very good team that cant be taken lightly. I hope my team wins because of the added bonus of maybe seeing the Yankees play the Dodgers fingers crossed.

Time will tell

Dave

Dave,
Based on what you said, you have every right to open up a can of whoop A## on your Red Sox fan friends; anyone who piled on after 2004 is not a true fan and just trying to get a rise out of you.

The Red Sox were under the thumb of the Yankees for 86 years, or since 1918. Many a true, die hard Red Sox fan went to his or her grave without seeing them win it all. Count both of my grandfathers, two uncles and two aunts among those fans; especially my uncle Peter, my favorite uncle who died in December of 2003, never getting the chance to see the Red Sox win it all.

2004 was incredible for so many reasons; when I look at the footage of the ALCS, World Series and the parade, to this day it still seems like a dream. 1975, 1978 and 1986 were all crushing losses, 86 especially; noone on base, up by two runs, two outs, two strikes, then the wheels fell off.

Anyone who was not a fan in those years and gives you grief is not worth your time or energy.

2007 was nice, but the shine has worn off the apple; 2004 will always be #1 and they get a get out of jail free card from me for life, they did what I never thought they'd be able to do, so I am a happy guy.

This years team just did not have it, any true fan would admit that. Theo did a lousy job of putting this team together, while Cashman pushed all the right buttons and build a juggernaught that should easily win the whole thing.

As a Yankee fan, you know it's your year when A Rod, the poster child for post season epic failure, is mr clutch this year.

There is not a team left that can take them down, end of story.

As one of my Yankee fan neighbors here in Massachusetts told me the other day "They had BETTER win it all as if they don't, they'll never live it down."

"Ever."

Should be fun to watch regardless of the outcome, there's nothing like playoff baseball...................

 

[DMNamiot]

To steal a phrase from my favorite game announcer from the 1970's, "HOLY COW!!!"

Tonights game was amazing! Exactly the sort of game you hope for in the post season. Wow am I looking forward to the next one in Anaheim!

Dave

 

[Njja]

I agree......I did wonder why Joe G left that pitcher in after he hit two batters

and walked even more? Tonight it was a bit like little league.....but still fun

to watch. Now if only a pop foul would take out Tim McCarver!

Here is the best play Deion Sanders ever made in my opinion.

 

[maddadicus]

To steal a phrase from my favorite game announcer from the 1970's, "HOLY COW!!!"

Tonights game was amazing! Exactly the sort of game you hope for in the post season. Wow am I looking forward to the next one in Anaheim!

Dave

I had no problem with letting Burnett stay in, as both hit batsman were on bouncing curveballs. Joe almost overmanaged us into not having any pitchers left as the game got longer..I was upset with all the men left on base by Tex, who is fast becoming the old Arod of past post seasons...As to Arod, thank goodness we have him, along with Jeter, carrying our team right now..Michael

 

[maddadicus]

Dave,
Based on what you said, you have every right to open up a can of whoop A## on your Red Sox fan friends; anyone who piled on after 2004 is not a true fan and just trying to get a rise out of you.

The Red Sox were under the thumb of the Yankees for 86 years, or since 1918. Many a true, die hard Red Sox fan went to his or her grave without seeing them win it all. Count both of my grandfathers, two uncles and two aunts among those fans; especially my uncle Peter, my favorite uncle who died in December of 2003, never getting the chance to see the Red Sox win it all.

2004 was incredible for so many reasons; when I look at the footage of the ALCS, World Series and the parade, to this day it still seems like a dream. 1975, 1978 and 1986 were all crushing losses, 86 especially; noone on base, up by two runs, two outs, two strikes, then the wheels fell off.

Anyone who was not a fan in those years and gives you grief is not worth your time or energy.

2007 was nice, but the shine has worn off the apple; 2004 will always be #1 and they get a get out of jail free card from me for life, they did what I never thought they'd be able to do, so I am a happy guy.

This years team just did not have it, any true fan would admit that. Theo did a lousy job of putting this team together, while Cashman pushed all the right buttons and build a juggernaught that should easily win the whole thing.

As a Yankee fan, you know it's your year when A Rod, the poster child for post season epic failure, is mr clutch this year.

There is not a team left that can take them down, end of story.

As one of my Yankee fan neighbors here in Massachusetts told me the other day "They had BETTER win it all as if they don't, they'll never live it down."

"Ever."

Should be fun to watch regardless of the outcome, there's nothing like playoff baseball...................

George, look at the respective team forums, if you want absolute loathing by either teams fans..Most of the hate is being driven by the new bandwagon jumper ons for the Sox and Yankees. Those front runners made up of a new generation of spoiled brats , historically ignorant of tradition or respect for the idea of fandom. You and I can rib each, but we also talk baseball. These new fans only know how to be abusive to each other and they wear their team uniforms only because they look cool. It is a generational thing. BTW ,I also actively root against the Red Sox . I can never forgive them for coming back 3 games down to my Yankees..I can not bring myself to hate my Yankees of that year, for laying down and taking it...I also hate the Patriots but the rest of your teams do not matter... Michael

 

[Warrior]

Now if only a pop foul would take out Tim McCarver!

Here is the best play Deion Sanders ever made in my opinion.

Couldn't agree more, listening to McCarver drone on and on about how wonderful Jeter is, how terrific Jeter is, how smart Jeter is, how much he is like Larry Bird, how he does all the little things right, etc, etc, is beyond annoying.

We get it Tim; he's a great player.

Enough already.

 

[Warrior]

I had no problem with letting Burnett stay in, as both hit batsman were on bouncing curveballs. Joe almost overmanaged us into not having any pitchers left as the game got longer..I was upset with all the men left on base by Tex, who is fast becoming the old Arod of past post seasons...As to Arod, thank goodness we have him, along with Jeter, carrying our team right now..Michael

It doesnt' matter that Tex is taking the gas pipe, your pitching is what is going to win the 27th World Series Championship for the Yankees.

Youv'e got the best three starters of any other playoff team and by far the best bullpen.

The Angels closer is just terrible, throws an 0-2 meatball right down broadway to the new "Mr October", bang, tie ballgame, series over basically.

That loss gutted the Angels, they had raftloads of chances, could not get it done, they are now toast, the best they can hope for is to win the next two games at home, they they have to beat CC and Burnett, sorry, ain't going to happen.

Guerrero with RISP is brutal, why would anyone throw him a strike, he swings at everything.

Abreau and Hunter killed the Red Sox, they both have stunk, Abreau looks old and clueless out there, no wonder the Yankees dumped him.

And to fast forward to next year; they dump Damon and drop a Brinks truck of money in front of our left fielder, Bay, resign Shemp Howard the DH and they'll win 100+ games again next year and back to back titles.

How effin wonderful.

 

[Njja]

I had no problem with letting Burnett stay in, as both hit batsman were on bouncing curveballs. Joe almost overmanaged us into not having any pitchers left as the game got longer..I was upset with all the men left on base by Tex, who is fast becoming the old Arod of past post seasons...As to Arod, thank goodness we have him, along with Jeter, carrying our team right now..Michael

......................................................................................................

I can't forget about Boston beating us in 2004 under half-asleep Torre! When you make it to the post season you need to play every game like its your last

in my opinon. When a pitcher is slipping and you have the lead pull him.

Lets see where Joe takes LA.

Heres a shot of Joe during the 2004 Series with Boston..........

Followed by "The Boss" giving his views on the loss.

 

[Warrior]

......................................................................................................

I can't forget about Boston beating us in 2004 under half-asleep Torre! When you make it to the post season you need to play every game like its your last

in my opinon. When a pitcher is slipping and you have the lead pull him.

Lets see where Joe takes LA.

Heres a shot of Joe during the 2004 Series with Boston..........

Followed by "The Boss" giving his views on the loss.

It's funny to read this as this view is typical of the "what have you done for me lately" mentality that exists in this country regarding sports.

Mr Torre took over a sad sack Yankee team in 1996 that was basically in the toilet for the previous 15 years, a laughing stock of a franchise to be blunt.

"All" Mr Torre did while he was the manager was make the post season every year from 1996 through 2007, win 10 AL East titles, 6 pennants and 4 World Series titles.

He lost the World Series in 2003 to an over achieving Marlins team with the ace in the making Josh Beckett winning game 6 in "Da Bronx" and lost the 2001 series in the bottom on the ninth inning in game 7 with the worlds greatest closer on the hill, not much more you can do in that situation.

In 2004, same deal; Rivera was on the hill in game 4 of the ALCS looking to close out the Red Sox, bottom of the ninth and blew the save (Dave Roberts; one of if not THE biggest hero in Red Sox history). The Red Sox won in extra innings that night and the next night, then steamrolled the Yankees in games 6 and 7 and there was not a thing Mr Torre could do about it.

The year he left, the Yankees failed to make the post season and went out and spend the gross national product on South America on the two best free agent pitchers and the best bat on the market as well and barring an epic choke job, are on their way back to the World Series.

Mr Torre, in the meantime, has taken the Dodgers to back to back NLCS appearances where in both occasions, is up against it vs a better team in the Phillies.

The man is a class act and first ballot HOF lock.

Oh and Yankee fans; if you are not paying attention to what the Phillies are doing in the NLCS (barring a gag job tonight, they are a throwing error in the 8th inning of game 2 away from being up 3 zip vs the Dodgers), you should be.....................

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi George,

I have watched every game so far and to be honest the Phillies have some bright spots but they dont look that good to me so I am not as concerned about them as I am about Anaheim. Sure we're up on them by two games but now we are going back to their turf and will need to concentrate on them since its never a lock as the 04 series should have taught us.

As for Torre, he is a class act and a great manager. I for one think his leaving NYC was more to do with personality conflicts than him being asleep at the wheel. The new skipper has big shoes to fill and I hope this post season and future ones are just the start of his journey to fill them and build his own legacy. Is he going to develop into a manager like Torre, who can say but I am certainly willing to enjoy the ride.

Dave

 

[jazzeum]

It looks to me like it could be a repetition of the 1950 WS, with probably the same result.

 

[Warrior]

Hi George,

I have watched every game so far and to be honest the Phillies have some bright spots but they dont look that good to me so I am not as concerned about them as I am about Anaheim. Sure we're up on them by two games but now we are going back to their turf and will need to concentrate on them since its never a lock as the 04 series should have taught us.

As for Torre, he is a class act and a great manager. I for one think his leaving NYC was more to do with personality conflicts than him being asleep at the wheel. The new skipper has big shoes to fill and I hope this post season and future ones are just the start of his journey to fill them and build his own legacy. Is he going to develop into a manager like Torre, who can say but I am certainly willing to enjoy the ride.

Dave

Dave,
Not sure what concerns you about Anaheim; they are a punch and judy team that plays that NL style of baseball and they have to be perfect to beat you. Abreau and Hunter look awful, their leadoff hitter is 1-the playoffs and Guerrero looks terrible, I would not go near the plate with this guy, he swings at everything. He left seven men on base last night.

Seven.


So far, they have been sloppy in the field and their bullpen is not that good, their closer is God awful despite his 48 saves.

I'd be more worried about the Phillies, the defending WS champs; Howard will kill you, they have alot of speed in the line up and more power than the Angels or the Dodgers.

We'll see how it plays out................

 

[Njja]

It's funny to read this as this view is typical of the "what have you done for me lately" mentality that exists in this country regarding sports......................

......................................................................................................

I hate to mention it, but when you are earning the "Big Bucks" what have

you done for me lately rules. I found this to be true in the business

world, and its true with some professional sports teams also.

I agree JT was a great manager for the Yankees. Perhaps once you lose

your "edge" you should know when to quit. In 2007 after the Yankees

were eliminated again the "Boss" offered him a $5 Million contract with 3

$1 Million dollar bonuses one each for winning the division series, championship

series, and winning the world series. Winning another series would have again

made him the highest paid baseball manager.....he passed......BYE!

I think the "Boss" has a right to decide who to keep on the payroll.

I think Joe should spend his vacation with Bobby Cox.....they could discuss

being second best as a career goal.

 

[tdubel]

......................................................................................................

I hate to mention it, but when you are earning the "Big Bucks" what have

you done for me lately rules. I found this to be true in the business

world, and its true with some professional sports teams also.

I agree JT was a great manager for the Yankees. Perhaps once you lose

your "edge" you should know when to quit. In 2007 after the Yankees

were eliminated again the "Boss" offered him a $5 Million contract with 3

$1 Million dollar bonuses one each for winning the division series, championship

series, and winning the world series. Winning another series would have again

made him the highest paid baseball manager.....he passed......BYE!

I think the "Boss" has a right to decide who to keep on the payroll.

I think Joe should spend his vacation with Bobby Cox.....they could discuss

being second best as a career goal.

I dunno, Torre to me (and I am not a Yankees fan) is probably one of the greatest modern era Managers ever, he was pretty dadgum perfect in a lot of ways and came dadgum close as George indicated in previous post 2 other times. I think he was tired of New York period, "the Boss" is not the easiest guy to deal with, just read from Sweet Lou P. and Billy Martin (rip). I don't think I would ever classify Torre as a second best, he really put the Yanks back on top and back on the map, they stunk it up for years with loads of talent prior to Torre.

TD

 

[Njja]

Hey George.....maybe you had better give Joe a call to wake him up.....it

seems the Dodgers are now down 11 Zip!

I wonder if Boston needs a high priced manager with sleep apnea.

 

[Warrior]

......................................................................................................

I hate to mention it, but when you are earning the "Big Bucks" what have

you done for me lately rules. I found this to be true in the business

world, and its true with some professional sports teams also.

I agree JT was a great manager for the Yankees. Perhaps once you lose

your "edge" you should know when to quit. In 2007 after the Yankees

were eliminated again the "Boss" offered him a $5 Million contract with 3

$1 Million dollar bonuses one each for winning the division series, championship

series, and winning the world series. Winning another series would have again

made him the highest paid baseball manager.....he passed......BYE!

I think the "Boss" has a right to decide who to keep on the payroll.

I think Joe should spend his vacation with Bobby Cox.....they could discuss

being second best as a career goal.

Mr Torre had enough of the nonsense from the "Boss" and his buffoonery, so he fired him and moved on.

Looks like he landed on his feet; two years as Dodger manager, two trips to the NLCS, not bad.

The thing Steinbrenner couldn't get through his cast iron head is sorry to report there is only one team who wins it all every year and it's not a God given right that that team is from "Da Bronx".......................

 

[lancer]

Well, the Dodgers took an old fashioned beating last night. Philly seems to be firing on all cylinders and Lee has looked great. They are a dangerous team. At this point the Dodgers look whipped. We'll see. NYY look good and their pitching has been better than I expected. Their hitting needs to ramp up. Too many blown scoring chances and last minute heroics (thanks, A-Rod) can catch up with a team. Would just like to see the hitting sync with the excellent pitching. Shaping up to be a real east-coast WS. East vs. West WS would probably be better for TV ratings but a real come-back needs to be staged by someone for that to happen. Personally, I wouldn't even watch an all west-coast series. NYY or Phillies have to be in it for me to watch so, at this juncture at least, it looks like a good WS. Go NYY! -- lancer