New York State of Mind
Don’t look now, but the New York Yankees have climbed to within three games of the AL East co-leaders Sox and Rays and are in Boston for a three-game set at Fenway Park that starts tonight. Like a bad case of athlete’s foot, New York refuses to go away. These guys have been decimated this season with injuries to Chien-Ming Wang, Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Add to that the disappointing pitching from Ian Kennedy and Philip Hughes, plus the media circus of the A-Rod/Madonna/Cynthia Rodriguez/Lenny Kravitz Quadangle, and it is a miracle that these guys are still in contention. What is Hank Steinbrenner pumping through the air conditioning ducts to keep these guys motivated?
I’m not sure that the Yankees have enough pitching to make a long run at the playoffs, but you can be certain that Hank Steinbrenner will mortgage the future at next week’s trade deadline to at least make it interesting.
Objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear.
Thefoulline.com Quick Hits
- I don’t know what Joba Chamberlain’s problem with Kevin Youkilis is, but if he hits Youk again tonight, I hope he gets his face smashed in with a Louisville Slugger.
- You can tell that autumn is here when the leaves change color, and you can tell it’s almost August when Manny Ramirez starts faking another injury. This season it’s his sore knee. It never fails.
- The attendance at Tropicana Field for the last two games for the Rays was about 12,000 and 16,000. That equates to 30.1% and 40% of total capacity. I know that it’s not the temperature in Florida that’s keeping them away. It’s always fair-weathered in the dome.
- Big Papi David Ortiz rejoins the Sox tonight after a long layoff. This might be the big move at the trade deadline that everyone has been hoping for.
- Speaking of the trading deadline… I really hope that Boston deals Manny to the Mets for prospects, takes those prospects and adds a top-line Red Sox prospect to the mix, and makes a deal for Matt Holliday. He would make people forget about Manny pretty damn quick.
- Playoff atmosphere at Fenway tonight, and there is no one better to have on the mound than the best big game pitcher in baseball, Josh Beckett.
Go Sox!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I dont know if anyone caught the new rules the International Olympic Commitee passed today that in my opinion desicrates the very purity and beauty of the game of baseball.
———————————————————–
IBAF changes rules for extra innings
By JOEDY McCREARY – 6 hours ago
Extra innings will have a new look in what could be baseball’s last Olympic appearance.
Each team’s at-bat in the 11th inning and beyond will begin with runners on first and second bases. Teams may start the 11th at any point in their batting order under format changes announced Friday by the International Baseball Federation and adopted in time for next month’s Beijing Games.
For example, a team that opts to lead off with its No. 3 hitter would begin with its No. 1 batter on second base and its No. 2 hitter on first with no outs.
———————————————————–
Whats the verdict? Am I just an opinionated purist for the game of baseball, or is this something that is as B.S. as it reads?
Matt “All great streaks eventually come to an end” McLaughlin
July 25th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Copy of Speeding ticket, signed by A-ROD, that became a “Failure to Appear” in court
http://webofdeception.com/arodspeedingticket.html
July 28th, 2008 at 6:56 am
nice title of post.. A GREAT SONG… also.. Bostonand N.Y. two great teams to watch. I enjoyed reading your piece.You can call next post UP TOWN GIRL.. thanks Billy
July 28th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I want to write something, but, I feel all opinions I have could be either null and void, or exagerated at the end of this Sox. Vs. Angels game. This game feels very important to me for some reason, Dice K needs to hammer this offense of the Los Angelas Aneheim Southern California of America Angels, to bring back the feeling of dominace in the AL, it’s slipping a little right now.
Dylan ” Trade Manny for who ever shuts Brett Farve up” Hamilton
July 28th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Dylan you should try and keep your opinions in check. The Sox really need this series. The Angels are playing in a horrible division and will cake-walk through the rest of the year. Every game for Boston is like a playoff game, I think this is when they start their push.
Dave ” Damn, Jon Lester is good” Ingalls
July 28th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
oops that was supposed to say ” you should NEVER try and keep your opinions in check. Sorry about the confusion, I’m drunk.
Dave” Roger’s syringe is my sworn enemy for the week, and can stay at 84 for all I care” Ingalls
July 28th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
In golf, most people will say the tournament doesn’t begin until the back nine on Sunday. Baseball is like that, all you can do is hold on, until, well right now. This is definately the beginning of the two month drive to get to the playoffs. I can see the Sox and Angels both making the playoffs, but, for the mental sake of things, we need to take this series….bad.
The Yankees just got better with Posada being out for the year.
Theo needs to option Matt Laporta being on the Red Sox roster in the next year
Dylan ” Dustin Pedroia goes on the free agency list in exchange for a month at 83…..takers? anyone?? ” Hamilton
July 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Pedroia to Free Agency in exchange for a month at 83……takers……..anyone?
Dylan ” The yankees just got better with Posada out for the year” Hamilton
July 28th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
didn’t think the first one posted. sorry to sound redudant sorry to sound redundant
July 29th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Check in with Boston Braves. Hes been shopping for a 2B. and Aramis Ramirez for Dustin “The No Hitter Destroyer” Pedroia, (I hate to say this but Lackey for the No Hitter would have REALLY helped my team despte being the Red Sox) is a fair trade.
Matt “Ugh. Im getting stomped by BB’s.” McLaughlin
July 30th, 2008 at 7:18 am
I can’t think of a better time for the Boston Badboys to turn it on. I really like that there are no “freebies” in this league. Anyone can anyone on any given week. It makes it fun.
Dave “I promise to get my Dad a good Father’s Day present, if he knocks off the Showstoppers” Ingalls
July 30th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Like I said, I hope that the “bottom dwellers” turn it on and make this a real slugfest.
btw, I lost 10-12 pts in the ninth with Lackey.
-M3
July 31st, 2008 at 5:47 am
the showstoppers can put thier barf bags away till this week end ..THEN THEY WILL NEED TWO BAGS .ONE TO BARF IN AND ONE TO PUT OVER THIER HEAD.. keep smiling…THE BOSTON BADBOYS :} a bottom dweller .?????????????????????????BS..
July 31st, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Good riddance Manny! You’re an asshole!
July 31st, 2008 at 6:18 pm
the last time I was this happy to see someone go was when Brett Farve retired……….
Dylan ” Bay gets called up from AAA Pirates to the big leauges in Bean Town” Hamilton
July 31st, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I hope that the Sox give Jason Bay #24.