April 2nd DRays @ Yankees

[jacksonianmarch]

Riverside makes the game threads so nice, I know I fall short, but whatever.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/gameday/mugshots/mlb/431148.jpg VS http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/gameday/mugshots/mlb/134321.jpg
Scott Kazmir vs Carla Pavano
(10-8 3.24ERA in '06) (0-0 0.00ERA in '06)
For the Rays


If Scott Kazmir is pitching, the Devil Rays' chances of winning are greatly enhanced.
So the possibility of the Rays starting the season with an Opening Day victory are very real given the fact the 23-year-old left-hander is starting.

"It's an honor to pitch the first game, Opening Day," Kazmir said. "Me and [manager] Joe [Maddon] actually talked about it before this, so it wasn't a complete surprise. I'm just happy that everything is going OK. I'm healthy and I'm looking forward to Opening Day."

Having the opener at Yankee Stadium only adds to the thrill of being the Opening Day starter.

"I mean, it's an historic park," Kazmir said. "Playing against the Yankees. What more can you ask for? It's going to be exciting. The adrenaline is definitely going to be there."

Kazmir has produced a nice body of work heading into his fourth Major League season.

He is one of only five pitchers (and the second left-hander) in the last 20 years to post a winning record with 10-plus wins in two seasons before the age of 23. Ready for the others? Try Pedro Martinez, Tom Gordon, Dwight Gooden, and C.C. Sabathia. Not bad company, huh?

In addition, Kazmir has racked up a club record 378 career strikeouts, 13th most all-time among southpaws under the age of 23; only 17 left-handers have reached 500 strikeouts by the age of 24.



Perhaps most impressive when it comes to Kazmir is how much growth he has shown. When Kazmir takes the mound, his teammates feel like they will win. This is an important mind-set given the fact the organization is striving to change a losing culture during its short history.

Anybody unfamiliar with Kazmir need only flash back to July 3, 2006, to see how good he can be. He started against the Red Sox at Tropicana Field that day and two hours and 20 minutes later he had his first complete-game shutout. And it was a beauty in which he allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out 10.

"That day, he found a new changeup and that really gave him a lot of confidence and he used it very effectively," remembered Josh Paul, who caught Kazmir that day.

Unfortunately for Kazmir and the Rays, the win against the Red Sox was his last of the 2006 season. He only made six more starts and, despite pitching to a 3.06 ERA, he was 0-3 the rest of the way while the Rays scored 13 runs in his six starts. During that period, shoulder problems interrupted what had appeared to be a special season.


Devil Rays probable lineup
Pos. Name
1. LF Carl Crawford
2. SS Ben Zobrist
3. DH Rocco Baldelli
4. 1B Ty Wigginton
5. RF Delmon Young
6. 3B Akinori Iwamura
7. C Dioner Navarro
8. CF Elijah Dukes
9. 2B B.J. Upton

Kazmir went on the disabled list from July 24 to Aug. 11 with shoulder inflammation. He returned for two more starts, but was shelved for the final six weeks of the season as a precaution.

At the time Kazmir was sidelined, he was leading the Major Leagues (among qualifiers) with a 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings pitched ratio. Despite missing his last eight starts of the season, he still finished 12th in the American League in strikeouts while posting a 10-8 record with a 3.24 ERA.

Any questions the Rays might have had about Kazmir's shoulder have been answered this spring. He has pitched pain-free since the beginning of Spring Training and his performance has improved every outing.

Kazmir said he has experienced a nice spring given the way everything has played out.

"It's unbelievable," Kazmir said. "Just having a clear mind now. Knowing that I've done everything that I could. I'll be prepared for Opening Day. I'll be prepared for the season. I'm looking forward to it."

Kazmir said he was never really concerned about his shoulder, even last summer.

"In my mind, never," Kazmir said. "It just felt like something where maybe if I took a couple of days off it would have been good. We were just cautious and did the right thing."

Maddon could be counted among the cautious last summer, but not anymore. He's convinced Kazmir is more than ready for the season.

"I'm not concerned, I mean this guy is good," Maddon said. "You have to look at the previous year to really understand what he's going to do this year. I've got no concerns about him whatsoever."

All Kazmir needs to concern himself with at the moment are the Yankees. But don't look for a prediction about the Opening Day outcome.

"No predictions," Kazmir said. "I just want to go out there and keep our team in the game. I know the adrenaline is going to be there. I just have to kind of hone that. It's going to be a fun day to kick off the season. I'm excited. I'm ready. ... You don't have a pulse if you don't have the adrenalin going."

For the Yankees

The long wait is over for Carl Pavano, who will make his return to the Major Leagues on the grandest stage baseball can provide in April -- Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.
Even Pavano admits that it wasn't the likely scenario he'd envisioned when the 31-year-old right-hander reported to Spring Training in February. After 1 1/2 years of big-league inactivity, Pavano would have been thrilled just to know he'd make it through the Grapefruit League gauntlet.

"I was hoping all this would fall into place," Pavano said. "That was my goal. That's why I spent so much time in the offseason trying to improve myself physically.

"I don't have all the answers for the future, but I was hoping this day would come to fruition. It looks like it is."

A perfect storm of events precipitated Pavano's reappearance against the Devil Rays, taking place on what has traditionally played out to be a ceremonial afternoon of pomp and circumstance.

The Yankees had planned to name Chien-Ming Wang as the Opening Day starter, but he pulled up with a strained right hamstring late in Spring Training and is expected to miss at least the first three weeks of the season.

Andy Pettitte dealt with a bout of back spasms that put him behind the Yankees' other starters in terms of stamina, and the team did not want to rush Mike Mussina back on short rest for what -- celebratory atmosphere aside -- is just one game of 162.



So it is the date April 2, 2007 that finally replaces June 27, 2005 -- Pavano's last Major League appearance -- in his career game log. The Yankees say they are prepared to play behind Pavano and call him a teammate.

"We want him out there," said catcher Jorge Posada, who volunteered to take a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to Fort Myers in order to catch Pavano's final spring start. "He wants to be out there. It's a lot of fun to see the way he's working, doing things right."


Yankees probable lineup
Pos. Name
1. CF Johnny Damon
2. SS Derek Jeter
3. RF Bobby Abreu
4. 3B Alex Rodriguez
5. DH Jason Giambi
6. LF Hideki Matsui
7. 2B Robinson Cano
8. C Jorge Posada
9. 1B Josh Phelps
While Pavano admits that he will be excited to rejoin the competition he'd missed -- "I don't want to downplay that," he said -- he does not view the game as any sort of opportunity for redemption.

"I've pitched in a lot of big games," Pavano said. "I don't think it'll be different than any other game, to tell you the truth."

More to the point, Pavano is aware of the fact that he has given the Yankees just 17 starts and four victories in his first two seasons of a four-year contract. He's hopeful that the final two seasons will be much more productive and enjoyable.

An offseason workout program conducted in Phoenix helped Pavano strengthen his core and regain some of the flexibility he lost over numerous battles with injuries and maladies.

His Spring Training wasn't exactly uneventful, either -- he suffered a bruised left foot when he was hit by a batting practice line drive, left a start 45 minutes before game time to attend to a medical issue involving his girlfriend, and was nearly attacked by a swarm of bees during a start against the Reds in Sarasota.

But Pavano made it through his five Grapefruit League appearances, compiling a 4.91 ERA and throwing 18 1/3 pain-free innings. It was enough to help restore some of the Yankees' confidence, who have no issues looking to Pavano as a contributor for 2007 on every fifth day.

"He's come a long way. His spring certainly has been consistent," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "His body language has been really good. He's worked hard this spring and now it's starting to pay dividends."


Lets get it on.

[schillingouttheks]

Yeah. I forget who actually started the game thread format but it's a damn good one. It's all nice and clean.

I'll take the Rays tonight with Kaz going against Carla Pavana.

What's the reception at Yankee Stadium going to be like for Carla?

[jacksonianmarch]

it will be welcoming, but if he gets shelled, expect boos to rain down.

I have the yankees working Kazmir into the ground and feasting on the devil rays shitty MR. Who the fuck is closing in TB these days anyway? Seth McClung? I'll take the yankees in a late inning comeback.

[ORS]

I think McClung got sent down. Cantu too (Can-tutu?).

[jacksonianmarch]

their bullpen is in sorry shape. Did I really read that some guy named Camp was their closer? WTF?

[jacksonianmarch]

DRays Active pitchers

22 Shawn Camp R/R 6-1 200 11/18/75
15 Casey Fossum L/L 6-1 160 01/06/78
47 Gary Glover R/R 6-5 220 12/03/76
36 Edwin Jackson R/R 6-3 190 09/09/83
19 Scott Kazmir L/L 6-0 190 01/24/84
45 Ruddy Lugo R/R 6-0 190 05/22/80
28 Al Reyes R/R 6-1 210 04/10/70
11 Jae Kuk Ryu R/R 6-3 220 05/30/83
53 Juan Salas R/R 6-2 210 11/07/78
40 Jae Seo R/R 6-0 230 05/24/77
33 James Shields R/R 6-4 215 12/20/81
41 Brian Stokes R/R 6-1 205 09/07/79

their best pen guy is Reyes and he is 37 coming off TJ.

[Jon_Papelboner]

their bullpen is in sorry shape. Did I really read that some guy named Camp was their closer? WTF?

I remember that guy. He used to be on the royals. I'm sure we pwned him a few times.

[jacksonianmarch]

Yankee stadium looks beautiful. Man, I love baseball.

[jacksonianmarch]

YES did a nice job with the pregame for once. Goosebumps. This is amazing.

[Optimist]

A repeat of last year's opening day, in Oakland, would be nice.:lol:

[schillingouttheks]

How's the crowd treating Pavano?

[Youk Of The Nation]

Whoo-hoo. 162 more days of John Sterling.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Cahhhl Crahfawd!

Batting 1.000

[jacksonianmarch]

leadoff single for Crawford. Pavano off to a bad start already.

[ORS]

Might as well count that one as a double.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavano is throwing pretty well in terms of velocity. 92-93. Harder than I remember. Then again it has been a long time. And a SB for Crawford. Fuck.

[jacksonianmarch]

I smell a 1-0 deficit real soon.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Dont feel bad. No matter who's pitching for what team, Crawford had that base.

[ORS]

See.

[Optimist]

I'm loving the "We want Bernie" chants.

[jacksonianmarch]

Dont feel bad. No matter who's pitching for what team, Crawford had that base.

I have Crawford in my money league, so it is bittersweet.

[jacksonianmarch]

So how long until Carla goes down with an injury?

Nice pitch for Pavano.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Toronto already up 2-0 on the Tigers in the first.

[jacksonianmarch]

that ball died out there. No carry today. Baldelli crushed that

[Youk Of The Nation]

Damn you Sterling...I thought that was out.

[Youk Of The Nation]

:lol: and so it begins.

[jacksonianmarch]

ARod error #1. Fucker. And here come the Boos.

[Optimist]

You got to be kidding me.

[jacksonianmarch]

and the high black socks from ARod? What?

One thing I remember about Pavano is that he crumbles after errors.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavana looked pretty good in that inning.

[Optimist]

Okay, now let's see what the lineup can do.

[shortstop]

A-Rod already made an error.

[jacksonianmarch]

Damon leads off with a single.

[ORS]

What's the story? Gameday said Wigginton grounded out.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jeter jam shot flyout to RF.

[jacksonianmarch]

What's the story? Gameday said Wigginton grounded out.

he did. He hit a foul pop-up that ARod whiffed on before that.

[jacksonianmarch]

Abreu just burns pitches.

[jacksonianmarch]

single to left by Abreu. ARod up with a chance. Inning will be over soon. :(

[jacksonianmarch]

Kazmir is rattled. 13 pitches, 1 out.

[jacksonianmarch]

1-1, the K is comin. JUST NO DP!!

[jacksonianmarch]

2-2, I smell K.

[jacksonianmarch]

I am so good. K-A-Rod.

[Optimist]

A K w/ RISP and an error...what a start.

[jacksonianmarch]

Kazmir at 20 pitches already.

[jacksonianmarch]

A K w/ RISP and an error...what a start.

opt out what?

[Youk Of The Nation]

2-0 Yankees.

[jacksonianmarch]

Giambi 2 run single. YEAH!!!

[jacksonianmarch]

25 pitches for Kazmir.

[jacksonianmarch]

Matsui walks. 30 pitches for Kazmir.

[Optimist]

I'm a bit worried about what this long sit period will do to Pavano.

[jacksonianmarch]

this yankee lineup is fucking dirty.

[jacksonianmarch]

I'm a bit worried about what this long sit period will do to Pavano.

Pavano to the 60 day DL with DEATH.

[Optimist]

:lol:

[Optimist]

Posada should bat from the left; it's working for everyone else.

[jacksonianmarch]

Posada pops out. 35 pitches. I think the new movie title should have been the title of the yankees offense. GRINDHOUSE. They just ground Kaz into the fucking ground.

[jacksonianmarch]

Delmon showing his youth. First pitch swinging flyout.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavano is really looking good right now. Hitting that outside corner like the vagina that he is.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jeter and Arod with errors already. Fuck.

[jacksonianmarch]

another dirty pitch by Pussano.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavano, listen bro, this guy cannot hit. Throw him the fucking ball.

[riverside sluggers]

Ah Im home. My boss will let me work my remaining hours left for tomorrow :). Is Arod already getting booed? And how was the reception for Pavano?

[jacksonianmarch]

where did that miss? Wow, Pavano is on a mission with solid location today. He's still a pussy in my book.

[jacksonianmarch]

Ah Im home. My boss will let me work my remaining hours left for tomorrow :). Is Arod already getting booed? And how was the reception for Pavano?

ARod got the biggest pregame cheer. His error and K w/RISP has already turned the cheers to jeers.

[Optimist]

I've missed complaining about strike zones.:lol:

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavano at 36 pitches. WHAT IS THE ONE THING I WANTED OUT OF OUR PITCHING STAFF!! C'mon Carl, we need 6 innings out of you every time out. And the Rays are on the board. Good job Carl, douche. Jeter's error hurt.

[jacksonianmarch]

Carl helps Carl out. Damage minimal. Pavano is pitching well despite his defense.

[jacksonianmarch]

Cano with the K looking. Nice pitch.

[Optimist]

Bobby Murcer is going to be in the booth in the third inning. :thumbsup:

[jacksonianmarch]

Phelps will either K or hit the ball a mile.

[jacksonianmarch]

Phelps with the BB. Nice AB. He is my dark horse in this lineup. Phelps will win the 1b job by the end of the yr.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jeter HBP on the right ankle. DONT RUB IT!

[jacksonianmarch]

50 pitches for Kazmir.

[jacksonianmarch]

I'd walk Abreu here and throw to A-Choke.

[jacksonianmarch]

2 innings down, Yankees lead 2-1.

Kazmir at 52 pitches.
Pavano at 38 pitches.

[jacksonianmarch]

and Pussano has lost the zone.

[riverside sluggers]

Ease up there Jacko ;), I knew coming in to todays game that Pavano wouldnt be bad because he has owned the DRays I believe with a 2.95 ERA. Lets see how he does with loaded AL lineups, ah I salivate when he starts vs Boston.

[jacksonianmarch]

Ease up there Jacko ;), I knew coming in to todays game that Pavano wouldnt be bad because he has owned the DRays I believe with a 2.95 ERA. Lets see how he does with loaded AL lineups, ah I salivate when he starts vs Boston.

I am just surprised he isnt being gangraped right now.

BTW, if Wang returns on time, Pavano misses the first 2 series vs Boston.

[jacksonianmarch]

2 down, Pavano cruising.

[jacksonianmarch]

51 pitches through 3 for Pavano.

[jacksonianmarch]

ARod about to K again. I am calling a hat trick and a DP today.

[jacksonianmarch]

ARod should have K'd right there, but he got the break from the ump.

[jacksonianmarch]

6-3 1 out.

[jacksonianmarch]

63 pitches through 3 for Kazmir. He is starting to settle in but its too late. He'll be 5 and done and we will win this one.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavana with the high cheese on Delmon.

[jacksonianmarch]

what I dont like about Pavano is the fact that he is not starting hitters off well and he is getting behind.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavano induces the DP, Inning over, 62 pitches after 4.

[jacksonianmarch]

Posada goes oppo!! 3-1!

[Optimist]

First of many for this team!

[riverside sluggers]

Posada... Varitek he is not

[jacksonianmarch]

Posada... Varitek he is not

RCF off a changeup. NICE!

[jacksonianmarch]

Kazmir rattled again.

[ORS]

I would like to say Miggy Cabrera is going off today for my fantasy team. 2-2, bomb, 2B, 4 ribs, BB...I love that guy.

[jacksonianmarch]

Phelps 2nd walk of the game. If this guy gets on base for us this yr, we will have a solid 9 hitter.

[jacksonianmarch]

Kazmir walks Damon. 79 pitches at 3.1IP.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jeter K's looking on a very low pitch.

[Jon_Papelboner]

Jeter having a shitty day.

[jacksonianmarch]

84 pitches after 4 for Kazmir.

[jacksonianmarch]

Ma Dukes takes Pavano deep. 3-2 Yankees.

Upton singles off the bat. Pavano starting to falter. Cmon Carl. STAMINA!!

[riverside sluggers]

Damn Elijah Dukes 1st major league HR. That wind must really be blowing hard, I thought that wouldve been an easy fly ball for Damon

[jacksonianmarch]

Damn Elijah Dukes 1st major league HR. That wind must really be blowing hard, I thought that wouldve been an easy fly ball for Damon


it swirls at yankee stadium. Early in the game Baldelli hit a ball that didnt even reach the warning tract that looked like it was gone off the bat. Then Dukes hits what looks like a warning track FB and he hits the back wall in CF some 430 feet away.

[jacksonianmarch]

Ahhh, thats the Carla Pussano we all know and remember.

[jacksonianmarch]

NOOOOOOOOOOO HENN IS WARMING UP!!! NOT UNTIL WE ARE UP OR DOWN BY 10 RUNS!!

Yankee defense throwing the ball away. Tie game 3-3.

[riverside sluggers]

they had crawford at 2nd easily, wasted opportunity. The go ahead run is now at 2nd with no outs

[jacksonianmarch]

they had crawford at 2nd easily, wasted opportunity. The go ahead run is now at 2nd with no outs

DRays will score here.

[jacksonianmarch]

4-3 rays. pavano is falling apart. Pavano is out of the game. In comes Bruney.

[riverside sluggers]

Pavano done after 4.1 innings, the Yankees middle relief is tested in game 1

[jacksonianmarch]

Pavano done after 4.1 innings, the Yankees middle relief is tested in game 1

Have no doubt we win this game since Kazmir has about 1 inning left in him, but Carl is doing his best Jaret Wright impression. Fanfuckingtastic. His D didnt help him though.

[MANNYHOF24]

I have a feeling a lot of Yankee games are going to go this way. Pavano fell apart after pitching ok for 4 innings.

[jacksonianmarch]

I have a feeling a lot of Yankee games are going to go this way. Pavano fell apart after pitching ok for 4 innings.

He pitched very well for 4 innings. The defense was fucking atrocious and Carl's biggest problem from 2 yrs ago was his lack of testicular fortitude when the D is less than stellar. K for Wiggy and Baldelli takes 2nd.

[jacksonianmarch]

RBI single for Young, 5-3 DRays. FUCK!!

[riverside sluggers]

Woo Delmon Young doing my fantasy team proud

EDIT: Fuck lol spoke too soon, caught stealing just as I wrote this post

[jacksonianmarch]

Young CS. Inning over, thank fucking god.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

There's really no proper place for this so I'll just post it here because I'm reading this now...but how about freaking HANRAM today? 4-4 so far, a couple steals, a couple runs, an RBI...unstoppable right now.

Man, Beckett better turn it around this year...

[jacksonianmarch]

Damon out of the game for no reason. Uh Oh.

[shortstop]

That's really odd for him to just come out of the game.

[jacksonianmarch]

Henn starts it off fantastically. I hate this guy.

[jacksonianmarch]

That's really odd for him to just come out of the game.

I would assume something tightened up.

[He Hate Me]

time to put Melky on my watch list in my leagues.

[jacksonianmarch]

Damon looks like he tweaked a hammy stopping for the homer.

[Coco's Disciples]

Cano changed his number to 24 I see.

[jacksonianmarch]

Update: Damon has a cramp in his calf.

[jacksonianmarch]

Cano with a frozen rope to RF. Kazmir at 107 pitches. FEAST ON MR!!

[Coco's Disciples]

Uhh I thought Camp was the closer...

If he's not, then who the fuck is?

[jacksonianmarch]

Uhh I thought Camp was the closer...

If he's not, then who the fuck is?

I am not sure if the reality show is finished yet. Who will be the DRays closer? The finals has Flava Flav against Ron Jeremy. Rumor has it, Flav has a nasty changeup.

[jacksonianmarch]

Minky with a great bunt.

The Melkman cometh.

[jacksonianmarch]

Melky plunked. Captain to the dish.

[Coco's Disciples]

It's over.

[jacksonianmarch]

lift the ball JETES!

[jacksonianmarch]

sun finally coming out. God is on our side!!

[jacksonianmarch]

TIE GAME!!

[jacksonianmarch]

is everyone watching? This is why the yankees will win the east. Kazmir held us in check for 5 innings, but the pitch count was run over 100 in 5 innings. And then the middle relief comes in, 1 sac bunt, 1 HBP, and a 2 run single.

[jacksonianmarch]

Abreu gave that a ride, Melky falls down and the inning is over. Game tied.

[TheKilo]

Jacko = postwhore.

edit - 90 posts in one thread? This is why a chatroom would work.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko = postwhore.

Just wicked excited today.

Vizcaino gets an easy 1-2-3. Yankee pen goes scoreless 2.2IP to this point.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

I appreciate the posts Jacko. I can't watch the game at work so I get some details from you that the gamecasts don't have.

[jacksonianmarch]

ARod scorches a liner to SS, might be an error or a hit.

Scored a single.

Giambi up at the plate. Murderers row against a pen that has no lefty. FEAST.

ARod steals second.

[jacksonianmarch]

Yankees lead 6-5.

[TheKilo]

Jacko, it's a 162 game season. Please don't tell me you're going to blow your load like this every game.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko, it's a 162 game season. Please don't tell me you're going to blow your load like this every game.

I'll be working for most of them. Also, I will be watching a lot of games on MLB Tv once I move out of YES range and will probably be posting less frequently. But to be honest with you, I am pretty pumped for opening day. Give me a little break.

[TheKilo]

I'll be working for most of them. Also, I will be watching a lot of games on MLB Tv once I move out of YES range and will probably be posting less frequently. But to be honest with you, I am pretty pumped for opening day. Give me a little break.

Just giving you a hard time, man.

I have a feeling this will be the typical Yankee win...outmash an opponent, while having very mediocre pitching and bad defense themselves.

[jacksonianmarch]

Just giving you a hard time, man.

I have a feeling this will be the typical Yankee win...outmash an opponent, while having very mediocre pitching and bad defense themselves.

It will be the typical yankee win if we win anytime Pavano throws. Our pen has been lights out thus far. Wang, Mussina, and Pettitte should be pretty damn solid.

[jacksonianmarch]

Adam Dunn 2-2 2HR to this point.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

It will be the typical yankee win if we win anytime Pavano throws. Our pen has been lights out thus far. Wang, Mussina, and Pettitte should be pretty damn solid.

be interesting to see if farnsworth keeps the pen lights out

[rician blast]

apologize for not reading through all the posts but did ARod commit an error yet?

[MANNYHOF24]

Why did Damon leave the game?

[jacksonianmarch]

ARod has an error.

Damon left with cramps in his calfs.

Farns has added a sinker apparently and he K's Baldelli on it. Nice start for the rocky Farns.

Edit: spoke too soon. Wiggy with a single up the middle. 1 out, 1 on.

Young pops out to Cano. 1 on 2 out.

Iwamura grounds out to Cano. 8th inning over.

[jacksonianmarch]

Minky reaches on a cheapy single as Upton tried to barehand a ball.

Melkman gets down a perfect bunt. Captain has the shot to add some insurance.

Salas into the game. This guy throws gas.

Jeter grounds out to Iwamura. Arod up with Minky on 2nd and 2 outs. Get Mo warm, this inning is over.

My bad, Abreu is up.

RBI SINGLE. Insurance run, collision at the plate, but Minky snuck in there.

[jacksonianmarch]

AROD HOMERUN!!! Icing on the cake. We can put this one in the books. A BOMB to CF.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

Jackso...ARod is on pace to hit .400 with 162 errors and 162 HRs. Will that please the fans in NY? :)

[Optimist]

The Yankees in the bullpen are playing better defense than those on the field right now. :o :lol:

[Optimist]

Mo K's the side.:thumbsup:

[jacksonianmarch]

Yankees 9 Devil Rays 5


NEW YORK (AP) -- On an emotional opening day, the New York Yankees got big hits from Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez -- and even a few encouraging innings from Carl Pavano.

The oft-injured Pavano pitched his first major league game since June 2005 and Giambi hit a go-ahead single in the seventh for his third RBI, leading New York past the baby-faced Tampa Bay Devil Rays 9-5 Monday.

With owner George Steinbrenner watching from his luxury suite behind home plate, Rodriguez homered and Derek Jeter had a two-run single to help the Yankees win their 10th straight home opener.

Elijah Dukes homered off Pavano for his first major league hit, and fellow Tampa Bay prospect B.J. Upton had two hits, an RBI and a stolen base. The Devil Rays, who fielded the youngest opening-day lineup since the 1983 Minnesota Twins, led 5-3 before Scott Kazmir and his bullpen faltered.

Luis Vizcaino worked a perfect seventh for the victory in his Yankees debut. Kyle Farnsworth tossed a scoreless eighth, and Mariano Rivera struck out all three batters in the ninth.


My thoughts:

Carl Pavano pitched a whole lot better than his line would indicate. Errors absolutely ruined him. ARod drops a popup and costs Carl 4 more pitches. Jeter makes an errant throw and costs Carl an UER. An error by Phelps was key in the Rays 4 run inning essentially allowing the last 2 runs to score while Crawford would have been out. He stuff was good, he was getting behind hitters, but his sinker and curve looked pretty nice.

A worry is Damon's calf strain which is what it sounds like. They made it sound like it isnt a big deal, but with a 33 yr old who relies on speed for most of his game, his legs need to be tip top. We'll see how he responds on Wednesday.

Our offense looked fantastic. ARod hits a monster homer. Posada drilled one oppo. The lineup faced 152 pitches in 8 innings. Abreu 2-5 with an RBI. Giambi with 3 RBI. And one thing that was nice was to see the return of small ball. 2 sac bunts led to 3 runs and 3 SB were integral in 2 runs.

The relief corps was lights out. 4.2IP 3H 5K 0ER 0BB.

Overall, a solid yankee win.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

Yeah the bullpen really impressed me today. Outstanding work from those boys. BTW they have really gotten far with the new stadium.

[jacksonianmarch]

Johnny Damon will be ready to play on Wednesday. He said it was just cramps in both his calves, and is fine now,

[TheKilo]

Johnny Damon will be ready to play on Wednesday. He said it was just cramps in both his ovaries, and is fine now,


Midol?

[jacksonianmarch]

works wonders.

[jacksonianmarch]

So pumped after day 1, pissed as all hell that there is no game tomorrow. Pettitte on Wednesday. He is gonna get a huge ovation.

[yeszir]

So pumped after day 1, pissed as all hell that there is no game tomorrow. Pettitte on Wednesday. He is gonna get a huge ovation.

The crowd at Yankee stadium will give anyone an ovation. If the guy in Row GG seat 4 takes a piss everyone demands a curtain call.

[jacksonianmarch]

The crowd at Yankee stadium will give anyone an ovation. If the guy in Row GG seat 4 takes a piss everyone demands a curtain call.

but if it is a solid piss, he should get an ovation.

[yeszir]

but if it is a solid piss, he should get an ovation.

Piss is liquid idiot! Poops are solid!

Haha everyone look at the stupid yankee fan. Psh, solid piss.

[jacksonianmarch]

A solid piss ie a frothy, strong stream.

[rician blast]

The crowd at Yankee stadium will give anyone an ovation. If the guy in Row GG seat 4 takes a piss everyone demands a curtain call.


True, but fickle they are...

They boo ARod early in the game for his E.
Then they boo him when he K's.
Then they demand a curtain call after he homers in the 8th with the Yanks already up 7-5.

Curtain call? Please. A mile wide and and inch deep is the Yankee fan base.

[jacksonianmarch]

True, but fickle they are...

They boo ARod early in the game for his E.
Then they boo him when he K's.
Then they demand a curtain call after he homers in the 8th with the Yanks already up 7-5.

Curtain call? Please. A mile wide and and inch deep is the Yankee fan base.

That homer wasnt a fluff homer though. He is not the guy I'd expect to hit the game winner, but he is the master at putting the game out of reach. Still something necessary. It was a big homer. At the same time, a lot of yankee fans who backed him are upset that he is considering using the option at the end of the yr. If he doesnt take a stance on it (ie decline the option in season) soon, nobody will be on his side.

[Gom]

True, but fickle they are...

They boo ARod early in the game for his E.
Then they boo him when he K's.
Then they demand a curtain call after he homers in the 8th with the Yanks already up 7-5.

Curtain call? Please. A mile wide and and inch deep is the Yankee fan base.

I don't really think you understand the dynamic of New York, especially with Arod. With this being his last season in New York [it's pretty much a given], the fans know that the best chance the Yankees have of winning another ring is with Arod having a monster year. He got the loudest ovation when he came to bat of any Yankee. We want him to succeed. It is just that we have no patience at this point when he doesn't. Arod will get the most curtain calls this season, because inherently, we know he needs it.

Try a mile wide and deep.

[schillingouttheks]

You want him to succeed but you'll boo him when he doesn't even though you know that he needs the support?

Doesn't make much sense to me...

[ORS]

That's because it's a completely fabricated justification. If the crowd was inherently aware of his need for coddling, then they wouldn't boo, period. That would be counterproductive, and a mile deep fanbase wouldn't do anything to hurt their chances. No, there's no cogent mechanism at work here.

[MANNYHOF24]

That homer wasnt a fluff homer though. He is not the guy I'd expect to hit the game winner, but he is the master at putting the game out of reach. Still something necessary. It was a big homer. At the same time, a lot of yankee fans who backed him are upset that he is considering using the option at the end of the yr. If he doesnt take a stance on it (ie decline the option in season) soon, nobody will be on his side.

AROD is the master of the meaningless homerun. Yestersday's homerun was very meaningless with Rivera entering the game with a two run lead. It was not a big homer, the game was over IMO, the Devil Rays were defeated after Kazmir left the game.

[TheKilo]

I don't really think you understand the dynamic of New York, especially with Arod. With this being his last season in New York [it's pretty much a given], the fans know that the best chance the Yankees have of winning another ring is with Arod having a monster year. He got the loudest ovation when he came to bat of any Yankee. We want him to succeed. It is just that we have no patience at this point when he doesn't. Arod will get the most curtain calls this season, because inherently, we know he needs it.

Try a mile wide and deep.

Umm, if you want him to succeed, and know how fragile his ego is, it would seem that booing him could be the worst thing to do.

[He Hate Me]

True, but fickle they are...

They boo ARod early in the game for his E.
Then they boo him when he K's.
Then they demand a curtain call after he homers in the 8th with the Yanks already up 7-5.

Curtain call? Please. A mile wide and and inch deep is the Yankee fan base.

:rolleyes:

would you rather go with the girl who gives it up to everyone or the girl who makes you work for it?

[TheKilo]

:rolleyes:

would you rather go with the girl who gives it up to everyone or the girl who makes you work for it?

But...you're the girl who gives it to everyone...:dunno:

[jacksonianmarch]

aww snap dawg.

[He Hate Me]

But...you're the girl who gives it to everyone...:dunno:

lol that's messed up.

anyway, if he does well, he gets cheered, if he messes up, he gets booed. thats how life is, I don't see red Sox fans cheering when Julian tavarez blows a lead or faisl to put out the fire.

[TheKilo]

lol that's messed up.

anyway, if he does well, he gets cheered, if he messes up, he gets booed. thats how life is, I don't see red Sox fans cheering when Julian tavarez blows a lead or faisl to put out the fire.

I agree, but at the same time someone would need a calculator to find out how many curtain calls were given out in NY last year.

The more you do it, the less it means, right? I mean they should be reserved for huge moments.

Yankee fans like to give Bernie Williams a curtain call when he has a successful bowel movement.

[jacksonianmarch]

I agree, but at the same time someone would need a calculator to find out how many curtain calls were given out in NY last year.

The more you do it, the less it means, right? I mean they should be reserved for huge moments.

Yankee fans like to give Bernie Williams a curtain call when he has a successful bowel movement.

once again, a strong shit deserves an ovation.

[TheKilo]

once again, a strong shit deserves an ovation.

I guess there's a reason people call Yankee Stadium "The Toilet", and it's not for the shape or the pieces of shit that frequent it.

[jacksonianmarch]

the new stadium will be nice though. Less room for sox fans to come in when the yankees play them.

[Gom]

That's because it's a completely fabricated justification. If the crowd was inherently aware of his need for coddling, then they wouldn't boo, period. That would be counterproductive, and a mile deep fanbase wouldn't do anything to hurt their chances. No, there's no cogent mechanism at work here.

Frustration. It's not like he doesn't get cheered either. How many people get curtain calls for hitting a homerun to pad a two run lead?

I've played sports, although not professionally. I've been cheered, I've been booed. It doesn't affect me. How it can affect someone who does this for a living is beyond me.

New York isn't for everyone, and neither is Boston. They are tough towns to play in. He got the loudest ovation of any Yankee when he came up for his first at bat.

It's not like you guys haven't run your share of stars out of town either. Clemens, Boggs, Pedro. Compared to you guys, we're as deep as the Pacific.

He's gone after the season anyways. There isn't a single player, coach, or Yankee executive that thinks there is a rats ass chance of him staying.

[Gom]

:rolleyes:

would you rather go with the girl who gives it up to everyone or the girl who makes you work for it?

I'll go with the hotter one. I could care less if she is a whore or not. I'm not exactly selective. I just like good looking girls regardless of their intelligence or morality.

In this aspect, you really would be very hard pressed to find anyone as shallow as me.

[ORS]

Clemens, Boggs, and Pedro are horrible examples. We are talking about the fanbases here, not the front offices. The fans didn't run any of those guys out of town. They were revered, but their services weren't retained. If ARod leaves, it will be solely because of the fanbase.

This isn't to say I think one fanbase is superior to the other. All fanbases are equally full of crap. What I take exception with is the idea that the fans treatment of ARod is some premeditated form of motivation. It's purely reactionary, which is fine, but don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

Clemens, Boggs, and Pedro are horrible examples. We are talking about the fanbases here, not the front offices. The fans didn't run any of those guys out of town. They were revered, but their services weren't retained. If ARod leaves, it will be solely because of the fanbase.
While Clemens didnt leave because of the fans I remember many Sox fans calling him a traitor when he first joined the Yankees. Its only recently that most sox fans have warmed to him. BTW I think A-rod still opts out even if he has a big year and the fans give him all the curtain calls. The money is huge out there and he can easily get another huge deal.

[ORS]

And Boomer got booed at the Stadium. When you jump sides, even with a gap, that's to be expected. Still doesn't mean the fans "ran them out of town" like Gom said.

[riverside sluggers]

While Clemens didnt leave because of the fans I remember many Sox fans calling him a traitor when he first joined the Yankees. Its only recently that most sox fans have warmed to him. BTW I think A-rod still opts out even if he has a big year and the fans give him all the curtain calls. The money is huge out there and he can easily get another huge deal.

Notice the words I have put in bold. "When he joined the Yankees"... why is it so hard for some of you guys to understand?

If Arod joins another team after the year is over, yes he'll get curtain calls aplenty. You really think if such a thing would happen, ie Arod jumping to Beantown (crazy I know), that he would be welcomed back as a hero?

[ORS]

You have to be joking? ARod, if he jumps ship, will be booed for life at the Stadium, no matter who he is playing for.

[He Hate Me]

I agree, but at the same time someone would need a calculator to find out how many curtain calls were given out in NY last year.

The more you do it, the less it means, right? I mean they should be reserved for huge moments.

Yankee fans like to give Bernie Williams a curtain call when he has a successful bowel movement.

and Red Sox fans don't overreact to things? =)

Bernie got curtain calls everytime last year because we ALL thought he was retiring. It was our way of showing him love.

In fact if ARod wants to be loved, he should look at how the fans rewarded Bernie last year for all his years of success and being able to fight through the boos that followed him early on in his career.

[Gom]

Clemens, Boggs, and Pedro are horrible examples. We are talking about the fanbases here, not the front offices. The fans didn't run any of those guys out of town. They were revered, but their services weren't retained. If ARod leaves, it will be solely because of the fanbase.

This isn't to say I think one fanbase is superior to the other. All fanbases are equally full of crap. What I take exception with is the idea that the fans treatment of ARod is some premeditated form of motivation. It's purely reactionary, which is fine, but don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.

LOL! That has to be the funniest thing I've heard in a long time, I never heard that quote before.

Well, that whole Boggs/Margo Adams things didn't endear him to Boston, but you were there and lived through it, and I didn't, so I'll defer to you on this one.

Give me this though. This whole premise with the fans is COMPLETE AND UTTER BULLSHIT. The guy is a mercenary for hire. It is all about the money at this point. You think if Cashman told him that he would give him a 5 year, 100 million contract on top of what he has he wouldn't stay? Nothing but the money. It's not about being loved, or cheered. Did Boras have Drew opt out because he would be more appreciated in Boston than in LA? Same thing with Arod.

The thing about Arod is this. I completely and utterly believe that when the Yankee season ends, that's it for him in pinstripes, and hello Chicago/Anaheim/LA.

However, it makes little sense. Even in this market, I don't see him making 27+ million a year over the next 3 years, which is what he is scheduled to make. The overall dollars will be more, no doubt, but not the AAV of his contract. Why not just wait, take your money and then leave? His endorsement money, marque value, etc., will go down anywhere but in LA from in NY. Plus, salaries historically go up, so he will probably make more in three years than he will now, even if he is older, and he gets to keep his 27 million either way. It just doesn't make sense, but then again, Arod making sense to me would be a foreign concept anyways.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

Notice the words I have put in bold. "When he joined the Yankees"... why is it so hard for some of you guys to understand?

If Arod joins another team after the year is over, yes he'll get curtain calls aplenty. You really think if such a thing would happen, ie Arod jumping to Beantown (crazy I know), that he would be welcomed back as a hero?

Yeah theres a better chance of hell freezing over then A-Rod getting cheered after joining a team like the Angels. I hope you ment a mock cheer.

[ORS]

LOL! That has to be the funniest thing I've heard in a long time, I never heard that quote before.

Well, that whole Boggs/Margo Adams things didn't endear him to Boston, but you were there and lived through it, and I didn't, so I'll defer to you on this one.

Give me this though. This whole premise with the fans is COMPLETE AND UTTER BULLSHIT. The guy is a mercenary for hire. It is all about the money at this point. You think if Cashman told him that he would give him a 5 year, 100 million contract on top of what he has he wouldn't stay? Nothing but the money. It's not about being loved, or cheered. Did Boras have Drew opt out because he would be more appreciated in Boston than in LA? Same thing with Arod.

The thing about Arod is this. I completely and utterly believe that when the Yankee season ends, that's it for him in pinstripes, and hello Chicago/Anaheim/LA.

However, it makes little sense. Even in this market, I don't see him making 27+ million a year over the next 3 years, which is what he is scheduled to make. The overall dollars will be more, no doubt, but not the AAV of his contract. Why not just wait, take your money and then leave? His endorsement money, marque value, etc., will go down anywhere but in LA from in NY. Plus, salaries historically go up, so he will probably make more in three years than he will now, even if he is older, and he gets to keep his 27 million either way. It just doesn't make sense, but then again, Arod making sense to me would be a foreign concept anyways.
I agree to a degree. I overstated the impact of fan reaction. However, your notion that it is all about money doesn't really agree with your last paragraph. Boras is a smart dude, and despite current spending levels, I don't think there's a contract the market will bear that will go over what he'd make if he stayed and then hit the FA market, and I'm sure Boras knows this. But, there's probably one that will make it about equal, and all things being equal, I think he leaves.

[Gom]

I agree to a degree. I overstated the impact of fan reaction. However, your notion that it is all about money doesn't really agree with your last paragraph. Boras is a smart dude, and despite current spending levels, I don't think there's a contract the market will bear that will go over what he'd make if he stayed and then hit the FA market, and I'm sure Boras knows this. But, there's probably one that will make it about equal, and all things being equal, I think he leaves.

How does my last paragraph not all about money? By staying in NY, he has the maximum exposure both on the field and off the field which can only help his bottom line. The only place he can make more/same money is in LA, but that's it. So off the field is a backward step unless it is with the Dodgers.

What I'm saying is I just don't understand. Based on what I'm hearing, and run with with this for a second, is that everyone in the Yankee organization, management and players, thinks he is gone after the season. If that is the case, I see him as actually losing money, since he won't recoup the AAV of 27 for the first 3 years, and although he will make more money overall, I think if he played out the remaining 3 years and then signed a free agent contract, that would be the most money he could make for his career. What do you think?

I don't buy this fan bullshit. They adored him in Seattle and he left. They loved him in Texas and he left. We are fickle in NY and he will leave. I think the fans are a non-issue. If they were, he never would have left Seattle. The only places that can take this guy is Anaheim and LA. Mets are out, they had their chance, and seeing how he has fared in NY, their money will be better spent elsewhere. Red Sox..if you get rid of Manny and Schilling, but seeing how he fared here, for the money he will command, would you really want him? He is a great player, but not worth 25 million a season. However, going back to the money part, can anyone see how he will make more money by leaving?

[ORS]

If that is the case, I see him as actually losing money, since he won't recoup the AAV of 27 for the first 3 years....
Here's where I think you contradict yourself. You said him leaving is completely about money. If you think he will be losing money overall, then it isn't completely about money, right?

As far as what he can make goes, it's tough to say. Right now, it looks like the market is on another crazy upswing, so you never know when the next Tom Hicks will strike. If he goes, it will certainly be a gamble.

[jacksonianmarch]

he will be 32 if he leaves this yr. You can expect him to nab 6-7yrs 120-135mil. If he stays, he makes 81 mil over the next 3 yrs. That requires him to make 54 mil over his last 4 seasons to break even. JD Drew made more than that. But if he leaves right now, he makes sure that he gets that money whereas he may make that money or he may get injured and not make it.

[Gom]

According to your math, jacks, it is nearly a lock for him to average 12 milliont a season after this contract is up with inflation and all. That's why I don't get it. Fans? Get a hit when it counts, and we cheer you. Did you expect us not to boo if you go 1-14 in the post-season?

What I'm saying ORS is that like Drew, I think it's all about the money. I just don't see how it will happen, unless we get a new Hicks as a player.

[jacksonianmarch]

I dont think ARod gets an AAV over 20 mil, I would assume it would be right at 20mil.