5.13.08 - NYY @ TB: All Pregame Info & Discussion

[TheBamTino24]

Since Alex Rodriguez re-injured his quad in Cleveland on April 28th, the Yankees are 5-7. At 19-20, they are sputtering in much the same way they did to start last season (18-21). The biggest difference from 2007, however, is that NYY is just 4 GB of 1st place in the AL East instead of 9.5 GB at this point as they were then.

Andy Pettitte was thumped for the 3rd time in 4 starts last night while Matt Garza dominated for Tampa Bay, as the Rays maintained their hot streak with a 7-1 win. Tonight, Chien-Ming Wang (6-1, 3.12) starts against TB RH Edwin Jackson (2-3, 4.04).

Jackson is coming off a brilliant start in Toronto where he shutout the Blue Jays over 8 innings on just 6 hits and 1 walk. Jackson has thrown 42.1 IP this season and allowed just 38 hits with a .361 SLG, but he's also walked 20 batters (4.3/9) to 29 strikeouts (6.2/9). He has a 1.00 GO:AO and 1.37 WHIP., and .278 BABIP.

Jackson vs. LH (71 AB): .296/.405/.437
Jackson vs. RH (87 AB): .195/.255/.299

Jackson vs. New York:

HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Hideki Matsui	14	5	0	0	1	2	1	1	.357	.400	.571	.971
Derek Jeter	13	5	0	0	1	4	3	3	.385	.500	.615	1.115
Bobby Abreu	13	1	0	0	0	2	3	1	.077	.250	.077	.327
Robinson Cano	12	3	0	0	0	0	3	1	.250	.400	.250	.650
Alex Rodriguez	12	4	2	0	1	3	1	3	.333	.385	.750	1.135
Johnny Damon	11	0	0	0	0	0	3	2	.000	.214	.000	.214
Melky Cabrera	9	3	0	0	0	1	0	2	.333	.333	.333	.667
Jason Giambi	6	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	.000	.143	.000	.143
Wilson Betemit	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000	.000	.000	.000
Jorge Posada	5	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.400	.500	.400	.900
Shelley Duncan	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.250	.250	.250	.500
Jose Molina	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Chad Moeller	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Morgan Ensberg	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	.000	.333	.000	.333
Totals	111	24	2	0	3	13	17	21	.216	.320	.315	.636

Wang vs. Tampa Bay:

HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Carl Crawford	34	10	3	2	0	3	2	1	.294	.333	.500	.833
Eric Hinske	27	12	5	0	2	3	2	3	.444	.483	.852	1.335
Jonny Gomes	25	4	0	0	0	3	2	6	.160	.222	.160	.382
Rocco Baldelli	14	2	0	0	1	1	0	0	.143	.143	.357	.500
B.J. Upton	14	4	1	0	0	0	1	3	.286	.333	.357	.690
Carlos Pena	12	4	1	0	1	5	1	5	.333	.357	.667	1.024
Dioner Navarro	11	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.182	.250	.182	.432
Akinori Iwamura	9	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.333	.333	.556	.889
Jason Bartlett	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	.000	.200	.000	.200
Cliff Floyd	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333	.333	.333	.667
Ben Zobrist	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Willy Aybar	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.500	.500	.500	1.000
Shawn Riggans	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	160	43	10	3	4	15	10	25	.269	.310	.444	.754

[ajra21]

i'm feeling confident. great post as always bam!

[THEBOSS84]

I find it odd that Hinske has 2 homers off of Wang considering Wang doesn't give up many homers and Hinske isn't good. I wonder if that's the most a player has off of Wang (I would think Manny or Ortiz would be around there too)

[ajra21]

I find it odd that Hinske has 2 homers off of Wang considering Wang doesn't give up many homers and Hinske isn't good. I wonder if that's the most a player has off of Wang (I would think Manny or Ortiz would be around there too)

everyone has a nemesis ... wang's is hinske.

i'd rather him give up hits and HRs to hinske than manny or big pappi.

[BRNXBMRS]

All I want is a W.

[Mark19]

The thing that worries me above all else is that this team went from being able to hurt every single pitcher in baseball to being overmatched by anyone who is above-average or has a gimmick they haven't seen before. I find it interesting that they were able to amp themselves up to get respectable results off of King Felix and Bedard but they then go right back to looking helpless against Cleveland and Detroit.

[YanksFanTillDeath]

All I want is a W.

For real...thank god the sox are not taking this division away...

[YESSIR!]

For real...thank god the sox are not taking this division away...

I think we need to be just as worried about the team we're playing now taking this thing away. They look better than almost everyone right now, and though many will say they will fade down the stretch and are a couple players short this year, I'm not so sure. If they come away with 3 of 4 from the Yankees in this series their confidence will build and they'll keep right on rolling.

Tonight is an extremely important game that illustrates just how solid the Rays are. We need to get to Jackson today because we may not score a lot of runs off of their top 2 starters on Wed. and Thurs. However Jackson has been pretty darn good in his own right, and could easily handcuff the Yankees again tonight as he did in his previous outting, and as his buddy Garza did last night. It seems all you need to do is ram a plus FB down the Yanks throat and their old bats won't be able to catch up.

Abreu must not see Edwin well at all, as his numbers vs. lefties are not great, yet he completely stifles Bobby. We're going to need our other lefties to step up - something we want for every game that never seems a reliable bet.

A loss tonight is going to send brooms dancing through the heads of every Rays' player, an extra boost of confidence they don't need with their two best pitchers taking the hill in the coming days. Unless the Yankees shake off the cobwebs that seemed to plague them last night, I'm not so sure we'll be able to stop them.

[yankeesnumber1]

Nice job TBT

Yankees need to spark some offense and support Wang tonight!

[primetime714]

This is a HUGE game for us with Wang on the mound for us and Shields and Kazmir going the next two. I know Jackson has the ability to shut us down and has done so before, but we really need to score some runs and pick up the win.

[Yankee Tripper]

I might also point out that the Rays have played the 4th toughest schedule in MLB so far this year. Count me as one who thinks the Rays may be for real this year. I think they may be one arm and 2 bats short of contention this year but I also think they might find that arm and those 2 bats from in house.

[YESSIR!]

I might also point out that the Rays have played the 4th toughest schedule in MLB so far this year. Count me as one who thinks the Rays may be for real this year. I think they may be one arm and 2 bats short of contention this year but I also think they might find that arm and those 2 bats from in house.

The number of young, talented players on this Rays team is incredible. And don't they have another #1 draft pick this year? Color me jealous.

[Yankee Tripper]

The number of young, talented players on this Rays team is incredible. And don't they have another #1 draft pick this year? Color me jealous.

Yes they do and already have serveral very high ceiling arms in the minors. This team will be difficult to deal with going forward if they spend the money to keep it together.

[JohnnyDamonfan]

Come on Yankees we need some W'S now . The Red Sox will go on a hot streak and when they do we can not be 3 1/2 games back cause that could swell to 15 games back if there not careful. We need to take advantage of this while we still can.

[THEBOSS84]

I might also point out that the Rays have played the 4th toughest schedule in MLB so far this year. Count me as one who thinks the Rays may be for real this year. I think they may be one arm and 2 bats short of contention this year but I also think they might find that arm and those 2 bats from in house.

I don't think they have the bats in house but the arms are definitely there. Lat year their SS prospect was highly rated (Brignac), but last I checked he was doing alright only.

[RogerYY]

I might also point out that the Rays have played the 4th toughest schedule in MLB so far this year. Count me as one who thinks the Rays may be for real this year. I think they may be one arm and 2 bats short of contention this year but I also think they might find that arm and those 2 bats from in house.

You're absolutely right! I have the same feeling (they are for real this year.)
Didn't they just sweep Jays, Red Sox, and Angels this year?

[YESSIR!]

You're absolutely right! I have the same feeling (they are for real this year.)
Didn't they just sweep Jays, Red Sox, and Angels this year?

I'm not sure about the Jays (and I'm too lazy to look it up), but I know they swept the Sox and the Angels - two teams that have had the best record in the AL at recent points in time this season.

[montrealer]

This is why Baseball is a great game..........there`s always "We`ll get`em tomorrow"

[Yankee Tripper]

I don't think they have the bats in house but the arms are definitely there. Lat year their SS prospect was highly rated (Brignac), but last I checked he was doing alright only.

I was thinking the two bats might be Longoria & Pena. Both are hitting in the low 200s right now. Longoira could be a major force this year or he could be a rookie who experiences a lot of growing pains. Pena may have been a fluke last year or he may just be off to a slow start, I tend to think the former on Pena. Another wild card offensively in house is Cliff Floyd who was off to a hot start before getting injured. Not sure he can keep it up but you never know when a guy is going to surpirse with a career year a-la Dimitri Young with WAS last year. I've said before if this team signs Bonds to DH they could be trouble.

[R.V.47]

This is why Baseball is a great game..........there`s always "We`ll get`em tomorrow"

Its not great though when all getting them tomorrow does is get you back to 500.

[roblyo33]

I never thought I'd be saying this but, is it me or is this team boring as Hell to watch???

[Krall]

Come on Yankees we need some W'S now . The Red Sox will go on a hot streak and when they do we can not be 3 1/2 games back cause that could swell to 15 games back if there not careful. We need to take advantage of this while we still can.

Sounds good... Now if we could just hit & pitch well at the same time a little more consistantly

[YESSIR!]

I never thought I'd be saying this but, is it me or is this team boring as Hell to watch???

I rarely get bored watching baseball, but is this team extremely, hair-yankingly frustrating to watch? Yes, yes they are.

[YanksFanTillDeath]

I rarely get bored watching baseball, but is this team extremely, hair-yankingly frustrating to watch? Yes, yes they are.

I know what you are saying I felt the same way... I sure hope the pick up soon if not what a long year this will be

[cyhughes22]

The Rays are very legitimate, especially when you consider that they've done most of this without Kazmir. This is exactly why Cashman's plan is so important. You have to be able to develop players internally to compete now and in the future. Tampa Bay is a great example of why.

[Yankee Tripper]

The Rays are very legitimate, especially when you consider that they've done most of this without Kazmir. This is exactly why Cashman's plan is so important. You have to be able to develop players internally to compete now and in the future. Tampa Bay is a great example of why.

I'm sorry but this is funny. A team that just got to 5 games over .500 on Sunday for the 1st time in its more than 10 year franchise history should not be the model of how to prepare for the future. I don't care who well they are playing now.

[R.V.47]

I'm sorry but this is funny. A team that just got to 5 games over .500 on Sunday for the 1st time in its more than 10 year franchise history should not be the model of how to prepare for the future. I don't care who well they are playing now.

They made a lot of mistakes along the way but their new ownership has definitly figured out how to build a team.

[cyhughes22]

I'm sorry but this is funny. A team that just got to 5 games over .500 on Sunday for the 1st time in its more than 10 year franchise history should not be the model of how to prepare for the future. I don't care who well they are playing now.

What's funny is how you don't read very carefully and how you should learn to proofread what you type. I made no guarantees for longterm or short term success for the Rays, nor did I say that they were the model of how to prepare for the future. I merely pointed out the importance of developing from within to compete now and in the future and that the Rays were doing that. I'm obviously aware of the shortcomings of that franchise as well as the difference between theirs and our own. When you look down the pipeline at all the talent they have that is close to or major league ready and consider the type of start they are off to it does make you think a bit. I find the fact that you tried to be a smartass after reading my post funny and also a bit pathetic. I don't care who good a point you thought you were making.Thank you for your very intelligent response and have a nice day.

[YanksFan1992]

Big game today, if the Rays can beat Wang their confidence and momentum will only grow.

Let's go Yanks!

[Yankee Tripper]

What's funny is how you don't read very carefully and how you should learn to proofread what you type. I made no guarantees for longterm or short term success for the Rays, nor did I say that they were the model of how to prepare for the future. I merely pointed out the importance of developing from within to compete now and in the future and that the Rays were doing that. I'm obviously aware of the shortcomings of that franchise as well as the difference between theirs and our own. When you look down the pipeline at all the talent they have that is close to or major league ready and consider the type of start they are off to it does make you think a bit. I find the fact that you tried to be a smartass after reading my post funny and also a bit pathetic. I don't care who good a point you thought you were making.Thank you for your very intelligent response and have a nice day.

It wasn't meant as a knock on you or your post. It was just something I found funny. And if you've followed what I've been saying I think the Rays will be a team to be reckoned with in the AL East for serveral years to come.

[themgmt]

Forgive me for not being fearful, but I don't consider any team a "team to be reckoned with" until they are in fact, a team to be reckoned with.

See: Toronto Blue Jays.

[effdamets]

Need CMW to pitch a gem and the offense has to re-learn how to sustain a rally.

Let's Go Yankees!!!!!

[JohnnyDamonfan]

Sounds good... Now if we could just hit & pitch well at the same time a little more consistantly

Yeah, we need to have a team meeting about that. Seriously they should just call up me to pitch I might not be very good but I am pretty sure I'm better then Igawa. (That's not saying much though} LOL

[PocketAces12]

What's funny is how you don't read very carefully and how you should learn to proofread what you type. I made no guarantees for longterm or short term success for the Rays, nor did I say that they were the model of how to prepare for the future. I merely pointed out the importance of developing from within to compete now and in the future and that the Rays were doing that. I'm obviously aware of the shortcomings of that franchise as well as the difference between theirs and our own. When you look down the pipeline at all the talent they have that is close to or major league ready and consider the type of start they are off to it does make you think a bit. I find the fact that you tried to be a smartass after reading my post funny and also a bit pathetic. I don't care who good a point you thought you were making.Thank you for your very intelligent response and have a nice day.

Haha...You have to be the most sensitive person I've ever met. He wasn't being a smartass at all. He was just pointing out that a hot start to the season is not a reason to model your franchise after them. Also...all that criticism on his lack of proofreading over typing WHO instead of HOW?? Quite petty really.

[PocketAces12]

Need CMW to pitch a gem and the offense has to re-learn how to sustain a rally.

Let's Go Yankees!!!!!

The stats from Nomaas today about us not being able to comeback on teams is incredibely pathetic. I don't know if it's mental and we just give up when we're down in the late innings or if we just have been facing teams with good bullpens.
Either way it needs improvement.

[Mark19]

Damon DH
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui LF
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Cano 2B
Gonzalez 3B
Molina C

Matsui in left because of the sinkerballer?

[Yankee Tripper]

Is the same lineup that was so effective yesterday?

[iWant27]

Is the same lineup that was so effective yesterday?

Do you have any other lineup in mind , i mean other than shuffling the order a little bit ?

[Mark19]

the lineup is irrelevant -- these guys need to figure out a way to produce as a team, I'm sick of waiting for the 3-run HR, championship caliber teams are just as likely to get 5 runs with singles and doubles as they are with walks and HRs,

[Yankee Tripper]

Do you have any other lineup in mind , i mean other than shuffling the order a little bit ?

Outside of a miraculous recovery that allows A-rod to hit 4th and Posada to hit 6th, no not really.

[themgmt]

Girardi needs to bring candy and ice cream back in the dugout. That's why this team is so lethargic.

[Mantle'sMutt]

Girardi needs to bring candy and ice cream back in the dugout. That's why this team is so lethargic.

Bigelows?

[Dr. Gonzo]

can they just please win.

[Torre Must Go]

They'll win, mainly because they lost yesterday.

[Yankee Steve]

Joe Maddon spent something like 25 years in the Angel's organization so it is not a coincidence that this team plays like the Angels - aggressive on the basepaths, not a lot of home run power, good starting pitching and surprisingly, good relief pitching. With so many years of finishing in the basement they have finally developed some of those young players into ML caliber. Now the trick is to keep these guys. Kind of surprising that they only had 16,000 fans in the park yesterday. Considering how well they are playing and with the Yanks in town. This is a good team and one to be reckoned with - if not this year, soon enough. Wait until David Price comes up to stay.... Yikes!

[iWant27]

Joe Maddon spent something like 25 years in the Angel's organization so it is not a coincidence that this team plays like the Angels - aggressive on the basepaths, not a lot of home run power, good starting pitching and surprisingly, good relief pitching. With so many years of finishing in the basement they have finally developed some of those young players into ML caliber. Now the trick is to keep these guys. Kind of surprising that they only had 16,000 fans in the park yesterday. Considering how well they are playing and with the Yanks in town. This is a good team and one to be reckoned with - if not this year, soon enough. Wait until David Price comes up to stay.... Yikes!

Thats the thing with the teams like Rays . Unless their owner wants to spend lots of money , there is no way all these players are gonna stay and form a group to win big . It all depends on the ownership , how much they wanna spend .
I think Rays have a good farm system and therefore good players because they get to pick better players from college . I could be wrong in that assumption .
But ultimately when these players reach free agency , Yankees , sox , one of the chicago or LA teams are gonna throw big money and take them .

[webassign]

Girardi needs to bring candy and ice cream back in the dugout. That's why this team is so lethargic.

I agree. The lack of candy bars is what's keeping the little kid inside these guys from coming out and playing some baseball.

[YESSIR!]

It wasn't meant as a knock on you or your post. It was just something I found funny. And if you've followed what I've been saying I think the Rays will be a team to be reckoned with in the AL East for serveral years to come.

Maybe Hank can just buy the Rays, co-opt all their good players, and then reinstall them in all their early millennium glory? Get on it, Hankee-poo.