The Official ALDS Yankees vs Tigers/Twins Thread

[dadrumma]

I thought we might as well try to keep all the discussion for the first round of the playoffs in here, pertaining to the yankees. to start the thread off, why not post a highly debated but now definite plan. from lohud

Jorge Posada just revealed that Joe Girardi told him on Sunday that Jose Molina will catch A.J. Burnett in this series.
UPDATE, 1:36 p.m.: We’ll have audio (hopefully) from Posada uploaded shortly. “I just hope we win that game,” Posada said. “That’s all I’ve got to say.”
He added, “It’s not like I didn’t see it coming.”
When asked if he might be the DH when Molina catches, Posada said he wasn’t sure but that, “Matsui is our DH.”



Posada sounds pissed

[PERJLM]

bad bad bad move by s@ithead, oh I mean Girardi. I would go to AJ and show him Posada rings and say deal with it if you want a ring yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CT-Yankee]

bad bad bad move by s@ithead, oh I mean Girardi. I would go to AJ and show him Posada rings and say deal with it if you want a ring yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Considering Posadas comments...I think he should take the high road and not give sarcastic remarks. Of course he wants to catch every inning but if AJ is on, it gives them the best chance to win. Posada sounds like he is putting his own ego ahead of the team whether you agree he shoud catch or not, it isn't the type of behavior he should exibit.

[BRNXBMRS]

Molina gives the Yanks a solid defense and pitching & defense wins.

[pleasepassthesoup]

He sounds disappointed, but I don't think a pissed off Posada will suddenly become less good at baseball. If anything, he seems like the type of player who will get mad and do something about it with his bat (like Sheff, but not nearly to that extreme).

[CoyoteYankee]

So should this be called AJ-Gate, Molina-Gate or Posada-Gate?

Edit: Or Girardi-Gate?

[effdamets]

They should all STFU and get ready to womp on the AL Central...

[CT-Yankee]

He sounds disappointed, but I don't think a pissed off Posada will suddenly become less good at baseball. If anything, he seems like the type of player who will get mad and do something about it with his bat (like Sheff, but not nearly to that extreme).

That would work for me! But I hate when he gets like this every now and then when he doesn't get his way. Remember last year with the injury he didn't want to be taken out and made it known to all ?

[NYYDragoon]

I thought we finally decided that Jorge was not Burnett's problem?

I always hate seeing Molina's bat in the lineup during big games.

[pleasepassthesoup]

They should all STFU and get ready to womp on the AL Central...

Bring it! Line 'em up, knock 'em down, crap on their corpses.

[effdamets]

Bring it! Line 'em up, knock 'em down, crap on their corpses.

That's some funny stuff....

[pleasepassthesoup]

That's some funny stuff....

I've had an awful lot of caffeine and I'm really amped for this postseason. I can't remember being this amped for October (which is saying something).

[effdamets]

I've had an awful lot of caffeine and I'm really amped for this postseason. I can't remember being this amped for October (which is saying something).

I feel the SAME way...
I can't sit still... and I drink decaf!!!!!

[CT-Yankee]

I thought we finally decided that Jorge was not Burnett's problem?

I always hate seeing Molina's bat in the lineup during big games.

Who hit the last HR in the old stadium? Posada? Nope...I rest my case HAHA

A little humor...I know his bat is beyond weak but he has been known to get a key hit and isn't a bad situational hitter.

[BRNXBMRS]

I thought we finally decided that Jorge was not Burnett's problem?

I always hate seeing Molina's bat in the lineup during big games.

Molina is only going to be in for however long AJ pitches. Its really shouldnt be an issue. Its all about winning 11 games at this point.

[NYYDragoon]

Who hit the last HR in the old stadium? Posada? Nope...I rest my case HAHA.

I stand corrected!

[Jay]

Molina has caught in the postseason before and has a World Series ring. It's not like he has no experience there. Yeah, his bat isn't good but he definitely is an upgrade behind the plate. Especially for throwing out runners.

[Gusto]

Molina is only going to be in for however long AJ pitches. Its really shouldnt be an issue. Its all about winning 11 games at this point.

Good point ... in theory, we only have to put up with the bad bat as long as we're getting good pitching.

But that's really only true if the Yankees carry a 3rd catcher.

[pleasepassthesoup]

Good point ... in theory, we only have to put up with the bad bat as long as we're getting good pitching.

But that's really only true if the Yankees carry a 3rd catcher.

This decision makes me think that they will.

[ARodCanoMelky]

I'm going to dread seeing Jose batting up with men on base.

[roblyo33]

I'm going to dread seeing Jose batting up with men on base.

Not to worry, Melky will have driven them all in!!!

[pinstripesphanatic]

I'm going to dread seeing Jose batting up with men on base.

I like Jose, but yes, me too.....

[effdamets]

I'm going to dread seeing Jose batting up with men on base.

Every time he gets up... I'll say the same thing...




He's due.....

[JeterHughesJoba]

What a terrible move by Girardi!

It makes me sick to see him cater to Burnett.

What about sucking it up and doing your job? Stop whining about who's catching and utilize your god-given talent to earn your massive contract!

Just another spoiled athlete getting his way.

The only good news, is that I would think this means that Pettitte is the game 2 starter. There's no way they bench Posada for possibly 2 games. You wouldn't think Girardi would be that stupid right??

[BronxYanks45]

I'm all for anyone who can help make the Yankees win, AJ clearly has communication issues that need to be sorted out with Posada on pitches.

the only thing that you loose with Molina catching instead of Posada is his bat. Posada is a much better hitter but then minute they sit AJ down, throw in Posada nuff said

[BRNXBMRS]

What a terrible move by Girardi!

It makes me sick to see him cater to Burnett.

What about sucking it up and doing your job? Stop whining about who's catching and utilize your god-given talent to earn your massive contract!

Just another spoiled athlete getting his way.

The only good news, is that I would think this means that Pettitte is the game 2 starter. There's no way they bench Posada for possibly 2 games. You wouldn't think Girardi would be that stupid right??

Jorge as the unofficial captain should also quit whining and realize that this is for the best of the team.

[BRNXBMRS]

Every time he gets up... I'll say the same thing...




He's due.....

Me to, Ive been saying he's due since the last HR at OYS.

[yanksphan]

Rotoworld:

According to La Valle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Brian Duensing will start on Wednesday against the Yankees, should the Twins defeat the Tigers to advance to the ALDS.

Though he's the probable starter for now, manager Ron Gardenhire also told him to "be ready" on Tuesday, as it will be all hands on deck against the Tigers. Duensing started on Thursday and tossed an inning of relief during Sunday's 13-4 victory over the Royals. The 26-year-old southpaw has a 3.64 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 24 appearances (nine starts) this season.

Good strategy by Gardenhire - Yankees have a tough time against kids they've never seen before.

EDIT: Looks like we have seen him before. 2.2IP, 13.50ERA... /lickschops

[mattymo3]

I can't blame Jorge for being upset, whether it's the right move or not by Girardi.

If you had a big meeting at wherever your work and your boss asked you to sit one out, only to have someone else make the big presentation (or whatever), you'd be upset too.

[pleasepassthesoup]

Rotoworld:


Good strategy by Gardenhire - Yankees have a tough time against kids they've never seen before.

EDIT: Looks like we have seen him before. 2.2IP, 13.50ERA... /lickschops

Interesting choice. Who are the 3 starters they'd go with? Deunsing has been very good as a starter. 2.73 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 2.20 K/BB and he's a lefty in Yankee Stadium, which is obviously a plus for the Twins. On the flipside, he's had 9 career starts and will be pitching on the biggest stage against a legitimate ace.

Edit: My guess is they go with Deunsing, Pavano, Baker, Deunsing, Pavano.

[YESSIR!]

Interesting choice. Who are the 3 starters they'd go with? Deunsing has been very good as a starter. 2.73 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 2.20 K/BB and he's a lefty in Yankee Stadium, which is obviously a plus for the Twins. On the flipside, he's had 9 career starts and will be pitching on the biggest stage against a legitimate ace.

Edit: My guess is they go with Deunsing, Pavano, Baker, Deunsing, Pavano.

Blackburn?

Deunsing, Blackburn, Pavano, Baker, Blackburn

[Yankee Tripper]

Duensing has also struggled his past 3 starts while Blackburn has picthed well. I just don't think Gardy want to start Blackburn on 3 days again. My guess would actually be

Duensing, Blackburn, Baker, Pavano, Blackburn.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I don't care who catches AJ Burnett. Just win 3 games in this Best of 5 ALDS series. Das it.

Once again,
DON'T PLAY SCARED BASEBALL. DON'T CARELESS BASEBALL. JUST PLAY WINNING GAMES BASEBALL. Enough said.

[Cool Papa B.]

Does anyone know who the umpiring crew will be for the ALDS?

[pleasepassthesoup]

Duensing has also struggled his past 3 starts while Blackburn has picthed well. I just don't think Gardy want to start Blackburn on 3 days again. My guess would actually be

Duensing, Blackburn, Baker, Pavano, Blackburn.

Why would they use 4 starters? Even if they're all relatively comparable, they should probably just pick their top 3. It's a disadvantage to use your #4 starter when you don't have to.

Also, Pavano started on Sunday. Blackburn's last start was Oct 3, so he'd be on normal rest for game 1. It seems like the only reason for not starting him would be that Gardenhire actually prefers Duensing.

[NYYDragoon]

Interesting choice. Who are the 3 starters they'd go with? Deunsing has been very good as a starter. 2.73 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 2.20 K/BB and he's a lefty in Yankee Stadium, which is obviously a plus for the Twins. On the flipside, he's had 9 career starts and will be pitching on the biggest stage against a legitimate ace.

Edit: My guess is they go with Deunsing, Pavano, Baker, Deunsing, Pavano.

*Duensing.

Before this announcement the three were Baker, Blackburn, and Pavano. If Duensing starts Wednesday, I can see him sticking around for long relief later on in the series.

[OCaptainMyCaptain]

Does anyone know who the umpiring crew will be for the ALDS?

According to MLB.com, Tim Tschida (crew chief), Chuck Meriwether, Mark Wegner, Paul Emmel, Jim Joyce and Phil Cuzzi.

[Yankee Tripper]

Why would they use 4 starters? Even if they're all relatively comparable, they should probably just pick their top 3. It's a disadvantage to use your #4 starter when you don't have to.

Also, Pavano started on Sunday. Blackburn's last start was Oct 3, so he'd be on normal rest for game 1. It seems like the only reason for not starting him would be that Gardenhire actually prefers Duensing.

Baker, Blackburn, Pavano are their top 3 but Blackburn threw Saturday on 3 days rest, Pavano threw Sunday on 3 days rest and Baker is throwing today. None are available for G1 which I why they will go with 4 starters.

It's good to clinch early and set your rotation.

[justtxyank]

I'll be honest. I'm thrilled that Pavano won't be able to start two games against us and likely would pitch a game 4 as opposed to 1,2,3. Him starting against us has epic embarrassment written all over us.

[JeterHughesJoba]

Jorge as the unofficial captain should also quit whining and realize that this is for the best of the team.

There's no way anyone can say that AJ pitches better to Molina. Yes, he has better overall numbers with Molina behind the plate, but AJ also has thrown plenty of great games to Posada, including the gem in August where he outdueled Beckett,


Also, I'm not arguing over just two at-bats. I'm arguing over the end of the lineup going:

Matsui
Swish
Cano
Melky
Molina

instead of

Matsui
Posada
Cano
Swish
Melky

Melky has been off-and-on for a month, Damon is slumping, Matsui is even in a bit of a slump. I want Posada in there to hedge my bets, because he’s a better hitter than Swisher and Cano has had trouble with RISP all season. Also, now we’re looking at taking Cervelli instead of Guzman, meaning that Gardner will NEVER get a start in the postseason, because he HAS to be there to be the late-innings pinch runner. So…Melky starts every game, even if his slumping continues.
There are a lot of consequences beyond Molina’s two-three ABs.

[ICEBERG18]

I'm going to dread seeing Jose batting up with men on base.

Po is one of our top 3 guys with RISP and that's one of my big worries with this team in the playoffs. I also happen to think that Po is not a fundamentally sound catcher and has extremely bad habits back there.

Eff it, I would start Po and Gardner and take my chances.

[pleasepassthesoup]

I'll be honest. I'm thrilled that Pavano won't be able to start two games against us and likely would pitch a game 4 as opposed to 1,2,3. Him starting against us has epic embarrassment written all over us.

I really hope he gets bruises his ass and has to walk off the mound, head down, in the game in which his team gets eliminated. Not wishing anything terrible on him, just one of his typical lame injuries that pissed us off for so long.

[Cool Papa B.]

I just heard on WFAN that Bruney is not on the ALDS roster

[pleasepassthesoup]

I just heard on WFAN that Bruney is not on the ALDS roster

This is almost worth hearing the news that Molina is playing over Posada. Almost.

[VinnyTheMick]

UPDATE, 4:36 p.m.: Girardi did not announce his entire roster for the division series but said that Brian Bruney, Sergio Mitre and Ramiro Pena will go to Tampa to work out and stay sharp.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

[BRNXBMRS]

I just heard on WFAN that Bruney is not on the ALDS roster

Shocked, I thought once Bruney shut Boston down last week, that was a lock. Good for Girardi, not going the trusted vet route.

[ThaKoolAidKid]

Its official, 6:07PM start time Wednesday! Lets go Yanks!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playof...ory?id=4537165

[BRNXBMRS]

There's no way anyone can say that AJ pitches better to Molina. Yes, he has better overall numbers with Molina behind the plate, but AJ also has thrown plenty of great games to Posada, including the gem in August where he outdueled Beckett,


Also, I'm not arguing over just two at-bats. I'm arguing over the end of the lineup going:

Matsui
Swish
Cano
Melky
Molina

instead of

Matsui
Posada
Cano
Swish
Melky

Melky has been off-and-on for a month, Damon is slumping, Matsui is even in a bit of a slump. I want Posada in there to hedge my bets, because he’s a better hitter than Swisher and Cano has had trouble with RISP all season. Also, now we’re looking at taking Cervelli instead of Guzman, meaning that Gardner will NEVER get a start in the postseason, because he HAS to be there to be the late-innings pinch runner. So…Melky starts every game, even if his slumping continues.
There are a lot of consequences beyond Molina’s two-three ABs.

Well we can disagree all we want, its happening regardless. I like the move.

[pleasepassthesoup]

Baker, Blackburn, Pavano are their top 3 but Blackburn threw Saturday on 3 days rest, Pavano threw Sunday on 3 days rest and Baker is throwing today. None are available for G1 which I why they will go with 4 starters.

It's good to clinch early and set your rotation.

I'm still trying to understand why Blackburn is unavailable for game 1. Yes, he pitched on short rest last time, but does that means he needs to go on long rest before his next start? That doesn't seem to be the general way it's done. He would have 4 days rest, which is the normal amount.

[Cool Papa B.]

IT'S OFFICIAL: Yankees ALDS pitching rotation: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte.

http://twitter.com/YESNetwork