series comments [yanks vs white sox]

[mycroft]

SWEEP!!!

This was one of the best series we have played so far this year and it couldn't have come at a better time as the sawks stats finally start to catch up with them. 1/2 game out of first, tied in the loss.

Game 1 Yanks 6-5~Unit gives us 7 innings giving up 3 runs and the Yanks hold on to beat Contreras stopping his winning streak. Bernie Williams has a huge game and Mo holds on for the save even though he got dinked and dunked for 2 runs. Aaron Guille makes his Yankee debut count with a homer. Beating Contreras was great seeing how he wimped out and cried the entire time he was in pinstripes.

Game 2 Yanks 14-3 Mike Mussina was brilliant through 5 but a long bottom of the 5th seemed to take him out of his rythum. But on this day he didn't need to be perfect as the Bombers blew out the Sox with 14 runs on 14 hits.

Game 3 Yanks 6-4~Jaret Wright pitched better than his stats would indicate as the Sox dinked and dunked and dribbled Wriight for 5 of the lamest hits I have ever seen in one game. This was a day when the defense stiiffened even though Jeter made what could have been a critical error on a DP ball that knocked Wright out of the game. Cabrera makes a stellar throw to the plate, Jeter makes a brilliant DP bailing out Mo and the Yankees complete the sweep as Mo earns his 400 Save!! Congrats Mo!

When I chastised Melky and referred to his "rookie-ness" I was making an observation, not a call for his departure. Melky has handled the pressure of NY very well and even though I would like to see him play a bit smarter I think he has done great and should not be traded, especially for some mediocre, journeyman outfielder. All of our Baby Bombers have come though including Phillips.

I would like to congratulate Fox and our favorite broadcasters Buck and MaCarver for finally realizing that this season isn't over, nothing has been decided, and the Yankees aren't dead. I know how it pained them to admit that. Also, this love affair with them and Thome is very sweet, but they should get a room ...

GO ANSKY

[Chubzilla06]

this series means nothing if we dont take at least 2/3 fromt hre mariners. The yanks need to play with this intensity all the time. When they do, they make things happen

[mycroft]

this series means nothing if we dont take at least 2/3 fromt hre mariners. The yanks need to play with this intensity all the time. When they do, they make things happen

Small ball. It is a fact that in order to play small ball you need players that can play small ball. With Sheff and Matsui you don't have players that play small ball. You can't plant potatoes and grow beans. Those bunts were great as they put pressure on their defense.

[TheBamTino24]

this series means nothing if we dont take at least 2/3 fromt hre mariners. The yanks need to play with this intensity all the time. When they do, they make things happen

Once again, like last weekend when Boston played Chicago, we'll be able to make ground on someone since the White Sox play the Tigers. Of course, we still have to win.

[yanksphan]

this series means nothing if we dont take at least 2/3 fromt hre mariners. The yanks need to play with this intensity all the time. When they do, they make things happen

Huh? What does one series have to do with another?

[whalers]

like I always say just win the series. The sweep was a nice added bonus.

[BRNXBMRS]

Extremely happy, I think this was the best ball the Yanks have played in a while. I never ever expected a sweep. Saturday there was four bunts in one game. Yesterday solid defense, these Yanks are grinding it out and making it happen. They are an exciting team to watch, they are playing like they are on a mission. All of a sudden all of the papers and sports talk radio are back on the Yankee bandwagon, realizing that you are not out of the playoff picture when you are 3 games out at the All Star break.

[SINCE77 2]

Small ball. It is a fact that in order to play small ball you need players that can play small ball. With Sheff and Matsui you don't have players that play small ball. You can't plant potatoes and grow beans. Those bunts were great as they put pressure on their defense.

Actually, Matsui is a guy who hits the ball where it is pitched and uses the whole field so I think that the Yankees can still play "small ball" with him in the lineup. Adding Sheff gives us one power hitter too many imo and takes away from our versatility. As much as I would like to trade for another OF/Bat, I would be happy to keep Melky in LF and put Matsui in RF letting the cards fall where they may.

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

Actually, Matsui is a guy who hits the ball where it is pitched and uses the whole field so I think that the Yankees can still play "small ball" with him in the lineup. Adding Sheff gives us one power hitter too many imo and takes away from our versatility. As much as I would like to trade for another OF/Bat, I would be happy to keep Melky in LF and put Matsui in RF letting the cards fall where they may.

Matsui doesn't have the arm for rightfield, Melk would make the switch to right...

[SINCE77 2]

Matsui doesn't have the arm for rightfield, Melk would make the switch to right...

I prefer Melky's range in the more spacious LF. We survived with Bernie in RF, we can make do with Matsui.

[Mattpat11]

Huh? What does one series have to do with another?

If we go out and lose to Seattle as Boston plays Kansas, its a waste and we could very well end up back where we started.

But no reason to think like that. We have Wang and Johnson going, so we should take 2/3.

[EvanJ]

Aaron Guille makes his Yankee debut count with a homer.

1. It's Guiel.
2. He made his Yankee debut before the All-Star break.

[TEPLimey]

I prefer Melky's range in the more spacious LF. We survived with Bernie in RF, we can make do with Matsui.

You use the word "survived" very loosely. Just because we saw Bernie play a few games in RF doesn't mean we ever want to see him (or someone with an arm equivalent to his) in RF.

[Cattledog]

What I loved about the series (besides the fact that we swept a team with the most annoying manager in baseball) is that the journalists that just about declared us dead two weeks ago now once again have to eat their words. Of course they declared us dead June of last year, too. When will these stupid journalists ever learn? By the way, I am still not impressed with the AL Central (despite the endless talk that there will not be an AL East Wild Card). Last I checked, neither the Tigers nor the White Sox have taken a series off the Yankees or that red team in Massachusetts.

[yanksphan]

If we go out and lose to Seattle as Boston plays Kansas, its a waste and we could very well end up back where we started.

But no reason to think like that. We have Wang and Johnson going, so we should take 2/3.

Well, to be fair, you can say that about any series. But I suppose the fact that BOS plays KC is what the original poster was referring to.

But I agree - we shouldn't have any probs with SEA.

[JeterRodriguezSheff]

If we go out and lose to Seattle as Boston plays Kansas, its a waste and we could very well end up back where we started.

But no reason to think like that. We have Wang and Johnson going, so we should take 2/3.

Ponson better not screw things up.

[SINCE77 2]

You use the word "survived" very loosely. Just because we saw Bernie play a few games in RF doesn't mean we ever want to see him (or someone with an arm equivalent to his) in RF.

Matsui has a gets rid of the ball a hell of a lot quicker than Bernie and imo is the better fielder by a decent margin. RF is a significantly smaller area to patrol than is LF at the stadium, therefore I prefer Melky in LF. The whole arm thing is nice, but over the course of the season there a few games decided by it. Dye has a rifle in RF yet failed to stop the Yankees from plating run after run. Mondesi had a rifle in right, yet his arm prevented maybe one run from scoring and a few players from taking the extra base on a gap single. Sheff also has a gun, but how many significant plays has he made with it over the last couple of seasons? Just make the plays and hit the cutoff man and the rest will take care of itself.

[knickfan23]

What I loved about the series (besides the fact that we swept a team with the most annoying manager in baseball) is that the journalists that just about declared us dead two weeks ago now once again have to eat their words. Of course they declared us dead June of last year, too. When will these stupid journalists ever learn? By the way, I am still not impressed with the AL Central (despite the endless talk that there will not be an AL East Wild Card). Last I checked, neither the Tigers nor the White Sox have taken a series off the Yankees or that red team in Massachusetts.

Hey, those are the ups and downs of baseball. I dont have a problem with it. They have to sell newspapers and website hits.

Now, on the review of this series:

Great job by Guiel, Crosby and Phillips filling and playing well. Cabrera continued his good play and a great play defensively to nail down Crede at home.

Johnson and Moose pitched well. Middle relief was good. Farnsworth...well, I'll leave it at that. ARod played great Sunday.

For Chicago:

Contreras was good, but after that...YUCK. Buehrle and Garcia were very hittable. Looks like those reports of him losing 3-5 MPH on his velocity are accurate. There is a reason the White Sox are quietly looking to trade him.

The Chi Sox stranded plently of chances on Sunday. Paul Konerko may want to change his number to 643. They showed alot of vulnerability to where it appears the Yanks would have more than a punchers chance against them in a playoff situation.

[SINCE77 2]

Hey, those are the ups and downs of baseball. I dont have a problem with it. They have to sell newspapers and website hits.


The Chi Sox stranded plently of chances on Sunday. Paul Konerko may want to change his number to 643. They showed alot of vulnerability to where it appears the Yanks would have more than a punchers chance against them in a playoff situation.

I felt that we would have handled them last year in the playoffs, but we got stuck with the Angels instead.

[Maynerd]

What's even better than a sweep? One where two of the games are on TV (and the third is on radio) out here in Colorado!

Now, let's beat up on Seattle, too.

[Tony53]

Matsui doesn't have the arm for rightfield, Melk would make the switch to right...

Yeah, but what's more important Melky's arm in right, or Melky's range in left. I'd go for the range in left. Matsui's quick release and setup compensates for his weaker arm relative to Melky. Melky's uperior range is an advantage in LF at Yankee Stadium. His only problem range wise so far seems to be on balls hit directly over his head. He doesn't seem to judge them too well and runs after them slower than I would expect.

[SINCE77 2]

Yeah, but what's more important Melky's arm in right, or Melky's range in left. I'd go for the range in left. Matsui's quick release and setup compensates for his weaker arm relative to Melky. Melky's uperior range is an advantage in LF at Yankee Stadium. His only problem range wise so far seems to be on balls hit directly over his head. He doesn't seem to judge them too well and runs after them slower than I would expect.

I agree.

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

Yeah, but what's more important Melky's arm in right, or Melky's range in left. I'd go for the range in left. Matsui's quick release and setup compensates for his weaker arm relative to Melky. Melky's uperior range is an advantage in LF at Yankee Stadium. His only problem range wise so far seems to be on balls hit directly over his head. He doesn't seem to judge them too well and runs after them slower than I would expect.

Yes but in August and September the Yankees play more away games than home (31-29). Matsui is a poor fielder, you don't put a an already below average fielder into a new position coming back from a major surgery...

[Yogi]

SWEEP!!!

This was one of the best series we have played so far this year and it couldn't have come at a better time as the sawks stats finally start to catch up with them. 1/2 game out of first, tied in the loss.

Game 1 Yanks 6-5~Unit gives us 7 innings giving up 3 runs and the Yanks hold on to beat Contreras stopping his winning streak. Bernie Williams has a huge game and Mo holds on for the save even though he got dinked and dunked for 2 runs. Aaron Guille makes his Yankee debut count with a homer. Beating Contreras was great seeing how he wimped out and cried the entire time he was in pinstripes.

Game 2 Yanks 14-3 Mike Mussina was brilliant through 5 but a long bottom of the 5th seemed to take him out of his rythum. But on this day he didn't need to be perfect as the Bombers blew out the Sox with 14 runs on 14 hits.

Game 3 Yanks 6-4~Jaret Wright pitched better than his stats would indicate as the Sox dinked and dunked and dribbled Wriight for 5 of the lamest hits I have ever seen in one game. This was a day when the defense stiiffened even though Jeter made what could have been a critical error on a DP ball that knocked Wright out of the game. Cabrera makes a stellar throw to the plate, Jeter makes a brilliant DP bailing out Mo and the Yankees complete the sweep as Mo earns his 400 Save!! Congrats Mo!

When I chastised Melky and referred to his "rookie-ness" I was making an observation, not a call for his departure. Melky has handled the pressure of NY very well and even though I would like to see him play a bit smarter I think he has done great and should not be traded, especially for some mediocre, journeyman outfielder. All of our Baby Bombers have come though including Phillips.

I would like to congratulate Fox and our favorite broadcasters Buck and MaCarver for finally realizing that this season isn't over, nothing has been decided, and the Yankees aren't dead. I know how it pained them to admit that. Also, this love affair with them and Thome is very sweet, but they should get a room ...

GO ANSKY

I couldn’t agree more. It was not just a great series it was an important series

We not only cut the deficit to ½ game over the “Dead Sox.” and tied them in that all important loss column. But we also cut the wildcard deficit over the “Pale Hose” to just three games (two in the loss column) and we have two games in hand!

Beside that if YES has it stats right that is only the fourth time in Yankee history they have ever swept a World Series champion in a regular season series. It is always great to beat a top-flight team – We have a little “mo” going - maybe these guys can get healthy an turn the corner!

[SINCE77 2]

Yes but in August and September the Yankees play more away games than home (31-29). Matsui is a poor fielder, you don't put a an already below average fielder into a new position coming back from a major surgery...

The home/away schedule is irrelevant. Matsui's problem is that he reads the ball poorly off the bat in LF. He has shown a higher competency level in CF and in RF. The key to a winning ballclub is putting players in the position in which they are most likely to succeed. IMO, Matsui has a better opportunity to succeed in RF as opposed to LF.

[indianyanksfan]

chisox announcer saying chisox best team and bosox way to formidable for the yanks to overtake...

what's funnier is he said he wouldnt take arod over crede.

with chris russo.

hahahah...boy i needed a great laugh on this scorching hot day

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

The home/away schedule is irrelevant. Matsui's problem is that he reads the ball poorly off the bat in LF. He has shown a higher competency level in CF and in RF. The key to a winning ballclub is putting players in the position in which they are most likely to succeed. IMO, Matsui has a better opportunity to succeed in RF as opposed to LF.

How is it irrelevant? Your saying you'd rather have Melky play left because YS's leftfield is spacious, I'm saying the Yankees play more than half their games away from YS when Matsui is supposed to return.

"Higher competency level?" Thats your argument? What does that even mean? He's played 4 games in RF, give me a break. Your arguments seem to be highly based on opinion...

[gold23]

I maintain that two special lefty pitchers in the Central are going to have a major say in the wild card race this year. Not for their own team, but the fact that those clubs are going to have to face two of the best pitchers in the game consistently.

Anyway....the series in no way is carried over to the Mariner series. If the Yanks were to get swept by the M's, I'd MUCH prefer they sweep the Chisox and get swept than take two of three from chicago and simply lose the series to Seattle. Seatlle is no concern to the Yanks, other than the fact they are on their schedule and are important in the fact that they need to continue to win games. Chicago was a HUGE series, in that it catapulted the East right into the WC race.

All eyes should remain on Boston and the East (with a glance over the shoulder at a banged up Toronto)....but it's nice to know that the fall back of the WC is very much alive. Also...anyone catch the recent pitching from the Tigers? OUtside of Verlander, it's been truly horrendous.

[SINCE77 2]

How is it irrelevant? Your saying you'd rather have Melky play left because YS's leftfield is spacious, I'm saying the Yankees play more than half their games away from YS when Matsui is supposed to return.

"Higher competency level?" Thats your argument? What does that even mean? He's played 4 games in RF, give me a break. Your arguments seem to be highly based on opinion...

What I'm saying is that Matsui, for whatever reason appears to get poor reads off of the ball (particularly vs LHH) in LF. From what little I've seen of him in RF he "appears" to get better reads on the ball and consequently plays it better. It is an opinion. What you need to do is prove that the majority of stadiums that we play in when he gets back will have opposing dimensions to Yankee stadium.

[stephsamps]

Huh? What does one series have to do with another?

I think Yogi might have found his way on the Internet