There is no possible way I can sum up this game. None. So take a look at this graph. It’s shiny.
(via Fangraphs)
Okay, bullet points:
1) Phil Hughes had his first not good outing, even though he left the game with a lead. Basically, he didn’t have a ‘finish’ pitch working, and the Red Sox made like the Yankees and built the pitch count up early. By the time of JD Drew’s home run in the fifth inning, Hughes was way over 100, high-stress pitches (a pet peeve of mine is this emphasis on innings, as opposed to high or low stress innings. Every inning is not created equal.) Every pitcher, especially one still only 23 years old, is gonna have not so good outings. His next start should come against the Mets, we’ll see how he rebounds.
2) Joe Girardi’s bullpen managing was full of ‘buuuh’, but think about it this way: had the game gone to extra innings, Javier Vazquez would have been able to give the bullpen some length. Of course, this would have probably not happened and instead Mariano would have pitched the 10th and then, umm, who knows what, but hey, Marte pitched well, and Chan Ho Park…not so much.
3) Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez need to hit against Jonathan Papelbon more often. Wow. Just. Yeah, A-Rod hate is so 2004. Gardner is now 4/4 lifetime against Papelbon with a couple walks thrown in for good measure. So yeah, like I said, Gardner needs more at bats vs. Papelbon.
3a) Reminders of that 15 inning game last summer and ALDS game 2.
4) As, apparently, does Marcus Thames. About whom I never will again say bad things.
5) Joe West has a point. That game was what, four hours and change? Or just under four? Eeesh.
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11 Responses to Oh. That's why it's a rivalry.
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TIQ IQ
This game is the type that can affect the fortune of a team for the entire year. Just a great, great Yankee win.
Now, Girardi should stop using Park for that second inning (until later in the year, at least, until he builds up strength and shows he can handle it.) No matter how threadbare the pen is–repeat–use Park for only 1 inning, Joe.The same thing happened in the opener, when Pedroia tagged him. If Girardi used him for only 1-inning, people would be saying “What a great pick-up”, instead of “trade the bum back to the NL”.
It’s amazing how a win changes one’s perspective on a case like Park. I now feel the Yanks should stick with him to turn it around, as he could be an asset, later in the year. In the top of the 9th, I felt more strongely to cut him loose for what we could get.
This game could be the start of redemption for Javy, too.
This was a team win that could be looked back at, as a key moment to the season (same for the Sox, too)
And what can one say about Arod?
He has simply made himself to the best late clutch power hitter in the game.
And, I like it when he enjoys himself, when he comes thru.
Yankee fans are going to have fun on the march to 800.
Rebecca, I like watching these 4 hour games, unless its a Sox blowout, but I still watch, because there is so much going on. Many, many games, within the game. True baseball lovers should enjoy the slow, pained pace, because there is so much going on for the fans who know both teams.
The only time I was fatiqued was in that 5 game series sweep (in 2006, I believe). The numerous walks, and multiple run innings gave me headaches, but I still watched every minute.
These Yankee/ Red Sox games are a treasure to baseball purists and super fans. Remind any fat umpires, in a hurry to go home, who complain where their paychecks come from.
Best game of the year. Tex and Cano hit long flies that had a chance to go out in the 9th. But Thames and AiRod really tagged their shots.
Oh, I just have to add this. If Ellsbury and Cameron were playing in the outfield, with Drew, the Yankees lose this game. The Yanks got 3 or 4 runs extra with Hermida and Darell the AAA lifer misplaying balls.
But, since both teams are banged up and missing regulars (maybe with the Yankees being worse off with injuries), last night was a more than fair matchup.
Joe West has no point. That was a great game no matter how long it took. Of course, it may have been quicker if the umpire called the strike zone.
Woke up a half hour ago, and I’m still wiped out from last night. This team is going to kill me.
Ok, all, yes, it was a great game. But it is still just one game. The Yankees and Red Sox play two or three like this every year. It is highly unlikely it will transform the season for either team.
Boone Logan needs a trip to Scranton.
I was watching the game and Phil just didn’t have it. He wasn’t locating well at all. But hey, those bad starts are just going to happen from time to time.
I was at the game, and I promise you nobody in the stadium cared how long it was taking. ALl that complaining about length of games is ridiculous
After that game, I now have faith in Thames. That showed something to me, hitting a righty and one like Papelbum! That game also made me love my favorite player even more when he hit the 2 run homer to tie it up!