Hold On Tight

Sunday, May 28, 2006
Home Game 25
Yankees 6 Royals 5
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #1



That was a close one, huh? Thought we were going to see another blowout, but it was not to be. Since they did win, I'm not complaining about it. Three hours in the heat and sun with crying kids and 14 year old Boston fans behind me was more than enough.

Wright had another good start. Just wish he would've been able to finish the 6th. Proctor is getting used way too much.

Melky is endearing himself more and more to the hometown crowd. He had 6 put outs and an assist. Emil Brown tried to stretch a double when Melky slipped retrieving the ball. He gunned it to Jeter who relayed it to A-Rod for the put out. Melky slipped again later in the game. Maybe he needs some new shoes.

He may not be mashing the ball but he looks a lot better at the plate than last year. Melky was also heads up on the bases, scoring from first on a Long single. Also, he looks to be getting better in left. He ran in to catch a pop up in shallow left. It's the kind of play that is usually left up to Jeter to make one of his over-the-head catches. It's looking like left field is his to lose. You know you're doing something right when they have a special scoreboard graphic for you. After one of his catches they flashed "The Melky Way" up on the side screens.

Random Notes
– Giambi received his April Yankee Player of the Month award before the game.

– Jaret Wright warmed up to Mötley Crüe's "Shout at the Devil".

– Like I said, there was a group of Boston fans behind. They arrived late and really heard it on their walk up to their seats. There were 2 couples (one woman was a Yankee fan) and 2 teenage girls. At one point, a boy who couldn't be more than 8-yo. started chanting Boston sucks. Then he said "Go back to Fenway you Boston bitches". Now, I don't advocate language like that from an 8 year old, but it did make me laugh.

In attendance record: 7-6

Don't you know I'm the 2000 man?

Friday, May 26, 2006
Home Game 23
Royals 7 Yankees 6
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #2



The Farns giveth and the Farns taketh away. Oh well, shit happens I guess. The game itself was kind of a blur for me. Don't know if it was the near 2 hour rain delay that drove away all but maybe 1000 fans who stayed 'til the bitter end. Or maybe it was that my vertigo decided to kick in on Thursday and it still hasn't cleared up. Only a few bright spots last night. Moose had another quality start, with only had one bad inning that unfortunately drove up his pitch count. Melky made a nice catch in the 3rd inning and nearly robbed Berroa's 3-run, game deciding home run.

Jeter notched his 2000th hit in the 4th. Probably one of the more anti-climatic milestones I've seen, as it was an infield hit that could have easily been marked down as an error. In fact, one of the more tense moments of the night was waiting for the scoreboard to indicate whether it was a hit or an error. When the "1" under the hits column flipped to a "2" the Stadium roared. I'm sure Jeter was touched by the standing ovation, although he seemed a bit uncomfortable standing at second and raising his helmet to the crowd. They were down 3-0 at that point, so he was probably more focused on the game. Too bad they couldn't get the win so he could enjoy his feat a little more.

Random Notes
– Before the game, Mo, A-Rod, and Cano received their This Year in Baseball Awards

– When Jeter got his second hit of the night in the 7th, the theme to 2001 was played over the PA system.

In attendance record: 6-6

Bronx Water Torture

Yeah, I stayed through the rain delay. I'll recap the game when I'm less tired, and cold and wet.

Less Filling. Tastes Great.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Home Game 21
Yankees 4 Rangers 3
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #2






The Yankees won their second 1-run game in a row, with each team scoring 10 less runs than they did last night. And even though the game was close the entire night, I felt much more at ease than I usually do. In fact the whole Stadium seemed to be less on edge. There weren't as many boos for A-Rod. And even Andy and Cano weren't as razzed for their errors as they would've been a few nights ago. Maybe it was the buzz leftover from last night. Or maybe it was the calming effects of Wang. Usually 3 errors in a game with the ultimate ground ball pitcher on the mound spells trouble. But for all of the flubs that were made, they were counteracted with some nice plays. Wang was on his game again tonight. He made one mistake, and that was to Gary Matthews Jr. in the 8th. He hit a 2-run shot into right-center to bring to score to 4-3. Mo put the Rangers away in the 9th, 1-2-3. As comforting as a big lead can be, I was happy that they had to bring Mo in. He needs the work to get some of the rust off.

This was a big win. Well, I guess any win is a big win, they all count the same in the standings. But they were able to come back after an emotional game (which was draining to watch, and I'm sure doubly so to play), and they did what they needed to get the win. Often times it seems like they have a let down after games like Tuesday's (see July 1, 2004, where they were swept by the Mets in their next series.)

Random Notes
– It was Joe DiMaggio bronze statuette night.

Gave my tickets for tomorrow to the folks. As much as I love going to a weekday afternoon game, I can't play hooky as much this year.

In attendance record: 6-5

Update: As requested...

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Home Game 20 (fitting that #20 was the man of the game)
Yankees 14 Rangers 13
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #2



I've been lucky enough to witness a few walk-offs throughout the years at the Stadium. But this one...wow. These are games that you dream about (well, maybe it's just me). Not that I dream about the Yankees being down 9 runs in the 2nd inning. But when they are in the midst of getting blown out, this is the kind of game I always hoped would happen. Stop the bleeding and chip away inning by inning. Even though Small contributed to the 10 runs the Rangers put on the board by the 3rd, he came up huge by shutting them down over the next 3 innings, allowing the Yanks to inch their way back into the game. When they cut the lead in half in the 5th I was starting to think they could actually pull it off. When they took the lead in the 6th and promptly gave it back in the 7th, I still felt pretty good about their chances. That's because everyone in the lineup was getting on base. Every starter had at least one hit, except Cano (but he was on base twice and drove in a run on a ground out.) With Sheff and Matsui on the DL and Giambi sitting out the game due to a neck injury, they needed production out of everyone and they got it tonight. It truly was a team win. And as ugly as the pitching was, it was still a beautiful game. It showed us what this team is capable of. Sure, Texas has a fairly weak staff. But still, when you're down by that many runs that early in the game it's easy to just throw in the towel, no matter who the opponent is.

Posada was just on a whole different plain tonight. I don't think I've ever seen him block the plate like he did on that play against Teixeira. And then to cap the night with a walkoff 2-run homer with 2 outs. That was just beautiful. Torre said that Pena has a lot to do with Jorge's early season success this year. For all of the talk about his decline, and the yearly trade rumors, I am so happy that he's doing so well. He's been one of my favorites for a while (I have a thing for catchers).

Random Notes
– Moose was named the Yankees Pitcher of the Month for April (big surprise there).

– Fans were getting on Melky for every ball that dropped in. Some of it I think was unfair, but there were some balls he probably should've gotten to. Maybe he's just playing too deep? Or maybe he's just another Bernie in the field? But as shoddy as his fielding is, Melky's got some arm, recording 2 assists tonight.

– Teixeira and Blalock are on my fantasy team, so tonight was kind of a win-win. They hit a combined 7 for 9, with 7 RBI and 3 runs scored.

– This is a great picture.

In attendance record: 5-5

Bat(less) Day

Sunday, May 14, 2006
Home Game 18
A's 6 Yankees 1
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #1



Well, at least it was a quick game. Randy looked a little better, but something still ain't right. He only gave up 1 walk which is good. He gave up 8 hits in 6 innings (including 2 dingers) and only 4 Ks. Dan Haren, on the other hand scattered 6 hits over 9 innings with no walks. The Yanks never got more than 1 hit in any inning and the only person to get past first base was Posada when he hit a homer in the 2nd. So it's not like they had a lot of opportunities that they didn't cash in on. It was just one of those games. (but of course it was A-Rod's fault that they lost, right?)

Random Notes
– Today is my parents' 40th anniversary. I took my aunt to the game, as my parents went to see "Mama Mia" to celebrate. My mom's favorite player was Mantle (he's the reason she started following the team). She likes to fondly recall that he hit his 500th home run on their 1st anniversary in 1967.

– A-Rod recieved a Latino Citizen Award before the game.

– Throughout the league today many players were using pink bats to help raise awareness of breast cancer and funds to fight the disease. Cano only used his for his first at bat, as did Jeter (he came to the plate to the Aerosmith song "Pink".) Damon broke his on his second trip to the plate. Giambi and Bernie used theirs at least one other time as well.

– During the 7th inning stretch Bob Sheppard led the annual Mother's Day singing of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" in leu of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game".

Weather looks iffy for tomorrow's game game against Texas (who had their last 2 games against Boston postponed and a third called early due to the weather.) Either way, I won't be there. Hopefully it will clear when I go on Tuesday.

In attendance record: 4-5

Happy Birthday Yogi!

Gut Shot

Thursday, May 11, 2006
Home Game 15
Red Sox 5 Yankees 3
Subway Race Winner: B train
Cap Game: #2



So around the, oh let's say 3rd inning (this game was so slow and painful that I can't remember what happened when), the guy behind me is on the phone with his friend who is watching from home. He says that Matsui is on the bench. That must be a good sign right? An inning or so later we hear that he's going to the hospital. S'ok, must be precautionary x-rays or something. Next update, his wrist is broken. My heart dropped a bit. Then we hear he's getting surgery and could be out for 3 months. My heart is in my shoes.

I haven't seen a replay yet. I'm not sure I want to. It looked pretty bad when it happened. Matsui still managed to get the ball back to the infield while he was in what I'm sure was excruciating pain.

Even though there was 4 hours worth of baseball tonight, I really don't have much to write about. Two heartbreaking losses in one night. Kevin Reese has been called up. Now that 2 big bats are missing from the lineup, the Yanks are going to have to start manufacturing runs. Sac bunts, hit & runs, stealing bases, etc. I guess we'll see what this team is really made of now.

In regards to the actual game, I would like to mention how truly awesome it was to see not one but two potential home runs snagged by Yankee outfielders. Bubba's looked like it was going over, Damon's was iffy from the one replay I saw. But still, if those two catches aren't made it would've been a whole different game.

No game for me tomorrow (may not be one anyway if this rain holds up like it's suppose to). I'll be preparing for some out-of-town guests who will be going to the Devils game with me on Saturday. I return to the Bronx on Mother's Day.

In attendance record: 4-4

No Exit

Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Home Game 13
Red Sox (too many) Yankees (too few)
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #3



Sartre was right. Hell really is other people.

Annoying game. Annoying fans (of both the Boston and New York persuasion). Just an utterly craptastic night. Why did I stay to the end? I don't know. Something keeps me in my seat during these laughters. Maybe I'm delusional enough to think that one of these days I will witness the greatest comeback of all time. Then again, maybe I'm just a masochist.

Randy was shaky form the start, walking the lead-off batter in the 1st. But then he got the next guy to GDP. He walked Ortiz but then got Manny to ground out into a fielder's choice to end the inning. Ok, fine. He walked a couple but it wasn't too bad. Bottom of the 1st, Jeter hits a 1-out single. Giambi follows with a with a 2-run homer. Great! Things are looking pretty good. Randy goes 1-2-3 in the 2nd. Still 2-0 going into the 3rd. Then with 2 outs, it starts to crumble. It started with an A-Rod error (his first of 2 for the night). Then a wild pitch. Then a Manny single. And the Yanks are down 3-2. Ok, they're only down 1 run. Top of the 4th, once again 2 outs. Here's where shit just falls apart. Randy doesn't make it out of the inning. And I'm not going to get into the rest of the game. Not worth my energy.

The A-Rod hatin' is getting brutal. And the women are the worst. They just don't like him. I guess it's because he's not Jeter or something. I heard someone scream "Go to Hell" at one point. And they started right off the bat in the 1st inning when he grounded out. Shit, there wasn't even anyone on base. It was just a freaking ground out. In the first fucking inning.

In regards to Melky's error, I don't think Sheff would've had any easier a time catching that ball. That's not to say it wasn't a bad play, I'm just saying it wasn't an easy one. That thing looked like it was heading straight over second base and ended up in shallow right. Unfortunately many Yankee fans held this error against young Melky and booed him all night. Guess they didn't notice that besides Giambi, he was the only Yankee to get 2 hits on the night. Give the kid a fucking break. I hope he can shake off the error and the booing. He deserves this shot and I have faith that he will do well.

Maybe I'm getting old and bitter, and that's why people are annoying to me. However, I never really liked people to begin with. And the games with the Red Sox just compound that fact. These Boston games just bring out the stupid in Yankee fans. They're too busy talking shit to the Boston fans in attendance. As Steve suggested, it's about time we gave it to the players on the field for a change. Chanting "Asshole" to the guy sitting next to you in a Boston hat doesn't mean a whole lot when Ortiz is in the process of putting another ball into the Yankee bullpen. Everyone's too busy booing their own players (although tonight it was deserved for the most part) than ragging on the guys in the grey uniforms.

Random Notes
– During the 9th inning a Boston fan in the upper deck began yelling insults at Damon in center field. Only problem was, Bubba was in center at that point.

– I could be out of line, but that was a horseshit move by Snow taking third on a single when they were up by 8 runs in the 9th.

– Good move by Joe bringing Sturtze in to pitch the final inning as there was no one left in the Stadium to boo him.

– If you click on that picture at the top of the post to get a larger view, and you squint your eyes a little bit, I'm pretty sure you can see the face of Satan. No, really. Try it.

Unfortunately I don't have tickets for tomorrow's game. But I will be there to cheer on my man Shawn on Thursday, trapped in that room with 50,000 other people. The good thing about tonight is that it only counts as one loss. Tomorrow Moose goes up against Schilling. Here's to hoping that my good feeling about Moose comes to fruition and that A-Rod will redeem himself both on the field and at the plate.

Well, let's get on with it...

In attendance record: 4-3

All I ask...

...is that at least once during the next 3 days a Yankee pitcher (any Yankee pitcher) knocks Esther Rolle David Ortiz on his ass. They don't have to hit him, and they certainly shouldn't aim for his head. Just close enough to make him a little less comfortable. Unfortunately I think Farnsworth is the only one with the balls to do it.