BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: Boston Red Sox (52-37) @ New York Yankees (45-42), Saturday, July 5, 2008, 3:55pm

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Saturday, July 05, 2008

Boston Red Sox (52-37) @ New York Yankees (45-42), Saturday, July 5, 2008, 3:55pm

BOS: Justin Masterson (23, RHP, 4-2, 3.75)
NYY: Mike Mussina (39, RHP, 10-6, 3.87)

The Primer Chimp Posted: July 05, 2008 at 09:00 AM | 253 comment(s)
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1. tfbg9 Posted: July 05, 2008 at 11:18 AM (#2844189)

Huge test for Masterson today, facing the Yanks in the Bronx...conventional wisdom suggests
he will get hammered. Probably by Giambi. Although without Damon and Shemp, his chances
creep up a little.

2. tfbg9 Posted: July 05, 2008 at 11:18 AM (#2844190)

NYY's 6.5-5 overdogs.

3. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 02:48 PM (#2844254)

Masterson's splits, as suggested by Teddy-

RHB: 163/239/263
LHB: 231/381/484

The Yankees have subbed in Betemit for Posada, improving the defense at 1B, and maintaining a 6-3 ratio of LHB to RHB in the lineup. I was wondering if they'd sit Molina for Posada, but I guess it's not worth the defensive downgrade.

The one thing I'm hopeful about is that there are a lot of hackers in that lineup - Cano, Betemit, Molina - which might allow Masterson to get some quick outs with the sinker. Not a good matchup for the Sox, overall.

4. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 02:51 PM (#2844256)

Here's the lineups:

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Coco Crisp, CF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Alex Cora, SS

Justin Masterson, SP

Yankees

1. Brett Gardner, LF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jason Giambi, DH
6. Wilson Betemit, 1B
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Melky Cabrera, CF
9. Jose Molina, C

Mike Mussina, SP

5. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:37 PM (#2844281)

I really don't understand why they didn't call up Buchholz to make this start.

6. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:42 PM (#2844283)

Yeah, I totally expected the bottom half of the first inning of a July 5 game between the Sox and Yanks to open with Brett Gardner facing Justin Masterson. Totally. And also for Wilson Betemit to bat sixth.

7. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:56 PM (#2844291)

"Hopefully he'll deal"

That was cute.

8. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:57 PM (#2844292)

This could get messy

9. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:58 PM (#2844296)

The strikeout pitch was outside, wasn't it?\

10. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:59 PM (#2844298)

I've seen better at bats for Ellsbury

11. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:00 PM (#2844299)

Really bad read by Pedroia. Not a great throw, and he was badly out.

12. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:00 PM (#2844300)

Jesus

13. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:00 PM (#2844302)

Sets up for the Drew homer

14. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:04 PM (#2844307)

Good PA by Manny, though none of the pitches past the 1-2 were close.

15. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:05 PM (#2844308)

Jeez that Pedroia mistake is starting to grate me - wish Damon was playing

16. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:07 PM (#2844313)

Yeah, this should probably be bases loaded, one out. I wonder if Pedroia forgot that the LF wasn't Damon today,

17. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:09 PM (#2844318)

Well, Masterson got the same wide strike that Mussina did. ok

18. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:13 PM (#2844322)

Nice changeups against Abreu. That bodes well.

19. Mattbert Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:15 PM (#2844327)

If he gets that pitch running away from LHBs off the outside corner called a strike, it could be a long day for the Yankees.

20. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:15 PM (#2844328)

Nice approach to Abreu there.

21. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:17 PM (#2844330)

I've seen tighter zones this year as well

22. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:20 PM (#2844334)

Looked a strike

23. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:20 PM (#2844337)

Jeez. 89 down the middle, and Varitek barely puts his pop in the field of play. I don't think there's gonna be much coming back from this slump. (A little, I still think he can get toward 300/400)

24. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:23 PM (#2844340)

Seriously, who takes pitches against rookies with 5 BB/9 ratios, right?

25. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:23 PM (#2844341)

Love that hack from the Material Boy

26. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:24 PM (#2844346)

Seriously, who takes pitches against rookies with 5 BB/9 ratios, right?

Seems Giambi - sheesh

27. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:25 PM (#2844347)

Betemit's music is actually "Better Man"? That's not exactly encouraging from the PA people.

28. Lassus Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:25 PM (#2844350)

I turn on the TV, and the first thing I hear is how A-Rod is the centerpiece of an underachieving team. 2-4 with 2 RBI yesterday. Why can't Buck just work for the POST if he's going to be such an idiot all the damn time?

29. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:26 PM (#2844352)

Terrible missed location on that 0-2. Hes lucky that was just a single.

30. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:27 PM (#2844354)

He better not give up a hit to ####### Melky

31. Lassus Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:27 PM (#2844355)

Wow - I thought Giambi was going to be a dead duck there.

32. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:28 PM (#2844356)

McCarver's right about Varitek's positioning, I think. As the ball was coming in, it looked like Giambi was beaten.

33. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:28 PM (#2844358)

Seems like a good point by McCarver (shocking!) about Varitek leaving the plate too much, making it impossible to block.

34. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2844360)

Just so you know, I'm not buying you a coke. Sorry.

35. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2844363)

Jesus ####### christ

A ####### bleeder finds its way past Pedroia - Melky shits me

36. Mattbert Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:30 PM (#2844367)

Varitek caught the ball before Giambi was even in the frame, yet somehow manages not to tag him out. Brilliant.

Timbo is spot on for once.

37. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:32 PM (#2844369)

Great play. Hell of a throw.

38. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:33 PM (#2844370)

Nice play by Cano

39. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:33 PM (#2844371)

#### cora is slow

40. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:35 PM (#2844373)

Seems I have no respect for the good Cano play

41. Lassus Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:35 PM (#2844374)

I was offered a Pedroia for Marmol trade while Pedroia was sucking last month. Thank god I didn't take it.

42. Mattbert Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:36 PM (#2844375)

It was a good play, but I think Papi would've legged it out.

43. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#2844376)

hey mattbert

44. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#2844377)

See the lady behind Robo? I think her nosejob is still healing, and itchy.

45. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#2844378)

What Mike Mussina is doing this year is amazing. I was sure he was cooked, but he's pitching very well.
And with a 85mph fastball

46. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#2844379)

Jesus straight over the plate

47. Mattbert Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#2844381)

Maddux-esque comeback on that "heater" to get Drew. Nasty pitch.

48. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:40 PM (#2844382)

See the lady behind Robo? I think her nosejob is still healing, and itchy.

Funny cause I was thinking - if she smiles she will crack her plastic surgery as well

49. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:42 PM (#2844384)

Lowell is ####### good there

50. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2844386)

Past a diving Pedroia

51. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2844387)

Considering the GB pitcher and a lefty heavy Yankee lineup, Pedroia will be diving a lot today

52. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:45 PM (#2844388)

The strikezone doesn't extend to the ankles, Jed!

53. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:47 PM (#2844389)

jesus - this is where it gets ugly

54. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:47 PM (#2844391)

lkjdlksjlkfdskg

55. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:48 PM (#2844392)

This is an impossible situation, I think.

56. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:48 PM (#2844393)

A-Rod with a clutch HBP
Bases loaded for a lefty with a good strike zone judgement
Doesn't look good for Masterson

57. Mattbert Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:48 PM (#2844394)

He has no idea where the ball is going today.

58. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:48 PM (#2844395)

When is Buchholz coming back up?

59. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2844398)

When is Buchholz coming back up?

After the ASB for some reason

60. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2844399)

When is Buchholz coming back up?

Can we retroactively make it today? Like it should have been?

61. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2844400)

After the ASB for some reason

Service time reason

62. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:50 PM (#2844401)

Not sure why Giambi swung at either of those. Though I'm glad he did.

63. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:50 PM (#2844402)

Got him! Wow. Another slider?

64. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:50 PM (#2844403)

Yeah, I thought it was a service time thing with Buchholz. Frustrating in the meantime, though.

65. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:51 PM (#2844405)

That strikeout was worth 6% win expectancy

66. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:52 PM (#2844407)

Pedroia!
He's going to be working a lot today

67. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:54 PM (#2844409)

Masterson has the stuff to be a starter, but he's gotta learn to command these pitches. Right now, he can't even put the sinker consistently in the bottom half of the strike zone.

68. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:56 PM (#2844412)

Is Mussina the best pitcher to never win 20 game?
He's got to be, considering that he's a borderline Hall of Famer

69. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:57 PM (#2844414)

My opponent in my fantasy league has Mussina starting today. Two HBP is really annoying in the WHIP department. At least score one, now.

70. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:58 PM (#2844415)

He'd have to be ekogan

71. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:59 PM (#2844416)

My god he paints the corners - so close

72. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:59 PM (#2844417)

Hoyt Wilhelm, maybe.

73. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:00 PM (#2844418)

2 run homer from Youks would be nice

74. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:01 PM (#2844420)

Hoyt Wilhelm, maybe.

First thing that comes to my mind is Seinfeld when I read that

75. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2844422)

Hoyt Wilhelm

Mussina's got more wins, IP, strikeouts by about 2/3.

76. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:05 PM (#2844425)

I really don't understand how Mussina is pitching so well this year. Damnit.

77. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:07 PM (#2844427)

Mussina's got more wins, IP, strikeouts by about 2/3.

Right, and 146 vs 122 ERA+.

Anyway, though, Mussina is the best starting pitcher never to win 20. He might or might not be as great as the greatest relief pitcher in history.

I guess it's pretty limited, though - it wasn't until the modern pitching staff came into existence that it was possible for a starting pitcher to have a good peak without easily topping 20 wins a couple times.

78. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:08 PM (#2844431)

I really don't understand how Mussina is pitching so well this year. Damnit.

Old junkballing starters who's last name starts with M have an exemption from baseball gods.
Maddux, Moyer, Mussina.
They are going to keep pitching forever.

79. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:09 PM (#2844432)

Hitting Cano is rather annoying - is that his first trip to first this year as a BB??

80. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:10 PM (#2844434)

It's funny how you never hear about a young canny junkballer. It's always old pitchers who are canny junkballers

81. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:11 PM (#2844435)

Jesus - someone before was right - he does not have a clue where the ball is going - of course Melky bails him out

82. Mattbert Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:12 PM (#2844438)

Why is Molina "the most obvious player with whom to hit and run," Timbo? Does he not strike out a lot?

83. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:14 PM (#2844439)

Gardner should've waited to be walked instead of swinging the bat

84. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:14 PM (#2844440)

Can't believe the Yankees only have one run through 4.

85. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:16 PM (#2844441)

Pitches Strikes
Masterson 63-35
Mussina 64-38

It sure doesn't feel like Masterson and Mussina have been similarly wild

86. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:18 PM (#2844442)

It's a pitching clinic

87. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:20 PM (#2844443)

Mussina - "This popup's mine,#####!"

88. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:20 PM (#2844445)

Aw, I thought things were gonna get silly there.

89. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:22 PM (#2844447)

Crap. Had to be a perfect throw, was a perfect throw.

90. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:22 PM (#2844448)

The coaches should've told Ellsbury not to run on Molina.

91. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:24 PM (#2844450)

My favorite part about medical commercials is the legally mandated listing of side effects at the end.
A good announcer with a soothing voice and calming background music can make anything sound good

92. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:28 PM (#2844456)

Ok - now I focus on the game as the girls have gone back to bed

93. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:29 PM (#2844457)

You can't keep a good A-Rod down

94. PJ Martinez Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:29 PM (#2844458)

vertigo = best movie ever

95. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:29 PM (#2844459)

Buck and McCarver's dismissal of the Yankee farm system is pretty profoundly silly.

Sox are winning the farm system fight so far this year, but they're really overselling these last couple months.

96. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:30 PM (#2844460)

2 out hit before the 2 out homer - cant wait!

97. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:30 PM (#2844461)

Godfather is the best movie ever. It's not even open to discussion.
Vertigo is not even Hitchhock's best.
I like both Rear Window and North by Northwest better

98. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:31 PM (#2844462)

pj - for some reason I have never seen it - best ever? - better than the Godfathers? (I and II only)

99. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:31 PM (#2844463)

4 HBP in five innings in a Red Sox / Yankee game, and no hint of conflict. It makes sense, but it's a weird little stat.

100. ekogan Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:32 PM (#2844464)

Stealing 3rd with 2 outs is pointless

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