I figured I'd bump up this thread, rather than start an entire new one for a single game. I actually think this game is more important than a single-game series versus an also-ran NL team. Coming off that short-series sweep against the division leader, and pushing our win streak to 4, this is a big game to take while pulling another of those 3 cities in 48 hour runs. Especially when you consider that we play a division rival afterward. Interesting how it worked out that Moose winds up pitching this game anyway.
I half agree with you. At some point in the very near future they're going to have to start dominating sub-.500 teams. Otherwise, they can just forget about the playoffs. If you can't handily beat the bad teams, and win series against the good ones, even if you manage a playoff berth, you're going home early, again. At the same time, given the situation, having played an important series ending yesterday, hitting the road, playing a lower-tier team tonight, hitting the road, then playing a divisional series starting tomorrow, just getting a win tonight is enough. --------------- Wasn't the last time we played in Pittsburgh one of those 3 cities in 49 hour deals?
It doesn't matter if we win by a run or if we win by 9 runs. They all count the same and we need wins, it would be nice to take 3 of these next 4 heading into the break.
No one can disagree with you, winning is the bottom line. I think the Yankees need to start playing Yankees baseball. When playing a team like the Pirates they should win with ease. Problem is they usually don't lately.
YANKEES (49-42) Jeter SS Abreu RF Rodriguez 3B Posada 1B Cano 2B Cabrera CF Molina C Christian LF Mussina RHP Scary bottom four.
Why wouldn't you PH for Molina to start the ninth? Just hand away outs. WTF with this team? A sub-.500 team, and the major league's worst interleague team beats us again.
I would have put Giambi up in that situation, rather than reserve him to PH for the pitcher. If Giambi and Christian get on, then the pitcher can sacrifice both into scoring position. One out, tying run on second. Wasn't Jorge still in the game? You then move Jorge behind the plate, and Giambi goes to first. Not to mention, Chad Moeller is wasting a roster spot, why can't he come in to take over for Molina after a PH situation? You never give away outs for no reason. Letting Molina hit in that situation is just stupid. If there were a runner on that he could sacrifice for, fine, but as the leadoff man in the ninth, he's got no business being there. Especially when you're carrying three catchers on the team.
