Tito: "We are losing Bay for at LEAST a few days. We will have to evaluate that later."
Could be a trip to the DL.
Could be a trip to the DL.
Mike'd Up: The Mike Francesa Show
- Thread starter cheekydave
- Start date
Tito transcript
On the team
"Tough couple games in Tampa which has been more than normal. We are beat up. Bay lost for a few days. But, starting pitching has been beat up. Too much pitching? haha. We are trying to work through some things. Play with a lot of energy.
Smoltz tonight?
"I think he has that big game left in him. He's had tough time locating his fastball. He's trying to make adjustments. Feels pretty good health wise. Slider is tremendous. He's hungry to help us win. We're invested in the long haul with him. You have to be a little patient."
Handling adversity(Ortiz PED) as a Sox manager?
"Hasn't been a lot of anything yet. Haven't had to deal with it. Got to wait patiently with it."
On Victor Martinez fitting in with all the parts?
"He makes us better. Switch hitter in the middle of the order. Have some guys who aren't used to looking at the lineup card. They have made adjustments putting themselves not ahead of the team. If they're willing to handle that we have a good team out there. We were thin health-wise. I'd have made the trades too. We did what we thought was right and it's my responsibility to make it right and make it work. It's not a problem at all."
Is there a Best lineup?
"Probably not. Certain pitchers dictate certain lineups. Lot of flexibility with VMart a SH. We have balance just need to get guys productive at the same time."
Who will play tonight?
"Theo has called twice. Take an inventory health-wise. We got in at 4 am so no one is in yet. Lineup isn't up yet."
VMart C, 1B, DH?
"DH against lefties. Little bit tougher DHing him with him as the 2nd catcher when he isn't starting."
Clay?
"Clay has been young. Done everything we asked for and more. Came back to MLB and been mediocre. MFY are a huge test for him. He is maturing and fun to watch mature but we needs wins. Like what we got here."
Bullpen?
"We had a little rough spot before ASB, but bullpen is a big strength. We don't try to wear them out. We value it so much. They always give us a chance to win. Once you go too far you can't go back. Sometimes you have to know how to lose to win the war(TB Tuesday).
Struggles on the road?
"Every team is more comfortable at home. But, we have done better on the road this year. Better suited defensively on the road(??). We like the style of baseball we play than before."
Faster style of baseball?
"Pitching is so important. If you have guys who can catch the ball they can run the bases as well. The idea is to win whether it is 12-11 or 2-1."
8-0 vs. MFY...better in the big spot and bullpen is better...MFY closed the gap?
"MFY has been the best in baseball since we played last. Media gets carried away with it. What we did in May doesn't matter tonight. How many guys hit HRs off of Mariano? I think we play each game like it's our last and stack them up at the end. I think you lose out when you look ahead or back. We just came from playing Tampa and they're good too. Someone will have to go home and hope it's not us"
Is Tampa same threat this year?
"Oh yea. They play us as good as any. If Price shows some consistency, watch out. You have to face Toronto and Halladay so the division is tough."
End
On the team
"Tough couple games in Tampa which has been more than normal. We are beat up. Bay lost for a few days. But, starting pitching has been beat up. Too much pitching? haha. We are trying to work through some things. Play with a lot of energy.
Smoltz tonight?
"I think he has that big game left in him. He's had tough time locating his fastball. He's trying to make adjustments. Feels pretty good health wise. Slider is tremendous. He's hungry to help us win. We're invested in the long haul with him. You have to be a little patient."
Handling adversity(Ortiz PED) as a Sox manager?
"Hasn't been a lot of anything yet. Haven't had to deal with it. Got to wait patiently with it."
On Victor Martinez fitting in with all the parts?
"He makes us better. Switch hitter in the middle of the order. Have some guys who aren't used to looking at the lineup card. They have made adjustments putting themselves not ahead of the team. If they're willing to handle that we have a good team out there. We were thin health-wise. I'd have made the trades too. We did what we thought was right and it's my responsibility to make it right and make it work. It's not a problem at all."
Is there a Best lineup?
"Probably not. Certain pitchers dictate certain lineups. Lot of flexibility with VMart a SH. We have balance just need to get guys productive at the same time."
Who will play tonight?
"Theo has called twice. Take an inventory health-wise. We got in at 4 am so no one is in yet. Lineup isn't up yet."
VMart C, 1B, DH?
"DH against lefties. Little bit tougher DHing him with him as the 2nd catcher when he isn't starting."
Clay?
"Clay has been young. Done everything we asked for and more. Came back to MLB and been mediocre. MFY are a huge test for him. He is maturing and fun to watch mature but we needs wins. Like what we got here."
Bullpen?
"We had a little rough spot before ASB, but bullpen is a big strength. We don't try to wear them out. We value it so much. They always give us a chance to win. Once you go too far you can't go back. Sometimes you have to know how to lose to win the war(TB Tuesday).
Struggles on the road?
"Every team is more comfortable at home. But, we have done better on the road this year. Better suited defensively on the road(??). We like the style of baseball we play than before."
Faster style of baseball?
"Pitching is so important. If you have guys who can catch the ball they can run the bases as well. The idea is to win whether it is 12-11 or 2-1."
8-0 vs. MFY...better in the big spot and bullpen is better...MFY closed the gap?
"MFY has been the best in baseball since we played last. Media gets carried away with it. What we did in May doesn't matter tonight. How many guys hit HRs off of Mariano? I think we play each game like it's our last and stack them up at the end. I think you lose out when you look ahead or back. We just came from playing Tampa and they're good too. Someone will have to go home and hope it's not us"
Is Tampa same threat this year?
"Oh yea. They play us as good as any. If Price shows some consistency, watch out. You have to face Toronto and Halladay so the division is tough."
End
When JustinTV finishes processing the clip, you can listen to the interview at this link-- http://www.justin.tv/clip/9ddb309a77792acd
Clip is now available to watch (2 parts, most of it is part1). Mike's 1pm opener is here-- http://www.justin.tv/clip/68dee7a8fd7c2c42
Clip is now available to watch (2 parts, most of it is part1). Mike's 1pm opener is here-- http://www.justin.tv/clip/68dee7a8fd7c2c42
Cashman on now - says they will NOT move Hughes to starting rotation- will consider Igawa - says he's pitching well:rolling:
To Mike's credit, he is doing a good job with the callers today. Yankees fans going way over the top off of last night's win. If they beat Beckett tonight, then they've got something to crow about. Mike at least showing respect for the Sox while the callers want to break out the shovels and bury them.
QUOTE (Stu Nahan @ Aug 7 2009, 02:18 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2482517
To Mike's credit, he is doing a good job with the callers today. Yankees fans going way over the top off of last night's win. If they beat Beckett tonight, then they've got something to crow about. Mike at least showing respect for the Sox while the callers want to break out the shovels and bury them.
Yeah, and he brought up the Yankee advantage in salary too, he hasn't done much of that since Russo left.
He promised that John Smoltz will be a guest today.
To Mike's credit, he is doing a good job with the callers today. Yankees fans going way over the top off of last night's win. If they beat Beckett tonight, then they've got something to crow about. Mike at least showing respect for the Sox while the callers want to break out the shovels and bury them.
Yeah, and he brought up the Yankee advantage in salary too, he hasn't done much of that since Russo left.
He promised that John Smoltz will be a guest today.
Smoltz just cancelled coming on the show due to "personal reasons." Mike says he also got wind that Smoltz has left the team and is on his way back to Atlanta.
Guy from Texas calls in and drawls "I told ya after I watched the Rangers shellack Boston that you could just throw your gloves up at them."
Embarrassing.
Embarrassing.
QUOTE (DieHardSoxFan1 @ Aug 7 2009, 05:02 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2482910
Guy from Texas calls in and drawls "I told ya after I watched the Rangers shellack Boston that you could just throw your gloves up at them."
Embarrassing.
I heard him the first time he called during the Texas series- he was a real pain- but at least Mike cut him off this time- Think it's Roger? :rolling:
Guy from Texas calls in and drawls "I told ya after I watched the Rangers shellack Boston that you could just throw your gloves up at them."
Embarrassing.
I heard him the first time he called during the Texas series- he was a real pain- but at least Mike cut him off this time- Think it's Roger? :rolling:
QUOTE (FungosWithJimy @ Aug 10 2009, 02:40 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2494695
Is Mike on? I'd be curious to know what his angle is today.
I heard him at 1:00. Basically it was that the Yanks beat the Sox up all weekend but be careful not to bury Boston right now because things can still turn quickly as they did from earlier in the season. He expects them to emerge from the hitting slump and grab the wild card. You could still hear the usual smugness but all in all it wasn't too nauseating. He says this past weekend was not a typical Boston Massacre as in '78 and '06 because three of the games were nail biters where one Sox hit here or there could have won them 2 games.
Is Mike on? I'd be curious to know what his angle is today.
I heard him at 1:00. Basically it was that the Yanks beat the Sox up all weekend but be careful not to bury Boston right now because things can still turn quickly as they did from earlier in the season. He expects them to emerge from the hitting slump and grab the wild card. You could still hear the usual smugness but all in all it wasn't too nauseating. He says this past weekend was not a typical Boston Massacre as in '78 and '06 because three of the games were nail biters where one Sox hit here or there could have won them 2 games.
QUOTE (FungosWithJimy @ Aug 10 2009, 02:40 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2494695
Is Mike on? I'd be curious to know what his angle is today.
He's on, in MFY-bluster mode. Called the division over and that the Yanks were on 'a victory march to October.'
Still thinks the RS are a threat for the WC.
Is Mike on? I'd be curious to know what his angle is today.
He's on, in MFY-bluster mode. Called the division over and that the Yanks were on 'a victory march to October.'
Still thinks the RS are a threat for the WC.
QUOTE (ifmanis5 @ Aug 10 2009, 05:18 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2495018
He's on, in MFY-bluster mode. Called the division over and that the Yanks were on 'a victory march to October.'
Still thinks the RS are a threat for the WC.
Bluster for sure- when he called the American East division "over", and yet said the Dodgers were "one bad weekend" away from making it an interesting race in the National West- I was a little confused- (the Yankees are 6.5 up, the Dodgers 5.5 up)- I assume he thinks the Yanks won't have a bad weekend for the rest of the year!
He's on, in MFY-bluster mode. Called the division over and that the Yanks were on 'a victory march to October.'
Still thinks the RS are a threat for the WC.
Bluster for sure- when he called the American East division "over", and yet said the Dodgers were "one bad weekend" away from making it an interesting race in the National West- I was a little confused- (the Yankees are 6.5 up, the Dodgers 5.5 up)- I assume he thinks the Yanks won't have a bad weekend for the rest of the year!
QUOTE (deborafitz @ Aug 10 2009, 05:28 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2495040
I assume he thinks the Yanks won't have a bad weekend for the rest of the year!
He said as much- 'the Yankees roster and pitching pretty much ensures that they won't have a prolonged losing streak.'
I assume he thinks the Yanks won't have a bad weekend for the rest of the year!
He said as much- 'the Yankees roster and pitching pretty much ensures that they won't have a prolonged losing streak.'
QUOTE (Mystic Merlin @ Aug 10 2009, 05:56 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2495105
Mike isn't leaving himself many outs here, which he usually does.
Ironically, he was just as emphatic about the Sox being better than the Yankees after the Sox 8th win against the Yankees. Not many outs were left then, either.
Mike isn't leaving himself many outs here, which he usually does.
Ironically, he was just as emphatic about the Sox being better than the Yankees after the Sox 8th win against the Yankees. Not many outs were left then, either.
QUOTE (TheoShmeo @ Aug 10 2009, 06:19 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2495139
Ironically, he was just as emphatic about the Sox being better than the Yankees after the Sox 8th win against the Yankees. Not many outs were left then, either.
Yep.
For all his pretenses, he's just like the rest of us.
Ironically, he was just as emphatic about the Sox being better than the Yankees after the Sox 8th win against the Yankees. Not many outs were left then, either.
Yep.
For all his pretenses, he's just like the rest of us.
QUOTE (ifmanis5 @ Aug 10 2009, 05:51 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2495099
He said as much- 'the Yankees roster and pitching pretty much ensures that they won't have a prolonged losing streak.'
The last few years the Yankees have been hot the whole second half, so a prolonged losing streak does seem unlikely at this point if history repeats itself. But with the way this season has gone around the league, with teams being way out in front and then losing their leads, then getting hot again, who knows? I am beginning to think anything is possible this year, even the Yankees going on a long losing streak while some other team chasing them gets hot [hopefully the Sox] .
We shall see. This has been a funky year.
He said as much- 'the Yankees roster and pitching pretty much ensures that they won't have a prolonged losing streak.'
The last few years the Yankees have been hot the whole second half, so a prolonged losing streak does seem unlikely at this point if history repeats itself. But with the way this season has gone around the league, with teams being way out in front and then losing their leads, then getting hot again, who knows? I am beginning to think anything is possible this year, even the Yankees going on a long losing streak while some other team chasing them gets hot [hopefully the Sox] .
We shall see. This has been a funky year.
QUOTE (Mystic Merlin @ Aug 10 2009, 05:56 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2495105
Mike isn't leaving himself many outs here, which he usually does.
He showed what his "out" will be when people called him on saying Hughes would never be an effective reliever - He simply denied ever saying it.
Mike isn't leaving himself many outs here, which he usually does.
He showed what his "out" will be when people called him on saying Hughes would never be an effective reliever - He simply denied ever saying it.
Well, I would agree with Mike. I think the East is over. Not because the Yanks are 5 1/2 games up, but because, in my estimation, they are 5 1/2 games up and have a significantly better team. Also, if WFAN is correct, the yankees have not blown a 6 1/2 game lead this late in the season since 1931. I don't think it's significant that they lost a game 6-5 when Mitre pitched although i suspect if got everyone's hopes up around here. I think the Yankees have a better rotation, a better bullpen now, although I sure didn't see it coming, and a significantly better offense without the dead weight in it that the Sox have.
I'll be shocked if they don't win the division, and if I were a talk show host whose job is to get people pissed off enough to call, I'd say the same thing.
Now as far as the wild card goes, I think Texas and Tampa are very beatable., although it wouldn't surprise me if the Sox don't get that either.
But lock it up The division is over. Take it from Zup and annoying arrogant Mike Francesca. It's a wild card race, plain and simple.
I miss dog.
I'll be shocked if they don't win the division, and if I were a talk show host whose job is to get people pissed off enough to call, I'd say the same thing.
Now as far as the wild card goes, I think Texas and Tampa are very beatable., although it wouldn't surprise me if the Sox don't get that either.
But lock it up The division is over. Take it from Zup and annoying arrogant Mike Francesca. It's a wild card race, plain and simple.
I miss dog.
With the MFYs running away with the ALE, the Mets all but dead, no news out of the Jets or Giants camp, Woodstock wasn't a bad alternative. IMO his interview of Pete Fornutale was pretty good radio.
A little off topic here...
While I do think the Yanks will win the division, it is not out of the realm of possibility they will go on another short losing streak that the Red Sox might be able to take advantage of. This division race has had fairly large swings in the standings all year. The Yanks have lost 3 in a row on five different occasions, and have done so just as recently as ten days ago before the win streak started (where they actually lost 4 of 5) It is also not a forgone conclusion that the Sox can't win 4 of the six remaining head to head match-ups.
While I do think the Yanks will win the division, it is not out of the realm of possibility they will go on another short losing streak that the Red Sox might be able to take advantage of. This division race has had fairly large swings in the standings all year. The Yanks have lost 3 in a row on five different occasions, and have done so just as recently as ten days ago before the win streak started (where they actually lost 4 of 5) It is also not a forgone conclusion that the Sox can't win 4 of the six remaining head to head match-ups.
QUOTE (Zupcic Fan @ Aug 11 2009, 03:14 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2497477
Also, if WFAN is correct, the yankees have not blown a 6 1/2 game lead this late in the season since 1931.
I'm not sure why this matters.
The ability of the Yankees to hold leads from 1931 through 2006 doesn't really impact this year's team unless you believe in things like Yankee DNA, aura and mystique, I think.
Not that I don't agree that the Yankees are likely to win the AL East....
Also, if WFAN is correct, the yankees have not blown a 6 1/2 game lead this late in the season since 1931.
I'm not sure why this matters.
The ability of the Yankees to hold leads from 1931 through 2006 doesn't really impact this year's team unless you believe in things like Yankee DNA, aura and mystique, I think.
Not that I don't agree that the Yankees are likely to win the AL East....
I was listening to Francesa today and he's difficult to listen to. It actually hurts. He's just a douche and he belittles and tears apart most of the callers. And he's usually out of line in doing this. He needs a foil because, otherwise, he's just too annoying, IMHO.
Today, a caller asked Mike what he thought about the Yanks acquiring Jason Hirsch.
Mike bullied him off the line saying "Jason Hirsch? Never heard of him, whattaya think, you're gonna pull one over on me? Jason Hirsch, never heard of him. That's your friend who sitting right there next to you, that's who Jason Hirsch is. You're not gonna get one passed me. Jason Hirsch. Never heard of him. He doesn't exist."
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32209841/ns/...ts-player_news/
It took him until after the next commercial break to not apologize, but to acknowledge that in fact Jason Hirsch does exist and that the Yanks did acquire him. I love Mike's stance that if he hasn't heard about it, know about it, or understand it, it doesn't exist or that the caller is outright wrong.
In fairness, I know the fat man has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks...
Mike bullied him off the line saying "Jason Hirsch? Never heard of him, whattaya think, you're gonna pull one over on me? Jason Hirsch, never heard of him. That's your friend who sitting right there next to you, that's who Jason Hirsch is. You're not gonna get one passed me. Jason Hirsch. Never heard of him. He doesn't exist."
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32209841/ns/...ts-player_news/
It took him until after the next commercial break to not apologize, but to acknowledge that in fact Jason Hirsch does exist and that the Yanks did acquire him. I love Mike's stance that if he hasn't heard about it, know about it, or understand it, it doesn't exist or that the caller is outright wrong.
In fairness, I know the fat man has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks...
It really bugs the fuck out of me that he takes vacation when he does. I know he's got kids and all, but to be out of town on the trade deadline isn't really excusable in a baseball town.
QUOTE (Spacemans Bong @ Aug 11 2009, 06:31 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2497738
It really bugs the fuck out of me that he takes vacation when he does. I know he's got kids and all, but to be out of town on the trade deadline isn't really excusable in a baseball town.
Tell Glenn Ordway that too.
It really bugs the fuck out of me that he takes vacation when he does. I know he's got kids and all, but to be out of town on the trade deadline isn't really excusable in a baseball town.
Tell Glenn Ordway that too.
Theo: It doesn't matter, of course. What people fail to realize is that there is a reason why teams like the Yankees never blew that kind of lead since 1931----it's because to get that lead in the first place they most likely had a nicely better team than their opponents. and at least to me, that's pretty clearly the case this year too. Therefore, in this humble fan's opinion, they ain't gonna blow the lead again.
Now 2004 was different. No matter what the past stats were for a team down 3-0, in that case the Sox were actually as good as the Yankees. So a different outcome was possible.
Not this year. They're just not as good. it would take a Yankee collapse. Clearly inferior teams will have to start beating Sabathia, Burnett, Joba, Petite, Philip Hughes and Mariano. Players like Jeter, Damon, Matsui, ARod, Texiera, Cano and Melky will have to stop hitting for some reason---and they ain't Varitek, Ellsbury, Nick Green. They are actually pretty good offensive players.
It's not going to happen. Francesca isn't really going out on a limb here.
Now 2004 was different. No matter what the past stats were for a team down 3-0, in that case the Sox were actually as good as the Yankees. So a different outcome was possible.
Not this year. They're just not as good. it would take a Yankee collapse. Clearly inferior teams will have to start beating Sabathia, Burnett, Joba, Petite, Philip Hughes and Mariano. Players like Jeter, Damon, Matsui, ARod, Texiera, Cano and Melky will have to stop hitting for some reason---and they ain't Varitek, Ellsbury, Nick Green. They are actually pretty good offensive players.
It's not going to happen. Francesca isn't really going out on a limb here.
One of the reasons Francessa (and other radio hosts) take vacations in July and August is because the summer ratings period (July-Sept) isn't used by sales departments the way spring and fall ratings books are.
QUOTE (JimMonaghan @ Aug 12 2009, 09:06 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2499909
One of the reasons Francessa (and other radio hosts) take vacations in July and August is because the summer ratings period (July-Sept) isn't used by sales departments the way spring and fall ratings books are.
I'd think that is relevant, but Francesa is pretty much THE establishment on Football over at WFAN, whereas the baseball season being so long that if he has to pick one vacation, it's going to be August, where Baseball isn't coming down to the wire, and Football isn't in season. He obviously had a lot more flexibility when Dog would alternate with him (Fuck I miss those days).
One of the reasons Francessa (and other radio hosts) take vacations in July and August is because the summer ratings period (July-Sept) isn't used by sales departments the way spring and fall ratings books are.
I'd think that is relevant, but Francesa is pretty much THE establishment on Football over at WFAN, whereas the baseball season being so long that if he has to pick one vacation, it's going to be August, where Baseball isn't coming down to the wire, and Football isn't in season. He obviously had a lot more flexibility when Dog would alternate with him (Fuck I miss those days).
QUOTE (Zupcic Fan @ Aug 11 2009, 06:54 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2497762
Not this year. They're just not as good. it would take a Yankee collapse. Clearly inferior teams will have to start beating Sabathia, Burnett, Joba, Petite, Philip Hughes and Mariano. Players like Jeter, Damon, Matsui, ARod, Texiera, Cano and Melky will have to stop hitting for some reason---and they ain't Varitek, Ellsbury, Nick Green. They are actually pretty good offensive players.
It's not going to happen. Francesca isn't really going out on a limb here.
Except for A-Rod and Teixeira, the players that you mentioned are either in their mid-late 30s, not proven over the course of a whole season, or proven to be pretty streaky. It would not be a shock to see any of them stop hitting for a while.
Not this year. They're just not as good. it would take a Yankee collapse. Clearly inferior teams will have to start beating Sabathia, Burnett, Joba, Petite, Philip Hughes and Mariano. Players like Jeter, Damon, Matsui, ARod, Texiera, Cano and Melky will have to stop hitting for some reason---and they ain't Varitek, Ellsbury, Nick Green. They are actually pretty good offensive players.
It's not going to happen. Francesca isn't really going out on a limb here.
Except for A-Rod and Teixeira, the players that you mentioned are either in their mid-late 30s, not proven over the course of a whole season, or proven to be pretty streaky. It would not be a shock to see any of them stop hitting for a while.
QUOTE (Zupcic Fan @ Aug 11 2009, 03:14 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2497477
Well, I would agree with Mike. I think the East is over. Not because the Yanks are 5 1/2 games up, but because, in my estimation, they are 5 1/2 games up and have a significantly better team. Also, if WFAN is correct, the yankees have not blown a 6 1/2 game lead this late in the season since 1931. I don't think it's significant that they lost a game 6-5 when Mitre pitched although i suspect if got everyone's hopes up around here. I think the Yankees have a better rotation, a better bullpen now, although I sure didn't see it coming, and a significantly better offense without the dead weight in it that the Sox have.
I'll be shocked if they don't win the division, and if I were a talk show host whose job is to get people pissed off enough to call, I'd say the same thing.
Now as far as the wild card goes, I think Texas and Tampa are very beatable., although it wouldn't surprise me if the Sox don't get that either.
But lock it up The division is over. Take it from Zup and annoying arrogant Mike Francesca. It's a wild card race, plain and simple.
I miss dog.
I miss dog as well- but that's about all I agree with you on. Where was your "significantly better team" when they were swept not once, but 3 times by the Sox? I was not getting my hopes up after a Mitre loss- but I would take Beckett-Lester over CC-Burnett. And while the Yanks are going to be losing a pitcher in the next few weeks (Joba rules), the Sox will be gaining (All-Star Wakefield, well rested Dice-K and rookie sensation Tazawa). Better bullpen? Let's see Hughes when the "kid gloves" come off. I'll give you the better offense-but pitching wins games (and playoff series). Our "dead weight" also hit 2 HR off the bench last night!
Well, I would agree with Mike. I think the East is over. Not because the Yanks are 5 1/2 games up, but because, in my estimation, they are 5 1/2 games up and have a significantly better team. Also, if WFAN is correct, the yankees have not blown a 6 1/2 game lead this late in the season since 1931. I don't think it's significant that they lost a game 6-5 when Mitre pitched although i suspect if got everyone's hopes up around here. I think the Yankees have a better rotation, a better bullpen now, although I sure didn't see it coming, and a significantly better offense without the dead weight in it that the Sox have.
I'll be shocked if they don't win the division, and if I were a talk show host whose job is to get people pissed off enough to call, I'd say the same thing.
Now as far as the wild card goes, I think Texas and Tampa are very beatable., although it wouldn't surprise me if the Sox don't get that either.
But lock it up The division is over. Take it from Zup and annoying arrogant Mike Francesca. It's a wild card race, plain and simple.
I miss dog.
I miss dog as well- but that's about all I agree with you on. Where was your "significantly better team" when they were swept not once, but 3 times by the Sox? I was not getting my hopes up after a Mitre loss- but I would take Beckett-Lester over CC-Burnett. And while the Yanks are going to be losing a pitcher in the next few weeks (Joba rules), the Sox will be gaining (All-Star Wakefield, well rested Dice-K and rookie sensation Tazawa). Better bullpen? Let's see Hughes when the "kid gloves" come off. I'll give you the better offense-but pitching wins games (and playoff series). Our "dead weight" also hit 2 HR off the bench last night!
Right---then we definitely disagree. I think their offense is significantly better. Our bullpen was clearly better when we were beating them earlier in the year. I don't think it is anymore---some of their pitchers look much better than they did then, especially Hughes, and most of our pen looks worse than they did earlier, especially Ramirez and Delcarmen and even Oki lately, at least to me. In those earlier series, their bullpen couldn't get anyone out. They sure didn't have any trouble getting the Sox out this time.
I don't disagree that Beckett and Lester can hold their own against C.C. and Burnett, but it's close. The starters after that clearly go to them.
But you're missing my point. I'm not arguing how a 7 game series between the Sox and the Yankees would go. the Sox certainly could win such a series.
I am arguing against the possibility of the Yankees blowing a 5 1/2 game lead.
With that offense and those 4 starters and that bullpen, I don't see how they will have much trouble avoiding long losing streaks against the teams they will be playing.
And with our offense and our numbers 3-5 starters, I don't know that we are likely to have the kind of record it would take to catch them.
So I agree with Francesca---if I were a radio talk show guy, I'd declare the division to be over.
But the wildcard continues to look very very doable to me.
And then it's just a crapshoot---although I'd really prefer to start with the Tigers or White Sox then with the Angels, unfortunately.
But I'll certainly be willing to eat crow if I'm wrong. but I won't be.
and to Jimi Hendrix: You're right. It would not shock me to see one or two of those guys stop hitting. But it sure would shock me to see enough of them stop hitting to enable them to blow a 5 1/2 game lead. when Youkilis or Bay and Ortiz stop hitting, we don't have enough left. When Matsui and melki or Posada stop hitting, they have plenty left.
I don't disagree that Beckett and Lester can hold their own against C.C. and Burnett, but it's close. The starters after that clearly go to them.
But you're missing my point. I'm not arguing how a 7 game series between the Sox and the Yankees would go. the Sox certainly could win such a series.
I am arguing against the possibility of the Yankees blowing a 5 1/2 game lead.
With that offense and those 4 starters and that bullpen, I don't see how they will have much trouble avoiding long losing streaks against the teams they will be playing.
And with our offense and our numbers 3-5 starters, I don't know that we are likely to have the kind of record it would take to catch them.
So I agree with Francesca---if I were a radio talk show guy, I'd declare the division to be over.
But the wildcard continues to look very very doable to me.
And then it's just a crapshoot---although I'd really prefer to start with the Tigers or White Sox then with the Angels, unfortunately.
But I'll certainly be willing to eat crow if I'm wrong. but I won't be.
and to Jimi Hendrix: You're right. It would not shock me to see one or two of those guys stop hitting. But it sure would shock me to see enough of them stop hitting to enable them to blow a 5 1/2 game lead. when Youkilis or Bay and Ortiz stop hitting, we don't have enough left. When Matsui and melki or Posada stop hitting, they have plenty left.
QUOTE (Zupcic Fan @ Aug 12 2009, 10:34 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2500058
Right---then we definitely disagree. I think their offense is significantly better. Our bullpen was clearly better when we were beating them earlier in the year. I don't think it is anymore---some of their pitchers look much better than they did then, especially Hughes, and most of our pen looks worse than they did earlier, especially Ramirez and Delcarmen and even Oki lately, at least to me. In those earlier series, their bullpen couldn't get anyone out. They sure didn't have any trouble getting the Sox out this time.
I don't disagree that Beckett and Lester can hold their own against C.C. and Burnett, but it's close. The starters after that clearly go to them.
But you're missing my point. I'm not arguing how a 7 game series between the Sox and the Yankees would go. the Sox certainly could win such a series.
I am arguing against the possibility of the Yankees blowing a 5 1/2 game lead.
With that offense and those 4 starters and that bullpen, I don't see how they will have much trouble avoiding long losing streaks against the teams they will be playing.
And with our offense and our numbers 3-5 starters, I don't know that we are likely to have the kind of record it would take to catch them.
So I agree with Francesca---if I were a radio talk show guy, I'd declare the division to be over.
But the wildcard continues to look very very doable to me.
And then it's just a crapshoot---although I'd really prefer to start with the Tigers or White Sox then with the Angels, unfortunately.
But I'll certainly be willing to eat crow if I'm wrong. but I won't be.
and to Jimi Hendrix: You're right. It would not shock me to see one or two of those guys stop hitting. But it sure would shock me to see enough of them stop hitting to enable them to blow a 5 1/2 game lead. when Youkilis or Bay and Ortiz stop hitting, we don't have enough left. When Matsui and melki or Posada stop hitting, they have plenty left.
I admire your tenacity, but I don't think I'm missing your point- I know you are talking about the division not a playoff series. I still think the Sox can do it, the whole marathon thing- one game a week(we've already picked up one this week). I don't think starters 3-5 clearly go to the Yanks. Right now, Clay, Tazawa/Wake? and Penny vs Pettitte, Joba/Gaudin, Mitre. I'm not betting my house on it, but I think it's doable.
Right---then we definitely disagree. I think their offense is significantly better. Our bullpen was clearly better when we were beating them earlier in the year. I don't think it is anymore---some of their pitchers look much better than they did then, especially Hughes, and most of our pen looks worse than they did earlier, especially Ramirez and Delcarmen and even Oki lately, at least to me. In those earlier series, their bullpen couldn't get anyone out. They sure didn't have any trouble getting the Sox out this time.
I don't disagree that Beckett and Lester can hold their own against C.C. and Burnett, but it's close. The starters after that clearly go to them.
But you're missing my point. I'm not arguing how a 7 game series between the Sox and the Yankees would go. the Sox certainly could win such a series.
I am arguing against the possibility of the Yankees blowing a 5 1/2 game lead.
With that offense and those 4 starters and that bullpen, I don't see how they will have much trouble avoiding long losing streaks against the teams they will be playing.
And with our offense and our numbers 3-5 starters, I don't know that we are likely to have the kind of record it would take to catch them.
So I agree with Francesca---if I were a radio talk show guy, I'd declare the division to be over.
But the wildcard continues to look very very doable to me.
And then it's just a crapshoot---although I'd really prefer to start with the Tigers or White Sox then with the Angels, unfortunately.
But I'll certainly be willing to eat crow if I'm wrong. but I won't be.
and to Jimi Hendrix: You're right. It would not shock me to see one or two of those guys stop hitting. But it sure would shock me to see enough of them stop hitting to enable them to blow a 5 1/2 game lead. when Youkilis or Bay and Ortiz stop hitting, we don't have enough left. When Matsui and melki or Posada stop hitting, they have plenty left.
I admire your tenacity, but I don't think I'm missing your point- I know you are talking about the division not a playoff series. I still think the Sox can do it, the whole marathon thing- one game a week(we've already picked up one this week). I don't think starters 3-5 clearly go to the Yanks. Right now, Clay, Tazawa/Wake? and Penny vs Pettitte, Joba/Gaudin, Mitre. I'm not betting my house on it, but I think it's doable.
ok---we aren't that far apart. I mean it would greatly surprise me, but I've seen stranger things happen.
The good news, though, is that you're not betting your house on it.
The only reason I thought you misread my post is that you started saying things like 'I'd take Beckett and Lester over C.C and Burnett---which might be true, but all 4 of them are going to do fine, so that won't help us catch them any even though it might work in a series against them.
The good news, though, is that you're not betting your house on it.
The only reason I thought you misread my post is that you started saying things like 'I'd take Beckett and Lester over C.C and Burnett---which might be true, but all 4 of them are going to do fine, so that won't help us catch them any even though it might work in a series against them.
QUOTE (God's Cop @ Aug 11 2009, 05:49 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2497695
Today, a caller asked Mike what he thought about the Yanks acquiring Jason Hirsch.
Mike bullied him off the line saying "Jason Hirsch? Never heard of him, whattaya think, you're gonna pull one over on me? Jason Hirsch, never heard of him. That's your friend who sitting right there next to you, that's who Jason Hirsch is. You're not gonna get one passed me. Jason Hirsch. Never heard of him. He doesn't exist."
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32209841/ns/...ts-player_news/
It took him until after the next commercial break to not apologize, but to acknowledge that in fact Jason Hirsch does exist and that the Yanks did acquire him. I love Mike's stance that if he hasn't heard about it, know about it, or understand it, it doesn't exist or that the caller is outright wrong.
In fairness, I know the fat man has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks...
I heard this exchange also and it's become fairly typical of Francessa. When you think about how he started his career it's amazing how the depth of his knowledge of things outside the immediate main stream has evaporated.
Although if Hirsh comes up in September and throws a couple of scoreless innings, Francessa will anoint Hirsh the Yankees answer to Hunter Jones
Today, a caller asked Mike what he thought about the Yanks acquiring Jason Hirsch.
Mike bullied him off the line saying "Jason Hirsch? Never heard of him, whattaya think, you're gonna pull one over on me? Jason Hirsch, never heard of him. That's your friend who sitting right there next to you, that's who Jason Hirsch is. You're not gonna get one passed me. Jason Hirsch. Never heard of him. He doesn't exist."
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32209841/ns/...ts-player_news/
It took him until after the next commercial break to not apologize, but to acknowledge that in fact Jason Hirsch does exist and that the Yanks did acquire him. I love Mike's stance that if he hasn't heard about it, know about it, or understand it, it doesn't exist or that the caller is outright wrong.
In fairness, I know the fat man has been on vacation for the last couple of weeks...
I heard this exchange also and it's become fairly typical of Francessa. When you think about how he started his career it's amazing how the depth of his knowledge of things outside the immediate main stream has evaporated.
Although if Hirsh comes up in September and throws a couple of scoreless innings, Francessa will anoint Hirsh the Yankees answer to Hunter Jones
QUOTE (vtred @ Aug 12 2009, 03:57 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2500758
Hirsh video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-psVKy9v4...player_embedded
Awesome, thanks.
Hirsh video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-psVKy9v4...player_embedded
Awesome, thanks.
QUOTE (vtred @ Aug 12 2009, 03:57 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2500758
Hirsh video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-psVKy9v4...player_embedded
That was hysterical! :rolling:
Hirsh video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-psVKy9v4...player_embedded
That was hysterical! :rolling:
QUOTE (JuanPena's Wrist @ Aug 12 2009, 08:03 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2500613
I heard this exchange also and it's become fairly typical of Francessa. When you think about how he started his career it's amazing how the depth of his knowledge of things outside the immediate main stream has evaporated.
Three kids, big ego = disaster.
I heard this exchange also and it's become fairly typical of Francessa. When you think about how he started his career it's amazing how the depth of his knowledge of things outside the immediate main stream has evaporated.
Three kids, big ego = disaster.
QUOTE (deborafitz @ Aug 12 2009, 04:56 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2500969
That was hysterical! :rolling:
Why would Mike think the caller was making up a name? WTF? And did you see how angry and mean Mike got? What a douche.
He's not going to last on his own, he's just too much of a cock without another person there to kind of be the good cop.
That was hysterical! :rolling:
Why would Mike think the caller was making up a name? WTF? And did you see how angry and mean Mike got? What a douche.
He's not going to last on his own, he's just too much of a cock without another person there to kind of be the good cop.
QUOTE (johnmd20 @ Aug 13 2009, 10:32 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2504371
Why would Mike think the caller was making up a name? WTF? And did you see how angry and mean Mike got? What a douche.
He's not going to last on his own, he's just too much of a cock without another person there to kind of be the good cop.
Wouldnt be the first time to happen. Someone did it to Syd Thrift awhile back, asking him about some made up prospect and Thrift gave a scouting report on the guy. Nice GM to have.
Granted, this is just as bad.
Why would Mike think the caller was making up a name? WTF? And did you see how angry and mean Mike got? What a douche.
He's not going to last on his own, he's just too much of a cock without another person there to kind of be the good cop.
Wouldnt be the first time to happen. Someone did it to Syd Thrift awhile back, asking him about some made up prospect and Thrift gave a scouting report on the guy. Nice GM to have.
Granted, this is just as bad.
"Why do ya THINK they make ya get a driver's license?? So when they pull you over, and you don't have one, they can arrest you!!"
QUOTE (God's Cop @ Aug 19 2009, 01:47 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2516852
Mike's back today. On fire about the media love that is now backlash towards Fawwwvre. "They all sound like jilted lovers".
Amazing, calling them Favre-ites (!) no less! Tune in, he's on fire.
He was really great on this -- one of his best monologues in a long time. Kind of changed my thinking on the Favre thing -- seriously worth a listen. Hilariously goes after people like Peter King.
Mike's back today. On fire about the media love that is now backlash towards Fawwwvre. "They all sound like jilted lovers".
Amazing, calling them Favre-ites (!) no less! Tune in, he's on fire.
He was really great on this -- one of his best monologues in a long time. Kind of changed my thinking on the Favre thing -- seriously worth a listen. Hilariously goes after people like Peter King.
QUOTE (Omar's Wacky Neighbor @ Aug 20 2009, 12:04 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2519203
"Why do ya THINK they make ya get a driver's license?? So when they pull you over, and you don't have one, they can arrest you!!"
Interesting. So demonstrating an overall competency to be able to handle a two-ton vehicle, safely, has nothing to do with it. Is he a closet member of the Militia of Montana?
"Why do ya THINK they make ya get a driver's license?? So when they pull you over, and you don't have one, they can arrest you!!"
Interesting. So demonstrating an overall competency to be able to handle a two-ton vehicle, safely, has nothing to do with it. Is he a closet member of the Militia of Montana?
He's baaaaaaack.
Started the show by discounting Jeter's inevitable passing of Gehrig on the hits record. Killing fans that always said he was never a number's guy, that have flipped and now state that he's all about the numbers.
Can't wait for the calls...
Started the show by discounting Jeter's inevitable passing of Gehrig on the hits record. Killing fans that always said he was never a number's guy, that have flipped and now state that he's all about the numbers.
Can't wait for the calls...
Started the show by saying it was his 21st year in drive time, 3rd decade in the chair. Never mentioned Russo. Not that he has to, but it felt like a skinny, shouty, tennis, SF Giants-loving elephant not in the room.
Forgot to mention that yesterday callers were discussing that Sterling is probably the only person to see every Jeter hit, as he hasn't missed a game since Jeter came up (has he ever missed a day?).
Mike: "I don't know if he's seen every hit, but he's been there in person." :lol:
Mike: "I don't know if he's seen every hit, but he's been there in person." :lol: