Why hello and bienvenidos! It's game 17 of the season and the Yanks are looking to make their record a very solid 10-7 with another win over the Red Sox tonight. Last night's game was quite the crushing - can the Yanks do it again?

Moose is going to be manning the mound, which usually makes your YC a tad nervous. He's been pitching decently enough (1-2 record, 4.15 ERA), though, so I'm feeling relatively confident. The Red Sox are giving Beckett (1-1, 6.35 ERA) the ball, and with any luck his slow start will continue tonight.

Here's who we'll be watching bat tonight:

Yanks:
Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Chad Moeller C

Red Sox:
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Manny Ramirez LF
Kevin Youkilis 3B
J.D. Drew RF
Jason Varitek C
Sean Casey 1B
Julio Lugo SS

West coasters, finish up your work so you can spend the last hour of your day focusing on the game; East coasters, go order the pizza and grab a Natty Light -- see you in 30!

Top First:

He plunked Ellsbury to start off the inning, but Moose simmered down after that and got the next three out.

Bottom First:

Not going to do an every batter play by play this time around -- that's a real strength-sapper and I'm multitasking here -- but I'll throw my updates/thoughts up at least once every half inning.

Bend it Like Beckett worked himself a quick 1-2-3 inning. Where'd our hot bats go? COME BACK!

Top Second:

Manny's hair gets uglier every day.


Goddamn. Senor Dreads just smacked a homer right over Melky's outstretched glove. He really is a Yankee killer :(


Moose gets the next two out, but then Varitek loops one into right field for a two-out base hit.


Inning over, but some damage was done. ANSWER BACK YANKS!


Bottom Second:

How bout a homer, Awesome-Rod? Make things even.

...Or pop out. Either way.


Al Leiter is talking about how cocky Becks was when they were on the Marlins. That sounds about right.


Another 1-2-3 for Beckett.


Top Third:

With the exception of the ball that hit Ellsbury and the one he gave Manny, Moose is looking strong.


...Or... oops. He just hit Ellsbury again. Retaliation forthcoming? I hope not.


Oh COME ON! Ellsbury steals second, but Moeller pitches a poor throw to try to get him and he ended up at third instead.


Line drive up the middle for Pedroia and Ellsbury scores easily. Now there's one on with one out for Big Papi.


Giambi is the chattiest first baseman I've ever watched. He talks to EVERYONE ON BASE.


WTF CRAZY PERSON ALERT! Michael Kay just said that when Moose was in Japan he refused to come out of his hotel room the entire time. He brought peanut butter and white bread with him and literally did not leave his lair.


Finally a second out as the Pap-ster grounds into a fielder's choice. Pedroia out at second and Papi safe at first.



Oh you've got to be fucking KIDDING me! Another Manny homer, this one a 2-runner. The score is now 4-0 Sox...


Moose is losing it. Just gave up a base hit to Yooooouk. Can we please end this inning ASAP?


There's another base hit, this one to JD Drew. Two on now for V-Tek and there's no action in the bullpen...


I love it when a player assumes ball four and starts walking to first base and has to come back when the ump calls a strike.


Oh COME ON MOOSE! RBI single for V-Tek, Sox lead 5-0. The crowd has switched from "MOOOOOSE" calls to booing.


Albaladejo is up in the bullpen now.


Casey out and the inning is done at last.


Bottom Third:


Now would be a good time for Cano to wake up.


And by "wake up" I apparently meant "ground out to first"


Melky base hit! Alright, let's use this to start a rally, please.


No dice. Inning done. Is Moose coming out for the fourth?


Top Fourth:

No mas Moose. Jonathan Albondigas is in.


Whew! No more runs scored. Still 5-zippo.



Bottom Fourth:


Two hits but no runs in this one, folks. BLAST!


Live blog SNAFU! Internet and cable went down. I see we're on the board and Farnsworthless is up?! What the hell is going on here.


Top Seventh:

Go away, Manny. 3 for 3 is 3 too many.


Whew! Away.


Hey, a 1-2-3 inning for the Yanks! Way to go, Farny!


Bottom Seventh:

9 more outs to go. Let's get something rollin, Bombers.


FAIL. 1-2-3


Top Eighth:

Farny out, Traber in as the fourth pitcher of the night.


He gives up a hit, but no harm down. Score remains at 7-3 and the Yanks really need to get to work here!



Bottom Eighth:
So much for Beckett's slow start - he's looking strong and back again for the 8th.


Yup, no problem for him. He gets another 1-2-3 inning and suddenly they are down to their last 3 outs to score at least 4 runs.

Now hold them to 7, whichever one of you pitchers is coming out!


Top Ninth:

It's Billy Traber back into the game. He better keep these Soxers under control so that we can pretend there shall be hope in the bottom.


Papi back in slumpsville, btw - 0-5 today.


Well that was a nice quick inning! Too bad they couldn't have done that a few innings ago.


Bottom Ninth:

Last chance for the Yanks! Even if you're not gonna win, guys, at least put a couple up there so it's not a blowout.


Paplebon is pitching now, even though it's not a save situation.


Cano's got another chance here -- Posada is on third (after doubling and then moving over on a WP).


MELKINATOR! Two-out home run and keeping things interesting. Defecit down to two runs.


Matsui goes down swinging, ball game over. Sox win 7-5.

What a bust, and I'll blame Moose for this one.

Hasta manana...

No live bloggity today as I am one tired Yankees Chick (twas at the Wooden Award ceremony last night!), but I thought I'd do a couple quick updates during the game here, as it's sure to be a good one!

5:00pm EDT: Moose may have only given up one run, but he's not looking as good as his line would indicate. He's getting it done, but I'm not all that impressed. However, if our bats don't wake up he may win the prestigious STAR POWER WOOOOOOT! honor today by default...

5:19pm EDT: Tie game on a Melky sac fly! To his credit, Beckett has really looked good throughout the first five innings.

5:20pm EDT: ...But he's falling apart a bit in the 6th! Wild pitch just scored the Attorney General (who was on third after tagging up on the Melky ball). Score 2-1 and we're just a couple innings away from Jobamania and then Mo time.

5:36pm EDT: After giving up 3 hits and 3 runs in the sixth, Moose is out of the game. Not a horrible performance by any means, and the bullpen is well-rested because of Wang's CG yesterday. Score 3-2 Sox but no worries - plenty of time.

PS: Big Papi is tanking big time. Is he just phoning it in at this point or what?

6:00pm EDT: Cano's got two hits today, including an RBI dub that put the score at 4-3 Sox. Could he finally be out his super-slump? Por favor?

6:33pm EDT: Rain delay in the top of the eighth with two out and two on? BLIMEY! They better not call this game.

By the way, I still don't understand why the Yanks couldn't spring for a roof on the new stadium. It's not like they have cash-flow problem.

7:09pm EDT: Tarp coming off! Game on.

7:27pm EDT: Just kidding. Tarp back on. Stand by.

8:30pm EDT: Oh yeah, the game is back on.

Last ups for the Yanks now... one run down, one out. RALLY IT UP DUDES.

8:53pm EDT: With two outs and a 3-2 count on Cano in the bottom of the ninth, Fox decides to switch to their Nascar coverage and tells us to change to FX to watch the end of the game. WTF? Rednecks couldn't wait 30 seconds?

Anywho, game over now anyway. Final score 4-3 Sox, series tied one game apiece.

Game wrap forthcoming!

Happy game-time, lovies!!!

The offense has been as quiet as a cute little mouse thus far, and with Jeet and Jorgie out of the lineup again the pressure is increased on the rest of those losers.

GET IT TOGETHER!

Onward!

Lineup:
Pitcher: I-Ken Bruney
Damon DH
Cano 2B
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Giambi 1B
Molina C
Cabrera CF
Gonzalez SS

Whilst you're waiting for the game to start, check out the latest installment in my Yankeeschickography series:
Good News, Bad News

See you in 15!

7:57pm EDT: According to Peter Abraham, Shelley the Spirit Coordinator has been optioned down to Triple-A to make room for Alberto Gonzalez (Jeet's replacement for tonight). WHERE SHALL THEY GET THE SPIRIT TO POWER THROUGH THE GAME?!

8:03pm EDT: I-Ken has been scratched and Bruney will be starting instead. WTF? Anyone know why???? These FSN peeps gave no reason.

Top First:
And we're off to the races!

Could this lineup be any more B-squad? Jeeeez.

Damon works himself a leadoff walk. RALLY IT UP DUDES.

Dear Cano,
Please do not ground into any more double plays.
Love,
Yankees Chick

Greinke gets out of the inning with ease as A-boo-boo grounds out to TPJ.

I'm excited/nervous to see how Bruney does... A surprise awesome outing would be a thrill!

Bottom First:
Same lineup as last night for the Royals, so Brunster will see Gathright, Gruzi and Teahan first.

Update: I-Ken is injured.

Not sure what's wrong with him.

Guess that wasn't a very valuable update... lo siento

Anywho.

It takes Bruney a bunch of pitches but he winds up the victor against Gathright - ground out to SS and there's one away.

Grudzoiuudsfjlk helps out the cause by sending another grounder to short.

It's starting to rain in KC, btw.

Settle down, BB: 4-pitch walk to Teahan. One on, two out and Guillen coming up to the plate.

The tarp is uncovered and ready to be rolled out on a moment's notice... steel yourself for a rain delay.

3 out! Not bad for Bruney's first outing.

Top Second:
Whether is looking nasty, folks. It's only a matter of time.

Please don't strike out, Mr -Rod.

At least he made the bat touch the ball this time. Ground out to third.

Matso Ball Soup goes after the first pitch and grounds out to Gload at first. Two speedy outs for Greinke.

They probs just want to hurry back into the dugout - it's pouring.

....And Giambi makes three. 8-pitch inning for Greinke.

Actual Useful Update (thank you commentors!): I-Ken not injured! Yanks simply didn't want to put him out there if the game was going to get rained out anyway. WHEW!

Bottom Second:
Billy Butler smacks a leadoff dub over A-Rod's head and the Royals start their half of the inning with a no-out runner in scoring position situation.

Bruney gets strikeout numero dos (hopefully of several tonight) on Gordan. One down.

Sweet slider! Gload the Toad goes down swingin'.

Striiiiike three! Third strikeout of the inning as Buckster goes down looking. Bruney is looking sharp tonight, but how deep can he go? He rarely pitches more than one. We shall see.

Top Third:
Posada's replacement, J-Mo, is hitting in the seven spot tonight and I'm pretty sure he gained 10lbs since last night.

Alright, Mo! Stand-up dub. Let's drive him in for once.

Dear Melky,
Please don't pop out with a runner is scoring position next time.
Frustartedly yours,
Yankees Chick

Alberto "Attorney General" Gonzalez flies out to right field and suddenly there are two outs. J-Mo is still hanging out on second, waiting for Damon to drive him in.

Oh COME ON. Down looking at one right down the middle? At least take a cut.

PS: Still pouring.

Bottom Third:
Well that's it for Bruney - Billy Traber has come in to pitch an inning or two.

He gets the job done on TPJ, making the poor kid 0-17.

If this game gets in amidst all this rain, how many Yankee pitchers will we see?

Strike three! Traber looks as good as Bruney, striking out Gathright for #5 of the night.

Two gone for Grudzoiusdfalkjewr.

Rain letting up according to Ryan Lefebre.

It's a 2-out single for Grudzi. Mr Teahan is up next.

Teahan takes his second walk of the night, giving Guillen two teammates on base to try to knock in.

No harm, no foul for BT: Guillen flies out to Matso Ball to end the inning and there's still no score on the board.

Let's change that in the fourth, Yanks.

I mean, in favor of the Yanks.

Don't give up runs.

Yeah.

Top Fourth:
Cano is driving me BATTY with this slump. He goes after the first pitch and grounds out.

Two outs... Abreu pops one out to Teahan.

This game is FLYING by.

Dear A-Rod,
Redeem yourself, pronto.
In admiration,
Yankees Chick

Double double! Nicely done. Clearly, he is wearing an earpiece to allow a buddy to read him my blog while he's at the plate.

Matsui on with a walk! 2-on, 2 out for Giambino.

AAAAAAND.... wasted.

Giambi pops out.

Stranded at the drive-in.

Bottom Fourth:
Billy Butler is up first.

HOLY HELL ITS FARNSWORTHLESS MAKE HIM GO AWAY.

He grounds out to A-Rod to help Farny out and soothe my hatred by a factor of just 1.5%

PS: Still raining.

God I hate this chump! Serves up a single to Alex Gordan. Abreu almost made the play on a slippery run but missed it by inches.

J-MO!!!! Our dear backup catcher throws a rocket to the Attorney General and catches A-Gor trying to run through the mud and steal second.

Two gone!

Dear Farnsworthless,
Thank you for striking out Gload. That was very nice of you and I appreciate it.
I still don't like you.
Sincerely yours,
Yankees Chick

Top Fifth:
Sounds like this game could/should be called at any moment with all this rain, but they might be hesitating because this is the only time the Yanks come to KC this year and it might rain again tomorrow. The Yanks need to put a couple on the board now so that if they call it early they can steal the win.

Molina gives Greinke a quick out by flying out to Teahan in short left. One done for Melkster.

Greinke's pitch count is right around 60 now. The Yanks need to at least get him to waste some pitches.

Another pop-up, this one on a 3-2 pitch. Two outs for A-Gonz.

There we go, Attny Genrl! Stand-up double and he's primed to score if Damon could just do something here.

FAIL.

Down on strikes.

Props to Greinke - he looks good tonight.

Still no runs for either team!

Bottom Fifth:
Impressive work by our bullpen thus far. 3 hits, 6 strike-outs, and 2 walks.

Farnster is back in again for a second inning of work. Can he keep up the good work? He better, or I will strangle him.

FAILURE! PLEASE GO AWAY!

Homer #1 for John Buck. 1-0 Royals.

TPJ gives Farn a quick out with a failed bunt attempt.

Another bunt, but this one is successful: Gathright to first.

Dear Farnsworthless,
Why must you be so terrible and so smug?
I don't know which I hate more.
Hatefully,
Yankees Chick

I-Ken is warming up out in the bullpen. Let's hope he even gets a chance to come out and pitch... I still think this game could get called at any minute.

GRUMBLE. Another perfect throw from Molina but Cano slips a tad on the mud and Gathright sneaks under the tag to get into scoring position.

Redeemed!!!! Gathright headed to third as Farny sent ball four to Grudzoiuwerjkl, but J-Mo gets the ball to A-Rod in plenty of time to catch Gath trying to steal another one.

Two away for Teahan with a man on first.

Another walk. FARNSWORTHLESS: I thought I told you to go away?

GODDAMN YOU TO HELL.

RBI triple for Guillen and the wheeeeeels are coming off.

I-Ken now please?

FINALLY. Butler grounds out to end the inning at last.

Dudes: score some f'in runs for the love of God/Allah/Moses/Buddha/Greg Graffin.

Top Sixth:
Farnsworth line: 2.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 ER, 1 strikeout. Failure.

THERE you go, Cano! Nice single into left field.

OK, Yanks, here's how this works: a player is on base, and then another one of you losers hits the ball in such a manner that he can advance to at least the next base. Can you handle that?

Oh COME ON. Abreu! Did you not read my previous sentence? I don't recall using the words "double play" or "fail."

Ryan Lefevbre is crediting Warren Buffet with convincing A-Rod to make the deal with the Yanks over the winter. Good work, Buff.

Buffet's buddy grounds out to third.

Yanks still not on the board!

Who's coming out to pitch now? Can it be Joba-time yet?

Bottom Sixth:
There's I-Ken!

Might be too late though if these goddamn bats don't wake up.

Leadoff walk to Alex Gordan. Settle down and zone in, IPK. This game needs you!

MATSUI! MOLINA! BAD CHILDREN!

Gload sends one flying to left field and it certainly looked like Matso Ball could have caught it - despite the wind - he sent a relay throw in to A-Gonz, who threw it to Molina, who missed the tag at home.

Gordan scores. 3-0 Royals.

Another hit?

Buck on first, still no outs.

Runners on the corners for TPJ, who's 0-18... let's try to make that 0-19. Please.

What is wrong with our team? They're playing like they don't care. I know it's only game 9 and yes, it's raining, but that's no reason to mail it in.

Pena grounds one up the middle and they get Buck, no attempt at a DP, runner scores, 4-0.

There's an out. Remember those? Gathright lines out to Melky in center and there are two away now for Grudziwerljk.

FINALLY. Grudz grounds out to A-Rod and the Yanks will have a lot of work to do in the next three innings to impress me.

What is wrong with the offense? The rain doesn't seem to be hurting the Royals too much.

Gnats and rain. Mortal enemies of the Yanks.

Top Seventh:
Matsui lines one out to Guillen in right to start the inning.

Giambi misses a homer due to the wind and then pops one into short center... and in case you've forgotten his average is .083.

Ryan Lefevbre is talking about his space heater AGAIN. We get it, it's cold there.

Molina out on a grounder. 3 up, 3 down for Greinke, who now has 7 shut-out innings.

BLIMEY!

Bottom Seventh:
I-Ken back again for another inning of work. Let's hope he can calm down a bit this time around.

The Yankee pitchers have walked Teahan three times already. Get some control, boyzos.

THAT'S what we want to see, I-Ken! Teahan down swinging.

Guillen pops one to left, and Matsui makes it to this one. 2 down, no one on for Butler.

PS: Still raining.

Walk to Butler.

Nice! Called third strike to Gordan and the inning is over. I-Ken looked shaky in the sixth, but he brought his A-game in the seventh.

Two more ups for the Yanks...

Top Eighth:
Wow, Greinke back out for the 8th. He's only pitched 97, and if the Yanks keep going at the pace they've been on he'll be out of the game at, oh, 107.

WOOOOT MELKY! He gets hit #5 for the team on a single up the middle.

Dear Yankees,
Please put the bat on the ball
(but don't hit into a double play)
Gratefully,
Yankees Chick

I said DON'T hit into a double play, A-Gonz. As in do not.

Le sigh.

Back to the top of the lineup.

Damon hits a good one into deep right, one that would easily have scored at least one run. Instead, he's aboard on second with two outs for the super-slumpin' Cano.

GODDAMN YOU.

Ground out.

8 shutout innings for Greinke!

Bottom Eighth:
Still I-Ken pitching, first to Gloady Toady.

Quick ground out. I-Ken has settled down as requested.

Two away: Buck grounds out to the Attorney General.

That was zippy! TPJ down looking and I-Ken gets himself a nice 1-2-3 inning.

Last licks for the Yanks....

...And then its taco time for the YC. Deeeelish!

Top Ninth:
Abreu, A-Rod, and Matsui shall be responsible for getting things moving here in the ninth.

Greinke finally out and the Japanese righty Yabuta is in.

Abreu works the count full but winds up grounding out. 2 more shots.

Hey, a second hit for A-Rod! Little bloop single knocks off TPJ's glove and into left.

Yabuta serves up a 1-out walk to Matso Ball and there are now runners on first and second for Giambi, for whom this would be a marvelous time to break out of his 0-1239821389 slump.

Pitching change: Jimmy Gobble (how many times did he get called "Turkey" growing up?) in to pitch to JG.

Turkey does his job, getting Giambi on an infield fly. The Yanks are down to their last out and Jose Molina is up.

Strike three.

Ballgame over, Royals win... theeeee-eeee-eee Royals win...

(say that with a sad, dejected John Sterling impersonation)

Final score 4-0. Hasta manana, munecas!

Props to Cox Cable for not blowing it today.

The Yanks are in KC today, looking to improve their record to 5-3 against former Met Brian Bannister. Hughsie is making his second start today and I don't think there's one of us fans that doesn't get giddy with excitement when it's time to see our cherished young'uns take the mound!

Jeter is out today because of the strained groin he sustained yesterday (DAMN YOU PAVANO I KNOW THIS IS SOMEHOW YOUR FAULT), but don't fret - Girardi has not made any indication that Jeet is heading to DL-ville.

Lineup:
Damon LF
Cano 2B
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Giambi 1B
Betemit SS
Cabrera CF

See you in an hour when Extra Innings finally switches to game coverage!

3:55pm EDT: Tigers are losing... again.

4:00pm EDT: Yikes, the weather looks pretty nasty in KC. Chilly, cloudy, drizzly... but the game shall go on, they say.

4:03pm EDT: No YES coverage, obviously. We'll be listening to the smooth sounds of Ryan Lefebre and Paul Splittorff instead of Kay and the Gang.

PLAY BALL!

Top First:

The Yanks are up to bat for the first time thus far this season. Let's jump on top early, boys! And get your mind out of the gutter; I know you're all thinking of some dirty sexual innuendo.

Or is that just me?

Damon is leading off, as usual.

Bannister had a stellar first outing, going seven innings without giving up a run or a walk (and only 2 hits!), but he walks Damon on five pitches.

Are they BOOING him? Already? WTF? Who are they, Red Sox fans?

Strange to see Cano in the #2 spot. He still needs to heat up -- let's start that trend today, OK Robby?

BB recovers from the walk and gets Cano to go after a low one and there's one away.

Por favor, don't waste a leadoff walk, Abreu.

The announcers just said that over the winter Girardi called some of the players and told them to get in better shape for the season. Smart move - I'm willing to bet Torre never did that.

Ug... Abreuuuu grounds into a DP and the inning is over.

Let's go Hughsie!

Bottom First:
Gathright, Grudzicantspellhisname and Teahan will be first up to face Hughes.

JG bloops one into center for a base hit and the Royals start their game with one on.

Gruzaasoiuwrejlksdf's name barely fits on his jersey. When Mientkicantspellhisname was on the team as well the letter-sewing people had quite the job to do.

Pitch out and Gath steals -- bad throw by Posada but Cano doesn't let it get away. No more DP situation.

Gruz hits a grounder to Better Mint, who holds Gath - who was running - to third and throws G out at first. One down now for Teahan and a runner on third.

HUGHES! Simmer down. Teahan knocks one into center for an RBI dub. Still just one out.

Guillen starts off with a quick 3-0 count but Hughes prevails: He pops out to the Mint and there's two down.

PS: It looks VERY windy out there.

There we go! Hughes bounces back and gets his first strikeout of the day to Butler.

Top Second:
PS: Detroit losing 4-0 in the sixth. How is it even possible for a team that good to fail so badly?!

A-Rod goes down looking to start the inning. Banny is looking sharp. Posada and Cano really need to get out of the slumps this afternoon and give the Yanks an edge here.

I'm not happy with this strike zone, kiddos. It seems pro-Royal.

Hideo Nomo is on the Royals? He's still alive?

Matsui fouls off several (get that pitch count up for Ban) before sending one down the first base line. Unfortunately, Ross Gload dives and robs Matsui of what would likely be an extra base hit.

Two away for Jorgie.

There's that bat, Jorgie! Base hit into right field.

Goddamn Giambi is off to a slow start. .083 thus far. How bout a 2-run homer here?

Or a walk - that'll do! Best eye in baseball.

Two on, two out for The Mint.

MINTY! RBI double. Posada goes as fast as he can (which isn't very fast) and beats Guillen's throw from right field by about .00009 seconds.

1-1 game.

It's Melky's turn now -- two runners in scoring position.

Rally it up, boys! Melky walks on four pitches and the bases are loaded for Damon.

Banny works Damon to a 3-2 count but ends up serving up an RBI walk and the Yanks have the lead!

Cano steps up with the bases loaded, two outs.

His bat is still cold as ice. Strike three and Banny is out of it with minimal damage.

Bottom Second:
Gordon hits a base hit to Abreu, but he KICKS the ball and AG gets to second on the error.

Watching a player make an error is EXTREMELY frustrating.

Gload grounds out to Cano - a hit that should have been a double play had ABoo-Boo not made that stupid error.

Runner on third with one out for catcher Buck.

Buck flies out to Melkster, but it's deep enough to get AG in from home. Tied up again!

Bases clear and two outs now for Pena Jr.

This strike-zone is DEFINITELY Royal-biased. TPJ makes his daddy - who is on the Yanks bench - proud and works himself a walk.

ANOTHER failed throw-out attempt. TPJ safe as Better Mint fumbles Jorgie's good throw.

Two outs with TPJ in scoring position for Gathwright.

Did Hughes change his number this season? I thought he was #65 last year.

HUGHES! I said SIMMER. He hits JG on his calf and now there's two on.

FOCUS BOY FOCUS! Gruzlkjjsdfauioewkjl takes four straight balls to walk the bases full for Teahan.

Hughes: Calm down.

Can we please get out of this inning? I'm starving and need a commercial break to procure some food.

30-pitch inning already for Hughsie... Let's blame the cold weather.

Finally! Hughes strikes out Teahan to end the inning.

Answer back, Yanks.

Top Third:

Abreu makes up for that error with a base hit. COME ON YANKS, don't waste this one.

COME ON BLUE! This strike-zone is ridiculous.

A-Rod down looking again.

Here we go... Matso singles up the middle and now there are men on first and second for Posada and just one out.

Posada flies out to center, but Abreu tags up to head to third. Runners on the corners and two outs now for Giambi.

Failure. Ground out to second and we're off to the bottom of the inning.

Bottom Third:
Hughes is already up to 56 pitches, by the way.

Zoinks.

He gets an easy first out, at least, as Guillen flies out to Melky on the second pitch.

Butler fouls off a few but sends one sailing up the middle for a base hit. Alex Gordan is up next with a man on first.

Double play time, boys.

AG grounds out but sadly not into a DP. Butler to second and into scoring position for Gload.

Another walk? Hughes! I thought I told you to calm down.

Two on, two out for Buckster.

Walk #4 for Hughes. He's looking wild. Eiland to the mound for a pep talk.

NICE CATCH MELK! Pena sends one into center, but Melky puts it away to save the inning for Hughes.

It was rough out there on the mound this time around, but they came out of it without letting any runs in, so I suppose its ok.

Game tied 2-2.

Top Fourth:
Bannister still doesn't look as good as he did in the first inning but he gets Better Mint on strikes.

Melky pops up to catcher Buck and there are quickly two away. It's up to Damon now to keep the inning alive!

"Some people are worried about the rain. Other people just like to dress up in a yellow garbage bag" --Lefebre in the booth. SWEEET.

Good work, Dame! A 2-out single up the middle. Now let's see if Cano can NOT FUCK IT UP.

Sidnote: Tigers are now 0-7. Panic time?

FAILURE CANO. Ground out, inning over. Score still tied.

Bottom Fourth:
Update: Hughes up to 79 pitches. How many will he throw? He needs to keep it quick this inning.

Another leadoff single! Gathright hits one into left field and the Royals have one aboard.

On the plus side, it didn't take many pitches!

Ha.

WHAT IN TARNATION?! Deja vu... Gathright steals second, Posada throws well, and Betemit fucks it up and loses the ball.

This Gathright character is a stolen base fiend. He's on third now.

Grudzy lines one into right field for an RBI single. Score now 3-2 Royals. No outs.

This could be a long day...

Hughsie is out.

Sidenote: I updated my baseball glossary with the "Small Ball" definition yesterday.

Ross Ohlendork, who's had a good season so far in 3 previous appearances, is in to take over and hopefully salvage at least the inning. Grudz on first, no one out, and Teahan at the plate.

Nice work, Dork! He gets Teahan to ground into the classic 4-6-3 double play and Guillen will now come up with two outs and empty bases.

Strike three! O'Dork gets Guillen and the inning is over.

Isn't it insane to think that our bullpen is actually... dare I say... GOOD? this year? Could it be?

Except for Farnsworthless, obv. No faith in him. Ever.

Top Fifth:
Let's make sure Hughsie doesn't get himself a loss, OK boys? Thank you.

BriBan is up to 84 pitches.

Abreu makes the first out of the inning by grounding out to Gload. NEXT.

A-Rod has gone down on strikes twice already... easy does it this time...

Make that three. This one looking.

Imagine me sitting here with a little tear running down my cheek.

1-2-3 for Banny as Matso Ball pops out.

Get it together, offense. You should not be having this much trouble scoring one goddamn run.

Bottom Fifth:
O'Dork is back - he only tossed 8 pitches last inning.

OK come on. ANOTHER leadoff single? Can we please get things under control here?

Butler on first.

Another hit? A dub for Gordan. Two dudes in scoring position with no outs for Gload the Toad.

I wonder if Joba's dad is in the stadium today? I remember him showing up to the Yanks-Royals game last year because it was close enough to his home to go by car rather than by plane. Since we're on FSN and not YES, though, they might not mention it if he is there.

The Toad sends a double into centerfield, scoring both Butler and Gordan easily. 5-2 Royals.

Oh yeah, still no outs.

Look, an out! I've heard of those before.

Buck pops out to Posada. One away.

Pena down on strikes and The Dork is one out away from getting out of the jam he got himself into...

Gathright grounds out to Better Mint and the inning is finally over, but the Yanks are now down by three.

Onward to the sixth! Let's get something going, Yanks!

Top Sixth:
BB is out of the game after pitching 97 over five innings. Ron Mahay, a lefty, is in to face the Yanks.

Jorgie pops out to Grudziouwjlasfdljk. That is NOT a rally starter.

Giambi draws his second walk of the day and the Yanks finally have a chance to get someone home.

Two outs. Minty down on strikes.

Dear Melky,
Please get an extra-base hit and knock Giambi in.
Love,
Yankees Chick

Hey, an infield single! We'll take it!

Two on, two out for Damon.

Dear Damon,
I do not appreciate that fly-out.
Angrily yours,
Yankees Chick.

Bottom Sixth:
The announcers just announced their space heater as "player of the game"

Grudzy fouls one almost into the stands, but Abreu runs after it and makes a nice grab for a quick out.

What is this, batting practice? Another dub for Teahan. One out, runner in scoring position now for Guillen.

The Dork gets Guillen to strike out. Two outs.

Billy Butler grounds out to The Mint to end the inning.

The Yanks have 9 outs left to score three runs. That SHOULDN'T be a problem with this lineup, but apparently it is...

Top Seventh:
Cano REALLY needs to get a hit here. I am sick of these early-season slumps already.

Hey, look! See that, Cano? THAT'S what I've been talking about.

(Base hit for Cano)

Abreu down on strikes. One away.

Mahay is heading out and righty Ramon Ramirez is coming in to face A-Rod.

Dear A-Rod,
If you strike out again, I will punch the wall.
Love,
Yankees Chick

The Yanks have given up 10 hits.

What's worse, they've hit 7 themselves and only have 2 runs to show for it.

Dear A-Rod,
Congratulations on your Golden Sombrero.
I must go punch some walls now.
Painfully yours,
Yankees Chick

Three outs as Matsui flies out to Gordon.

Bottom Seventh:
Gordan is up first, and he'll face Billy Traber.

BT gets Gordan to strike out and there's one away. Can we please have a 1-2-3 inning? Is that too much to ask?

Yes, it is too much to ask. Gload singles to left.

Jose Molina is in to catch, by the way.

Gload steels second, and this one is all Traber's fault. He threw to Giambi in a pick-off attempt, but threw the ball so slowly that by the time Giambi got the ball he had no chance to get it down to second.

There we go! Molina makes up for it by throwing out Gload at third. These Royals are running on everything and finally we got one of them.

Two outs!

Strikeout #2 for Traber - Bucky is done.

Six outs left to score three (preferably more) runs. GET IT TOGETHER.

Top Eighth:
Nunez is in to pitch, Ramirez out.

The Yanks have stranded NINE BASERUNNERS! FAIL.

Molina pops out to Grudzoiusdaljk; and we're down to five outs.

Giambi down looking?? I trust Giambi's eye over an ump's. If he doesn't swing, it's not a strike.

Minty Fresh strikes out too. GRUMBLE.

3 up, 3 down for Nunez.

Bottom Eighth:
LT Hawkins is in. Perhaps he won't BLOW IT this time.

Pena Jr gives him easy out by grounding to short.

Everyone is very bundled up, so I'm going to blame this whole debacle on the cold weather. Y'all with me?

Hawkins strikes out Gathwright on a couple nasty pitches, and actually has a shot at a 1-2-3 inning.

Hope I didn't jinx that.

Sorry.

Gruzasfdlkjweroiu gets himself another base hit.

LTH walks Teahan and there are now runners on first and second with two outs for Guillen.

I hate it when announcers say that a player is "due" for a hit. Does that make a difference? Come on now.

He was "due" but did not deliver: ground-out back to LTH.

Last chance for the Yanks coming up!

Top Ninth:
Soria has come in to try to close the game out.

How about... score some runs?

One away as Melky pops out to Teahan in left. Two chances left.

WOWZA Web Gem... Guillen makes a running grab to rob Damon of a base hit and put his team just one out away from a win.

Cano down, and the Royals are now 5-2 to start the season.

Who would have thought, one week ago, that the Tigers would be 0-7 and the Royals would start off with a 5-2 record?!

Glad this game is finally over. This gets old real fast when our team is losing!!

See you tomorrow night with more live bloggin!

My plans for a delightful game 7 live blog have been foiled by my local cable and internet providor, who decided that today would be a great day to shut down service for a couple hours in the middle of the day to "update their network" - with no consideration of YC's live blogging plans!!! Bastards!

Henceforth, I shall join the game in progress here. This live blog will obviously not be as detailed as my previous (and future!) ones have been, but I suppose tis better late than never!!!

Bottom Fifth
Grrrr.... already missed half the game!!

Anywho.

Damon just blooped one up the second for a 2-out double. He is one of the losers that I was mentioning earlier - one of the four starters hitting under .200 - so at least he's reading YC and making a bigger effort today.

I am very confused. Why is Ensberg in there batting second and not Jeet? What did I miss while I was staring at a black screen?

(That's right, I am so lazy that I didn't even get up to do anything else while I waited for the cable/internet to return to life.)

He's out and they strand another. Do these guys have something against hitting with RISP? GET IT TOGETHER.

Top Sixth
Wendy's commercial: "If hamburgers were meant to be frozen, wouldn't cows come from Antarctica?"

Whoever wrote that should be slapped in the face. Hard. Repeatedly.

Looks like Moose is having an "on" day. 56 pitches, two hits, and one run. I'm glad he's doing well of course, but I cannot stand how inconsistent he is. I'd rather have a guy that we know will give up 4 runs every outing than one that will give up 1 one day and 7 the next start.

Iwamura grounds out and Crawford is up with nobody on and one out.

He grounds one right up to Ensberg for the second out. I'm glad Moose isn't needing too many pitches to get through these guys - we've used our relievers a LOT over the past few days.

Rocco Baldelli has a mitocondrial (spelling?) disease, AKA he's tired ALL the time. What a bust for that kid - so much talent.

Jeter mystery solved -- strained quad. I hope he is OK... we can't have people going down already.

Oh COME ON CANO. You had a Web Gem yesterday and now you're botching easy plays!? Pena sends one down to Cano and he makes the grab easily, but makes a shitty throw to Ensberg and Pena is safe at first.

Luckily Cano's error didn't cost the team anything - Upton grounds an easy one to MVP-Rod and we're off to the bottom of the sixth!

Bottom Sixth:
Bobby "Start Submitting Ideas for a Nickname for Me, Cuz YC Can't Think of One But Can't Stand Not Having One for Everyone" Abreu sends one SAILING into right field and as it caroms off the wall back into the field he gets himself a stand up double!!

If this team strands another baserunner I will punch someone. Possibly you.

A-RAH!!! Base hit up the middle and Abreu scores. 3-1 Yanks and MVP-Rod continues to impress... as he will all season.

Don't deny it or doubt it.

Hit and run!!!! Matso Ball sends one down the right field line and into the corner. A-Rah was running as soon as Hammel was winding up and easily makes it home while Matso cruises into second.

4-1 Yanks.

Dohmann up in the 'pen for the Rays.

Cano hits a broken bat grounder to short and is out at first, but Matso heads into third and it's an RBI chance for Better Mint.

MINTY! What the hell. Strike out.

Hmmm... they're walking Melky Way to get to Fatlina. Runners on the corners, two outs.

Good move by the Rays - Jose sends one to short and they get the force on second.

They scored two runs, not surprisingly off good hitting by the folks that have been hot all season thus far: A-Rod, Bobby, and Matsui.

Top Seventh:
Bruney is in to take over for Moose, who had a very good game. Would have been nice to get another inning out of him and give the 'pen a break, but let's not get greedy.

Hinske flies out to right to start the inning for Brunster.

Wooops... Bruney hits Aybar and there's one aboard.

Jonny Gomes flies out to Melky - two away.

Alright! Mike Defilice grounds one to Better Mint who gets Aybar at first, and Bruney is out of the inning unscathed.

How 'bout some insurance runs, boys?

Bottom Seventh:
The Rays have brought in Dohmann to face the top of the order.

Another update on Jeet: It's not a quad injury, it's a groin injury and he's headed for an MRI.

Damon flies out. One away for M.E.

Alright, Mo-Ens! Single up the middle. Earn your keep, bench boy.

Bobster is one dub away from the cycle. That'd be exciting...

No cycle, but he draws a walk to give an RBI chance to A-Rod!

Our dear MVP-Rod fouls off a few but ends up going down looking on an outside "strike". On the replay it absolutely didn't look like a strike to me...

Two on, two out for Matso. STILL rockin' that hot bat! Another RBI for Matso as he singles one to the right side and Mo-Ens comes sliding in from second.

Now would be a nice time for Cano to break out of his slump. Not much pressure, RBI situation... let's do it Robster.

HE READS YC TOO!!!

Base hit up the middle, Abreu in to score and Matso off to third. 6-1 Yanks and the bats are showing some weak signs of life...

The Mint goes down looking swingin and the inning is over, but the Yanks score another two and now have a nice cushy five run lead.

(Let's hope I didn't jinx it. Go knock on wood or whatever you're supposed to do).

Top Eighth:
God help us... Farnsworthless is up to pitch.

Easy out: Bartlett flies out to Melky quickly and Farny's got one out under his belt.

WOW! FARNY GETS IWAMURA ON STRIKES OMG OMG HE'S A CHAMPION WOOOOT!

(He still sucks)

1-2-3 inning for Farny? What the hell is going on here?! Crawford grounds out and we're off to the bottom of the inning.

A few more insurance runs perhaps?

Bottom Eighth:
It'll be Melk, Fatlina, and Demon to start off the inning for new righty pitcher Glover.

Melk sends one straight to Pena at first for out numero uno.

Strriiiiiiiike three. Molina gone and Damon up.

1-2-3 for Glover as he gets Damon to ground out.

The Yanks are three outs away from a win and a series split. Who shall be up to pitch?

Top Ninth:
It's gonna be LaTroy Hawkins to close out the game. He's not that bad guys...

Or... he is.

Pena drops one into right field for a leadoff base hit and the boo's have transfered from Farn to LTH.

The ball gets away from Molina and Pena cruises into second - there's now an RBI opportunity for Upton with no outs.

Upton sends one bouncing to LTH, who makes sure to hold Pena at second before tossing Upton out at first.

Two outs away from a win!

Ball four to Hinske. Two on now and just one out - gotta go for a DP here boyzos.

Aybar grounds out to first - no DP and the runners advance, but at least it's a two out situation now. No fly-ball scorin'.

Start spreadin' the news.... Gomes strikes out and game over.

Oops, I meant: "BALL GAME OVER, YANKEES WIN, THEEEEE-EEEEEE YANKEES WIN!"


If anyone knows anyone that works for Cox Cable in San Diego county... please slap them for me.

Cox-permitting, there shall be a full live blog tomorrow. Nine innings. I promise.

Welcome to LIVE BLOGSVILLE!

Pitcher: I-Ken
Lineup:
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui LF
Betemit DH
Kennedy RHP

Jorgie back but Melky out - his suspension starts today (just two games).

6:38pm EDT: The weather is not looking good in the Bronx, kiddos: showers already and more forecast through tonight. Let's all cross our toes that the rain is light enough for play through. I cannot suffer another rained-out game.

6:40pm EDT: Girardi called in sick tonight due to "an illness." AVIAN FLU!!!

6:49pm EDT: I'm listening to WCBS and Suzyn is interviewing Jobamania - I love this kid's modesty. How could anyone think he was a cocky beast?

7pm EDT: It drives me so batty that the Extra Innings package doesn't show the pre- and post-game coverage when the feed is coming from YES.

The stands are pretty empty because of the rain...

HOLY HELL JON OLDERUD IS AN ELF HOW DID I NEVER NOTICE THAT?!

No Paully and his perm tonight -- the aforementioned elf will and Ken Singleton are workin' with Mr Kay tonight. Ken Singleton is one of my faves up in the booth.

4:04pm EDT: "This is a new Tampa Bay. New uniforms, and they no longer use 'Devil' in the name." Their team will still fail, but it'll be in cooler jerseys.

AAAAAAAAAAND we're off to the races!

Top First:
I-Ken will face Iwamura, Crawford, and Pena to start the game. It doesn't appear to be raining at the moment, so that's a good sign.

Iwamura works himself a walk and is off to first base.

Crawford grounds into a fielders choice - Giambi grabbed it and threw to Jeet to get Iwamura, but they can't turn a DP so there's one out and one on for Pena.

I like the hockey goalie masks a lot of the catchers are wearing these days. Snazzy looking and certainly much safer.

Pitch out, Crawford steals safely as Molina's throw was not quite quick enough.

Ian Kennedy looks approximately 12 years old.

Pena grounds out up the middle, Jeet holds Crawford to one base and there's two away for Upton.

They walk Upton in four straight, and there's runners on the corners.

Uncle Cliff Floyd is DH-ing today. He's old.

Pitch count up to 21 already. Settle down, Kenny.

What the hell, Jeet? Reyes woulda had that... Cliffy singles right past Jeet and puts the Rays on the board first.

Still two outs, runners on the corners, by the way.

28 pitches.

Whew! Catcher Navarro grounds out easily to Giambi (who is STILL playing first) to end the inning.

Answer back, Yanks!

Bottom First:
Damon starts us off with a grounder to first. Onward to Jeet.

Jeter flies out to right.

Wow, Michael Kay just mentioned Baseball Prospectus - just yesterday I was discussing the fact that Girardi has the BP book on his desk in his office.

The Totally Not Devil-ish Rays have NEVER had a 80-win season.

There we go! Abreu, who is HOT, hits a ground-rule double to right.

I was a bit mixed up earlier -- its Flaherty in the booth, not Olerud. Why the hell was I thinking Olerud?

I'm drunk.

A-Rod pops up for out #3 and strands Bobby.

Back to I-Ken! Let's hope his jitters have calmed themselves a tad.

Top Second:
I-Ken gets Hinske to pop out to Bobby and gets a quick out. He needs to conserve pitches, STAT!

There's strikeout #1! Haynes goes down swinging. Kenny has a chance for a 1-2-3 inning here, which would be ideal with that rising pitch count.

Is it just me or is this strike-zone all over the place?

I-Ken throws three balls in a row but comes back to strike out Bartlett! 3 up, 3 down, and Ken looks much better.

Bottom Second:
Giambi is leading off this inning, and he's still looking for his first hit. His bat was so hot in Spring Training - what happened?

Dandy Andy is all set to pitch tomorrow - whew!

Upton robs Giambi of a base hit in centerfield with a sweet catch.

Cano pops out for the second out of the inning. He needs to get his bat going, too.

Posada is in and the crowd gave him a nice "glad your shoulder isn't really busted, old man!" reception.

Down looking. Tres outs (afueras?)

Top Third:
Iwamura goes after the first pitch and sends a single into left field.

GREAT play by Cano! Crawford hits a grounder sending in between Giambi and Cano, but Cano makes the grab, twirls gracefully in the air like a lovely ballerina, and gets Crawford at first.

IPK throws a wild one past Molina and Iwamura is now at third for Pena.

Walk.

53 pitches now...

His command is just not with him tonight. Giambi's trying to give him some positive vibes.

I HATE seeing an infield single... from an opposing team, that is. Upton hits a super slow one and they are unable to get anyone out. Runners on first and second, one out, and the score is now 2-0.

Uncle Cliff works a full count and then walks to load the bases.

CALM YO'SELF I-KEN

Shawn Riggans is pinch-hitting for Navarro. Is he injured?

PS I like the name "Riggans." Say it with a Cockney accent!

Come on, DP.

This ump is being brutal!

I-KEN! I told you to SIMMER DOWN.

Bases clearing double for Mr Riggans. WTF?

Score is 5-0 and Kenny-boy is fading fast.

Jonathan Albaladejo has come in to pitch for I-Ken.

Who? Yeah, me too.

Hinske is up first and he gets the best of JA. An RBI dub... score 6-0 now.

Poor IPK. He looks so sad on the bench :( Le sigh

Finally an out. Haynes grounds out and Hinske moves to third, but there's two outs now.

Bartlett sends a few fowl but finally strikes out.

FIVE runs score on just THREE hits.

Come on, Yanks. Get things rollin' for me.

Bottom Third:
Plenty of time. Don't fret, my pets.

Matsui knocks one outta the park and the Yanks are on the scoreboard!

What the hell, Michael Kay didn't do the SEEEEEEEYA!

Failure.

ALRIGHT, rally time! Molina sends one sailing to the warning track and cruises to second. He's got a 3-game hitting streak!

One on and nobody out for Damon.

Goddamn you Damon. Strike out.

ALRIGHT JEET! Standup RBI triple and the Yanks are chipping away!

6-2 Rays with one out now for the red-hot Bobster.

This strike-zone really is absurd. It's about two square inches and all over the place.

Bobby executes a nice sac grounder and Jeter scores uncontested to put the score at 6-3.

Nobody on, two outs, for MVP-Rod.

Single right up the middle! A-Rod keeps the inning alive!

This would be a good time for Giambi to finally get his first hit...

AAAAAAAND he has my blog being read by someone to him via a special earpiece! RBI double!

The Yanks have cut the Ray's lead down to just two runs - 6-4, Cano is the tying run at the plate.

Rays 'pen is seeing some action.

Cano pops out in foul territory to end the inning, but not before some damage was done - 4 runs and a very tired Sonnanstine.

We're heading into the fourth!

Top Fourth:
OH COME ON JEET?! What the hell. The ball bounced practically into his glove but he couldn't figure it out somehow. E5 and Iwamura's on.

Aldobleajadioews gets Crawford on three straight strikes. Let's make quick work of this inning and get back to that rally.

Strike 'im out throw 'im out double play - one of the sweetest defensive plays to watch! Pena down swinging and Iwamura gunned down by Molina.

Albosdalkjwekl did his job!

Bottom Fourth:
Jorgie hasn't had a hit yet (though he's only played in one before this). Let's make it happen now.

Or... ground out to first.

Matso Ball foul tips it right into Riggan's glove and theres another out.

Molina grounds out to second, and just like that our rally is dunzo!

Come on, boyzos!

Plenty of time, though.

Top Fifth:
Alblosdlkweouisfd is back to attack for a third inning.

What are the Bleacher Creatures changing out there? I can't make it out.

He gets Upton on strikes and he's got four strikeouts already!

Uncle Cliffy goes after the first pitch and grounds out. Alba has really taken control of this game.

1-2-3 for Alba as Riggan's flies out to center.

Kay has said that Alba is likely going to be the one to get sent down when they bring Dandy Andy off the DL and back onto the roster, but the man is making a good case for himself to be thought of the next time there's a spot to fill.

Bottom Fifth:
Damon flies out to start the inning.

That is NOT how we start a rally, Johnny. Fail.

Jeter sends a ground ball up the middle to Iwamura for the second out of the inning.

Sonnanstine really is getting a lot of calls, and that ump was vicious when I-Ken was pitching. Am I wrong?

Abreu chases an outside pitch and Sonny gets another 1-2-3 inning.

Is Albasioudfqwio coming back?

Top Sixth:
It's going to be Ross Ohlendorf, who contributed well as a late-season call-up, to pitch the top of this inning.

Hinske sends one SAILING into left field - I thought it was gone - and Matsui catches it on the run for out number one.

NICE work, A-Rah! Haynes rockets one down towards left and A-Rod makes the grab and sends it to Giambi for the out.

Swing-and-a-miss! Oley needs just 9 pitches to get the Rays in order.

Now I DEMAND some runs. The relief pitching has been too solid to waste on a loss.

Bottom Sixth:
A-Rod grounds out to Bartlett. Sonny is still under 80 pitches!

OUCH! Giambi smacks out right into Sonny's foot and it ricochets right over to first base.

Cano really needs to get his bat workin. He needs some encouraging hugs from Melky ASAP.

Another ground out. Son has gotten the last 10 guys in a row out.

Who's up in the pen? Methinks its Traber time...

Top Seventh:
Just saw a commercial for "The Joe Girardi Show." Someone that lives in NY and gets YES... let us know how it is. And what it is.

It is Billy-Boy indeed.

Iwamura gets himself another single, right between A-Rah and Jeterjeterpumpkineater.

There's some defense! 4-6-3 double play on a Crawford grounder and there's two outs for Pena.

Strike three! Traber has a solid inning.

He sure came out of nowhere, didn't he?

Bottom Seventh:
Sonny is finally gone - Wheeler has come in to take over.

Jorgie leads off with a ground-out to second.

Matso Ball... out. Come on dudes.

Next up is Molina...

AAAAAAAAAAND pop.

Inning over.

Grumble.

Top Eighth:
LaTroy Hawkins joins the Reliever Parade.

Upton grounds one to Jeter, who makes a very poor throw to Giambi for what should have been his second error of the game. Giambi makes a ghost tag, but the umps think he tagged him and the Yanks get their first lucky break of the night.

SEEYA! Goddamn. Uncle Cliff sends one sailing over the right field wall to make the score 7-4. The Yanks have some work to do in the bottom of this inning.

Riggans grounds out and gives LaTroy his second out.

MATSO! Fail. Hinske flies over to left field but Matsui can't quite make the catch. If he was just .00001mph faster he woulda had it.

Melky woulda had it.

Bernie woulda had it...

Haynes sends one down past Jeet and he is able to nab it, but he can't get the throw to Giambi in time so everyone is safe. Hinske to third, Haynes to first, and there's two on and two out for Barlett.

Stolen base Haynes.

UG!

Bartlett loops one into center and earns himself two ribbies. He's on to second base and the score has jumped to 9-4.

NOOOOOOOOOOO FARNSWORTHLESS IS UP IN THE 'PEN GO AWAY

LaTroy is out of control. Iwamura hits another single to put runners on the corners for Crawford.

Oh COME ON! What is this, BP?!

Another base hit, another run, score 10-4.

LTH gets the hook and it's time for F'worth.

AAAAAAAAND seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeya. Thanks Farny. 3-run homer for Pena and the score is now an embarrassing 13-4 Rays.

Upton goes after F'worth's first pitch and gets on base with a single.

Make it stop.

PS: Did F'th think that he wouldn't suck as much if he grew out his hair? He was wrong.

Farny somehow manages to strike out Uncle Cliff, but it's too little too late.

Heading into the Yanks' half of the inning with a 9-run deficit.

Hit me a 9-run homer, Damon!

Bottom Eighth:
Trever Miller is in to pitch for the Rays. I'm feeling a 9-consecutive-homers rally.

Damon draws a walk after getting the count up to 3-2. Not my consecutive homers idea, but this'll do.

Jeet misses a homer by about five feet. One away.

SPIRIT COORDINATOR IS HERE TO SAVE THE DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

Someone is trying to smack a homer... Shelley hits one long but foul.

Ground-out. He was going for a home run or bust. Bust.

Wilson Betermint is in to take over for A-Rod. I guess the Yanks have pretty much given up for tonight.

The Mint pops one up to end the inning and the Yanks will have just one more chance to score 9+.

Top Ninth:
F'worth is back in again, but the b-team has come to play defense. Ensberg has taken over at first, Betermint at third, and the Spirit Coordinator is out in right field.

Riggans gets another hit, this one past Jeter, who officially looks uninterested.

I think Farnsworthless actually irritates me even more than Pavano. How could that be?

The hair put him over the edge.

Its a Christmas miracle! Farn strikes out Hinske.

It's an Arbor Day mircale! Farn gets Haynes on strikes, too!

It's a Columbus Day miracle! Bartlett flies out to SC and Farn gets himself a 1-2-3 inning for the first and last time of the season.

Last chance, Kids. B-team: Hop to it.

Bottom Ninth:
Scott Dohmann has come in to try to finish the game.

Ensberg steps up to the plate for his first Yankee at-bat.

M.E. looks like he should be in the stands selling hot dogs, not hitting in this lineup. Ground out. One away.

Cano out on a grounder to third.

Last chance lies in Jorgie's bat. 9-run single!

Jorgie is trying to save the Yanks some money by not ever getting a new, clean helmet.

Strike three.

Game ovah.

What a pathetic display by the Yanks offense. Sonny pitched well, but not as well as the score would have you think.

I-Ken gets the loss, Sonny gets the win, and anyone still reading this gets a gold star.

See you tomorrow - if the game isn't blacked out on Extra Innings.

Welcome to LIVE BLOGSVILLE!

We've got our little Hughsie taking the mound tonight, going against the 26-year-old Dustin McGowan. I assume you're all as excited as the YC to see the season debut of our youngster...

The lineup for the Yanks shall be as follows:

Johnny Damon DH
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Hideki Matsui LF
Jose Molina C
Melky Cabrera CF

No Jorgie again tonight due to that stiff shoulder, so it's up to Molina to catch Phillie and throw out potential base robbers. I am already sick of Giambi lunging about at first base, but he's seeing the ball well and has made one good defensive play, so I suppose I shan't complain too much.

Until he fucks up.

Ready to rumble?? Is it time to PLAY BALL yet? 45 more minutes, my impatient lovelies...


6:47pm: I really hate that the Extra Innings package won't tune into the game coverage until right before it actually starts. I would love to be able to actually watch the pre- and post-game shows... even with Michael Kay.

7:01pm: Finally! Looks like we'll be listening to Kay and Paul O'Neill again. I said it Tuesday and I'll say it again: did Paul get a perm?

7:05pm: Michael Kay to Paully: "So he [A-Rod] is better than you?"

Um.

Thank goodness Paul answered in the affirmative. That could have been awkward.

Time to play ball!

Top First:
David "Scrappy McScrapperson" Eckstein starts things off with a grounder to Jeet and an easy out, and we're off and running.

They just announced that they aren't even sending Jorgie for tests on this shoulder -- that's a positive sign. We should be seeing him again soon.

Hughsie gets Stairs to stare past some strikes (haaaaa! HILARIOUS) and just like that, he's got two quick outs.

Rios goes down looking, too! 3 up, 3 down for Hughes and he looks great.

Bottom First:
It's Damon - today at DH, Jeet, and Abreu up first as usual for McGowan.

Sweet muttonchops, McG.

After fouling off a few, Damon chases a ball outside and is out.

Sidenote: Hughsie threw just 13 pitches in the top of the inning.

Jeets bounces one slowly to Gritty McGritterson and there's two down for Bobby-o.

Bobby is out on strikes, giving McG a 1-2-3 inning as well.

Top Second:
Rios hits one to Cano, and he's out.

Hughsie is being VERY economical with his precious pitches. Frank Thomas flies out to center.

Another 1-2-3 as Overbay grounds out. Hughsie is looking 100% dialed in tonight! Am I ridiculous for already hoping for a no-hitter?

Yes.

Bottom Second:
It only took Hughes 7 pitches to get through the second, fyi.

MVP-Rod hits it hard, but it goes straight to Scutaro and he's out.

It's very distracting when that stupid "YOU ARE WATCHING A FREE PREVIEW OF MLB EXTRA INNINGS" scrolls across the bottom of the screen. It drives me batty.

Giambi does what he does best and uses that keen eye to take a walk.

Cano grounds into what I thought should have been a double play, abut they only get Giambi second and Cano is safe at first.

Strange double play: Matsui strikes out while Cano attempts to steal third - he gets there and slides under the tag, but since Matsui was blocking the catcher (which I don't think he was, but whatevs) he was called out on "player interference."

Another 1-2-3 inning. McG. is looking just as good as Hughsie.

Top Third:
Aaron hill sends one hard into right, and Abreu catches it easily.

Scooooootero follows suit with a fly out.

Aaaaand he's perfect through three. Zaun grounds out to Giambi (and he doesn't jack it up! Nice work, Big G).

Bottom Third:
Michael Kay is talking about the innings limits that Jobamania, Hughsie, and I-Ken will be following... but the Yanks are not disclosing the info. Right... cuz we won't find out as soon as they pitch?

Good god Molina is a fatass. How did I not notice this before??

What ever happened to Skippy the Bat Boy, by the way? Michael Kay's "Best Bat Boy in the League."

Fatty Fatlina singles up the middle!

McG's no-hitter ends before Phillie's.

Melky shows some restraint and patience and works himself a walk, and there are two on with no outs for Damon.

Pauly: "A lot of players don't even look at that 3rd base coach. They just don't expect a sign."

That is very stupid.

Damon sends one flyin' hard and fast to right field, but it's right to Rios... outski.

I don't see the point of showing this year's stats yet. They mean nothing; it's been two games. I'd rather see the 2007 stats.

FAILURE, Jeet! Douple play.

Well, they break up McLovin's no-hitter but don't do any damage.

Keep it up Phil! Make it four...

Top Fourth:
Doing the live blog here rather than FanHouse is nice - I don't have to tone down the Yanks bias.

On the other hand, you losers don't pay me.

Hughes is still only at 29 pitches!

Uh-oh, Scrapstein is 0-10.

I mean 1-11.

No mas no-hitter. Sigh... que triste. Grittster doubles one into left.

Stairs hits a slow grounder to Jeter and is out, but Scrapper is goes to third for an RBI chance for Mr Rios.

No mas shut-out. Sigh... que triste. Rios does what he set out to do and singles Gritstein in from third.

1-0 Jays

CANO! Bad child. Rios steals second and Molina throws a rocket to Cano, who applies the tag in plenty of time to make the out... but drops the ball (literally, not figuratively), which rolls into centerfield and sends Rios to third.

Sweeeeet breaking ball! Phil gets Wells on strikes and we've got two outs. If Hughes can get the Big Hurt out here, he'll get himself out of trouble with minimal damage.

Thomas is only 39 years old? I thought he had to be about 65 by now.

GET OUTTA HERE BH!!! Phil gets Franky looking on a 3-2 strike, but Frank thought it was ball four and headed for first. When he heard the bad news that he was out, he got all up in the ump's grill and was, obviously, ejected.

Excitement!

Bottom Fourth:
They just re-played that 3-2 pitch, and it DID look like ball four.

Hughes is up to 55 pitches already.

Nice! Abreu leads off the fourth with a single to right field. Rally time! (No rally monkey, please.)

A-Rod swings for the fences but misses my a smidge and ends up flying out. One on, one out for Giambi.

Giambi grounds one out to Hill, but no one is watching Abreu and he is able to make it over to third.

Robby flies out and the lead-off single is all for naught.

Onward to the fifth and more Hughsie!

Top Fifth:
Phil really is looking good tonight. Four strike-outs so far and no walks.

Overbay sends one to Cano for the first out of the inning.

Aaron field makes it two outs quickly by flying out to Matso Ball Soup.

So much for that no walks thing I just said - Hughes serves up a 2-out walk to Scooter.

Greg Zaun sends a double flying into right field, but luckily Abreu grabs it relatively quickly and manages to hold Scoot at third.

Michael Kay just called Eckstein "feisty." WHY DOES EVERYONE LOVE THIS ANNOYING ELF?

Goddamn Mr Gritty hits one in between A-Rod and Jeet, and A-Rod manages to dive and stop it from going into the outfield but isn't quite able to throw him out at first. That walk to Scoot turned out poorly: he just scored the second run of the game.

Stairs chops one over to Cano and the inning is finally over. The Yanks have four innings to score two runs - shouldn't be a problem, right?

Bottom Fifth:
Matso Ball loops one into left field for another lead-off single. How bout not wasting it this time, boyzos?

Molina pops one up and leaves Mats stranded at first base.

FAIL.

Cabrera hits into the ol' 4-6-3 DP to end the inning.

What happened to our timely hitting?

Top Sixth:
I HATE this new Extra Innings elevator music. I liked the original one.

Brian Bruney is up in the 'pen, fyi.

Phillie throws three straight balls but gets Rios to fly out on the fourth pitch.

Molina to the mound to have a little chat with Hughsie. He's looking a tad wild.

Wells pops one up and Cano grabs it for the second out.

Shannon Stewart, who is in for the kicked out Thomas, sends a grounder hopping to Jeter and gives Hughes another 1-2-3 inning.

He had a somewhat rough fifth, but Hughes has pitched a solid six.

Now his team needs to SCORE SOME RUNS and get him a win!!

Bottom Sixth:

The team gets another lead-off hit by Damon - por favor, don't waste it this time.

Thank you.

Love, Yankees Chick.

McG. goes inside and smacks Jeet on the shoulder. He's ok and heads to first; there are two on and nobody out for Abreu.

87 pitches thrown by McLovin.

McG. starts Abreu off with an 0-2 count, but he stays patient, fouls off a few, and works himself a walk.

Bases loaded no outs, A-Rod up! Here we go...

YANKS ON THE BOARD kiddos!

McG. throws a low pitch and Zaun fumbles it and lets it get by him, and all the runners advance while he scrambles for it. Damon goes home and the Yanks are down by just one. With runners on second and third, A-Rod can tie it up with a base hit.

Suhwiiiiiiiiinnnng-and-a-miss and A-Rod is down.

Do I hear BOOING?! What is wrong with you people?!

What the heck just happened?

Giambi ties the score on a sac fly, but Abreu tries to tag-up himself and get to third and is thrown out. Double-play, inning done.

The score IS tied up though: 2-2

Top Seventh:
Billy Traber has come out to start the seventh. Hughes had a good outing: 6 IP, 85 pitches, four strikeouts, four hits and two runs.

Traber gets Overbay and his job is done. Brian Bruney -- who they SAY has lost 20 lbs ; I don't see it, he still looks large and in charge to me -- is on his way in.

Hill sends a 3-2 pitch out to Cano for the second out of the inning.

Abreu makes a great running catch to make Scutaro the final out. He careened into the wall but came up smiling.

Bottom Seventh:
The only good thing about watching a game on TV instead of being at the stadium is not having to be subjected to Cotton Eyed Joe.

McLovin's day is done after losing control a bit in the sixth. Brian Wolfe is up to pitch to Cano, Matsui, and Molina.

Cano gives him an easy out by going after the second pitch and grounding out to second.

Jobmania's warming up!

Matsui goes after some bad pitches and strikes out for the second time of the day. Two outs now for Fatlina.

Broken bat ground out for Molina. Wolfe looked good.

Still 2-2 as we head into the top of the eighth!

Top Eighth:
It's Joba time!

HEADS UP! Zaun sends his bat sailing on a big swing.

Mo's up in the 'pen.

Down on strikes! NEXT!

Joba is so much better looking without all the gnats.

Eckstein sends a slow grounder up to Cano and there's two outs for Joba.

Stairs snags a single off Joba and gives Alex Rios a chance to put his team on top.

No problem: Joba gets him to fly out and the inning is safe and sound.

Bottom Eighth:
Wolfe is still in, and he'll face Melky, Damon, and Jeet.

NICE! Melky drives a single into right. The team has now had leadoff hits FIVE TIMES. Let's convert this one into a run, please?

Wolfe is heading out and Scott Downs is coming in to face Damon.

NICE PART DEUX! Damon lays down a perfect sac bunt to move Melky into scoring position, but Downs fumbles the ball and isn't able to get Damon at first!

2 on, no outs, tie game for Jeet.

Jeet follows with another perfect sac bunt! He's out at first but Melky and Damon move up.

Fly ball puts the Yanks ahead! Let's go Abreu!

THERE WE GO! Abreu drops one into short left and it's an RBI single! Yanks on top, 3-2.

One out now but still two on for A-Rah!

Blast. A-Rod 0-4 now tonight after going down looking.

PLLUNNNK. Giambi hit and off to first. Bases loaded for Robby.

....AAAAAND he pops out and leaves the bases loaded.

Mo will be out for the ninth and this game should be over soon...

Top Ninth:
Wells, Stewart, and Overbay are due up to face Mo.

Mo gives up a single to Wells and the tying run is aboard.

Stewart grounds out to A-Rod, but too slowly for them to turn a DP. Wells to second base; one out and an RBI opportunity for Overbay.

Overbay sends one up the middle, Jeet grabs it and he's out at first.

Yanks one out away from winning the game, but Wells is 90 feet away from tying it. It's all up to Mo and Hill.

STRIKE THREE LOOKIN'!

Yanks win it 3-2, thanks to the great pitching performances by Hughes, Traber, Bruney, Jobamania, and Mo. Joba will get his first win of the year and McLovin' is taking the loss.

What a great feeling to start the season with a winning series!!!