The pressure is all on Cleveland. And from an expectation standpoint, sure. But once this game starts you won't be able to tell the players or the fans that. It's an elimination game. The pressure is on both sides. And moreso for Girardi than anyone. The guy has gotten killed for game two, rightfully so, but damn I really hope they pull this out so we/he can put that game behind us all. I admitted to being too harsh on him myself, in the heat of the moment, but I really feel awful for him, honestly. He's a good man and I don't want that game haunting him any longer.
The pressure is all on Cleveland. And from an expectation standpoint, sure. But once this game starts you won't be able to tell the players or the fans that. It's an elimination game. The pressure is on both sides. And moreso for Girardi than anyone. The guy has gotten killed for game two, rightfully so, but damn I really hope they pull this out so we/he can put that game behind us all. I admitted to being too harsh on him myself, in the heat of the moment, but I really feel awful for him, honestly. He's a good man and I don't want that game haunting him any longer.
Agreed but sometimes the pressure makes a team come out and play tight initially so hopefully the Yanks can take advantage of that.
in consecutive games is a long shot. They're going to need a whale of a performance from CC and the pen to have a shot. If they manage to win, it'll have to be one of those 1-0, 2-1 type games.
I agree about the pressure thing. Till the first pitch the pressure is all on Cleveland. If Kluber has a dominant first inning I think that all is in the past though. If one of the Yanks runs into a fastball early though then the pressure builds back on the Indians. I expect Kluber to be on and not give us much. Our chance is to match him and turn it into a late inning battle. Miller has not looked as dominant in the series as last year, he struggled in game 1 and gave up the bomb to Judge to lose game 3.
Can't believe that after all the ups and downs since '09- the alcoholism, knee injuries, battles with ineffectiveness that the Big Fella is there standing ready to pitch an elimination game. Love the guy. Certain guys in sports run from the big spot, take the lead from their teammates and some step up and say give me the ball and follow my lead. The Big Fella is one of latter.
in consecutive games is a long shot. They're going to need a whale of a performance from CC and the pen to have a shot. If they manage to win, it'll have to be one of those 1-0, 2-1 type games.
yea as in all elimination games, the 1st inning is so huge. If both guys pitch a clean one then I think we are in for a tight battle.
There's nothing that's going to happen in that stadium tonight that's going to fluster him. His reputation as a horse in big games is well earned. It's practically a home game for him. He's got to be thinking that this is potentially a signature performance for his career, so I expect him to come up large.
Prediction: 6 innings plus, two earned runs allowed, one runner on base when he's lifted, Yanks up 5-2.
The relievers who have worked the most in the series are Cody Allen (4.1 IP) and Bryan Shaw (4 IP). Everyone in the Yankees pen should be good to go tonight. Green has been able to rest for four days, Robertson for two after throwing just 9 pitches in game 3. All systems are go.
that Tanaka and Severino each gave them 7 quality innings. Sevy especially given the WC disaster. This has the makings of a low-scoring game so having the bullpen fresh is massive.
EE probably back at DH. CC has pretty good career numbers against him (.273/.322/.667 in 55 AB) but he still makes the Cleveland lineup a lot more formidable.
I'm hoping someone (Didi?) runs into one early to put us ahead and put the pressure on the Indians to make something happen. We don't need 7 scoreless innings from CC but 4-5 strong ones would sure be nice. As mentioned the bullpen can probably figure it out from there.
Hate the fact the game 2 stuff will linger if we lose, but this Yanks team continues to outperform most of our expectations.
I’m one of many who’s been saying any playoff success is gravy, blah blah blah...but they’ve proven they are a World Series contender right now. Losing tonight would be a bummer...as we all know, playoff runs can be scarce.
Big picture, not only has this been one of the most fun Yankee seasons in a long time, but it’s a very likeable group of mostly young exciting players. Would be a shame for it to end, when we know we can take the Indians
make Kluber work, lay off those "expand the zone" pitches and not help him. And I want to see the fucking umps call a strike zone befitting a 6' 7" man when Judge bats. No strike calls on pitches that cross the middle of his shin.
Wouldn't it be ironic if the Bosawx reach out to Girardi?
I know Kluber/Miller/Allen are more than capable of putting up nine zeros on us, but there seems to be a little magic about this team. I think we scratch and claw our way to a victory.
seeing Kluber last week, and seeing Bauer just the other day give the Yankee hitters a little bit of recognition on his breaking stuff.
Kluber only threw 47% of his pitches for strikes so it's going to come down to the free-swingers on the team with bad contact rates on balls outside the zone (Sanchez, Castro) to have the ability to lay off some of the garbage. Didi chases outside the zone more than any of the starters but has a good contact rate. Hopefully he can tighten up his swing a bit.
This is a good opportunity for Hicks to take advantage of his plate discipline, even if he has issues with the curve.
the likelihood that we get another sub-par Kluber Â
in consecutive games is a long shot. They're going to need a whale of a performance from CC and the pen to have a shot. If they manage to win, it'll have to be one of those 1-0, 2-1 type games.
Agree 100%. I think CC has to pitch at least into the 6th to win.
RE: RE: the plain fact of the matter is that scoring much on Kluber Â
in consecutive games is a long shot. They're going to need a whale of a performance from CC and the pen to have a shot. If they manage to win, it'll have to be one of those 1-0, 2-1 type games.
Agree 100%. I think CC has to pitch at least into the 6th to win.
I would be ecstatic if CC goes 6, but it's hard to believe he will, really. I think Joe is gonna have an extremely quick trigger with the BP all well rested. If CC goes 6, we win this game because that means he's dominating
I think the real question is what does it have to look like to pull CC (regardless of inning)? Does it have to be a disaster the level of Sevy in the Wild Card game... 3 runs in, 2 RISP? Or would Joe have to make a move earlier than that with the expectation that Kluber will be better than he was in game 2?
Basically, I don't think the Yankees can afford to fall behind by more than 2 runs. If there's a possibility of that happening, in any inning, you go to the pen. That's how I see it.
frankly I'd give Holliday a shot. In the 2nd half of the season despite his injury plagued struggles he's ran into a Kimbrel fastball, and a Sale one. That's good enough for me. After a great run Ells and Headley have hit the skids big time.
If they haven't used Holliday yet, I can't imagine they will now. I'd go Ellsbury over Headley - little more experience in these type of games, can make something happen with his legs, and a I trust him a little more to put the bat on the ball.
yea I agree that if you are choosing between 2 guys Â
Kluber's pitch breakdown was 43% fastballs, 27% curveballs, 24% cutters. This is notable because Kluber threw the 3rd fewest percentage of fastballs, so I'd look for the guy who hit the off-speed stuff better.
While Ellsbury and Headley were both pretty equal in terms of production against righties, Ellsbury was better than Headley against curveballs and cutters.
The argument against starting Ellsbury is if you need a baserunner late, he can fly.
He isn't even putting the ball on play. At least Ellsbury will put it in play, beat out an infield single, find a hole through the infield, something like that.
If they get through, I'd consider adding C. Frazier to the roster.
Holliday can't hit ordinary RHP anymore, let alone someone like Kluber, and hasn't appeared in a game in over a week. Ellsbury isn't hitting any more than Headley, but in the unlikely event he gets on base, his speed can be a weapon and could be the difference in a tight game.
I'd like to see both Holliday and Headley replaced on the roster should they win tonight, but the lack of backup infielders aside from Torreyes makes it a bit tough. I'd definitely sit Holliday for either Austin or Clint.
that Tanaka and Severino each gave them 7 quality innings. Sevy especially given the WC disaster. This has the makings of a low-scoring game so having the bullpen fresh is massive.
EE probably back at DH. CC has pretty good career numbers against him (.273/.322/.667 in 55 AB) but he still makes the Cleveland lineup a lot more formidable.
I'm hoping someone (Didi?) runs into one early to put us ahead and put the pressure on the Indians to make something happen. We don't need 7 scoreless innings from CC but 4-5 strong ones would sure be nice. As mentioned the bullpen can probably figure it out from there.
So pumped for tonight!! Go Yanks!
Agreed but sometimes the pressure makes a team come out and play tight initially so hopefully the Yanks can take advantage of that.
Can't believe that after all the ups and downs since '09- the alcoholism, knee injuries, battles with ineffectiveness that the Big Fella is there standing ready to pitch an elimination game. Love the guy. Certain guys in sports run from the big spot, take the lead from their teammates and some step up and say give me the ball and follow my lead. The Big Fella is one of latter.
yea as in all elimination games, the 1st inning is so huge. If both guys pitch a clean one then I think we are in for a tight battle.
they're the last flickering light on the shit show that has been NYG, the USMNT, and just for good measure, NYR has dropped 3 of its first 4.
let's keep this train going to houston!
Prediction: 6 innings plus, two earned runs allowed, one runner on base when he's lifted, Yanks up 5-2.
need judge to hit some and god forbid, RISP is imperative to get a high % of them across.
LOLzzzzzz
EE probably back at DH. CC has pretty good career numbers against him (.273/.322/.667 in 55 AB) but he still makes the Cleveland lineup a lot more formidable.
I'm hoping someone (Didi?) runs into one early to put us ahead and put the pressure on the Indians to make something happen. We don't need 7 scoreless innings from CC but 4-5 strong ones would sure be nice. As mentioned the bullpen can probably figure it out from there.
Go Yankees!
hahahahaha.....oh, good times
I’m one of many who’s been saying any playoff success is gravy, blah blah blah...but they’ve proven they are a World Series contender right now. Losing tonight would be a bummer...as we all know, playoff runs can be scarce.
Big picture, not only has this been one of the most fun Yankee seasons in a long time, but it’s a very likeable group of mostly young exciting players. Would be a shame for it to end, when we know we can take the Indians
BigBlueShock : 9:47 am : link : reply
You've been our good luck charm! They've won every time you show up. Keep up the great work!
Wouldn't it be ironic if the Bosawx reach out to Girardi?
Kluber only threw 47% of his pitches for strikes so it's going to come down to the free-swingers on the team with bad contact rates on balls outside the zone (Sanchez, Castro) to have the ability to lay off some of the garbage. Didi chases outside the zone more than any of the starters but has a good contact rate. Hopefully he can tighten up his swing a bit.
This is a good opportunity for Hicks to take advantage of his plate discipline, even if he has issues with the curve.
Quote:
in consecutive games is a long shot. They're going to need a whale of a performance from CC and the pen to have a shot. If they manage to win, it'll have to be one of those 1-0, 2-1 type games.
Agree 100%. I think CC has to pitch at least into the 6th to win.
I would be ecstatic if CC goes 6, but it's hard to believe he will, really. I think Joe is gonna have an extremely quick trigger with the BP all well rested. If CC goes 6, we win this game because that means he's dominating
Link - ( New Window )
I think the real question is what does it have to look like to pull CC (regardless of inning)? Does it have to be a disaster the level of Sevy in the Wild Card game... 3 runs in, 2 RISP? Or would Joe have to make a move earlier than that with the expectation that Kluber will be better than he was in game 2?
Girardi said yesterday that he still hadn't decided on the DH. He wanted to mull it over. The other 8 positions will remain the same, he said
A piece of me says Holliday because I haven't gotten to see him absolutely suck in over a week.
But then, lefty should have a slight advantage vs Kluber.
I'm pretty sure I have no interest in seeing Headley. I think I'm indifferent between Ells and Holliday.
While Ellsbury and Headley were both pretty equal in terms of production against righties, Ellsbury was better than Headley against curveballs and cutters.
The argument against starting Ellsbury is if you need a baserunner late, he can fly.
If they get through, I'd consider adding C. Frazier to the roster.
Ellsbury is the best of a disappointing group
I'd like to see both Holliday and Headley replaced on the roster should they win tonight, but the lack of backup infielders aside from Torreyes makes it a bit tough. I'd definitely sit Holliday for either Austin or Clint.
Judge RF
Gregorius SS
Sanchez C
Bird 1B
Castro 2B
Hicks CF
Ellsbury DH
Frazier 3B
Seriously. The Giants are turning into the Knicks overnight. Please let this awesome Yanks season continue
ehh, a .287 batter isn't a hacker. Does he walk, no, not much. But Didi is not a hacker - Todd Frazier is a hacker
Go get em CC. Pitch a Gem and you will literally fatten your bank account another 5+ million dollars this offseason.
EE probably back at DH. CC has pretty good career numbers against him (.273/.322/.667 in 55 AB) but he still makes the Cleveland lineup a lot more formidable.
I'm hoping someone (Didi?) runs into one early to put us ahead and put the pressure on the Indians to make something happen. We don't need 7 scoreless innings from CC but 4-5 strong ones would sure be nice. As mentioned the bullpen can probably figure it out from there.
Go Yankees!
Joe money indeed