As expected, the Yankees threw their series against the Rays, though last night's season closer was a little obvious. They opened with an early lead mostly thanks to a Mark Teixiera grand slam. They lead 7-0 for most of the game and pitching only gave up 2 hits through 7 innings. Then all of a sudden the Yankees stopped trying. Longoria had a 3-run homer to highlight a huge 8th inning rally. In the bottom of the 9th Johnson had a homer with 2 outs to tie the game and force extra innings. The Yankees threatened, but the Rays worked out of trouble, catching Golson on a base-running error from 3rd to home. Longoria then homered again in the 12th against the Yankees' white flag, Scott Proctor.
While the Rays mounted an "amazing" comeback, the Orioles were putting together their own walk off win to kick the Red Sox out of the playoffs and send them fishing. It was an improbable game to win... I mean how much can a great team like Boston lose? It's gotta stop sometime. Lester was pitching a good game too and went in with a 14-0 record against the O's. The Sox had a 3-2 lead in the 9th. They were about to tack on another, but bad base-running by Scutaro wasted a run. Andino then hit one to left field. The Red Sox money man, Carl Crawford charged and missed, giving up the season ending run. Papelbon, the man who thinks he's better than Mariano Rivera got the loss. Karma's a bitch!
2011-09-29
2011-09-27
Subway Tales: The Kids
Now that school's in session, the subways and buses are slightly more crowded during the morning rush. I get the same regulars every day, but there are too many of them to give individually Clockwork Apple entries to, but they all have similar characteristics anyway. The kids are often a nuisance during the morning commute and here's a few reasons why:
1) They're all blockers. They like to stand near the entrance and carry backpacks larger than themselves.
2) They're deaf because they're blasting music into headphones larger than their heads. So if they're blocking you, they won't hear you say "excuse me." You just have to shove them aside.
3) Stupidity is contagious. When there are packs of kids, they'll gather in a circle and often block the entire width of the subway so people can't move in. If they're seated, they'll all talk to each other even if it means yelling across the train.
4) More often than not, they'll be eating breakfast on the train with something spillable.
5) Parents never taught them not to litter.
6) When transferring, they'll be texting while walking and not looking where they're going.
1) They're all blockers. They like to stand near the entrance and carry backpacks larger than themselves.
2) They're deaf because they're blasting music into headphones larger than their heads. So if they're blocking you, they won't hear you say "excuse me." You just have to shove them aside.
3) Stupidity is contagious. When there are packs of kids, they'll gather in a circle and often block the entire width of the subway so people can't move in. If they're seated, they'll all talk to each other even if it means yelling across the train.
4) More often than not, they'll be eating breakfast on the train with something spillable.
5) Parents never taught them not to litter.
6) When transferring, they'll be texting while walking and not looking where they're going.
2011-09-26
The Rivalry
Over the weekend, the Yankees played their final series against the Red Sox and had a chance to really knock them out of the wildcard race. A sweep along with 3 Rays wins would put Tampa Bay ahead. Other than that, the series has no significance to the Yankees. They clinched a playoff berth, 1st place in the division and home field advantage in the ALCS. The only reason to try hard against the Sox is because they're rivals, we hate them and want them to miss the playoffs!
So the Yankees came out and blew them away 9-1 on Saturday. Garcia had his best outing of the year, going 6 innings, 6 hits and no runs. Boston had their hits, but pretty much stranded everyone. Jeter had a 3-run homer. The Yankees were definitely not relaxed in this game as they started most of their regulars.
With Friday's rainout, Sunday became a double header. Because of that, the Yankees had to split their normal starters fofr the 2 games. So there was a bit of relaxation there. The Red Sox had to play many of their guys twice because they needed desperately to win. Game 2 was another Yankees victory... 6-2. It was one of AJ Burnett's best performances... he went 7.2 inning deep, which setup for everyone to be available in the next game. It seems like his confidence built from a 1st inning pickoff. Then the Yankees quickly scored 2 as they played the running game in the bottom of the inning. This could have been a really sloippy game with Burnett's wild pitches combined with Wakefield's knuckleball. It was the Sox that won the sloppiness though as Saltalamacchia couldn't get a handle of Wakefield's pitches.
Game 3 was a 14 inning, 5-hour+ marathon... a typical Yankees/Red Sox game and fitting for the last game of the season. The Yankees could have easily won this in the 9th inning with the score tied, bases loaded and 2 outs. Pinch hitting Jeter, A-Rod or Martin would have won the game, but I think it got to the point where the game was more meaningful to the Red Sox. After all, they used Papelbon for 3 innings. The Yankees did empty their bullpen, but didn't overuse anyone. They ended the game with the useless Scott Proctor, who gave up a game winning 3-run homer by Ellsbury (3 HR in the doubleheader).
So the Red Sox managed to stay alive. Hopes of kicking them out now rely on a Boston loss and the Yankees getting swept by the Rays.
So the Yankees came out and blew them away 9-1 on Saturday. Garcia had his best outing of the year, going 6 innings, 6 hits and no runs. Boston had their hits, but pretty much stranded everyone. Jeter had a 3-run homer. The Yankees were definitely not relaxed in this game as they started most of their regulars.
With Friday's rainout, Sunday became a double header. Because of that, the Yankees had to split their normal starters fofr the 2 games. So there was a bit of relaxation there. The Red Sox had to play many of their guys twice because they needed desperately to win. Game 2 was another Yankees victory... 6-2. It was one of AJ Burnett's best performances... he went 7.2 inning deep, which setup for everyone to be available in the next game. It seems like his confidence built from a 1st inning pickoff. Then the Yankees quickly scored 2 as they played the running game in the bottom of the inning. This could have been a really sloippy game with Burnett's wild pitches combined with Wakefield's knuckleball. It was the Sox that won the sloppiness though as Saltalamacchia couldn't get a handle of Wakefield's pitches.
Game 3 was a 14 inning, 5-hour+ marathon... a typical Yankees/Red Sox game and fitting for the last game of the season. The Yankees could have easily won this in the 9th inning with the score tied, bases loaded and 2 outs. Pinch hitting Jeter, A-Rod or Martin would have won the game, but I think it got to the point where the game was more meaningful to the Red Sox. After all, they used Papelbon for 3 innings. The Yankees did empty their bullpen, but didn't overuse anyone. They ended the game with the useless Scott Proctor, who gave up a game winning 3-run homer by Ellsbury (3 HR in the doubleheader).
So the Red Sox managed to stay alive. Hopes of kicking them out now rely on a Boston loss and the Yankees getting swept by the Rays.
2011-09-23
Maris 61
It's truly amazing when a record holds up for 50 years. That time ago today, on 9/23, Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth's single season homerun record with his 61st to deep right field. No other player in Major Leagues has been able to match that record up to now without the help of performance enhancing drugs or cork bats.
"Here comes Roger Maris, they're standing up, waiting to see if Roger is going to hit number sixty-one, here's the windup, the pitch to Roger, WAY outside, ball one. The fans are starting to boo, low, ball two. That one was in the dirt and the boos get louder. Two balls, no strikes on Roger Maris, here's the windup, fastball, HIT DEEP TO RIGHT, THIS COULD BE IT, WAY BACK THERE, HOLY COW HE DID IT, SIXTY-ONE FOR MARIS!"--Phil Rizzuto
It's too bad today's game got rained out. I was looking forward to the 50th Anniversary ceremony commemorating #61. With the way this storybook season has been going, I would've expected Granderson to surpass Jose Bautista on this day. But it'll have to wait until tomorrow.
"Here comes Roger Maris, they're standing up, waiting to see if Roger is going to hit number sixty-one, here's the windup, the pitch to Roger, WAY outside, ball one. The fans are starting to boo, low, ball two. That one was in the dirt and the boos get louder. Two balls, no strikes on Roger Maris, here's the windup, fastball, HIT DEEP TO RIGHT, THIS COULD BE IT, WAY BACK THERE, HOLY COW HE DID IT, SIXTY-ONE FOR MARIS!"--Phil Rizzuto
It's too bad today's game got rained out. I was looking forward to the 50th Anniversary ceremony commemorating #61. With the way this storybook season has been going, I would've expected Granderson to surpass Jose Bautista on this day. But it'll have to wait until tomorrow.
2011-09-22
Kings of the East
The fairytale year continues for the Yankees as they clinched a playoff berth as well as the division on the same day in 2 different games. Both games ended in dramatic fashion too... and both with a final score of 4-2. In the day game, it was a Nunez homer in the 8th for a tie followed by a Cano double for the win. Rivera picked up another save as they used up everyone in their bullpen except Soriano. Phil Hughes was unable to start, so Ghirardi used a different pitcher each inning, starting with Noesi.
With a depleted pen, the Yankees looked to CC Sabathia for a strong outing in game 2 and he delivered. Though he was unable to get his 20th win of the year, he went though 7 innings and kept it tied at 2. In this game, it was Posada's pinch hit, bases clearing single that won the game in the 8th... a fitting storybook ending for the 3rd member of the Yankees core. Rafael Soriano came in as the closer to put away his former team.
That wasn't all. The night win only cut the magic number to 1, but the Yankees had a lot of help from their rival Red Sox who continue to lose. Just before the Yankees clinched the division, Boston dropped another to the lowly Orioles, which cut the Yankees magic number by the 1 they needed. But since the Rays lost 2 to the Yankees in one day, the Sox remain 2 1/2 games ahead in the wildcard race. The funny thing is if the Yankees go for the best record on the AL and keep winning, they actually help the Sox get in because they have 4 games left against the Rays, who are the biggest threat to the Sox. So the Yankees control the Red Sox's destiny. If they lose the rest of their games, they will still be the division leader and the Sox would go fishing!
With a depleted pen, the Yankees looked to CC Sabathia for a strong outing in game 2 and he delivered. Though he was unable to get his 20th win of the year, he went though 7 innings and kept it tied at 2. In this game, it was Posada's pinch hit, bases clearing single that won the game in the 8th... a fitting storybook ending for the 3rd member of the Yankees core. Rafael Soriano came in as the closer to put away his former team.
That wasn't all. The night win only cut the magic number to 1, but the Yankees had a lot of help from their rival Red Sox who continue to lose. Just before the Yankees clinched the division, Boston dropped another to the lowly Orioles, which cut the Yankees magic number by the 1 they needed. But since the Rays lost 2 to the Yankees in one day, the Sox remain 2 1/2 games ahead in the wildcard race. The funny thing is if the Yankees go for the best record on the AL and keep winning, they actually help the Sox get in because they have 4 games left against the Rays, who are the biggest threat to the Sox. So the Yankees control the Red Sox's destiny. If they lose the rest of their games, they will still be the division leader and the Sox would go fishing!
2011-09-20
602
The Yankees already had a storybook worthy adventure with Derek Jeter's fairytale game where he got his 3000th hit. So why not have another! Yesterday, everything setup perfectly for Mariano Rivera's record breaking 602nd save. It was a makeup game against the Twins and a rare Monday afternoon one. Still, over 40,000 people took the day off and filled the stadium. When chasing someone going for a saves record, it's not like hits or HRs where a batter has 4-5 chances per game. Many things need to be put in place. A save situation in itself is already particular. The Yankees need to have a lead by 2 runs at the end of a game where the tying run is on deck. It was even possible that Rivera may not have seen another save for the rest of the season if the remaining games were blowouts and losses. And it didn't look like it was going to happen yesterday as the Yankees had an early 5-0 lead, with the bats looking good. But then Burnett collapsed after a good start and the bats quieted down for a few innings. All of a sudden it was 5-4. A-Rod knocked in an insurance run in the 7th to make things a bit easier, but still a potential save situation. Soriano held the 7th and Robertson held the 8th for a perfect setup. Rivera got his typical 1-2-3 inning to add another historical feat to his resume.
So that's 602 regular season saves and 42 postseason ones. He has one more save than Trevor Hoffman now, but the postseason saves were long out of reach. If you figure he pitches 2 more years, that saves record will reach at least 680. It was an amazing game and story for a great guy. Congratulations, Mariano Rivera, greatest closer of all-time!
So that's 602 regular season saves and 42 postseason ones. He has one more save than Trevor Hoffman now, but the postseason saves were long out of reach. If you figure he pitches 2 more years, that saves record will reach at least 680. It was an amazing game and story for a great guy. Congratulations, Mariano Rivera, greatest closer of all-time!
2011-09-19
Weekend Sports Wrapup
Yankees
It wasn't a great weekend for the Yankees since they lost the Blue Jays series. But lately whatever they did bad, the Red Sox did worse. Over the weekend, they lost 3 of 4 games to the Rays, who are within striking distance in the wildcard race. The Red Sox have just collapsed in September to the point where they're in danger of getting eliminated from playoff contention. The Yankees are almost guaranteed to get in as the division leader or wildcard. With their one weekend win, Mariano Rivera got his 601st save, tying Trevor Hoffman for the most saves in all-time.
Boxing
The Mayweather-Ortiz match ended up being short with a weird ending. Ortiz had an accidental headbutt in the 4th. The ref paused the match and deducted a point. Ortiz apologized. When they were ready to continue, he moved forward to apologize again. That's when he lwet his guard down and was KOed by a Mayweather combo. There are a lot of opinions flying around. Some say it was a dirty move. Some say that fighters should never let their guard down. I've even heard rumors that the fight was fixed because it was such a weird and stupid ending. I don't think there was anything dirty about it. Obviously, Mayweather was awarded the win, so there was nothing against the rules with his KO. They were not in a break. In every martial arts class, you're taught to bow and show sportsmanship, but never let your guard down. Boxing is no different.
It wasn't a great weekend for the Yankees since they lost the Blue Jays series. But lately whatever they did bad, the Red Sox did worse. Over the weekend, they lost 3 of 4 games to the Rays, who are within striking distance in the wildcard race. The Red Sox have just collapsed in September to the point where they're in danger of getting eliminated from playoff contention. The Yankees are almost guaranteed to get in as the division leader or wildcard. With their one weekend win, Mariano Rivera got his 601st save, tying Trevor Hoffman for the most saves in all-time.
Boxing
The Mayweather-Ortiz match ended up being short with a weird ending. Ortiz had an accidental headbutt in the 4th. The ref paused the match and deducted a point. Ortiz apologized. When they were ready to continue, he moved forward to apologize again. That's when he lwet his guard down and was KOed by a Mayweather combo. There are a lot of opinions flying around. Some say it was a dirty move. Some say that fighters should never let their guard down. I've even heard rumors that the fight was fixed because it was such a weird and stupid ending. I don't think there was anything dirty about it. Obviously, Mayweather was awarded the win, so there was nothing against the rules with his KO. They were not in a break. In every martial arts class, you're taught to bow and show sportsmanship, but never let your guard down. Boxing is no different.
2011-09-16
Hard Cutover
When I went to sleep on Thursday night, the thermometer read 82 degrees. For some comfort, I turned on the aiir conditooner to 78. Last night, the thermometer read 71! Suddenly we went from Summer to Fall in one day. today's teempwertures ranged from 59-61. everyone outside was wearing a jacket, so it seems that people at least pay attention to the weather and temperature. The official start of Fall is nex week, but I think last night's hard cutover is the actual eend oof Summer in NY.
2011-09-14
600
With a 3-2 victory over the Mariners, not only did AJ Burnett finally get a win since mid-August, but Mariano Rivera quietly earned his 600th career save. That's 1 away from tying Trevor Hoffman and 2 away from standing alone and probably forever! I'm surprised it's not a bigger deal outside of Yankees fans. I mean right now, only 2 guys in baseball history have done it as opposed to many who have hit offensive milestones like 500/600 HRs or 3000 hits. Saves are certainly more rare.
This stat real puts Rivera up there as the best closer in the history of baseball and he can also be considered one of the greatest Yankees, right up there withe Derek Jeter. His regular season (2.22) and post-season (0.98) ERAs are amazing, considering that he's facing RISP with the heart of the lineup at bat for most of his outings.
Mariano Rivera's Resume
- 12x All-Star
- 5 Championships
- 1999 MVP
- 2003 ALCS MVP
- Most post-season saves in mLB history (42)
- 2nd most career saves (600... soon to be first)
- Best career ERA for pitchers with at least 1000 innings
- Highest save conversion in history (89.29%) ... at least 250 chances
- Most seasons with at least 25 saves
- 15 consecutive season with at least 25 saves
- Most saves for a single pitcher (68 for Pettiitte)
- Most inter league saves (68)
2011-09-13
US Open: Men's Final
This was a tough one to catch as the rain delays forced it to Monday afternoon instead of Sunday morning. But Arthur Ashe was a full house at 4pm for the Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal final. Despite Nadal's great tournament (only dropped 1 set), this year was Djokovic's. No one could really find a way to beat him. Nadal lost the final in 4 sets, but at least he made things close, forcing and winning the tiebreak in the 3rd and making a good 4th set. Hopefully Nadal can try some new things in the offseason. He's got to figure out the new Djokovic so he can keep pace with Federer's winnings.
2011-09-11
9/11: Bin Laden Animation
We'll never know what the Bin Laden mission of 5/2 actually looked like, but this is a great animated reenactment of what I'd like to think happened:
9/11: Death of Bin Laden
9/11 holds a lot of painful memories for NYers. At least this year, on the 10th anniversary, we have some relief knowing that Osama Bin Laden is dead. While there are many more like him, picking him off this year was a big blow to the terrorists. Perhaps we should make 5/2 a holiday to celebrate his death and a victory for the free world. There's a lot of attention going into 9/11, but it will mostly bring bad memories back. I think starting next year, we should place more attention on 5/2 and the positives. 5/2 could be like 7/4... BBQs, family, fireworks, etc.!
Farewell Bin Laden... hope you like the fiery pits of Hell! Give my regards to Saddam, asshole!
Farewell Bin Laden... hope you like the fiery pits of Hell! Give my regards to Saddam, asshole!
9/11: Security
Today is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, so security is extremely beefed up in the city with all of the memorial events going on. But realistically, I don't think the terrorists would pick today for an attack despite what the media keeps saying. The real life terrorists we're dealing with aren't stupid. They're not the cliche bad guys that we see in movies. If they attack, they're not going to pick a day of significance. Those days are when security is at its highest. They're going to attack on some random day that has no meaning because there will be less preparation and light security. Look at the 9/11 attack... it's just some random day in the Summer, not significant to the US or the Arab calendar. An attack also will not happen on a weekend because it wouldn't have the same impact. We have to be prepared every day and not lighten up.
US Open: Women's Final
Serena Williams was having a great tournament with no one really in the way of a 4th US Open Championship. Last night, she easily got past the #1 seed, Caroline Wozniacki. I though Wozniacki was going to make things closer because she was having a great tournament as well and can match Serena in power. It was Serena's grand slam experience that won the match though. Today, it was Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur in the finals... another opponent with a chance to win. Surprisingly, Stosur has not won a major before, but in this tournament, she showed great fitness. She was able to chase down a lot of shots and hit with precision. She easily defeated Williams in straight sets for the championship. I think we'll see her move up the ranks fast next year.
2011-09-10
US Open: Nadal vs. Murray (Part 2)
Murray woke up in the 3rd set and was playing great at the net. He seemed to get his emotions under control and Nadal couldn't figure out how to get past him. All of a sudden the match looked like it was going to go the way of the Federer/Djokovic one just before. But Murray's surge only lasted one set as Nadal would not be broken again after the 3rd set. The final box score was 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
I wanted to see a Nadal vs. Federer US Open, but will settle for a Nadal vs. Djokovic one. It's an appropriate match looking at this year's events. Djokovic has beaten Nadal 5 times already and holds a 63-2 record for the year. Nadal beat Djokovic last year for the US Open championship, but it's a much improved Djokovic. It'll be a good challenge for Nadal and great story if he can pull it off.
I wanted to see a Nadal vs. Federer US Open, but will settle for a Nadal vs. Djokovic one. It's an appropriate match looking at this year's events. Djokovic has beaten Nadal 5 times already and holds a 63-2 record for the year. Nadal beat Djokovic last year for the US Open championship, but it's a much improved Djokovic. It'll be a good challenge for Nadal and great story if he can pull it off.
US Open: Nadal vs. Murray (Part 1)
So far this one seems one-sided. Although Murray is very much improved and has given Nadal trouble in the past, Nadal has really concentrated on the US Open the past couple of years. Now he's one of the best in the tournament. There were points in the 1st and 2nd sets where Murray looked like he could gain momentum, but Nadal just got better with the pressure. He saved all potential breaks with some amazing moves. Emotions took control of a frustrated Murray who smashed a racket. Nadal took advantage by playing his usual game.
US Open: Federer vs. Djokovic
Super Saturday's lineup started out with Federer vs. Nadal. The match was shortly delayed by rain, but they got it on around 12pm. Coming into this tournament, Djokovic was the best in the world, only losing 2 matches all year. But Federer was having a great US Open and looked like the vintage, invincible Federer. I thought it was going to be a long day after the 6-7 (7) first set win by Federer. It was just back-and-forth the whole time and very close. More of the same came in the 2nd where Federer got a 2 sets to 1 lead. But it seemed like losing the first game of the 3rd set was the turning point. He just lost his edge in the middle of the match. Djokovic came back to win the 3rd and 4th 6-3 and 6-2. Federer woke up in the 5th to make it close. He even had 2 match points. But the momentum was in Djokovic's favor as he finished 7-5, earning a trip to the finals against either Nadal or Murray.
2011-09-09
US Open: Nadal vs. Roddick
It finally happpened... two of my favorite players faced off at the US Open. Roddick was having a pretty good tournament despite having most of the Summer off, but Nadal made short work of him in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-3. People were questioning Nadal's health just because he had a routine cramp in front of the public. Me looking invincible today against a Roddick that played well enough to make it deep into the tournament. It's been a tough schedule for both guys after the rain delays though. Roddick just faced of with Ferrer yesterday and Nadal also dispatched Muller. Nadal will move on to face Andy Murray, who defeated Isner today.
2011-09-08
Subway Tales: A Walking Mess
This week has been almost all rain all the time and it has made the commute worse. Less trains were running, and just in time for the crowds returning from vacation. Many students also started school after Labor Day to add to the volume.
After my stop this morning, there were actually a few seats open, including the one next to me. The next stop had a crowded platform. As the train pulled in and came to a stop, people were adjusting themselves to the positions of the doors. This one tall and large woman pushed her way to the front in a panic. She insincerely said "sorry" to someone she shoved as she took the seat next to me. I knew she was going to be trouble already, so I adjusted myself to take up as much space as possible. Sure enough, she tried to push against me and the guy to her left to get more space. I held my ground and actually pushed her over about an inch. I kept my elbow out the whole time too. Even more classic, she pulled out breakfast and started eating on the rtain. Through all his, she was still breathing hard and in panic mode. I actually sat an extra stop to prolong her discomfort.
After my stop this morning, there were actually a few seats open, including the one next to me. The next stop had a crowded platform. As the train pulled in and came to a stop, people were adjusting themselves to the positions of the doors. This one tall and large woman pushed her way to the front in a panic. She insincerely said "sorry" to someone she shoved as she took the seat next to me. I knew she was going to be trouble already, so I adjusted myself to take up as much space as possible. Sure enough, she tried to push against me and the guy to her left to get more space. I held my ground and actually pushed her over about an inch. I kept my elbow out the whole time too. Even more classic, she pulled out breakfast and started eating on the rtain. Through all his, she was still breathing hard and in panic mode. I actually sat an extra stop to prolong her discomfort.
2011-09-06
Sweep
The Yankees finally worked a sweep over the weekend against the Blue Jays. In Friday's game, Nova proved that he could be the #2 on the team after CC, earning his 15th win, the most of any rookie. He gave up 2 runs on 3 hits over a strong 7 innings. They closed the game with Soriano in the 8th and Rivera in the 9th... perfect road map. It was a pitcher's duel with only 4 hits for each team. Gardner tied the game in the 3rd with a 2-run homer. Cano won it in the 5th. So it wasn't offensively exciting, but a win is a win.
Saturday's game was an OK start for Bartolo Colon, who gave up 4 runs. It wasn't a strong start, but on this team, keeping it under 5 runs gives them a chance to win. But it probably sent Colon to the pen for the 5-man rotation. I'm not sure I agree with that one because it was based on their last performance (Burnett had a strong outing against the Sox) and not the 2nd half of the season.
The much needed sweep was completed on Sunday behind none other than CC Sabathia. The ace gave up 2 runs and struck out 10. He went 7.1 innings and once again, the pitching road map went into work. Soriano got the 8th and this time Wade closed. With a final score of 9-3, Jeter's 3rd inning 3-run homer was all they needed.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox lost their series against the Rangers 2-1, giving the Yankees sole possession of 1st place.
Saturday's game was an OK start for Bartolo Colon, who gave up 4 runs. It wasn't a strong start, but on this team, keeping it under 5 runs gives them a chance to win. But it probably sent Colon to the pen for the 5-man rotation. I'm not sure I agree with that one because it was based on their last performance (Burnett had a strong outing against the Sox) and not the 2nd half of the season.
The much needed sweep was completed on Sunday behind none other than CC Sabathia. The ace gave up 2 runs and struck out 10. He went 7.1 innings and once again, the pitching road map went into work. Soriano got the 8th and this time Wade closed. With a final score of 9-3, Jeter's 3rd inning 3-run homer was all they needed.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox lost their series against the Rangers 2-1, giving the Yankees sole possession of 1st place.
2011-09-04
Tech Deals of the Week (9/4-9/10)
Flash Sales
- 8 GB PNY Ultracompact @ ST for $12.99
- 16 GB PNY @ ST for $19.99
- 32 GB PNY @ ST for $39.99
- 8 GB HP @ BB for $9.99
- 16 GB HP @ BB for $17.99
- 32 GB HP @ BB for $34.99
- 8 GB SanDisk @ ST for $10.99
- 16 GB SanDisk @ ST for $18.99
Mouse Attack
- MS 3500 @ ST for $14.99
- Logitech M505 @ ST for $19.99
- HP @ ST for $14.99
- Logitech M315 @ BB for $14.99
Logitech C210 Webcam @ ST for $9.99
A good basic webcam for that desktop that's still missing one. It's 1.3 MP and can clip onto an LCD too. This is on sale at RS also, but for $19.99. So the $10 pricing is a true steal.
Logitech C270 Webcam @ BB for $29.99
If you want a better webcam, this model upgrades to 3 MP and can do video at 1280x720.
Targus Notebook Fan @ ST for $9.99
This is half price for a nice large size cooling mat for more notebooks. The price only gets lower on Black Friday.
Targus Netbook Case @ BB for $19.99
This is a netbook case that has all the features of a full fledged 15" laptop case. Usually for netbooks, you see a lot of sleeves or cases with no additional pockets. This one is made of nice durable material and it's just like a laptop case except for its size. You also get a mouse with it.
- 8 GB PNY Ultracompact @ ST for $12.99
- 16 GB PNY @ ST for $19.99
- 32 GB PNY @ ST for $39.99
- 8 GB HP @ BB for $9.99
- 16 GB HP @ BB for $17.99
- 32 GB HP @ BB for $34.99
- 8 GB SanDisk @ ST for $10.99
- 16 GB SanDisk @ ST for $18.99
Mouse Attack
- MS 3500 @ ST for $14.99
- Logitech M505 @ ST for $19.99
- HP @ ST for $14.99
- Logitech M315 @ BB for $14.99
Logitech C210 Webcam @ ST for $9.99
A good basic webcam for that desktop that's still missing one. It's 1.3 MP and can clip onto an LCD too. This is on sale at RS also, but for $19.99. So the $10 pricing is a true steal.
Logitech C270 Webcam @ BB for $29.99
If you want a better webcam, this model upgrades to 3 MP and can do video at 1280x720.
Targus Notebook Fan @ ST for $9.99
This is half price for a nice large size cooling mat for more notebooks. The price only gets lower on Black Friday.
Targus Netbook Case @ BB for $19.99
This is a netbook case that has all the features of a full fledged 15" laptop case. Usually for netbooks, you see a lot of sleeves or cases with no additional pockets. This one is made of nice durable material and it's just like a laptop case except for its size. You also get a mouse with it.
2011-09-03
2011-09-02
Finally
The Yankees finally won a series against the Red Sox this season and AJ Burnett finally had a strong start after the All-Star break. With the 2-1 victory last time, the Sox secured the season series. For some reason, this seems to be the team we can't get past this year. The season series was closer than it should have been last year as well. Some of this can be attributed to losing players who usually help beat the Sox, like Damon and Matsui. And then this year, we had extended injuries to Jeter and A-Rod. Their pitching is also better. Against the Sox, our only shot is CC. If he loses, we're in deep trouble.
I was actually considering not watching last night's game. The series was tied 1-1, with AJ pitching the last game. I thought it would be easily a Red Sox win, which would then make it an easy task to cut the rotation to 5 and send Burnett on his way. But I have to credit him with a strong start. He even recoevered after giving up back-to-back solo HRs in the 5th. It'll be interesting to see who gets cut now. Do you throw out AJ's good start as a fluke or do you bank on his veteran experience for the postseason?
I was actually considering not watching last night's game. The series was tied 1-1, with AJ pitching the last game. I thought it would be easily a Red Sox win, which would then make it an easy task to cut the rotation to 5 and send Burnett on his way. But I have to credit him with a strong start. He even recoevered after giving up back-to-back solo HRs in the 5th. It'll be interesting to see who gets cut now. Do you throw out AJ's good start as a fluke or do you bank on his veteran experience for the postseason?
2011-09-01
US Open: Early Rounds
The US Open was delayed by Irene, but kicked off on Monday. On the men's side, it was the usual suspects going through their 1st round formalities. The women's side has a different story with all of this year's Grand Slam champions already eliminated. But the women's tournament was never consistent. They don't currently have a greatest of all-time like Nadal or Federer. In a way, it's more exciting because everyone has a chance to win and there's a different champ every tournament.
Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick came back after a long time off with a torn abdomen muscle. He had some trouble in his first round match against fellow American Michael Russell, but won 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. His serve still looks good though. Because of the off time, there's less pressure on Roddick this tournament. As he said, this is all bonus for him as he tries to get back into the groove.
Maria Sharapova
Maria looked great last night as she dispatched Anastasiya Yakimova 6-1, 6-1 in a quick match. She did start out a little slow in the first couple of games, but then switched to the "good" Maria shortly after. She's got a good shot at this tournament if she can stay in this frame of mind. She's really one of the only top seeds left and there's more than a week left.
Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick came back after a long time off with a torn abdomen muscle. He had some trouble in his first round match against fellow American Michael Russell, but won 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. His serve still looks good though. Because of the off time, there's less pressure on Roddick this tournament. As he said, this is all bonus for him as he tries to get back into the groove.
Maria Sharapova
Maria looked great last night as she dispatched Anastasiya Yakimova 6-1, 6-1 in a quick match. She did start out a little slow in the first couple of games, but then switched to the "good" Maria shortly after. She's got a good shot at this tournament if she can stay in this frame of mind. She's really one of the only top seeds left and there's more than a week left.
Katia and More
We're still feeling the after effects of Hurricane Irene as parts of Upstate NY, NJ, VT and CT are still recovering, but Mother Nature doesn't look like it'll be waiting as Hurricane Katia starts to stir up. Right now, it's in the middle of the Atlantic and has a possibility of reaching the East Coast as it picks up strength.
Ever wonder about the hurricane names? Well here's the list for 2011:
I always thought they came up with the names on the fly... never knew there was a predetermined list. They actually have it all the way out to 2016 too!
Ever wonder about the hurricane names? Well here's the list for 2011:
Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Don
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katia
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rina
Sean
Tammy
Vince
Whitney
I always thought they came up with the names on the fly... never knew there was a predetermined list. They actually have it all the way out to 2016 too!
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