Tag: Masahiro Tanaka

“Injuries, Embarrassing, and Pathetic….That’s Life Right Now!!” (DTS Podcast – #68)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Reigning NFL MVP, Patrick Mahomes, dislocated his kneecap. If you were watching the play, kneecaps aren’t supposed to move like that.

The Yankees suck. They don’t swing the bat. They forgot how to hit. They can’t drive in any runners. And, they forgot HOW TO FIELD A BASEBALL!!

And finally, it’s a shame CC Sabathia’s hall of fame career is going to end that way.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Dave Talks Sports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

“Rain Dances Are Real.” (DTS Podcast – #67)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Apparently, when I do rain dances, they work.

Who knew?!?!

Game 4 being postponed benefits the Yankees on many levels. Now, all they need is Gary Sanchez to pull his bat out of his a** and start hitting.

And one last time for good measure….

LeBron James, do us all a favor, and STOP TALKING!!!!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Dave Talks Sports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

“The Yankees Have Made Me ANGRY!!!!” (DaveTalksSports Podcast – Ep. #31)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

By making ZERO moves at the trade deadline, the Yankees have made a FATAL MISTAKE!!

The New York Mets still thi….HAHAHAHA….think they can mak….HAHAHAHA….make the playof….HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

MLB might as well get it over with and give the Houston Astros The World Series trophy now.

Did I mention I am ANGRY?!?!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

Just When You Thought Your Tuesday Couldn’t Get Any Better….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Tuesday is my favorite day of the week.

Saturdays and Sundays are great, but Tuesdays never fail to turn that frown upside down. This past Tuesday, aka yesterday, provided a historic performance, a heated rivalry, and the dumbest trade ever. See, I told you Tuesdays are awesome!!

James Paxton Throws No-Hitter

james paxton

“Oh Canada, our home and native land…”

No, I’m not Canadian, but James Paxton is. Paxton, born in Ladner, British Columbia, made Canadian MLB history Tuesday night. He became the 1st Canadian born pitcher to throw a no-hitter — in Canada. Paxton’s Seattle Mariners kicked off a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday night. The Mariners won 5-0.

Paxton cruised through the Blue Jays’ lineup, needing just 99 pitches to complete his no-hitter. He also hit 100 m.p.h. in the bottom of the ninth inning. Of course, as in virtually any no-hitter, it can’t be done without some help from friends. Mariners’ third baseman, Kyle Seager, made an outstanding diving play with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to preserve Paxton’s no-hitter. Following the game, Paxton acknowledged, and appreciated, his teammates behind him:

“What a defense tonight. That was amazing. Those guys were making every play,” Paxton said.

Fat, I Mean, Matt Harvey Traded

giphy

I’m confused. I don’t understand why anyone would TRADE FOR Matt Harvey. I’d have understood signing him to a Minor League deal, assuming no risk, but trading a real-life human being for that pile of flab makes NO SENSE!! But hey, it’s the Cincinnati Reds. Who am I to second guess such a stellar organization?!

This trade is an absolute steal for the New York Mets. Highway robbery. The Mets will receive catcher, Devin Mesoraco, as well as cash in the trade. The Reds will also take on the entirety of Harvey’s $5,788,978 salary. WILD!! While Mesoraco’s career has been sidetracked due to injury, many, many injuries, at 29 years old there’s the sliiiightest chance he returns to the 25 home run, 80 r.b.i. days of 2014.

The funniest part: The Mets are playing the Reds, so Mesoraco literally walked from one dugout to the other, and joined his new team. He even pinch hit in the ninth inning, striking out in a 7-2 loss by the Mets.

Yankees Brought Winning Ways To Heated Rivalry

Remember when idiots booed Giancarlo Stanton???? I wonder what they did Tuesday night when he hit not one, but two home runs against the Boston Red Sox….

That 1st home run….Have you ever seen a baseball leave the field of play faster?!

Heading into a three-game series with the Red Sox, the red hot Yankees stood just one game behind their enemy. But after winning their 16th-out-of-17 (3-2), the Yankees are tied (25-10) with the Red Sox. Divisions aren’t won in May, but it would be nice to watch the Red Sox get swept!!

Luis Severino continued his dominance, striking out 11 in six strong innings. And Aaron Judge’s r.b.i. single in the bottom of the seventh inning turned out to be the winning run. Hooray beer!! The Yankees will look to continue their winning ways Wednesday night when Masahiro Tanaka takes the mound against Rick Porcello. Watch the Yankees beat down the Red Sox @ 7:00 P.M. EST on ESPN.

 

What was your favorite part of Tuesday?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

 

 

Losing Breeds Champions

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Losing is a good thing.

Wait, that didn’t come out right. Losing, can be a good thing, if used for fuel to light a fire under your rear end. When facing adversity, some teams, or individuals, curl up (for some reason it’s always in a corner) into the fetal position while others stand up and fight. The question is: When you’re backed into a corner, who are you??

LeBron James

lebron james playoffs

Adversity in the first round of the playoffs and LeBron James haven’t often collided in the same sentence. LeBron’s loss Sunday was his first in game one, of round one, in his career. THAT’S INSANE!!

LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers will bounce back. There’s no doubt. By how much?? We’ll get there, relax.

The Cavaliers were 8-34 from three-point range in game one. That won’t happen again.

Kevin Love scored just nine points. That won’t happen again.

The Cavaliers scored 15 points or less in two quarters. That won’t happen again.

And LeBron James scored ZERO points in the first quarter (on one FG attempt). That won’t happen again.

Watch LeBron James do ‘Superman’ things  tonight @ 7:00 P.M. EST on TNT.

Score Prediction: Cavaliers 110, Pacers 97

New York Yankees

MLB: Spring Training-Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees

Watching the New York Yankees play baseball Tuesday evening, at 6:35 p.m.?!, was one of the most excruciating experiences of my life. No, I’m not overreacting. And no, I’m not panicking in April. But yes, I’m unbelievably disappointed in a 9-1 loss to the MIAMI MARLINS!!

Giancarlo Stanton finished yet another game 0-4 with 2 strikeouts, bringing his batting average to a stellar .167. Stanton’s been awful. Terrible. Horrid. But, he can’t get worse. Also, in MLB, established players always play to the back of their baseball card.

.240, 27 home runs, and 90 r.b.i. is on the way.

Tuesday’s disaster sent pain waves throughout Yankee Nation for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Heading into Monday, the Miami Marlins were tied with the 3rd worst record in baseball (4-12).

2.) The Yankees pummeled the Marlins 12-1 on Monday.

3.) The Yankees were no-hit through 4 1/3 innings by Jarlin Garcia, and finished with just 1 run on 4 hits (Garcia pitched 10 1/3 innings of consecutive no-hit baseball).  

4.) Masahiro Tanaka was painstakingly bad. Tanaka has now given up 6 earned runs in consecutive starts.

Again, panic is not allowed in my house in April. If the Yankees are dealing with this many injuries, and continue playing this way, through June, we’ll panic together.

Until then, let’s hope the Yankees are prepared to fight their way out of a corner.

 

Yankee fans, are you panicking?? If so, calm down, then pour your heart out in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Tanaka Shows Emotion For The 1st Time..Ever — Shuts Out Astros In Game 5

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

tanaka game 5

2, 2, 1, 4, and 0. No, that’s not my ATM pin number, it’s the number of runs scored by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. While the storyline continues to revolve around Aaron Judge and the Yankees’ potent offense, the pitching staff continues to be overshadowed.

Yes, the bats needed to wake up, as they were limited to 1 run each of the first 2 games, but they wouldn’t be leading the ALCS 3 games to 2 without stellar pitching. Everyone knows how dominant their bullpen is, however, they’ve sported the best starting rotation so far this postseason. The only team who has performed near the level of the Yankees is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Heading into this season, the Yankees’ starting rotation was littered with question marks. How would Luis Severino perform in his 1st full season as a starter?? How much does CC Sabathia have left in the tank?? Can Michael Pineda stay healthy for an entire season?? Who will be the 5th starter??

The Yankees overachieved this season, so the majority of these questions were answered in the affirmative, however, they did falter at times. Pineda was shut down for the year in early July. Jordan Montgomery, who filled the 5th starter role to perfection, ran into an innings limit. And the 1 part of the rotation the Yankees assumed would be the foundation, Masahiro Tanaka, turned out to be the least consistent piece of the puzzle.

Come October, throw everything out the window. Except for my TV. Don’t throw that out the window. Postseason baseball breathes new life into the air. Some rise to the occasion, some succumb to the pressure. The Yankees have risen.

Last night, in a crucial Game 5, Masahiro Tanaka, pitched an absolute gem.

CAN I GET A SHUTOUT HERRREEEEE?!?!

Tanaka’s Day: 7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts

The Astros have picked a bad time to go ice cold. 9 runs in 5 games is not going to cut it. Again, this is a testament to the Yankees’ pitching because the Astros are a powerful offense.

Here are the Astros’ offensive rankings in the regular season:

Hits (1,581) – 1st

Runs (896) – 1st

Home Runs (238) – 2nd

Batting Avg. (.282) – 1st

RBI’s (854) – 1st 

Luis Severino will look to keep those powerful bats at bay for 1 more game. Despite being pulled early from his last start, after getting struck with a ball, Severino will take the hill Friday night against Justin Verlander. Verlander mowed down the Yankees in Game 2, so the Yankees will be out for revenge. Hopefully they jump on Verlander early. He’s a rare breed that gets stronger as a game goes on.

Catch all the action tomorrow on FS1 @ 8:08 P.M. EST. When the Yankees win, they’ll return to their 1st World Series since 2009.

LET’S GO YANKEES!!

Score Prediction: Yankees 5, Astros 3 

Who do you think will win Game 6?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

Yanks Yank Game 4 From Astros

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

yankees-astros-2017-american-league-championship-series

Now that was a baseball game!! Game 4 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros has been the best game of the postseason — so far.

Like I said yesterday, hits are contagious. Until the bottom of the 7th inning, a lonely single by Todd Frazier was the Yankees’ only hit. And then, THIS happened. Aaron Judge launched a majestic, 427-foot home run to straight away center field. Not only was this home run a thing of beauty, it was crucial. It got the Yankees on the board, bringing the score to 4-1. It got the crowd going. And most importantly, it forced A.J. Hinch to pull Lance McCullers Jr. McCullers, who 24 hours earlier didn’t know he would start Game 4, was spectacular. The Yankee fan in me wants to thank Astros Manager, A.J. Hinch, for his quick trigger. Letting the horrid Astros’ bullpen loose was the beginning of their end….

Chris Devenski was the 1st victim. He surrendered a triple, a sacrifice fly, and a walk. Devenski was promptly pulled for Joe Musgrove, who got out of the 7th inning unscathed. Little did he know, the 7th inning was just the appetizer. The main course was set for the bottom of the 8th inning. A combination of Musgrove, Ken Giles (the Astros’ closer), and Luke Gregerson allowed the Yankees to bat around, bringing 10 batters to the plate. What started with an innocent single by Todd Frazier, ended with a 2-rbi double by Gary Sanchez. And just like that, the 2-run Yankees’ deficit turned into a 2-run surplus.

If only someone had predicted a final score of 6-4….

Yes.

That’s what they call shameless self-promotion.

While it’s refreshing to see the bats come to life, it shouldn’t overshadow Sonny Gray’s pitching performance. Gray, the forgotten man, hadn’t pitched in 12 days. That is NOT easy. Like Hinch, Joe Girardi had a quick trigger with his starter, pulling Gray after just 85 pitches.

Sonny Gray’s Day: 5 innings, 1 hit, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts

You couldn’t ask for a better performance, in those circumstances, from a guy who hadn’t pitched in nearly 2 weeks. Part of Gray’s success can be tied to Austin Romine getting his 1st start of the postseason at catcher. Gray’s numbers are significantly better with Romine than Gary Sanchez. However, the Romine experiment needn’t last more than 1 day. He’s useless with the bat, and looked rusty with the glove. An ill-timed catcher’s interference didn’t help his cause either. Toss Sanchez back behind the plate, and slot Chase Headley in as the DH. Headley’s bat is finally heatin’ up. Headley, who is historically streaky, looks to be trending in the right direction.

Ride the wave Girardi!! Don’t fight your instincts. I know the robot in you hasn’t taken COMPLETE control of your body — yet.

Game 5 is coming at you today with another awkward 5:08 P.M. EST start. Tune in to FS1 for all the action, as Dallas Keuchel and Masahiro Tanaka will climb the hill. Saying Keuchel owns the Yankees is an understatement. He hasn’t allowed a home run against the Yankees in 217 innings. That trend, gets bucked, today.

Score Prediction: Yankees 3, Astros 2

 

Who do you think will win Game 5?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Who Needs Sleep When You Have Thursday?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

scherzer

I was going to get a good night sleep….until Thursday happened. Thursday night brought us an oxymoron, a moron, and a nail biting elimination game.

A Good Thursday Night Football Game

This term is an oxymoron. But every so often, despite having our viewership locked up, Thursday Night Football provides something worth watching. In a matchup of 4 and 1’s, the Philadelphia Eagles flew into Carolina to take on the Panthers. It was a close, competitive game, but just as I predicted, Cam Newton threw the game away. Not 1, not 2, but 3 interceptions led to a 28-23 victory by the Eagles. I couldn’t be happier for a nicer guy.

On the brighter side of things, Eagles quarterback, Carson Wentz, continued to impress. He posted 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, and added 25 yards on the ground. That’s not too shabby against a stout Panthers’ defense.

Wentz is the real deal.

The Eagles (now 5-1), will have plenty of time to rest, as their next game is a primetime, Monday Night matchup with the Washington Redskins. The Panthers (4-2) will look to bounce back against rookie quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, as they take on the Chicago Bears next week.

Suspend Me Please

She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me. She loves me no….

That’s what Ezekiel Elliot’s status has been like this year. He’s suspended. No, he’s not suspended. Okay he’s suspended, but he can play. Oh wait, now he’s really suspended. Elliot’s 6-game suspension will start next week when the Dallas Cowboys return from their Bye Week. The 5th U.S Circuit Court in New Orleans (Federal appeals court) made this ruling on Thursday.

Elliot and his legal team are exploring their options, primarily their right to appeal the suspension — again. For now, the Cowboys (2-3) will need a game plan while they’re without the services of their star running back. A running back committee of Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith has already been discussed.

Stay tuned. Something tells me the final chapter hasn’t been written on this story yet.

An Inning To Forget

When Max Scherzer is in the game, the opposing team doesn’t usually stand a chance. After retiring the 1st 2 batters of the 5th inning in Game 5, that appeared to be the case. The Nationals were winning when Scherzer entered, however, calamity was about to ensue….

  • Infield Single
  • Bloop Single
  • 2-Run Double
  • Intentional Walk
  • Strikeout That Didn’t End The Inning
  • Catcher’s Interference
  • RBI Hit By Pitch

Ummm, wow!! That brought the grand total in the 5th inning to 4 runs scored on 3 hits and 2 errors. Yes, this inning was insane, however, it is a microcosm of the Nationals, postseason persona. The Nationals have won the NL East 4 out of the past 6 years, and have lost in the 1st round of the playoffs each time. On the contrary, the Cubs won their 4th straight elimination game and advanced to their 3rd consecutive NLCS.

The Cubs will travel to La La Land to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Game 1 can be seen on TBS on Saturday @ 8:08 P.M. EST.

But more importantly, the Yankees take on the Astros in Houston tonight for Game 1 of the ALCS. Tune in to FS1 @ 8:08 for all the action.

Projected Starters: Masahiro Tanaka vs. Dallas Keuchel  

Prediction: Yankees 5, Astros 4

Let’s Go Yankees!!

 

Who do you think will win Game 1 of the ALCS?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Tanaka Pitches A Gem — 1 Down, 2 To Go

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

masahiro

That was as exciting a 1-0 game as you’ll ever see.

With their back against the wall, the Yankees turned to their 155 million dollar man. It’s hard to earn an entire contract in 1 start, but Masahiro Tanaka came pretty close. Tanaka dazzled a sold-out Yankee Stadium, pitching an absolute gem:

7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts  

He outdueled Cleveland Indians’ hurler, Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco was strong through 5 and 2/3 innings but lost his control in the 6th inning (issuing 3 walks). Despite Carrasco keeping the Yankees off the scoreboard, they did have the leadoff hitter on base in the 3rd and 6th inning.

Has the term ‘small-ball’ been wiped out of the baseball dictionary??

*This isn’t revisionist history.

I turned to my friend Michael during the 3rd and 6th inning, and said, “Hey, remember when players used to bunt in this situation?” He completely agreed, especially in a pitcher’s duel, that a bunt would have been the smart play. What happened next, both times???? That’s right, A DOUBLE PLAY!!

The 6th and 7th innings would prove to be crucial in the outcome of this elimination game. With 1 out and 1 on, Francisco Lindor hit a fly ball to deep right field. And as nonchalantly as one could possibly rob a home-run, the seemingly 9-foot tall, Aaron Judge, reached over the wall and brought 2 runs back in the park.

It was like that scene in an animated film when the ordinary man transforms into a 40-foot giant in seconds.

Tanaka, and Lindor, reacted in the only way they could, the ‘tip of their cap’.

Hit the fast forward button to the bottom of the 7th inning. The Yankees were finally able to capitalize, on a Greg Bird, leadoff, moonshot to right field. There’s jacked up, and then there’s JACKED UP….Click here.

I wasn’t in the building, but all accounts from those in attendance drew parallels to the electrifying 1990’s and early 2000’s Yankees. There’s nothing comparable to a stadium, filled to the brim, with 50,291 screaming fans — in the Bronx.

So, the Yankees live to fight another day. Weather permitting, that day will be today. 1st pitch is currently set for 7:08 P.M. EST., but the forecast calls for rain to stop at approximately 8:00 P.M. EST. Take a nap today, for we may be in store for a long evening.

Projected Starters: Luis Severino vs. Trevor Bauer 

Their last starts were polar opposites. Bauer ran through the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS, allowing just 2 hits in 6 and 2/3 innings. Severino lasted just 1/3 of an inning, getting shelled by the Twins in the AL Wild Card Game.

The ultimate question is: Which Luis Severino will show up to Yankee Stadium tonight??

The Yankees’ season, hangs in the balance….

Prediction: Yankees 6, Indians 4

 

Who do you think will win tonight?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

You Couldn’t Manage A Worse Game If You Tried!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

girardi idiot

The ALDS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians has not been for the faint of heart. For Yankees’ fans, the past 72 hours have been an emotional roller coaster. Roller coasters usually make me throw up. We’ll start our ride on Friday night, in Cleveland, for Game 2 of the ALDS.

Game 2 – The Most Poorly Managed Game I’ve Ever Seen!!

“Hi Yankees lineup.”

“Hi Kluber Mountain.”

“Good luck!”

The Yankees faced the unenviable task of stepping into the batter’s box against Corey Kluber. Mr. Kluber is the front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award, and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past 4 years. On the hill for the Yankees, 37 year old CC Sabathia. The Yankees surprisingly got to Kluber early and often. Gary Sanchez kicked things off with a 2-run home run in the 1st inning, and Aaron Hicks and Greg Bird followed suit with home runs of their own, blowing the lead open to 8-3 in the 5th inning.

This is the part where riders must keep all arms and legs inside the roller coaster and should hold on to their hats….

CC Sabathia gave the Yankees exactly what the doctor ordered, a gritty, road-start. After giving up 3 early runs, CC settled in, retiring 12 of 13 batters before being pulled by Joe Girardi in the 6th inning. This was the 1st of a multitude of mistakes by Girardi. CC Sabathia was dealing, and had only thrown 77 pitches. Yanking CC was down right STUPID (knowing your bullpen is already taxed)!!

If that was Girardi’s only mistake, the Yankees may have escaped from Cleveland with a victory. Silly me. Girardi brought in Chad Green. Despite retiring the 1st batter, anyone with eyeballs could see Green didn’t have his usual command (he threw 41 pitches on Tuesday). He promptly gave up a double to Yan Gomes, bringing runners to 2nd and 3rd. Then, with a 2-strike count, Lonnie Chisenhall was awarded 1st base after allegedly being hit by a pitch. All replays available, clearly showed the ball glanced off the knob of Chisenhall’s bat, and landed in Gary Sanchez’s glove. Joe Girardi inexplicably DID NOT challenge this call!!

This is the part where I lose my mind….

There is no valid excuse in the world for Girardi to not challenge this play. Forget that every replay known to man showed Chisenhall wasn’t hit. Forget that Chisenhall showed ZERO reaction as if he’d been hit. Forget that Gary Sanchez, your catcher, is adamantly pleading with you to challenge the play. Forget that you “didn’t get” your preferred super slo-mo replay. Forget tha….you got the picture??

The point is, this was the biggest moment, of the most important game, of the year. I don’t care if Girardi was on the toilet and didn’t see the play, there was NO RISK, and he should have challenged the play sight unseen.

And the worst part, was Girardi’s post-game pile of horse manure. I don’t have the heart, or stomach, to go through Girardi lying to my face again, so click here to see the worst post-game press conference in the history of sports.

Anyway, back to the bases loaded jam we go. Girardi wrongly left Green in, who promptly served up a grand slam to Francisco Lindor. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Just like that, 8-3 became 8-7. Girardi then handed the ball to David Robertson, who threw 52 pitches on Tuesday. After getting 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings from Robertson, Girardi greedily sent Robertson out to the mound in the 8th inning. Enter Jay Bruce….A lead-off, solo shot tied the game at 8. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

You know what else didn’t help?? The Yankees stranded runners in scoring position in the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings, while going scoreless for a span of 8 innings. You know what else REALLY didn’t help?!?! Ronald Torreyes getting picked off on 2nd base, by the catcher, with 0 outs in the 11th inning. How’d that happen you ask….

Todd Frazier reached 2nd base on a throwing error. Torreyes came in to pinch-run for Frazier. And to the shock and dismay of Yankees’ fans everywhere, Torreyes (who had 1 job), was caught drifting off 2nd base by Yan Gomes. Gomes made a spectacular throw, from home, on his knees to get Torreyes, but WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?!?! Unbelievable!!

And lastly, Girardi’s final mistake of the evening, leaving Betances in for a 3rd inning (11th, 12th, and 13th). Joe, stop asking players to do things they’ve never done before. In as close to a must-win situation as possible, everyone not scheduled to pitch in Game 3 should have been available. A fresh Luis Severino, Jaime Garcia, or Jordan Montgomery would have been better options than Betances in a 3rd consecutive inning. It wasn’t Betances’ fault, but who doesn’t love a 9-8 loss in 13 innings?!?!

THIS WAS THE MOST POORLY MANAGED GAME I’VE EVER SEEN — EVER!!!!

Now, rather then being tied 1-1, heading back to New York, the Yankees found themselves down 2-0 heading into Sunday Night’s Game 3.

Stay tuned for a recap of Sunday Night’s Game 3 and a preview of Monday Night’s Game 4.

Have you ever seen a more poorly managed baseball game in your life?? If so, please enlighten me in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!