Yanks and DEVIL Rays... (1 Viewer)

[Koya]

If this is a result of Girardi TOTALLY overeacting to the collision at the plate last week, that is pretty pathetic. Not having much respect for Girardi so far (and yes I hate the Yanks, but that doesnt preclude me from respecting many in their organization)

Sounds like a yank went in spikes up into second base when he was out by a mile... and I blame that on girardi. Yanks... nice to stoop to their level - what about playing like the successful professionals you are?

 

[Koya]

Shelley Duncan was the yank that took the cheap shot, but it was the rays CF that may have really started the brawl by running in and starting the fight...

 

[shadyridr]

Shelley Duncan was the yank that took the cheap shot, but it was the rays CF that may have really started the brawl by running in and starting the fight...

this doesnt surprise me. wish i saw it

 

[TLEF316]

I'm totally against cheap shots and brawls. However, if girardi does something to get this team feisty and motivated early in the year (before they fall 13 games behind like last year) I'm all for it.

 

[ScottNorwood]

GET THEM FEISTY!

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Girardi didn't overreact at all...

He just stated his opinion of the play, which is certainly a legit opinion...

He backed his player (which shows the whole team where he stands, b/c if he doesn that for a minor leaguer), which is what a manager is supposed to do

 

[Koya]

Girardi didn't overreact at all...He just stated his opinion of the play, which is certainly a legit opinion...He backed his player (which shows the whole team where he stands, b/c if he doesn that for a minor leaguer), which is what a manager is supposed to do

He overeacted. His tone, his words - his catcher was blocking the plate and got nailed. it's called baseball... and the fact that players have taken his lead in the form of Duncan trading back what truly is nothing more than a cheap shot and revenge leads me to further believe this.You can light a fire without losing respect for the game.That said, it sounds as if the CF for the Rays was in no way right in ramping up the fight... but they are the Devil Rays, the Yanks have their tradition, their winning, their veteran attributes. I can say this, it was hard to hate the Torre yanks except for their winning (and douchwads like Clemens). But this makes it much easier.

 

[Sinn Fein]

EjectionsNew York Yankees pitcher Heath Phillips ejected by HP umpire Chad Fairchild. (1st); New York Yankees right fielder Shelley Duncan ejected by 2B umpire Charlie Reliford. (2nd); Tampa Bay Rays Jonny Gomes ejected by 1B umpire Jerry Crawford. (2nd); New York Yankees Third Base Coach Bobby Meacham ejected by 1B umpire Jerry Crawford. (2nd); New York Yankees Batting Coach Kevin Long ejected by 1B umpire Jerry Crawford. (2nd).

I have not seen the game, but this strikes me as pretty bush league by the Yankees. In the 1st inning they threw at (and hit) Longoria (big difference between Longoria and some AA catcher), and then stirred up the pot again in the 2nd. Thye need to let it go, if they let the Rays get to them this easily they will never be able to handle Boston.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

You don't get to have it both ways: if the hit on the catcher was just regular ol baseball and the fact that it was spring training doesn't matter, than I don't see why whatever happened today doesn't fit in the same category

Teams settling the score on the field, the way it should be handled

 

[Knightro]

Duncan was going to be out by a country mile. He went into second base sliding spikes high a la Ty Cobb.

Gomes came in from RF and gave him the Spear

GB Gomer!

 

[Koya]

You don't get to have it both ways: if the hit on the catcher was just regular ol baseball and the fact that it was spring training doesn't matter, than I don't see why whatever happened today doesn't fit in the same categoryTeams settling the score on the field, the way it should be handled

Because when a catcher blocks the plate, the correct and acceptable play is to bowl him over... if you slide, you break a leg. If you dont initiate contact then you arent playing the game and not playing to win. if the Catcher doesnt want contact because its preseason, do a glove tag and dont take away the slide.Sliding into second WELL after you are out with your spikes up is NOT acceptable baseball - it's a cheapshot. I see the two as very different.If you want to throw at a guy to "even things up" I dont think that is appropriate in the spring, but I can accept it. To follow that with a blatant cheap slide is completely unacceptable.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

All of this is with the caveat that I have not seen the play today, but the Rays runner was out by a ton the other day also

 

[Finless]

Girardi is classless

 

[Sinn Fein]

You don't get to have it both ways: if the hit on the catcher was just regular ol baseball and the fact that it was spring training doesn't matter, than I don't see why whatever happened today doesn't fit in the same categoryTeams settling the score on the field, the way it should be handled

I agree, in theory. If they had thrown at the first batter up, I would chalk that up to just part of the game. Waiting to throw at the team's new star player, is going overboard (in relation to running into a AA catcher).Then, once you send your message by throwing at Longoria, its over (unless the Rays retaliate). Continuing on into the 2nd inning is where it just became childish. These are the Yankees - they are supposed to be the intimidating team. They should not be running scared of the Rays. They should have just chalked up the first game to the Rays trying too hard, because they can't win in the regular season. In reality, I think the Yankees are a little scared of the Rays, and will be humiliated if/when they finish behind Tampa.Also, agree with an earlier poster - if the catcher does not want to be hit, don't block the plate. After all its just a spring training game. WHy block the plate??

 

[Knightro]

I'm going to enjoy winning the season series against the Yankees for the 2nd time in 3 years this year

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I definitely do not agree that this is an example of somehow being scared or intimidated by the Rays

If anything it's the opposite

For too long the "professional" Yankees have turned the proverbial other cheek as their players (including stars) have gotten hit by pitches, run into on the bases, etc...

I like the fire here

Duncan may have been over the edge here (he does have that personality), but a LOT of this flak, IMO, is because it is the Yanks

 

[Koya]

I definitely do not agree that this is an example of somehow being scared or intimidated by the RaysIf anything it's the oppositeFor too long the "professional" Yankees have turned the proverbial other cheek as their players (including stars) have gotten hit by pitches, run into on the bases, etc...I like the fire hereDuncan may have been over the edge here (he does have that personality), but a LOT of this flak, IMO, is because it is the Yanks

I agree this has nothing to do with the Yanks being intimidated by the Rays.What may be concerning to Yanks fans is this may have to do with being intimidated by Torre's shadow - specifcally the "need" to "show more fire in the belly"You have an edict from the owner to the manager to the team which resulted in this behavior - which was well overboard. its one thing to stand up for your teamate but another to go nuts in doing so.This is New York - the heat is going to be on ALL season. if Girardi's crew reacts like this before the middle of march arrives, how the hell is he and are they going to deal with the real pressure during the season?Is there any concern that this "need" to be "fiery" could self implode? While Torre may have been too laid back, his great attribute was that even keel during good and bad,... perfect for a New York market which overeacts to everything. if the team now overeacts on its own, Im not sure how that will translate for when things go wrong during the season.It's baseball, you cant be 100% riled up for 162 games without imploding or burning out.

 

[meeka]

Nevermind, Koya pretty well covered it.

 

[shadyridr]

From everything I read online about the ejection in the 1st inning the pitch inside wasnt intentional and was barely a inside. Sounded like an overreaction by the home plate ump.

 

[Koya]

BTW, it should be known that I agree the yanks should show more fire than in the past. I agree that they need to retaliate when necessary, as opposed to Joe who would NEVER hit an opponent to the point of weakness.

But, there is a level where you go so overboard as to throw out the baby with the bathwater and my concern would be that Girardi is setting an atmosphere where he will be just as overboard if not more than joe was understated:

Given a choice of the two on a stacked veteran team in New York, being too understated may not be best, but it got them 10+ divisions and 4 WS wins... being too OVERstated in your reaction might end up in a disaster rather than resulting in not quite meeting expectations in the post season.

 

[Sinn Fein]

From everything I read online about the ejection in the 1st inning the pitch inside wasnt intentional and was barely a inside. Sounded like an overreaction by the home plate ump.

Here is the ESPN write-up:The fight was forshadowed by a purpose pitch thrown at one of the Rays' top prospects in the first inning. Yankees pitcher Heath Phillips hit Rays third baseman Longoria on his midsection. Home plate umpire Chad Fairchild ejected Phillips.To be fair, a pitch to mid-section is exactly where you would expect a "purpose" pitch. It will sting, and send the right message, without any real danger of significant injury (I.e not at the head or knees). Aside from waiting until Longoria came up, 7th, I think it is part of the game.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Duncan was going to be out by a country mile. He went into second base sliding spikes high a la Ty Cobb.

Gomes came in from RF and gave him the Spear

GB Gomer!

Did he give him a Jackhammer afterwards?:Gomeberg:

 

[Capella]

Rays aren't taking any #### anymore.

#### the Yankees.

 

[wadegarrett]

YES! Should make for a great year b/w them.

 

[Knightro]

This was the slide that started the fight

 

[Koya]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much... apparantly he was out by a LONG mile before going cleats to nuts.

 

[Knightro]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much... apparantly he was out by a LONG mile before going cleats to nuts.

the throw beat him to the base by a full 2 seconds. That said, spikes that high are never acceptable.

 

[pillowpants]

Rays aren't taking any #### anymore. #### the Yankees.

Your 2008 Tampa Rays: We're (almost) Relevant!

 

[Capella]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much...

You see where his ####ing cleats are, huffer?

 

[pillowpants]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much...

You see where his ####ing cleats are, huffer?

It's a good thing he's Asian.

 

[Koya]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much...

You see where his ####ing cleats are, huffer?

Its a still shot. It would be a cheap shot no doubt, but I cant say from that one photo that it is worth an all out brawl. I hate the yanks so it's not like Im going to give them many benefits of doubt.From that pic it could have been a late slide where the leg got too high and the 2B didnt get out of the way. It is only the knowledge that the guy was out by a mile that makes this go from cheap shot to utterly unacceptable bush league move.

 

[Capella]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much...

You see where his ####ing cleats are, huffer?

Its a still shot. It would be a cheap shot no doubt, but I cant say from that one photo that it is worth an all out brawl. I hate the yanks so it's not like Im going to give them many benefits of doubt.From that pic it could have been a late slide where the leg got too high and the 2B didnt get out of the way. It is only the knowledge that the guy was out by a mile that makes this go from cheap shot to utterly unacceptable bush league move.

Koya, Aki had cleat marks on his jersey and the thigh. Stop being stupid.

 

[Koya]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much...

You see where his ####ing cleats are, huffer?

Its a still shot. It would be a cheap shot no doubt, but I cant say from that one photo that it is worth an all out brawl. I hate the yanks so it's not like Im going to give them many benefits of doubt.From that pic it could have been a late slide where the leg got too high and the 2B didnt get out of the way. It is only the knowledge that the guy was out by a mile that makes this go from cheap shot to utterly unacceptable bush league move.

Koya, Aki had cleat marks on his jersey and the thigh. Stop being stupid.

I am merely saying from that ONE PIC you can't conclude much more than a cheap shot... when you know the full story you realize how bad a cheap shot it was.What's wrong with this?

 

[Darth Cheney]

That's just Shell being Shell. Now let's bean a bunch of BoSox players to get back at all the times Pedro took liberties with the inside of the plate.

 

[Capella]

This was the slide that started the fight

That on it's own wouldnt merit much...

You see where his ####ing cleats are, huffer?

Its a still shot. It would be a cheap shot no doubt, but I cant say from that one photo that it is worth an all out brawl. I hate the yanks so it's not like Im going to give them many benefits of doubt.From that pic it could have been a late slide where the leg got too high and the 2B didnt get out of the way. It is only the knowledge that the guy was out by a mile that makes this go from cheap shot to utterly unacceptable bush league move.

Koya, Aki had cleat marks on his jersey and the thigh. Stop being stupid.

I am merely saying from that ONE PIC you can't conclude much more than a cheap shot... when you know the full story you realize how bad a cheap shot it was.What's wrong with this?

I have no idea what your point is.

 

[Ed Wood]

In reality, I think the Yankees are a little scared of the Rays, and will be humiliated if/when they finish behind Tampa.

Is that you or your avatar talking?

 

[MAC_32]

I won't be disappointed if I see a laser directed at Duncan's dome the next time these two meet...if Duncan even makes it to the plate. Nothing like irrelevant players trying to make headlines. Bush league.

 

[jeter23]

Aside from waiting until Longoria came up, 7th, I think it is part of the game.

ESPN said Longoria was the leadoff batter in the 1st.

 

[MAC_32]

Aside from waiting until Longoria came up, 7th, I think it is part of the game.

ESPN said Longoria was the leadoff batter in the 1st.

As has been the case with relative frequency as of late, ESPN is wrong.

 

[Sundays Rule]

Any video of this?

 

[the moops]

video

 

[Balco]

video

I was expecting a better tackle from Gomes. It looked like his shortstop was trying to stop him.Definite cheap shot by Duncan.

 

[Bogart]

The Rays are officially my second favorite team now.

 

[Finless]

Rays 7

Yanks 6

 

[jeter23]

Aside from waiting until Longoria came up, 7th, I think it is part of the game.

ESPN said Longoria was the leadoff batter in the 1st.

As has been the case with relative frequency as of late, ESPN is wrong.

Thanks, I figured as much.

 

[shadyridr]

definite cheap shot by Duncan Expect a small suspension. The spear was hilarious.

 

[Koya]

I won't be disappointed if I see a laser directed at Duncan's dome the next time these two meet...if Duncan even makes it to the plate. Nothing like irrelevant players trying to make headlines. Bush league.

Shelley Duncan is not irrelevant. If the yanks are going to get where they want to go this year, he best not be.

 

[Giant Wooden Badger]

I won't be disappointed if I see a laser directed at Duncan's dome the next time these two meet...if Duncan even makes it to the plate. Nothing like irrelevant players trying to make headlines. Bush league.

Shelley Duncan is not irrelevant. If the yanks are going to get where they want to go this year, he best not be.

He's garbage.

 

[Koya]

I won't be disappointed if I see a laser directed at Duncan's dome the next time these two meet...if Duncan even makes it to the plate. Nothing like irrelevant players trying to make headlines. Bush league.

Shelley Duncan is not irrelevant. If the yanks are going to get where they want to go this year, he best not be.

He's garbage.

I thought Duncan had skills and was expected to be a significant contributor this year?Ive also heard he can be a punk with an anger management issue in the minors.

 

[Giant Wooden Badger]

I won't be disappointed if I see a laser directed at Duncan's dome the next time these two meet...if Duncan even makes it to the plate. Nothing like irrelevant players trying to make headlines. Bush league.

Shelley Duncan is not irrelevant. If the yanks are going to get where they want to go this year, he best not be.

He's garbage.

I thought Duncan had skills and was expected to be a significant contributor this year?Ive also heard he can be a punk with an anger management issue in the minors.

He's a bench player.From BPro: To review, Shelley Duncan’s late-2007 impersonation of Shane Spencer aside, he’s an inadequate solution as a first baseman. Prior to 2007 he had two weeks of experience above Double-A, and hadn’t posted an OBP above .334 since A-ball, or slugged .500 as a professional. His .295/.380/.577 line at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre screams “peak,” and his more typical .250/.330/.470 minor league numbers translate to “awful” in the majors.