The 2008 season has had its fair share of “that was our season in a nutshell” moments.
In a year full of them, it was only fitting that the Yankees added a few more to an already glittering resume.
When Alex Rodriguez grounded into his second double play in the seventh inning, even the crowd, who had been on side the entire season, finally vented their frustration. It may not have been directed only at Alex, but also the team as a whole and this entire season that has filled with inconsistency, miscues and downright horrific execution.
The Yankees lost to the Red Sox 7-3, in a game that looked like many others this season. It is to the point where a fan just looks at the team and is resigned to the teams play and eventual result.
Andy Pettitte, who had the clear pitching advantage over Tim Wakefield going into the night, did not have his best stuff. Some of that can be attributed to the home plate umpire (Jim Reynolds) who was clearly squeezing the strike zone, forcing him throw many more pitches that normal.
Regardless, Pettitte still had problems getting outs a Red Sox that did not feature Manny Ramirez (traded), Mike Lowell and JD Drew (disabled list). Instead, it included Jed Lowrie, Coco Crisp, Kevin Cash and Jeff Bailey - an inflated AAAA lineup.
In a year full of them, it was only fitting that the Yankees added a few more to an already glittering resume.
When Alex Rodriguez grounded into his second double play in the seventh inning, even the crowd, who had been on side the entire season, finally vented their frustration. It may not have been directed only at Alex, but also the team as a whole and this entire season that has filled with inconsistency, miscues and downright horrific execution.
The Yankees lost to the Red Sox 7-3, in a game that looked like many others this season. It is to the point where a fan just looks at the team and is resigned to the teams play and eventual result.
Andy Pettitte, who had the clear pitching advantage over Tim Wakefield going into the night, did not have his best stuff. Some of that can be attributed to the home plate umpire (Jim Reynolds) who was clearly squeezing the strike zone, forcing him throw many more pitches that normal.
Regardless, Pettitte still had problems getting outs a Red Sox that did not feature Manny Ramirez (traded), Mike Lowell and JD Drew (disabled list). Instead, it included Jed Lowrie, Coco Crisp, Kevin Cash and Jeff Bailey - an inflated AAAA lineup.
He lasted only 4 and 2/3 innings, allowing ten hits and six runs.
The play will go down among the “Yankees top five boneheaded plays” of the year happened in the fifth inning.
With two men out and runners on second and third, Jeff Bailey hit a hard chopper that ricocheted off the third base bad and right to Rodriguez. ARod’s throw to first was not in time to get Bailey and Lowrie scored. Taking the chance, Coco Crisp came around third base to score. Jason Giambi bluffed a throw home under the impression the runner was out and simply held on to the ball, allowing Crisp to score uncontested to turn what was 4-2 into a 6-2 Red Sox lead.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Yankees looked to answer. Johnny Damon homered for the second time to make it 6-3, and they had first and second with one out. Once again, as it has been all season, both Rodriguez and Giambi would fail to deliver. Rodriguez flied out to shallow center, which drew some rare boos. Giambi popped out to Dustin Pedroia to end the threat.
The Yankees are now six games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race. All of the good feelings that came from the Baltimore have been washed away.
Sidney Ponson takes the ball tomorrow against Paul Byrd for the Red Sox. With the specter of losing this series very possible tomorrow, it appears the nails are slowing tightening in the Yankee coffin.
One nail at a time.
The play will go down among the “Yankees top five boneheaded plays” of the year happened in the fifth inning.
With two men out and runners on second and third, Jeff Bailey hit a hard chopper that ricocheted off the third base bad and right to Rodriguez. ARod’s throw to first was not in time to get Bailey and Lowrie scored. Taking the chance, Coco Crisp came around third base to score. Jason Giambi bluffed a throw home under the impression the runner was out and simply held on to the ball, allowing Crisp to score uncontested to turn what was 4-2 into a 6-2 Red Sox lead.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Yankees looked to answer. Johnny Damon homered for the second time to make it 6-3, and they had first and second with one out. Once again, as it has been all season, both Rodriguez and Giambi would fail to deliver. Rodriguez flied out to shallow center, which drew some rare boos. Giambi popped out to Dustin Pedroia to end the threat.
The Yankees are now six games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race. All of the good feelings that came from the Baltimore have been washed away.
Sidney Ponson takes the ball tomorrow against Paul Byrd for the Red Sox. With the specter of losing this series very possible tomorrow, it appears the nails are slowing tightening in the Yankee coffin.
One nail at a time.
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