And now, for the main event...

Hi, Bryan ...

I know there are many events planned before tonight's All-Star Game ... My Questions: Will there be a special tribute and moment of silence for Bobby Murcer? ... and, Is there something scheduled in honor of George Steinbrenner? ... Take care, and enjoy the game ... Jimmy [27NYY] ...

http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

Josh Hamilton really captured my heart last night. The homerun derby is supposed to be a show, and he certainly put on a show. I don't think I've ever seen an outsider (non-Yankee) get the run he got in the Stadium. I hope he continues to have a great career, while sucking against the Yankees, of course. He hit the freaking back wall? AWESOME!

I can see Francona using his boy Papelbon in the 9th just to spit in our face. He is managing the All-Star game in our yard, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if we get Rivera in the 8th inning, and that kook Papelbon in the 9th.

There will be a tribute for Bobby Murcer, but MLB is keeping the details hush-hush. Tim McCarver said that FOX is also planning their own tribute to Murcer. Make sure you're tuned in at 7:45 because the ceremonies are going to be something special.

chaz ...

Yeah, that was an awesome performance by Josh Hamilton in the Homerun Derby ... But, also, how about the great pitching by his long-time batting practice pitcher, 71-year old, Clay Counsil ... He was giving Hamilton "perfect" pitches to hit !!! ... It is also interesting that this was only the second time that Counsil has ever visited Yankee Stadium ... He said, the only other time he was at The Stadium was in 1956, for Don Larsen's "perfect game" in the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers [Oct 8, 1956] ... Wow, those are two special moments for someone to have -- as memories of [only] being in Yankee Stadium two times !!! ... Jimmy27NYY ...

http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

Bryan ...

Thanks, for the information regarding the "special tribute" for Bobby Murcer [before tonight's All-Star Game] ... Have a great day; and, enjoy the game tonight !!! ... Jimmy

I believe that Francona has more class than that to call in Paplebon in lieu of Mo in the 9th. He may be the SUCHS manager, but he's more classy than many of the skippers in the league.

Hey guys what do you think of Jonathan Papelbon saying that he should close tonights game over Mariano? I think Papelbon should just keep his mouth shut because this event is about the Yankees and Yankee Stadium. Anyway, Mo's having a much better year than Papelbon, so for him to say that he has earned the right to close the game is a bunch of bull in my opinion.

Bobby Murcer tribute is summed up" He was a good human being". Around nice guy, who was expected to replace Mickey Mantle and the beat would go on. Many was disappointed he was not a player like the beloved "Mick". But he was a superstar person.

Sorry to contaminate this blog wtih Barry Bonds's name, but I had to LMAO at the fact that there isn't one team who waants him, not even for $390,000. He has become a joke, and a no-talent waste of a human being. Burn in Hell you lying, cheating piece of garbage. Despite all this there will still be some retards who will show up on blogs like this one who shall go nameless (keys "To being a retarded Idiot"wahili) and contaminate this blog by spewing out the usual garbage about that loser Bonds!!!

Amen, Barr-oid is a cancer that MLB may NEVER be able to cut out. I can only hope that A-Rod passes him soon.

I can't wait to see that peice of garbage Bonds and that pedophile rapist Clemens get owned in court. I wonder if they will still carry those big egos they have when they are both someone's punk in the klink.

HA! HA! I think both their egos would take a big hit in jail when they find out no one wants any part of those two scumbags. I guess that means they will have to be each other's Bitch!!!

Speaking of Beeyatch, who was that Hooker doing the interviews during the Home Run Derby? Note to MLB: Get someone who knows a little about baseball and can read from 3x5 cards. That trick asked the lamest questions. I'm not sexist but, I'm tired of seeing chicks try to talk sports on T.V. Most of them are there because of their looks. Cheryl Miller is one of the best because 1. she was a baller and 2. knows what she's talking about.

The parade was awesome! Except that it was really hot and Papelbon kept flashing his god forsaken world series ring. I’ve never hated another Red Sok this much before. It just got me so excited for tonight. I’ve NEVER been more excited for a ball game. I was almost three feet away from the firkin players. I’ve seen Jeter and A-rod up close before but every star in the majors? I hate people that keep taking pictures and stuff at these events but I couldn’t resist taking a couple today. So excited. I love Yankee stadium. It’s basically where I grew up.

YANKEES MINOR LEAGUE SCOREBOARD July 14, 2008

Binghamton (Mets) 0
Trenton 2
W: P. Coke (8-4, 2.74); L: T. Stoner (0-4, 6.11)
HR: TRE: C. Malec (5).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_14_binaax_treaax_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Tampa 6
Vero Beach (Rays) 3
W: I. Nova (4-11, 4.69); L: A. Reyes (0-1, 3.00); SV: J. Hovis (9)
HR: TAM: J. Kreuzer (1).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_14_tbyafa_vbdafa_1&t=g_box&did=milb
West Virginia (Brewers) 8
Charleston 9 (11)
W: J. Ortiz (2-2, 1.85); L: C. Frerichs (4-7, 2.60)
HR: WVA: S. Wilson (15), A. De La Rosa (2). CHA: A. Romine (4).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_14_wvaafx_crdafx_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Staten Island 2
Tri-City (Astros) 3
W: D. Duncan (1-2, 4.50); L: L. Greinke (0-3, 1.99); SV: M. Hacker (3)
HR: None.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_14_staasx_trcasx_1&t=g_box&did=milb
GCLYankees 7
GCL Indians 4 (12)
W: I. Batista (1-1, 5.40); L: D. Montero (0-1, 2.79); SV: M. Obradovich (3)
HR: YAN: T. Baldridge (2), F. Arcia (1).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_07_14_yanrok_indrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb
You may also see http://www.yankeesdaily.com for details.

YANKEES MINOR LEAGUE SCOREBOARD July 15, 2008

GCL Tigers POSTPONED
GCLYankees

---------------------------------
You may also see http://www.yankeesdaily.com for details

How about Cindy Brunson with that "just a little crush" crap? She is terrible.

I was just looking through some of my pictures. I have some pretty good shots of people. A couple of them are staring straight at my camera…I think one of them is Sheets. And you guys are right some chicks don’t know sports... and this is coming from a chick. I hate those NFL lady reporters who wear like nasty fur coats in 50 degree weather with a matching dead cat on the top which they think is a hat. I may not know sports well either but I play a couple of them. I think I know enough though.

Paplebon is as arrogant as Albert Belle.

Rivera is a first ballot hall of famer with a spot reserved in monument park. If the BUM wants to close today, let him. The booes and hissing will be legendary, and francona will go down as a classless chump.

Rivera is the greates relief pitcher of all time (although one can make an arguement for fingers and hunter....). Paplebon is lucky if he pitches a whole season without DL time.

If I didn't like Paplebon before, I utterly dispise him now.

AND-rivera is the best closer in both leagues with the best numbers and he's pushing forty while dominating the way he has.

You think HE deserves to be the closer?

I have a solution: Start Rivera and let Paplebon close the game. This way, I can go to sleep early and won't have to stay up to see the only player I want to see play in this game.

Paplebon has a long ways to go if he wants to be "better" then Mariano...he can start by showing a fraction of Mo's class and dignity.

I say when Paplebon pitches everyone throws rotten stinking tomatoes at him.
Man, that pissed me off. Is he that stupid? Bon-bon must have just been drinking, right? I mean, he didn't REALLY say something so idiotic, did he?
wow.

You can make an argument for Hoffman who is the all time saves leader. Mo may not catch him but they're two of the best closers ever. Papelbum like Schilling, and Manny, and Pedro just fit the mold of classless Sox players who can't keep their mouth shut and couldn't tell their head from their ***. Let Papelbon close the ASG, nobody really cares about the game anyway it's boring always a blowout, and the home field advantage has never been a factor in the World Series since it's implementation to the ASG. Even Sox fans can't argue the better reliever, and if they do their morons.

Michael, I would Love to See Appelbon close as well. The reason for that is b/c I would love to see all the fans Booing the hell out of him from the time he enters the game to the time he gets back on the bus. Not only that, but I would just love to see the National League lineup come back right when he enters the game. How embarrasing would that be if he blow the save.

Couple of comments in the negative... I hate to start this way on a day like today, but well it is what it is!

First, Pap'smear's comment. Agreed, classless and arrogant. First of all, you're a johnny-come-lately. Second of all, you haven't even worn the shoes Mo has for a couple of years let alone the decade plus he has, AND to add to the fact, it's the last Non-Yankee game in this most hallowed and most famous park. Considering that you have arguably the best closer in the game that happens to play for the same team as the stadium that you're playing in, the history etc... only an arrogant and seflish punk would think of himself before the 'game'. NO way in hell does Francona close Papelbon, not after saying that if he's as classy as people claim he is. He knows this has way more meaning than the rivalrly of Red Sox and Yankees. He knows or should know that history would not be kind to him for him to start his own boy over an ICON in this type of game. We'll see shortly but that's my take. I can tell you this though, if the situation was reversed, Girardi or Torre would do the same thing, and most likely quite a few managers.

On Barry Bonds. I saw an article today from Fox's Kriegel on why he should be in the news and why the Yankees should consider him. I was about laughing on the floor when I had the epiphany that he was serious! He wrote the book on Pete Marovich and on something else too, thought it actually gave him credibility as a writer but I was so wrong.

What a tool to actually take time to write that article when he could've been writing about any other topic but Bonds and some ill-conceived notion that we as fans need his kind of controversy to make the game 'interesting'. I'm personally glad to see that NO ONE will even touch his sorry ***. Now that's not to say that I think owners were completely ignorant to the steroid era but that's another story, at least NOW they're not going to put themselves or their organizations through the media insanity that'd it be to sign this guy. We need not rehash why he's not a smart choice either... but with all the possible good stories out there in baseball, he had to pick one that wasn't, and wasn't even good considering.

Some journalists have no skills and really shouldn't be journalists at all.

On Bobby Murcer... I'd kind of rather prefer to see the Yankees do something for him during their own game, not during the ASG where other things would distract from the moment, or conversely, Murcer's tribute might be a distraction from the ASG. Just my personal opinion. He deserves for that tribute to be done during one of their home games.

On the ASG as it is currently... a joke. Fans should ONLY be allowed to vote in like a replacement or a roundout guy, no starters. You've completely taken away the meaning of being an ALL-STAR by taking away the criterion that was used to judge all AS's before them; comparison against their peers. Now it's a popularity vote and what constitutes popularity is different for every voter.

With what the game now means rather than just being a kick *** exhibition, is now sullied into the worst parlor joke around. How can you respect that? How can you slap that in the face of the team that earns the right to have homefield by virtue of the best record in the game to making it not mean anything? Basically all you have to do is get in (the playoffs), and rest your players as much as you can... forget about trying to win as many games as you can because it may not mean anything when it comes down to it! This is right up there in the top-10 greatest Bud Selig stupid moves. This game will be a joke until that crap is rescinded!

No Ryan Howard? How can you not have a guy leading the league in RBI and HRs in the damn game? I mean that is lame and that's just the beginning of what it is.

Ok, now for the positive... as ol' Bilbo Baggins would say... "A night to remember..."

Ok one last negative... it only figures that damned Joe Buck and Tim McCarver would be on the mic. I despise these two and their biased @sses far more than Bonds. I may have to just turn on gamecast or MLB.TV radio because I can only stand to hear their voices so long before I want to bash their freakin' brains in! :P

Good luck to the boys representin' tonight but I've already predicted a 6-3 win by the AL.

Good luck to the Bombers in the second half, it doesn't look like our year, but let's at least make some progress and a foundation to build on going forward... set the tone for the future instead of expecting the past to dictate it for you!

Can anyone tell me why Boggs was wearing a Yanks cap? I understand he played for us and yada yada, but im just curious since he went into the Hall as a Red Sox. Some of the other players had two caps, he didnt even have his BoSox cap.

Good question Ayton! Maybe he just knows a class organization when he played for one!? ;)

That is odd, Winfield had his Padre hat too. I didn't notice if Reggie or Goose had a second hat.

Bad news for all Yankee fans, especially the ones who don't want to see bonds anywhere near this team as there is an AP report that Matsui has swelling in his left knee and increasing his chances of him having season-ending knee surgery. This might increase the likelihood of Bonds joining this team if Crashman can't find a legit option for Matsui. Who knew Yankee fans could be so deluded and idiotic, as some are calling him a "God". GOD HELP US FANS!!!!!!!

Matt, yeah I realize it's looking WE'RE going to be the fools who actually give this guy a look. I hope we don't even go down that road and that it's more hyperbole than actuality.

I understand, we're in a pickle. But, then again, we've been talking for awhile now that Godzirra and Damon are our liabilities in the OF, nothing personal just the facts. We could've addressed that situation in the offseason, and I realize why we didn't, we were hoping to economize on the both of them, but alas now they've both broken down.

While he may be an option, and a good option from a statistical point of view, he's so not a good option for many more reasons. I'd hate to see our organization make this kind of move because it would reak of desperation and would actually be the case. If CC got dealt we can get an OF, but maybe not one of the statisical prowess of a Bonds. ;)

I admittedly haven't researched the market, I'm just saying... it would be a desperate move for an organization that claims it's not in a rebuilding year, while also flirting with not making the playoffs for the first time in a dozen years to make this kind of move... pride from the front office assumes that we're good enough to win the Division or make the WC despite the bad start for Phil and Ian, as well as the slow-moving of Joba to the rotation and the mantra of getting back to building from within and not hiring rentals.

I just think that'd be a weird message to send the fans. Sure you may get a quick boost in offensive production, but you know you're going to have to slate Bonds in the DH slot, how dependable is he in the field, and if you have to put him there aren't you just taking on more injury risk than you have already? Lord knows we need 3 OF's on the DL!

knute,

I agree with everything you just said. In regards to your question of him playing the outfield, he can't. I saw him play in his last season with the Giants, and it was sooooooo painful to watch him play. He's old, and has gotten slow, and is an injury risk just by going up the steps, and I haven't even mentioned how long it will take him to get into playing shape. I don't care who you are, it does take time. There's no way he can handle the East Coast media either, after seeing how he was reduced to tears on a couple of times by the West Coast media who are generally considered a bunch of pansies.

If Crashman is interested in fixing this mess he better get his ***** moving and find a possible option like Nady? Ichiro?

BTW, the latest rumors regarding Fuentes are that the Rockies want Melancon for him. IF that's the case I say forget it. Fuentes is not worth a future closer who is almost dominant as Chamberlain. Go for someone cheaper like Marte.

You know I still disagree with MLB allowing Ichiro to wear his first name on his uni, but other than that, what's not to like about this guy?! At first when his name got brought up I thought that was a pipe-dream, not that we haven't had our share of those come true, but just him being the face of the M's for this long, I just never thought they'd let him go. It appears that may not be the case. I think his age is the only real knock on longevity, because he's going to be a good hitter until he leaves the game I believe, his skills haven't really dropped off and he hits for average... offhand I thought they'd just went through a contract resigning recently? Are they really ready to deal him or is it more that we want to package him than the M's want to part with him? I would love that deal considering whom we have to part with. On the Fuentes front, I agree with you, Marte is a good and likely better option, I like him and a deal for him much more than with Fuentes because of what it'll cost us. For now get max production for your best dollar. Once you get that ML system back into generating better MLB talent over all positions then you can make those trades during times when you have immediate needs but won't cost yourself years on the farm in what you give away. Our ML system is so depleted we can't be giving away future closers for a middle relief/setup guy whom you can deal for this offseason anyway considering Farnsy and Hawkins will prolly be gone too. Gotta trim the fat too!

Well it looks like my prediction is blown... I entered the MLB contest where you predict the line scoring... I had both leagues scoring already... hahaha. We can still work with 6-3 though... :P

Crapelbon? I think that name works for him.

knute,

You're right. He recently signed a $ 90 million contract for 5 seasons last year, but I bought up his name as a possible option since the Mariners are likely going to sell of the team, plus I thought I read somewhere, he would be interested in a move back East possibly to New York. I could be wrong about that.

Wow, is Seattle just saying no to sports or what?! First the Sonics go to Oklahoma of all places, you know that bastion of basketball fanatics, now the M's are being Sold!?

Umm, Papsmear will hear about that one for a long time to come... hahahah. I can't say I feel too sorry for him, he's been full of himself, peg down a few. :P

It was Navarro's miscue but hey, Paps gave up the hit! :P

Very interesting that this is Drew's first all-star game and he hits a HR in his first AB. Hard to believe it's been eleven years... I have a nice Rookie card of his.

Wouldn't it be ironic if Mo doesn't get in and we lose? Hahahah

NL is on the verge!

I'm still scratching my head why we didn't sacrifice with Morneau at 3rd with one out. That run could be the difference!

Oops my bad, Drew followed Navarro, still would've been 2-2.

Bryan,

I know you didn't write the article but the desciption of Steinbrenner defeats everything we stand for. Describing him at the elevator is like desribing an older uncle, WE DO NOT SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT HIS HEALTH.

That being said, Fuentes for Kennadia is on, Colorado has signed off, they are deciding if they want us to take Helton also even if they pay part of his salary.

Looks like all signs go on Sexson for minimum (for left handed pinchers). G is coming back.

Bonds=call us if we win the division and you wanna pinch hit like Canseco.

Hughes is coming, Damon appears as if 15 part 2. Get Sheff back.

K-Rod is free.

Matt is with Duncan in left center.

Bryan Hoch, make sure you speak with the person who wrote the article about George, it is not right!!!! Email me if you have to.

Matsui is not gonna full strength if he plays this year. Gradner and Melky can only work with a third vet....

Girardi has had discussion with Paul O'Neill, Leyritz, Martinez and Sojo in the last 2 weeks, this could be advice or we could find replacements in the offseason.

Papelbum is needs to close his mouth and lie down, go to the Caribbean or something.

Oh man tough break(s) for Uggla... but this could very well mean Mo gets the W!

That'd be a nice consolation to the missed save... :)

Unbelievable! Rats@ss... nice Defensive work by the NL after loading 'em up and by Cook in keeping the ball DOWN. Kyle Farnsworth take notes! :P

Is it just me or is the game really, really fun to watch? I mean you had the interest of Jeter/Arod at the beginning. Then you had Crapelbon coming in and giving up the potential losing run. You had Mo come in and work 1 and 2/3s of typical "Mo-ness." Now you have these constant jams and defensive plays (although the umps could use a little help tonight). It's about as exciting as an all-star game can be.

Yes it actually is... been a very exciting game to watch! There's been a lot of tales within the game in this one... I'm about to have to sign off or risk falling asleep at my desk tomorrow! Hahah

Almost a shame they subbed as soon as they did considering the shelves are empty!

Is it just me or is there something wrong with fact that Dioner Navarro an All Star when we dont' even have a front line catcher?????

Ayton - I assume Boggs is wearing his Yankees cap because 1. He was in the stadium and 2. He won his ONLY ring just before riding the OF on horseback in 96. What did the Suchs do for him except blow 1986 down the crapper....

Cashman needn't couch his comments about signing Bonds...Its the smart thing to do...Yanks know that Matsui will need seasoning ending knee surgery. Bonds will make this sputtering Bombers line-up come alive...otherwise the Yanks are finished...Managment knows that A-Rod, Giambi, Posada, Abreu will not deliver consistently in clutch and no match for Red Sox's Drew, Youklis, Remairez, Ortiz & Lowell...Forgot about the innuendos of steriod use (most of those on that list are still playing), the supposed "media circus"...New York is nothing but a circus anyway, and being a role model for little children...thats a bunch of baloney !

bPark/Keyswillhili/whoeveryouare,
You really don't know baseball do you? Go crawl back in your hole.

rcngolf99,matt,redsux,...your comments are indicative of some one who has a shallow & naive in matters related to our countries national pastime...whoever you are it appears that you are an Ostrich, with his head(s) stuck in a hole...If New York can embrace a admitted steriod/hgh users such as Andy Petite and Jason Giambi, NeW York can embrace the greatest slugger of modern times who has not been found guilty of anything...unless your point is he shouldnot be signed because of the color of his skin.

Oh man, what a game that was. Amazing to watch how that see-sawed like that.

And I have to say, Francona impressed me out there with his respect for the organisation. Pulling both A Rod and Jete out in the middle of innings so fans could cheer them off, and making sure Rivera pitched the ninth, even if he had to pull K Rod out after an out. Consdering that he got the loudest boo of all before the start, that showed real class, for a Red Sox manager.

And how abourt Pedroia and Jeter chatting away in the dugout for like 3 hours? Never thought I'd see that.

Giambi is our best player right now. Sheff>Bonds