Who would you root for? Red Sox or Mets

"It gets by Buckner!"

The New York Giants and the New England Patriots are set to add another chapter in the New York-Boston rivalry, but for Jets fans this is a nightmare. Mets fans had to deal with similar fate in 2009 when the Yankees and Phillies battled it out for the 2009 World Series. Luckily for Yankee fans, we haven't had to deal with a similar situation since the 1986 World Series, when the Mets and Red Sox faced off in a classic.

Of course that last time was quite a while ago, at the time "the curse of the bambino" was still alive and well, just ask Bill Buckner about that curse following that series. But if the Red Sox and Mets were to face off in a World Series in the near future, who would Yankee fans root for ? Lets take a look at the case for each team.

Why to root for the Red Sox:

•  In the same league- Sure it may seem silly but that means that they were the best team in the same league the Yankees are in. They deserved to win, and their is no shame is congratulating them if they were the best team.
• Would only hear gloating 9 times a year- Unless you have a friend who is a Red Sox fan or you live in New England, you won't likely have to hear the non stop chatter from Red Sox fans other than the 9 times they play in the Bronx. Now compare that to Mets fans who live amongst us in New York, every family has a black sheep someone who is a fan of the team from Queens or at least a friend who roots for the blue and orange. The trash talk would go on until the Yankees won another title.
• Respectable franchise- Assuming that this World Series was to happen in the near future, the Sox have done an admirable job in the front office, something almost every baseball fan could respect. Outside of the 2011 collapse, the Red Sox have stayed competitive with the Yanks, while making smart trades and building the team through the draft and international free agents.

Why to root for the Mets:

• Territory rights- At least they are from New York, plus it would add another chapter to the NY-Boston rivalry that the "little brother" of the Yanks beat the BoSox.
• You have some sympathy-  Lets face it since 2006 Met fans have been miserable. They collapsed in back to back seasons (2007 & 2008), and since have barely been competitive. Add in the financial issues of the Wilpons, and its hard not to feel a bit bad that all this has happened while the Yankees have won a World Series and been to the playoffs four times.
• Underdog story-  Strange to think that the Mets would be considered an underdog, but to add on from the earlier point the Mets haven't won since 1986, and haven't sniffed the World Series since 2006. The Red Sox have won a pair of titles since 1986.

Who would I root for? I would go the Mets- I don't see much of a rivalry between them and the Yanks other than the 6 games they play each other and if they were to meet again in the World Series. Sure the bragging might get annoying after a while, but I rather NY win... Plus they would need to win a whole lot more to catch the Yankees. But who would you root for?

Boston chokes.... Rays win the Wild Card

The pictures say everything......

Still shocked at what a crazy ending to the season. Something that you would never see if Bud Selig pushes his two wild card teams idea through.

Have fans lost interest in the Subway Series?

As we mentioned in yesterdays post, this is the 15th season that interleague play has been apart of baseball, of course the traditionalists hate it, but attendance proves otherwise. Adding to that attendance is match ups with the inter-city rivals, like the Mets and the Yankees. But when last nights contest between the two clubs, didn't sell out and tickets could be had on the cheap on the secondary market, you must question if the rivalry in the stands still matters.

It was alarming to see tickets so cheap for a Subway Series game last night on Stubhub and other markets, but the weather was a factor with the possibility of showers all night. But also remember that tickets were likely on the cheap, because both fans have had their fair share of issues with these teams.

The Yankees have played awful after getting off to a hot start, and as we have noticed tickets haven't been selling this year, even against teams like the Boston Red Sox. If they have an issue against the Red Sox, a team that many would consider a bigger rivalry, then the same issue would be had with the Mets. But it is not just Yankee fans, that have frustrations, Met fans have had a life full of misery. This year isnt much better, as the Mets have had low expectations from the start, but have gotten off to a nice start. But that doesn't mean the Mets fans are looking for some torment at Yankee Stadium, as last year they also got off to a decent start and still fell behind .500.

Even though the Yankees did not consider it a sell out they still sold 47,000 + tickets and it was the largest crowd of the season. In large part, most of the tickets that went unsold were the most expensive seats that have had a problem selling all season. The series, has not lost any of the polish, just the teams have. The fans are still into the game, but high ticket prices and lack luster teams have killed a bit of the polish of the Subway Series in 2011.

Would a sweep for the Yanks equal dead sox?

The Red Sox are 0-6! Can you imagine the panic in Boston this weekend if the Yankees sweep. They would be wanting to trade away Crawford, cut Papelbon and beg for Mike Lowell to come out of retirement.

But before we can plan the celebration, the Yankees need to get the job done. A tough chore since Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova both worry me. But if the Yankees do sweep, are the Red Sox done? 0-9 is a tough hill to climb. The simple answer is no. They still would have 153 games to go, and could easily win 9 in a row. So don't count out the Red Sox.

But with the start to a long weekend of Red Sox Yankees rivalry talk enjoy the following video from Michael LaPayower:

Hot start would be perfect for Yanks

Tex has gotten off to a hot start with
three home runs in three games, but can the Yanks do the same?

From 2004-2009 the Yankees were 70-74 in games played in March and April. Last season they broke that trend going 15-7. But it is still something very important for the Yankees this season, is to have a good start.

With the "underdog" status around the Yankees this season, it very important for Joe Girardi to make sure his club starts out hot. The last thing the Yankees want is media coverage around a struggling team asking about why the pitching is falling apart or for the Yankees to make a knee jerk move and trade away Jesus Montero or one of the killer B's for a pitcher.

So far the bombers, have lived up to their century long nickname, out hitting the Tigers this weekend to win two of three games. But some credit should go to the pitching. Sabathia gave the Yankees a chance to stay in the game only allowing three runs over six innings. Burnett pitched well despite battling a head cold, and the Yankees bullpen looked very strong.

Hughes did sputter today giving up a pair of long homers to Yankee killer Miguel Cabrera, but the Yanks offense kept them in the game the entire time.

The Yanks would rather look down at their opponents
in the standings, instead of up.

New York fans don't have alot of pacients, they began to boo A-Rod after one season, and booed Mark Tiexeria after a month. The last thing they want is to watch Ivan Nova struggled through a 5 five inning start in April in the cold, plus it sets a precedent for the rest of the season. How many times do teams get off to a hot start and suddenly all is forgotten about? Last season the Mets were in the playoff picture, and just as fans began to believe they bottomed out. But the issues of the Mets weren't mentioned as often when they were winning. That's  exactly what the Yankees want, to not hear the problems on the team.

From 2004-2009, each season the Yankees found ways to get hot in the second half of the season, but that can be tough. After the all star break or "the dog days" of the season most teams are beat up. The Yankees have a ton of older players who are going to battle injuries, and it would be tough for them to make up ground, especially against teams like the Rays, who are a young team with starting pitching depth. Or the Red Sox, who have been given the crown of AL East favorites.

New York vs Boston: Battle for Video Embarrassment

Ahh the Yanks and Sox don't face off for another few weeks on the field, but the war in the stands and on the street will always be going between these two long time rivals.

In the latest battle, lets look at who has the more embarressing video: Lets start with the "2011 Red Sox anthem"



Wow where to start on this one. I will give them credit on nice video editing but still talking about 2004 Red Sox fans? That is really weak. Also can Sox fans stop talking about the A-Rod-Jason Varitek fight? They might be the only group of fans to defend a player who had on a mask during the fight.

That said the rapping is awful,is since when does the World Series trophy belong in Boston? It had not been there prior to 2004 in 86 years.


Now time for the Yankees video


Michael lapayower seems like a nice guy, I even follow him on Twitter. But with that said the way he starts this video is so creepy "Heyyy Yankeeee fans" in that creepy voice. From their it just gets corny, how many times have we seen a rocky video? I mean even the Yankees use it at the stadium between innings when they are trying to rally.

Who is the winner for more embarrassing? Well that job is up to you. Comment and let me know, if I like the comment, may you get a prize. If not you atleast made me laugh.

If you think I was mean, read what LA Times writer T.J. Simer had to say about Marcus Thames. Talk about classless, Thames always seemed like a nice guy, and even took the high road on this one. Simer should lose his press credintials, because it seemed like it was a personal attack on the former Yankee.

A sweet relaxing spring training

Could always talk more about Jeter's house!

Steroid issues, managing changes, drama filled books,A-Rod, fat toads, new high priced free agents, reminiscing about playoff chokes and more A-Rod drama. That is what has made up the Yankees spring training the past few seasons.

But this years its oddly dull. A-Rod has had himself a good spring training with no issues, Girardi is the manager and will be for a while and the fat toads are long gone. The story lines are basic, baseball stuff something those who have followed the bombers are not use to. While everyone is wanting to watch the Phillies rotation or the Cardinals deal with Albert Pujols and the injury to Adam Wainwright, you could even argue the Yankees aren't even the team that many want to look at during spring training, that would belong to the Red Sox.

But of course their are story lines to the spring, but even those are basic baseball story lines that you can find in any other camp. The biggest is who is the fourth and fifth starter and that is a legit issue, but all the candidates have pitched well so far. The next biggest storyline could be will all the players stay healthy, another issue that comes up on the other 29 clubs.

Of course on March 31st when CC Sabathia throws the first pitch of the season, the baseball world will once again have an eye on the bombers, but until then it will remain a stress free spring in Tampa. But you wont hear anyone on the Yankees complain.

Yankees ticket presale: Golden for some, a bust for others.

If only the 2011 tickets, will look that nice.

Leading up to the public sale on Friday, the Yankees have been having presales for individual game tickets for full season ticket holders, partial plan holders, Yankee Universe members and the Staten Island Yankee season ticket holders. After each day it seemed like a major disappointment. I can attest to that, well sort of.

I had the chance to purchase Yankees tickets on Tuesday during the partial ticket plan holders presale. My goal was for Opening Day, old timers day and one of the Mets games. I was able to get two of the three. Netting OTD in the main and Opening Day in the grandstand, the Mets I never saw a ticket below $150.

I was one of the few lucky ones to actually get Opening Day or OTD, many were unable to find any type of ticket for any of the premium games. For the entire Mets series I never saw anything below $150, for only one of the Red Sox games did I see Grandstand seats and that was for obstructed view seats for the September series.

The reason behind this? No it's not cause the Yankees were being nice and trying to hold seats back for the public but they are instead they are still trying to sell partial season plans. It makes sense since I was trying for random weekend games and only selecting grandstand and nothing was coming up.

Overall a bad job by the Yankees, many season ticket holders have said that this was the toughest presale ever. It shows once again that the Yankees don't care about their season ticket holders, they rather sell the tickets as a package (which is the right business decision). But a little word of advice when it comes to that, since the Yanks are trying to to sell the packages instead, if those packages don't sell in the weeks prior to the event those tickets will be released on Ticketmaster.

Is it time to panic in the Bronx ? Hughes to start tonight, not Moseley

From the New York Times : "The Yankees, mired in a four-game losing streak and struggling to clinch a playoff spot, decided to start Phil Hughes against the Red Sox on Sunday for his regular turn in the rotation. The Yankees had planned to start Dustin Moseley to give Hughes extra rest for the postseason. Starting pitching has been a particular concern over the course of the losing streak after poor appearances by C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Ivan Nova. After the Yankees’ loss on Saturday, Alex Rodriguez said: “It starts with starting pitching. We have to have someone come in and shut the door and step up. It’s hard to play with an edge when you’re down five or six runs.”

Sounds like Girardi is starting to panic, with the Red Sox taking the first two games of the series and the Yankees playing awful this month (6-13 record) Joe is trying to get something going. I will say that I do believe that the Yanks are going to make the playoffs via the wild card but a collapse is completely possible. With the way the Yanks are playing, then add in the fact that they have strugggled against the Blue Jays this season, and they still have three games left in Fenway Park.

Hughes and the Yankees won't give up just yet.

Girardi has made alot of questionable descsions this month, this could become another one if it turns out to be a Red Sox victory. Sure Moseley doesnt have as much talent as Hughes, but earlier this season on August 8th Moseley pitched phenomenal against the BoSox. I would have liked to see Dustin get a chance to start and if he stunk they could have gone to the bullpen, or even use Hughes to keep the game close.

Seems like Girardi is starting to feel the pressure coming down on the Yanks, lets just hope he doesnt fault under it.

Yankee Stadium Experience : Yankees vs Red Sox 9-24-2010

It had been a few weeks since I was at Yankee Stadium.Class has started back up, along with working I have been pretty busy, but a Yanks vs Sox match up could not keep me away. I had bought tickets for this game all the way back in March, when tickets went on sale to the general public so I wasn't sitting in my usual seats, but instead in 434B a.k.a the last section in the left field upper deck.

While driving down River Ave I took a picture of what was once a parking lot, that has been turned into a park. The parking lot use to be right across from the old stadium, but now it would be considered a longer walk. Some may remember this lot because it was very small (possibly a private lot) and along the back wall was a mural that included Mantle,Ruth, Munson and many other Yankee greats.

What once was a parking lot is now a playground.

After my friend and I parked we walked around River Ave a bit looking at the shops, I had been looking for a Paul O'Neill shirt. After looking at a poorly done knock off, I choose to buy a shirt from bleacher creature Bald Vinny.

It was almost 5pm and the gates to the stadium were soon going to be opening, the lines to get in were absolutely ridiculous, so long you have thought the playoffs had began already. But before we went in we went into the McDonald's across the street. I had never been inside, but it is one of , if not the cleanest McDonald's I had ever been in.

Eventually we went into the stadium, the entire season I have brought in a small drawstring backpack with water and a few snacks and security never even checked the bag. This time the guard went all out searching, maybe cause the Red Sox were in town.

As I wandered around to gate 2, I noticed they got rid of the clearance stand and the kiddie cart and speed pitch were back. My friend Jerry did the speed pitch and hit 62 MPH (while throwing his arm out, but in his defense I have hit against him before and I believe he could throw a bit harder). Apparently if you hit a certain MPH they give you a prize and he won a 2009 World Series lanyard and a poster that was out dated mentioning 26 rings. It should be noted that gate 2, was an absolute ghost town, even the employees looked really bored.

Before we hiked to our seats we walked around each level. After visiting the stadium so many times you see things and hear about them but never actually try/ visit them. In this case it was the team store on the main level. I never bother to go into the team stores cause they are often over crowded and over priced. The coolest thing was that I had never realized that the store looked above the entrance to gate 4.

All the walking around worked up an appetite, so I purchased nachos from Wholly Guacamole for $8.50 (how warped am I that I consider that reasonable ?). The seats weren't that bad even though we were very far away from the action. Seemed like the crowd was going to be sparse since 10 minutes before game time, there were plenty of empty seats but when the game began they filled up.



Annoying Red Sox fan

Just from walking around it didn't seem like many Red Sox fans were around, maybe because they realize that their team stinks ? That their season is over ? Or Mets fans realized that this season they couldn't turn into Red Sox fans. But of course where I was sitting I had to deal with two of the most Red Sox creatures alive (they don't deserve to be called people). One was an annoying woman behind me that screamed over everything that happened, and the other was a guy who was wearing a Ortiz jersey and had a red mohawk. More on them in a bit.



I had been excited to see Andy Pettitte face Josh Beckett but soon that excitement turned to anger once the Red Sox started to tee off on Andy, while the Yankees struggled to hit Beckett early. The Yankees were down, but after back to back homers by Tex and A-Rod the crowd began to get back into the game. Swisher would also add a two run shot to close the gap to 10-5. The worst part was that the fans attempted to do the wave at one point.

Once A-Rod hit his second homer of the night to pass Sammy Sosa on the all time list, it began to get a bit crazy in my section. The entire night the Red Sox fan with the mohawk had been obnoxious and yelling, some fans were yelling back at him but it never got too bad. Eventually one female Yankees fan had enough of him and decided to throw a soda in his face, the Sox fan threw his right back at her. She was kicked out, he got to stay. It should be known that security did have to call him over at least five times during the game to tell him to stop. He was eventually tossed in the ninth inning, but the annoying lady behind me was still around.



Mohawk Red Sox fan getting tossed



The Yankees rally fell short in the ninth even with Tex hitting a solo shot to make it 10-8 and Cano coming up as the tying run.



Just a few quick things, Tex now comes up to "Good Vibration" by Marky Mark. I liked it better when he came up to "I wanna rock". Another thing is why in the world do they still have Nick Johnson in the match game and in the videos they play on the scoreboard. They show Rocky getting pumped and then Nick Johnson ? Talk about complete opposites.

The next time I will be at the stadium will be for the ALDS. Thanks for reading.

The Yankees split with these guys ?

What a bad way for the Yankees to lose these last two games, after winning the first two. The Yankees last three series are against the Blue Jays (3 games) and Red Sox (6 games), while the Rays face the Mariners, Orioles and Royals. The worst part is that the Yankees lost to a bunch of guys who dress like this....



Joe Madden, David Price and Evan Longoria along with the rest of the Rays.



Yankees vs Rays just don't sell like Yanks - BoSox

The Rays may have gained a short lived lead in the AL East this past week, when they took two of three from the bombers but it doesn't mean that they are now a hot ticket. The division race is not over , and the Yanks and Rays will face each at the start of next week September 20-23, a four game series at Yankee Stadium.

Maybe it is because it is during the week, and school is back in session but the ticket prices for that series can be had for below face value. This year has been a tough one if you sell a lot of tickets since the Yankees market became flooded and seats were widely available for cheap. But in the middle of a pennant race against a team that is just half a game back is crazy. I'll admit that I sold two of the games I had from this series early in the season because I figured that by this time the Yankees would have a nice lead and the series wouldn't mean that much. Tickets can be had for as low as $8 on Stubhub for the series. It should also be noted that on three of the four nights there will be a promotional giveaway (including a Yankees Snoopy doll).

So while the Rays series is going for less then face, when the Red Sox come into town the next night the prices are above face. The Red Sox are currently six games back , and just don't seem to have that fight to get back into the mix. Yet because its Boston and the whole rivalry the prices are reasonably high. Another factor could also be because it is the last regular season series and it is being played on the weekend.

So while the Red Sox series may come when the Yankees are about to clinch a playoff berth, it wont have the same rivalry feeling. The Red Sox will be out of contention and will have young players in the game, not the old usual suspects that Yankee fans love to hate. Meanwhile the Tampa Bay series will feel much more like a playoff game, with every single pitch mattering. It just shows that even with the Rays being one of the best teams in baseball, coming to Yankee Stadium for a possible ALCS preview, the New York vs Boston rivalry holds stronger.

Save that date ! 2011 preliminary Yankees schedule released

It seems like just yesterday Curtis Granderson was starting his Yankees career at Fenway Park with a home run. Boy, how the season has gone by so quick, and next thing you know the off season will be back and the winter doldrums will be sneaking back in. But anyways before this gets out of hand and I complain about winter, the 2011 preliminary schedule was released today and can be found here .

If you are too lazy to click the link, or would just like to read some of the tidbits here we go :

• The Yanks open at home against the Detroit Tigers. It will be two seasons that the current Yankee Stadium is up, but can we still call it New Yankee Stadium ?
• They play 18 games at home in April. I hate this since it will be cold and New York is known for poor weather during this time of year. Will also kill season ticket holders who are trying to re-sell games.
• The Red Sox make their first trip to the Bronx on May 13-15th, while the Yankees will be greeted at Fenway April 8-10th.
• The Yankees visit the Rays for a short two game starting May 16th, this will be their first meeting of the season.
• This year the Mets come to the Bronx in May and the Yankees go to Queens in July.
• Whether you hate of love interleague play it is here to stay. The bombers visit the Cubs and Reds , and host the Brewers and Rockies. It will be the first time the Brewers have faced the Yankees at Yankee Stadium since they were an American League team.
• The Rays don't come to the Bronx until July 7th.
• The Yanks should get use to having their suitcase with them in August, they play 20 games on the road.
• Once again the Yankees end the season on the road in Tampa Bay. This has bothered me for a while, the last time the Yankees ended the season at home was 2006, the time before that was 2003.
• The 2011 season will end on a Wednesday.

A look at the Yankees remaining schedule

Much has been made about how the Yankees will have to face the Rays and Red Sox a combined 13 times in the month of September. The Yankees will also face the Oakland A's,Toronto Blue Jays,Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles in September. So with the Yankees tied for first in the AL East at the moment lets see how the Yankees have matched up to date with the teams they need to face (and beat) to make it back to the postseason.

If the Yankees want to win the AL East or even make it in as the wild card they will need to start by beating the Oakland A's starting next week at the stadium. It shouldn't be a big problem to the Yankees since they are 5-1 against them this season and all those games have taken place in Oakland. But the A's have been playing better, and the Yanks cant take them lightly. This could be the first time Dallas Braden makes a start in the Bronx since the famous "get off my mound" to A-Rod. Total games remaining against A's : 4 (all at home)

It will be a fight till the end for the Yanks especially facing the Jays.

Next up would be the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that surprised many this year. While they have not played well enough to make a run at the postseason they are above .500 and give the Yankees a ton of trouble. To date the Yankees are just 5-7 against them, that's the lowest winning percentage for the Yankees against all the teams they have faced this season (.417). The Yankees will face the Jays at home in early September, but the crucial games could come on in the last week of the season when the bombers will have to play in Toronto. Total games remaining against Blue Jays : 6 (3 away,3 home)

The easiest opponent for the Yankees would be the Buck Showalter led Baltimore Orioles. This season the Yanks are 10-2 against the birds, but this is before Showalter became the manager. In fact the last time the Yankees faced the Orioles it was in June. Since the O's got a new manager they have been playing much better. I'm sure Buck would love to play spoiler against the team he once managed. Total games remaining against the Orioles : 6 (3 away, 3 home)

Bengie Molina could be telling Swisher that the Rangers will see the Yankees in October.

As August is coming to an end most of the division races are tight, all except one and that's the AL West, and that's because the Texas Rangers have ran away with it. The Rangers were thought to be favorites in the west, but after an early season sweep in the Bronx and a overall slow start the Rangers didn't look ready to take the next step. Four months later and the Rangers are considered a playoff favorite since adding Cliff Lee. The Yankees are 4-1 this season against the Rangers, including a sweep of them in April and recently splitting a pair of games in Texas. One of the games in Texas the Yankees were down five runs against Cliff Lee and the Rangers bullpen but managed to over come the deficit and win the game, some consider it to be one of the Yankees biggest wins of the season. Total games remaining: 3 (all in Texas)

Once again the Yankees end the season up in Boston at Fenway Park. It has the chance to feel like a preview of October baseball (Technically it will be the series is Oct 1-3) or by then the Red Sox could be out of it, and what better would the Sox love to do then to cost the mighty Yankees a chance at the AL East and be forced to stick with the wild card. Then again you never know and the Rays could collapse all together and the Yanks and Sox could be in the fighting for the postseason. Either way a Yankees Red Sox game in late September always has some juice to it, even if the Red Sox will be clinging to stay alive.This season the bombers are 7-5 against the hated Boston bunch. Total games remaining: 6 (3 away, 3 home)

The Yankees and Rays are tied at the top of the standings and boy could the teams be anymore closer facing one another. So far this season the Yankees are 5-6 against the Rays, a fairly close record considering how well both teams have played. But even the runs are close, this season the Yankees have score 58 runs against the Rays, while the Rays have scored 59 on the Yanks. Pretty close wouldn't you say? So with seven games remaining against each other it may come down to that seventh game to decide who will win the series and possibly win the division. The Yankees play in Tampa Sept 13th-15th, but the crucial series right now looks to be when the Rays come to the Bronx the second to last week of the season to play four games. The strangest part maybe the Yankees playing important games against an AL East rival not named the Red Sox in late September. Total games remaining: 7 (3 away, 4 home)

Yankee Stadium : Home of the Day Games

Ever realize how many day games the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium ? I noticed it once on a Saturday when the Yankees were the only team playing at 1:05pm compared to other teams playing at 7:05pm or later. While most teams hold night games for different reasons, the biggest is to get a larger revenue and have more fans in the stadium. In the south they hold night games, so fans aren't roasting in the sun. But the Yankees don't need to worry about losing revenue from day games, because they know that regardless of the team it will be a sell out.

Since July till the end of the season the Yankees will have played 23 day games at home. During that time the Yanks will have played a total of 44 games at home, so more then 50% of them have been during the day. I am including the FOX 4pm games as day games.

So how can the Yankees hold so many day games ? While I mentioned above that most teams hold Saturday night games because they get more revenue, the Yanks sell so many tickets in advance through season ticket plans, and advance ticket purchases they know that the game will sell out regardless. Ive also noticed that over the years the Yanks, don't play many Sunday night ESPN  games at home. Sure they play a few against the Red Sox or Mets, but most of the time the Yankees are the team on the road. It could just be a coincidence but maybe the organization prefers the day games.

Although some players may complain about day games after night games because of lack of rest. Many enjoy the opportunity to either go out that night or spend time with their family. Day games are also great when the team has a game the next day and need to travel to get there.

Looking at pictures of the new Yankee Stadium during the day it looks very grand and majestic, something that the Yanks would have like to hear. It fits in with the Yankees tradition, also with the long tradition of baseball being played during the day. So while other teams are playing at night to create higher revenues at the park and on TV, the Yanks don't have to worry about that. It seems that the Yankees like day games this year too, since the start of July they are 11-4 at home.

Yankee Stadium Experience : August 9th 2010 Yankees vs Red Sox

It had been 3 years since I had attended a Yankees vs Red Sox game at the stadium. I have realized alot has changed since when I saw them play on a cold April 2007 night. The Yankees hadn't won a World Series since 2000, still played in the old Yankee Stadium and at the time Doug Mientkiewicz and Kei Igawa were part of the roster. For the Red Sox, Manny Ramirez was still loved for "Manny being Manny" , David Ortiz was still beating up on the bombers and Dice-K had just come over from Japan. Of all the things I listed the only thing that is still somewhat possible is Ortiz beating up on the Yanks and even that, we now find out was performance enhanced.

So about the stadium experience. In my last trip to the stadium, I wanted to grab a Lobel's steak sandwich but the line was way too long. This time with a 2:05 pm start time, and myself arriving at the stadium an hour and a half early, the line was reasonable. Its different how they do it at the small Lobel's stand in left field compared to all the other concessions in the stadium. You tell the cashier what you plan to order, pay them and they give u a receipt. You then move along, show your receipt to another worker and they grab your food and put it in a Lobel's bag, even if it is just one sandwich.

The sandwich runs $15, but compared to a $5 crappy hot dog it suddenly seems like a bargain. Part of me believes that after eating the sandwich that for only $15 it is a bargain. The meat was tender and juicy, and they piled a lot of it on the bun. So in case you don't get my point, next time your at the stadium and you got some extra cash to spend and don't mind spending some time on line, head to Lobel's. Trust me you will thank me once your mouth is in heaven.

While walking around before the first pitch I noticed that the Yankees have added one of those machines in which you put a penny into it along with a dollar and an imprint of your choice will come out on the penny. Maybe it has been there for a while and I hadn't noticed. Anyways if you would like to make a penny yourself , the machine is located outside the team store behind home plate.

Finally 20 minutes before first pitch, I ventured to my partial plan seats in section 235 of the bleachers. Lucky for me, I am the last row so a cement wall is behind me that i can use as a back rest. Last row or not it was not going to save me from the heat on this warm August day. I was surprised by how sparse the crowd leading up to first pitch, eventually the seats would fill in and the Yanks drew another crowd over 49,000.

Through the first few innings the crowd never really seemed into the game. Maybe it was because it was hot or it was a day game during the week, maybe the rowdy people had work, also maybe because for this Monday matinee I did not spot many Red Sox fans. Either way for a Yanks - Sox game it was very calm.

Here are some of my thoughts on the game while it was happening :

• Why in the world is Curtis Granderson playing against a tough lefty like Jon Lester
• Great, Lester is having trouble throwing strikes and we cant get a hit off this guy
• Um Yankees can you not get no hit by Lester here in the Bronx ?
• Alright now I'm getting annoyed. The worlds most annoying voice over guy is doing the Zales marquee message board and the Yankees still don't have a hit. I hope the Zales marquee guy gets laryngitis and had to miss the next 25 seasons.
• Marcus Thames almost saved the Yankees with a ball that hit off the top of the wall. Had the ball gone over it would have tied the game. At the time I wasn't too worried since the Yanks had no outs and I was feeling confident.
• Following strike outs from Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher to leave the bases loaded suddenly my confidence turns into frustration.
• Also it should be known Jorge Posada and the Yankees pitchers could not contain Jacoby Ellsbury on the base path.

When Jonathan Papelbon struck out Mark Teixiera ( who will miss the next game,due to his wife having a child) it meant that the Red Sox had come away with a 2-1 victory and a series split. As i mentioned earlier the game didn't really feel like a game against the Red Sox. Mostly because I didn't notice any fights in the stands and only once heard a "Boston Sucks" chant.

Following the game, it took forever to leave out of the 161st street parking garage, as my friend and I stood outside his car and chatted I took a few pictures from the top level. Certainly a nice view of Yankee Stadium.

In case you have not noticed the Yanks have lost the last four games that I have attended. I hope to change that trend next Wednesday August 18th when I head back to the Bronx to see Johnny Damon return. I will be sitting in my usual section 235 in the left field bleachers, should be interesting to see how the fans respond to Damon's return.

I leave you with some pictures from the game

The mess in the parking lot trying to leave.

The view from 235

Nobody cheering or standing as Phil Hughes had two strikes on a batter with two outs and runners on.

The crowd following Tex hitting a solo blast

Odd looking picture of Gate 2 following the game. It looks like the stadium is bending.

The gorgous Yankee Stadium following the bombers 2-1 loss against the Red Sox

Sunday Preview : A.J Burnett vs Josh Beckett

It seems that every time the Yanks and Sox get together, A.J Burnett and Josh Beckett face off. Well once again tonight on ESPN sunday night baseball the two former Marlin teammates will face each other at the stadium. Its always a good match up on paper but when its game time it turns into a slug fest. Burnett was brought to the Bronx for many reasons, one was for his dominance over the Red Sox. Well since coming to the Bronx, Burnett has had his struggles with the Sox. The same could be said about Josh Beckett, the pitcher that dominated the Yanks in the 2003 World Series. Outside of the 2003 World Series, Beckett has had his struggles against the bombers, although his record is 9-6 he has an ERA of 5.95.  So with that all said lets take a look at what tonight's game could be like, from past times that Burnett and Beckett have faced off.

April 25,2009 Fenway Park

It would be the first time that A.J Burnett would face the Red Sox wearing the pinstripes. The Yankees jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first off Beckett and didn't stop their, tacking on 4 more runs, giving Burnett a 6-0 lead. In the bottom of the fourth is when Burnett would run into some trouble giving up 5 runs, and then gave up another three in the bottom of the fifth. That would be all for A.J for the day and he would leave with a line of 5 innings pitched , 8 hits, 3 walks and 8 earned runs. Lucky for A.J although he blew a 6-0 lead the Yanks would get him off the hook with a 2 run homer by Johnny Damon off Josh Beckett. Beckett would also only pitch 5 innings and gave up 8 earned runs. The Yankees managed to let this game slip away from them when the bullpen blew up just as bad as Burnett. The final was Boston 16 New York 11.

June 9, 2009 Fenway Park

The Yanks had been rolling high heading into Fenway winning 6 out of their last 8 games and managed to find themselves going into the game in first with a one game lead over the Red Sox. A.J Burnett was unable to keep the momentum going just 2.2 innings and getting knocked around for 5 runs (3 ER, 2 runs scored due to a A-Rod error). Burnett's main issue was command, walking five batters. Beckett on the other hand had no issue with command giving up just two walks and while striking out eight. Beckett had the advantage on this one and pitched like it was the 2003 World Series giving up just one hit. The final score from Fenway Park ,Boston 7 New York 0

August 7, 2009 Yankee Stadium

A year ago yesterday Burnett and Beckett faced off in a classic pitchers dual in the Bronx. Burnett pitched 7.2 scoreless innings while only allowing a single hit. Josh Beckett was also matching zero's pitching seven innings, giving up just four hits and zero runs. Many Yankees fans remember this game because the game would go on for 15 innings ! Finally the bombers prevailed when Alex Rodriguez hit a 2 run home run off Junichi Tazawa to deep left field. The final Yankees 2 Red Sox 0

August 8 , 2010 Yankee Stadium

So tonight's game could go either way. We have seen the pair toss up zero's, but also get roughed up. Some players that each pitcher has to watch out for tonight.

A.J Burnett has struggled against : Marco Scutaro is hitting .316, and David Ortiz has 3 home runs and 8 RBI

Josh Beckett has struggled against : Robinson Cano .341,3 HR, 10 RBI , Derek Jeter .314 2 HR , 4 RBI and Alex Rodriguez .279 2 HR 10 RBI.

Daily News to A-Rod : Congrats on tainted 600

My family subscribes for home delivery of the NY Daily News, so today when I went outside to get the paper I was upset with the headline on the back page. You can read the headline yourself with the picture posted and judge if you feel it was fair or not.

I understand that many are going to call A-Rod's milestone homers tainted for his use of performance enhancing drugs that he admitted to using in 2001-2003. I would expect this headline in Boston or any other city but not in New York. The Daily News loves to call it's self the home town paper but on this one its not supporting the home team in anyway.

Yanks Quick Hits Upcoming homestand

The Yankees return home tonight to face the Blue Jays and A-Rod still hasn't hit 600 and the race in the AL East got alot closer. The Yanks lost two out of three in Tampa, so their lead in the east is down to one game. The Yanks face the Toronto and Boston and look to increase their edge in the standings over the Rays.

• Tonight A.J Burnett will face his old team, at the stadium. In Burnett's last two starts he hasn't allowed a run while picking up two victories.
• Against Burnett tonight is Brendan Morrow. This season Morrow  hasn't picked up a decision against the Yankees but has an ERA of 4.15,while striking out 15 batters in 13 innings.
• When the Yanks left home, a week ago many figured that Alex Rodriguez would have hit 600 already. That hasn't been the case and much has been made about his struggles since hitting 599. On the road Alex was sure to hear boo's but with this seven game home stand he has a chance to do it at home and end all the talk and debate about it.
• After the Jays leave town the Yanks welcome in the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox are 6.5 games out of the AL East and 5.5 out in the wild card. This weekend in the Bronx is a big series for them, they can pick up some games on the Yanks or lose even more ground. If the Yanks beat up on the Sox this weekend, it would be a huge up hill climb for Boston.
• The Newest Yankees made their debut's this past weekend. Kerry Wood will wear # 39 , Austin Kearns will wear # 26 and Lance Berkman will wear # 17
• Andy Pettitte will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday or Wednesday. If all goes well, Pettitte will throw a few more sessions and then have a rehab start.
• Alfredo Aceves was transferred to the 60 day DL, but is expected to begin throw to live hitters in a few weeks.
• Joba Chamberlain has pitched to an ERA of 6.17 in July
• Jeter is hitting .333 in day games, but only .238 in night games
• Since coming back from the DL in early July, Marcus Thames has only gotten 18 at bats, but has gotten six hits (.333) 1 HR and 4 RBI

Yanks offering flex plans for $275..a seat

The Yankees have started to offer flex plans for the remainder of the season in which you choose four games to attend, of the four games you are allowed to pick one Red Sox game and three other (non Red Sox)remaining games. The catch is that the seats are in the field level and run for $275 a seat.

Sure the view is great from these locations but for $275 a seat or $2200 for a pair to all four games is not worth it. Another way that this deal is a rip off is you must buy either two or four seats, and when I attempted to buy a pair on Ticketmaster almost all the pairs are in the last few rows.

It has been well know that the Yankees have had a hard time selling these seats and on any given game that is not played against the Red Sox, Mets or on the weekend, many of the seats are empty for the entire game. Unlike the legends seating area that has an all you can eat buffet, the field level seats between the bases offer nothing other than waiters service that you have to pay for. In this deal the Yankees are throwing in free passes to the Mohegan sun sports bar, which is just other way to spend money.

If the Yankees were to really create something to put some butt's in the seat they should have added some sort of free food in the deal and/or had a playoff pre-sale option. The Yankees could have given out some sort of coupons for a certain amount of free food, or given out Bomber Bucks (Yankee money that can only be spent at Yankee stadium on food,tickets and merchandise). Another way to possibly increase demand would be give the ticket purchasers the chance to be in a pre-sale for post season tickets just like partial season ticket holders. Before some partial plan holders get upset realize this, by purchasing this four game flex plan the customer is probably paying the same amount if not more than most partial plan holders. I can speak for myself and say that my 12 game bleacher plan was just $288 before fees, so just one seat for this flex plan is almost the same amount for my 12 games with two seats.

I'm sure that some people who have that type of money may think that it is a great deal. But I'm sure that the expensive field level seats are available through single ticket purchase even for big games like the Red Sox. So if you were to buy just for the Boston game think again. Either way the Yanks hope that the embarrassingly empty seats will get filled.