Craig Calcaterra thinks Mariano Rivera has developed a new spit-fingered fastball.
3 months ago
FredOx
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well this is interesting, not even really debatable as you can see him look and then spit on the ball
by returner3 on Oct 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Also! According to the YouTube, the Yankees are playing the Angles.
Seriously, it looks like he’s spitting on the ball. How big a deal is this?
Il faut d'abord durer.
by CU Adam on Oct 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d say in the big picture not a very big deal. There wasn’t much of a fuss when Kenny Rogers obviously had crud on the underside of his cap. Rivera’s reputation is solid enough that I doubt this would leave much of a mark. But it is further evidence that, in the immortal words of Herm Edwards, “you play to win the game”. And that entails doing a lot of things that may be morally questionably, but that we as fans cheer on because it helps our team win the game.
by APV on Oct 20, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish we could frame PEDs in this context.
"You are an LGT success story" -- Jay
by Turkmenbashi on Oct 20, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that’s my point – just like batters smudge the back line of the batter’s box, they also smudge the lines between what is a fair competitive advantage and what is not. To pretend there is some obvious standard, even the rules – some of which are obviously flaunted and others of which are not – is silly.
by APV on Oct 20, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed fully
"You are an LGT success story" -- Jay
by Turkmenbashi on Oct 20, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the crud was on Rogers’s hand?
by JulioBernazard on Oct 20, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was. K-Rod was the one with crud on his cap, which was explained as old rosin. He touched that spot on his cap before every pitch as a kind of nervous tick. Rogers’ hand was much more blatant of a wrongdoing, I believe. “Some dirt” got on your hands? Really? In the first inning? Of every one of your postseason starts?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 20, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they get past the Angles in the ALCS, I’d expect them to face the Jutes in the World Series.
by Ryan on Oct 20, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
If I was a Jute I’d be bitter about the whole Anglo-Saxon thing. The Jutes are the Roebuck of Germanic invaders.
by SuddenSam on Oct 20, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there is only one reasonable response: MLB should vacate all Yankee wins while Mariano Rivera has been on the roster.
by gte619n on Oct 20, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
0 recs eight hours later? Good lord.
by NickFantana on Oct 20, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Green’d.
C.C., you can commence your October meltdown any damn minute now … >:|
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by vbc3 on Oct 20, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guess we’ll have to keep waiting. This is really frustrating. Unless there’s a game 7, maybe Cliff Lee is our only hope…
In the new Geico commercial, Marte sings "Let me be myself" on Wedge's front lawn (with the cavemen).
by V-Mart Shopper on Oct 21, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every start CC makes me hate him more and more.
by gte619n on Oct 21, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hope you weren’t in the “root against the yankees except when CC starts” crowd…
by Brick. on Oct 21, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recommend indifference, you’ll live longer.
by elsandito on Oct 21, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cliff beating CC in the WS three times would work.
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 21, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get no added satisfaction in watching Cliff Lee do well. If Cliff Lee hadn’t been a total headcase and sucked mightily in 2007 we would very possibly have a World Series ring.
by APV on Oct 21, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, seeing CC and Lee this postseason hasn’t helped my 2007 sadness. And FOX didn’t help last night, with those CC pitching lines.
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 21, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since Cliff is going to have to single-handedly keep the Yankees from winning it all, he has my unwavering support.
by supermarioelia on Oct 21, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If he was spitting on the ball, would he really be so obvious as to hock a big old loogy on it? That’s the part of this I don’t get — it seems so blatant.
*sigh*
by zempf on Oct 20, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think he’s really spitting on the ball, I think the angle just makes it look that way. The guy knows he’s standing in the middle of a big field in plain daylight on national TV. He might spit, but he wouldn’t spit on the ball. It doesn’t add up.
by Jay on Oct 20, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I had this on DVR (the regularly scheduled House was pushed back due to the extra innings) and the HD picture clearly shows the spit traveling in front of the ball, not on to it.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 20, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The was only after Chase illegally searched Rivera’s apartment. Again.
I don’t know why I keep watching such a formulaic show. I enjoy House’s give-and-take with the world as much as the next guy, and they’ve certainly tried to mix up the storylines this season, but methinks this show has grown stale.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 21, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When/how did they get the original team back together? I hadn’t watched since very early Season 5, and that took me by surprise.
by Voltaire on Oct 21, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed some of that, so I don’t really know. 13 is still in the picture, tangentially.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 21, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Breaking news: Kutner’s dead.
The once and future
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Oct 21, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chase Utley got up in Mariano Rivera’s apartment?
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 21, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was looking for some extra throwing accuracy?
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 21, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this illegal if he’s not on the mound? It’s ok to go to your mouth off the mound, right?
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 20, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
google machine results at mlb:
The pitcher shall not —
[snip]
(6) deliver a ball altered in a manner prescribed by Rule 8.02(a)(2) through (5) or what is called the "shine" ball, "spit" ball, "mud" ball or "emery" ball. The pitcher is allowed to rub the ball between his bare hands.
by Brick. on Oct 20, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Name a Hall of Fame pitcher who never threw a spitball.
by SuddenSam on Oct 20, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I bet Feller didn’t.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 20, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No basis for this of course, just going way out on a limb and hoping I’m right.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 20, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll independently confirm this.
And no, I WILL NOT reveal my sources.
by gte619n on Oct 21, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I find most striking is that lightning fast action of the cameraman, who was so eager to cut away the camera when he noticed something that might be construed as improper behavior. That or the guys in the booth who switched to a different angle for the live feed. But whoever was in charge made that switch at an opportune time.
In the new Geico commercial, Marte sings "Let me be myself" on Wedge's front lawn (with the cavemen).
by V-Mart Shopper on Oct 20, 2009 4:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That is not the cameraman switching it, it’s someone in the production truck. MLB.com’s postseason TV is really enlightening when it comes to camerawork.
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 20, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Eager”? The camera was switched way too quickly for that to have been done intentionally.
by supermarioelia on Oct 20, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At that time, the next shot was already cued on the preview screen and the person in charge was already about to give the order for the switch.
What I mean is, someone in the truck doesn’t just see the spit and yell, “Change to a different shot! The dugout or something!”
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 20, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Camera operators don’t “cut away,” and directors can’t cut that fast.
by JulioBernazard on Oct 21, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See spit, Director thinks he needs to cut, Director says “take Camera 5”, tech director takes camera 5, camera 5 is seen. All that has to happen, and like you all say above, no way it happens in time for it to be a “he’s spitting on the baseball, we need to cut” situation.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 21, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, y’all are operating under the assumption that this is a live broadcast. The Avoid Embarrassing The Yankees seven-second delay takes care of niceties like this.
by FredOx on Oct 21, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very good.
In the new Geico commercial, Marte sings "Let me be myself" on Wedge's front lawn (with the cavemen).
by V-Mart Shopper on Oct 21, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cut. Run it again, this time with the ball in Jeter’s mitt.
by odradek on Oct 21, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d like to see you edit that fast. If you can, I have a job proposal for you.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 22, 2009 3:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s actually filmed a week before.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 22, 2009 5:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
/mindexplosion
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 22, 2009 5:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Yankees are up 2 games to 1 on the Phillies right now.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 22, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Cliff pitch the lone win?
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 23, 2009 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
inconclusive. looks at ball and spits. No opportunity to see spit hit ball.
The (1, 2, +?) pitcher-focused cameras might show something if someone decides to investigate, but from these images one cannot rule foul play.
by DocNo on Oct 20, 2009 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As I stated above, the HD image I looked at on the DVR showed the spit in the foreground compared to the ball.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 20, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Lord, the Angels suck. The Yankees luck into another easy postseason ride. I haven’t seen them earn anything since 2003.
by Jay on Oct 21, 2009 12:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Juan Rivera picked an opportune time to return to earth. And how about Abreu, Figgins and Morales all suddenly remembering they’re not really good players (in Abreu’s case, not anymore)? They all turn into pumpkins all of a sudden.
by odradek on Oct 21, 2009 2:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s like they put runners on base just to make themselves feel better about their OBPs once they’re at home next week.
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 21, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guh. Watching both of these teams playing at the same time on the same field, both of them doing what they do … this isn’t a postseason, this is punishment. I must have been a real stunod in a past life or something.
I hope the Phillies absolutely demolish these guys. It’s all I have left.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, like, so hard.
I can’t watch that series. I don’t think I’ve seen ten minutes of it.
by Jay on Oct 21, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: I’m trying to imagine what on Earth prompted an 80 minute standing ovation. That seems a little silly.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thankfully, I don’t even know what you’re talking about.
by Jay on Oct 21, 2009 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are definitely better off for it.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap, I thought it said 18. But yeah, 80 would be longer of a record.
And who is counting?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Oct 22, 2009 5:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder that every time I see that.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 22, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looked it up. It was for an opera singer in Vienna. Link.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 22, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh so that’s why he deserved an 80 minute standing ovation. It all makes sense now.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 23, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least we didn’t send out Vicente Padilla when we were down to our last loss in 2007.
Resident Take the Football References One Step Too Far Guy
by westbrook on Oct 21, 2009 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I still remember McCarver freaking out in the 2nd inning begging Wedge to pull Westy like a train wreck was about to happen. Westy ended up pitching 6 solid I think.
by Roger Dorn on Oct 21, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An inning too soon, perhaps. Who knows.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was pulled an inning too soon, I meant. Ugh.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe that argument spawned a “positivity-only thread” that evening.
by supermarioelia on Oct 21, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed out on all of the playoff threads. I can’t sit still when I watch the Indians in the playoffs…too nervous.
by Roger Dorn on Oct 21, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. I remember that there was a lot of screaming and freaking-the-hell-out going on in that Game 7 thread. I don’t think GFP typed in anything but all caps for most of the game. Pure raw nerves all the way around. Justifiably so, of course.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They were the best of times, they were the worst of times.
I propose giving Victor a 2012 World Series ring.
by Gradyforpresident on Oct 22, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I’m up every half inning, doing laps around tables and chairs.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 22, 2009 3:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
I propose giving Victor a 2012 World Series ring.
by Gradyforpresident on Oct 22, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“AND HERE COME THE DODGERS”
Seriously. Just now.
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by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2009 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but this is pimping-the-blowout time.
by Jay on Oct 21, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good lord. The last three innings of that game were unreal. I bet Halos Heaven must be pure gibbering insanity right about now.
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by vbc3 on Oct 22, 2009 11:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My buddy at work is a Mets fan and now rooting for the Phiilies. When he switched the game on and learned he was pulling for NY, I couldn’t believe it. He gave me “it would make a better WS” bull. I am still fuming.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 23, 2009 2:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would find it hard to believe that a White Sox fan would pull for the Cubs to make the series.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 23, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe so, maybe not. Depends on the choices, doesn’t it?
I bet you’d find plenty of Chicago fans who have a clear preference but not antipathy for the other club.
by Jay on Oct 23, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SSS, but every Mets fan I know hates the Yankees. More than most of us do. No way they root for the Yankees over anyone, ever.
by FredOx on Oct 23, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, my take was “Most who are not a Yankees fan hate the Yankees , thus if you’ve chosen a NY team to root for and it isn’t the Yankees, you most likely still fall into this category/”
I could have dealt with the, “I like NY teams idea,” but not the “its better for baseball” idea.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 23, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They could not possibly hate the Yankees more than Chuck and I and a few others here do.
by Jay on Oct 23, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be impossible.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 23, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I hear it a lot from Mets fans: “I really hate the Yankees,” they say. I think they don’t even begin to comprehend true hatred of the Yankees.
Now when White Sox fans say they hate the Cubs and everything they represent, they are believable.
by odradek on Oct 23, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s not.
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 23, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a friend in college from Queens who claimed to be a Mets fan until the playoffs rolled around. He would start pulling for the Yankees, and after suppressing the desire to be violent with him, I forgave him for the simple reason both teams were from the same city.
by bewwolv on Oct 23, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
after suppressing the desire to be violent with him
That isn’t very easy, is it?
Chugga-chugga chugga-chugga, Choo Choo!
by USSChoo on Oct 24, 2009 3:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should have maimed him. It would have served him right.
Wait 'til next millennium!
by emd2k3 on Oct 26, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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