Yankees, a class act.. NOT

[Lootr2Core]

Do ya think they are feeling nervous this year? Nah screw that you are in a hurricane, we win!


NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Yankees asked the commissioner's office to award them a forfeit over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after they failed to arrive in time for Monday's game because of travel problems due to Hurricane Frances. It was a request that had no chance of being granted.

Originally scheduled as a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., the start time was pushed back two hours on Sunday. Because of the delay, the commissioner's office told the teams to play one game at 7 p.m. and said it would decide later on when to reschedule the second game.


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Commissioner Bud Selig had no intention of ordering a forfeit.

"Given the stage of the season we are in, and the exciting pennant races, it is critical that we do everything to decide the championship on the field," he said in a statement.

The Yankee Stadium gates opened at 11 a.m., and about 1,000 fans were on hand. They were given free hot dogs and sodas, and fans applauded loudly when the Yankees took batting practice starting about 4:45 p.m.

"This could keep the energy level up," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "They're cheering batting practice."

About 20,000 fans appeared to be on hand when Orlando Hernandez finally threw the first pitch to Julio Lugo at 7:02 p.m.

Before the game, Yankees president Randy Levine and general manager Brian Cashman held a news conference on the field, explaining why they wanted a forfeit.

"The rule states that if your team is here and ready to play, and the other team isn't here and not ready to play, there should be a forfeit, and we believe there should be a forfeit," Levine said. "It is now disputed from the commissioner's office that the Devil Rays told them they were trying to get here to New York."

The Devil Rays gathered at Tropicana Field at 8 a.m, departed the ballpark at 1 p.m. and took off from Tampa International Airport at 2:55 p.m. The team arrived at LaGuardia Airport at 5:20 p.m. and pulled up to Yankee Stadium in two buses at 6:05 p.m.

As it was, Devil Rays outfielder Aubrey Huff could not get out of his home in a low-lying area and did not accompany the team to New York. :roll: :roll:

[Rich]

The Yankees gave out free gifts before AND after the game, free hot dogs and sodas, and free tickets to any game from now until next september all because the Devil Rays decided to stay in fucking Tampa. They were told to get to NY and they refused, the Yankees are right in asking for a forfeit considering it's IN THE FUCKING RULES.

[Lootr2Core]

The Yankees gave out free gifts before AND after the game, free hot dogs and sodas, and free tickets to any game from now until next september all because the Devil Rays decided to stay in shaq-fuing Tampa. They were told to get to NY and they refused, the Yankees are right in asking for a forfeit considering it's IN THE shaq-fuing RULES.

what they are going to give free hotdogs because tampa missed the game? Why is that.

Ya rules gotta stay rigid. I can't wait to have an employee call me and say, 'I'm sorry but I can't make it in today cause my house is burning down" WHAT your fired, you have to be at work!"

[CaseyRyback]

they need a win and will take it anyway they can. Boston is going to kill them the last two weeks of the season and they won't even win the wild card

[sj41]

The Yankees gave out free gifts before AND after the game, free hot dogs and sodas, and free tickets to any game from now until next september all because the Devil Rays decided to stay in shaq-fuing Tampa. They were told to get to NY and they refused, the Yankees are right in asking for a forfeit considering it's IN THE shaq-fuing RULES.

what they are going to give free hotdogs because tampa missed the game? Why is that.

Ya rules gotta stay rigid. I can't wait to have an employee call me and say, 'I'm sorry but I can't make it in today cause my house is burning down" WHAT your fired, you have to be at work!""...because without rules, there's chaos."

[Zenithian Legend]

The Yankees gave out free gifts before AND after the game, free hot dogs and sodas, and free tickets to any game from now until next september all because the Devil Rays decided to stay in shaq-fuing Tampa. They were told to get to NY and they refused, the Yankees are right in asking for a forfeit considering it's IN THE shaq-fuing RULES.

eh... when you look this queer:
http://img20.exs.cx/img20/4951/whata$$$.jpg

I guess you have the right to be this insensitive about hurricane victims. God and/or genetics can be so cruel sometimes, and yet at the same time so comical.

[Rich]

The Yankees gave out free gifts before AND after the game, free hot dogs and sodas, and free tickets to any game from now until next september all because the Devil Rays decided to stay in shaq-fuing Tampa. They were told to get to NY and they refused, the Yankees are right in asking for a forfeit considering it's IN THE shaq-fuing RULES.

what they are going to give free hotdogs because tampa missed the game? Why is that.

Ya rules gotta stay rigid. I can't wait to have an employee call me and say, 'I'm sorry but I can't make it in today cause my house is burning down" WHAT your fired, you have to be at work!"

Because people arrived 8 hours before the game started? TAMPA WAS TOLD TO LEAVE ON FRIDAY! They didn't. They should suffer the consequences for their ignorance.



Zenithian; I'm not even going to ask why you saved that on your computer. Congrats though, you can poke fun of me all you want but I don't see your picture on the internet. Insensitive about hurricane victims? I have very good friends that were right under it, and i've been telling them how cool it is and how I wish I was there the whole time. The D-Rays should have been in NY friday, like it or not.

[Lootr2Core]

The Yankees gave out free gifts before AND after the game, free hot dogs and sodas, and free tickets to any game from now until next september all because the Devil Rays decided to stay in shaq-fuing Tampa. They were told to get to NY and they refused, the Yankees are right in asking for a forfeit considering it's IN THE shaq-fuing RULES.

what they are going to give free hotdogs because tampa missed the game? Why is that.

Ya rules gotta stay rigid. I can't wait to have an employee call me and say, 'I'm sorry but I can't make it in today cause my house is burning down" WHAT your fired, you have to be at work!"

Because people arrived 8 hours before the game started? TAMPA WAS TOLD TO LEAVE ON FRIDAY! They didn't. They should suffer the consequences for their ignorance.



Zenithian; I'm not even going to ask why you saved that on your computer. Congrats though, you can poke fun of me all you want but I don't see your picture on the internet. Insensitive about hurricane victims? I have very good friends that were right under it, and i've been telling them how cool it is and how I wish I was there the whole time. The D-Rays should have been in NY friday, like it or not.

Ok a hurricanes coming, as a Man are you gonna say, "Goodbye family, I need to go play baseball, make sure you take care., sure there is a hurricane coming, and there might be looters out and about, but hey, I need to get to NY 2 days early so that we can play a double header.."


edit.. i take that back, this from a guy who has friend in a hurricane he's saying how 'cool it is?"

[Rich]

Are you kidding me? They're baseball players, that's what they do. Had they D Rays or Marlins been playing away games this weekend, do you think they would have not played the games to be home with their families? Give me a break, these players are away from their families 81 days a year, and often are away from home during crises. Regardless, the players have enough money to take their families to NY for a weekend and get them out of harm's way anyway.

[vherub]

I would like to stand up for the right of the worker to not come to work for any reason whatsoever, be it hangover, hurrican, hooking up or some combination thereof. It is important that no boss, not even The Boss, should be able to decide otherwise. *assuming TB had the requisite amount of sick and/or personal days remaining.

Why wouldnt this game just be treated like a normal makeup game, if the Yanks can only beat TB by way of forfeit, they really dont deserve another series win.

Then again, whatever steps can be taken to ensure that the Sox make it to the series AND LOSE, I am all for.

[Rich]

I would like to stand up for the right of the worker to not come to work for any reason whatsoever, be it hangover, hurrican, hooking up or some combination thereof. It is important that no boss, not even The Boss, should be able to decide otherwise. *assuming TB had the requisite amount of sick and/or personal days remaining.

Why wouldnt this game just be treated like a normal makeup game, if the Yanks can only beat TB by way of forfeit, they really dont deserve another series win.

Then again, whatever steps can be taken to ensure that the Sox make it to the series AND LOSE, I am all for.

Currently beating the D-Rays 7-2. The Yanks are winning, and would have won the first game as well, regardless. But as it is, the D-Rays broke a rule and should be punished for it in some way, be it forfeiture or fine I don't care.

[Lootr2Core]

Are you kidding me? They're baseball players, that's what they do. Had they D Rays or Marlins been playing away games this weekend, do you think they would have not played the games to be home with their families? Give me a break, these players are away from their families 81 days a year, and often are away from home during crises. Regardless, the players have enough money to take their families to NY for a weekend and get them out of harm's way anyway.


:shock: Man I wonder what you would say the shoe was on the other foot and Francis was bearing down on the bronx, or your home.




anyway an interesting read.


NFL and baseball put bottom line before safety

BY DAN LEBATARD

Knight Ridder Newspapers

MIAMI - (KRT) - It makes perfect sense that this Apocalyptic Dolphins offseason would get punctuated by a controversy involving a natural disaster.

The only way for this to be more oddly symbolic is if this hurricane had been named not Frances but Wannstedt.

We did a lot of genuflecting in sports after Sept.11, producing a lot of lip-service yammering about how once again games had been put in their proper place. But then the NFL's greedy and insensitive thinking reminds us yet again that we never seem to learn anything about perspective until after we've gotten to the part that involves grieving and crying.

A fourth exhibition game? One crummy exhibition game couldn't be canceled so that Dolphins defensive tackle Larry Chester and offensive lineman Wade Smith could stay home and help their pregnant wives barricade their house against an unpredictable monster of a storm?

Was it really so important to save four quarters of slop football played by reserves nobody can name that we had to send these players on a flight to New Orleans that may not have been allowed to return?

Saying this is idiotic is an offensive comparison to idiots everywhere.

The NFL is already gouging fans with these fake games, playing twice as many exhibitions as are necessary as part of a gluttonous money grab, even if it means that Michael Vick gets hurt and the entire Atlanta season immediately swirls into the toilet.

But you can't listen to your pleading players and cancel even one of those exhibitions because of an approaching storm the size of the entire state of Florida?

Mayor Alex Penelas was on television Saturday morning threatening any local employers who forced their employees to come in to work under these conditions, but that's what the NFL just did to the Dolphins.

The reminder that these players are nothing more than ATM machines with good 40 times echoed after Friday's decision, when the peace of mind of distracted Dolphins was ignored by a league that treats its product more like meat than your average butcher.

Even as Dolphin players threatened to boycott the game, and even as the clown union of these players took its customarily meek position as the flimsiest protective body in sports, the NFL insisted that we get a good, long glimpse at Miami's third quarterback in New Orleans instead of having Sage Rosenfels back at home, making sure everything was OK with his two-week-old daughter.

You say the NFL knew the forecasts that Hurricane Frances would slow down?

I say meteorologists who have been studying these things for decades can't get these things right.

And you don't take a risk like that to salvage a worthless exhibition game.

Dolphins players, en masse, should have stayed home, anger and outrage and fines be damned. Instead of being herded onto that team flight like cattle, they should have ignored their coach, their owner, their commissioner and a league that was putting money before safety.

Kudos to receiver Chris Chambers for missing the flight and turning off his cell phone so the team couldn't reach him. It might not look good for a man who just got a big contract, but it represents a conviction of beliefs and priorities, and a strength and leadership this team could use.

The Dolphins aren't the only ones thrown into upheaval by these huge winds. The Marlins are going to get shafted, too, this cash-strapped franchise not only losing enormous crowds for a canceled Cubs series but also losing valuable home games in a pennant race.

Unbelievable and unfair as it is, the Marlins might have to play what were home games as doubleheaders in Chicago, and then go the last month of the season without a single day of rest to boot.

The fair and right thing to do would be to delay the start of the baseball playoffs and leave three games here against the Cubs as a possibility before the start of the postseason.

But postponing the playoffs would cost too much money.

And, as we've seen with the Dolphins, cash comes first.

[Lootr2Core]

Are you kidding me? They're baseball players, that's what they do. Had they D Rays or Marlins been playing away games this weekend, do you think they would have not played the games to be home with their families? Give me a break, these players are away from their families 81 days a year, and often are away from home during crises. Regardless, the players have enough money to take their families to NY for a weekend and get them out of harm's way anyway.

um Marlins DID have a home series this weekend... (and a big gate draw as well with the CUbs)

Entire Cubs Series Postponed
Date: 2004-09-04

Credit: ESPN.com

MIAMI -- The Florida Marlins postponed Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs as Hurricane Frances crept ashore on the eastern coast of Florida.

The Category 2 hurricane already had forced the first two games of the three-game series to be postponed but the Marlins waited until Saturday to make a decision about the third game.

The series was not rescheduled, but Marlins officials assured fans the games will be played at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. Likely makeup dates are Sept. 20, the only common off day between the clubs, and Oct. 4, the day before the playoffs begin.

The Marlins trail the Cubs by 2½ games in the race for the NL wild card.

The Cubs will remain in Chicago, where they open a three-game series against the Montreal Expos on Monday. The Marlins are off Monday before hosting the New York Mets for three games.

The Cubs and Marlins will then meet for a three-game series beginning Friday at Wrigley Field.

There was no immediate announcement on pitching rotations. But both clubs were expected to use Friday's planned starters -- Chicago's Carlos Zambrano and Florida's A.J. Burnett -- for their next games.

Forecasters expected the storm with 105 mph top sustained winds to come ashore late Saturday or early Sunday somewhere along the middle of the state's Atlantic coast.

The arrival was about a day later than earlier predictions, a delay that forced the postponement of dozens of sporting events across the sta

[David85]

The Red Sox have been getting closer and the Yankee's have been blowing the 15 game lead, so now they need any win they can get and are trying for this.

[Rich]

:shock: Man I wonder what you would say the shoe was on the other foot and Francis was bearing down on the bronx, or your home.


The same exact thing. These players are paid more than you will make in your lifetime for a reason, and they should be able to fulfil their obligation to the fans.

[Rich]

Are you kidding me? They're baseball players, that's what they do. Had they D Rays or Marlins been playing away games this weekend, do you think they would have not played the games to be home with their families? Give me a break, these players are away from their families 81 days a year, and often are away from home during crises. Regardless, the players have enough money to take their families to NY for a weekend and get them out of harm's way anyway.

um Marlins DID have a home series this weekend... (and a big gate draw as well with the CUbs)



Which is why I said had they been playing AWAY.

[Lootr2Core]

Are you kidding me? They're baseball players, that's what they do. Had they D Rays or Marlins been playing away games this weekend, do you think they would have not played the games to be home with their families? Give me a break, these players are away from their families 81 days a year, and often are away from home during crises. Regardless, the players have enough money to take their families to NY for a weekend and get them out of harm's way anyway.

um Marlins DID have a home series this weekend... (and a big gate draw as well with the CUbs)



Which is why I said had they been playing AWAY.

they cancelled it ya moron.

[Lootr2Core]

:shock: Man I wonder what you would say the shoe was on the other foot and Francis was bearing down on the bronx, or your home.


The same exact thing. These players are paid more than you will make in your lifetime for a reason, and they should be able to fulfil their obligation to the fans.

Here are the salaries for Tampa Bay in 2004, These are NOT the the NY Yankees (so perhaps your judgement is clouded) and the minute one player says their first priority is for the fans and not their families is the day all is lost.



2004 / Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Player Salary Position
Abbott, Paul $ 600,000 Pitcher
Baez, Danys $ 1,750,000 Pitcher
Baldelli, Rocco $ 320,000 Outfielder
Blum, Geoff $ 1,500,000 Third Baseman
Carter, Lance $ 320,000 Pitcher
Crawford, Carl $ 320,000 Outfielder
Cruz Jr, Jose $ 2,500,000 Outfielder
Fick, Robert $ 800,000 First Baseman
Fordyce, Brook $ 650,000 Catcher
Gaudin, Chad $ 302,500 Pitcher
Gipson, Charles $ 350,000 Outfielder
Gonzalez, Jeremi $ 1,700,000 Pitcher
Halama, John $ 600,000 Pitcher
Hall, Toby $ 320,000 Catcher
Hendrickson, Mark $ 315,000 Pitcher
Huff, Aubrey $ 2,666,667 Designated Hitter
Lugo, Julio $ 1,750,000 Shortstop
Martinez, Tino $ 7,500,000 First Baseman
McClung, Seth $ 302,500 Pitcher
Miller, Trever $ 650,000 Pitcher
Moss, Damian $ 850,000 Pitcher
Perez, Eduardo $ 750,000 First Baseman
Rolls, Damian $ 800,000 Third Baseman
Sanchez, Rey $ 1,000,000 Second Baseman
Sosa, Jorge $ 312,500 Pitcher
Standridge , Jason $ 302,500 Pitcher
Zambrano, Victor $ 325,000 Pitcher

[ragepower]

He's from NY and a yankee fan... there is no reasoning with him....


Oh here's a thought ?

Did they play baseball on September 11th ?
I honestly can't remember

[Rich]

No, they didn't.

Lootr--lowest paid member of the Devil Rays: $302,500

Can you honestly tell me 300k a year isn't enough to bring your family to NY for a few days? It's more money than almost everyone here's entire household income is.

they cancelled it ya moron.

Read what I fucking wrote the first time, damn it. Had they had away games this weekend, they would have been away from Florida and away from their fucking families playing those games. Jesus Christ.

[DenisDFat]

Yankee players, yankee management, and yankee fans should be shot.

[Rich]

Yankee players, yankee management, and yankee fans should be shot.

Yankee haters should be shot.

OH MY GOD LOOK! I CAN MAKE STUPID BLANKET STATEMENTS TOO!

[gomer1andonly]

Are you kidding me? They're baseball players, that's what they do. Had they D Rays or Marlins been playing away games this weekend, do you think they would have not played the games to be home with their families? Give me a break, these players are away from their families 81 days a year, and often are away from home during crises. Regardless, the players have enough money to take their families to NY for a weekend and get them out of harm's way anyway.

um Marlins DID have a home series this weekend... (and a big gate draw as well with the CUbs)



Which is why I said had they been playing AWAY.

they cancelled it ya moron.

Wow, just wow. He said IF they had an away game. Is it that hard to see? I mean I doubt that only the Marlins and the D. Rays have family in Florida but none of the other teams had time off to be with their families if they were in Florida. And as far as being obligated to work, I was at work the morning (3rd shift hours) of hurricane Charlie and so was my buddy (law enforcement) because it was our obligation and we don't make the amount of money that any of the Rays make. Honestly, the Yanks have just as much right to challenge this (since its in the damn rule book) as the Rays have to be late due to something that alot of people down here were told to evacuate for. But of course we could always ask how it would be looked at if the Rays or any other team challenged something like this (since the Cubs are fighting thier own battle with how the Marlins/Cubs games will be held).

[DenisDFat]

Not like I have to present an argument for it, you do a good enough job.

[gomer1andonly]

He's from NY and a yankee fan... there is no reasoning with him....


Oh here's a thought ?

Did they play baseball on September 11th ?
I honestly can't remember

Hmmmm......was the September 11th attack something that had a weeks warning or did it just sort of happen? I can't remember?

[ragepower]

so its okay for them to skip playing on september 11th and then make up the games ? but its not okay to make up the games because of a hurricane ? isnt it pretty much the same thing ???

Guys we are going to BOMB your country.... they plan for an attack and NOT play the games...... then what do you do to make the games up ?????

[gomer1andonly]

so its okay for them to skip playing on september 11th and then make up the games ? but its not okay to make up the games because of a hurricane ? isnt it pretty much the same thing ???

Who said its not ok to make up games? I said before that the Yanks do have just as much of a right to enforce a rule as the Rays have to challenge that due to the storm. I'm just saying that with the storm, they had plenty of time to plan for, with 9/11, there was no time to plan. So honestly, is it the same thing?

[Rich]

No, it's not. How the hell were the players going to get around the country to get to games when they couldn't even fly due to the government? (9/11) The D-Rays knew the situation beforehand for the hurricane and decided to ignore that knowledge and chance it.

Gary Sheffield has family in a place where the hurricane hit hard, but I saw him playing today and at the Stadium at 9AM. More than I can say for the D-Rays.

How about the hundreds of players throughout the MLB from the Carribean? Should they get to be late for their games?

[ragepower]

Oh, Im not saying the Yanks are WRONG for trying to get this game forfeited, I just think its speaks volumes of their organization. They are the ME ME ME ME ME team, and could care less about the league. Does this shock me ? Coming from the yankees not really.

[ragepower]

Rich if you are on vacation and a tornado tears up the countryside near where you are staying and you have to call work and tell your boss. Is he going to punish you ? because your a few days late coming back ? I know for a fact I wouldnt hold it to my employees.

hehe sorry double post

tornado ???? wtf ??? sorry hehehe insert hurricane

[Rich]

If I knew 3 days beforehand that the tornado was going to happen, I would leave early and make sure I was back before this happened. Your analogy cannot be applied in this situation.

And the Yanks, as every organization in all of American sports, are all about themselves, of coarse. They are in it to win and to make money, that's why they play.

[ragepower]

RIch ? honestly man thats not true (about every team being into themselves).. Did you know that the Pittsburgh Steelers Dan Rooney put his foot down and refused to play any exhibition games (preseason) on Friday's because they were originally scheduled to play two. He did this because it would hurt local high school football......

[gomer1andonly]

Oh, Im not saying the Yanks are WRONG for trying to get this game forfeited, I just think its speaks volumes of their organization. They are the ME ME ME ME ME team, and could care less about the league. Does this shock me ? Coming from the yankees not really.

Well how would you feel if a team like the Red Sox did this. It may be selfish but they are also out there to win, especially at a time like this. I mean the Cubs are saying they won't play their games with the Marlins unless they are at Wrigley in a double header. Thats just as selfish but since they are sorta willing to play the games, its not as big of a deal. As for your edit there, no one had a plan for the 9/11 attacks. Everyone just kinda had to wing it since there was no advance warning like the hurricanes lately(If i remember correctly the NFL was a week short that year too, I could be wrong).

[Lootr2Core]

hmmm seems just 2 years ago that the shoe was on the other foot.

Isabel washes out Orioles-Yankees, alters plans
From staff and wire reports
Starting times for major league baseball games in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were moved earlier Thursday as teams looked to avoid the worst of Hurricane Isabel. (Related item: Track the latest information on Hurricane Isabel)

The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees were able to get in five innings of action before the rain came with the score tied 1-1 after five innings.

The Yankees are scheduled to play the Devil Rays in Tampa on Friday night, but the team could have difficulty getting a flight out of Baltimore due to the rain and high winds.

The individual statistics will count, and the commissioner's office will determine whether the game will be made up — the teams play in New York on the final weekend of the season. Umpires called the game after a 44-minute wait.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner issued a statement that said the commissioner's office showed "terrible judgment and overall stupidity" in proceeding with the game.

"Schools, businesses, athletic events — virtually everything — was called off," Steinbrenner said. "And for them to proceed was stupidity at its worst."

Gene Orza, the No. 2 official of players' association, said when he discussed with Mussina on Tuesday whether to hold a day-night doubleheader Wednesday, Mussina was against it. Orza said he then asked the commissioner's office on Wednesday to postpone Thursday's game and make it up on the final weekend at Yankee Stadium.

"The U.S. government, the state government and the city government had concluded that it was not business as usual, they basically closed down Baltimore. If they can close down, that's pretty good indication major league baseball should close down.

"They took a calculated gamble, and the gamble didn't pay off," he said. "They should have canceled the game last night, as I suggested to them, and had some monetary compensation worked out with the Orioles."

Orioles officials said they didn't call off the game on Wednesday because they wanted to maintain the "integrity" of an 81-game home schedule. It is also worth nothing the Orioles would not keep the gate receipts if the game was played in New York.

Following the Orioles' lead, the Philadelphia Phillies moved the start of their game against Florida up six hours and the Pittsburgh Pirates switched their night game to a 12:35 start.

"There is no other opportunity this late in the season to make up this very important game at home, if rained out," Phillies vice president Mike Stiles said. "We also are concerned that the possibility of significant rainfall and high winds Thursday evening might pose a danger for fans attending or going home after an evening game."

Fans holding tickets for Thursday's Phillies game can exchange them for another game except the final game of the regular season on Sept. 28. That game, the final one at Veterans Stadium, is sold out.

Meanwhile, the NFL Baltimore Ravens decided to leave the city, flying to San Diego two days early for their game against the Chargers. The team has no indoor practice facility and would be unable to prepare for the game because of the storm.

Amid predictions that Hurricane Isabel could hit the state with soaking rains and heavy winds, the Pittsburgh Penguins postponed Thursday night's NHL preseason game with the Washington Capitals.

The game, to be played in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has been pushed back to Sunday. The Penguins are still scheduled to play the New York Islanders on Friday night in Wheeling, W.Va.

This week's PGA Tour event, the 84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania, got under way Thursday even though the threat of rain could prevent the opening round from being completed.

If the hurricane travels a projected path from North Carolina's Outer Banks through western Pennsylvania late Thursday night and into Friday morning, play at the Pittsburgh area's first annual PGA Tour stop could be disrupted.

Rains are projected to be at their heaviest Friday morning, right before the second round is scheduled to start.

"We're watching the storm carefully," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said. "We're looking at all options, just like we would during a normal week."

Other hurricane-related moves:

• The NBA champion San Antonio Spurs postponed Thursday's visit to the White House.

• Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner declared a state of emergency, prompting NASCAR to cancel on-track activities at Dover International Speedway on Thursday and Friday.

• Virginia Tech expects to play Thursday's night game against Texas A&M unless Hurricane Isabel veers farther west than expected. Forecasts for Blacksburg, Va., call for scattered showers with winds remaining well east of the campus.

• Women's World Cup organizers were looking for indoor practice sites for Friday for all teams in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas. The United States team is considering canceling practice Friday if it can't work indoors.

• The SAS Championship's pro-am event in Cary, N.C. was cut from 18 holes to nine and moved up to Thursday morning.

• Football coaches at Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State in the Research Triangle Park area, a 2 1/2-hour drive from Wilmington, N.C., plan to move practice time to Thursday morning in anticipation of poor weather later in the day.

• High school athletic officials in eastern North Carolina were considering postponing or canceling prep football games scheduled for Friday. A number of schools canceled nonconference games and others moved games to Wednesday nigh

[ragepower]

no the NFL played the games but worked around the crisis. Oh like I said I don't fault the yankees for wanting the games forfeited (or game), it doesnt really come as a shock just kinda more of the same from the Evil Empire, other teams I would be a little more shocked, but again its in the rules I agree with that.

[Rich]

gomer, the NFL delayed everything a week in '01 and the super bowl was February 7(?) instead of the normal January bowl.

rage--that's a single man, that doesn't speak for the team.

I think the Cubs are in the wrong for wanting to play at Wrigley, but hey, if Florida agrees I'm not going to say anything.

[ragepower]

Rich that single man is the owner of the team

[Rich]

Meanwhile, the NFL Baltimore Ravens decided to leave the city, flying to San Diego two days early for their game against the Chargers. The team has no indoor practice facility and would be unable to prepare for the game because of the storm.


Exactly what the Devil Rays should have done. But noooo, they don't, and you guys decide to bitch about the consequences of their decision.

Also, lootr, I'm not sure where you're going with this article--the games were being played in the storm, not far far far away from the storm. This would be comprable to the Florida-Chicago situation, not the Devil Rays - Yankees situation.

[mst3k_stud]

i think you guys just proved why baseball is losing ground here in the states.

[Rich]

Rich that single man is the owner of the team

Were the games played? If not, I give the man props.

[Rich]

i think you guys just proved why baseball is losing ground here in the states.

This same discussion would be taking place if it happened in any other sport...except hockey. hockey sucks. :)

[ragepower]

no they werent, they were moved to thursdays so as to not interfere with the high school games.

[gomer1andonly]

gomer, the NFL delayed everything a week in '01 and the super bowl was February 7(?) instead of the normal January bowl.

rage--that's a single man, that doesn't speak for the team.

I think the Cubs are in the wrong for wanting to play at Wrigley, but hey, if Florida agrees I'm not going to say anything.

Ok thats cool about the NFL, I wasn't totally sure about that one. Now the Yankees game from 2 years ago, was it a game that was planned away from Isabel or was it like the Marlins game where it was IN harms path. The Yanks games from today were not in the hurricanes path and there for could have been played without problem. That is why the Yanks have the right to challenge this and it makes this and the Isabel thing quite different.

[Lootr2Core]

Rich that single man is the owner of the team

Were the games played? If not, I give the man props.

I like how you ignore George's quote.

The Yankees are scheduled to play the Devil Rays in Tampa on Friday night, but the team could have difficulty getting a flight out of Baltimore due to the rain and high winds.

The individual statistics will count, and the commissioner's office will determine whether the game will be made


up — the teams play in New York on the final weekend of the season. Umpires called the game after a 44-minute wait.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner issued a statement that said the commissioner's office showed "terrible judgment and overall stupidity" in proceeding with the game.

"Schools, businesses, athletic events — virtually everything — was called off," Steinbrenner said. "And for them to proceed was stupidity at its worst."



Ah but rules are rules... why call off a game cause there is a hurricane? why be late? Of course this George S.

[Lootr2Core]

gomer, the NFL delayed everything a week in '01 and the super bowl was February 7(?) instead of the normal January bowl.

rage--that's a single man, that doesn't speak for the team.

I think the Cubs are in the wrong for wanting to play at Wrigley, but hey, if Florida agrees I'm not going to say anything.

Ok thats cool about the NFL, I wasn't totally sure about that one. Now the Yankees game from 2 years ago, was it a game that was planned away from Isabel or was it like the Marlins game where it was IN harms path. The Yanks games from today were not in the hurricanes path and there for could have been played without problem. That is why the Yanks have the right to challenge this and it makes this and the Isabel thing quite different.

but the other team (I think it takes 2 for a game) was in harms way.

This has got to be one of the first times I even thought this but it seems like the commish was actually thinking this time.

[Rich]

The other team was in harm's way by their own fucking actions! What don't you understand about the D-Rays not getting out of Tampa when they should have on friday!

And unlike the situation in the article, the games were all called off this weekend SO THE GODDAMN DEVIL RAYS COULD BE IN NY ON FUCKING TIME

[gomer1andonly]

Here's the article at ESPN.com which is the COMPLETE article or at least more than what the OP posted. One person saying they stayed for family, one saying they tried to get out but couldn't even though it was shown that there were plenty of opportunities. Well, I'll let everyone read this longer article and decide what they want.


NEW YORK --The New York Yankees asked the commissioner's office to award them a forfeit over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after they failed to arrive in time Monday because of travel problems due to Hurricane Frances. It was a request that had no chance of being granted.

Originally scheduled as a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., the start time was pushed back two hours on Sunday. Because of the delay, the commissioner's office told the teams to play one game at 7 p.m. and said it would decide later on when to reschedule the second game.

The Devil Rays arrived at 6:05 p.m., and the Yankees won 7-4 in the one game that was played. Commissioner Bud Selig has no intention of ordering a forfeit.

"Given the stage of the season we are in, and the exciting pennant races, it is critical that we do everything to decide the championship on the field," he said in a statement.

The Yankee Stadium gates opened at 11 a.m., and about 1,000 fans were on hand. They were given free hot dogs and sodas, and fans applauded loudly when the Yankees took batting practice starting about 4:45 p.m.

"This could keep the energy level up," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "They're cheering batting practice."

About 20,000 fans appeared to be on hand when Orlando Hernandez finally threw the first pitch to Julio Lugo at 7:02 p.m. and about 30,000 appeared to fill the seats later on. The Yankees said 44,422 tickets had been sold.

Before the game, Yankees president Randy Levine and general manager Brian Cashman held a news conference on the field, explaining why they wanted a forfeit. Baseball rules say a forfeit may be called if a team isn't ready within five minutes of umpires calling "play" unless the delay is "unavoidable."

"The rule states that if your team is here and ready to play, and the other team isn't here and not ready to play, there should be a forfeit, and we believe there should be a forfeit," Levine said.

Tampa Bay's home games against Detroit on Saturday and Sunday were postponed, and the Tigers returned home after Friday night's games. Bob DuPuy, chief operating officer of the commissioner's office, said the Devil Rays were asked to investigate leaving Friday night or Saturday.

"There were plenty of opportunities to get out of Tampa on Saturday. The airports were open until 3 or 4 o'clock," Levine said after Yankees officials checked with airlines.

Devil Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said the team never intended to leave for New York until Sunday night or Monday.

"We decided, and we made the right decision, we'll stick by that decision, to stay with our families," he said. "We wanted to stay in the Tampa Bay area, wait out the storm with our families."

DuPuy said Devil Rays owner Vincent Naimoli had told the commissioner's office over the weekend that his team was trying to make arrangements to leave Florida but couldn't.

"We have learned since that it may have been possible to get out on Friday or Saturday, although we were advised by Mr. Naimoli at the time that they were unable to obtain a charter," DuPuy said.

Naimoli refused to address the issue.

"Get everything down in print as you will. I have no comment," he said as walked into Yankee Stadium.

DuPuy would not say whether the commissioner's office would penalize the Devil Rays, saying the matter was between baseball and the team. Cashman and Levine went further than DuPuy, accusing the Devil Rays of lying to the commissioner's office over the weekend about their travel plans.

"We were told by baseball that they were ordered up here and will be dealt with harshly," Cashman said.

DuPuy said the Yankees' request for a forfeit had not been ruled on, but made clear it would be denied by Selig.

"He believes it is critical to play all of the games on the field," DuPuy said. "He does not believe in forfeiting games, and it is his intention to reschedule the game that was lost today."

The teams are scheduled to play night games Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Levine said that if the forfeit request was denied, it should be rescheduled to be played on Oct. 4, the day after the regular season, if it's needed to decide a postseason race. He also said that the Yankees may refuse to reschedule the game for this week, even if ordered to.

The last time a major league game was forfeited because a team didn't show on time was July 17, 1902, according to retrosheet.org. The New York Giants gained control of the Baltimore team and reassigned most players, leaving Baltimore without enough players to face St. Louis that day.

The Devil Rays gathered at Tropicana Field at 8 a.m, departed the ballpark at 1 p.m. and took off from Tampa International Airport at 2:55 p.m. The team arrived at LaGuardia Airport at 5:20 p.m. and pulled up to Yankee Stadium in two buses at 45 minutes later.

As it was, Devil Rays outfielder Aubrey Huff could not get out of his home in a low-lying area and did not accompany the team to New York.

The Yankees reported to Yankee Stadium at noon for the doubleheader.

"Let's get a grill," Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina said. "Hot dogs and burgers on the field."

Waiting for the game, some Yankees slept in the trainers' room, some worked out, some took extra batting practice and some went home for a while.

"We had planned on being here all day anyway," Yankees captain Derek Jeter said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1875760

[Lootr2Core]

The other team was in harm's way by their own shaq-fuing actions! What don't you understand about the D-Rays not getting out of Tampa when they should have on friday!

And unlike the situation in the article, the games were all called off this weekend SO THE GODDAMN DEVIL RAYS COULD BE IN NY ON shaq-fuing TIME

I guess we are just in different worlds, I have a family and whenever there is anything close to terrible weather I want to be there with them and with my home ( a large investment) I'm luckilly sellf employed so maybe that changes my perspecitve (althought I hope not). Priority 1, family safe, Priority 2, neighbors/friends are safe 3) my property is safe, 4) Neighbors/friends property are safe.

[magilacudy]

they need a win and will take it anyway they can. Boston is going to kill them the last two weeks of the season and they won't even win the wild card

That's what I was thinking when I clicked on the thread. Yankees are just desperate, especially after that 22 point blowout.

[dafoomie]

1. The Yankees should almost be pitied that they're afraid of losing to the Devil Rays. There should be some sense of pride in actually playing the games. They are about to commit the greatest choke in Yankees history, and they just lost Kevin Brown, so they not only want the win for free, they also want to rest their pitching staff for another day.

2. Its not like the Devil Rays did anything like, oh, say, declare a rainout in order to skip Jeff Weaver's start when not one single drop of rain fell the entire night, which in my mind would warrant a forefeit. There was no malice on the Devil Rays part or intent to delay to gain an advantage. It was weather and safety related. The Yankees can simply schedule the double header for one of the two other days after this they play.

3. Keep in mind that its not just the players that travel with a team. And the Devil Rays do not own a plane, nor do they fly commercial, they charter flights. They would have had to charter a flight on short notice, and reserve enough hotel rooms for everyone that travels with the team, which they were unable to do. I don't blame them for wanting to stay anyway in order to protect their families and property.

[Rich]

A Red Sox fan. I don't need to answer.

Afraid of losing to the D-Rays? 3 games? Won today? Yup.

[Lootr2Core]

1. The Yankees should almost be pitied that they're afraid of losing to the Devil Rays. There should be some sense of pride in actually playing the games. They are about to commit the greatest choke in Yankees history, and they just lost Kevin Brown, so they not only want the win for free, they also want to rest their pitching staff for another day.

2. Its not like the Devil Rays did anything like, oh, say, declare a rainout in order to skip Jeff Weaver's start when not one single drop of rain fell the entire night, which in my mind would warrant a forefeit. There was no malice on the Devil Rays part or intent to delay to gain an advantage. It was weather and safety related. The Yankees can simply schedule the double header for one of the two other days after this they play.

3. Keep in mind that its not just the players that travel with a team. And the Devil Rays do not own a plane, nor do they fly commercial, they charter flights. They would have had to charter a flight on short notice, and reserve enough hotel rooms for everyone that travels with the team, which they were unable to do. I don't blame them for wanting to stay anyway in order to protect their families and property.

ah finally an unbiased opinion :)

[dafoomie]

A Red Sox fan. I don't need to answer.

Afraid of losing to the D-Rays? 3 games? Won today? Yup.

I'm surprised you can even talk the way you guys have been choking lately.

You just don't want to answer because I'm right.

BTW, 7-3 Redsox top 9th.

[dafoomie]

And if you want to see classless, look at these Oakland fans throw tons of bottles on to the field. I think its on ESPN.

[Lootr2Core]

:shock: Man I wonder what you would say the shoe was on the other foot and Francis was bearing down on the bronx, or your home.


The same exact thing. These players are paid more than you will make in your lifetime for a reason, and they should be able to fulfil their obligation to the fans.

1. many/most of the players aren't making more than me iin my lifetime.
2. obligation to fans? ya tell that to kevin brown, giambi...

[Rich]

Oh yes, tell that to Giambi! How dare him get a tumor! And Brown already offered his apology, though I'm still pissed at him.

dafoomie, I can talk that way until the Red Sox actually have a lead in the AL East.

[gomer1andonly]

1. The Yankees should almost be pitied that they're afraid of losing to the Devil Rays. There should be some sense of pride in actually playing the games. They are about to commit the greatest choke in Yankees history, and they just lost Kevin Brown, so they not only want the win for free, they also want to rest their pitching staff for another day.

2. Its not like the Devil Rays did anything like, oh, say, declare a rainout in order to skip Jeff Weaver's start when not one single drop of rain fell the entire night, which in my mind would warrant a forefeit. There was no malice on the Devil Rays part or intent to delay to gain an advantage. It was weather and safety related. The Yankees can simply schedule the double header for one of the two other days after this they play.

3. Keep in mind that its not just the players that travel with a team. And the Devil Rays do not own a plane, nor do they fly commercial, they charter flights. They would have had to charter a flight on short notice, and reserve enough hotel rooms for everyone that travels with the team, which they were unable to do. I don't blame them for wanting to stay anyway in order to protect their families and property.

ah finally an unbiased opinion :)

Yeah there you go, no offense to Dafoomie but seriously, thats less than unbiased. Like I said, to claim the Yankees are wrong for doing this or even to claim they're afraid of a team they were ready to play a double header against is just not right. If you read the parts of the story that I posted that the OP didn't, it shows that the D. Rays owner said to MLB officials that they would try to get out of Florida and it was shown that there were chances to get out. It also shows how the D. Rays GM said they never intended to leave. Sounds like they're telling different things to MLB officials and the Yankees were ready to play in a game that was not in any sort of harms way. The Rays weren't there, the rule is in the book, the Yanks have every right to enforce the rule. But of course since it the Yankees, all the Anti-Yankee people will claim being afraid.

[Lootr2Core]

Oh yes, tell that to Giambi! How dare him get a tumor! And Brown already offered his apology, though I'm still pissed at him.

dafoomie, I can talk that way until the Red Sox actually have a lead in the AL East.

really is that what it is? Why isn't he talking about it? Giambi used to be one of the most open players to talk with the press...why has that changed this year... and can't he afford a better doctor? Its a parasite.. no wait I guess its a tumor.. man I live in the sticks and we don't have errors like that.

[gomer1andonly]

Oh yes, tell that to Giambi! How dare him get a tumor! And Brown already offered his apology, though I'm still pissed at him.

dafoomie, I can talk that way until the Red Sox actually have a lead in the AL East.

You beat me to the Giambi thing. Its a damn tumor, not some sore throat. As for Brown, that was stupid and he was an idiot for doing it. People getting on him have every right.

[Lootr2Core]

Yeah there you go, no offense to Dafoomie but seriously, thats less than unbiased.

no way.. a guythat talks about the red sox all the time isn't unbiased.. get out of town!

[dafoomie]

Oh yes, tell that to Giambi! How dare him get a tumor!
How dare Giambi take steroids and garner sympathy from the public for its result.

dafoomie, I can talk that way until the Red Sox actually have a lead in the AL East.

So, because your baseball team is 2 1/2 games ahead, you don't have to respond to my points. Doesn't make much sense, but not surprised to hear that from a Yankees fan.

[gomer1andonly]

no way.. a guythat talks about the red sox all the time isn't unbiased.. get out of town!

Just curious Lootr, where did you copy the news story from. Just wondering considering it left out all of the D.Rays mix ups that lead to this problem and left in all of the Yankees complaining,

[Lootr2Core]

Just curious Lootr, where did you copy the news story from. Just wondering considering it left out all of the D.Rays mix ups that lead to this problem and left in all of the Yankees complaining,

cnnsi.com

[Lootr2Core]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/baseball/mlb/09/06/bc.bba.devilrays.travel.ap/index.html

[dafoomie]

Last 5 MLB Forfeits

1995 -- Cardinals over Dodgers (The infamous free baseball night in LA)

1979 -- Tigers over White Sox (Disco demolition night in Chicago, Whitesox had a bonfire on the field of disco records, made a mess on the field, and the fans rioted.)

1977 -- Blue Jays over Orioles (O's behind 4-0 in 5th, refused to take field after Toronto would not remove a tarp from the bullpen/foul area in left field, citing safety reasons)

1974 -- Rangers over Indians (The infamous 10 cent beer night. Hundreds of drunk fans rushed the field and attacked players after the game was tied up)

1971 -- Yankees over Senators (Last game in Washington before moving to Texas, fans stormed the field to steal souveniers, could not be cleared)


Every forfeit in the modern era has been because of either unruly fans, or malicious intent by one of the teams. There has never been a forefeit in Major League history due to either weather or a team arriving late.


Precedent is against a forfeiture and would favor a rescheduling, as Bud Selig has ruled.

EDIT: There was one in 1941 that is somewhat weather related, the Washington Senators would not cover the field with a tarp during a rain delay, making the field unplayable. This would fall under malice though.

[Lootr2Core]

Oh Hurricane IVAN is in the Atlantic.. should all teams in the gulf coast move out now?

[Rich]

There have been forfeits for teams not showing up to games in history. Bud Selig is one of the biggest fools in baseball, probably right behind Steinbrenner, and this is coming from a Yankee fan. As for Giambi and steroid.. I hate Giambi and want him off the team now, but I also want Bonds to drop dead tonight. I have no respect for steroids users, but that's completely off topic.

And I don't response to you, dafoomie, because the Yanks are up, I don't respond to you because your bias is far too strong for me to even bother making a point.

[Rich]

Oh Hurricane IVAN is in the Atlantic.. should all teams in the gulf coast move out now?

No, but they should if they have an away game and they know Ivan will be there in a day or two.

[gomer1andonly]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/baseball/mlb/09/06/bc.bba.devilrays.travel.ap/index.html

Thanks for the link, looks like they updated a ton since you're OP since before they had none of the Rays mix-ups that caused this whole thing. Oh well, no use in arguing this anymore since fighting with a Sox fan is like fighting with a Yanks fan, no ones going to give ground. All I know is that the Yanks have every right to do what they did since the Rays told MLB different things and screwed up the double dip today. In other news, what are your thoughts on the Cubs giving hell about the games against the fish.

[Lootr2Core]

[quote="RichD1"]There have been forfeits for teams not showing up to games in history. Bud Selig is one of the biggest fools in baseball, probably right behind Steinbrenner, and this is coming from a Yankee fan. As for Giambi and steroid.. I hate Giambi and want him off the team now, but I also want Bonds to drop dead tonight. I have no respect for steroids users, but that's completely off topic.


/quote]



We are in agreement here.. preach it brother...

[dafoomie]

There have been forfeits for teams not showing up to games in history.

Here is the list of every forfeit in Major League Baseball history, going back to 1871. Find me one after 1900. The last time a team forfeited because they failed to appear was in 1895. I discount anything before 1900 because it was so long ago, and in 1897, a game was forfeited when two players from the teams playing were used as umpires, and the one behind the plate started calling every pitch a ball by the other team.

http://www.retrosheet.org/forfeits.htm

There is no mention in the entire history of baseball of a team forfeiting a game because of a Hurricane.


The Yankees are now refusing to play a doubleheader since they were not awarded a forfeit, and say that they'll make up the game at the end of the season if they have to. There is no reason to award a forfeit. Tampa was delayed by a Hurricane and could not leave early due to not being able to find a charter flight or accomodations in New York for the players, coaches, and staff. Let alone wanting to make sure your family and property are safe during a major disaster.

[Rich]

[quote]

There is no mention in the entire history of baseball of a team forfeiting a game because of a Hurricane.




No, but that's not why Tampa should forfeit. They should forfeit because they didn't show up for the game like the rules stated. They could have, but decided not to. Don't give me this bullshit about them not being able to get a flight or hotel room, that's complete and utter BS and it makes me question your intelligence if you believe that.

Also, in 1902 Baltimore forfeited because they could not field the players.

[dafoomie]

Also, in 1902 Baltimore forfeited because they could not field the players.
That happened because two other teams bought them and took the players for their own teams. Its not because they were late or didn't show.

They should forfeit because they didn't show up for the game like the rules stated.
Tampa did not have anything to gain by missing the first game of the doubleheader. The hurricane is an extenuating circumstance. Oh they were late they should have to forfeit it doesn't matter if there was a hurricane... Thats bushleague. Cry me a river. Play the damn games.

Besides, I don't know how the Yankees would ask anyone to forfeit after they cancelled a game due to "rain" just to skip Jeff Weaver's start, even though it did not rain.

[Rich]

Also, in 1902 Baltimore forfeited because they could not field the players.
That happened because two other teams bought them and took the players for their own teams. Its not because they were late or didn't show.

They should forfeit because they didn't show up for the game like the rules stated.
Tampa did not have anything to gain by missing the first game of the doubleheader. The hurricane is an extenuating circumstance. Oh they were late they should have to forfeit it doesn't matter if there was a hurricane... Thats bushleague. Cry me a river. Play the damn games.

Besides, I don't know how the Yankees would ask anyone to forfeit after they cancelled a game due to "rain" just to skip Jeff Weaver's start, even though it did not rain.

They didn't have anything to lose either.

Leave it to a Sox fan to bring up something in the past completely irrelevent to defend their argument.

[dafoomie]

They didn't have anything to lose either.

Leave it to a Sox fan to bring up something in the past completely irrelevent to defend their argument.

You mean like how Yankees fans bring up the 26 championships?

They didn't have anything to lose? Then why would they do it? If it even was intentional to stay home during the hurricane, to be with their families and not to spite/disadvantage the Yankees, then thats an extenuating circumstance.

And you know that rainout was bullshit too.

[ZeroSupporT]

Hehe, I loved watching the Sox and Yanks play always a good team brawl in the middle of the field. Other than that I don't watch baseball and I don't see why NY would have any problem with beating tampa again. Be easier on them since it was a double header.

[jmcc]

Huh. PTI is covering this right now.

[Gothic Walrus]

They didn't have anything to lose either.

Yes they did...the knowledge that their families would be safe in Florida while they were playing a stupid game in New York. That's a pretty damn big loss, if you ask me.

Steinbrenner was an ass. It's that simple. The ONLY people I've heard defending the request so far have been Yankees fans, and that says something to me...

[Scrubking]

I just found out about this and I have to say that I was stunned.

Anyone who agrees with the yankees barbaric act is a complete idiot who is devoid of common sense or clear thought.

Not to mention that during Frances there were also reports of empoyers demanding their workers go to work or be fired. What sad, pitiful times we live in.

[Rig]

Go Cubs! And no, I did not read any of the above posts.

[magilacudy]

Saw this article today that might be of interest (sorry if already posted)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1876789

As early as Friday, Yankees president Randy Levine told ESPN.com, the Yankees called the commissioner's office and said: "There's a hurricane coming. What do you want us to do (about Monday's doubleheader)?"

"If they had just told us Friday, 'The Devil Rays are not coming,' all of this would have been avoided," Levine said.

But that isn't what the Yankees were told. They were told by DuPuy on Friday they should prepare to play, Levine said. They were told the same thing on Saturday. They were told again on Sunday. They were reassured yet again Sunday night, despite forecasts that showed the storm had slowed in the Tampa Bay area.

So all the Yankees did was what they were told. They prepared to play. They showed up to play.

And when game time rolled around (a couple of different game times, in fact) and there was nobody to play, they got slightly annoyed. Can't blame them.


These things are so easily blown out of proportion and for some reason the Yanks are always the scapegoats.

[WildWop]

Because the fans of the teams that don't win all the time hate the teams that DO win all the time. And Steinbrenner is apparently satan, of course.

1918 Bitch!

[xxdeadp0olxx]

Because the fans of the teams that don't win all the time hate the teams that DO win all the time. And Steinbrenner is apparently satan, of course.

1918 Bitch!

Well, as you can tell by my location you can probably get an idea about what I think of the Yankees. :D

[dcfox]

I never really understood why so many people hate the yankees. I mean if you're a red sox fan or mets fan its understandable, but I've met people who don't even watch baseball who hate the yankees.

[Zenithian Legend]

Well the game in New York today got rained out, I think that the Yankees should have to forfeit for not building a stadium with a retractable roof.

[dafoomie]

Slightly OT, but...
http://home.comcast.net/~dafoomie/broom.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dafoomie/chokeland.jpg

Redsox are on a tear. Pokey Reese, Trot Nixon, Kevin Youkilis, and Scott Williamson are coming back. Kevin Brown broke his hand. The Yankees could probably use a few forfeits right about now.

And the Patriots are raising their banner tomorrow before they go out and kill Peyton Manning... What a great day.

[Zenithian Legend]

I really hope someone does kill Peyton Manning and then that little princess Eli too. Archie had some rotton sperm.

[Rich]

Slightly OT, but...
http://home.comcast.net/~dafoomie/broom.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dafoomie/chokeland.jpg

Redsox are on a tear. Pokey Reese, Trot Nixon, Kevin Youkilis, and Scott Williamson are coming back. Kevin Brown broke his hand. The Yankees could probably use a few forfeits right about now.

And the Patriots are raising their banner tomorrow before they go out and kill Peyton Manning... What a great day.

I'm a Yankees/Colts fan. We're going to be best of friends.


I actually had a Sox/Pats fan (friend of mine) from Boston staying over here last week...he didn't like all the Yanks stuff in my room, needless to say. :)

Oh, and:

http://www.quack-quack.net/OwnedY.jpg

[Zenithian Legend]

I just wish that both teams could get in the playoffs again, I kinda like it when all hell breaks loose on sports message boards.

[dafoomie]

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/Headline_Archives/NYP_9_1.jpg

Peyton Manning is the present day Dan Marino, and Tom Brady is Joe Montana. Manning's a great quarterback and no one can dispute that, but Tom Brady today has more rings than Archie, Payton, and Eli ever will combined.

And Tony Dungy can change the rules all he wants. Though I will say that their reaction was a lot less whiny than the Raiders... They still talk about that.

It'll be a great game either way... I can't wait to see Dillon in a game that counts. Is Edgerrin James at full speed yet?

[beerguy961]

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/Headline_Archives/NYP_9_1.jpg

Peyton Manning is the present day Dan Marino, and Tom Brady is Joe Montana. Manning's a great quarterback and no one can dispute that, but Tom Brady today has more rings than Archie, Payton, and Eli ever will combined.

And Tony Dungy can change the rules all he wants. Though I will say that their reaction was a lot less whiny than the Raiders... They still talk about that.

It'll be a great game either way... I can't wait to see Dillon in a game that counts. Is Edgerrin James at full speed yet?

Man, I don't know if I love you or hate you. I mean, I hate the Yankees, but I hate the Pats (tuck rule my ass). All I know is that no matter what, Oakland will always get screwed... Eh, screw it, I hate the Yankees more.

[dafoomie]

I'm a huge Bruins fan if thats a tiebreaker.

[Rich]

Is Edgerrin James at full speed yet?

Yup, first time in like 2 years. Tom Brady better watch his ass--Dwight Freeney is projected to be the sack leader this year. And 22-0 in a game that doesn't count isn't too big a deal. Being a fucking dumbass and leaving Pedro in another inning for the ALCS is a big deal. Grady Little is my hero.

[Rich]

I FUCKING TOLD YOU GUYS EDGE IS BACK! BACK AGAIN!

[dafoomie]

Willie McGinest = Colts Killer

Edgerrin James did look good, and we couldn't stop the run for a while there. He has definitely lost a step but he's still one of the top running backs in the league.

Mike Vanderjagt might have a stronger leg, but Vinatieri makes that field goal.

Its too bad the Redsox are getting killed in Seatle though. Would be a great day if they could come back tonight.

[Rich]

Willie McGinest = Colts Killer

Edgerrin James did look good, and we couldn't stop the run for a while there. He has definitely lost a step but he's still one of the top running backs in the league.

Mike Vanderjagt might have a stronger leg, but Vinatieri makes that field goal.

Its too bad the Redsox are getting killed in Seatle though. Would be a great day if they could come back tonight.

You're right, I would have given MgGinest MVP of the game, not Brady. He single handedly saved the game from going into OT. Edge looked great and Pats couldn't stop the run AT ALL all night, but Edge also couldn't hold onto the damn ball. Vand is still the best kicker in the NFL, but you're right, Vinatieri is probably the greatest clutch kicker of all time.

...and the Sox lost 1.5 games to the Yanks today.

[beerguy961]

I'm a huge Bruins fan if thats a tiebreaker.

Meh, they never did anything to the Sharks.

[Zenithian Legend]

The Colts better do good this season, cuz it might be their last chance. Marvin Harrison and Edge are both free agents. Sure they could both re-sign, but they'll be no one outside a drunken Mike Vanderjagt holding a gun to their head to force them.

[Rich]

You're a fucking fool if you think Harrison won't be resigning. Harrison-Manning is perhaps the greatest QB-WR combo iin the history of the game, and there's no way Harrison would walk away from that.

[johnnyoski]

You're a shaq-fuing fool if you think Harrison won't be resigning. Harrison-Manning is perhaps the greatest QB-WR combo iin the history of the game, and there's no way Harrison would walk away from that.

But how much money is left after Manning signed that huge deal?
At most they will only be able to keep Harrison or Edge, not both. Harrison is at the point of his career where this is his opportunity to sign a HUGE deal. If the Colts don't open the cofers he will not hesitate to go somewhere else.

[dafoomie]

Harrison is at the point of his career where this is his opportunity to sign a HUGE deal. If the Colts don't open the cofers he will not hesitate to go somewhere else.

Exactly. Marvin Harrison deserves to be PAID. The Colts are in cap trouble now, if they do manage to clear space and sign him, it'll be a mess there for a while.

The NFL is a business. He'll get paid or walk.