Tagged: A.J. Burnett
What A Relief For Yanks Bullpen
Well, it has been a very quiet winter (off) season for the New York Yankees so far. But on this freezing cold Bronx day in the middle of January, the Yanks announced the completion of a major bridge-building project by signing the Tampa Bay Rays “All-Star” closer, Rafael Soriano, to a three-year, $35 million deal, to become the Yanks eight-inning, “Bridge-to-Mariano”, set-up man.
There are player options built into the contract that would allow Soriano to leave the Yanks after each season if he chooses. But if the “Great Mariano” does decide to retire after the 2012 season, Soriano would be the leading candidate to become the next Yankees closer in 2013, replacing the “unreplaceable” Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in baseball history, and a certain “first-time ballot” Hall of Fame inductee sometime in the year 2018.
Soriano, 31, led the American League with 45 saves last season, allowing just 36 hits in 62.1 innings, with 57 strikeouts, and a 1.73 ERA. These are perfect numbers to solidify the eight inning relief workload for the Yanks, setting the stage for Mariano to close out victories in the ninth.
But with only 31 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Yankees have many question marks regarding their pitching staff.
The starting rotation is very uncertain at this time with only CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and A.J. Burnett slated to be in the rotation. Cliff Lee decided to sign with the Phillies, even though the Yanks did make a better offer for him to pitch in the Bronx. Javier Vasquez was not re-signed [a smart move by the Yanks]. And Andy Pettitte is leaning towards retirement.
So that leaves Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre as the “front-runners” to win the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. And I’m sure we will all see a full complement of a various random amount of “cast of characters” also battling it out for one of the starting spots.
Without Cliff Lee and Andy Pettitte, though, the Yankees starting rotation looks very weak, at this point in time, only a month before spring training starts.
The closing end of the bullpen in the eight and ninth innings is set, and very solid.
This leaves the middle relievers, in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, to complete the bullpen and hold the score when they enter the games. Right now, these roles would be filled by: David Robertson; Boone Logan; Pedro Feliciano (with the Mets in 2010; signed for two-years); and, of course, Joba Chamberlain.
Ah, yes. Joba Chamberlain.
There are many pitching decisions that must be made by the Yankees braintrust during this upcoming spring training. And with the “weak” state of the starting rotation, in my view, the Yankees should give Joba every opportunity to start this year !
Let the great “Joba Debate” begin once again !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Not Wild About Yanks Wild Card Finish …
But …
The Yankees did hold on to make the Playoffs, even though they finished the season with a (9-17) record over the final 26 games.
This weak finish resulted in the New York Yankees (95-67) not winning the AL East, the toughest division in all of Baseball, which placed the Bronx Bombers in second place behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays (96-66), who also did not play very well down the stretch. Thus, the Yankees entered the 2010 post season via the “wild card” route.
Overall, though, it was a great season for the Yankees. And with all the talk about who the Yanks MVP was this season, in my view, that honor belongs to CC Sabathia (21-7) with a 3.13 ERA. This opinion also extends to CC being honored with the American League MVP Award, as well as the AL Cy Young Award.
Without Sabathia’s great pitching performances throughout the 2010 season, the Yankees would not be playing in the post-season this year. CC was “Money” all year long. Especially considering A.J. Burnett’s (10-15) lost season on the mound; Andy Pettitte’s injury at mid-season; And Phil Hughes not pitching as well in the second half of the season as he did in the first half. The rest of the starting rotation was okay at best, while CC was the Yanks “Ace”, “MVP”, and should be awarded the AL “Cy Young Award”, and AL “MVP” Award.
My opinion about CC being the Yanks MVP takes nothing away from the Yankees great lineup which was “awesome” this season. It’s just, I think, without CC Sabathia pitching as well as he did this year, the New York Yankees would not be playing ball this October. CC was the main key to victory for the Yanks in 2010. He was the one Yankee, at least in this season, and in my opinion, that was “indispensable”, even more so than the “Great Mariano” Rivera.
Anyway, its great that September finally ended. There were way too many “mixed messages” being sent out by the Yankees braintrust about wanting to win the AL East. But if the Yankees finished second, that seemed to be okay with Manager Joe Girardi and General Manager Brian Cashman, as the Yanks would enter the playoffs as the wild card team. And so, that ended up being the result. A second place finish by the Bombers. A wild card berth into October baseball.
Of course, the ultimate goal for the Yankees every year is to win the World Series. Anything less would be a failure. So seeing the Yankees playing important games in October once again puts their second place finish this season into a distant memory.
Another “Fall Classic” is clearly in sight for the Yankees. And when the sun sets on this Baseball Season, all Yankee fans hope the #27 will fade into the horizon of the great Yankees history and tradition, with a new number, #28, raising up to take its place center stage in the Yankees Universe, “shining” for all to see, and glowing proudly …
“New York Yankees, 2010 World Champions” !!!
Enjoy the “Playoffs”, everybody …
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Real Get Away Day! Yanks Lose 1-0 To Royals In 2:07
After a power display of five home runs in their 8-3 victory over the Royals in Game Three of this four-game series in Kansas City, the Yankees really wasted everybody’s time yesterday by going down very meekly 1-0 against starter Bryan Bullington (W,1-2), in just two hours and seven minutes on the final day of a very disappointing 3-3 road trip.
The game was over by the end of the first inning when the Royals scored the only run of the day. After one out, Bloomquist singled, then stole second and advanced to third when Cervelli threw the ball over Cano’s head into centerfield which set-up a nicely stroked RBI single to right by Billy Butler for the 1-0 lead by K.C.
A.J. Burnett (L,9-10), retired the next two batters to end the first. And got out of a first and second no-out situation in the second inning. But that was it. There would not be any other serious threats of scoring by either team the rest of the way. So this was a real get-a-way day, as the Yankees traveled home on the earliest flight possible with a 1-0 loss to reflect on.
Manager Joe Girardi was very unhappy with this loss, saying after the game “We needed to win, and it’s unfortunate. [Ending this road trip] (3-3) is not what we wanted; We need to play better, and win series’.”
A lot of credit has to given to Bullington, though. As Derek Jeter said, “It’s not like we came in here struggling with the bats. He [Bullington] threw the ball well; Whether we’ve seen him once or a hundred times, the way he threw today he was going to beat us”.
Bullington looked like a Cy Young Award candidate in this start, as he retired the first 13 batters he faced. And allowed only two hits, a single by Cano in the fifth, and a single by Gardner in the seventh; and, one other base-runner, a walk to Thames in the eight, in route to tossing 96 pitches over eight scoreless innings, while striking out five.
Royals closer Joakim Soria pitched a perfect ninth to preserve this 1-0 victory by recording his 33rd save.
As Girardi said, this loss was “unfortunate”. And also unfortunate was the [wasted] outstanding effort delivered by A.J. Burnett, who threw 103 pitches over eight complete innings, allowing the one run, on only four hits, three walks, and six strikeouts.
After the game, A.J. praised Bryan Bullington, saying “He kept us off-balance, and pitched a heck of a game. That’s basically the story. The way Bryan was throwing the ball, it was his day”.
And, so, I guess, that was the story. It was just the Royals day, on this get-a-way day.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Moseley “Dust-in-Time”. Replaces A.J.; Beats Sox 7-2
A.J. Burnett was supposed to start Game Three of the four-game series against the Boston Red Sox; but, Burnett suffered some back stiffness in a throwing session before the game. So, Joe Girardi decided to scratch the struggling starter, and move up Dustin Moseley one day in the rotation to replace A.J. and start the ESPN Sunday Night Game vs. the Sox.
This move also affected Phil Hughes, who will also be moved up in the rotation to start the final game of this series on Monday afternoon. Burnett is expected to start Tuesday’s game against the Rangers when the Yanks begin a six-game road trip in Texas [two games vs. the Rangers; and, four games against the Kansas City Royals].
There were many story lines in this game, but the brillant pitching performance by Moseley was the lead story.
Dustin Moseley (2-1), delivered a solid six and a third innings on the mound, allowing two runs, on six hits and two walks, while striking out five. Boston scored their runs on a fifth inning solo homer by Bill Hall (#13), off Moseley; and, a pitch-hit RBI single by Mike Lowell in the seventh off reliever Joba Chamberlain.
Joba was not effective in his outing, as he also walked a batter before a not-too-happy manager Joe Girardi replaced him with Boone Logan who got out of the late-inning jam.
The Yankees took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Lance Berkman doubled, and scored on an infield hit by Brett Gardner, that included an error by second-baseman Hall, which allowed the first run to score. And, then, Derek Jeter stroked a solid line drive RBI single to center that plated Gardner with the Yanks second run.
This was Jeter’s 2,874th career hit, which passed the great Babe Ruth on the all-time hit list, positioning the captain in 39th place on the historic list. The New York Giants Mel Ott is next on the list, as Jeter continues on his path to becoming the first Yankee player to reach 3,000 lifetime hits, and many more, depending on how long Jeter decides to play for the Bronx Bombers.
With the score 2-1 as the Yanks entered the bottom of the fifth, the Bombers exploded for five runs to break this game wide open.
Mark Teixeira led off the the inning with his 25th homer, making Teix only the fourth Major League player to hit at least 25 homeruns in each of their first eight seasons in the bigs. The other players to achieve this rare stat were Eddie Mathews, Darryl Strawberry, and Albert Pujols. Very cool, indeed !!!!
The Yankees then scored the rest of their runs in the fifth when Robinson Cano crossed the plate on an error by catcher Kevin Cash on an attempted pickoff throw; A RBI double by Berkman who was (3-for-4) in the game, finally breaking through with the production the Yankees expect from him; And, a two-RBI double by Jeter, that capped the five-run inning, giving the Yanks a 7-2 lead, which completed the scoring in this contest.
Red Sox starter Josh Beckett (L,3-2), was knocked out of the game in the bottom of the fifth, after a very poor showing in this game. The Yanks pounded out 11 hits, and walked twice, in route to scoring their seven runs off Beckett, which increased his ERA to 6.21.
The bullpen was effective the rest of the way for the Sox, as Delcarmen ended the fifth inning with a strikeout. And, Tim Wakefield delivered three scoreless innings in the 7th, 8th, and 9th. But, the Sox could not produce a comeback rally, and the score stayed at 7-2 in favor of the Yanks.
Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup playing third base for the Yanks. And showed no ill effects from the batting practice ball that was hit off his left ankle before Saturday’s game. A-Rod was (1-for-3), with a walk and run scored, and, also, a stolen base, the 300th of his career.
David Robertson recorded the first two outs of the ninth, including walking a batter, which inspired Girardi to bring in Mariano Rivera to get the final out in this very important game, even though it was not a save situation.
The Great Mariano delivered once again by throwing one pitch which resulted in out number three, preserving another Yankees victory.
And, so it goes.
The Yankees (69-41) remain in first place in the AL East by 2.5 games over the Tampa Bay Rays (67-44), who lost 1-0 yesterday against the Toronto Blue Jays, in a game in which the Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow had a no-hitter with two-outs in the ninth inning that was broken up by an infield single by Evan Longoria. Morrow stayed in the game after the hit to earn a 1-0 complete game shutout, which is just as rare as a no-hitter these days in baseball. The three-game sweep by Jays continued a five-game losing streak by the Rays.
With their loss in the Bronx, the Red Sox (63-49) stay in third place, seven games behind the Yankees, and five games behind the Rays.
The Yankees now look to win this series from the Red Sox with a victory in Game Four at the Stadium, Monday afternoon, in the Beautiful Bronx, New York.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Yankees Start Journey For 28th World Championship
The New York Yankees had a very special year in 2009 — one of their best seasons in their history. But, a new season is just beyond the horizon, and, as always, the goal remains the same for the Yanks, as it was from the first day George Steinbrenner took over ownership of this historic franchise in 1973 …
“Win the World Series” !!! … “Anything less is a failure” !!!
This is the “Yankee Way”, which continues the great Yankees Tradition of greatness that goes all the way back to the 1920’s. And, all in the Yankees Universe can thank George Steinbrenner for always making “winning” the number one priority each and every season.
Without any major controversy [so far] this spring, it gives the Yankees braintrust, and fans, the opportunity to fully focus on key areas of concern that need to be resolved on the Yankees roster before the new season begins against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 4th, Easter Sunday night.
So, the following is my list of some major issues the Yankees need to address during Spring Training, and throughout the 2010 season …
1. Battle For Fifth Spot In Starting Rotation …
I have always been of the opinion that Joba Chamberlain should be a starter, as opposed to being “exiled” in the bullpen … Last season the Yankees braintrust devised all kinds of plans and rules that restricted Joba’s number of pitches thrown, and innings pitched … I think all these rules also restricted Joba’s development as a major league pitcher … In my view, the “Joba Rules” had a negative effect on Chamberlain’s “mindset” which resulted in an overall below average performance on the mound in 2009 … The one good and positive thing about the “Joba Rules” is that they are no longer in effect in 2010 … Chamberlain pitched enough innings during the ’09 season to not have any more restrictions in his starts this season … So, it makes all the sense in the world to pitch Joba Chamberlain as the fifth starter in a rotation that features: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Javier Vazquez as the first four starters … We all need to see how well Joba can perform as a starter over a full season before any decisions are made that will send him to the bullpen … If Chamberlain fails to deliver by the All-Star break, then, Phil Hughes can step into the rotation for the second half of the season … No matter where Hughes pitches this year, [bullpen or as a starter], there will be restrictions [Hughes Rules?] placed on him … So, saving Hughes for the second part of the season will be insurance if Chamberlain is not effective … Also, I believe Phil Hughes is more valuable to the Yanks – in the bullpen – then, Joba would be … That’s my opinion based on how they both pitched last year … And, who knows? … In the future, the Yankees rotation may include both Chamberlain and Hughes pitching as starters … As for the other candidates battling for the fifth spot this spring, I think: Alfredo Aceves and Chad Gaudin will end up in the bullpen as long and middle relievers; and, Sergio Mitre will either start the season at (AAA) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, or be released by the Yanks … Also, Aceves, Gaudin, or Mitre, could be part of some future Yankee trade.
2. The Lineup: Who will bat number two in the order?
It will be interesting to see who gets hurt more by Johnny Damon signing with the Detroit Tigers this year — the Yankees or Damon? … Certainly, the Yankees will miss Damon in the number two spot in the order … Damon’s working the count, getting on base, hitting for a good average with some power, and great speed, were perfect combinations batting behind Derek Jeter last year. Especially, Johnny’s speed and base running abilities will be missed … But, at this early point in the spring, it has been reported, Nick Johnson will start the season as the Yanks designated hitter and bat number two in the lineup … Johnson is a good hitter, with no speed, who will bat in the .290-.300 range, with power, and an on base percentage of .400 plus … Johnson is a good addition to the Yankees; but, I would rather have Hideki Matsui as DH and Damon batting second in the order … Of course, they are both gone, as Matsui will play for the Angels, and Damon for the Tigers, in 2010 … I don’t think Johnson is the perfect number two hitter; and, he has been very injury-prone throughout his career … But, with that said, the Yankees batting order will look something like the following most of this year:
(1) Derek Jeter SS
(2) Nick Johnson DH
(3) Mark Teixeira 1B
(4) Alex Rodriguez 3B
(5) Jorge Posada C
(6) Robinson Cano 2B
(7) Nick Swisher RF
(8) Curtis Granderson LF
(9) Brett Gardner CF
3. Who will play Left Field? … Center Field?
Joe Girardi has always had great praise for Brett Gardner; so, he will be given every opportunity to play everyday. And, when Gardner is in the lineup he will play center field because center is his best position, and he does play it well … This will then shift Curtis Granderson to left field when Gardner plays … The Yankees also have Randy Winn, Jamie Hoffmann, and Marcus Thames battling to become the fourth outfielder, with Winn probably the early-line favorite at this time … If Winn makes the team, he will play left field when he’s in the lineup, with Granderson playing center … Consistency is the key for success of the Yankees outfield: Granderson in left; Gardner in center; and, Nick Swisher in right … Granderson (.249 BA; .327 OB: .453 Slug; 91 R; 72 BB; 30 HR; 71 RBI; 141 K’s), had very similar stats as Swisher (.245 BA; .357 OB; .460 Slug; 84 R; 97 BB; 29 HR; 82 RBI; 126 K’s), in 2009 … Both players need to improve their numbers … Gardner needs to hit for a higher average; get on base more; and, steal many bases this season to justify being the Yanks regular center fielder … He has been working on his bunting this winter, which is a very positive sign that should result in many infield hits and sacrifice bunts for Gardner in 2010 … Another question that will be answered throughout the season will be: Which combination of players would be more productive for the Yankees this year ? …
Damon (LF) – Granderson (CF) – Matsui (DH) … or,
Granderson (LF) – Gardner (CF) – Johnson (DH)
Only time will tell.
4. Jorge Posada catching A.J. Burnett, and other starters?
The issue that some Yankee pitches have had difficulties with Jorge Posada catching their starts has been well documented over the years … Last year, A.J. Burnett seemed to be most distracted when Posada caught his games, which resulted in Jose Molina becoming Burnett’s personal catcher for most of the season … But, this year, Molina will be playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Francisco Cervelli will be the Yanks back-up catcher … It will be worth watching how this drama unfolds thoughout the year, but the early signs look positive as both Posada and Burnett are making every effort to work out all their issues during the spring …
In an article in the New York Daily News by Mark Feinsand, A.J. Burnett is quoted as saying, “I was looking forward to it [bullpen session with Posada] from the first day of camp, to be able to put that behind us and start working together. A lot of stuff was blown out of proportion last year. We’ve talked a handful of times already, so we’re excited to put that behind us, move on and learn from each other.” … “I hope he [Posada] catches me every bullpen and every game this spring. Me coming in here last year and feeling like I caused that controversy, I want to throw to Jorge. I don’t want to deal with that anymore.” … “I never questioned Jorge; I never would and never did. I questioned myself, but everyone thought I questioned Jorge. He’s caught in this league for a long time, so there’s a lot I can learn from him.” …
Posada was also quoted in the article, saying: “I can’t catch him [Burnett] every day, but I bet you the first time I’m not in there when he pitches, people will talk about it. If Cervelli catches him four in a row and he wins four in a row, I’ll make sure Cervelli catches him the fifth time.”
So, the signs look good that both Posada and Burnett are going to figure out how best to work together during games A.J. starts.
The one thing, though, that all the pitchers on the Yankees staff will agree on is … Jorge Posada’s bat in the middle of the lineup is very important to the Yanks winning … Posada has been a major part of “five” Yankee World Championship teams, and has produced many key hits and huge home runs throughout his great career … Those two and three-run homers make-up for any questions about Jorge’s catching abilities … And, for that, Posada deserves all the respect due him as one of the best catchers [maybe the best], in Major League Baseball over the past 15 years.
5. The Bullpen: “Bridge to Mariano” …
Mariano Rivera had one of his best seasons as the Yankees “closer” last year … And, there is every reason to believe that he will continue his dominance as the “best closer in the history of baseball”, in 2010, and over the next few years … Therefore, the main questions about the Yankees bullpen revolve around the middle relievers, eight-inning set-up man, and how well constructed the “Bridge to Mariano” will be built and hold-up over the course of the whole season … There are a full cast of characters that will battle it out during spring training to fill these bullpen spots, including: David Robertson; Damaso Marte; Mark Melancon; Jonathan Albaladejo; Edwar Ramirez; and newly acquired, Boone Logan; and Chan Ho Park; [plus others] … Also, in the mix are: Aceves; Gaudin; Mitre, as well as, Phil Hughes, who I think will start the season as the eight-inning “set-up man” … But, whatever the make-up of the Yankees bullpen is this year, my major concern is: I hope manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland do not overuse the bullpen [again] in 2010 … Dare I mention: “pitch-counts”, “inning-limitations”, and, a “parade of relievers” from the bullpen to the mound, in many games? … In my view, the key for the best performances from the pitching staff is for the starting pichers to be allowed to pitch at least seven or eight innings per game, and, even be allowed to “complete games” … It would be great to see some “CG’s” this season … But, the main key is Mariano Rivera, and how well he pitches … Victory is certain [again] when we hear many times this season:
“Mariano closes out the game, and the Yankees win” !!!
Everybody, Enjoy “Spring Training” !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Phillies Win Game 5; Yankees Still Lead Series, 3-2
No second guessing [here] on my part regarding Joe Girardi’s decision to pitch A. J. Burnett on three games rest in Game 5 of the World Series against the Phillies. Even though A.J. was terrible in his start … in my view, Girardi, and the Yankees braintrust, made the right move in sending Burnett to the mound because basically: what other options did they have?
Chad Gaudin, the only possible fourth starter for the Yanks in this series, has not pitched in about a month. He would have pitched no more than three to five innings. So, it would have made very little sense in taking a chance with Gaudin on the mound instead of Burnett, especially, with all the ineffectiveness out of the bullpen.
A.J. was brought to the Bronx to pitch big games for the Yanks, and it seems very clear to me: Game 5 of the World Series was a “big” game. Since Burnett was available to pitch on three games rest, then, there really was no other choice for Girardi, but to pitch A.J. over Gaudin. Period.
There is no way to sugarcoat A.J. Burnett’s performance, though — he was awful.
A.J., who had a solid outing in Game 2, lasted only two innings, allowing, six runs, on four hits, four walks, and two strikeouts.
He was replaced by David Robertson with no outs in the third inning, after walking Utley and Howard, and, then, allowing RBI singles to Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez before being taken out of the game. Robertson allowed one more run to score for a 6-1 Phillies lead before getting out of the jam without any further damage.
The Phillies took their first lead, 3-1, in the bottom of the first inning on a three-run homer by Chase Utley after the Yanks scored a run in the top of the inning.
In the seventh inning, the Phillies increased their lead to 8-2 on solo home runs by Utley and Ibanez. Utley’s homer was his fifth of the series, tying Reggie Jackson’s record of five homers in the Yankees victory over the Dodgers in the 1977 World Series.
In the meantime, Phillies starter, Cliff Lee pitched seven solid innings before getting into trouble in the top of the eight inning.
Johnny Damon led off the eight with a single which was followed by a single by Mark Teixeira and a two-RBI double by Alex Rodriguez that cut the Phillies lead to 8-4.
Lee (2-0), was replaced by Chan Ho Park with no outs in the eight.
Park faced Nick Swisher, who advanced Rodriguez on a ground ball out. A-Rod then scored on a sac-fly by Robinson Cano that made the score 8-5.
The Yankees scored their final run in the top of the ninth, before Ryan Madson closed out the Phillies 8-6 victory.
The 2009 World Series now heads to the Beautiful Bronx for Game 6, with the New York Yankees leading the series “three” games to “two” over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Another classic pitching match-up is on tap …
Andy Pettitte, (Yankees) vs. Pedro Martinez, (Phillies).
In my view, I think both starters will pitch well, with Andy out-dueling Pedro into the seventh inning.
But, the key for a Yankees win will be a solid bridge directly from Pettitte, with seven strong innings pitched, to the “Great Mariano” Rivera, closing out the Yankees World Series winning final game by recording a two-inning save, pitching a scoreless eight and ninth innings.
Andy to Mariano is: “THE BRIDGE TO VICTORY” !!!
And, a final note: I look for huge offensive numbers by: Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, and Mark Teixeira in tonight’s game.
“GO YANKEES” !!!
ONE MORE WIN FOR #27 !!!
Enjoy the game tonight …
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Damon’s Daring Dash Sparks Yanks 7-4 Win In Game 4
With two outs and the score tied 4-4 in the top of the ninth inning of Game 4 of the 2009 World Series against the Phillies, Johnny Damon battled at the plate until he stroked Brad Lidge’s ninth pitch of the at bat to leftfield for a single that started yet another late-inning rally by the Bronx Bombers.
Then, on the first pitch to next batter Mark Teixeira, Damon took off for second and easily stole the base. On the play, with the shift on the right side of the infield for Teix, Damon quickly poped up from his slide, spun around, and sprinted towards third base which was not covered by any Phillie player because of the shift, earning Johnny an unchallenged second stolen base on a very rare base running play.
The unusual turn of events clearly unnerved the Phillies closer as Lidge then hit Teixeira that set up a first and third situation for Alex Rodriguez.
And, A-Rod delivered … one of his biggest hits as a Yankee, a RBI double that plated Damon with the go-ahead run, moving the Yankees into the 5-4 lead.
Jorge Posada followed with a two-RBI single that scored Teixeira and Rodriguez with two big insurance runs, capping the scoring in the Yankees 7-4 victory.
The Great Mariano Rivera closed out the Yankees win with an easy one-two-three ninth inning that gave the Bombers a three games to one lead in the 2009 World Series.
The Yankees starter on the mound, CC Sabathia, was pitching with three days rest, and gave the Yanks a very solid effort even though he struggled throughout his six and two-thirds innings of work in which he gave up three runs, on seven hits, three walks, and six strikeouts, while throwing 107 pitches.
Damaso Marte recorded the final out of the seventh inning, protecting the Yanks 4-3 lead as the game entered the eight.
Joba Chamberlain was then called on to build the “Bridge to Mariano”. But, even though Joba struck out the side, he allowed a two-out, solo homer to Pedro Feliz on a three-two pitch that resulted in the Phillies tying the score at 4-4.
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first off Phillies starter Joe Blanton on a lead-off single by Derek Jeter, which was followed by a double by Damon, and, a RBI groundout by Teixeira; A-Rod reaching first on a hit-by-pitch; and, a sac-fly by Posada.
The hit-by-pitch was the third time Alex has been hit in this Series, and resulted in the home plate umpire issuing warnings to both benches. It seems obvious, the Phillies would rather hit A-Rod with one pitch instead of using four balls to walk him to first.
Anyway, the Phillies scored one run in the bottom of the first to cut the Yanks lead in half; and, scored again in the fourth to tie the score 2-2.
Then, in the top of the fifth, Nick Swisher walked; Melky Cabrera singled; Jeter [2-for-4], hit a RBI single that gave the Yanks a 3-2 lead; which was followed by a RBI single by Damon [3-for-5], that increased the Bombers lead to 4-2 at the time.
Blanton delivered a serviceable six innings starting this game for the Phillies, a move that has been, and will always be questioned, as manager Charlie Manuel decided “not” to pitch his “ace” Cliff Lee on three days rest, which would have matched Lee up against the Yankees “ace” CC Sabathia who “was” working on three days rest.
Advantage Joe Girardi on these pitching decisions, as the Yankees manager has perfectly set CC in the rotation to pitch games one, four, and seven [if necessary].
So, the New York Yankees are now up in this Series 3-1, with A.J. Burnett [on three days rest] taking the mound against Cliff Lee in Game 5.
Alex Rodriguez had the game-winning hit in Game 4; but, it was Johnny Damon’s classic nine-pitch at-bat; single; and two stolen bases, in the ninth inning that sparked the Yankees victory.
Much like Paul O’Neill’s classic ten-pitch at-bat against Armando Beitez in the ninth inning of Game One of the 2000 World Series against the New York Mets, Damon’s at-bat has now become another special moment in Yankees history.
Johnny Damon’s great game and play in this World Series may lead to him be selected MVP, as the Yankees are on a solid path to their 27th World Championship.
The “Magic Number” is now “ONE” for number 27.
“GO YANKEES” !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Yankees Sweep Orioles; Magic Number Is 23
Almost Perfect Andy Spins A Gem …
Andy Pettitte was masterful on the mound in the first game of this three-game series against the Orioles, almost tossing a perfect game in the Yankees 5-1 victory at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Pettitte retired 20 straight batters until Adam Jones hit a grounder to third base that traveled through Jerry Hairston’s legs for an error with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning that ended Andy’s bid for perfection.
There was still a no-hitter on the board, though, that was broken by next batter Nick Markakis on an opposite field single, past third base, down the left field line that made this game even more interesting. The game was now “on the line” with the go-ahead run coming up to the plate with runners on first and second, two outs, and the Yanks leading 2-0.
But, Pettitte protected the shutout by retiring the final batter Nolan Reimold, on a full-count, ground out to Derek Jeter at short.
Nick Swisher (3-for-4), put the Yanks in the 2-0 lead with a solo homer (#22), in the third, and a RBI double in the fifth. And, the Bronx Bombers gave Pettitte a little more breathing room by scoring three runs in the top of the eight on a RBI single by Johnny Damon, and a two-RBI double by Robinson Cano that increased their lead to 5-0.
The shutout was wiped off the scoreboard in the bottom of the eight inning when Pettitte gave up a solo homer to Melvin Mora that cut the Yankees lead to 5-1.
Andy Pettitte (12-6), finished his brilliant performance with 104 pitches thrown over eight spectacular innings, allowing one run, two hits, no walks, while striking out eight.
After the game, Jorge Posada said, this may have been Pettitte’s best start, as he could not remember Andy ever having that good of a game.
Brian Bruney was called into this game at the start of the ninth but could not close out the victory. He put two runners on base on a single and walk with one out, which resulted in Mariano Rivera having to take the mound.
The “Great Mariano” retired the final two batters to preserve this 5-1 Yankees victory, recording his 37th save.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 5, Orioles 1
Five Homers Power Yanks 9-6 Win Over Orioles …
In a game that Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett was “awful”, lasting only 5.1 innings, while allowing six runs, on eleven hits, two walks, and two strike outs, the Bronx Bombers won their fifth game in a row on a power surge of “five” home runs that led to a 9-6 victory in the middle game of their three-game series vs. the Orioles.
Robinson Cano (3-for-4), two runs, two RBI’s, hit his 22nd homer.
Jorge Posada (2-for-4), three runs, three RBI’s, hit two homers (#18, 19).
Nick Swisher hit homer number 23.
Eric Hinske hit his 6th homer as a Yankee.
This game started out poorly for A.J. Burnett right from the first inning when Felix Pie hit a homer that gave the O’s an early 1-0 lead.
Robinson Cano then hit a two-run homer in the second, and Posada hit a solo shot in the third that gave the Bombers the 3-1 lead in this contest.
The Orioles tied the score 3-3 in the bottom of the third before Posada hit his second home run of the night that moved the Yanks back into the lead at 5-3.
But, A.J. once again could not hold the score as Luke Scott sent a soaring three-run blast out of the ballpark over the right field wall onto Eutaw Street to give the O’s a 6-5 advantage, and basically ended Burnett’s time on the mound in this game.
In his last seven starts, A.J. Burnett is 0-4 with a 6.54 ERA; and, when the Yankees tied the score 6-6 in the top of the sixth, this took Burnett off the hook for the loss. But, a “no decision”, or loss, is not what is expected from one of our top free-agent signings every time he takes the mound.
The Yankee bats are hot, though; and, back to back homers by Nick Swisher (two-run blast, his 20th road homer), and Eric Hinske’s solo shot in the top of the seventh, moved the Bombers into the lead for good with the score now 9-6.
The bullpen held the lead the rest of the way, as Marte (1-1), Robertson, and Coke built a solid “Bridge to Marinao” who recorded his 38th save tossing a scoreless ninth inning that closed out the Yankees 9-6 win.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 9, Orioles 6
CC Rides to 16th win as Yanks Beat O’s 10-2 …
The Baltimore Orioles scored a run in the bottom of the first, and Eric Hinske tied the score 1-1 with a homer (#7) in the third which was all the scoring through the first six innings of this game.
Then, in the seventh, Johnny Damon walked; Nick Swisher doubled; and both scored on a single by Alex Rodriguez that gave the Yanks a 3-1 lead.
For A-Rod, that was his second single of the game, his first being his 2,500th career hit in the fifth inning.
In the meantime, CC Sabathia (16-7), pitched a very solid game, throwing 105 pitches over seven great innings of work, allowing one run, on seven hits, one walk, and nine strikeouts.
Brian Bruney replaced Sabathia at the start of the eight inning, and he was ineffective once again as he promptly gave up a solo homer to Nolan Reimold (#13), that cut the Yankees lead to 3-2.
Bruney was awarded his 9th “hold” for his one-third of an inning on the mound which is a totally ridiculous stat in this situation.
A “hold” is given when a reliever holds the lead of his team when he makes an appearance in a game. In my view, though, a “hold” should only be awarded when a reliever holds the lead by not allowing any runs to score during his time in the game.
Anyway, Brian Bruney was not effective once again out of the bullpen. That is the most important stat that should concern Joe Girardi, as well as, all Yankee fans, as we go forward in this pennant drive.
Phil Coke and Phil Hughes retired the final two batters of the eight, moving this game into the top of the ninth with the Yanks still leading 3-2.
In the ninth, the Bombers broke this game wide open by sending 12 batters up to the plate scoring seven runs which included another two-RBI single by Alex Rodriguez.
This ninth-inning outburst by the Bronx Bombers capped the scoring in this game, framing the Yankees 10-2 lead.
Phil Hughes pitched a scoreless ninth inning to preserve this Yankees victory, earning his second save of the season.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 10, Orioles 2
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of (85-48), and a seven and a half game lead over the second place Boston Red Sox (77-55) in the AL East.
This places the Yankees “magic number” at 23 games.
Any combination of 23 Yankees wins, and, or, Red Sox losses will clinch first place in the AL East for the New York Yankees.
“Go Yankees” !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A’s Shut Down Yankees, 3-0
In a game that took only 2 hours, 15 minutes to play, the Oakland A’s defeated the New York Yankees 3-0, on a seven-hit, shutout, by former Yankee Brett Tomko and three relievers in the first game of a three-game series in Oakland, CA.
It is interesting, Tomko was just released by the Yankees in the middle of July to make room on the pitching staff for Sergio Mitre who has delivered mostly below average performances so far as the Yankees fifth starter.
Tomko did not pitch very well [at all] during his brief time with the Yankees this year; but, when he departed he expressed displeasure on the way he was used [in his role, out of the bullpen] by the Yankees. Maybe if given the opportunity as a starting pitcher, Tomko could have been another fifth starter option at this time. Certainly, though, Brett Tomko did not pitch well enough to be given that chance by Joe Girardi.
There was not much action in this quick baseball contest, other than some solid pitching by the A’s hurlers, and, also, by Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, who actually turned in an eight inning complete game while taking the loss in this game.
A.J. had only one bad inning, in the top of the fourth, when the A’ s scored all three of their runs.
In the fourth, Rajai Davis stroked a one-out double that was almost caught by Nick Swisher on a diving through the air effort in right centerfield; then, Davis stole third base before scoring on a base hit by Kurt Suzuki for the A’s first run.
The A’s scored their second run on a balk by Burnett, when he stopped his delivery right in the middle of his pitch, causing Suzuki to score from third. After the game, A.J. said the balk was the result of a cross-up of the signs from catcher Jorge Posada, but Burnett took responsibility for the mistake. It should be noted, A.J. Burnett has had some problems of late on the mound, as he threw three wild pitches in his last start.
Mark Ellis was the batter at the plate during the balk, and after all the dust cleared, Ellis produced a RBI double to right centerfield that upped the A’s lead to 3-0, which capped the scoring in this game.
The Yankees had a golden chance to score some early runs in the third inning when they loaded the bases with one out, and Alex Rodriguez coming up to the plate … but, A-Rod hit an easy first-pitch grounder to Tomko who fired home to start an inning ending 1-2-3 double play, that killed the Yankees threat and best opportunity to score in this game.
Other than the possible third inning rally, the only other offense by the Yankees was provided by Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher who each had a double but was left stranded; and, Derek Jeter who was (3-for-4), which raised his average to .327, and moved him to only 30 hits behind the great Lou Gehrig on the all-time Yankees hit list.
Jeter now has 2,691 hits, as his path travels to pass Gehrig’s 2,721 career hits.
A.J. Burnett (10-6), pitched eight innings, while allowing three runs, on six hits, two walks, and five strikeouts.
Brett Tomko (2-2), lasted five shutout innings to earn the win, as he gave up five hits, and one walk, while striking out one.
After Breslow pitched the 6th and 7th innings, and Ziegler tossed a scoreless 8th inning, A’s closer Andrew Bailey preserved this victory recording his 18th save in the ninth.
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of (74-45), as CC Sabathia (13-7, 3.64), faces off against Vin Mazzaro (4-8, 5.54) in the middle game vs. the A’s tonight, Tuesday, August 18th.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A Glorious Coast To Coast “Day-Night” Doubleheader
Yesterday was one of those rare days during the regular season that baseball fans could just sit back and enjoy a wonderful coast-to-coast, day-night doubleheader, with both games having major playoff implications in the AL East pennant race.
The first game took place on an overcast day at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox, second in the AL East, and the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers.
This afternoon matchup set the tone beautifully for the nightcap of this great baseball day, between the first place in the AL East, New York Yankees, and the wild card hopeful Mariners in Seattle.
I settled in front of my television set, imagining I was sitting in one of those skyview box seats on top of the Green Monster, instead of just watching this great pitching matchup between Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.45) of the Tigers vs. the Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz (1-2, 5.33), in the comfort of my home on my MLB Extra Innings package.
The “Green Monster” in Fenway Park
There have been many great pitching performances throughout baseball of late, the most notable being the Perfect Game by Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox; all the brilliant performances during the just completed Yankees vs. Red Sox series, highlighted by the 0-0 pitching duel between Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett, that ended with a 15 innings, 2-0, Yankees victory; the 0-0 duel between Mark Buehrle and Felix Hernandez the other night, in which the Mariners defeated the White Sox, 1-0 in 14 innings; a fine effort by Cliff Lee (3-0) last night, one run in eight innings on the mound leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-1 victory; and, many other outstanding pitching performances.
And, to the above list can be added the excellent performances by Verlander and Buchholz in the Tigers 2-0 win over the Red Sox yesterday afternoon; and, CC Sabathia’s best start since signing with the Yankees, in the Bronx Bombers 11-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
Verlander (13-6), delivered a masterful display of brilliance on the mound, throwing 123 pitches over eight solid innings, while allowing no runs; on only four hits; one walk; and eight strikeouts.
Justin retired 16 of the last 19 batters he faced, and was still firing the ball up to the plate at 100 mph in the eight inning. On this day, Mr. Verlander was just way too dominant as he over-powered the Red Sox hitters.
Clay Buchholz (1-3), also pitched a very good game, lasting seven innings, while giving up two runs (one earned); on five hits; three walks; and three strikeouts.
Both runs in this game were driven home by Ryan Raburn, on a single in the fourth, and a homer (#7) in the seventh inning. Fernando Rodney closed out this 2-0 Tigers victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning recording his 24th save of the season.
This was a very big win for the Tigers (60-54), who remain in first place in the AL Central, two and a half games over the Chicago White Sox; and, also, it prevented an embarrassing four-game sweep at the hands of Boston (65-49).
The Red Sox are now six and a half games behind the Yankees (72-43), in the AL East.
Fenway Park
CC In Control …
The second game of this day-night doubleheader started at 10:00 p.m ET in Seattle, with CC Sabathia (12-7, 3.76) of the Yankees, facing off against Ian Shell (2-8, 5.42) of the Mariners at Safeco Field.
In a very brisk 2 hours, 42 minutes game, the New York Yankees stroked 15 hits in route to an 11-1 bashing of the Mariners.
CC Sabathia was in total control and command on the mound all game, allowing only three hits — a single to Ichiro in the third inning; a solo homer to Josh Wilson (#1) in the fifth; and a single to Jack Hannahan in the eight — while walking two; and, striking out a season high 10 batters on the path to his 13th win this season.
Also, it must be noted, Jose Molina called a solid game behind the plate, giving a day of rest to Jorge Posada who caught the whole 11 innings in the Yankees 4-3 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon.
Safeco Field
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the second inning on a RBI double by Jerry Hairston, Jr, who was playing third in place of the injured Alex Rodriguez, and a wild pitch.
Then, the Bronx Bombers increased their lead to 5-0 in the third, on a lead off homer by Derek Jeter (#14); and, a two-run homer by Hideki Matsui (#18), that drove home Johnny Damon who doubled after the Jeter homerun.
In the fourth inning, Jeter singled and scored on a double by Mark Teixeira that upped the Yanks lead to 6-0.
CC allowed the only Mariner run on a homer to Josh Wilson in the fifth inning that made the score 6-1 at the time.
Ian Snell (0-1), was knocked out of the game in the top of the seventh after giving up a double to Damon and a walk to Teixeira, and was replaced by Garrett Olson.
The Bombers continued the pounding of the Mariners with a RBI single by Matsui; a RBI groundout by Melky Cabrera; and, a RBI single by Hairston that increased the Yankees lead to 9-1.
Safeco Field
The Yankees completed the scoring in this game in the top of the eight on a single by Teixeira and a two run homer by Matsui (#19), his second home run of the game, that framed the Yankees 11-1 victory.
Hideki Matsui had his best performance of the year, belting out four hits in five at bats, including two homers; five RBI’s; and, four runs scored.
The Yankees attack also included two hits apiece from: Jeter, a homer and single; Damon, two doubles; Teixeira, a double and single and RBI; Cano, two singles; and, Hairston, Jr, a double and single, and two RBI’s. [Hairston has looked very impressive so far in his brief time on the team].
Brian Bruney closed out the Yankees victory with a very easy one-two-three 9th inning.
This victory was a great way for the New York Yankees to start their 10-game road trip.
All the baseball action continues tonight with Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.14) on the mound for the Yankees, against the Mariners Ryan Rowland-Smith (2-1, 3.86).
It was a beautiful day watching these two great baseball games; and, it is nice view, in first place on top of the AL East for all in the Yankees Universe.
— photo credits:
* google images
* http:// www. baseballpilgrimages .com
* http:// www. myredsoxtoday .com
* http:// www. andrewclem .com/baseball/photos
* http:// www. dahogan .com
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Update: Saturday, August 15, 2009 …
Friday night’s Yankees and Red Sox games …
Yankees 4, Mariners 2 …
The pitching was great for both teams in this game, as Andy Pettitte threw one of his best games of the year for the New York Yankees, tossing 111 pitchers over six dazzling innings, allowing two runs, on six hits, one walk, and a season high “ten” strikeouts.
Pettitte was matched pitch for pitch by Seattle Mariners starter Ryan Rowland-Smith, who threw 99 pitchers over seven solid innings of work, while giving up two runs, on only three hits, two walks, and five strkeouts.
This game entered the top of the ninth inning tied 2-2 when Mark Teixeira broke the deadlock with a high arching homerun into the lower right field seats at Safeco Field that gave the Bombers a 3-2 lead. The homer was Teixeira’s 30th of the season.
After the Tex homer, Robinson Cano stroked an opposite field two-out double to left, and was driven home by Nick Swisher’s looping RBI single over the second baseman’s head for a very important insurance run and the 4-2 lead.
The Yankees bullpen took over for Pettitte in the seventh inning with Brian Bruney replacing Andy on the mound.
Bruney tossed a scoreless seventh inning; Phil Hughes (5-3), pitched a scoreless eight inning, although, did walk two batters before getting the final out on his second strikeout of the inning; and, then, The Great Mariano closed the door in the ninth, throwing three straight infield ground-outs that preserved the Yankees 4-2 victory. This was Mariano Rivera’s 34th save of the season.
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of 73-43 … [30 games over .500 for the first time this year]; and, have won 11 of their last 12 games; 35 of their last 46 games; and, are 22-6 since the All-Star break.
Red Sox 8, Rangers 4 …
In the first game of this big three-game series in Texas, the Red Sox scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning off Rangers closer Frank Francisco to win the game 8-4, and move one and a half games ahead of Texas in the American League wild-card race.
The Rangers took a 4-2 lead into the ninth. But, a big hit by Victor Martinez, a two-out, two-run double, that gave the Sox the 5-4 lead, and, a two-run homer by J.D. Drew that capped the scoring in the game, led the Red Sox to a huge come-from-behind 8-4 victory.
Michael Young supplied most of the offense for the Rangers, driving home three of the four runs, including a two-run homer off Boston starter Jon Lester in the first inning that gave Texas the early 2-0 lead.
The Red Sox now have a record of 66-49, and remain in second place in the AL East, six and a half games behind the Yankees.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 