Tagged: Andy Pettitte
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 …
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”
Thoughts On The MLB Winter Meetings …
The 2009 Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis ended Thursday December 10th without any real major block-buster trades or deals taking place. But, the winter baseball season still has many months remaining, with many big free agents on the market that should keep baseball on the back pages of the sports sections right up to spring training 2010.
Some of the biggest names still looking for large contracts with winning major league teams are: Roy “Doc” Halladay, Matt Halliday, John Lackey, Jason Bay, Hideki Matsui; and, Johnny Damon. Of course, I’m most interested in the Yankees re-signing Matsui and Damon; and, then, maybe, making at least one more major deal before the new season begins.
Most Yankee fans, including myself, would agree that all the moves made by the Yankees at the winter meetings were good deals that will help the team in 2010 and beyond.
The mini-blockbuster three-team trade the Yankees made with the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks, that landed all-star center fielder Curtis Granderson in the Bronx, was the major move by the Yanks.
The Bombers really gave up very little to get Granderson, as Ian Kennedy is headed to Arizona; and, Phil Coke and Austin Jackson are traveling to Detroit. The other players involved in the trade, included: Edwin Jackson going from Detroit to Arizona; and, Daniel Schlereth and Max Scherzer moving from the Diamondbacks to the Tigers.
At these meetings the Yankees also reached a one-year agreement with Andy Pettitte for $11.75 million to be the third starter once again in the rotation. And, they traded Brian Bruney to the Washington Nationals for the first selection in the Rule 5 Draft, which turned out to be Jamie Hoffmann, an outfielder from the Dodgers minor league system. Both good moves.
Hoffmann, who batted .291 with 10 homers, 64 RBI’s, and 15 SB, in 358 at-bats last season, as well as, being rated [by Baseball America] the best defensive outfielder in the Dodgers minor league system the past four seasons [2006-’09], will be given a chance to make the team in spring training. This will create a very crowded outfield situation for the Yanks in 2010, especially if the Damon is re-signed. Could a deal involving Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner be in the works?
As I stated above, I do want the Yankees to re-sign both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. But, if the Yanks only intend on signing one of these two very important players, then my choice would be Matsui.
Matsui’s MVP performance in 2009 World Series, highlighted by his six RBI’s in the Yanks 7-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 6, the deciding game; along with his great regular season in which he hit 28 homers and drove home 90 runs, should be all that the Yankees braintrust need to consider when offering Hideki at least a one-year deal.
Yes, Matsui will only bat as the DH in the lineup. But, he is the perfect number five hitter behind Alex Rodriguez; and, certainly, the Yankees would miss Matsui’s bat in the middle of the order “if they just let him walk away from the team”.
“If they just let him walk away from the team” …
That is pretty much the same quote I used last year when the Yankees braintrust decided not to re-sign Bobby Abreu. I was disappointed then, and still disappointed [now] about that move. And, I would feel the same way if the Yankees do not re-sign Hideki Matsui. The Yankees owe Matsui a little more then just a little respect, as well as, a decent contract for 2010.
On the final day, the Winter Meetings did end with an interesting four-year, $65 million offer from the New York Mets to Jason Bay.
Now, Jason Bay is a player I would like to see the New York Yankees bring to the Bronx – [five-years, $85 million?]
Jason Bay already turned down a reported four-year, $60 million offer from the Boston Red Sox. I think it would be foolish for the Sox to not re-sign their left fielder; but, when all is said and done, I do think the Red Sox will “up” their offer and re-sign Mr. Bay … I really cannot imagine the Mets out-bidding the Red Sox for Bay.
But, if all parties can’t come to an agreement, then, maybe, just maybe, the Yankees will make a last minute bid for Jason Bay [like they did with Mark Teixeira in 2008], and their crowded outfield situation will become just a little bit more crowded – only until the next deal.
It is great to be back blogging !!!
I have been very busy over the last month which has limited my time on the computer. This has resulted in a lack of new posts on my mlblog, and, also, no time to offer any commentary on my blog and throughout the mlblogosphere. For this lack of time to update my blog, and, or, visit other blogs, I am truly sorry !!!
Hopefully, I will be able to blog on a more regular basis throughout the rest of the Winter Baseball Season, and, also, visit many other mlblogs in this awesome blogging community here at mlblogs/mlb.com !!!
I hope everybody had a Happy Thanksgiving, and is doing well, as we all enjoy the Hot Stove League while we count down the days to Spring Training 2010.
Thank You for all your visits, and continued support of my mlblog, “BY&L” !!!
Best Wishes,
Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
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”
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”
Yankees Blast Red Sox in a 20-11 Rout …
If the New York Yankees were trying to make a major statement to the Boston Red Sox, and the rest of the teams in baseball, well, last night’s 20-11 drubbing of the Sox in their own building certainly underlined any message the Bronx Bombers had in mind of sending.
The Yankees came out swinging scoring two runs in the top of the first off Boston starter Brad Penny on a lead off double by the “red hot” Derek Jeter, a walk to Mark Teixeira, a single by Alex Rodriguez, and a two-out, two RBI single by Jorge Posada that gave the Bombers a quick 2-0 lead.
Then, after the Red Sox cut the lead in half in the bottom of the first on a sac fly by Victor Martinez that scored Jacoby Ellsbury, the Yanks continued the onslaught in the second scoring four more runs that upped their lead to 6-1.
The Yankees did their damage in the second on one-out singles by Melky Cabrera and Jeter; a RBI double by Eric Hinske — who replaced Johnny Damon after he bruised his right leg on a foul ball in the first — that drove home Melky; a two RBI double by Mark Teixeira, that plated Jeter and Hinske; and, a RBI single by Alex Rodriguez, who was out at second trying to stretch the hit into a double.
The score remained the same until the top of the fifth when the Yankees really put this contest out of reach, batting around in the inning sending 12 men up to the plate
Teixeira and A-Rod singled at the start of the fifth, which knocked Penny out of the game. Then, both runners traveled home on a three-run homer by Hideki Matsui (#20) off reliever Michael Bowden that increased the Bombers lead to 9-1.
Bowden was just as ineffective as Penny, walking the next batter Posada after the Matsui homer, and then giving up a RBI double to Robinson Cano before recording the first out on ground ball by Nick Swisher.
Then, Melky singled home Cano to make the score 11-1.
After Jeter was the second out on a force play, Bowden walked Hinske, who scored on RBI single by Teixeira that finished the scoring in this six-run inning, and gave the Yanks a very comfortable 12-1 lead, at the time.
The numbers by Brad Penny (L,7-8) were awful. He threw 89 pitches in four innings on the mound in this big game, and allowed eight runs, on ten hits, one walk, and four strikeouts, increasing his ERA to 5.61.
In the meantime, Andy Pettitte was pitching a good game through the first four innings, but maybe because he was sitting on bench for about a half hour during the Yankees six-run, fifth inning rally, this caused him to have some trouble when he took the mound again in the bottom of the fifth.
Boston scored three runs in the fifth, on a two RBI single by Ellsbury, that plated Mike Lowell and J.D.Drew; and, a RBI double by Dustin Pedroia that scored Ellsbury and cut the Yankees lead to 12-4.
The Yankees continued to pound out the hits scoring three more runs in the top of the sixth, on a RBI double by Cabrera, and a two RBI single by Jeter that gave them a 15-4 lead.
After getting through the fifth inning, Pettitte returned to the mound to start the bottom of the sixth, lasting three batters, Casy Kotchman who reached on a Cano error; a single by Nick Green; and a RBI single by David Ortiz, before being replaced by Brian Bruney with the score now 15-5.
Bruney gave up a single to the first batter he faced, Mike Lowell, on a ball that should have been caught but dropped in between Cabrera in center and Hinske in left to load the bases with no outs. Baldelli was up next and walked to force home another run that made the score 15-6.
There still were no outs, and the Red Sox had a chance to get right back into this game. But, Alex Gonzalez hit into a 4-6-3 double play, that also scored Ortiz from third with the Sox seventh run. Bruney then retired Ellsbury for the final out holding the score at 15-7.
This completed the pitching stats for Andy Pettitte (W,10-6), and they are not pretty. Andy threw 104 pitches over five innings of work, while allowing seven runs (five earned); on seven hits; two walks; and, four strikeouts.
Michael Bowden was also finished after two innings of relief in this game, and to say the least, the Yankee batters really lit him up for seven runs, on eight hits, three walks, and no strikeouts.
Delcarmen was now on the mound for the Sox in the seventh, and the Yankees scored their 16th run on a triple by A-Rod (4-for-4); and, a RBI grounder to first by Matsui.
Brian Bruney was still on the mound for the Yanks in the bottom of the seventh, and after getting the first out, promptly loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch. Not what the Yankees needed at this point in the game from their bullpen.
So, Damaso Marte, just activated from the disabled list, was called into the game to end this possible Red Sox rally. And, he did his job, retiring Ortiz on a fly out; and, Lowell on a strikeout to keep the score at 16-7.
The Yankees capped their scoring in the ninth, on a three-run homer by Hideki Matsui (#21), his second home run of the game, giving him seven RBI’s on the night; and, a RBI double by Swisher off reliever Ramirez, that gave the Bronx Bombers a 20-7 lead.
But, the scoring was not over, just yet, in this game.
Sergio Mitre pitched a scoreless eight inning for the Yankees, and returned to the mound to pitch the bottom of the ninth.
It is ironic that Mitre was now called on to close out this game because originally he was scheduled to make the start in this important first game of this three-game series. But, Joe Girardi moved the rotaton around so that Pettitte could be the starter, and, all I can say, it was a wise move that may have saved this win for the Yankees, even with the 20 runs and 23 hits the Yanks pounded out.
Sergio Mitre had a disastrous ninth inning, allowing a one-out solo homer to Jason Varitek (#14); a single to Kotchman; a RBI double to Ortiz; a two-out homer to Mike Lowell (#15); and, hit by pitch, before retiring Alex Gonzalez on a force play for the final out of the game that framed the Yankees 20-11 victory.
This was a big win for the Yankees [really, all wins are big], that improved their record to 77-45, seven and a half games ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox (69-52).
Just another game in this great rivalry, as the Yankees have gone from 0-8 vs. the Red Sox, in the first half of the season, to winning the last five games in a row to cut Boston’s lead to 8-5 in this year’s version of “A Season Within A Season”.
The greatest rivalry in baseball and all sports, the “Yankees vs. Red Sox” continues …
To view the boxscore, click on: Yankees 20, Red Sox 11
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Yankees Begin New Streak With 4-2 Win Over Jays
About 18 hours after the Yankees seven-game winning streak ended with an 8-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners, the Yanks began a new winning streak, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-2, in the first game of a four-game, 4th of July Holiday weekend series, on a beautiful Friday afternoon in the “Beautiful Bronx”.
Yankees starting pitcher, A.J. Burnett (7-4), was brilliant in his seven innings on the mound, allowing the only two runs the Jays scored, on six hits, [including a long homerun off the bat of Blue Jays centerfielder, Vernon Wells, in the 6th inning]; two walks; and, seven strikeouts.
Burnett’s solid effort got the Yankees back on the winning track, after an awful pitching performance by CC Sabathia in the Yankees 8-4 loss to the Mariners, in the final game of that series, that derailed the Bombers winning ways until today’s victory.
Sabathia (7-5), lasted only 5.2 innings in his losing start, while giving up six runs, on ten hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts.
A.J. Burnett’s victory tied him with CC Sabathia at seven wins apiece, so far, in their first season with the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte leads the Yankees pitching staff with eight wins.
It is interesting, the Yankees almost let Andy Pettitte walk away from the team, just like they did with Bobby Abreu. But, Andy has pitched very well, and is on pace to win 17-18 games. I think it would have also been a good idea to re-sign Abreu, who would “still” be the Yankees best all-around outfielder if he was on the team this year. Just Saying.
Anyway, back to this game.
Robinson Cano gave the Yankees an early 1-0 lead with a solo homer, his 13th, in the second inning.
The Jays tied it up with a RBI single by Alex Rios in the 4th.
And, the Yankees took the lead again in the 5th, on a bases-loaded walk to Mark Teixeira off Jays starter Brian Tallet; and, a passed ball by catcher Raul Chavez that scored Johnny Damon, moving the Yanks into the 3-1 lead.
Vernon Wells 6th inning homer cut the Yankees lead to 3-2, and completed the scoring for the Blue Jays.
Brian Tallet (5-6), finished his work on the mound for the Jays after six innings. He allowed three runs (two earned), on six hits, four walks, and three strikeouts.
After seven strong innings pitched by A.J. Burnett, manager Joe Girardi made the call to the bullpen at the start of the 8th and brought Phil Coke into the game to face one batter, who Coke retired.
Phil Hughes was then called into the game, and recorded the final two outs of the inning, after also giving up a hit. Hughes was firing 96 mph fastballs up to the plate during his appearance, and may have moved ahead of Brian Bruney as the eight-inning set-up man, building the “Bridge to Mariano”.
Alex Rodriguez capped off the scoring by the Yanks with an opposite field solo homerun into the right field seats, his 14th of the season and 222th of his Yankees career, that moved A-Rod into ninth place on the Yankees all-time homerun list, tying the great Yankees first baseman, Don Mattingly.
The Yankees now had a little more breathing room with the 4-2 lead; and, “The Great Mariano” was called into the game to preserve the victory.
Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th inning, recording his 21st save of the year, and career save number 503, protecting the Yankees 4-2 win.
All winning streaks begin with the “first win” of the streak.
The Yankees have now started another winning streak with their 46th victory this season.
Side Note: I watched this game on the Yes Network, and clearly in sight during the game were these two guys sitting in seats right behind home plate dressed in full umpire uniforms, masks and all. They actually looked like real umpires.
Throughout the game, these guys were calling balls and strikes along with the home plate ump, even standing up to call batters out on third strike calls. This was one of the most bizarre sights I have even seen at a ballpark.
I don’t know who these guys were, or where they came from, or even if they are Yankee fans. But, they both were sitting in $1,250.00 seats, and looked like they were having a good time every time they were shown on the television screen by the Yes Network.
All I know, the night before, Jack Nicholson was at the Yankee game, sunglasses and all, and was also sitting in one of the seats behind home plate, in just about the same area these “fake” umpires were sitting, at today’s game.
Jack looked as “cool” as ever, as opposed to the very puzzling behavior of the two guys dressed as umpires.
As famous New York Post columnist Cindy Adams would say, “Only in New York, kids, only in New York.”
Everybody, have a “Happy” and “Safe”, 4th of July, Holiday weekend !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L”
Three Home Runs Power Yanks To 7th Straight Win
Andy Pettitte threw 98 pitches over seven solid innings on the mound against the Seattle Mariners, allowing two runs, on six hits, one walk, and six strikeouts, in route to the Yankees seventh win in a row.
This victory brings Pettitte’s record to 8-3; and, the Yankees record to 45-32.
The Bronx Bombers remain in second place in the AL East, 2.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox, who won a very dramatic 6-5 extra innings game against the Baltimore Orioles yesterday, after being down 5-1 going into the 8th inning.
The Sox scored four runs in the 8th to tie the score; and, then, scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th, to take the 6-5 lead which was preserved by Boston’s closer, Jonathan Papelbon.
Andy Pettitte and the Yankees got all the support they needed in this game on three home runs, and solid performances from the bullpen.
Johnny Damon put the Yankees on the scoreboard first with a solo homerun, his 15th, in the third inning, off the Mariners starter Jarrod Washburn. Damon is certainly on pace to hit over 30 homers this season.
Seattle scored a run in the top of the 4th to tie the game 1-1.
Melky Cabrera moved the Yanks back into the lead with a towering solo blast over the left field foul pole in the bottom of the 5th off Washburn.
Melky’s 8th homer of the year had to be reviewed on videotape by the umpires; but, after a quick two minute look by the umps, the ball was ruled fair, and the homerun counted, adding another run on the board for the Yanks, giving them a 2-1 lead.
In the top of the 6th inning, after Pettitte retired the first two batters, Ken Griffey, Jr. hit a solo homer into the short right field porch, his 10th of the season and 621st of his career, to tie the game 2-2.
Then, in the bottom of the 6th, the Yankees took the lead once again, this time for good, when Mark Teixeira singled, and was driven home on a long two-run homer, over the centerfield wall, by Alex Rodriguez, his 13th of the year and 566th of his career.
This was the third homerun of the game given up by Jarrod Washburn (L, 4-6), as the Yankees completed the scoring in their 4-2 win.
The “Bridge to Mariano” was successfully built by Alfredo Aceves, who retired the lead off batter in the 8th, the only batter he faced; and, Phil Coke, who retired the final two batters of the inning.
Enter “Sandman”, the “great” Mariano Rivera, in the top of the 9th inning, who closed out this very “crisp”, 2 hour 17 minute, Yankees victory, recording his 20th save of the season, and 502nd of his “Hall of Fame” career.
The Yankees go for their 8th win in a row, tonight, in the final game of this three game series against the Seattle Mariners, with CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.55), taking the mound for the Yanks, pitching against the Mariners scheduled starter, Jason Vargas, (3-3, 3.79).
Go Yankees !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L”
Yankees Head Into Boston In First Place In AL East
Four Yankee homeruns.
A great pitching effort by Yankees starter Andy Pettitte.
Solid performances by three relievers out of the Yankees bullpen, including a save by Mariano Rivera.
All add up to a 5-3 New York Yankees win over the Tampa Bay Rays, last night, at the new Yankee Stadium in the beautiful Bronx.
Oh, yeah, the victory also increased the Yankees lead to one full game over the second place Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
So, as of June 9, 2009, the standings in the AL East are as follows …
Yankees 34-23 .596 —
Red Sox 33-24 .579 1.0
Blue Jays 33-27 .550 2.5
Rays 29-33 .492 6.0
Orioles 24-33 .421 10.0
The Yankees now travel up to Boston to play the Red Sox in a very important three-game series at Fenway Park with “first place” on the line in the AL East.
Boston has won the first “five” games of the 2009 version of the Yankees vs. Red Sox “Season Within A Season” series; but, the Yankees hope to open up their lead in the AL East to “four” games with a sweep of the rival Sox.
Playoff baseball in June. It doesn’t get much better then that.
The Bronx Bombers are playing much better “ball” then the last time they played the Red Sox, and look to continue their solid play on the field at Fenway.
Homeruns by Mark Teixeira (#18 in the 1st); Nick Swisher (#12, two-run HR in the 2nd); Johnny Damon (#12 in the 6th); and, Derek Jeter (#8 in th 8th), accounted for all five Yankee runs, which was all the support Andy Pettitte needed to record his 6th win of the year.
The Yankees have now hit 92 total homeruns in the 57 games they played this year; and, with the four Yankee HR’s and one Rays homer hit in the game, there have now been a total of 105 homeruns hit in the 29 games at the new Yankee Stadium, so far.
Yes, the baseballs continue to travel far into the seats, soaring through the air, powered by the new “launching pad” at the new Stadium in the Bronx.
Pettitte (6-2) threw a solid six innings, allowing three runs (two earned); on five hits; three walks; and seven strikeouts.
The only trouble Andy had was in the top of the 4th inning, when the Rays tied the score 3-3 on a RBI single by Michel Hernandez that plated Ben Zobrist, who reached first on an Alex Rodriguez error; and, a two-run homer by Gabe Kapler.
Andy Sonnanstine (4-6) started for the Rays, and allowed all five Yankee runs in his seven innings of work, on six hits (including the four homers), two walks, and one strikeout.
After Pettitte completed his six innings on the mound, the Yankees bullpen took over and it was lights out the rest of the way.
Phil Hughes was very impressive pitching a scoreless 7th inning.
Phil Coke tossed a scoreless 8th inning.
And, “The Great Mariano” closed out this well-played Yankees victory, throwing a perfect 9th inning for his 14th save, preserving the Yanks 34th win of 2009.
It is a very nice view at the top of the AL East for all in the Yankees Universe.
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