Tagged: Beautiful Bronx
Next Yankee Number To Be Retired: #27 (?) …
The question is: Should the New York Yankees retire Joe Girardi’s #27 ?
Well, Manager Joe Girardi has stated that he intends to switch to uniform number 28 this season as motivation for the Yankees journey in pursuit of their 28th World Championship in 2010.
At first, I thought this switch to #28 by Girardi was a bad idea because #27 is now such a special number in Yankees history. And one would think Girardi would always want to treasure the accomplishment of managing the Yankees to their 27th World Championship by proudly wearing that number on the back his Yankee uniform. Also, it is Girardi’s first World Championship as a manager.
But, the reason Girardi chose #27 when he was hired as manager in 2008, was as motivation for the Yankees winning their 27th World Championship. That goal was achieved last year, in the 2009 baseball season.
So, if Joe Girardi follows through on his plan to wear #28 starting in 2010, then: what happens to #27?
The number 27 can never really be given to other Yankee players to wear because of its significance as Joe Girardi’s number, worn during the year the Yankees won their 27th World Championship — their first World Series victory at the new Yankee Stadium.
Since Girardi will now be wearing #28, the only fitting way to properly honor his #27, is to “retire” the number in honor of: Joe Girardi; the Yankees 27th World Championship; and, the first World Championship at the new Yankee Stadium.
The New York Yankees have retired 15 numbers, (honoring 16 players and managers), in their history.
The last Yankee number to be retired was Ron Guidry’s #49 in 2003.
So, in my view, it is about time another Yankee number is retired.
And, why not #27?
Just a thought, on a very cold winter day in the Beautiful Bronx, New York.
Click to view: New York Yankees Retired Numbers
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Happy New Year – 2010
Photo Credits: google images / http:// breathmastery. com
Best Wishes to everybody, for a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2010 !!!
— Jimmy, BY&L – “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 Freeze-Out Angels; Win Game 1 of ALCS, 4-1
Finally, after a week delay, baseball has returned. And, it is a great return for all of us in the Yankees Universe, as the New York Yankees, led by an awesome pitching performance by our “ace” CC Sabathia, won the first game of the American League Championship Series, 4-1, over the Los Angeles Angels on a raw, frigid, winter-like night at Yankee Stadium in the “always” beautiful Bronx, New York.
It is so wonderful that baseball is back on the national stage. Also, personally, it feels great to be back blogging again after a short absence because of my busy schedule which has greatly limited and curtailed my blogging activities here at my mlblog and throughout the mlblogosphere.
I am truly sorry for my lack of new posts, and not responding to the many excellent comments that have been posted on my blog over the past few weeks. I hope to update my blog by offering new posts on a regular basis throughout the rest of the playoffs and World Series, as well as, offering responses to comments on my blog, and, also, commentary on as many other mlblogs as possible in the time that my schedule permits.
Thank you to all who have visited my blog, and, or, also, posted comments on my posts. I truly appreciate all your kind words and thoughts; and, look forward to your future support and visits. Enjoy all the upcoming baseball action the rest of this post-season.
Game 1 was really over after the first inning when the Yankees took a early 2-0 lead, on a lead-off single by Derek Jeter; a single by Johnny Damon who advanced to second on a throwing error by left fielder Juan Rivera; a long sacrifice fly to center by Alex Rodriguez after Mark Teixeira flied out to left; and, an infield single on a pop-up in between short and third by Hideki Matsui that looked like an easy out; but, there was some miscommunication on the play between shortstop Erick Aybar and third baseman Chone Figgins that allowed the ball to drop safely to the ground [untouched] for the RBI hit.
On the replay it looked like Figgins called to Aybar to make the catch; but, Aybar was waring a ski mask to shield is face from the cold which also covered both his ears. Maybe this caused the shortstop to not hear his third baseman on the play. Anyway, this was a major mistake by the Angels infielders, and probably the key moment of the game that set the tone for the Yankees victory.
The Angels scored their only run in the fourth inning on a double by Vladmir Guerro, and a RBI single by Kendry Morales that cut the Yankees lead to 2-1 at the time.
The Yankees increased their lead to 3-1 on a RBI by Matsui in the bottom of the fifth; and, completed the scoring in the game in the sixth inning when Melky Cabrera reached first on a two-out walk; advanced to second on a bad pick-off attempt by Angels starter John Lackey; and scored on a single to center by Derek Jeter that deflected off the glove of Torii Hunter allowing Melky to score without a play at the plate, upping the score to 4-1 in favor of the Yanks.
John Lackey lasted only five and two-third innings in this game, and certainly was hurt by the three Angels erros which resulted in two of the Yankee four runs being unearned.
But, CC Sabathia delivered a brilliant performance, throwing 113 pitches over eight solid innings, allowing one run, on four hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts to earn a very well-pitched victory, exactly the reason why the Yankees signed the great left-handed hurler last winter.
Mariano Rivera closed out this win for the Yankees by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, recording his all-time leading 36th post-season save.
Game 1 is now history with the Yankees leading the ALCS one game to none against the Angels.
The Yankees need only three more wins to become American League Champions; and, seven total wins for their 27th World Championship.
It is great to see baseball back on the world stage.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A Game To Just Forget
Blue Jays 14, Yankees 8 …
With this loss, the New York Yankees split a four-game series against the Blue Jays in Toronto. But, this was a very successful road trip as the Bronx Bombers (87-50), won five of seven games to remain in first place in the AL East, seven and a half games ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox (79-57).
The Yankees return home to play a Labor Day day/night doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium in the Beautiful Bronx.
The big story, of course, is Derek Jeter’s pursuit of Lou Gehrig’s all-time Yankees hit record.
The “Captain” Jeter is four hits away from passing the Yankees first “Captain”, the Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig on the all-time New York Yankees hit list.
Gehrig has 2,721 career hits; and, Jeter with three hits in yesterday’s loss to the Blue Jays, now stands at a total of 2,718 hits.
“Best Wishes” and “Thanks” to Derek for his many great years in Yankee Pinstripes.
And, Best Wishes to all who have visited my blog …
I hope everybody has a very enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Yanks Sweep ChiSox; Joba Rules Only Three Innings
The New York Yankees completed a three-game weekend sweep over the Chicago White Sox with an 8-3 win on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium in the Beautiful Bronx.
Joba Chamberlain was the Yankees starting pitcher; but, really, he was only a three-inning set-up man for construction of a very long bridge by the bullpen that thankfully led to victory.
In the “new and improved” [?] version of the Joba Rules, Chamberlain was slated to pitch only three innings — no matter how well he pitched. The top secret “rules” which are known by fewer people than those who know the top secret recipes of Coca Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken have left all of us in the Yankees Universe, and I’m sure other baseball fans as well, to wonder: what exactly will be Joba’s innings limitations and pitch counts for the rest of the 2009 season?
I mean, come on already. Is it too much to let Chamberlain pitch at least five innings in games that he starts?
Joba threw “only” 35 pitches over three innings of work. He gave up two runs on four hits, walked none and struck out one, and, then, was replaced by Alfredo Aceves at the start of the fourth inning with the Yankees leading 3-2. Joba Chamberlain’s effort earned him a “no decision” without any chance of getting the win in this game because he did not pitch five innings [a decision made by the Yankees braintrust].
It is not only the fact that Joba was allowed to pitch only three innings that is annoying. The limited time on the mound by Joba meant the bullpen would be given extra pressure to perform perfectly; and, it was annoying to sit through a parade of five Yankee relievers entering the game starting from the fourth inning with our starting pitcher sitting on the bench.
The Yankees only had a 3-2 lead at this time; and, the odds are: the more relievers that take the mound in a game, not every relief pitcher is going to pitch well. Also, using some of these relievers in this game would prevent them from appearing in the next game or two, when they may be really needed.
Until the Yankees reach the eight inning in a game, where Phil Hughes has performed brilliantly; and, of course, the ninth inning, in which the “Great Mariano” Rivera is having one of his best seasons of his career — a Cy Young Award type season — it is in the best interest of the New York Yankees to have their starting pitchers work [at least] seven innings in every start they take the mound.
As it turned out, though, in this game …
Johnny Damon hit a two-run homer (#24, which tied his career high) that gave the Yankees the 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third.
Alfredo Aceves (9-1), pitched very well in three innings of relief to earn the win in this game.
Derek Jeter had two hits in three at-bats, walked once, and scored three runs, raising his batting average to .335.
The Yankees broke this game wide open when they scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on a three-run homer (#32) by Mark Teixeira; a RBI double by Melky Cabrera; and, a sac-fly by Jerry Hairston, Jr., that increased their lead to 8-2.
Mark Teixeira was (1-for-3), with four RBI’s, which moved his season RBI total to 101. This is Teixeira’s sixth straight season with 30+ homers, and 100+ RBI’s. Only Mark Teixeira and Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals have accomplished this feat over the last six seasons.
Phil Coke ended the five scoreless innings streak by the bullpen when he allowed a ninth inning homer to Dye (#25) that capped the scoring in this 8-3 Yankees victory.
This win increases the first place New York Yankees record to 82-48, still six games ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox (76-54) who just completed a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Well, as we reflect on the “Joba Rules” the one good thing is: next year there will be “no more” Joba rules. Joba Chamberlain will be allowed to be a real starting pitcher without innings limitations, and hopefully, also, without an unreasonable pitch-count limitation, that will advance Joba’s progress into the 200+ innings pitched neighborhood.
Then, the new discussion that everybody will be focusing on, will be:”Innings Usage Rules for Phil Hughes” who the Yankees project as a starting pitcher next season.
What will these rules be called?
“Innings Use Rules For Hughes”, or some other ridiculous version of this year’s Joba Rules.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Playoff Baseball In August …
Well, the first part of the big playoff week in August is now in the books.
The New York Yankees traveled up to Toronto for a two-game series, and swept the Blue Jays 5-3 and 8-4 … while, the Boston Red Sox played a two-game series in Tampa Bay, and were swept by the Rays, 4-2 and 6-4.
Both wins were big for the Yankees, especially the first game against All-Star starter Roy “Doc” Halladay, in which the Bronx Bombers blasted three homers off the good doctor that led to a very important victory. The home runs were hit by Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira, and Hideki Matsui. A shaky save by Mariano Rivera sealed the deal, preserving the Yankees victory.
In the second game against the Blue Jays, Sergio Mitre started for the Yanks and did not last a full five innings, pitching only 4.1 innings while allowing three runs; on eight hits, including a homerun; two walks; and, three strikeouts. Alfredo Aceves replaced Mirte, and was credited with the win. Aceves record is now 7-1.
In my view, I think it is time to end the Sergio Mitre experiminent as the Yankees fifth starter. The Yankees are in a pennant race, and if the budget will not allow the addition of a quality starting pitcher, then the perfect pitcher for that spot in the rotation is Alfredo Aceves.
The big inning for the Yankees was in the 7th, when Nick Swisher tied the score 3-3 with his 18th homer of the year. Then, RBI base hits by Matsui, Damon, and Teixeira capped off the four-run rally, moving the Yankees into the 6-3 lead.
Johnny Damon completed the scoring with his 19th home run of the season in the ninth inning, framing the Yankees 8-4 victory.
The Red Sox lost two big games to the Rays in Florida, the first an exciting 13 inning contest in which the Rays tied the game 2-2 on an Evan Longoria homer in the eight inning; and, won the extra innings affair 4-2 on a two out, walk-off, two-run homer by Longoria in the bottom of the 13th.
The Rays won the second game of the series, 6-4, to move the numbers around again in the AL East standings, and drop the Bosox to two and a half games behind the first place New York Yankees. Tampa Bay remains in third place, five and a half games back of the Bombers.
Now the center of the “baseball world” moves to the Beautiful Bronx, New York, this weekend, to continue the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry.
Of all the playoff and World Series games that have been played in October, a four-game series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in any month is just as exciting and important as any game in the Fall … especially, when first place is on the line.
So, let the baseball action begin, and the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry continue.
“A Season Within A Season”
photo credits:
google images
cache .daylife .com
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Rain Drops; Rain Delay; Yanks Win Seventh Straight
The Yankees increased their lead over the Boston Red Sox in the AL East, winning their seventh straight game, a rain-soaked 6-3 victory over the Oakland A’s at Yankee Stadium in the Beautiful Bronx, New York.
This first game of a four-game series vs. the A’s was delayed two hours and forty three minutes before the first pitch was thrown. But, at the end of this contest in the early morning hours of Friday, the Bronx Bombers drove home another win on their current winning streak to move two and a half games in front of the second place Red Sox who did not have a game scheduled this day.
The A’s staked rookie starter Vin Mazzaro to an early 3-0 lead through the first four innings.
Mazzaro, (22), is a local kid from New Jersey, and had many family members and friends cheering him on from the stands. He was pitching a great game until the bottom of the 4th inning when the Yankees rallied to take the lead.
The Yankees scored four runs in the 4th inning on a two-run homer by Mark Teixeira, his 24th; a RBI double by Jorge Posada that tied the game 3-3; and, Eric Hinske’s RBI single that gave the Bombers a 4-3 lead.
The Yanks added two more runs in the 5th on a RBI double by Teixeira, and a RBI single by Posada, that knocked Mazzaro out of the game.
Vin Mazzaro (2-7), lasted only 4.1 innings, while allowing six runs, on eight hits, four walks, and seven strikeouts. As the young rookie walked off the mound after his poor performance, he was given a nice round of applause by his family and friends who were still in the stands supporting their local hero. It was a very moving moment watching this event unfold on the Yes Network.
Meanwhile, the Yankees starter CC Sabathia, (10-6), threw a very solid 109 pitches over seven innings, allowing three runs, on nine hits, no walks, and four strikeouts.
Phil Hughes was called in from the bullpen to start the 8th inning, and, once again, was “brilliant”.
Hughes pitched two strong scoreless innings in the 8th and 9th, to close out the Yankees 6-3 victory while earing his first career “save”.
This was a great victory for the New York Yankees (58-37) that kept their winning streak going on a rainy night in the Bronx — a night that did not look like a game would be played.
To view boxscore, click on: Yanks 6, A’s 3
Also, earlier in the afternoon, I had the pleasure to watch the final two innings of the 5-0 “Perfect Game” by Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox against the Tampa Bay Rays, on my MLB Extra Innings Package.
Buehrle (11-3) pitched himself into the baseball history books with his “gem”; but, the big play of the game came in the top of the 9th inning when center fielder, Dewayne Wise made an outstanding play off the bat of Gabe Kapler who led off the inning.
Kapler hit a deep “blast” to centerfield, and Wise, who entered the game for defensive purposes, ran the ball down and made an amazing, running, leaping catch, robbing Gabe Kapler of a home run to protect the “Perfect Game”, “No-Hitter”, and “Shutout” !!!
This was one of the “greatest” catches I have ever seen, and, certainly, one of the most dramatic plays I have ever viewed on a baseball diamond.
Mark Buehrle retired the final two batters and the “Perfect Game” was in the books.
This is only the 18th “Perfect Game” in Major League Baseball history.
“Congratulations” to both Mark Buehrle and Dewayne Wise for their excellent performances in the historic “Perfect Game” !!!
To view boxscore of this 5-0 game, click on: Perfect Game
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
What a Weekend, and more …
This past weekend provided a lot of sports action, here in the Bronx, New York, at Yankee Stadium; and, across the Atlantic Ocean in Turnberry, Scotland, at the 138th British Open.
At “The Open”, Tom Watson, 59, came so close to authoring the greatest golf story in the history of the sport, as well as, one of the greatest sports stories of all-time.
Watson was on top of the Leaderboard after 54 holes as the tournment entered the Final Round this past Sunday with a (-4), one stroke lead over the next two golfers, Mathew Goggin (-3) and Ross Fisher (-3) … And, then, Tom Watson continued on his magical journey all the way to the 18th hole, still leading by one stroke (-3), over Stewart Cink (-2), who was the second place finisher in the clubhouse at the time after completing his 72 holes.
Turnberry, Scotland – (picsrv .opengolf .com)
Tom Watson was on the 18th green, and all he had to do was sink an eight foot putt for the victory. But, he hit a very cautious putt that landed about a foot from the hole. The disappointment on Watson’s face told the story as he tapped in his final putt for a bogey, that dropped him into a tie with Cink at two under par for the tournament.
Stewart Cink was called from the clubhouse to engage in four-hole playoff with Watson. It was clear from the first hole, though, all the air of victory had been drained from Watson, as he looked tired, and hit many poor shots during this playoff. History would not be made on this day.
Congratulations to Stewart Cink on his great victory in the 138th British Open.
And, thank you, Tom Watson, for giving us all something to cheer about this weekend. It was still a great story. And, even though Watson is a five-time winner of the British Open, an historic sixth victory would have capped a brilliant career by Watson and added to the enjoyment of his year’s Open. Tom Watson is a true inspiration to us all.
Tom Watson – (telegraph .co.uk)
Oh, yeah, there was also exciting baseball action in the Beautiful Bronx this weekend and into this week.
The New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers this weekend with a 5-3 victory on Friday; and, back-to-back 2-1 wins on Saturday and Sunday. Then, they won their third straight 2-1 game, with a victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.
The Yankees continued their current five-game winning streak since the All-Star break with a 6-4 win against the Orioles on Tuesday, July 21st.
This win, coupled with the Boston Red Sox fourth loss in their last five games, moved the Yankees into first place in the AL East, one game ahead of Boston.
The Yankees have had solid pitching and great clutch hitting on their drive to first place during this five-game winning streak.
Phil Hughes (4-2) was the winning pitcher in the 5-3 victory over the Tigers. Mark Teixeira blasted a big three-run homer that led the Yanks to their first win of this streak. Mariano Rivera recorded his 24th save.
In Saturday’s game, CC Sabathia (9-6) was the winning pitcher. Alex Rodriguez hit a homer that tied the score 1-1, and Melky Cabrera had the game-winning hit in a game that Mariano preserved the 2-1 victory with his 25th save.
On, Old Timer’s Day, the Yankees won another 2-1 game, scoring both runs on homers: Alex Rodriguez (#19); Mark Teixeira (#23). Joba Chamberlain (W, 5-2) had a solid outing; and, “The Great Mariano” recorded save number 26.
The Yankees then won their “third” straight 2-1 game with a victory over the Baltimore Orioles, in the first of three games vs. the O’s on Monday, July 20, 2009. Hinske hit his 5th homerun, and Hideki Matsui (#15), hit a game-winning homer in the bottom of the 9th inning. [enough with the “pies” already]. Andy Pettitte pitched seven strong innings; and Aceves (6-1) was the winning pitcher for the Bronx Bombers.
Sergio Mitre was called up from AAA-SWB to pitch as the fifth stater in the rotation [as long as he keeps pitching well]. And, in the middle game of the Orioles series, Mitre turned in an okay performance, lasting 5.2 innings on the mound, while allowing four runs (three earned); on a too high total of eight hits; one walk; and four strikeouts. But, Mitre’s effort was good enough to earn the win, his first as a Yankee. Robinson Cano homered, and Mariano Rivera preserved the Yankees fifth straight win with his 27th save of the season.
So, the Yankees look to win their sixth straight game since the All-Star break, with an afternoon game against the Orioles at the Stadium on Wednesday, July 22nd.
At the start of baseball action today, The Yankees are in First Place in the AL East …
AL EAST
New York Yankees 56-37 .602 —
Boston Red Sox 55-38 .591 1.0
Tampa Bay Rays 52-42 .553 4.5
Toronto Blue Jays 46-48 .489 10.5
Baltimore Orioles 41-52 .441 15.0
— 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”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 