Tagged: Brett Gardner
Eight Wins In-A-Row For Bronx Bombers
The Yankees (86-50) continued on their path to another first place finish in the AL East by taking the first two games of their three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, 7-3 and 7-5, in the Bronx, increasing their winning streak to eight games, and upping their lead to 2.5 games over the second place Rays (83-52). The third place Red Sox (76-60) lost a day-night double-header by an identical 3-1 score in both games to fall 10 games out of first, and 8 games behind the Rays in the wild card race.
The Bronx Bombers are on a late-season roll.
In the first game of this series, the Yanks were led to victory by another fine performance by Curtis Granderson, (2-for-3), with two walks, one run, and three RBI’s. Granderson continues his hot hitting ways since working on his swing with hitting coach Kevin Long. A great game by Brett Gardner, (1-for-3), with two walks, three runs, and one RBI, also contributed to the 7-3 win.
The Yankees bullpen also delivered a solid effort after starter Ivan Nova was replaced on the mound after throwing only four and two-thirds innings. Kerry Wood (W,3-4) was awarded the win by the official scorer for pitching the best of the Yankee relievers [in the opinion of the scorer]. The win could have easily been awarded to Mariano Rivera who closed out the victory by tossing a six-pitch scoreless ninth.
Berkman was (2-for-4); Pena was (2-for-4), with one RBI; and the rookie Nunez, who played short for Derek Jeter [who had a day off], raised his batting average to .308 with a (2-for-4), one run, day.
Derek Jeter was the major topic of discussion in the sports sections of the New York newspapers, and on Sports Talk radio, this past week. More on Jeter in another post.
In Game Two of this series, Manager Joe Girardi provided more controversy when he replaced starter Javier Vazquez in the fifth inning, with two outs, and runners on first and third, with the Yankees in the lead 5-3.
Over-managing by Girardi? Maybe, as this was the third time over the last couple of weeks that the Yankee manager has replaced his starting pitcher with only four and two-thirds innings of work on the mound. Nova in the first game of this series, and Dustin Moseley in his last start, were the other two starters to fall victim to Girardi’s quick hook.
Ironically, Moseley, who was called into this game to replace Vazquez, was taken out of the rotation and sent to the bullpen after his last start. And Vazquez, after two good bullpen appearances, was placed back into the rotation in Moseley’s spot to make this start against the Blue Jays. Sounds very confusing and over-calculating by the Yankees braintrust, doesn’t it?
At any rate Moseley replaced Vazquez in this game. And just as quick as one of Girardi’s hooks of late, he allowed a two-run double to Lyle Overbay that tied the score 5-5.
Vazquez could have been just as ineffective, or maybe he could have gotten out of the jam. At least he should have been given the opportunity to get the final out, and complete five innings that would have given him a possible chance to earn the win as the starting pitcher. Probably Vazquez should have just remained in the bullpen at this time since he has been effective in that role in his previous two appearances.
Well, the game remained tied until the seventh inning when Marcus Thames blasted a two-out, two-run homer (#11), that drove home Robinson Cano who kept the inning going with a two-out single, moving the Bombers into a 7-5 lead.
Thames has been just as hot at the plate as Granderson in recent weeks, hitting .314 with seven home runs and 13 RBI’s over his last ten games in the lineup.
Other than Moseley the bullpen was very solid the rest of the way in this game, as Logan, Chamberlain (W,2-4), Wood, and Rivera all pitched a scoreless inning each from the sixth inning on.
The Great Mariano closed out this 7-5 victory by recording his 29th save.
Anyway, when all was said and done, the Yankees ended up winning their eight straight game to stay atop the AL East by 2.5 games.
Even with the best record in baseball there is always room for some controversy.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Bombers Back On Track; CC Tames Tigers 6-2
Thirteen times this season the Yankees faced a starting pitcher they had never seen before, including Max Scherzer (8-9) of the Tigers and Bryan Bullington (1-2) of the Royals, both of whom earned victories against the Yanks in their last two back-to-back losses. In these games against unknown starters the Yanks have a record of (4-9). Interesting numbers with really no explanation as to [why?] this continues to happen.
So in last night’s second game of four against the Detroit Tigers at the Stadium in the Bronx, which featured a battle of both teams aces, Justin Verlander (13-7) vs. CC Sabathia (15-5), one would think with the way the Yanks have been playing of late, they would be greatly challenged to score many runs against Verlander. CC would have to be money [again] for the Yanks to win this game.
This is not to say the Yankees would rather face some rookie pitcher instead of Verlander, or Verlander instead of a rookie starter. They have no control over who pitches against them on the mound. This only talks to the point that the Yankees have not been playing very well lately and really needed a win [a must-win in fact] as they entered this game against the Tigers tied for first place in the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Well, the first inning provided much drama as Austin Jackson led off the game by hitting Sabathia’s first pitch into the left-field seats for a quick 1-0 Detroit lead. This was the former Yankee’s second homer of the year.
Not to be left out of this discussion, Curtis Granderson, whom the Yankees received in the trade for Jackson, made two outstanding catches in centerfield in the first. The first catch was made after a long run to just in front of the wall of the right-centerfield bleachers; and the second catch was a great diving play running towards left-center.
In the bottom of the first the Yanks battled right back. Brett Gardner led off with a single, and advanced to second on a walk to Derek Jeter. After Teixeira made the first out, Cano walked to load the bases. Then, Nick Swisher, back in the lineup after sitting out the last game with a right forearm injury, stroked a two-run single to move the Yanks into a 2-1 lead.
Granderson delivered again in the second inning by blasting a solo home run (#12), into the rightfield bleachers. This upped the Bombers lead to 3-1.
Justin Verlander (L,13-8), threw a lot of pitches in the early innings, and was finished at the end of the fifth. He tossed 114 pitches while allowing three runs, on five hits, five walks, and five strikeouts.
The Yankees did exactly what Joe Girardi talked about before the game. They got to Verlander, who had a 7.12 ERA in the first inning of his starts this season, early on in this game. Girardi said, “They [the lineup] did a great job. When Justin gets on a roll, he’s really difficult. We put some runs on the board early and made them stand up.”
Schlereth replaced Verlander. And in the sixth, the Yanks scored again on a two-out double by Gardner (2-for-3, with a walk, and run), which was followed by a RBI single by Jeter to give the Yanks a 4-1 lead.
In the top of the seventh, Brandon Inge hit a homer (#8), to cut the score to 4-2.
Then in the bottom of the seventh, Robinson Cano also homered (#22); and, Pena drove home a run on a sac-fly to right to increase the Yankees lead to 6-2.
CC Sabahia (W,16-5), the first 16-game winner in the American League, struggled in the first few innings, but settled down nicely to pitch seven soild innings, throwing 115 pitches, while allowing two runs, on five hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts.
Money !!!
David Robertson pitched a scoreless eight. And Mariano Rivera closed out this 6-2 victory by pitching a scoreless ninth.
A must-win game, “Won” by the New York Yankees !!!
* Historic Note: In the fifth inning, Jorge Posada stroked a single to center, his 1,558th career hit, which tied Posada with Thurman Munson on the all-time hit list.
* Injury Report: – Alex Rodriguez (strain of left calf), listed as day-to-day.
– Lance Berkman (sprained right ankle), listed as day-to-day.
– Andy Pettitte (left groin strain), injured July 18th …
(Probably will not be back until the middle of September)
* And, Yogi Berra was back at Yankee Stadium for the first time since he suffered an injury as a result of a fall at his home. Yogi was not able to attend this year’s Yankees Old Timers’ Day celebrations on July 17th. Also, he could not attend the Hall of Fame inductee events about a week after Old Timers’ Day. Welcome back Yogi.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Yanks Bats Still Quiet … Lose 3-1 To Tigers
The last time the Yankees were shutout in back-to-back games was on May 12-13, 1999 against the Angels. Until the ninth inning of last night’s game against the Detroit Tigers at the Stadium, it looked like this rare event would happen again, as the Tigers held a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The Yanks did finally score a run, though; but, lost the game 3-1.
This loss coupled with the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 victory over Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers, dropped the Yankees into a first place tie with the Rays in the AL East, both with a record of (72-46). The Boston Red Sox (67-52) did not have a game scheduled yesteday. So they picked up a half game on the Yanks and are now 5.5 games behind in third place.
The Tigers took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning on a two-run homer (#7) by Ryan Raburn off Yankees starter Javier Vazquez.
Vazquez (L,9-9), lasted only four innings in this contest, throwing a way too high total of 106 pitches, while allowing two runs, on five hits, four walks, and six strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the Yankees were having trouble with [yet] another pitcher they were facing for the first time, Tigers starter Max Scherzer. The Yanks lost 1-0 to the Royals Bryan Bullington, in his first start against the Bombers on Sunday. And this game against the Tigers was trending in the same direction – another shutout loss.
Scherzer (W,8-9), delivered a soild six innings on the mound, throwing 115 pitches, while giving up no runs, on only two hits, two base-on-balls, and six strikeouts.
After Scherzer’s night was over after six innings, the Yankees did have some chances to score against the Tigers bullpen. But they left two runners on base in the seventh, and two runners on in the eight.
In the top of the eight, however, Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run (#28) off Joba Chamberlain, to give the Tigers an insurance run that upped their lead to 3-0.
The game then entered the bottom of the ninth with closer Jose Valverde on the mound. And he did his best to help the Yankees end their scoring drought by basically self-imploding on the mound.
Robinson Cano walked, and was forced at second on a grounder by Joge Posada. Then, Curtis Granderson (3-for-3, with a walk), hit a hard line-drive single to right, which was followed by a walk to Francisco Cervelli that loaded the bases. Brett Gardner was up next, and was issued another walk by Valverde that forced home a run to break the shutout and cut the Tigers lead to 3-1.
Now, with one out, and the bases loaded, Derek Jeter was up at the plate. Jeter battled in a long at-bat, but on a 3-2 pitch grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play. Gardner slid hard into Carlos Guillen trying to breakup the DP. But Guillen stayed his ground to make the play, throwing to first to seal the Tigers 3-1 victory.
The Yankees not only lost this game; they also lost Alex Rodriguez to a left calf injury; and Nick Swisher to a right forearm injury during the game. And with Lance Berkman also out with a strained foot injury from the Royals series, the Yankees are very short in the lineup and on the bench for the next few games as all injured players are listed as day-to-day.
A nice touch occurred in the first inning of this game when Johnny Damon batted for the first time. The Yankee Stadium crowd gave him a very warm round of applause, as this was Damon’s first time back to the Bronx since his free-agent signing with the Tigers.
Game Two of this series on Tuesday, August 17th, features a match-up of “aces” …
Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.72) vs. CC Sabathia (15-5, 3.14).
In my view, this is a “must-win” game for the New York Yankees !!!
– 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 …
All Is Perfect … New Baseball Season Opens
As the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox opened up the 2010 baseball season with a Sunday night game at Fenway Park, it didn’t quite feel like an “Opening Day” to me. In my view, the first game of any new season for all teams, should always be a gala, daytime, opening day affair.
But, after a very long winter, real baseball is finally back. And, it is always an extra special occasion when the Yankees play the Red Sox.
These two great rivals always provide playoff action on the field in every game they play — their own “Season Within A Season”, during each new baseball season !
“Game One” featured a battle of aces: Yankees starter, CC Sabathia vs. Josh Beckett for the Sox. But, both starters delivered sub-par performances that put this game in the hands of the bullpen from the fifth inning on.
Sabathia gave up five runs in five and a third innings pitched; while, Beckett also allowed five runs to score, in four and two-thirds innings on the mound.
This was a game that was played out in three parts.
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the second, on back-to-back homers by Jorge Posada, a line dive off the right field foul pole; and, a long shot by newcomer Curtis Granderson into the right-centerfield beachers.
Boston cut the lead in half in the bottom of the inning on a double by Kevin Youkilis, and a sac-fly to center by Red Sox newcomer Adrian Beltre.
The Yanks upped their lead to 5-1 by scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Robinson Cano led of the inning with a double off the left field wall, and advanced to third on a ground out to second base by Posada. After Granderson made the second out, Nick Swisher walked to set-up a first and third situation for Brett Gardner.
Gardner stroked a 3-2 pitch, RBI single to left, to score Cano, and increase the Bombers lead to 3-1. Derek Jeter then singled home Swisher with the Yanks fourth run of the game.
At this point, with Nick Johnson up at the plate, Gardner and Jeter successfully completed a double-steal, when Sox catcher Victor Martinez made a bad throw to second on the play [he should have held onto the ball], allowing Gardner to steal home, scoring the Yanks fifth run.
In the second part of this game the Red Sox battled back, scoring a run in the fifth to cut the lead to 5-2; then, tied the score 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth on a two RBI triple by Youkilis, and a RBI single by Beltre.
With the game now tied, the final act would result in the Yankees down-fall.
In the top of the seventh, the Yanks took the lead again, 7-5, on a lead-off walk to Mark Teixeira; a double by Alex Rodriguez; a fielders choice RBI grounder by Cano; and a RBI single by Posada (3-for-4).
But, the Yankees bullpen could not hold the score, as Dustin Pedroia blasted a two-run homer off reliever Chan Ho Park in the bottom of the seventh to tie the score 7-7. And, Kevin Youkilis (3-for-4, including, two doubles, a triple, three runs, and two RBI’s), scored the go-ahead run [which turned out to be the game-winning run], on a passed ball by Posada with Marte on the mound.
Boston added an insurance run in the eight on an RBI single by Pedroia (2-for-4, with two runs, and three RBI’s), to complete the scoring in this well-earned 9-7 victory by the Red Sox over the Yankees.
This was a very tough loss for the Yankees.
But, Baseball is back !!!
Now, that’s a victory for all of us.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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”
Yanks Coast To 10-2 Win Over Twins
The Yankees started a six game road trip by pounding out 16 hits that scored 10 runs in the first game of a three-game series against the Twins in Minnesota. And, all that production was accomplished without any homers hit by the Bronx Bombers.
The scoring began early, with the Yankees first run crossing the plate in the top of the first on singles by Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, and, a RBI single by Hideki Matsui for the 1-0 lead.
Then, in the top of the second, the Yanks continued to get hits and runs off Twins starter Scott Baker, when Robinson Cano led off the inning with a double; advanced to third on an infield single by Brett Gardner; and scored on a high-arching sacrifice-fly down the left field line by Francisco Cervelli that increased the lead to 2-0.
Jeter made the second out on a fly ball to right, before Johnny Damon kept the inning going with an infield hit on a ball that bounced over the pitchers head. This set-up a first and third situation for Teixeira who got a broken-bat, RBI single through the hole between short and third that scored Gardner with the Yankees third run of the game.
Alex Rodriguez ended the rally with a swinging strike three. But, the Yanks now led 3-0.
In the bottom of the second, Michael Cuddyer hit a homer into the left field seats off Yankees starter CC Sabathia to cut the Yankees lead to 3-1. This was Cuddyer’s 14th homerun of the season.
The Yankees opened up the lead even more in the 4th inning, knocking out the Twins starting pitcher in the process.
Cervelli led off the inning with a single, followed by walks to both Jeter and Damon, that loaded the bases, and finished Scott Baker’s night on the mound.
Brian Duensing now entered the game, and retired Teixeira on a pop up to first base for out number one.
Rodriguez was up next, and on the first pitch blasted a long shot to straight away center field that looked like it was going out of the park for a grand slam. Twins centerfielder, Carlos Gomez, carefully drifted back to the wall timing the blast perfectly, right in front of the 408 ft sign, as he waited until the last second before leaping up into the air to catch the ball with his glove over the centerfield wall. It was a beautiful catch that became a sac fly, scoring Cervelli, and also advancing Jeter to third while increasing the Yanks lead to 4-1.
Matsui was up next and walked to load the bases again.
Then, Nick Swisher came up to the plate, and on a 3-1 pitch took ball four that forced home the Yankees fifth run.
The bases were still loaded with Robinson Cano up next. Cano was (0-for-21) in his last 21 at bats with runners in scoring position; and, after a long battle at the plate, grounded out to second to end the rally and increase his hitless streak in these situations to (0-for-22). But, the Yankees took a 5-1 lead into the bottom of the inning.
CC Sabathia was pitching a great game through five innings, as the game now entered the top of the 6th when the Yankees blew this game wide open.
The 6th inning started off with Damon striking out against Brian Duensing (L, 6-7). Then, Teixeira singled; A-Rod walked; and, Matsui hit a deep fly ball to centerfield that was caught [once again] in front of the 408 ft sign by Gomez for the second out.
Swisher was the next batter, and walked to load the bases [the sixth Yankee walk of the game]. This brought Robinson Cano up to the plate with his (0-for-22) with runners in scoring postion streak still on his mind.
But, this time Cano delivered a clutch, broken bat two RBI single that scored Teixeira and A-Rod, increasing the Yanks lead to 7-1.
Twins Manager, Ron Gardenhire, then brought in reliver R.A. Dickey to pitch to Brett Gardner.
Dickey is a knuckleball pitcher; and, Gardner stroked a knuckler into right centerfield for two-RBI triple, his 5th triple of the year, driving home Swisher and Cano, giving the Yanks a 9-1 lead.
Cervelli then also hit a failed knuckler for a RBI double down the leftfield line, scoring Gardner with the Yankees 10th run of the game.
Jeter was the ninth batter of the inning, and the “captain” struckout to end the Yankees rally. The Bombers now led this contest 10-1.
CC Sabathia (W, 8-5) threw an even 100 pitches over seven solid innings of work, allowing only one run, on three hits, one walk, and three strikeouts.
Joe Girardi brought Brett Tomko into pitch the final two innings, and Tomko only had an average outing, giving up the second Twins run, on one hit, one walk, and no strikeouts in his two innings on the mound.
But, Tomko recorded the final out, in this very big 10-2 Yankees victory over the Twins.
The batting stars for the Yankees in this game …
* Mark Teixeira: (4-for-6); one run; one RBI
* Brett Gardner: (3-for-5); including a triple; two runs; two RBI’s
* Francisco Cervelli: (2-for-4); including a double; one run; two RBI’s
* Robinson Cano: (2-for-5); including a double; two runs; two RBI’s
* note: every starter in the lineup got at least one hit in the 16-hit Yankee attack.
This is a great way for the Yankees to start this road trip.
Boston also won today, so the Yankees (49-34) remain one game behind the Red Sox (50-33) in the AL East.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Update: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 …
The Yankees won the second game against the Minnesota Twins, 4-3.
A.J. Burnett (8-4) was the winning pitcher.
Mariano Rivera recorded a four-out “save”, his 22nd of the season.
To view boxscore, click on: Yanks 4, Twins 3
The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays also won their games.
So, the Standings in the AL East (as of July 8th) are as follows ..
Red Sox 51-33 .607 —
Yankees 50-34 .595 1.0
Rays 46-39 .541 5.5
Blue Jays 43-43 .500 9.0
Orioles 38-47 .447 13.5
The “race for first” in the AL East continues to heat-up as we head into the summer months of this baseball season. It will be fun to watch !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Interleague Play Finally Over; Yanks Win 6th In-A-Row
Well, it has been awhile since my last post, and I am happy to be back at my mlblog as the 2009 Interleague Schedule of games has finally ended while the New York Yankees have a six game winning streak going, that has moved the Bronx Bombers to only 2.5 games behind the first place Boston Red Sox.
The Yanks were helped by Boston, as the Red Sox blew a 10-1 lead in yesterday’s game against the last place Baltimore Orioles, losing 11-10, in the biggest comeback in the Orioles history.
No further commentary on this loss by the Red Sox, as these type of games happen to all teams throughtout each season. But, the Division Race in the AL East continues to tighten, with the following Standings as of the morning of July 1, 2009 …
Red Sox 47-30 .610 —
Yankees 44-32 .579 2.5
Rays 44-35 .557 4.0
Blue Jays 41-38 .519 7.0
Orioles 35-42 .455 12.0
Since the Yankees 9-8 win over the New York Mets on June 12th, on the now infamous dropped pop-up by Luis Castillo, with the Mets leading 8-7, with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Yanks are 10-6 throughout the last 16 games, which includes …
* Winning two of the three games against the Mets at Yankee Stadium [June 12-13-14th], including a 15-0 shutout victory in the final game of that series.
* Losing two of three games vs. the Washington Nationals [June 16-17-18th], that included my first visit to the new Yankee Stadium for the second game of this series, a very tough 3-2 loss by the Yanks; and, also, meeting our #1 blogger here at mlblogs, Jane Heller of “Confessions of a She-Fan” , for her book signing at Stan’s Bar before the game. Meeting Jane, her husband Michael, and some of her family members was the highlight on my first trip to the new Stadium; and, I will always cherish my signed copy of Jane’s excellent book, which is a “great read” and a book that I highly recommend to be read by all — Yankee fans and other baseball fans, alike.
Then, the Yankees embarked on a “nine-game” road trip in three National League ballparks that would close-out the 2009 Interleague schedule …
* The trip did not start out well, as the Yankees lost two of the three games they played vs. the Florida Marlins on June 19-20-21st.
* After an off day on Monday June 22nd, the Yanks lost their third straight game on this trip, a 4-0 shutout at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. But, the Bombers recovered nicely, winning the next two games, 8-4, and 11-7, that made their trip back to New York to play the Mets at Citi Field [for the first time], a very nice plane ride indeed.
* The Yankees totally dominated the Mets in this three-game series, on June 26-27-28th, sweeping their cross-town rivals, 9-1, in the first game; 5-0, in the middle game; and, 4-2, in the final game, in which the “great” Mariano Rivera recorded his 500th career save. This sweep gave the Bronx Bombers a 5-1 winning record in the 2009 version of the “Subway Series”; and, also, a five-game winning streak as the Yanks headed back to the “Beautiful Bronx” to start a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
After a well-deserved off-day on Monday June 29th, the Yankees were ready to play the final game in the month of June on Tuesday, with Joba Chamberlain (4-2, 3.81) taking the mound for the Yanks, against the Mariners Brandon Morrow (0-3, 5.64).
As has been the case for most of the days this June, there was a late afternoon rain-storm that delayed the start of the game for about a hour. But, the rain finally ended; and, hopefully, will not continue at the same pace in the upcoming summer months.
Before the game started, Mariano Rivera was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch in recognition of his 500th career save.
Then the game began, jockeying back-and-forth with the Yankees taking an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second; Seattle cutting the lead to 2-1 in the third; the Yanks increasing their lead to 3-1 in the 4th; and, the Mariners tying the score 3-3 in the top of the 5th.
Joba Chamberlain’s work was finished after only 5.1 innings, in which he had an average outing, allowing three runs, on nine hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.
Phil Coke relieved Joba, and closed out the 6th inning without any further damage.
Phil Hughes then entered the game in the top of the 7th, and pitched a solid scoreless inning, retiring the side on only nine pitches, setting up Alex Rodriguez’s two-run homerun in the bottom of the 7th that moved the Yankees back into the lead, 5-3.
At this point, in the top of the 8th, Joe Girardi decided to replace Hughes with the “eight-inning”, “set-up man” of the moment, Brian Bruney, who has not been as effective as expected since his return from the disabled-list.
If Phil Hughes had a rough outing, throwing 30 or more piches in the 7th, Girardi’s decision would have been justified; but, Hughes threw only “nine” very effective pitches.
Surely, Phil Hughes had earned another inning on the mound in this game, as he had started a very solid and secure “Bridge to Mariano”, a bridge that Hughes should have been allowed to complete.
But, since it is now “in vogue” to over-manage, especially, over-using the bullpen, Manager Girardi decided to bring Bruney into the game to protect the Yankees 5-3 lead in the top of the 8th inning.
Bruney gave up three straight singles that reduced the Yankees lead to 5-4; then, after a sac bunt by Ronny Cedeno and an intentional walk to Ichiro, the Mariners tied the score 5-5 on a sac fly.
The “Bridge” had fallen.
With the Yankees five-game winning streak on the line, Hideki Matsui led off the bottom of the 8th with a double, and advanced to third on a bunt single by Nick Swisher.
Melky Cabrera was up next, and once again [this year] delivered a big clutch hit, stroking a go-ahead, RBI double, that scored Brett Gardner, who was pinch-running for Matsui, and advanced Swisher to third, giving the Yankees a 6-5 lead in the game.
The Mariners brought the infield in with Derek Jeter coming up to the plate, and the “captain” promptly blooped a two-RBI single into the outfield to increase the Yanks lead to 8-5.
Mariano Rivera preserved the Yankees 8-5 victory by pitching a scoreless 9th inning for his 19th save of the year, and career save number 501.
It was very appropriate that Mariano threw out the first in this game, and, also, threw the final pitch, in the Yankees sixth straight win.
The Yankees go for their seventh win-in-a-row, tonight, against the Mariners, at the new Stadium.
Now, only if the rain will stay away ?
It is July … So, that’s a good sign !!!
Enjoy the game !!!
Go Yankees !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Bottoms-Up To Yanks 8-2 Win Over Blue Jays
After losing 5-1 to the Toronto Blue Jays on a masterful complete game pitching performance by Roy Halladay (7-1) in Game 1 of this three-game series, the Yankees beat the Jays, 8-2, in the middle game of this series with solid efforts from the bottom of the Yankees batting order.
The Yankees entered the game with an expanded “Injury List” that includes: Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Jose Molina, Xavier Nady, Cody Ransom, Chien-Ming Wang, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Phil Coke, Ian Kennedy, and Alex Rodriguez, who is still not 100% recovered from his hip surgery.
So, Manager Joe Girardi had to rearrange the Yankees lineup, featuring a very interesting bottom of the order — (6) Cabrera, LF; (7) Gardner, CF; (8) Pena, SS; (9) Cervelli, C — which certainly doesn’t look like part a typical Bronx Bombers batting order. But, sometimes, unexpected results happen. That’s what makes baseball such a wonderful sport.
The Blue Jays jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning off Yankees starter, Andy Pettitte.
Then, in the top of the second, the Bronx Bombers sent ten players up to the plate, exploding for five runs, on six hits, and a walk, giving the Yanks a 5-1 lead, and all the runs they would need to win a very “big” and “important” game in the early part of this season.
The top of the second was a fun inning to watch, as it was great to see the players in the bottom of the order lead the Yanks to victory. Each player has done a good job so far this year in their limited roles, and all have shown to be very capable baseball players, at bat and on the field.
Melky Cabrera led off the the inning with a double, off Blue Jays starter, Scott Richmond (L, 4-2), and scored on Bett Gardner’s first homerun of the season to move the Yankees into a 2-1 lead.
Then, Ramiro Pena, filling-in for the injured Derek Jeter at short, stroked a beautifully hit triple to right centerfield; but, the next batter, Francisco Cervelli grounded out to third for the first out of the inning, leaving Pena on third.
But, Pena didn’t stay on third for long, as the next batter, leadoff hitter, Johnny Damon, also crushed a triple to increase the Yankees lead to 3-1.
Nick Swisher grounded out for out number two; then, Mark Teixeira hit a RBI double over the centerfielders head, scoring Damon with the Yanks fourth run.
The next batter, Alex Rodriguez, walked, setting-up a first and second situation, with two outs, for Robinson Cano, the ninth hitter of the inning.
Cano battled at the plate in a brilliant at-bat, finally, grounding a RBI single to rightfield on the 11th pitch thrown to him, that drove home Teixeira for the 5-1 lead by the Bombers.
Melky hit a fly ball to leftfield for out number three, but the damage was done.
The Yankees scored another run in the 4th, and two more runs in the 5th, highlighted, by a RBI triple by Gardner, the Yanks third triple of the game; and, the Jays scored their final run in the bottom of the 4th, that completed the scoring in this 8-2 Yankes victory.
Andy Pettitte (W, 3-1), pitched a good game, throwing 106 pitches over six innings of work, and was replaced by Alfredo Aceves in the 7th.
Aceves was solid in his two scoreless innings in relief, and really should have been allowed to pitch the 9th inning for a “very-rare” three-inning “save”.
But, what would a Yankees game be without some drama out of the bullpen?
Girardi brought Jonathan Albaladejo in to pitch the bottom of the 9th, and Alba made things interesting by loading the bases on a single and two walks, and one out.
The Yankees had a six run lead at this point, and Joe Girardi actually had to get Marinao Rivera up in the bullpen “just in case” !!!
Albaladejo composed himself, though, and threw a game-ending double play, preserving this must-needed Yankees victory.
The Yankees Lineup? Until A-Rod Returns …
Well, Alex Rodriguez decided to have surgery to repair the torn labrum in his hip, and from all reports, the 1 hour 20 minute operation by Dr. Marc Philippon went as well as as expected. Rodriguez will still need another operation in the hip area at the end of the 2009 season; but, for now he will undergo rehabilitation and treatment. If all goes well, A-Rod could be back in the Yankees lineup in about two months.
In the meantime, the Yankees will have to fill A-Rod’s spot at third base, and in the clean-up spot in the lineup.
At this point, utility infielder, Cody Ransom, is slated to be the Yankees starting third baseman. Ransom is a capable fielder and only an average hitter, who did well in a late-season call-up by the Yankees in 2008.
If Alex Rodriguez was out for the whole season, Cody Ransom would not be an acceptable replacement. As it is, Ransom is not really an acceptable replacement. But in the short term, unless Brian Cashman makes a trade that brings a more experienced veteran third baseman to the Yanks, Ransom will play third.
The question then centers around how will the Yankees lineup be constructed … during A-Rod’s absence ?
My first thought goes back to a concern I had before we all learned that Alex Rodriguez would need surgery that would keep him out of the lineup for at least two months. And, this concern “still’ bothers me very much !!!
Why did the New York Yankees let Bobby Abreu just “walk-away” from the team, without even trying to make an offer that would have kept him in the Bronx ???
Surely, the Yankees could have matched the reported one-year, $5 Million deal the L.A. Angels gave to Bobby Abreu.
Am I the only Yankees fan that feels this way ??? as I sit here, shaking my head, again, at the thought of why ??? Why, would the Yankees let the perfect number three hitter in their lineup just walk away from the team ???
Bobby Abreu is a .300 hitter, who gets on base a lot; hits for power; will score 100+ runs; get 100+ RBI’s; is a better than average outfielder, with a great arm; who hustles all the time; is well-liked by his teammates; and, a fan favorite !!!
[I’m sorry, as I have stated these facts many time before. It just really annoys me that: The Yankees Did Not Re-Sign Bobby Abreu] !!!
Why ???
All I can say after thinking about all the above, again, is: I think, the Angels made a great move signing Bobby Abreu. He will be the perfect number two or three hitter in their lineup, and I wish Abreu well this season. I will be following his stats very closely in 2009.
Anyway, now that I [once again] got that out of my system, I turn my attention to the Yankees lineup situation without Alex Rodriguez.
I have three different lineups in mind; and, basically, they reflect who the Yankees starting centerfielder will be, and, also, the third and fourth place hitter in the lineup.
So, I offer the following lineups for your consideration …
(A) “The Gardner Lineup”
1. Brett Gardner (CF)
2. Johnny Damon (LF)
3. Derek Jeter (SS)
4. Mark Teixeira (1B)
5. Hideki Matsui (DH)
6. Jorge Posada (C)
7. Robinson Cano (2B)
8. Xavier Nady (RF)
9. Cody Ransom (3B)
(B) “The Melky Lineup”
1. Johnny Damon (LF)
2. Derek Jeter (SS)
3. Nick Swisher (RF)
4. Mark Teixeira (1B)
5. Hideki Matsui (DH)
6. Jorge Posada (C)
7. Robinson Cano (2B)
8. Cody Ransom (3B)
9. Melky Cabrera (CF)
(C) “The Damon Lineup”
1. Johnny Damon (CF)
2. Derek Jeter (SS)
3. Nick Swisher (RF)
4. Mark Teixeira (1B)
5. Hideki Matsui (DH)
6. Jorge Posada (C)
7. Robinson Cano (2B)
8. Xavier Nady (LF)
9. Cody Ransom (3B)
And, the following is the lineup the Yankees could have put on the field, if they re-signed Bobby Abreu …
(D) “The Abreu Lineup”
1. Johnny Damon (CF)
2. Derek Jeter (SS)
3. Bobby Abreu (RF)
4. Mark Teixeira (1B)
5. Hideki Matsui (DH)
6. Jorge Posada (C)
7. Robinson Cano (2B)
8. Xavier Nady (LF)
9. Cody Ransom (3B)
If I was the New York Yankees Manager, the above lineups would be the ones that I would be considering, at this point, until Alex Rodriguez returns to the Bronx.
Of course, if I was the New York Yankees General Manager, I would have made sure, Bobby Abreu was re-signed for at least one-year.
And, the question to really consider here is: If Abreu had “one year” left on his contract, through the end of the 2009 season, would he still be on the Yankees roster, slated as the starting rightfielder ?
I think the answer to my last question would be: Yes !!!
I am very interested in hearing everybody’s thoughts on the above Yankee lineups !!!
* Which of the above lineups do you think is the best ? (A); (B); (C); (D) … ???
* Do you have different lineups in mind ??? [Please list in comments section]
* Who should the Yankees starting centerfielder be in 2009 ? Gardner? Melky? Damon?
* Should Mark Teixeira bat “clean-up” ? … Bat third ? … Other position in lineup?
* Should Teixeira bat “in front of” or “behind” Alex Rodriguez, [when A-Rod returns] ?
* What is your opinion on Derek Jeter hitting third in the batting order ?
* Will Cody Ransom be the Yankees Opening Day starting third baseman ?
Thank you for your support !!!
I look forward to all your comments, thoughts, and opinions !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 