Tagged: Hideki Matsui
Johnson Trying To Go From DL to DH
There is very little going on [so far] in Yankee camp during the early days of spring training.
The Yankees won a very exciting opening day exhibition game against the Pirates, at George M. Steinbrenner Field, in Tampa FL, when Colin Curtis hit a no-outs, three-run, walk-off homer, in the bottom of the ninth to break a 3-3 tie and give the Bronx Bombers a 6-3 victory.
The Yanks lost the second game of the spring 3-2 vs. the Phillies. And, fell to the Rays, 12-7, in game three of the Grapefruit League — a game in which both Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain pitched poorly in their first action on the mound.
I really have no interest in talking about some “off the field” news involving Alex Rodriguez, and his upcoming meeting with the FBI to answer questions about “any” information he may know concerning Canadian Dr. Anthony Galea, the alleged “HGH Doctor”.
The only concern [I’m sure] all Yankee fans have regarding the A-Rod situation is: we hope the interrogation by the FBI does not cause any distractions during this spring or during the regular season. It seems like discussions about “Performance Enhancing Drugs” never ends in baseball. Enough, already!
So, is there anything of interest to talk about?
Well, Nick Johnson provided some news. But, the news is not really “new”.
Johnson is already injured.
Before the second game of the spring, Johnson injured his back during batting practice. It was reported that Johnson decided to wear spikes instead of turf shoes which resulted in his spikes getting caught on the mat [which is used during batting practice] in the batter’s box. Not a good idea by Nick Johnson as he added another injury to a “long list” that dates back to 2000.
New York Post sports reporter Kevin Kernan, wrote a great article on March 5, 2010, on the Nick Johnson injury: Worry level spikes as DH scratched.
Kernan had an outstanding line in his article, that I used as part of the title of this post … “He’s [Johnson] been on the DL nine times. They’re [the Yankees] trying to change him from DL to DH”.
Hopefully, the injury-prone ways of Nick Johnson will not continue into the new season.
One of the reasons the Yankees braintrust did not re-sign Hideki Matsui was because they felt injuries would limit his playing time this year.
Nothing against Nick Johnson, who I think is a good addition to the Yankees roster. But, the way things look at this time, in the early days of spring … in my view, Matsui will play more games than Johnson in 2010.
New York Post’s George A. King, III, also had an excellent article on the Nick Johnson injury.
Enjoy Spring Training …
— 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”
Damon, Boras, Cashman, All Strikeout …
… to end the game. The game of high stakes baseball negotiations.
With the signing of Randy Winn by the Yankees for a reported one year / $2 million contract, Johnny Damon’s stay in the Bronx has come to an end. And, in a lot of ways, Johnny has to take much of the blame for his sad New York departure. It seems he was the only one who believed his agent, Scott Boras’ sale pitch that the market for Damon would yield at least $13 million per year, for at least two years, and maybe even for as many as four years.
Of course, Scott Boras was surely sailing the boat in the talks to re-sign the Yankees left fielder. Tacking back and forth — first, Boras asked for two years at $13 million per year, while telling the Yankees that Damon would not accept any offer less than $13 million per year; Brian Cashman countered with an offer of $14 million for two years; then, Boras started to read the market a little more accurately by dropping Damon’s asking price to $20 million for two years, which led to a windless halting of Johnny Damon’s ship.
Cashman continued his active winter, which included: trading for Curtis Granderson; letting Hideki Matsui walk away from the Yanks; signing Nick Johnson; and, trading for Javier Vazquez. These moves resulted in a so-called “halt” of the money stream from the New York Yankees supposedly “ironclad” budget, except for a remaining $2 million that was earmarked for the 2010 Yankee left fielder, whoever that player may be. Of course, that player turned out to be Randy Winn.
Only Johnny Damon knows what his motivation was during these negotiations. Money, to be sure. But, it seems Johnny just got caught up in the middle of the crossfire of hardball talks between Cashman and Boras. If Damon really wanted to stay a Yankee, though, [which I do think he did], he should have taken full control of the negotiations, and taked directly to George, Hank, and Hal Steinbrenner. The “money” is certainly “always” available in the Yankees Universe.
It is fair to say, the real budget is “cloaked”; and, in my view, money is not the main reason that Johnny Damon was not re-signed by the Yanks. But, I guess, that reason will also remain cloaked.
The new Yankee Stadium was perfect for Johnny Damon’s swing; Johnny was always a clutch player for the Yanks; and, a fan favorite who was always available after games to be interviewed, win or lose. It will be interesting to see who will be hurt more by this decision [move] – the New York Yankees or Johnny Damon. In any case, Damon, as well as Matsui, will be missed.
But, the Yankees will be fine this year and into the future. Granderson, Johnson, Vazquez, and Winn are all great additions, and will be a major part of the 2010 Bronx Bombers as they defend their World Championship of last year.
I look forward to the Yankees playing hardball “on the field” this upcoming season, as this winter, once again, has provided way too much hardball “off the field” for my liking.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A Pattern Of Disrespect
“Due to this injury, I feel very sorry, and at the same time, very disappointed, to have let my teammates down” … “I will do my best to fully recover and return to the field to help my team once again.”
… Hideki Matsui
May 15, 2006 Press Release
After Surgery To Repair Left Wrist
On May 11, 2006, in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Hideki Matsui broke his left wrist on an attempt to make a diving catch in left field. This great effort resulted in surgery to repair Hideki’s damaged wrist that kept him on the disabled list for most of the 2006 season, and, also, ended Matsui’s 1,768 consecutive games playing streak [1,250 with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, and 518 with the Yankees].
That injury, and apology in 2006, was the first thing that came to mind when it became official that Hideki Matsui had signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract to play for the L.A. Angels in 2010.
The tremendous level of “respect” Matsui always had for the Yankees and Baseball was repayed with a great level of “disrespect” by the Yankees braintrust when they did not re-sign him, and basically just let him walk away from the team.
It is interesting, 2006 was the last year Bernie Williams played for the Yankees, receiving the same disrespect that Matsui experienced from the Yankees organization.
Williams wanted to return to the Bronx for at least another year at a reported bargain rate of $1 million plus incentives; but, for unknown reasons, Bernie was not re-signed by the Yanks. Even though Williams did not retire or look for another team to play for at the time, his baseball career sadly ended at the end of the ’06 season.
Hideki Matsui was the perfect Yankee. And, the word “respect” has to always be associated with Mr. Matsui.
“I would like to thank Joe Torre from the bottom of my heart for having been considerate of my consecutive games played streak these past several years and placing me in the lineup every day”, said, Matsui, in his press statement in May 2006.
Of course, a year later at the end of the 2007 season, Manager Joe Torre also fell victim to disrespectful treatment by the Yankees organization. After leading the Yankees to 12 straight post season appearances, including six American League Championships, and four World Championships, Mr. Torre was only offered a one-year, incentive-laden deal — lame-duck status — when Torre felt he had earned at least a two-year contract offer to continue managing the Bronx Bombers. Torre turned down the one-year deal, and accepted the L.A. Dodgers managerial position.
To be fair, I understood at the time some of the New York Yankees braintrust concerns about Joe Torre returning as manager in 2008; and, there certainly were valid points on both sides of this issue. In the end though, I do think the Yankees should have offered Mr. Torre a two-year deal at the same rate [per year] he earned in 2007.
“It’s all about responsibility — what he [Matsui] thinks his responsibility is to the team and the organization, because the Yankees committed to him and he feels it’s a two-way street in that regard … He has done it before here, when he’s made an error and came up and apologized to me.” … [Joe Torre, commenting after Matsui’s ’06 press statement].
At the end of the 2008 season, the New York Yankees braintrust continued their streak of disrespect by not re-signing Bobby Abreu. I have written about, and made many comments voicing my displeasure regarding the Abreu move. The decision to let Abreu walk away from the the Yankees was “very wrong” as witnessed by the great year Bobby had for the Angels in 2009 — a MVP season for his new team.
Now, after blasting a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium; and arching a deep shot into the outfield seats at the Tokyo Dome when the Yankees played in Japan a few yeras ago; and, finally, his most dramatic heroics, winning the 2009 World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui will be joining Bobby Abreu in 2010 as a member of the AL West winning L.A. Angels.
The city of Los Angeles is becoming New York [Yankees] West …
* Bobby Abreu
* Hideki Matsui
* Joe Torre
* Don Mattingly
* Larry Bowa
And, also, to add to the disrespect, it was reported on Thursday, December 17th, that the Yankees signed the injury-prone Nick Johnson to a one-year, $5.75 million contract, to be their designated hitter next year.
Hideki Matsui for Nick Johnson !!! …
Not a good deal [at all] for the New York Yankees in my book !!!
So, I guess the “Circle of Life” in Major League Baseball is really just a “Pattern of Disrespect” that can all be summed up as “The Business of Baseball” !!!
Sad … really sad !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
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”
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”
Yanks Win First Two Games Over White Sox
The New York Yankees (81-48), continue to play well as they won the first two games of their current three-game weekend series at Yankee Stadium against the Chicago White Sox, 5-2 (10 innings), and 10-0, to remain six games in front of the second place Boston Red Sox (75-54) in the AL East.
The Yankees won the first game on a 10th inning, walk-off, game-winning, three-run homer by Robinson Cano that lead the Bronx Bombers to a 5-2 victory, their 12th walk-off victory of the 2009 season, which is only one short of the Yankees record for walk-off wins held by the 1978 New York Yankees.
The game was tied 2-2, on Derek Jeter’s lead off homer (#17) in the first; and Johnny Damon’s 23rd homer leading off the third inning, for the Yanks off Chicago starting pitcher Mark Buehrle; and, a RBI double by Alex Rios, and a RBI single by Gordon Beckham in the top of the seventh by the White Sox off Yankees starter CC Sabathia.
Both starters pitched well, but did not get a decision in this very exciting game.
Buehrle lasted six innings, tossing 99 pitches, while giving up two runs, on eight hits, two walks, and one strikeout.
Sabathia threw 113 pitches over seven innings of work, allowing two runs, on eight hits, one walk, while striking out 10 batters.
The bullpens were very effective for both the Yankees and White Sox as the game entered the bottom of the 10th inning with the scored 2-2.
White Sox reliever Randy Williams (L,0-1), caused all the damage for the Chisox in the 10th by allowing back to back, two-out walks, to Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher, before serving up the game winning three-run homer to Robinson Cano.
Phi Hughes pitched a scoreless eight inning; Mariano Rivera threw a perfect ninth inning; and, Brian Bruney (W,4-0), shut down the White Sox with a scoreless 10th inning of work, that held the score until Cano delivered his extra innings heroic blast that gave the Bombers their 5-2 win.
Also, Derek Jeter set another record, as his home run in this game was the 223th of his “Hall of Fame” career, moving the “Captain” into 10th place on the all-time New York Yankees Home Run list ahead of another Yankee “great”, Don Mattingly.
******************
In the middle game of this series, the Yankees had a very easy 10-0 victory over the Chisox, led by Sergio Mitre (3-1), who was brilliant in his 6.1 innings on the mound starting this game for the Bombers.
Mitre allowed the only hit the White Sox would get on this day, a hard hit double by Jim Thome to right field that Mark Teixeira had no chance of catching.
Actually, Mitre had thrown only 73 pitches into the seventh inning, but had to leave the game when he was hit on his right arm by a hard line drive off the bat of A.J. Pierzynski. Sergio had a contusion on his arm, but X-rays were negative. So, it’s day by day for Mitre regarding whether or not he will take the mound in his next scheduled start.
Chad Gaudin pitched the remaining 2.2 innings, striking out four, to share the shutout victory with Sergio Mitre.
Highlights of the Yankees 10-run, 14-hit attack …
Derek Jeter was (3-for-4), raising his batting average to .333.
Robinson Cano was (3-for-5), that increased his average to .315.
Alex Rodriguez hit his 23th homer of the year.
The Yankees go for the three-game sweep, Sunday afternoon, August 30th.
“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”
First Place Yankees Still On Winning Path
After being shutout 3-0 in the first game against the Oakland A’s, the NY Yankees quickly returned to the winning track by taking the next two games, 7-2 and 3-2, that increased their record to 5-2 on this current ten-game road trip which now leads the Bronx Bombers into Boston for a three-game weekend showdown vs. the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The Yankees (76-45) lead the second place Red Sox (69-51) by six and a half games in the AL East.
In the middle game vs. the Oakland A’s, CC Sabathia (14-7), delivered another fine performance on the mound for the Yanks, throwing 94 pitches over eight solid innings, while allowing two runs, both on solo homers; five hits; one walk; and seven strikeouts in route to his 14th win this season. As the regular season starts to wind down, Sabathia is more and more in the American League Cy Young Award conversation.
Sabathia gave up a solo homer to Kurt Suzuki (#10) in the first inning, and another solo homer to Tommy Everidge (#2) in the second inning; and, the Yankees scored a run on an error in the second, and a run in the third on a RBI double by Jorge Posada that tied the score 2-2 at the time.
A’s starter Vin Mazzaro lasted five good innings, giving up the two runs (one earned), on seven hits, three walks, and two strikeouts.
Then, the Yankees blew this game wide open with a big five-run sixth inning off A’s relievers Jay Marshall (L,0-1), and Santiago Casilla, that capped the scoring in this game.
The Yankees rally in the top of the sixth started with a one-out double by Nick Swisher who advanced to third on a passed ball. Melky Cabrera was then hit by a pitch, and Derek Jeter (3-for-5), hit a RBI single that scored Swisher that moved the Yanks into a 3-2 lead.
Johnny Damon was up next and stroked a RBI double that drove home Melky with the Yankees fourth run. This set-up a second and third situation for Mark Teixeira who was intentionally walked to load the bases. Alex Rodriguez was the next hitter, and A-Rod also walked that forced home the fifth Yankees run.
Hideki Matsui then singled to score another run; and, Poasda hit a sac fly that drove home the seventh and final Yankee run of their 7-2 victory.
CC Sabathia tossed only 94 pitches through eight innings, and this would have been a perfect opportunity to let CC go for the complete game win and give the bullpen a full day of rest. But, Joe Girardi stayed true to form with the whole “pitch count” philosophy that is now in-vogue and brought David Robertson into pitch the ninth.
Robertson did close out the game, though, after walking two batters, and striking out two. But, in the middle of the inning Mariano Rivera was stirring around in the Yankees bullpen, in a game that CC could have easily completed with no relievers having to warm-up. Anyway, just my view of certain pitching strategies involving the starters and bullpen.
This win over the A’s was a very solid 7-2 Yankees victory.
In the final game of this three-game series, Mark Teixeira provided the Yankees with all the runs they would need in their 3-2 victory.
Teixeira drove home Derek Jeter on a RBI ground-out, after Jeter led off the game with a single, stole second, and advanced to third on a grounder, in the top of the first inning; and, then, after Johnny Damon led off the fourth inning with a single, Teixeira blasted a two-run homer (#31), off A’s starter Brett Anderson, that gave the Bombers a 3-0 lead at the time.
The Yankees received an excellent effort from Chad Gaudin who made his first start for the Yanks in this game.
Gaudin lasted 4.1 innings, giving up only one hit, while walking five and striking out five. But, it was in the fourth that Gaudin had some trouble when he loaded the bases on two walks and an error by Robinson Cano.
The Cano error really hurt Gaudin’s chances of pitching the full five innings required for the starter to get a possible win in this game. The error occurred when Jeter fielded a grounder at short and then on the short throw to second for a force, the ball was tossed slightly behind Cano who could not make the catch as the ball deflected off his glove. It was a ball that looked like Cano should have caught.
Anyway, with one out and the bases loaded, Girardi made the right move, in my view, and replaced Gaudin with Alfredo Aceves.
Aceves got out of the jam by getting Kurt Suzuki to hit an easy grounder to the mound, in which Aceves started a 1-2-3 double play that ended the A’s threat.
Alfredo Aceves (8-1), allowed both A’s runs on a solo homer by Jack Cust (#17) in the sixth inning; and, a run in the seventh that was built on a Rajai Davis single, who then stole second base, and scored on a RBI single by Mark Ellis that cut the Yanks lead to 3-2.
But, after Aceves finished his 2.1 innings of work, Phil Coke and Phil Hughes paved a solid bridge to Mariano who closed out this 3-2 Yankees victory with a scoreless ninth inning, recording his 36th save.
Now, the Yankees travel to Boston for another huge three-game weekend series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park [August 21-22-23, 2009].
More “Playoff Baseball In August” in the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry.
“A Season Within A Season” continues …
— 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:
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— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 