Tagged: Jose Molina
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average performance on the mound in 2009 … The one good and positive thing about the “Joba Rules” is that they are no longer in effect in 2010 … Chamberlain pitched enough innings during the ’09 season to not have any more restrictions in his starts this season … So, it makes all the sense in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”
Melky “Cycles” A Path To Victory For Yankees
It was not a totally lost weekend for the New York Yankees as they won the final game of a four-game series against the White Sox, 8-5, thus avoiding what would have been a very embarrassing sweep by the Chisox in the Windy City.
The Yankees followed the “Melky-Way” in route to their must-win victory, as Melky Cabrera hit for the cycle — the first cycle by a Yankee since Tony Fernandez accomplished this rare feat in 1995. Also, his was the 15th cycle in Yankee history.
Melky put on a spectacular display, getting four hits in five at-bats, including a three-run homer off Chicago starter Mark Buehrle (L,11-5) in the second inning; a double and run scored in the fourth; a RBI single in the fifth; and, finally, a very exciting triple during his final at-bat in the ninth inning, a solid line drive in the gap over rightfielder Jermaine Dye’s head. The ball sailed to the wall as Melky Cabrera “cycled” around the bases at full speed.
After Cabrera slid safely into third base for the triple that completed his cycle, Melky quickly jumped up to his feet, pumping his arm into the air, as everybody in the Yankees dugout gave “The Melk-man” a standing ovation, cheering on this “very rare” historical baseball feat. A wonderful baseball moment, indeed.
Melky Cabrera scored the Yankees final run later on in the ninth inning, a very important insurance run, on a two-out RBI single by Derek Jeter that completed the scoring in this 8-5 Yankees victory.
This was Derek Jeter’s 2,084th game, which tied the great Babe Ruth for fourth place on the Yankees all-time games played list. It seems like “The Capatin” breaks or ties an all-time record at least once a week.
CC Sabathia was the Yankees starting pitcher, and certainly did not pitch one of his best games.
The Bombers staked Sabathia an early 3-0 lead on the Melky homer; but, CC could not hold the lead, giving up four runs in the bottom of the third on a RBI single by Gordon Beckham; a long opposite field two-run homer by Jermaine Dye; and, another long opposite field homerun by the next batter Jim Thome [career homer #559], that moved the White Sox into a 4-3 lead.
The Yankees battled back, though, led by Melky Cabrera, scoring two runs in the fourth on a RBI single by Jose Molina that scored Melky; and, a RBI single by Johnny Damon that plated Molina with the fifth run, giving the Yanks the lead once again at 5-4.
Melky was part of another Yankee rally in the top of the fifth, driving home Alex Rodriguez with a RBI single, which was followed by a run scoring single by newcomer Jerry Hairston, Jr., that drove home Nick Swisher for a 7-4 lead.
As the game entered the bottom of the eight, CC Sabathia was still on the mound when the first batter, Gordon Beckham doubled. This hit knocked CC out of the game as manager Joe Girardi replaced him with Phil Hughes, who struck-out Dye; walked Thome; and struck-out Konerko to set-up a first and second situation for Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, now in the game to get a four-out save.
Rivera quickly allowed a RBI single to Carlos Quentin that cut the Yankees lead to 7-5. But, Mariano struck out the next batter Chris Getz for the final out of the inning.
CC Sabathia (11-7), ended up throwing 100 pitches over seven okay innings, allowing all five runs, on ten hits, no walks, and five strikeouts. The numbers are not great, but after the third inning, CC was very solid on the mound holding the lead into the eight inning.
After Melky Cabrera capped off his great performance with his historic triple in the top of the ninth, “The Great Mariano” closed out this 8-5 Yankees victory by pitching a scoreless bottom of the ninth inning recording his 30th save of the season, which is now seven straight seasons of at least 30 saves for Mariano.
All-in-all, not a bad weekend, as the New York Yankees remain in first place in the AL East, a half a game ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox, and five and a half games in front of the third place Tampa Bay Rays.
To view boxscore, click on: Melky hits for the cycle
The 15 “Cycles” in New York Yankees history (from the New York Post) …
1 — Bert Daniels (July 25, 1912) vs. Chicago
2 — Bob Meusel (May 7, 1921) at Washington
3 — Bob Meusel (July 3, 1922) at Philadelphia
4 — Bob Meusel (July 26, 1928) at Detroit
5 — Tony Lazzeri (June 3, 1932) at Philadelphia
6 — Lou Gehrig (June 25, 1934) vs. Chicago
7 — Joe DiMaggio (July 9, 1937) vs. Washington
8 — Lou Gehrig (August 1, 1937) vs. St. Louis
9 — Buddy Rosar (July 19, 1940) vs. Cleveland
10 — Joe Gordon (September 8, 1940) at Boston
11 — Joe DiMaggio (May 20, 1948) at Chicago
12 — Mickey Mantle (July 23, 1957) vs. Chicago
13 — Bobby Murcer (August 29, 1972) vs. Texas
14 — Tony Fernandez (September 3, 1995) vs. Oakland
15 — Melky Cabrera ( August 2, 2009) at Chicago
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Babe Ruth Would Be Proud As New Stadium Opens
As the “House That Ruth Built” sits so gracefully across the street from the “House That George Built”, the 2009 New York Yankees christened the new Yankee Stadium in very high fashion winning the first ball game played in this new “cathedral” 7-4 against Lou Piniella’s Chicago Cubs.
Even though it was only an exhibition game, it had the feel of a regular season matchup watching the grand opening on the YES Network.
The new Stadium has a very similar look to the old renovated Yankee Stadium, at least on the field, as the field dimensions are exactly the same distances from home plate. There is more foul territory on both the first and third base sides of the field, and home plate is 20 feet closer to the back stop, though. But, other than those changes the players said when they are on the field it reminds them a lot like the old Stadium.
The main differences are beyond the fences, in the stands, and within all surrounding areas.
And, the most dominate feature of the new ballpark is the huge 59′ high – 103′ wide centerfield scoreboard. From all reports this wide screen “true high-def” scoreboard projects the clearest pictures imagineable and is the main focal point of everyone’s sight as it ceates a brand new skyline towering over the centerfield area in the middle of the bleachers in between both foul poles.
The “frieze” or “facade” is the other dominate feature as it brings the new Stadium back to its original 1923 look, with the classic white hanging facade wrapping around the roof levels just above the upper deck seating.
This beautiful feature always brings to mind the famous homerun that Mickey Mantle almost hit out of Yankee Stadium, on May 22, 1963, against the Kanas City Athletics … a soaring, majestic, powerful shot that slammed high off the upper rightfield “facade”, just inches short of traveling into the Bronx streets surrounding the Stadium.
No player has ever hit a fair ball out of the old Yankee Stadium. Will a player ever hit one out of the new Stadium?
Another great new feature, which is really a retro look going back to 1923, are the two manual scoreboards, one in leftfield and one in right, that are part of the outfield walls. These additions will be part of many new memories this year and in future years, and we will see classic pictures like the famous Don Larsen Perfect Game photo from the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Those are some of my first impressions of the new Yankee Stadium. There is a full season ahead of us, and hopefully at some point I will get a chance to vist the new ballpark. But, based on everything I have seen so far, on television and in the many pictues that have been published, the new Yankee Stadium is very simply “beautiful” and an instant “classic”.
Oh, yes, there also was a ball game during the Friday April 3, 2009 grand opening at the new state-of-the-art Yankee Stadium.
It did not look like a game would be played because of all the rain we had in the New York area Friday morning into the late afternoon. The rain did stop around 4:00 p.m. ET, though, and the newly improved and advanced drainage system worked as advertised, delivering almost perfect field conditions for the start of the game.
The National Anthem was played; Reggie Jackson threw out the first pitch; and, it was time to play ball.
The first pitch by Yankees starter, Chien-Ming Wang was a strike. But, the lead-off batter for the Cubs, Aaron Miles, did end up getting a single in this at-bat, the first hit at the new Stadium. Kosuke Fukudome followed with another single moving Miles to third. Then, Derrek Lee hit a RBI, sac-fly to center, giving the Cubs the early 1-0 lead as Miles crossed the plate.
Derek Jeter, the new lead-off hitter for the Yanks, who got the final hit at the old Yankee Stadium, started things off for the Bronx Bombers by stroking a double, the first Yankee hit at the new Stadium. But, Cubs starter, Ted Lilly, easily retired the next three batters, Damon, Teixeira, and Matsui, moving the game into the top of the second inning.
The Cubs added two more runs off Wang, on a walk to Soto, single to Gathright, and a two-out double to Miles, increasing their lead to 3-0.
After Jorge Posada led off the bottom of the second with a single, Robinson Cano cut the Cubs lead to 3-2, blasting a line-drive two-run homerun into the rightfield bleachers.
Jose Molina hit the final homer at the old Yankee Stadium; Cano now has the honor of hitting the first homerun at the new Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees took a 4-3 lead in this game in the bottom of the third, when Derek Jeter led off the inning with a single, and scored on Hideki Matsui’s two-out, two-run homerun which christened the rightfield foul pole.
Wang allowed the Cubs to tie the score 4-4 in the top of the 4th inning on a triple by Reed Johnson, and an RBI grounder to Jeter at short by Ryan Theriot. The Yankees had the infield back at regular depth which helped Johnson to score without a throw to the plate.
The Bombers battled right back in this game in the bottom of the 4th, on back to back singles by Cano and Nady; then, Alex Rodriguez’s replacement, Cody Ransom, lofted a high shot down the third base line, that christened the leftfield foul pole for a three-run homer, and 7-4 Yankees lead.
Chien-Ming Wang pitched a scoreless 5th inning, but was not very effective in this start, allowing four runs, on six hits, two walks, and three strikeouts, while throwing 71 pitches.
Mariano Rivera delivered another soild performance, easily retiring the side in order in the top of the 6th.
And, relievers, Veras (7th), Ramirez (8th), and Albaladejo (9th), closed out the rest of the game for the Yankees, each throwing a scoreless inning to help preserve the Yanks 7-4 victory. To view boxscore, click on: Game One
But, Ransom’s three-run homer completed the scoring in this game … and, I’m sure Babe Ruth had a big smile on his face, as the Yankees hit “three” homeruns in honor of “The Babe’s” #3, and rang the bell on both foul poles — a sound that surely carried throughout the universe, the “Yankees Universe”, as new memories were made and the great Yankees tradition continued at the “new” Yankee Stadium.
Rare Moment Of The Game …
Two of the Yankees three homeruns were shots that hit one of the “foul poles”, which is rare enough. But, when was the last time you seen homeruns hit off each foul pole by players on the same team, in the same game?
Well, I can’t remember the last time I seen this extraordinary event happen.
In the first game at the new Yankee Stadium this rare event did occur, when Hideki Matsui hit a two-run homerun off the the rightfield foul pole in the 3rd inning; and, Cody Ransom hit a three-run homer off the leftfield foul pole in the bottom of the 4th.
The New York Yankees christened the new Yankee Stadium in style, with a 7-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs; and, with two special homeruns that christened both foul poles.
Photo Credits …
* Mickey Mantle homerun — 4.bp.blogspot.com/…/s400/Mick%27s+moonshot.jpg
* Don Larsen / Billy Martin — BestSportsPhotos.com
* Babe Ruth — http://www.gallerym.com/work.cfm?ID=278
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Update: Sunday, April 5, 2009 …
In the second game of the two-game exhibition series against the Chicago Cubs, on Saturday, April 4th, at the new Yankee Stadium, the Yankees ended their 2009 Spring Training with a 10-1 victory over the Cubs.
The ball seems to be flying out of the new ballpark, as the Yankees hit seven homeruns in these two games …
Three homers in game one — Robinson Cano (two-run homer); Hideki Matsui (two-run homer); and Cody Ransom (three-run homer) — accounting for all of the Yankees seven runs in their 7-4 win …
Four homeruns in the second game — Derek Jeter (three-run homer in the 3rd inning); two homeruns by Mark Teixeira (solo shot in the 3rd; and, three-run homer in the 4th inning); and Shelley Duncan (solo homer in the 8th) — adding up to eight of the Yankees ten runs in their 10-1 victory.
In Game Two … Andy Pettitte started for the Yanks and pitched four solid innings, allowing the only Cub run, on six hits, one walk, and two strikeouts … A.J. Burnett replaced Pettitte in the 5th inning and also delivered a solid effort on the mound, pitching four innings, allowing zero runs, on two hits, one base-on-ball, and six strkeouts … Brian Bruney (two strikeouts), and Phil Coke (one strikeout), closed out the game and Yankees victory, pitching a scoreless 9th inning.
To view “box score”, click on: Game Two: Yanks 10, Cubs 1
The new 2009 Basball Season is finally here …
Enjoy “Opening Day”, everybody !!!
— Jimmy [27NYY], “BY&L”
Yankees HR Power Blasts Orioles, 9-4
The Yankees again entered another game in which they had to win, as they opened a three-game series against the Orioles in Baltimore. Mike Mussina was on the mound for the Bombers, going for win number 17.
The Yanks jumped out to a fast 1-0 lead in the top of the first, when Johnny Damon led off with a double; advanced to third base on a bloop single by Derek Jeter; and, scored on a RBI single by Bobby Abreu.
The hit by Jeter was his 2,500th of his Hall of Fame career.
The Bombers had a chance to break this game open, as Alex Rodriguez was the next batter up. But, A-Rod hit into a 5-4-3 double play, that was followed by Jason Giambi striking out, to end the inning with the Yankees leading, 1-0.
The Orioles scored a run in each of the first, third, fourth, and sixth innings, including a solo homerun by Ramon Hernandez in the 6th, as Mike Mussina was only pitching okay, not one of his best performances.
The Yankees scored two runs in the top of the 5th, on back-to-back homeruns by Robinson Cano, and Jose Molina. So, by the time Mussina was replaced after pitching only 6 innings, the Orioles were ahaed in this game, 4-3.
Mussina ended up allowing four runs, on nine hits, no walks [again in a game], while striking out three batters. Also, Mike Mussina would not get his 17th win on this night.
Jose Veras (W, 4-2), replaced Mussina, and pitched a scoreless 7th inning, as the game headed to the top of the 8th with the O’s still leading, 4-3.
Bobby Abreu started off the 8th by stroking his 4th straight single. Then, Alex Rodriguez hit a long shot off the top of the left field wall that just missed being a homerun, but went for a double. The Yankees now had runners on second and third with no outs, with Jason Giambi up next.
Giambi grounded out to short without a run scoring, for out number one. With Xavier Nady up at the plate next, a wild pitch by reliever, Kameron Mickolo, [one of seven Baltimore pitchers who appeared in this game], allowed Abreu to cross the plate from third, tying the game, 4-4. Then, Nady singled home A-Rod, to move the Bombers ahead in this contest, 5-4.
On to the top of the 9th inning.
With one out, Bobby Abreu, (5-for-5), got his fifth single of the game, which upped his batting average to .295. Alex Rodriguez followed by hitting a grounds rule double, that set-up a three-run homerun by Cody Ransom [his second three-run homer since being called up from AAA-SWB], to give the Yankees a 8-4 lead. Xavier Nady then went back-to-back with Ransom, hitting a homerun to complete the scoring in this game, 9-4.
Mariano Rivera, who entered the game to get the final out of the 8th, threw a scoreless 9th inning, to close out this very important 9-4 victory, recording his 29th save.
The Yankees stayed in this game, and made a nice comeback, to stay in the AL EAST pennant race. They just have to keep repeating this formula each game, as that is the path that will lead the Yankees into October Baseball once again. Go Yankees !!!
Mussina Shines On Final Old Timer’s Day At Stadium
On a day when Yankee Stadium was filled with many great Yankee players from the past, Mike Mussina was the brightest “star” on this festive day, as he conducted a pitching clinic on the mound, tossing a “gem” in the process, in front of a packed Stadium crowd, and to the delight of the Yankee greats.
Mussina had a lot of run support in the Yankees 8-2 win over the L.A. Angels, as the Bronx Bombers lived up their name, blasting four homeruns off Angels starter, Jerod Weaver (9-9).
But, along with Mussina, another big star for the Yankees yesterday, was Jose Molina, who had three hits in three at-bats, including his first homer of the year, and three runs scored.
It was not only Molina’s hitting, though, that Mike Mussina was impressed with. It was Jose’s work behind the plate that Mussina was most appreciative of.
After the game, Mike Mussina talked about the greatness of Jose Molina as a catcher; and, the following quote by Mussina, as reported by Bryan Hoch [mlb.com] in his article “Yankees Pound Halos To Back Moose” (08-02-08) is as much a “gem” in praise of Molina, as the “gem” that Mussina pitched today. Mike Mussina, said:
“I think Molina is a great catcher. He understands what’s going on and he makes adjustments, the same way I’m making adjustments. He’s a great target with great presentation. He makes every pitch look like it was where I wanted to throw it, even if it was a foot and a half off the target. He’s just a natural at catching”.
Well, with praise like that, I think we can be certain that Jose Molina will be catching the remainder of Mike Mussina’s starts this season, as Moose continues on his quest of recording his first 20-win season.
Hopefully, Molina will catch other games, as well – not only Mussina’s starts; and, if he continues to stay hot at the plate, Joe Girardi will have no choice but to play him in more games.
This is no disrespect to Ivan Rodriguez, but since Jorge Posada was forced out of the lineup because of an injury to his shoulder, Jose Molina is the main reason this pitching staff has held together, and remained solid. Molina’s calling of games, holding runners on, throwing runners out, and overall outstanding defense, is just as priceless, as runs scored by the Yankees. His great play behind the plate has prevented many runs from scoring by the opposing teams. The Yankees need to have Jose Molina behind the plate in as many games as possible, as the Yanks make their stretch run to the playoffs, and into the World Series.
Mike Mussina made it look easy on the mound, as he effortlessly threw 89 pitches, over seven “almost perfect” innings, allowing only two runs [one earned], on two hits [both in the 2nd ininng], two walks [one each in the 1st and 2nd innings], while striking-out five Angel batters, to bring his record to 14-7, and lower his ERA to 3.44.
After the walk in the first inning, [in the middle of a groundout, and two strikeouts], the only other runners Mussina put on base was in the second inning, when Garret Anderson led off with a single, and was followed by a grounds-rule double by Howie Kendrick. The next batter, Juan Rivera, grounded out, for the first out of the inning. Gary Matthews, Jr then walked, to load the bases.
Angels catcher, Jeff Mathis was up next, and hit a grounder to third that looked like it would be a double play, as Alex Rodriguez fired the ball to Wilson Betemit [playing in place of Cano – who has a sore hand] for the force at second. Matthews slid hard into second base which caused Betemit to throw the ball into the dirt a first, and Jason Giambi could not come up with the scoop. Anderson already scored on the grounder, but the error by Betemit allowed Kendrick to score as well, giving the Angels an early 2-0 lead.
Mussina struckout Chone Figgins to end the inning, which was the start Mussina’s pitching clinic.
Wilson Betemit made up for the error by hitting a two-run homerun in the bottom of the second, after a Nady single, to tie the score, 2-2.
The Bombers scored two more runs in the third, started by a lead off single by Jose Molina, who advanced to third on a single by Johnny Damon. The great hustle by Molina on this play, set up the Yankees first run of the inning [the Yanks third run of the game], as Jose scored when Derek Jeter grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, after the Damon hit. Bobby Abreu then blasted a solo homerun, that gave the Yankees a 4-2 lead.
Molina’s second hit of the game, was his first homerun of the year. The homer by Molina hit the foul pole down the left field line, and moved the Yankees lead to 5-2.
Alex Rodriguez blasted a long homer over the left-center wall, leading off the bottom of the 6th, for a 6-2 lead. This was the Bronx Bombers 4th Homerun of the game, all off Weaver.
The Yankees scored their final two runs in the bottom of the 7th, on a RBI single by Jeter, scoring Molina who led off the inning with his third hit; and, a RBI by Abreu, on a force play at second that wasn’t a double play because Abreu hustled down the line, allowing Damon to score the Yankees 8th run.
Up to this point in the game, Mike Mussina was “perfect”, from the 3rd inning to the end of the 7th inning.
Including the strikeout to Figgins that ended the 2nd inning, Mussina retired the final 16 batters he faced, over five straight 1-2-3 innings. “Perfect Indeed” !!!
Jose Veras replaced Mussina in the 8th, and pitched a scoreless inning, while striking-out three and walking one.
And, Brian Bruney, making his first appearance since April 22nd, when he injured his right foot, closed out the game with a scoreless 9th inning, to preserve the Yanks 8-2 win over the L.A. Angels.
On a day that Yankee Stadium had many star players, and Hall of Famers in attendance, celebrating the great “Yankees Tradition”, a possible future Hall of Famer was making his case on why he should also be enshrined in Baseball’s Hall of Fame one day.
Many of the same star players and Hall of Famers who witnessed this “gem” by Mike Mussina — pitched on the day of the final “Old Timer’s Day” at the old Yankee Stadium — will also, be in attendance when Mussina is making his acceptance speech at Cooperstown.
On that day, they will all be thinking about, and talking about, “remember the day back in August of 2008, on Old Timers Day at the Stadium, when Mike Mussina pitched that “gem” of a game”.
This was a very special day that all Yankee fans will always remember !!!
Mussina On Path To First 20-Win Season
Mike Mussina, (10-4), continued on his way to being selected as the starting pitcher for the American League All-Star team; and, also, having his first 20-win season, as he earned his 10th victory in the Yankees 8-4 win against the Houston Astros.
The Yankees quickly fell behind in this game, 3-0, when Mike Mussina gave up a three-run homerun to Carlos Lee (3 for 4), in the first inning. Mussina settled down after giving up the homer, as he allowed the Astros no runs over the next five innings.
In the top of the 2nd, Alex Rodriguez [who was 2 for 3, with 3 runs, and 2 walks], hit a leadoff homer, which was followed by back-to-back doubles by Jason Giambi and Melky Cabrera, to cut Houston’s lead to, 3-2.
The Yankees added three more runs in the 3rd inning, which moved the Yanks ahead for good in this game.
Johnny Damon (3 for 5) led off the inning with a single, and then stole second base. Jeter and Abreu both made outs which set up a situation that had a runner at second, first base open, with two outs. At this point, A-Rod was intentionally walked.
Well, this move didn’t work out as expected, as Astros starter, Wandy Rodriguez, gave up back-to-back walks to the next two Yankee batters, Jason Giambi, and Melky Cabrera, [who was 2 for 2, with 3 walks, and 2 RBI’s], to force home the tying run of the game.Then, Jose Molina, doubled, driving home two more runs, giving the Yankees the, 5-3, lead.
Mike Mussina lasted six innings, throwing 89 pitches, while allowing three runs [in the first inning], on 6 hits, no walks, and 4 strikeouts.
A trio of Yankee relievers – Ohlendorf, Farnsworth and, Ramirez – held the Yankees lead over the last three innings, to preserve Mike Mussina’s 4th straight win, and 10th of the season. [only Ohlendorf was ineffective, as he allowed two hits, and the Astros 4th run, in his one inning of work].
The Yankees scored their 6th run on a pinch-hit, RBI single by Robinson Cano, in the 8th inning; and, their final two runs were driven home on a RBI double by Wilson Betemit [a defensive replacement for Giambi at first], in the top of the 9th, which finished off the scoring in this very impressive, 8-4, Yankees victory.
This win was Mike Mussina’s 260th of his career, which tied him with Ted Lyons for 38th on the all-time wins list. Also, this win [as with every win Mussina adds to his career total], adds more fuel to the great “Mike Mussina, Hall of Fame” debate. The closer Mussina gets to 300 career wins, the better his chances of being voted into the Hall of Fame.
The Yankees have won 8 of their last 11 games, and for the first time this season, are now three games over .500, at 36-33.
Three Is Better Than Two…Posada On DL
On my Blog, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”, I posted an entry on April 22, 2008 entitled, “Weekend Not A Total Loss For Yanks”. In this post, I described the the big 7-1 victory the Yankees had against the Baltimore Orioles. This was a game the Yankees needed to win, and did win, because Andy Pettitte pitched a “gem”, ending a three-game losing streak at the time.
One of the hitting stars [in the game] for the Yankees, was: Chad Moeller. I wrote in the post:
“Chad Moeller continued to do a great job behind the plate; and, also, hitting. He was 2-4, including a double, and two runs scored. Moeller is now hitting .350”.
I went on to say:
“Jose Molina caught Saturday’s game [April 19th], and Jorge Posada may be back behind the plate in the next week. So, the Yankees have a tough choice to make regarding Chad Moeller. Having three catchers on the team may seem like a luxury, but with the questionable status of Posada’s strained shoulder [and, the fact that Jorge can play some games at first, as well as, DH], I think having Moeller on the bench would be more valuable than having seven relievers in the bullpen”.
Move ahead three days, to April 25, 2008. One of a few tranactions the Yankees made that day was to designate Chad Moeller for assigment. Since he was out of options, the Yankees couldn’t just send him down to the minors – outright. They had to take the risk of losing Moeller if he was claimed off waivers over the next 72 hours [from April 25th]. If no team claimed him, the Yankees could “then” have send him to (AAA) Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Chad Moeller said he would accept going back to SWB, if that was the case.
Unfortunately, the worst happened. Just before the start of yesterday’s 1-0 win against the Indians, Jorge Posada was scratched from the opening lineup; and, Jose Molina replaced him as the catcher.
It was reported that Jorge Posada may have a tear in the right shoulder muscle, and basically cannot throw the ball without pain. Posada feels there is something more serious involving this injury, and will be placed on the disabled list. Jorge will also seek the opinion of a medical specialist, the world renown Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. James Andrews.
It goes without saying, if the Yankees lose Jorge Posada for any long length of time this year, it will be major loss for the team. Posada is probably the most important of all the regulars because of his leadership on and of the field. But, also, as the catcher, who has made a major impact throuhghout his career, he is not replaceabe.
Jose Molina is a fine back-up, and will do a good job handling the pitching staff; and, also defensively behind the plate. But, offensively, Molina will not produce the great numbers that we have come to expect from Jorge Posada. Jorge’s bat not in the lineup will be the biggest loss for the Yankees.
So, for this reason, the premature release of Chad Moeller may turn out to be one of the greatest errors of misjudgment by the Yankees organization since the signing of Carl Pavano.
I know Chad Moeller is only a journeyman catcher, who hasn’t had any great seasons in the past. But, as the Yankees third-string catcher, who became the starting catcher earlier this month, when both Posada and Molina were injured, he did an awesome job both behind the plate and at-bat. Moeller deserved better, and should not have been released so soon after Posada and Molina came back from their injuries. He earned a spot on this Yankees team, as the third-string catcher.
Especially, with much uncertainty regarding the condition of Jorge Posada’s throwing arm, and shoulder.
Hopefully, Chad Moeller gets through waviers, and by the end of today the Yankees will be able to re-sign him, to be the back-up to Jose Molina. Baseball is a business, and is not always fair to the players. In the case of Chad Moeller, maybe is great effort will be rewarded in the form of a second chance to come back and help the Yankees once again this season.
But, also, it will be a second chance to redeem a bad decision, by the Yankees Organization, that released Chad Moeller in the first place.
Get well soon, Jorge. We need you !!!
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 