Tagged: Phil Hughes
What A Relief For Yanks Bullpen
Well, it has been a very quiet winter (off) season for the New York Yankees so far. But on this freezing cold Bronx day in the middle of January, the Yanks announced the completion of a major bridge-building project by signing the Tampa Bay Rays “All-Star” closer, Rafael Soriano, to a three-year, $35 million deal, to become the Yanks eight-inning, “Bridge-to-Mariano”, set-up man.
There are player options built into the contract that would allow Soriano to leave the Yanks after each season if he chooses. But if the “Great Mariano” does decide to retire after the 2012 season, Soriano would be the leading candidate to become the next Yankees closer in 2013, replacing the “unreplaceable” Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in baseball history, and a certain “first-time ballot” Hall of Fame inductee sometime in the year 2018.
Soriano, 31, led the American League with 45 saves last season, allowing just 36 hits in 62.1 innings, with 57 strikeouts, and a 1.73 ERA. These are perfect numbers to solidify the eight inning relief workload for the Yanks, setting the stage for Mariano to close out victories in the ninth.
But with only 31 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Yankees have many question marks regarding their pitching staff.
The starting rotation is very uncertain at this time with only CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and A.J. Burnett slated to be in the rotation. Cliff Lee decided to sign with the Phillies, even though the Yanks did make a better offer for him to pitch in the Bronx. Javier Vasquez was not re-signed [a smart move by the Yanks]. And Andy Pettitte is leaning towards retirement.
So that leaves Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre as the “front-runners” to win the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. And I’m sure we will all see a full complement of a various random amount of “cast of characters” also battling it out for one of the starting spots.
Without Cliff Lee and Andy Pettitte, though, the Yankees starting rotation looks very weak, at this point in time, only a month before spring training starts.
The closing end of the bullpen in the eight and ninth innings is set, and very solid.
This leaves the middle relievers, in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, to complete the bullpen and hold the score when they enter the games. Right now, these roles would be filled by: David Robertson; Boone Logan; Pedro Feliciano (with the Mets in 2010; signed for two-years); and, of course, Joba Chamberlain.
Ah, yes. Joba Chamberlain.
There are many pitching decisions that must be made by the Yankees braintrust during this upcoming spring training. And with the “weak” state of the starting rotation, in my view, the Yankees should give Joba every opportunity to start this year !
Let the great “Joba Debate” begin once again !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Not Wild About Yanks Wild Card Finish …
But …
The Yankees did hold on to make the Playoffs, even though they finished the season with a (9-17) record over the final 26 games.
This weak finish resulted in the New York Yankees (95-67) not winning the AL East, the toughest division in all of Baseball, which placed the Bronx Bombers in second place behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays (96-66), who also did not play very well down the stretch. Thus, the Yankees entered the 2010 post season via the “wild card” route.
Overall, though, it was a great season for the Yankees. And with all the talk about who the Yanks MVP was this season, in my view, that honor belongs to CC Sabathia (21-7) with a 3.13 ERA. This opinion also extends to CC being honored with the American League MVP Award, as well as the AL Cy Young Award.
Without Sabathia’s great pitching performances throughout the 2010 season, the Yankees would not be playing in the post-season this year. CC was “Money” all year long. Especially considering A.J. Burnett’s (10-15) lost season on the mound; Andy Pettitte’s injury at mid-season; And Phil Hughes not pitching as well in the second half of the season as he did in the first half. The rest of the starting rotation was okay at best, while CC was the Yanks “Ace”, “MVP”, and should be awarded the AL “Cy Young Award”, and AL “MVP” Award.
My opinion about CC being the Yanks MVP takes nothing away from the Yankees great lineup which was “awesome” this season. It’s just, I think, without CC Sabathia pitching as well as he did this year, the New York Yankees would not be playing ball this October. CC was the main key to victory for the Yanks in 2010. He was the one Yankee, at least in this season, and in my opinion, that was “indispensable”, even more so than the “Great Mariano” Rivera.
Anyway, its great that September finally ended. There were way too many “mixed messages” being sent out by the Yankees braintrust about wanting to win the AL East. But if the Yankees finished second, that seemed to be okay with Manager Joe Girardi and General Manager Brian Cashman, as the Yanks would enter the playoffs as the wild card team. And so, that ended up being the result. A second place finish by the Bombers. A wild card berth into October baseball.
Of course, the ultimate goal for the Yankees every year is to win the World Series. Anything less would be a failure. So seeing the Yankees playing important games in October once again puts their second place finish this season into a distant memory.
Another “Fall Classic” is clearly in sight for the Yankees. And when the sun sets on this Baseball Season, all Yankee fans hope the #27 will fade into the horizon of the great Yankees history and tradition, with a new number, #28, raising up to take its place center stage in the Yankees Universe, “shining” for all to see, and glowing proudly …
“New York Yankees, 2010 World Champions” !!!
Enjoy the “Playoffs”, everybody …
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Power Surge By Yanks In KC; Blast 5 HRs; 3 By A-Rod
After the major rain storm and lightning display in the Kansas City sky during Game Two of this four-game series at Kauffman Stadium, the Bronx Bombers provided their own air show in Game Three, an arsenal of pyrotechnics of the baseball kind, by sending into orbit five home runs, including three by Alex Rodriguez, in route to an 8-3 victory over the Royals.
The Yankees power display began in the top of the sixth off Royals starter Sean O’Sullivan with the score tied 1-1.
A-Rod led off the inning by hitting a long homerun (#19) into the left-centerfield seats. Then after Cano hit a hard liner to left for the first out, Jorge Posada blasted a high and deep 421ft homer (#13) over the centerfield wall. Curtis Granderson followed by going back-to-back with Posada, belting another hard-hit long homer (#11) into the upper rightfield seats to increase the Bombers lead to 4-1, and knock O’Sullivan (L,1-4), out of the game.
The Royals scored two runs, including a lead-off home run by Wilson Betemit (3-for-5), in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead to 4-3 off starter Phil Hughes (W,14-5). This would be Hughes’ last inning in this game, as he pitched okay, delivering 99 pitches, allowing three runs, on nine hits, one walk, while not striking out any Royal batters.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Mark Teixeira stroked an opposite field single through an open hole at short, the result of the shift the Royals were playing against Teix. Then Rodriguez continued the Yankees “power show”, blasting a two-run homer (#20), on a pitch that was down-and-in from pitcher Kanekoa Texeira, over the centerfield wall 419 feet from the plate, that upped the Yanks lead to 6-3.
And, as the game entered the top of the ninth, Alex Rodriguez saved the best for last. After another single by Teixeira (2-for-5), A-Rod put the final stamp of approval on this historic night by soaring his third homer (#21), high into the Kansas City sky off pitcher Greg Holland. This two-run blast was the longest of all, arcing 439 feet from Rodriguez’s bat into the left-centerfield “flowing water fountain”, capping the score at 8-3. A-Rod was (4-for-5) in this game with five RBI’s, giving him a league-leading 97 RBI’s.
For Rodriguez, this was the second time he hit three home runs in a game as a member of the New York Yankees. On April 26, 2005 against the Angels at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, A-Rod blasted three homers off starter Bartolo Colon, driving home ten runs.
Also of note in this game, every Yankee starter in the lineup got at least one hit. And, after Hughes left the game after six innings, the Yankees bullpen was once again very solid allowing no runs and only one hit over the final three innings to preserve the 8-3 victory.
So, a great win for the Yankees (72-44), who remain in first place in the AL East, two games ahead of the Rays (70-46) and six games in front of the Red Sox (67-51), as both division rivals also won their games yesterday.
Watching Alex Rodriguez hit the three homers in this game was not exactly as exciting as watching Reggie Jackson hit his three home runs in Game Six of the 1977 World Series against the L.A. Dodgers at Yankee Stadium, on three straight pitches, against three different pitchers. But this power display by A-Rod was certainly exciting and fun to watch.
Most importanly though, Rodriguez, and Posada, and Granderson, all helped the Yankees win a big ball game, in the middle of a pennant race, with their home runs. And, that is the most exciting ending to this night. A Yankees victory.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Bosox Win 2-1 To Split Four-Game Series With Yanks
Well, okay, give the the Boston Red Sox credit for doing what they had to do in this very important four-game series against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The Sox did not get swept or lose three of four games to the first place Bombers. They held on to take the final game 2-1, to earn a split, powered by excellent pitching by their starter Jon Lester (W,12-7), and great bullpen work by Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon, who closed out this Boston victory with his 28th save.
Thus, the AL East race remains close, with the Yankees (69-42) in first place by 1.5 games over the second place Rays (68-44), who ended their five-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers. And six games ahead of the third place Red Sox (64-49). And ten games ahead of the surging fourth place Blue Jays (59-52). Even the last place Orioles (38-74) could be a spoiler down the stretch, as they are (6-1) under the new leadership of Manager Buck Showalter. The AL East is certainly the toughest division in baseball.
Both starters delivered great efforts in this game. But, Lester was the better pitcher in this battle against Phil Hughes (L,13-5), as he took a no-hitter into the fifth inning that was broken up by a one-out single by Austin Kearns.
The Sox scored all their runs in the second inning when they took an early 2-0 lead. With one out, Ryan Kalish hit a single, then stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Jorge Posada, before scoring the first run on an infield hit by Bill Hall. J.D. Drew drove home the second run on a RBI groundout.
Hughes struggled early on, but made adjustments while throwing a total of 114 pitches over six strong innings, giving up the two runs on six hits and one walk. He ended his time on the mound by getting 14 outs on the last 15 hitters he faced in this game.
The Yankees had plenty of chances to make a comeback, starting in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases with no outs.
For sure, the Bombers had some bad luck while loading the bases in the seventh. After Jorge Posada led off with a single, a blast belted off the bat of Marcus Thames landed on top of the right-centerfield wall just inches from being a game-tying two-run homer [the ball bounced back on the field for a double]. There was also a play in the inning in which a fan distracted the Red Sox leftfielder Ryan Kalish from making a catch that could have been a sacrifice fly with Kearns batting.
At any rate, after all these exciting events, Austin Kearns was then hit-by-a-pitch which did load the bases with no outs, giving the Yankees a golden opportunity to score some runs and take the lead in this game. This would have given the Yanks a great chance to win Game Four, and drop Boston eight games out of first place.
Lester stayed composed, and struck out Curtis Granderson who has been a big disappointment for the Yanks this season, for out number one.
Terry Francona then brought Daniel Bard into the game. And Bard promptly struck out both Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher to end the Yankees threat. The score remained Red Sox 2, Yanks 0.
The Yanks finally broke through in the bottom of the eight when Mark Teixeira led off the inning by blasting his 26th homer, to cut the score to 2-1. This was Teixeira’s fourth lifetime hit in eleven at bats against Bard, including three homeruns. Interesting stat, since no other batter has hit more than one homer against Bard.
Alex Rodriguez continued the rally with a single. And, then, Joe Girardi sent Brett Gardner to first to pinch-run for A-Rod with Robinson Cano up at the plate. For some reason, though, Gardner did not attempt a stolen base, but did advance to second on a groundout by Cano. Posada then walked to set-up a first and second situation with Lance Berkman [pinch-hitting for Thames] now the batter. Berkman did not deliver [once again] for the Yanks, hitting an easy pop-up to left-field on a (2-0) pitch for the second out.
Francona then called Papelbon into the game to face Kearns, hoping for a four-out save by his closer. Papelbon threw one pitch that resulted in a ground ball to second base for the third out of the eight, ending another Yankee rally, and keeping the score 2-1 in favor of the Sox.
Yankee relievers Wood, Logan, and Chamberlain delivered scoreless pitching performances from the seventh through the ninth innings, to bring this [classic] game into the bottom of the ninth with the Red Sox still holding a 2-1 lead.
With Papelbon on the mound, Granderson led off the ninth by striking out.
Jeter then walked, and stole second, to put the tying run in scoring position and the winning run at the plate.
Nick Swisher was the next batter, and was struck out for the second out of the inning.
The Yanks were now down to their final out with Mark Teixeira coming up to the plate.
Teixeira battled Papelbon.
Strike One.
Strike Two.
Ball. (1-2).
Another Ball. (2-2).
Foul Ball. Still (2-2).
And, the pitch.
Strike Three.
Ball Game Over.
Red Sox 2, Yankees 1
Well, not much more to say.
It was a great series. And the race in the AL East continues.
Now, onto Texas for the New York Yankees.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Moseley “Dust-in-Time”. Replaces A.J.; Beats Sox 7-2
A.J. Burnett was supposed to start Game Three of the four-game series against the Boston Red Sox; but, Burnett suffered some back stiffness in a throwing session before the game. So, Joe Girardi decided to scratch the struggling starter, and move up Dustin Moseley one day in the rotation to replace A.J. and start the ESPN Sunday Night Game vs. the Sox.
This move also affected Phil Hughes, who will also be moved up in the rotation to start the final game of this series on Monday afternoon. Burnett is expected to start Tuesday’s game against the Rangers when the Yanks begin a six-game road trip in Texas [two games vs. the Rangers; and, four games against the Kansas City Royals].
There were many story lines in this game, but the brillant pitching performance by Moseley was the lead story.
Dustin Moseley (2-1), delivered a solid six and a third innings on the mound, allowing two runs, on six hits and two walks, while striking out five. Boston scored their runs on a fifth inning solo homer by Bill Hall (#13), off Moseley; and, a pitch-hit RBI single by Mike Lowell in the seventh off reliever Joba Chamberlain.
Joba was not effective in his outing, as he also walked a batter before a not-too-happy manager Joe Girardi replaced him with Boone Logan who got out of the late-inning jam.
The Yankees took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Lance Berkman doubled, and scored on an infield hit by Brett Gardner, that included an error by second-baseman Hall, which allowed the first run to score. And, then, Derek Jeter stroked a solid line drive RBI single to center that plated Gardner with the Yanks second run.
This was Jeter’s 2,874th career hit, which passed the great Babe Ruth on the all-time hit list, positioning the captain in 39th place on the historic list. The New York Giants Mel Ott is next on the list, as Jeter continues on his path to becoming the first Yankee player to reach 3,000 lifetime hits, and many more, depending on how long Jeter decides to play for the Bronx Bombers.
With the score 2-1 as the Yanks entered the bottom of the fifth, the Bombers exploded for five runs to break this game wide open.
Mark Teixeira led off the the inning with his 25th homer, making Teix only the fourth Major League player to hit at least 25 homeruns in each of their first eight seasons in the bigs. The other players to achieve this rare stat were Eddie Mathews, Darryl Strawberry, and Albert Pujols. Very cool, indeed !!!!
The Yankees then scored the rest of their runs in the fifth when Robinson Cano crossed the plate on an error by catcher Kevin Cash on an attempted pickoff throw; A RBI double by Berkman who was (3-for-4) in the game, finally breaking through with the production the Yankees expect from him; And, a two-RBI double by Jeter, that capped the five-run inning, giving the Yanks a 7-2 lead, which completed the scoring in this contest.
Red Sox starter Josh Beckett (L,3-2), was knocked out of the game in the bottom of the fifth, after a very poor showing in this game. The Yanks pounded out 11 hits, and walked twice, in route to scoring their seven runs off Beckett, which increased his ERA to 6.21.
The bullpen was effective the rest of the way for the Sox, as Delcarmen ended the fifth inning with a strikeout. And, Tim Wakefield delivered three scoreless innings in the 7th, 8th, and 9th. But, the Sox could not produce a comeback rally, and the score stayed at 7-2 in favor of the Yanks.
Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup playing third base for the Yanks. And showed no ill effects from the batting practice ball that was hit off his left ankle before Saturday’s game. A-Rod was (1-for-3), with a walk and run scored, and, also, a stolen base, the 300th of his career.
David Robertson recorded the first two outs of the ninth, including walking a batter, which inspired Girardi to bring in Mariano Rivera to get the final out in this very important game, even though it was not a save situation.
The Great Mariano delivered once again by throwing one pitch which resulted in out number three, preserving another Yankees victory.
And, so it goes.
The Yankees (69-41) remain in first place in the AL East by 2.5 games over the Tampa Bay Rays (67-44), who lost 1-0 yesterday against the Toronto Blue Jays, in a game in which the Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow had a no-hitter with two-outs in the ninth inning that was broken up by an infield single by Evan Longoria. Morrow stayed in the game after the hit to earn a 1-0 complete game shutout, which is just as rare as a no-hitter these days in baseball. The three-game sweep by Jays continued a five-game losing streak by the Rays.
With their loss in the Bronx, the Red Sox (63-49) stay in third place, seven games behind the Yankees, and five games behind the Rays.
The Yankees now look to win this series from the Red Sox with a victory in Game Four at the Stadium, Monday afternoon, in the Beautiful Bronx, New York.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
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”
Yankees Sweep Orioles; Magic Number Is 23
Almost Perfect Andy Spins A Gem …
Andy Pettitte was masterful on the mound in the first game of this three-game series against the Orioles, almost tossing a perfect game in the Yankees 5-1 victory at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Pettitte retired 20 straight batters until Adam Jones hit a grounder to third base that traveled through Jerry Hairston’s legs for an error with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning that ended Andy’s bid for perfection.
There was still a no-hitter on the board, though, that was broken by next batter Nick Markakis on an opposite field single, past third base, down the left field line that made this game even more interesting. The game was now “on the line” with the go-ahead run coming up to the plate with runners on first and second, two outs, and the Yanks leading 2-0.
But, Pettitte protected the shutout by retiring the final batter Nolan Reimold, on a full-count, ground out to Derek Jeter at short.
Nick Swisher (3-for-4), put the Yanks in the 2-0 lead with a solo homer (#22), in the third, and a RBI double in the fifth. And, the Bronx Bombers gave Pettitte a little more breathing room by scoring three runs in the top of the eight on a RBI single by Johnny Damon, and a two-RBI double by Robinson Cano that increased their lead to 5-0.
The shutout was wiped off the scoreboard in the bottom of the eight inning when Pettitte gave up a solo homer to Melvin Mora that cut the Yankees lead to 5-1.
Andy Pettitte (12-6), finished his brilliant performance with 104 pitches thrown over eight spectacular innings, allowing one run, two hits, no walks, while striking out eight.
After the game, Jorge Posada said, this may have been Pettitte’s best start, as he could not remember Andy ever having that good of a game.
Brian Bruney was called into this game at the start of the ninth but could not close out the victory. He put two runners on base on a single and walk with one out, which resulted in Mariano Rivera having to take the mound.
The “Great Mariano” retired the final two batters to preserve this 5-1 Yankees victory, recording his 37th save.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 5, Orioles 1
Five Homers Power Yanks 9-6 Win Over Orioles …
In a game that Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett was “awful”, lasting only 5.1 innings, while allowing six runs, on eleven hits, two walks, and two strike outs, the Bronx Bombers won their fifth game in a row on a power surge of “five” home runs that led to a 9-6 victory in the middle game of their three-game series vs. the Orioles.
Robinson Cano (3-for-4), two runs, two RBI’s, hit his 22nd homer.
Jorge Posada (2-for-4), three runs, three RBI’s, hit two homers (#18, 19).
Nick Swisher hit homer number 23.
Eric Hinske hit his 6th homer as a Yankee.
This game started out poorly for A.J. Burnett right from the first inning when Felix Pie hit a homer that gave the O’s an early 1-0 lead.
Robinson Cano then hit a two-run homer in the second, and Posada hit a solo shot in the third that gave the Bombers the 3-1 lead in this contest.
The Orioles tied the score 3-3 in the bottom of the third before Posada hit his second home run of the night that moved the Yanks back into the lead at 5-3.
But, A.J. once again could not hold the score as Luke Scott sent a soaring three-run blast out of the ballpark over the right field wall onto Eutaw Street to give the O’s a 6-5 advantage, and basically ended Burnett’s time on the mound in this game.
In his last seven starts, A.J. Burnett is 0-4 with a 6.54 ERA; and, when the Yankees tied the score 6-6 in the top of the sixth, this took Burnett off the hook for the loss. But, a “no decision”, or loss, is not what is expected from one of our top free-agent signings every time he takes the mound.
The Yankee bats are hot, though; and, back to back homers by Nick Swisher (two-run blast, his 20th road homer), and Eric Hinske’s solo shot in the top of the seventh, moved the Bombers into the lead for good with the score now 9-6.
The bullpen held the lead the rest of the way, as Marte (1-1), Robertson, and Coke built a solid “Bridge to Marinao” who recorded his 38th save tossing a scoreless ninth inning that closed out the Yankees 9-6 win.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 9, Orioles 6
CC Rides to 16th win as Yanks Beat O’s 10-2 …
The Baltimore Orioles scored a run in the bottom of the first, and Eric Hinske tied the score 1-1 with a homer (#7) in the third which was all the scoring through the first six innings of this game.
Then, in the seventh, Johnny Damon walked; Nick Swisher doubled; and both scored on a single by Alex Rodriguez that gave the Yanks a 3-1 lead.
For A-Rod, that was his second single of the game, his first being his 2,500th career hit in the fifth inning.
In the meantime, CC Sabathia (16-7), pitched a very solid game, throwing 105 pitches over seven great innings of work, allowing one run, on seven hits, one walk, and nine strikeouts.
Brian Bruney replaced Sabathia at the start of the eight inning, and he was ineffective once again as he promptly gave up a solo homer to Nolan Reimold (#13), that cut the Yankees lead to 3-2.
Bruney was awarded his 9th “hold” for his one-third of an inning on the mound which is a totally ridiculous stat in this situation.
A “hold” is given when a reliever holds the lead of his team when he makes an appearance in a game. In my view, though, a “hold” should only be awarded when a reliever holds the lead by not allowing any runs to score during his time in the game.
Anyway, Brian Bruney was not effective once again out of the bullpen. That is the most important stat that should concern Joe Girardi, as well as, all Yankee fans, as we go forward in this pennant drive.
Phil Coke and Phil Hughes retired the final two batters of the eight, moving this game into the top of the ninth with the Yanks still leading 3-2.
In the ninth, the Bombers broke this game wide open by sending 12 batters up to the plate scoring seven runs which included another two-RBI single by Alex Rodriguez.
This ninth-inning outburst by the Bronx Bombers capped the scoring in this game, framing the Yankees 10-2 lead.
Phil Hughes pitched a scoreless ninth inning to preserve this Yankees victory, earning his second save of the season.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 10, Orioles 2
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of (85-48), and a seven and a half game lead over the second place Boston Red Sox (77-55) in the AL East.
This places the Yankees “magic number” at 23 games.
Any combination of 23 Yankees wins, and, or, Red Sox losses will clinch first place in the AL East for the New York Yankees.
“Go Yankees” !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Yanks Sweep ChiSox; Joba Rules Only Three Innings
The New York Yankees completed a three-game weekend sweep over the Chicago White Sox with an 8-3 win on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium in the Beautiful Bronx.
Joba Chamberlain was the Yankees starting pitcher; but, really, he was only a three-inning set-up man for construction of a very long bridge by the bullpen that thankfully led to victory.
In the “new and improved” [?] version of the Joba Rules, Chamberlain was slated to pitch only three innings — no matter how well he pitched. The top secret “rules” which are known by fewer people than those who know the top secret recipes of Coca Cola and Kentucky Fried Chicken have left all of us in the Yankees Universe, and I’m sure other baseball fans as well, to wonder: what exactly will be Joba’s innings limitations and pitch counts for the rest of the 2009 season?
I mean, come on already. Is it too much to let Chamberlain pitch at least five innings in games that he starts?
Joba threw “only” 35 pitches over three innings of work. He gave up two runs on four hits, walked none and struck out one, and, then, was replaced by Alfredo Aceves at the start of the fourth inning with the Yankees leading 3-2. Joba Chamberlain’s effort earned him a “no decision” without any chance of getting the win in this game because he did not pitch five innings [a decision made by the Yankees braintrust].
It is not only the fact that Joba was allowed to pitch only three innings that is annoying. The limited time on the mound by Joba meant the bullpen would be given extra pressure to perform perfectly; and, it was annoying to sit through a parade of five Yankee relievers entering the game starting from the fourth inning with our starting pitcher sitting on the bench.
The Yankees only had a 3-2 lead at this time; and, the odds are: the more relievers that take the mound in a game, not every relief pitcher is going to pitch well. Also, using some of these relievers in this game would prevent them from appearing in the next game or two, when they may be really needed.
Until the Yankees reach the eight inning in a game, where Phil Hughes has performed brilliantly; and, of course, the ninth inning, in which the “Great Mariano” Rivera is having one of his best seasons of his career — a Cy Young Award type season — it is in the best interest of the New York Yankees to have their starting pitchers work [at least] seven innings in every start they take the mound.
As it turned out, though, in this game …
Johnny Damon hit a two-run homer (#24, which tied his career high) that gave the Yankees the 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third.
Alfredo Aceves (9-1), pitched very well in three innings of relief to earn the win in this game.
Derek Jeter had two hits in three at-bats, walked once, and scored three runs, raising his batting average to .335.
The Yankees broke this game wide open when they scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on a three-run homer (#32) by Mark Teixeira; a RBI double by Melky Cabrera; and, a sac-fly by Jerry Hairston, Jr., that increased their lead to 8-2.
Mark Teixeira was (1-for-3), with four RBI’s, which moved his season RBI total to 101. This is Teixeira’s sixth straight season with 30+ homers, and 100+ RBI’s. Only Mark Teixeira and Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals have accomplished this feat over the last six seasons.
Phil Coke ended the five scoreless innings streak by the bullpen when he allowed a ninth inning homer to Dye (#25) that capped the scoring in this 8-3 Yankees victory.
This win increases the first place New York Yankees record to 82-48, still six games ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox (76-54) who just completed a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Well, as we reflect on the “Joba Rules” the one good thing is: next year there will be “no more” Joba rules. Joba Chamberlain will be allowed to be a real starting pitcher without innings limitations, and hopefully, also, without an unreasonable pitch-count limitation, that will advance Joba’s progress into the 200+ innings pitched neighborhood.
Then, the new discussion that everybody will be focusing on, will be:”Innings Usage Rules for Phil Hughes” who the Yankees project as a starting pitcher next season.
What will these rules be called?
“Innings Use Rules For Hughes”, or some other ridiculous version of this year’s Joba Rules.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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.
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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”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 