Tagged: Robinson Cano
Yanks Rise Up From The Dead; Cut Texas’ Lead To 3-2
The Yankees cut the Texas Rangers lead in the ALCS to three games to two, with a 7-2 win in Game Five at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The series now heads back to Texas for Game Six, and, hopefully, Game Seven.
CC Sabathia did not have his best stuff in this “must-win” game, but pitched well enough to earn the victory. CC tossed 112 pitches over six “battling” innings on the mound, allowing only two runs, on 11 hits, seven strikeouts, and “zero” walks.
The key to victory for the Bronx Bombers, though, was taking an early lead, scoring three runs in the second inning. And increasing that lead to 5-0 in the third on back-to-back homers by Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano (his fourth of this series). Curtis Granderson also hit a solo homerun in the eight inning to cap the score at 7-2.
Sabathia gave all the effort an “ace” could give through six innings. Then it was time for the bullpen to take over. Kerry Wood delivered two scoreless innings of relief in the seventh and eight, building a solid “Bridge to Mariano Rivera”. The “Great Mariano” then entered the game, and closed out this victory by pitching a scoreless ninth to keep the Yankees alive in this series.
So, everything looks a little brigher for the Yankees and all in the Yankees Universe today, as the Bronx Bombers get ready to play Game Six tomorrow night (Oct. 22) in Texas.
And the 2010 ALCS continues …
“Go Yankees” !!!
— Jimmy “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Bombers Back On Track; CC Tames Tigers 6-2
Thirteen times this season the Yankees faced a starting pitcher they had never seen before, including Max Scherzer (8-9) of the Tigers and Bryan Bullington (1-2) of the Royals, both of whom earned victories against the Yanks in their last two back-to-back losses. In these games against unknown starters the Yanks have a record of (4-9). Interesting numbers with really no explanation as to [why?] this continues to happen.
So in last night’s second game of four against the Detroit Tigers at the Stadium in the Bronx, which featured a battle of both teams aces, Justin Verlander (13-7) vs. CC Sabathia (15-5), one would think with the way the Yanks have been playing of late, they would be greatly challenged to score many runs against Verlander. CC would have to be money [again] for the Yanks to win this game.
This is not to say the Yankees would rather face some rookie pitcher instead of Verlander, or Verlander instead of a rookie starter. They have no control over who pitches against them on the mound. This only talks to the point that the Yankees have not been playing very well lately and really needed a win [a must-win in fact] as they entered this game against the Tigers tied for first place in the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Well, the first inning provided much drama as Austin Jackson led off the game by hitting Sabathia’s first pitch into the left-field seats for a quick 1-0 Detroit lead. This was the former Yankee’s second homer of the year.
Not to be left out of this discussion, Curtis Granderson, whom the Yankees received in the trade for Jackson, made two outstanding catches in centerfield in the first. The first catch was made after a long run to just in front of the wall of the right-centerfield bleachers; and the second catch was a great diving play running towards left-center.
In the bottom of the first the Yanks battled right back. Brett Gardner led off with a single, and advanced to second on a walk to Derek Jeter. After Teixeira made the first out, Cano walked to load the bases. Then, Nick Swisher, back in the lineup after sitting out the last game with a right forearm injury, stroked a two-run single to move the Yanks into a 2-1 lead.
Granderson delivered again in the second inning by blasting a solo home run (#12), into the rightfield bleachers. This upped the Bombers lead to 3-1.
Justin Verlander (L,13-8), threw a lot of pitches in the early innings, and was finished at the end of the fifth. He tossed 114 pitches while allowing three runs, on five hits, five walks, and five strikeouts.
The Yankees did exactly what Joe Girardi talked about before the game. They got to Verlander, who had a 7.12 ERA in the first inning of his starts this season, early on in this game. Girardi said, “They [the lineup] did a great job. When Justin gets on a roll, he’s really difficult. We put some runs on the board early and made them stand up.”
Schlereth replaced Verlander. And in the sixth, the Yanks scored again on a two-out double by Gardner (2-for-3, with a walk, and run), which was followed by a RBI single by Jeter to give the Yanks a 4-1 lead.
In the top of the seventh, Brandon Inge hit a homer (#8), to cut the score to 4-2.
Then in the bottom of the seventh, Robinson Cano also homered (#22); and, Pena drove home a run on a sac-fly to right to increase the Yankees lead to 6-2.
CC Sabahia (W,16-5), the first 16-game winner in the American League, struggled in the first few innings, but settled down nicely to pitch seven soild innings, throwing 115 pitches, while allowing two runs, on five hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts.
Money !!!
David Robertson pitched a scoreless eight. And Mariano Rivera closed out this 6-2 victory by pitching a scoreless ninth.
A must-win game, “Won” by the New York Yankees !!!
* Historic Note: In the fifth inning, Jorge Posada stroked a single to center, his 1,558th career hit, which tied Posada with Thurman Munson on the all-time hit list.
* Injury Report: – Alex Rodriguez (strain of left calf), listed as day-to-day.
– Lance Berkman (sprained right ankle), listed as day-to-day.
– Andy Pettitte (left groin strain), injured July 18th …
(Probably will not be back until the middle of September)
* And, Yogi Berra was back at Yankee Stadium for the first time since he suffered an injury as a result of a fall at his home. Yogi was not able to attend this year’s Yankees Old Timers’ Day celebrations on July 17th. Also, he could not attend the Hall of Fame inductee events about a week after Old Timers’ Day. Welcome back Yogi.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Yanks Bats Still Quiet … Lose 3-1 To Tigers
The last time the Yankees were shutout in back-to-back games was on May 12-13, 1999 against the Angels. Until the ninth inning of last night’s game against the Detroit Tigers at the Stadium, it looked like this rare event would happen again, as the Tigers held a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The Yanks did finally score a run, though; but, lost the game 3-1.
This loss coupled with the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 victory over Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers, dropped the Yankees into a first place tie with the Rays in the AL East, both with a record of (72-46). The Boston Red Sox (67-52) did not have a game scheduled yesteday. So they picked up a half game on the Yanks and are now 5.5 games behind in third place.
The Tigers took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning on a two-run homer (#7) by Ryan Raburn off Yankees starter Javier Vazquez.
Vazquez (L,9-9), lasted only four innings in this contest, throwing a way too high total of 106 pitches, while allowing two runs, on five hits, four walks, and six strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the Yankees were having trouble with [yet] another pitcher they were facing for the first time, Tigers starter Max Scherzer. The Yanks lost 1-0 to the Royals Bryan Bullington, in his first start against the Bombers on Sunday. And this game against the Tigers was trending in the same direction – another shutout loss.
Scherzer (W,8-9), delivered a soild six innings on the mound, throwing 115 pitches, while giving up no runs, on only two hits, two base-on-balls, and six strikeouts.
After Scherzer’s night was over after six innings, the Yankees did have some chances to score against the Tigers bullpen. But they left two runners on base in the seventh, and two runners on in the eight.
In the top of the eight, however, Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run (#28) off Joba Chamberlain, to give the Tigers an insurance run that upped their lead to 3-0.
The game then entered the bottom of the ninth with closer Jose Valverde on the mound. And he did his best to help the Yankees end their scoring drought by basically self-imploding on the mound.
Robinson Cano walked, and was forced at second on a grounder by Joge Posada. Then, Curtis Granderson (3-for-3, with a walk), hit a hard line-drive single to right, which was followed by a walk to Francisco Cervelli that loaded the bases. Brett Gardner was up next, and was issued another walk by Valverde that forced home a run to break the shutout and cut the Tigers lead to 3-1.
Now, with one out, and the bases loaded, Derek Jeter was up at the plate. Jeter battled in a long at-bat, but on a 3-2 pitch grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play. Gardner slid hard into Carlos Guillen trying to breakup the DP. But Guillen stayed his ground to make the play, throwing to first to seal the Tigers 3-1 victory.
The Yankees not only lost this game; they also lost Alex Rodriguez to a left calf injury; and Nick Swisher to a right forearm injury during the game. And with Lance Berkman also out with a strained foot injury from the Royals series, the Yankees are very short in the lineup and on the bench for the next few games as all injured players are listed as day-to-day.
A nice touch occurred in the first inning of this game when Johnny Damon batted for the first time. The Yankee Stadium crowd gave him a very warm round of applause, as this was Damon’s first time back to the Bronx since his free-agent signing with the Tigers.
Game Two of this series on Tuesday, August 17th, features a match-up of “aces” …
Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.72) vs. CC Sabathia (15-5, 3.14).
In my view, this is a “must-win” game for the New York Yankees !!!
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Real Get Away Day! Yanks Lose 1-0 To Royals In 2:07
After a power display of five home runs in their 8-3 victory over the Royals in Game Three of this four-game series in Kansas City, the Yankees really wasted everybody’s time yesterday by going down very meekly 1-0 against starter Bryan Bullington (W,1-2), in just two hours and seven minutes on the final day of a very disappointing 3-3 road trip.
The game was over by the end of the first inning when the Royals scored the only run of the day. After one out, Bloomquist singled, then stole second and advanced to third when Cervelli threw the ball over Cano’s head into centerfield which set-up a nicely stroked RBI single to right by Billy Butler for the 1-0 lead by K.C.
A.J. Burnett (L,9-10), retired the next two batters to end the first. And got out of a first and second no-out situation in the second inning. But that was it. There would not be any other serious threats of scoring by either team the rest of the way. So this was a real get-a-way day, as the Yankees traveled home on the earliest flight possible with a 1-0 loss to reflect on.
Manager Joe Girardi was very unhappy with this loss, saying after the game “We needed to win, and it’s unfortunate. [Ending this road trip] (3-3) is not what we wanted; We need to play better, and win series’.”
A lot of credit has to given to Bullington, though. As Derek Jeter said, “It’s not like we came in here struggling with the bats. He [Bullington] threw the ball well; Whether we’ve seen him once or a hundred times, the way he threw today he was going to beat us”.
Bullington looked like a Cy Young Award candidate in this start, as he retired the first 13 batters he faced. And allowed only two hits, a single by Cano in the fifth, and a single by Gardner in the seventh; and, one other base-runner, a walk to Thames in the eight, in route to tossing 96 pitches over eight scoreless innings, while striking out five.
Royals closer Joakim Soria pitched a perfect ninth to preserve this 1-0 victory by recording his 33rd save.
As Girardi said, this loss was “unfortunate”. And also unfortunate was the [wasted] outstanding effort delivered by A.J. Burnett, who threw 103 pitches over eight complete innings, allowing the one run, on only four hits, three walks, and six strikeouts.
After the game, A.J. praised Bryan Bullington, saying “He kept us off-balance, and pitched a heck of a game. That’s basically the story. The way Bryan was throwing the ball, it was his day”.
And, so, I guess, that was the story. It was just the Royals day, on this get-a-way day.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
The Butler Did It; HR Drowns Yanks 4-3
Billy Butler hit a solo home run off the opposite field foul pole down the rightfield line to give the Kansas City Royals a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning of a rain-soaked game at Kauffman Stadium in Game Two of their four-game series against the New York Yankees.
The homer, which turned out to be the game-winner, came just before the second rain-delay of two hours and ten minutes in this game [an earlier delay lasted thirty-one minutes], to make this an official game in favor of the Royals, as the rain and lightning continued to light-up the Kansas City sky throughout the night.
Kansas City took a 3-0 lead off Yankees starter Dustin Moseley (L,2-2), in the bottom of the second on a two-run double by Betancourt, and a sacrifice fly by Jason Kendall.
The Yankees battled right back to tie the score in the top of the third when they put together a rally powered by five hits off Royals starting pitcher Kyle Davies (W,6-7).
After Derek Jeter made the first out, Curtis Granderson blooped a hit to centerfield; Mark Teixeira doubled down the rightfield line; Alex Rodriguez hit an infield RBI single to cut the score to 3-1; Robinson Cano stroked a run-scoring single to right to drive home Teixeira with the Yanks second run; Jorge Posada was [just] safe at first after grounding into a (3-4) force play at second base, setting-up a first and third situation for Lance Berkman, who hit a hard line drive RBI double into the rightfield corner to tie the score at 3-3. Davies ended the rally by striking out Austin Kearns for the final out of the inning.
After the long rain-delay in the fifth, both bullpens delivered excellent performances to hold the score at 4-3. The Yanks did have a chance to tie the score in the sixth, though, but stranded two runners; and, had a runner at second in the eight, but again could not score. So the game entered the top of the ninth with the Royals closer Joakim Soria now on the mound.
Jeter led off the ninth with a single. Then, after Granderson and Teixeira were retired by Soria, A-Rod hit a two-out single to create a first and third situation for Cano. But Cano grounded out to second for the final out that gave Soria his 32th save, as he preserved the Royals 4-3 victory.
This loss was a golden opportunity lost by the Bronx Bombers (71-44), as both the Rays and Red Sox also lost their games yesterday.
The Tampa Bay Rays (69-46), were shutout 5-0 by the Baltimore Orioles, who are now (9-2) since Buck Showalter took over leadership of the team as new manager. And the Boston Red Sox (66-51) blew an 8-2 lead, losing to the Texas Rangers 10-9 on a walk-off homer by Nelson Cruz in the 11th inning.
So, the pennant races continue with all games being very important during this part of the baseball season. And no team or game should be treated lightly, as every game must be played like a playoff game.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
All Is Perfect … New Baseball Season Opens
As the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox opened up the 2010 baseball season with a Sunday night game at Fenway Park, it didn’t quite feel like an “Opening Day” to me. In my view, the first game of any new season for all teams, should always be a gala, daytime, opening day affair.
But, after a very long winter, real baseball is finally back. And, it is always an extra special occasion when the Yankees play the Red Sox.
These two great rivals always provide playoff action on the field in every game they play — their own “Season Within A Season”, during each new baseball season !
“Game One” featured a battle of aces: Yankees starter, CC Sabathia vs. Josh Beckett for the Sox. But, both starters delivered sub-par performances that put this game in the hands of the bullpen from the fifth inning on.
Sabathia gave up five runs in five and a third innings pitched; while, Beckett also allowed five runs to score, in four and two-thirds innings on the mound.
This was a game that was played out in three parts.
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the second, on back-to-back homers by Jorge Posada, a line dive off the right field foul pole; and, a long shot by newcomer Curtis Granderson into the right-centerfield beachers.
Boston cut the lead in half in the bottom of the inning on a double by Kevin Youkilis, and a sac-fly to center by Red Sox newcomer Adrian Beltre.
The Yanks upped their lead to 5-1 by scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Robinson Cano led of the inning with a double off the left field wall, and advanced to third on a ground out to second base by Posada. After Granderson made the second out, Nick Swisher walked to set-up a first and third situation for Brett Gardner.
Gardner stroked a 3-2 pitch, RBI single to left, to score Cano, and increase the Bombers lead to 3-1. Derek Jeter then singled home Swisher with the Yanks fourth run of the game.
At this point, with Nick Johnson up at the plate, Gardner and Jeter successfully completed a double-steal, when Sox catcher Victor Martinez made a bad throw to second on the play [he should have held onto the ball], allowing Gardner to steal home, scoring the Yanks fifth run.
In the second part of this game the Red Sox battled back, scoring a run in the fifth to cut the lead to 5-2; then, tied the score 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth on a two RBI triple by Youkilis, and a RBI single by Beltre.
With the game now tied, the final act would result in the Yankees down-fall.
In the top of the seventh, the Yanks took the lead again, 7-5, on a lead-off walk to Mark Teixeira; a double by Alex Rodriguez; a fielders choice RBI grounder by Cano; and a RBI single by Posada (3-for-4).
But, the Yankees bullpen could not hold the score, as Dustin Pedroia blasted a two-run homer off reliever Chan Ho Park in the bottom of the seventh to tie the score 7-7. And, Kevin Youkilis (3-for-4, including, two doubles, a triple, three runs, and two RBI’s), scored the go-ahead run [which turned out to be the game-winning run], on a passed ball by Posada with Marte on the mound.
Boston added an insurance run in the eight on an RBI single by Pedroia (2-for-4, with two runs, and three RBI’s), to complete the scoring in this well-earned 9-7 victory by the Red Sox over the Yankees.
This was a very tough loss for the Yankees.
But, Baseball is back !!!
Now, that’s a victory for all of us.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Yankees Start Journey For 28th World Championship
The New York Yankees had a very special year in 2009 — one of their best seasons in their history. But, a new season is just beyond the horizon, and, as always, the goal remains the same for the Yanks, as it was from the first day George Steinbrenner took over ownership of this historic franchise in 1973 …
“Win the World Series” !!! … “Anything less is a failure” !!!
This is the “Yankee Way”, which continues the great Yankees Tradition of greatness that goes all the way back to the 1920’s. And, all in the Yankees Universe can thank George Steinbrenner for always making “winning” the number one priority each and every season.
Without any major controversy [so far] this spring, it gives the Yankees braintrust, and fans, the opportunity to fully focus on key areas of concern that need to be resolved on the Yankees roster before the new season begins against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 4th, Easter Sunday night.
So, the following is my list of some major issues the Yankees need to address during Spring Training, and throughout the 2010 season …
1. Battle For Fifth Spot In Starting Rotation …
I have always been of the opinion that Joba Chamberlain should be a starter, as opposed to being “exiled” in the bullpen … Last season the Yankees braintrust devised all kinds of plans and rules that restricted Joba’s number of pitches thrown, and innings pitched … I think all these rules also restricted Joba’s development as a major league pitcher … In my view, the “Joba Rules” had a negative effect on Chamberlain’s “mindset” which resulted in an overall below average performance on the mound in 2009 … The one good and positive thing about the “Joba Rules” is that they are no longer in effect in 2010 … Chamberlain pitched enough innings during the ’09 season to not have any more restrictions in his starts this season … So, it makes all the sense in the world to pitch Joba Chamberlain as the fifth starter in a rotation that features: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Javier Vazquez as the first four starters … We all need to see how well Joba can perform as a starter over a full season before any decisions are made that will send him to the bullpen … If Chamberlain fails to deliver by the All-Star break, then, Phil Hughes can step into the rotation for the second half of the season … No matter where Hughes pitches this year, [bullpen or as a starter], there will be restrictions [Hughes Rules?] placed on him … So, saving Hughes for the second part of the season will be insurance if Chamberlain is not effective … Also, I believe Phil Hughes is more valuable to the Yanks – in the bullpen – then, Joba would be … That’s my opinion based on how they both pitched last year … And, who knows? … In the future, the Yankees rotation may include both Chamberlain and Hughes pitching as starters … As for the other candidates battling for the fifth spot this spring, I think: Alfredo Aceves and Chad Gaudin will end up in the bullpen as long and middle relievers; and, Sergio Mitre will either start the season at (AAA) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, or be released by the Yanks … Also, Aceves, Gaudin, or Mitre, could be part of some future Yankee trade.
2. The Lineup: Who will bat number two in the order?
It will be interesting to see who gets hurt more by Johnny Damon signing with the Detroit Tigers this year — the Yankees or Damon? … Certainly, the Yankees will miss Damon in the number two spot in the order … Damon’s working the count, getting on base, hitting for a good average with some power, and great speed, were perfect combinations batting behind Derek Jeter last year. Especially, Johnny’s speed and base running abilities will be missed … But, at this early point in the spring, it has been reported, Nick Johnson will start the season as the Yanks designated hitter and bat number two in the lineup … Johnson is a good hitter, with no speed, who will bat in the .290-.300 range, with power, and an on base percentage of .400 plus … Johnson is a good addition to the Yankees; but, I would rather have Hideki Matsui as DH and Damon batting second in the order … Of course, they are both gone, as Matsui will play for the Angels, and Damon for the Tigers, in 2010 … I don’t think Johnson is the perfect number two hitter; and, he has been very injury-prone throughout his career … But, with that said, the Yankees batting order will look something like the following most of this year:
(1) Derek Jeter SS
(2) Nick Johnson DH
(3) Mark Teixeira 1B
(4) Alex Rodriguez 3B
(5) Jorge Posada C
(6) Robinson Cano 2B
(7) Nick Swisher RF
(8) Curtis Granderson LF
(9) Brett Gardner CF
3. Who will play Left Field? … Center Field?
Joe Girardi has always had great praise for Brett Gardner; so, he will be given every opportunity to play everyday. And, when Gardner is in the lineup he will play center field because center is his best position, and he does play it well … This will then shift Curtis Granderson to left field when Gardner plays … The Yankees also have Randy Winn, Jamie Hoffmann, and Marcus Thames battling to become the fourth outfielder, with Winn probably the early-line favorite at this time … If Winn makes the team, he will play left field when he’s in the lineup, with Granderson playing center … Consistency is the key for success of the Yankees outfield: Granderson in left; Gardner in center; and, Nick Swisher in right … Granderson (.249 BA; .327 OB: .453 Slug; 91 R; 72 BB; 30 HR; 71 RBI; 141 K’s), had very similar stats as Swisher (.245 BA; .357 OB; .460 Slug; 84 R; 97 BB; 29 HR; 82 RBI; 126 K’s), in 2009 … Both players need to improve their numbers … Gardner needs to hit for a higher average; get on base more; and, steal many bases this season to justify being the Yanks regular center fielder … He has been working on his bunting this winter, which is a very positive sign that should result in many infield hits and sacrifice bunts for Gardner in 2010 … Another question that will be answered throughout the season will be: Which combination of players would be more productive for the Yankees this year ? …
Damon (LF) – Granderson (CF) – Matsui (DH) … or,
Granderson (LF) – Gardner (CF) – Johnson (DH)
Only time will tell.
4. Jorge Posada catching A.J. Burnett, and other starters?
The issue that some Yankee pitches have had difficulties with Jorge Posada catching their starts has been well documented over the years … Last year, A.J. Burnett seemed to be most distracted when Posada caught his games, which resulted in Jose Molina becoming Burnett’s personal catcher for most of the season … But, this year, Molina will be playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Francisco Cervelli will be the Yanks back-up catcher … It will be worth watching how this drama unfolds thoughout the year, but the early signs look positive as both Posada and Burnett are making every effort to work out all their issues during the spring …
In an article in the New York Daily News by Mark Feinsand, A.J. Burnett is quoted as saying, “I was looking forward to it [bullpen session with Posada] from the first day of camp, to be able to put that behind us and start working together. A lot of stuff was blown out of proportion last year. We’ve talked a handful of times already, so we’re excited to put that behind us, move on and learn from each other.” … “I hope he [Posada] catches me every bullpen and every game this spring. Me coming in here last year and feeling like I caused that controversy, I want to throw to Jorge. I don’t want to deal with that anymore.” … “I never questioned Jorge; I never would and never did. I questioned myself, but everyone thought I questioned Jorge. He’s caught in this league for a long time, so there’s a lot I can learn from him.” …
Posada was also quoted in the article, saying: “I can’t catch him [Burnett] every day, but I bet you the first time I’m not in there when he pitches, people will talk about it. If Cervelli catches him four in a row and he wins four in a row, I’ll make sure Cervelli catches him the fifth time.”
So, the signs look good that both Posada and Burnett are going to figure out how best to work together during games A.J. starts.
The one thing, though, that all the pitchers on the Yankees staff will agree on is … Jorge Posada’s bat in the middle of the lineup is very important to the Yanks winning … Posada has been a major part of “five” Yankee World Championship teams, and has produced many key hits and huge home runs throughout his great career … Those two and three-run homers make-up for any questions about Jorge’s catching abilities … And, for that, Posada deserves all the respect due him as one of the best catchers [maybe the best], in Major League Baseball over the past 15 years.
5. The Bullpen: “Bridge to Mariano” …
Mariano Rivera had one of his best seasons as the Yankees “closer” last year … And, there is every reason to believe that he will continue his dominance as the “best closer in the history of baseball”, in 2010, and over the next few years … Therefore, the main questions about the Yankees bullpen revolve around the middle relievers, eight-inning set-up man, and how well constructed the “Bridge to Mariano” will be built and hold-up over the course of the whole season … There are a full cast of characters that will battle it out during spring training to fill these bullpen spots, including: David Robertson; Damaso Marte; Mark Melancon; Jonathan Albaladejo; Edwar Ramirez; and newly acquired, Boone Logan; and Chan Ho Park; [plus others] … Also, in the mix are: Aceves; Gaudin; Mitre, as well as, Phil Hughes, who I think will start the season as the eight-inning “set-up man” … But, whatever the make-up of the Yankees bullpen is this year, my major concern is: I hope manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland do not overuse the bullpen [again] in 2010 … Dare I mention: “pitch-counts”, “inning-limitations”, and, a “parade of relievers” from the bullpen to the mound, in many games? … In my view, the key for the best performances from the pitching staff is for the starting pichers to be allowed to pitch at least seven or eight innings per game, and, even be allowed to “complete games” … It would be great to see some “CG’s” this season … But, the main key is Mariano Rivera, and how well he pitches … Victory is certain [again] when we hear many times this season:
“Mariano closes out the game, and the Yankees win” !!!
Everybody, Enjoy “Spring Training” !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A Tale Of Two Starting Pitchers …
After beating the Blue Jays 10-5 in the first game of this four-game series in Toronto, the New York Yankees were stopped right in their tracks by the good doctor, Roy “Doc” Halladay, on a masterfully pitched, one-hit, complete game, 6-0 shutout.
Roy “Doc” Halladay
This game could really be called “A Tale Of Two Starting Pitchers”, as Halladay delivered a performance that once again showcased why he is one of the best pitchers in baseball, while the Yankees braintrust are still dabbling with the “Joba Rules”, trying to find the right formula that will limit Joba Chamberlain’s innings pitched [this year] in the range of 150-160 innings, and, also, win ball games during this experiment.
In this era of baseball when the “complete game” is a very rare feat indeed, Roy “Doc” Halladay (14-8, 2.98 ERA), pitched his sixth CG this year by tossing 111 pitches, over nine brilliant innings, allowing no runs, on only one hit, a double to Ramiro Pena in the sixth innng, three walks and nine strikeouts.
In his 12-year Major League career, all with the Blue Jays, Doc Halladay has started 282 games; has a record of (145-74, 3.46 ERA); 46 complete games, including 13 shutouts, with two shutouts in 2009.
Halladay had a perfect game going with two outs in the fifth inning when he walked Jorge Posada, ending his bid for perfecton. But, Doc struck out Robinson Cano to end the inning with a no-hitter still on the scoreboard.
Then, in the sixth inning with a 4-0 lead, Halladay had his most trouble of the night, loading the bases on Pena’s one-out double, which broke up the no-hitter; and, back-to-back, two-out walks to Eric Hinske and Mark Teixeira that brought Alex Rodriguez up to the plate.
But, A-Rod could not deliver a big clutch hit, striking out on four pitches, with the third strike being a pitch right over the middle of the plate that fooled Rodriguez as he was called-out [looking] to end the Yankees only threat of scoring in this game.
At this point, Joba Chamberlain (8-5, 4.41 ERA), was already out of the game, lasting a pre-determined three innings, in which he threw 59 pitches, allowing three runs (two earned), six hits, and two walks, while striking out only two batters.
Joba Chamberlain
Well, maybe it did not mean much, as Joe Girardi said after the game, “Roy Halladay was great; if we gave up one run, we wouldn’t have won tonight.”
But, the Yankees did use four relievers out of the bullpen after Joba’s early departure; and, in his next three scheduled starts, Chamberlain is projected [?] to pitch only four, five, and six innings in successive order of those games.
This all adds extra pressure to the Yankees bullpen, as well as, not giving Joba enough innings of work to go the distance [at least seven or eight innings] in his future starts this season, and in the post-season.
I guess the only reason the Yankees (86-49), can continue this experiment is because they are in first place, up by seven and a half games over the second place Boston Red Sox (78-56) in the AL East.
It would have made a lot more sense, though, to limit Joba’s innings in April and May so these ridiculous set of “rules” were not in effect at this late stage of the 2009 season, in the middle of a pennant race.
I look forward to the 2010 season, for Joba’s sake, and all in the Yankees Universe, when the “Joba Rules” will be no more.
— photo credits:
* google images
* http:// www. rightfieldbleachers. com/
* http:// blogs. mycentraljersey. com / yankees
— 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 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... 