"Now, what is this site about, how Joe Torre ruined pitchers' arms? Is that it?"
-Michael Kay, August 18, 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

Year of the Jeter

jeter-cover Derek Jeter became the first Yankee ever to be named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year today.

Jeter was obviously thrilled by the announcement.

“It’s unbelievable. It was completely unexpected. It came out of the blue,” Jeter told The Associated Press during a break in the photo shoot. “When I heard it, what can you say? It’s one of the greatest honors you can achieve in sports.”

Michael Phelps was last year’s Sportsman, for some perspective.

The issue will hit newsstands on Wednesday.

Gregory Heisler/SI

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sheppard hangs up the mike

ojvOCxqfLegendary voice of Yankee Stadium Bob Sheppard told Bryan  Hoch today that he plans on retiring.  Sheppard, 99, hasn’t called a game since 2007.

"I have no plans of coming back," Sheppard said on Wednesday in a telephone interview. "Time has passed me by, I think. I had a good run for it. I enjoyed doing what I did. I don't think, at my age, I'm going to suddenly regain the stamina that is really needed if you do the job and do it well."

The entire article is worth a read.  He has words of praise for current public address announcer Paul Olden.  Sheppard also said he doubts he’ll return to Yankee Stadium in 2010 to call one game.

Of course, we still hear Sheppard’s voice when Derek Jeter comes to bat.

*****

I’m sure Mr. Sheppard has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, just like all of us.  On that note, I’d like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 23, 2009

World Series Film premiere

pMLB2-6781529dtI caught the premiere of the 2009 World Series Film tonight.  No, I wasn’t at the big one at the Ziegfeld in Manhattan, but this was good enough.

I thought the film was nicely done and it’s certainly worth the $19.99 MLB.com is charging (but if you’re a savvy Internet shopper, Amazon has it for $14.99).

The film had some great behind-the-scenes shots of the players, a variety of camera angles, and some great commentary by the managers, players and announcers.  I also liked the integration of the fantastic Game 6 time lapse video made by Robert Caplin.

One thing that I found a little strange was when the narrator failed to mention Alex Rodriguez past drug use.  The segment was about Rodriguez’s hip surgery during spring training and how it positively affected him during the regular season.  I thought for sure the steroids would be mentioned somewhere, but I was wrong and somewhat surprised by that.

I’m a nit-picker when it comes to these things, and that was really my only bone to pick with the production.

This will probably air on MLB Network throughout the winter, but this definitely makes for a nice holiday gift.

And no, I won’t spoil the ending.

This is hideous

ObamaYankee

Political allegiances aside, this Yankees cap is absolutely awful.

Spotted by me in the Palisades Center in West Nyack, N.Y.

As expected, Mauer wins MVP

Congratulations go out to Joe Mauer who won the American League MVP award with 27 of the 28 first place votes.

The one surprise of the voting was that Miguel Cabrera – who finished fourth overall – received the other first place vote.  I’d love to see that writer try to defend that vote.

On the Yankees’ front, Mark Teixeira finished second and Derek Jeter rounded out the top three.  Alex Rodriguez came in 10th.

Guess who’s back

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Now that I’m on Thanksgiving break, I figured it’s time to try to get back into blogging.  I’ve been extremely busy at school and hopefully this break will recharge my batteries.

Plus, I reached an agreement with Jeremy that he would stop pestering me to blog if I wrote today.  So here we are today.

I know I rarely posted in September, didn’t post once in October and only posted a picture thus far in November, but I’d really like to get back into this.  There was a reason (in my head) for not posting during October – superstition.  The Yankees were playing just fine without me getting in the way and it paid off in the end.  You’re welcome.

The AL MVP is announced today at 2 p.m., so I’ll have something on it later.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

27

610x (1)

How sweet it is!

Reuters

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Who says they hate each other?

alg_arod_jeter_clubhouse

There are plenty of fun celebration photos all over the Internet, but the above photo is pretty cool.  Who says Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter don’t get along?

NYDN Photo

Top of the East

The Yankees clinched the American League East championship with their 4-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox this afternoon.

Despite starting the year 0-8 against their longtime rivals, the Yankees were able to fight back and eventually split the 18-game season series.

The Yankees also won their 100th game of the season behind Andy Pettitte’s six innings and Mariano Rivera’s 43rd save.

The division title was the Yankees first since 2006.

Though the job isn’t done yet, today is a good day for the Yankees and for the fans.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Saturday YanksBlog.com game recap

CC Sabathia pitched seven shutout innings in the Yankees 3-0 victory over the Red Sox this afternoon.  Read all about it on YanksBlog.com.

---

And on that note, I’d like to offer up an apology.  I obviously have not been blogging much this month.  I’ve been busy with school and the newspaper, and maintaining this site has been moved to my mental backburner.  I hope to write more as the playoffs are set to begin.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Saturday YanksBlog.com game recap

The Yankees lost to the Orioles for the second straight day, this time 7-3 with A.J. Burnett allowing two home runs and six runs in the second inning.  Read all about it at YanksBlog.com.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Jeter passes Gehrig all Yankees’ all-time hits leader

Derek Jeter’s third inning single down the right field line made history tonight.  It was the 2,722nd hit of his career, passing Lou Gehrig for first on the Yankees all-time hits list.

Congratulations, Derek!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Jeter ties Gehrig, Yanks sweep Rays

7af47f29720ee9f90e0be8eff1f0b7ff-getty-85133470jw022_tampa_bay_ray Derek Jeter’s 3-for-4 night put him in a tie with Lou Gehrig for first place on the Yankees’ all-time hits list with 2,721.  He had been hitless in his previous three games.  As for the team, the Yankees scored four in the eighth to defeat Tampa Bay 4-2 Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Joba Chamberlain only lasted three innings, throwing 56 pitches and allowing two earned runs and three hits.

The three hits and two runs allowed were recorded in the first inning, meaning the Tampa Bay Rays were no-hit over the final 8 2/3 innings.

Jorge Posada hit a go-ahead pinch-hit three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to lead the Yankees to victory.

The Yankees were able to avoid using Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera in the ninth.  Brian Bruney got the first two outs, while Phil Coke earned the save by striking out the only batter he faced.

New York is now 91-50 and will begin a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Swisher walks off

b84c76ff4cc63a6483f57b32a9a0e907-getty-85133430jm024_tampa_bay_rayNick Swisher joined the long line of Yankees who have had walk-off hits this season.  Swisher hit a one-out solo home run to right against Dan Wheeler in the bottom of the ninth to lead the Yankees to a 3-2 victory.  They have now reached 90 wins and are 40 games above .500.

The home run, his 26th, was Swisher’s second of the game.  This was strange because he had only hit three previous home runs at Yankee Stadium this season.  He also homered from both sides of the plate.

Chad Gaudin allowed one earned runs and six hits over 6+ innings, striking out six.  Phil Hughes actually faltered in his inning of work, allowing a game-tying home run to Jason Bartlett in the eighth.  It was his first blown save of the season and it was the first earned run he allowed in a game since Aug. 4.

The Yankees will go for the four-game sweep of the Rays tomorrow night with Joba Chamberlain on the mound.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Monday, September 7, 2009

Gardner, Duncan back

Peter Abraham reports the Yankees’ latest roster moves this morning.

Brett Gardner has been activated off the disabled list.  He hasn’t played since July 25 with a broken left thumb.  Shelley Duncan has also been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Yankees and Rays are playing a doubleheader at the Stadium today.  CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett get the starts.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Saturday YanksBlog.com game recap

The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 6-4 Saturday afternoon.  Read my game recap over at YanksBlog.com.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Posada drives in 4 as Yankees win another

(Originally written for Baseball Digest)

Jorge Posada went 4-for-5 with a home run, double and four RBI in the Yankees' 10-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday night at Rogers Centre.  Alfredo Aceves picked up his 10th win of the season with 2 1/3 innings of relief.

The Yankees scored four quick runs in the first inning against starter Ricky Romero.  With the bases loaded, Hideki Matsui singled.  Three runs scored, aided by Travis Snider's fielding error. As a result, Matsui was only credited with one RBI.  Posada followed with an RBI single of his own to increase the lead to 4-0.

Chad Gaudin couldn't escape the fourth inning, allowing three earned runs while only retiring 11 batters.  With one out in the fourth, Gaudin allowed three singles, he hit a batter and allowed a sacrifice fly to cut the Yankees' lead to 5-3.

Aceves entered in relief and allowed two runs (one earned) in his 2 1/3 innings of work.  David Robertson, Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte each followed with a scoreless inning of work apiece.

In addition to Posada's four RBI, Alex Rodriguez drove in two runs on two hits, including a solo home run in the ninth.

The Yankees have now won seven games in a row and are 38 games over .500.  Joba Chamberlain takes the hill tomorrow night in Toronto.

The series ahead

The New York Yankees (85-48) begin a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays (59-73) at Rogers Centre tonight.  The pitching matchups are:

Tonight – 7:07 p.m., YES
Chad Gaudin
RHP (1-0, 3.21 ERA as a Yankee) vs. Ricky Romero LHP (11-6, 3.95 ERA)

Tomorrow – 7:07 p.m., YES
Joba Chamberlain
RHP (8-4, 4.38 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay RHP (13-8, 3.13 ERA)

Saturday – 1:07 p.m., YES
Andy Pettitte
LHP (12-6, 4.03 ERA) vs. Brett Cecil LHP (6-3, 5.42 ERA)

Sunday – 1:07 p.m., YES
Sergio Mitre
RHP (3-1, 5.65 ERA) vs. Brian Tallet LHP (5-9, 5.17 ERA)

A couple of videos

I received two videos in my e-mail yesterday.  Since I had a very busy day, I was unable to post them until now.

First up, we have a 4-year-old named Zachary who can recite all of the Yankees’ retired numbers.


Secondly, the Alex Rodriguez haters in the audience will enjoy this one:

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Yanks hit 5 home runs, win 9-6

Jorge Posada hit two home runs and drove in three runs in the Yankees’ 9-6 victory over Baltimore Tuesday night.  Robinson Cano, Eric Hinske and Nick Swisher joined in on the home run fun as well.

A.J. Burnett did not fare as well, allowing six runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings.  He allowed a two-run home run to Felix Pie and a three-run home run Luke Scott.

Damaso Marte earned his first win of the season after retiring all three batters he faced.  David Robertson, Phil Coke and Mariano Rivera also had scoreless outings, with Rivera earning his 38th save of the season.

The Yankees will go for the sweep tomorrow night with CC Sabathia on the mound.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

September call-ups

Chad Jennings brings us the list of the Yankees' September call-ups. They are:

  • Francisco Cervelli
  • Ramiro Pena
  • Mark Melancon
  • Edwar Ramirez
  • Mike Dunn (pictured)
The new name here is Dunn, a 24-year-old left-handed reliever, who has appeared in 73 1/3 innings between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 20 innings with the latter club, he struck out 23 and walked 14, allowing five earned runs.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Pettitte nearly perfect, Yanks win 5-1

capt.25b0030243774ad3a7a4d18ec16f8734.yankees_orioles_baseball_mdrc102Andy Pettitte carried a perfect game into the seventh inning Monday night at Camden Yards.  However, Jerry Hairston Jr. let a ball go through his legs for an error and Nick Markakis then followed with a single to left to end the no-hit bid.  No worries, though, as the Yankees, behind Nick Swisher, won 5-1.

Pettitte allowed two hits and one earned run over eight innings, striking out eight.  He finished the month of August with a 4-0 record in six starts.

Swisher went 3-for-4 with two RBI and was a triple shy of the cycle.  The solo home run he hit in the third inning was his 22nd of the year.  Robinson Cano went 2-for-4 and also  had two RBI.  His two-run double in the eighth gave the Yankees some valuable insurance runs.

Mariano Rivera had to come in for the final two outs because Brian Bruney walked a batter and allowed a hit.  The save was Rivera’s 37th of the season.

The Yankees are now 35 games above .500 and hold a 6.5-game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.  A.J. Burnett gets the start tomorrow night in Baltimore.

AP Photo

The series ahead

The New York Yankees (82-48) begin a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles (54-77) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards tonight.  The pitching matchups are:

Tonight – 7:05 p.m., YES
Andy Pettitte
LHP (11-6, 4.18 ERA) vs. Jeremy Guthrie RHP (9-12, 5.26 ERA)

Tomorrow – 7:05 p.m., YES
A.J. Burnett
RHP (10-8, 4.10 ERA) vs. David Hernandez RHP (4-6, 4.24 ERA)

Wednesday – 7:05 p.m., YES
CC Sabathia
LHP (15-7, 3.56 ERA) vs. Jason Berken RHP (4-11, 6.33 ERA)

On Joba

So, last night I was called out by Joe at River Ave. Blues for some tweets I made during yesterday’s game pertaining to the new Joba Chamberlain rules and regulations.

Much like Ross, who was actually at yesterday’s game, seeing Chamberlain throw 35 pitches only to be taken out is enough to be frustrated.  I think the babying of Chamberlain has gone a bit too far.

Chamberlain has looked fairly ordinary this year, and who can blame him?  The Yankees have changed his routine almost on a weekly basis by altering his days off, capping his innings and pitches, etc.

It’s frightening to know he’s the No. 4 starter in October if the Yankees advance past the Division Series.  The Yankees are simulating spring training in the middle of a race to attain home-field advantage, and I’m not too confident in Chamberlain being playoff-ready.  That’s the root of my concerns with this plan.

Chamberlain threw 35 pitches in three innings.  In starts where there weren’t innings limits, he nibbled more, elevating his pitch count early.  Did he change the way he pitched yesterday because he knew he’d only hang around for three innings?  Perhaps.  I want him to be at the top of his game when the playoffs roll around.

No, I don’t have a plan for Chamberlain, but I’m not convinced the Yankees know what they’re doing either.  I was tired of hearing that “we have a plan” and “we’re on schedule” all summer from the front office.  I think if they really had a plan, they would’ve been forthright from the beginning.

I just hope it all works out in the end, because if it doesn’t, the Yankees will be the butt of jokes for years.

I think I’m with everyone when I say I can’t wait until next year when “the training wheels are off,” because frankly, this whole situation has gotten to the point where it’s ridiculous, just as the previous quoted phrase has gotten old.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Teixeira, bullpen ensure sweep of White Sox

(Originally posted for Baseball Digest)

Mark Teixeira drove in four runs and the Yankees bullpen pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run, in the team’s 8-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Teixeira hit a sacrifice fly in the first and then hit a three-run home run in the five-run seventh inning to pass 100 RBI on the season.  He has now reached 30 home runs and 100 RBI in six straight seasons.

Starter Joba Chamberlain only went three innings, as the Yankees instituted their revised version of the “Joba Rules.”  They are essentially simulating spring training and will get him up and around 100 pitches near the end of the season.  He threw 35 pitches, allowing four hits and two earned runs.

Alfredo Aceves relieved Chamberlain, pitching three shutout innings, to earn his ninth win of the season.  Damaso Marte, David Robertson and Phil Hughes combined to pitch two shutout innings.  Phil Coke allowed a solo home run in the ninth.

On the offensive side, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada each had two hits, while Johnny Damon was the other Yankees aside from Teixeira to drive in more than one run (he hit a two-run home run in the third to give the Yankees the lead).  The home run, which was his 24th, ties a career-high.  Damon left the game in the seventh with cramping in both calves.

With the sweep of the White Sox, the Yankees are now 34 games over .500.  They now embark on a seven-game road trip with the first stop being in Baltimore for three games starting tomorrow night.

Game 130: White Sox at Yankees

Chicago White Sox (64-66) New York Yankees (81-48)
Scott Podsednik LF Derek Jeter SS
Gordon Beckham 3B Johnny Damon LF
A.J. Pierzynski C Mark Teixeira 1B
Carlos Quentin LF Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jim Thome DH Hideki Matsui DH
Jermaine Dye RF Jorge Posada C
Mark Kotsay 1B Robinson Cano 2B
Alexei Ramirez SS Eric Hinske RF
Jayson Nix 2B Melky Cabrera CF


Freddy Garcia RHP (0-1, 6.75 ERA) vs. Joba Chamberlain RHP (8-4, 4.34 ERA)

Time: 1:05 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 176

White Sox vs. Chamberlain

  • Pierzynski: 0-1
  • Quentin: 1-2, 2B
  • Thome: 0-3
  • Dye: 0-2
  • Kotsay: 1-1, 2B

Yankees vs. Garcia

  • Jeter: 5-28, HR, RBI
  • Damon: 9-44, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI
  • Teixeira: 0-9, RBI
  • Rodriguez: 12-32, 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 8 RBI
  • Matsui: 2-5, RBI
  • Posada: 3-16, HR, 2 RBI
  • Cano: 1-7
  • Hinske: 6-13, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
  • Cabrera: 1-7, 2B

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Fans allowed to bring a bag to the game

bagcheckThe blogger behind The Girl Who Loved Andy Pettitte, also  known as @leokitty on Twitter was at last night’s game and reported back some exciting news in terms of Yankee Stadium policy.  Fans are now allowed to bring in one bag that cannot be larger than 16” x 16” x 8”, subject to inspection.

The Yankee Stadium A-to-Z Guide has been updated to reflect these changes as well.

So keep this in mind the next time you head out to the Bronx for a game.

Photo via The Girl Who Loved Andy Pettitte (Click to enlarge)

Saturday YanksBlog.com game recap

Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin of all people one-hit the Chicago White Sox Saturday afternoon as the Yankees won 10-0.  Read all about it on YanksBlog.com.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Cano walks off

Robinson Cano hit a walk-off three-run home run in the 10th inning to defeat the Chicago White Sox 5-2 Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

The duel between CC Sabathia and Mark Buehrle lived up to the hype for the most part.  Sabathia struck out 10 through seven and Buehrle only allowed two solo home runs – from Derek Jeter to lead off the game and Johnny Damon in the third inning – over six innings.

Sabathia had a 2-0 lead until the seventh.  But Jermaine Dye led off with a double, Carlos Quentin walked and Alex Rios hit an RBI double to cut the lead to 2-1.  After a line out, Alex Rodriguez, with Ramon Castro batting, made a nice throw home to cut down the lead runner at the plate.  He also saved another run when he made a diving stab at third to hold Jayson Nix to a leadoff single.  Gordon Beckham then singled to right to tie the game at 2, but Nick Swisher’s throw home beat Castro to the plate for the third out of the inning.

After that, it was a battle of the bullpens.  Phil Hughes, Mariano Rivera and Brian Bruney each pitched scoreless innings, while Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink combined for three shutout innings as well.

But in the bottom of the 10th, Randy Williams walked two batters with two outs before Cano came out.  He then belted one into the Yankees’ bullpen in right center to win the game.

The Yankees have now reached 80 wins with tonight’s victory.  Sergio Mitre will start tomorrow’s game, with first pitch at 1:05 p.m.

Game 128: White Sox at Yankees

Chicago White Sox (64-64) New York Yankees (79-48)
Jayson Nix 2B Derek Jeter SS
Gordon Beckham 3B Johnny Damon LF
Jim Thome DH Mark Teixeira 1B
Paul Konerko 1B Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jermaine Dye RF Hideki Matsui DH
Carlos Quentin LF Nick Swisher RF
Alex Rios CF Robinson Cano 2B
Alexei Ramirez SS Melky Cabrera CF
Ramon Castro C Jose Molina C


Mark Buehrle LHP (11-7, 3.92 ERA) vs. CC Sabathia LHP (15-7, 3.59 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m.
TV: my9
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 176

White Sox vs. Sabathia

  • Nix: 0-6
  • Beckham: 3-4, 2 2B, RBI
  • Thome: 4-24, 4 HR, 6 RBI
  • Konerko: 14-66, 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI
  • Dye: 14-46, 2B, 5 HR, 11 RBI
  • Quentin: 2-10, HR, RBI
  • Rios: 7-23, 2 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI
  • Ramirez: 3-8
  • Castro: 0-3

Yankees vs. Buehrle

  • Jeter: 11-28, 3 2B, 3 RBI
  • Damon: 13-50, 2 2B, 3 RBI
  • Teixeira: 11-35, 3 2B, HR, 7 RBI
  • Rodriguez: 6-28, 2B, 2 RBI
  • Matsui: 2-10, 2 RBI
  • Swisher: 8-17, 2B, RBI
  • Cano: 3-6, 2B
  • Cabrera: 4-8, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
  • Molina: 6-15, HR, 2 RBI

Joba Chamberlain update, via Peter Abraham:

He will start Sunday and every five games (not days, games) moving forward.

The first few starts will be cut short at a pre-determined amount.

Then he will be built back up toward the end of the season.

The innings limit has not changed. This is just a different way of getting there.

He has pitched poorly in recent outings and the hope is that getting back to a regular routine will help him. Once the rosters expand on Tuesday, they’ll have a large enough bullpen to cover the gaps.

Fascinating as always.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Walks ruin Burnett’s start, Yanks lose 7-2

A.J. Burnett was cruising well into the fourth inning Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium against the Texas Rangers.  In fact, he was perfect through 3 2/3 innings.  However, after two two-out walks, Burnett gave up a three-run home run to Ian Kinsler.  After that, the Rangers were well on their way to a 7-2 victory.

It wasn’t all Burnett’s fault.  The Yankees left 12 runners on base and couldn’t capitalize on starter Dustin Nippert’s seven walks.

Burnett was done after six innings.  He struck out a season-high 12 and only allowed two hits, but the three-run home run he allowed was more than enough to cause the defeat with the lack of run support he received.

Once Burnett was out, Phil Coke allowed a three-run home run to Nelson Cruz and Kinsler added his second home run of the game against David Robertson.

The Yankees will look to rebound tomorrow when they begin a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.  CC Sabathia gets the start.

Game 127: Rangers at Yankees

Texas Rangers (70-55) New York Yankees (79-47)
Julio Borbon DH Derek Jeter SS
Michael Young 3B Johnny Damon LF
Josh Hamilton CF Mark Teixeira 1B
Nelson Cruz RF Alex Rodriguez 3B
Ian Kinsler 2B Hideki Matsui DH
David Murphy LF Nick Swisher RF
Taylor Teagarden C Robinson Cano 2B
Chris Davis 1B Melky Cabrera CF
Elvis Andrus SS Jose Molina C


Dustin Nippert RHP (4-2, 3.95 ERA) vs. A.J. Burnett RHP (10-7, 4.08 ERA)

Time: 1:05 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 176

Rangers vs. Burnett

  • Young: 6-24, 2B, HR, RBI
  • Hamilton: 4-9, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI
  • Cruz: 1-5, HR, 3 RBI
  • Kinsler: 3-15, RBI
  • Murphy: 4-12
  • Davis: 0-7
  • Andrus: 1-4

Yankees vs. Nippert

  • Teixeira: 1-3
  • Swisher: 1-2

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Yanks turn 3 double plays behind Pettitte, win 9-2

766a8e1e846c1f24fb462c42dd17c3ac-getty-85133117cm002_texas_rangers
(Originally written for Baseball Digest)

When Andy Pettitte loaded the bases with Texas Rangers with one out in the top of the first, it didn't look like he would be long for Wednesday night's game at Yankee Stadium.  However, he was able to induce a 5-4-3 double play with Ivan Rodriguez at the plate to end the threat.  After a Jorge Posada three-run home run against Texas starter Derek Holland in the bottom half of the frame, the Yankees were on their way to a 9-2 victory.

Jerry Hairston Jr. added a solo home run in the fourth, and his 12-pitch at-bat in the seventh inning helped start the Yankees' five-run rally after Robinson Cano led off with a double.

Pettitte went seven strong, allowed two earned runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking three.  He threw 103 pitches and was aided by three double plays behind him.  The Yankees would turn another with Brian Bruney pitching in relief.

In addition to Posada's three RBI, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira drove in two runs apiece, while Hideki Matsui and Cano were the only Yankees with multi-hit games.

It wasn't all good news for New York.  Posada left the game in the top of the eighth after taking a foul tip off his glove hand.  X-rays were negative, and the team's report is that he aggravated his ring finger.  The Boston Red Sox also won on David Ortiz's walk-off home run.

The Yankees will look to take this three-game series tomorrow afternoon, with first pitch slated for 1:05.  A.J. Burnett will get the start.

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

And that is why I hate the bunt

Frank Francisco is on the ropes and Nick Swisher, in his infinite wisdom, decides to give him a free out.  What a joke.

If Joe Girardi called that, he should be fired on the spot.  Even if he didn’t call it, Swisher squared up earlier in that at-bat.  He could’ve made it crystal clear that the bunt was not on.

What a terrible ending to an equally terrible game.

Update – 11:25 p.m.: During the postgame, Girardi said that he was trying to move the runners over and that Swisher has been a good bunter all year.

I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the idiocy of this move.

Pitiful performance by Chamberlain

b553cc31b4a09b022b747d4c26ba2177-getty- Tonight’s start was emblematic of the way Joba Chamberlain has performed this season.  He nibbled too much tonight and could never put away the Rangers with two outs until they did their damage.

In four innings, Chamberlain allowed seven earned runs (all with two outs) on nine hits while walking three.  He also threw 96 pitches, 44 of which were thrown in the five-run fourth inning alone.  Oh, he also blew a 4-0 lead.

It’s getting to the point where the three dominant starts after the All-Star break were an aberration.

This is the kind of pitcher Chamberlain is this season.  And if the Yankees have to rely on him to pitch them out of a hole in October, I don’t have faith that he’ll deliver.

(Photo By Al Bello/Getty Images)

Game 125: Rangers at Yankees

Texas Rangers (69-54) New York Yankees (78-46)
Julio Borbon DH Derek Jeter SS
Michael Young 3B Johnny Damon LF
Josh Hamilton RF Mark Teixeira 1B
Marlon Byrd CF Alex Rodriguez 3B
Ian Kinsler 2B Hideki Matsui DH
Nelson Cruz LF Jorge Posada C
Ivan Rodriguez C Robinson Cano 2B
Chris Davis 1B Nick Swisher RF
Elvis Andrus SS Melky Cabrera CF


Kevin Millwood RHP (9-8, 3.48 ERA) vs. Joba Chamberlain RHP (8-3, 3.98 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m.
TV: my9
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 175

Rangers vs. Chamberlain

  • Young: 3-8, HR, 3 RBI
  • Hamilton: 0-6
  • Byrd: 2-5, 2 RBI
  • Kinsler: 3-6, 2B, 3B
  • Cruz: 1-1, 2B
  • Rodriguez: 0-1
  • Davis: 2-6, HR, 2 RBI

Yankees vs. Millwood

  • Jeter: 6-23, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI
  • Damon: 6-21, 4 2B, RBI
  • Teixeira: 4-11, 2B, HR, RBI
  • Rodriguez: 7-18, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
  • Matsui: 3-9, 2B, 2 RBI
  • Posada: 2-12
  • Cano: 5-15, 2 RBI
  • Swisher: 10-26, 2 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI
  • Cabrera: 4-11, 2B, 3B


A friend and fellow Yankees fan is participating in a Diabetes Walk and would like you to help out.

Teixeira on Letterman [Video]

I mentioned last night that Mark Teixeira was going to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman last night.  CBS.com has since put up a clip of the appearance, including him batting outside on 53rd St.

The series ahead

The New York Yankees (78-46) begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers (69-54) at Yankee Stadium tonight.  The pitching matchups are:

Tonight – 7:05 p.m., my9
Kevin Millwood
RHP (9-8, 3.48 ERA) vs. Joba Chamberlain RHP (8-3, 3.98 ERA)

Tomorrow – 7:05 p.m, YES, ESPN2
Derek Holland
LHP (7-7, 4.72 ERA) vs. Andy Pettitte LHP (10-6, 4.25 ERA)

Thursday – 1:05 p.m., YES
Dustin Nippert
RHP (4-2, 3.95 ERA) vs. A.J. Burnett RHP (10-7, 4.08 ERA)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Teixeira on Letterman tonight

For those who are still awake, Mark Teixeira will appear on the Late Show with David Letterman tonight.  He taped an outdoor batting demonstration.

The show starts at 11:35 p.m.

Impending free agency for Damon, Pettitte, Matsui

MLB Trade Rumors links to three separate articles talking about the impending free agency of Johnny Damon, Andy Pettitte and Hideki Matsui.  Keep in mind that I’m not looking toward next year at all – in fact, I hate articles like this during the season – but today is an off day.

We’ll go one-by-one, starting with Damon (Gordon Edes from Yahoo! Sports reporting):

“I realize the business side of it,” said Damon, whose four-year, $52 million deal with the club is approaching its expiration date. “But I hope at the end of the season we could lock something in for a couple more years.

“I mean, I don’t want to go anywhere else. I love this team, my family loves New York, six weeks of spring training in Tampa, close to my home, and three trips to Tampa (to play the Rays). Yeah, I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Out of the three players named, I’d want Damon back the most, but I don’t know how I’d feel about a multi-year deal.  I think the absolute longest I’d go with Damon is two years.  While he is still a terrific offensive player and clubhouse presence, he is an absolute adventure in the outfield.  Damon also said he doesn’t expect the Yankees to do anything during the season – which is how the team normally operates – so this is a conversation for another day.

*****

Onto Pettitte, who said he doesn’t want a repeat of last offseason where there was a lengthy back-and-forth between the two sides, via Christian Red of the Daily News:

"I wanted to come back here and it looked like it might not happen towards the end. In my mind-set, I was coming back no matter what," he said. "That's where I was at. It's tough when you're getting offers from other clubs, and it's not even comparable.

"As far as next year - I'm trying to get through this year. I hope I can stay healthy and try to help this club win. That's all we're looking at right now. I'm not through - we got a lot of starts left (this season). I want my arm to be healthy. Once I get closer, I can start thinking about that. Maybe start talking to my family and my wife about that."

I don’t think I want Pettitte back.  But if the Yankees are so inclined, I’d hope it’s a one-year deal at $7 million or less.

*****

And finally Matsui, who didn’t say too much about his future, with Anthony McCarron of the Daily News reporting:

"My honest answer is I don't know," Matsui said. "I don't have an answer. As a player, you just try to do better than what you've done before. It's not so much about how the organization or other clubs look at me. All I'm focused on is winning a championship."

Would he prefer to stay in New York? "I try not to think about that," he said. "I like New York, the Yankees, the Yankee fans. It's definitely someplace I feel comfortable."

Matsui is an interesting case.  He hasn’t played an inning in the field all season, his knees flair up every now and then, but he has 23 home runs this season.  Matsui is notorious for his hot and cold streaks, but the way he is playing this season, it will be hard for the Yankees to let him go.

To Matsui’s credit, he said in the article that he wants to play defense to help out his team.  He said it limits the team’s choices, which is completely accurate.  Unfortunately, he still had to get his knee drained this season without playing in the field.

If the Yankees want him back, they should go year-by-year with him.  When healthy, he’s a productive player, but that hasn’t been a certainty with him in his latter years.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Beckett bombed in Yankees' 8-4 victory

capt.68c5489dcd1749d5a5a5b8faf018ab4b.yankees_red_sox_baseball_mawt112(Originally posted for Baseball Digest)

The New York Yankees belted five home runs against Josh Beckett, a career high, Sunday night at Fenway Park in their 8-4 victory, to win the three-game series against their archrivals.

Derek Jeter led off the game with a home run and Hideki Matsui added two home runs to give him a total of four in this series. Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano also hit home runs.

CC Sabathia went 6 2/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out eight to record his 15th victory of the season.

Beckett allowed eight runs and nine hits over eight innings, throwing 120 pitches. He has now given up 15 earned runs in his last 13 2/3 innings. The eight earned runs also tied a season high, which also came against the Yankees on April 25.

Phil Hughes struck out one and allowed one hit in 1 1/3 relief innings, and Mariano Rivera struck out two and walked one to close out the game in the ninth. Both pitchers hadn't pitched since Aug. 19.

After a day off on Monday, the Yankees will begin a three-game series at home against the Texas Rangers.

AP Photo

Game 124: Yankees at Red Sox

New York Yankees (77-46) Boston Red Sox (70-52)
Derek Jeter SS Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Johnny Damon LF Dustin Pedroia 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B Victor Martinez 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B Kevin Youkilis 3B
Hideki Matsui DH Jason Bay LF
Nick Swisher RF Mike Lowell DH
Robinson Cano 2B Rocco Baldelli RF
Melky Cabrera CF Jason Varitek C
Jose Molina C Alex Gonzalez SS


CC Sabathia LHP (14-7, 3.58 ERA) vs. Josh Beckett RHP (14-4, 3.38 ERA)

Time: 8:05 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Radio: WCBS-AM 880

Yankees vs. Beckett

  • Jeter: 14-47, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
  • Damon: 12-44, 5 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI
  • Teixeira: 2-16
  • Rodriguez: 11-39, 3 2B, HR, 7 RBI
  • Matsui: 6-23, 3B
  • Swisher: 5-17, HR, 2 RBI
  • Cano: 14-41, 5 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI
  • Cabrera: 12-36, 3 2B, 4 RBI
  • Molina: 2-13

Red Sox vs. Sabathia

  • Ellsbury: 1-3
  • Pedroia: 0-9
  • Martinez: 1-6
  • Youkilis: 4-12
  • Bay: 0-6
  • Lowell: 2-13, RBI
  • Baldelli: 5-22, 2 2B, RBI
  • Varitek: 1-13, HR, 3 RBI
  • Gonzalez; 0-6

Giambi finds a home

5386Old friend Jason Giambi, who was released by Oakland earlier this month, has agreed to a deal with the Colorado Rockies.

Giambi hasn’t played since July 19 because of a strained quad, but his agent says he is healthy.  According to the linked article, Giambi will play for Triple-A Colorado Springs before getting called up to the big club when the rosters expand on Sept. 1.

Giambi hit .193/.332/.364 with 11 home runs and 40  RBI in 328 plate appearances for Oakland this season.

‘E:60’ reports on 11-year-old Yankee fan with cerebral palsy

“HOPE Week” was a major success for the Yankees earlier this season.  Rich Reilly wrote a fantastic piece about A.J. Burnett’s involvement with the kids from Camp Sundown and we all remember Polly Tompkins’ story.

ESPN’s newsmagazine show, E:60, will feature “HOPE Week” once again, this time telling the story of 11-year-old Tom Ellenson.  Here is the description, via a release ESPN sent me.:

The story of 11-year-old Tom Ellenson is an extraordinary one. Growing up with cerebral palsy, Ellenson could not walk or speak. But his father created a device that allowed him to communicate as a kid his age would, and his “voice” inspired a little league baseball team in New York City to excel.

Ellenson’s magic touch with the team got the attention of the New York Yankees, and Andy Pettite, Joba Chamberlain and Alex Rodriguez visited Ellenson and his teammates. Then, the Yankees gave Ellenson and his teammates a day at Yankee Stadium they will never forget. ESPN’s E:60 was given exclusive access to document Ellenson’s day spent with the Yankees, including a ceremonial first pitch different than any other first pitch in Major League Baseball history. Rachel Nichols reports.

The episode will air on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. on ESPN.  Below is a preview clip the network provided.

Much ado about Posada/Burnett

Anyone who watched yesterday’s disaster of a game could tell that A.J. Burnett and Jorge Posada were not on the same page.  This was evidenced by Burnett talking to himself on the mound, by two missed return throws to Burnett and by numerous mound visits.

Peter Abraham relays quotes from both characters, with Burnett putting the blame squarely on himself.

“There were a couple of heaters (when) I felt that I should have thrown a hook. I step off and re-gather and that’s when the non-executed pitch came. (Posada) calls fine back there. It’s just a matter of me throwing what I want to throw.

“There’s no pattern there. I’ve had a great run now with Jorge. So there’s no fingers to point but at me.”

Posada basically said, according to Abraham, that he just makes suggestions and the pitcher is the one who is ultimately in charge.

Abraham called Burnett stubborn, which he is, but Posada also appears to be extremely stubborn as well.

The team’s ultimate success is bigger than any one man.  Burnett and Posada need to get over the problems they have with each other – if any – because both players are important now and will be even more important come October.  Burnett will be the No. 2 starter in the playoffs, and Joe Girardi will obviously not want to use Jose Molina.

There is a little more than a month left in the season.  Sit these two down in one room and let them figure out what’s wrong.

What goes around, comes around

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Earlier today (technically yesterday) I was still basking in the glory that was the 20-11 victory, saying how great the photos of Green Monster scoreboard are after a big victory.  Well, Yankees Universe was handed a blowout defeat of its own this afternoon.

See you all tomorrow (technically today).  CC Sabathia’s on the hill and Eric Hinske better not be in left field.

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Saturday YanksBlog.com game recap

A.J. Burnett can’t pitch in Fenway.  That is all.  Here is my YanksBlog.com game recap.

Game 123: Yankees at Red Sox

New York Yankees (77-45) Boston Red Sox (69-52)
Derek Jeter SS Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Nick Swisher RF Dustin Pedroia 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B Victor Martinez 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B Kevin Youkilis 3B
Hideki Matsui DH David Ortiz DH
Jorge Posada C Jason Bay LF
Robinson Cano 2B J.D. Drew RF
Eric Hinske LF Jason Varitek C
Melky Cabrera CF Alex Gonzalez SS


A.J. Burnett RHP (10-6, 3.69 ERA) vs. Junichi Tazawa RHP (1-2, 5.40 ERA)

Time: 4:10 p.m.
TV: Fox
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 177

Yankees vs. Tazawa

  • Jeter: 1-1
  • Teixeira: 0-1
  • Rodriguez: 1-1, HR, 2 RBI
  • Matsui: 0-1
  • Posada: 1-1
  • Cano: 1-1
  • Hinske: 0-1
  • Cabrera: 0-1

Red Sox vs. Burnett

  • Ellsbury: 6-20, HR, RBI
  • Pedroia: 6-23, 2 HR, 4 RBI
  • Martinez: 3-15, 2B
  • Youkilis: 6-24, 2 RBI
  • Ortiz: 7-30, 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI
  • Bay: 6-18, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
  • Drew: 7-23, 2 2B, 3 RBI
  • Varitek: 5-21, 2 2B, HR, 6 RBI
  • Gonzalez: 0-4

Picture of the night

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The best part about winning games in blowout fashion at Fenway Park is seeing a picture of the Green Monster scoreboard with the final score in the background.

No, this game wasn’t pretty at all, but seeing the Yankees put up a 20-spot in Boston with what was a 6.5-game lead certainly puts a smile on Yankees fans’ faces.

Hopefully A.J. Burnett can restore order in terms of pitching today.  I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but Burnett’s worst start of the season came at Fenway on April 25 when he imploded, blowing a 6-0 third-inning lead, eventually giving up eight runs over five innings.

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Matsui drives in 7 in 20-11 victory

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Hideki Matsui
hit a pair of three-run home runs and every Yankee who played the majority of the game drove in at least one run in the Yankees’ 20-11 victory over the Boston Red Sox Friday night at Fenway Park.

As the score suggests, there was a lot of hitting and very little pitching.  Andy Pettitte only went 5+ innings, allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits.  Brian Bruney, while not charged with any runs, walked three and hit a batter while the Yankees had a large lead.

Alex Rodriguez added four hits and an RBI while Derek Jeter (3-for-6, two RBI) recorded his sixth straight multi-hit game.  Over that span, he has also had four games of three hits.  Mark Teixeira also had a three-hit game with three RBI.

The majority of the Yankees’ runs were scored against starter Brad Penny (eight earned runs on 10 hits over four innings) and Michael Bowden, who allowed seven earned runs and eight hits in only two innings.

Overall, the Yankees recorded 23 hits, including eight doubles.

It wasn’t all fun and games for the Yankees’ offense.  Johnny Damon fouled a ball off his leg and had to leave the game.  He was replaced by Eric Hinske in left field.  The team called it a bruise and he’s day-to-day.

The Yankees’ lead over Boston is now 7.5 games.  They’ll do it again tomorrow afternoon at 4:10 p.m.  A.J. Burnett and Junichi Tazawa each get the ball for their respective teams.

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Game 122: Yankees at Red Sox

New York Yankees (76-45) Boston Red Sox (69-51)
Derek Jeter SS Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Johnny Damon LF Dustin Pedroia 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B Victor Martinez C
Alex Rodriguez 3B Kevin Youkilis 1B
Hideki Matsui DH Jason Bay LF
Jorge Posada C David Ortiz DH
Robinson Cano 2B Mike Lowell 3B
Nick Swisher RF J.D. Drew RF
Melky Cabrera CF Alex Gonzalez SS


Andy Pettitte LHP (9-6, 4.09 ERA) vs. Brady Penny RHP (7-7, 5.22 ERA)

Time: 7:10 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 178

Yankees vs. Penny

  • Jeter: 3-6
  • Damon: 0-5
  • Teixeira: 0-9
  • Rodriguez: 0-4
  • Matsui: 1-2
  • Posada: BB, RBI
  • Cano: 1-3
  • Swisher: 1-3, 2B
  • Cabrera: 1-2

Red Sox vs. Pettitte

  • Ellsbury: 5-12, 2B, 4 RBI
  • Pedroia: 6-32, 2B, 5 RBI
  • Martinez: 3-13
  • Youkilis: 9-25, 3 2B, HR, 3 RBI
  • Bay: 12-27, 3B, HR, 3 RBI
  • Ortiz: 17-46, 6 2B, HR, 9 RBI
  • Lowell: 8-24, 2B, 5 RBI
  • Drew: 12-32, 3 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI
  • Gonzalez: 1-3

Marte’s back; Jim Rice is a fool

First, Damaso Marte is finally back up with the big club.  He had been on the 60-day disabled list with left shoulder tendinitis since April 26.  Ramiro Pena was sent down, as the Yankees have decided to carry 13 pitchers.  Remember, the rosters expand to 40 on Sept. 1.

However, this isn’t the biggest news of the day.  One of the newest Hall of Famers, Jim Rice, is none too pleased with today’s major leaguers, calling some of the big names self-absorbed.

It was fine when he cited Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez as examples.  I dislike both and agree with him there.  But then he put Derek Jeter in that category.  I honestly have no idea how he gets off lumping Jeter with Ramirez and Rodriguez.

"You see a Manny Ramirez, you see an A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez], you see [Derek] Jeter ... Guys that I played against and with, these guys you're talking about cannot compare," Rice said to Little Leaguers gathered in the cafeteria.

Have at it, Yankees fans (even A-Rod die-hards).

The series ahead

The New York Yankees (76-45) beging a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox (69-51) at Fenway Park. The pitching matchups are:

Tonight - 7:05 p.m., YES
Andy Pettitte LHP (9-6, 4.09 ERA) vs. Brad Penny RHP (7-7, 5.22 ERA)

Tomorrow - 4:10 p.m., Fox
A.J. Burnett RHP (10-6, 3.69 ERA) vs. Junichi Tazawa RHP (1-2, 5.40 ERA)

Sunday - 8:05 p.m., ESPN
CC Sabathia LHP (14-7, 3.58 ERA) vs. Josh Beckett RHP (14-4, 3.38 ERA)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Teixeira drives in all 3 in Yanks' victory

Ho-hum, the Yankees win another series. But what made last night's 3-2 win against the Oakland A's interesting was that Chad Gaudin started, allowing no runs and one hit, but only pitched 4 1/3 innings. He was removed by Joe Girardi, later citing his pitch count (91), largely due to his five walks, as the reason he was taken out and not because he loaded the bases.

Alfredo Aceves relieved him and quickly induced a 1-2-3 double play to end Oakland's threat.

The Yankees were up 3-0 thanks to an RBI groundout and two-run home run from Mark Teixeira who is now at 89 RBI on the season.

After Aceves got out of the fifth inning, he allowed a solo home run to Jack Cust in the sixth and gave up three hits (including an RBI single from Mark Ellis) before being removed. Phil Coke, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera combined to record the final seven outs of the game, with the latter earning his 36th save.

The Yankees are off today before beginning a three-game series in Boston tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Game 121: Yankees at Athletics

New York Yankees (75-45) Oakland Athletics (53-66)
Derek Jeter SS Adam Kennedy 3B
Johnny Damon LF Rajai Davis CF
Mark Teixeira 1B Mark Ellis 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B Kurt Suzuki DH
Hideki Matsui DH Ryan Sweeney LF
Nick Swisher RF Landon Powell C
Robinson Cano 2B Jack Cust RF
Melky Cabrera CF Tommy Everidge 1B
Jose Molina C Cliff Pennington SS


Chad Gaudin RHP (1-0, 5.40 ERA as a Yankee) vs. Brett Anderson LHP (7-8, 4.55 ERA)

Time: 10:05 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 176

Yankees vs. Anderson

  • Jeter: 3-7, HR, 2 RBI
  • Damon: 1-7, 2 RBI
  • Teixeira: 2-6
  • Rodriguez: 1-3, 2B
  • Matsui: 1-6, HR, 2 RBI
  • Swisher: 1-5, RBI
  • Cano: 3-6, RBI
  • Cabrera: 4-5, 2B, HR, RBI

Athletics vs. Gaudin

  • Kennedy: 0-1
  • Ellis: 0-1

My appearance on the Aug. 18 'The Michael Kay Show'

Below, you will be able to hear my appearance on the Aug. 18 The Michael Kay Show on 1050 ESPN Radio where I discussed the 2009 Michael Kay/YES Network Drinking Game.

I'd like thank the good folks over at the station for sending me the audio. I'd also like to thank Michael for being a good sport about it.

The Michael Kay Show airs weekdays from 2-7 p.m.



You can also download it here.

CC cruises to victory

Despite allowing solo home runs to Kurt Suzuki and someone named Tommy Everidge in the first two innings, CC Sabathia was able to recover and dominate the Oakland Athletics over his next six innings to record his 14th victory of the season. The Yankees defeated the A's by a score of 7-2, as Oakland committed four errors.

Derek Jeter recorded his third straight three-hit game in the process, raising his team-leading batting average to .330. Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Melky Cabrera also added two hits apiece.

The game was tied at 2 until the sixth inning, when the Yankees broke the game open with five runs on four hits against Jay Marshall and Santiago Casilla.

The Yankees stay seven games ahead of Boston after they defeated Toronto last night 10-9. Chad Gaudin takes the hill for the Yankees in tonight's rubber game. First pitch is slated for 10:05 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Game 120: Yankees at Athletics

New York Yankees (74-45) Oakland Athletics (53-65)
Derek Jeter SS Adam Kennedy 3B
Johnny Damon LF Rajai Davis CF
Mark Teixeira 1B Kurt Suzuki C
Alex Rodriguez 3B Scott Hairston LF
Hideki Matsui DH Nomar Garciaparra 1B
Jorge Posada C Mark Ellis 2B
Robinson Cano 2B Tommy Everidge DH
Nick Swisher RF Ryan Sweeney RF
Melky Cabrera CF Cliff Pennington SS


CC Sabathia LHP (13-7, 3.64 ERA) vs. Vin Mazzaro RHP (4-8, 5.54 ERA)

Time: 10:05 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 176

Yankees vs. Mazzaro

  • Jeter: 0-2
  • Damon: 2-3
  • Teixeira: 2-3, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
  • Rodriguez: 0-2
  • Matsui: 0-2
  • Posada: 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI
  • Cano: 1-2

Athletics vs. Sabathia

  • Kennedy: 2-10
  • Davis: 1-8
  • Suzuki: 3-12, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
  • Hairston: 2-7
  • Garciaparra: 2-7
  • Ellis: 8-29, 2 2B, HR, 5 RBI
  • Sweeney: 0-3

My call into The Michael Kay Show

Michael Kay was informed of the drinking game based on him and talked about it during his radio show ESPN 1050. Having heard about this, I called into to the show and had a nice conversation with him on-air.

I am posting from my BlackBerry. I will work on getting the audio when I get home. Thank you for your continued support of Scott Proctor's Arm, and welcome to the new visitors!

To those who are new and want to get in touch with me, Andrew Fletcher, there are plenty of ways in which to do so.

First, you can e-mail me at ScottProctorsArm@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Twitter (@fletch788). I frequently post on a Yankees message board called The Yankee Zone as well. We're always looking for new people to post with!

Scott Proctor's Arm has a page on Facebook where all of the posts are delivered and you can follow the blog using the NetworkedBlogs application.

And finally, if you use an RSS reader such as Google Reader, my RSS feed can be found: here.

Monday, August 17, 2009

The series ahead

The New York Yankees (74-44) begin a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics (52-65) at Oakland Coliseum tonight.  The pitching matchups are:

Tonight – 10:05 p.m., YES
A.J. Burnett
RHP (10-5, 3.71 ERA) vs. Brett Tomko RHP (1-2, 5.23 ERA)

Tomorrow – 10:05 p.m., YES
CC Sabathia
LHP (13-7, 3.64 ERA) vs. Vin Mazzaro RHP (4-8, 5.54 ERA)

Wednesday – 10:05 p.m., YES
Chad Gaudin
RHP (1-0, 5.40 ERA as a Yankee) vs. Brett Anderson LHP (7-8, 4.55 ERA)

Yankees sign first round pick Heathcott

Lane Meyer at NoMaas is reporting that the Yankees have signed first round draft pick Slade Heathcott. Meyer spoke to Heathcott directly and was told that the bonus he received exceeds $2 million.

After the Yankees failed to sign last year's first round pick Gerrit Cole, this is certainly good news.

For more on Mr. Heathcott, here is his scouting report.

Update - 11:45 a.m.: Jim Callis (via River Ave. Blues) is reporting Heathcott's bonus was almost double the slot money MLB recommends.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Joba, Aceves falter in Sunday defeat

(Originally written for Baseball Digest)

Joba Chamberlain allowed four earned runs over five innings, and was relieved by an equally shaky Alfredo Aceves, who was charged with four runs of his own in 1 2/3 innings.  Doug Fister, on the other hand, pitched well in seven innings, as the Mariners defeated the Yankees 10-3 to avoid a four-game sweep Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field.

The game started out well for the Yankees, as Derek Jeter recorded two hits in his first two at-bats to pass Luis Aparicio with the most hits as a shortstop, including an RBI double in the third inning.

Chamberlain retired the first seven batters he faced, but ran into trouble after walking Ryan Langerhans with one out in the third.  After a single and another walk, Jose Lopez hit a two-run double to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead.

Nick Swisher and the Yankees responded in the next half-inning, when he hit a two-run home run to center to put the Yankees ahead 3-2.

But Chamberlain was undone in the fifth, with successive two-out RBI singles.

The Mariners wouldn’t look back from there, but they added insurance in the seventh.  Aceves struggled in his second inning of work, but he wasn’t helped by Jerry Hairston Jr. to a step back before having to charge on Ken Griffey Jr.’s leadoff fly ball.  Instead of making the catch, he had to field it on a hop.  Eventually, the Mariners had the bases loaded with one out.  After Langerhans struck out, Aceves hit Josh Wilson with a pitch.  Chad Gaudin was then brought in, and he gave up three straight RBI base hits, extending the Mariners’ lead to 9-3.  Kenji Johjima’s solo home run in the eighth put the M’s ahead 10-3.

The Yankees don’t lose any ground in the American League East, as the Red Sox were defeated in Texas.  The Yankees take their 7.5-game division lead to Oakland for three games starting tomorrow night.  A.J. Burnett will start against Brett Tomko, whom the Yankees designated for assignment earlier this summer.

Game 118: Yankees at Mariners

New York Yankees (74-43) Seattle Mariners (60-57)
Derek Jeter SS Ichiro Suzuki RF
Johnny Damon LF Russell Branyan 1B
Mark Teixeira DH Jose Lopez 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Jorge Posada C Franklin Gutierrez CF
Nick Swisher 1B Jack Hannahan 3B
Eric Hinske RF Kenji Johjima C
Jerry Hairston Jr. CF Ryan Langerhans LF
Ramiro Pena 2B Josh Wilson SS


Joba Chamberlain RHP (8-2, 3.85 ERA) vs. Doug Fister RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Time: 4:10 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 181

Yankees vs. Fister

  • No Yankees have any experience against Fister

Mariners vs. Chamberlain

  • Suzuki: 3-6
  • Branyan: 1-2, RBI
  • Lopez: 0-5
  • Griffey Jr.: 0-2
  • Gutierrez: 2-3, RBI
  • Hannahan: 0-2
  • Johjima: 2-5, 2B

Hideki Matsui has fluid on his knee and is day-to-day.  Joe Girardi said he’s a “little bit” concerned about it.

Saturday YanksBlog.com game recap

Behind eight strikeouts from the bullpen, the Yankees were able to close out a 5-2 win even though Sergio Mitre started.  Read all about it on YanksBlog.com.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Game 117: Yankees at Mariners

New York Yankees (73-43) Seattle Mariners (60-56)
Derek Jeter SS Ichiro Suzuki RF
Nick Swisher RF Franklin Gutierrez CF
Mark Teixeira 1B Jose Lopez 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B Ken Griffey Jr. DH
Jorge Posada DH Russell Branyan 1B
Robinson Cano 2B Jack Hannahan 3B
Jerry Hairston Jr. LF Rob Johnson C
Melky Cabrera CF Josh Wilson SS
Jose Molina C Ryan Langerhans LF


Sergio Mitre RHP (1-1, 7.04 ERA) vs. Luke French LHP (2-2, 4.31 ERA)

Time: 10:10 p.m.
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS-AM 880, XM 176

Yankees vs. French

  • Jeter: 0-2
  • Swisher: 0-2
  • Teixeira: 2-3
  • Rodriguez: 0-3
  • Posada: 0-1
  • Cano: 1-2
  • Cabrera: 0-2

Mariners vs. Mitre

  • Griffey Jr.: 3-7, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
  • Branyan: 0-2
  • Wilson: 0-3
  • Langerhans: 1-6

As Pettitte settles down, Yanks come back

44e72fe90ca8b7219958cdde5ff4dfd6-getty-85134322og016 Andy Pettitte’s evening began rather inauspiciously at Safeco Field Saturday night.  Though the Yankees eventually won 4-2, it didn’t look like Pettitte would hang around for a while.  Ichiro Suzuki led off with a single, followed by a Franklin Gutierrez single, a Jose Lopez RBI single and an RBI groundout from Ken Griffey Jr.

After retiring four of his next five batters via the strikeout, he had trouble with the Mariners’ top of the order in the third inning.  Suzuki led off with a single and Gutierrez walked.  But after that, Pettitte closed the door.

capt.fa1308b793be409b8cefb43e6f26341d.yankees_mariners_baseball_watw101When the dust settled, he struck out a season-high 10 batters over six innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs.  For the second straight game in Seattle, the Yankees’ starting pitcher struck out 10.  Pettitte, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett now each have one game of double-digit strikeouts this season.

The Yankees began their comeback in the second when Jorge Posada doubled off the top of the right center field wall.  The play was reviewed, but the call stood.  Jerry Hairston Jr. eventually drove Posada home on a fielder’s choice to halve the Mariners’ lead.

For the next few innings, Seattle’s starter, Ryan Rowland-Smith, held the Yankees in check.  However, in the fifth, he was hit with some bad luck.  Melky Cabrera singled with two outs and took second on a wild pitch.  Derek Jeter followed with a single through the left side of the infield, somehow getting under both Josh Wilson’s and Jack Hannahan’s gloves to score Cabrera and tie the game.

The game remained tied at 2 until Mark Teixeira led off the ninth with a solo home run against Mark Lowe.  The Yankees would add another on Nick Swisher’s RBI single following Robinson Cano’s bloop double.

New York is now 30 games over .500 and remain 6.5 games ahead of Boston following a dramatic comeback of its own in Texas (they scored six runs in the ninth to win by four).  Sergio Mitre gets the ball tomorrow night.

Teixeira: Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
Pettitte: AP Photo