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.

Tex, big first inning lead Yanks to sweep

Mark Teixeira hit home runs from both sides of the plate and the Yankees scored six runs in the first inning to complete a four-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins tonight at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees won 7-6.

With Andy Pettitte on the mound, the Yankees fell behind 2-0 after the top of the first inning.  However, they forced Twins starter Glen Perkins out of the game after retiring only two batters.

Teixeira started the scoring with a three-run home run after both Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon reached with singles.  Alex Rodriguez followed with a solo home run and Melky Cabrera and Francisco Cervelli added RBI singles as well.

Pettitte wasn’t great by any stretch of the imagination, but he essentially pitched to the scoreboard.  Up 6-2, he gave up 12 hits over 6 2/3 innings.  The Twins would score runs in the fourth and sixth innings off Pettitte before he was relieved by Jose Veras.  Veras walked a batter in the seventh to load the bases but got Carlos Gomez to fly out.

Up 6-4, Teixeira hit a solo home run in the seventh to extend the lead to three.  That would end up being huge.

Edwar Ramirez began the eighth inning and gave up a one-out home run to Denard Span.  After a two-out walk, Phil Coke was brought in.  Because Mariano Rivera had pitched three innings in two days, Coke stayed on for the ninth inning.

Coke walked two batters and gave up a run on a groundout, but because of Teixeira’s home run, the Yankees were up by two going into the inning.  Coke got Mike Redmond to ground out to second to end the threat and the game.

The Yankees are now on a six-game winning streak and will begin a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles tomorrow night with CC Sabathia on the mound.  The Yankees have won eight of their last 10 games.

Late-inning magic leads Yanks to victory

Heading into the bottom of the ninth tonight, the Yankees were down 4-2 with star closer Joe Nathan on the hill.

However, Brett Gardner quickly put a scare into him, tripling to lead off the inning.  It could have been worse, however, as he tripped over first base.  He actually had a chance for a second inside-the-park home run on the night, as he ran around the bases in the seventh inning for one.

Following the triple, Mark Teixeira singled to cut the Twins’ lead to 4-3.  Alex Rodriguez then walked (he had four walks in his first game in the new Yankee Stadium), advancing Teixeira to second.  However, Hideki Matsui struck out swinging and Nick Swisher was robbed of a hit by first baseman Justin Morneau.  With runners on second and third, Robinson Cano was intentionally walked to load the bases for Melky Cabrera.  On the first pitch, Cabrera hit a fly ball that dunked in in between Denard Span and Carlos Gomez to drive in the game-tying and the game-winning run.

Gardner, who went 3-for-3 and was a double shy of the cycle, wasn’t even in the starting lineup.  He entered the game in the fourth inning when Johnny Damon was ejected for arguing a call.  Home plate umpire Wally Bell had a rather inconsistent strike zone.

Phil Hughes started for the Yankees and only lasted five innings.  He walked four, struck out only two and allowed two home runs to Morneau.  Phil Coke also allowed a home run in his first game back from back stiffness.

Jose Veras retired the final batter in the top of the ninth inning and was rewarded with his second victory of the season despite his 6.89 ERA.  Relievers Jonathan Albaladejo, Brett Tomko and Edwar Ramirez also had scoreless outings.

The Yankees have won five out of their last seven and will look to take the second game of the series tomorrow afternoon with Joba Chamberlain on the mound.

Yankees win battle of comebacks

The Yankees scored six runs in the final two innings to come back from a 9-4 deficit.  Jorge Posada came through with the big hit with no outs and the bases loaded in the ninth.  The Yankees are now 13-10 and are carrying a four-game winning streak.

The Yankees scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning, after Hideki Matsui hit a sacrifice fly, Robinson Cano hit a single and Jorge Posada hit a two-run home run.

Andy Pettitte held that lead until the top of the sixth when he fell apart.  With two outs, the Angels scored six runs (five charged to Pettitte) to take a 6-4 lead.  They would score three more in the seventh against Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez.  Gary Matthews Jr. had four RBI in the two innings, including a three-run triple.

However, the Yankees put together a rally themselves in the bottom of the eighth.  Melky Cabrera had an RBI single and Ramiro Pena followed with a two-run single.  Derek Jeter then hit an RBI groundout to cut the Angels’ lead to 9-8.

They were then able to fully come back against Angels’ closer Brian Fuentes.  Mark Teixeira led off with a walk.  Hideki Matsui and Cano’s consecutive singles loaded the bases with no outs for Posada.  He then laced a single to left-center to drive in Teixeira and pinch-runner Angel Berroa to end the game in walk-off fashion.

CC Sabathia will look to keep the line moving tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 p.m.  Matt Palmer will oppose him.

Hughes restores order

Phil Hughes, of all people, halted the Yankees’ four-game losing streak.

He pitched six shutout innings, striking out six and walking two.  He also threw 58 of his 99 pitches for strikes in the Yankees’ 11-0 victory over the Tigers.

Hughes pitched nicely, and his velocity touched 92 and 93 mph quite a bit.  He even got up to 94.  His curve was a little hard to control in the beginning but improved as the game went on, it seemed.

However, it was a pitchers’ duel for the first six innings of the game.  Edwin Jackson matched Hughes pitch-for-pitch, striking out four and walking one over six innings.  However, once Jackson was taken out, the Tigers imploded.

The Yankees scored 10 in the seventh inning, capped by a Jose Molina grand slam.  Aside from Molina, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Jorge Posada all had RBI in the frame.

Nick Swisher added a solo home run in the ninth to make it an 11-0 game.

Mark Melancon, Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras each pitched scoreless innings to close out the game.

Joba Chamberlain will face Rick Porcello tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. in the rubber game.

AP Photo

Yankees open up new Stadium with powerful display

The Yankees hit three home runs to help open up the new Yankee Stadium tonight - the first by Robinson Cano in the second inning after starter Chien-Ming Wang gave up three runs over the first two innings.  The Yankees defeated the Cubs 7-4.

Hideki Matsui and Cody Ransom also added home runs.

Wang struggled early on, giving up four earned over the first four.  He was done after five innings and 71 pitches, striking out three and walking two.

The Yankees retook the lead in the third inning on Matsui's two-run shot.  After the Cubs tied the socre in the fouth, Ransom hit a three-run shot to give the Yankees a 7-4 lead, the eventual final score.

Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner doubled, while Xavier Nady went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Mariano Rivera, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and Jonathan Albaladejo eached pitched a scoreless inning to close out the game.

The Yankees are back in action tomorrow afternoon against the Cubs, with A.J. Burnett facing Rich Harden at 1:05 p.m. on YES, MLB.tv (free preview) and WCBS 880.

Getty Images

Yankees win 3-1

Andy Pettitte was stellar in the Yankees' 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon.

The lefty gave up one earned run over 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven, walking none and scattering five hits.

Mark Teixeira added to his hot spring with a 2-for-3 day, including his sixth double in Grapefruit League play and two RBI. Derek Jeter and Angel Berroa also hit doubles.

Damaso Marte, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez each had scoreless outings to help close out the game.

Joba Chamberlain will start for the Yankees tomorrow afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds.

Yankees win 10-2

The Yankees powered their way to a 10-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies this afternoon, hitting four home runs.

Hideki Matsui hit a two-run home run in the first inning after Derek Jeter led off with a single. Cody Ransom homered in the fourth, while Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera (!) each homered in the eighth inning.

Cabrera finished 2-for-4 with three RBI. Jeter went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in the leadoff spot.

Joba Chamberlain started and struck out three and walked three in 4 1/3 innings. He also gave up three hits and two earned runs. Phil Coke, Edwar Ramirez, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras and Jonathan Albaladejo all had scoreless appearances.

CC Sabathia and the Yankees will take on the Cincinnati Reds tomorrow night in Tampa at 7:15.

Yankees win 7-1

A.J. Burnett was solid once again Tuesday night, allowing one earned run in 5 2/3 innings in the Yankees' 7-1 victory over the Red Sox. Burnett struck out four, walked two and allowed one earned run, as he seemed to tire toward the end of his start.

Brett Gardner hit his second triple of the spring and Austin Jackson hit an eighth-inning grand slam before being sent to the minor-league camp.

Jorge Posada threw out Jacoby Ellsbury as he attempted to steal second base. Ellsbury stole 50 bases last season, so this is a nice achievement for the recovering Posada.

Mariano Rivera pitched another perfect inning, striking out two. Jonathan Albaladejo, Edwar Ramirez and Damaso Marte each had scoreless outings as well.

The Yankees are off tomorrow. Joba Chamberlain will start for the Yankees against the Phillies on Thursday.

Yankees win 4-3

Make that nine in a row for the Yankees. The Yankees, behind Joba Chamberlain, beat the Tigers 4-3 in Tampa this afternoon.

In 3 1/3 innings, Chamberlain gave up four hits, one earned run and no walks while striking out five. He threw 61 pitches for 41 strikes. Jonathan Albaladejo gave up three hits but no runs in relief of Chamberlain. Mariano Rivera followed with yet another scoreless inning, striking out two.

Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras each gave up one run in their innings. Veras surrendered an eighth-inning home run to Jeff Larish.

Offensively, the Yankees recorded 11 hits, including two from Melky Cabrera (one double). He also stole his second base of the spring. Juan Miranda hit a two-run home off Fernando Rodney to retake the lead in the seventh.

The Yankees will start Alfredo Aceves tomorrow afternoon in Port Charlotte against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Yankees win 9-2

CC Sabathia and the rehabbing Yankees (Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui and Mariano Rivera) all starred in the Yankees' 9-2 victory last night.

Sabathia started and pitched four solid innings. He struck out seven and allowed only one hit while walking one. This came after his awful start on March 11 against the Tigers in which he gave up five earned runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Rivera made his spring debut in the fifth inning. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out two.

Posada batted leadoff and went 1-for-3 with two RBI, a walk and a run scored. He was behind the plate and there was a successful stolen base attempt against him. Matsui went 2-for-2 with a home run, double and four RBI. Robinson Cano came into the game at DH and drove in a run on a double in his three-at-bat night.

Edwar Ramirez and Alfredo Aceves finished off the game. Aceves allowed a solo home run in his three innings of work. He allowed four hits and struck out two.

The Yankees will face the Astros in Kissimmee with Chien-Ming Wang on the mound.

Yankees sweep split squad Saturday

The Yankees, behind A.J. Burnett's four perfect innings, defeated the Astros 3-1 in one split squad game this afternoon in Tampa.

Burnett struck out three batters in his second start in Grapefruit League play. Dan Giese followed, giving up one run in two innings of play, striking out three. Edwar Ramirez, Brian Bruney and Jason Johnson then pitched one scoreless inning each.

Johnny Damon hit a solo home run in the first inning to give Burnett and the Yankees an early lead. Cody Ransom went 2-for-4 with his third double of the spring and a run scored.

In the other game, the Yankees defeated the Pirates 13-10. Austin Jackson went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. Jesus Montero hit a grand slam in the seventh inning.

Phil Hughes started for the Yankees. In three innings, he gave up two earned runs, two hits and three walks while striking out two. Ian Kennedy pitched three innings of his own, striking out five and allowing one run. Mark Melancon disappointing, giving up five earned runs in only 2/3 of an inning. He gave up six hits and two home runs.

Andy Pettitte will start for the Yankees against Minnesota in Tampa at 1:15 tomorrow.

Yankees sign remaining 0-3 players

0-3 players are players who have between zero to three years of service time. The Yankees have signed all 20 of these players, including Joba Chamberlain.

According to Bryan Hoch, Chamberlain will make $432,575 if he spends the entire season with the big club.

In addition to Chamberlain, the Yankees agreed to terms on 2009 contracts with the following players: Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Albaladejo, Francisco Cervelli, Anthony Claggett, Phil Coke, Wilkin De La Rosa, Christian Garcia, Brett Gardner, Dan Giese, Eric Hacker, Phil Hughes, Steven Jackson, Ian Kennedy, Edwar Ramirez, Cody Ransom, Dave Robertson, Humberto Sanchez and Jose Veras.

The team didn't have to "renew" any contracts, meaning this year the team and the players all came to terms on a contract,

Edwar update; traveling roster

According to Newsday's Roderick Boone, an MRI done on Edwar Ramirez revealed mild bursitis in his right shoulder.  As a result, he will be shut down until at least Friday because he was told to rest a minimum three days.

Meanwhile, click the above link for the traveling roster for tomorrow's game in Dunedin, Fla., against the Blue Jays.  I'm writing this from the student newspaper office on a Mac and the computer won't let me copy the text from the article.

The big names include Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano.  Brett Tomko is scheduled to start.

The injuries have begun

There are two injuries to report, according to the AP.

First, Derek Jeter has a sore right hamstring and should resume running tomorrow.

Also, Edwar Ramirez shut down his bullpen session today due to right shoulder tendinitis. He will be examined by a doctor tomorrow.

Veras, Ramirez drop out of WBC

According to Bryan Hoch, Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras have decided against participating in the World Baseball Classic.

"I don't think it's a good idea to go over there right now," Ramirez said. "I've got to stay here. I've got my mind-set here with the Yankees."

Ramirez and Veras are both Dominican nationals. Another Dominican, Damaso Marte is undecided on playing, mainly due to stiffness in his legs. Although he would like to play, he said he would need time to determine if he could actually pitch.

Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano and Francisco Cervelli are the only four Yankees on the active roster who are already committed.

WBC provisional rosters

The following Yankees have been named to their respective countries' provisional rosters:

Alfredo Aceves - Mexico
Melky Cabrera - Dominican Republic
Robinson Cano - Dominican Republic
Francisco Cervelli - Italy
Derek Jeter - United States of America
Kai Liu - China
Damaso Marte - Dominican Republic
Edwar Ramirez - Dominican Republic
Alex Rodriguez - Dominican Republic
Jahdiel Santamaria - Panama
Jorge Vazquez - Mexico
Jose Veras - Dominican Republic
Zhenwang Zhang - China

Ex-Yankees Bobby Abreu (Venezuela) and Ivan Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) were also named. Bernie Williams was given a spot on the Puerto Rican team, but he suffered a leg injury in Winter Ball at the end of December.

Here is the United States' provisional roster. I like the infield and catching spots, but the pitching and outfield definitely could have been better. If the U.S. medals, I'll be happy.

A-Rod's heating up

Alex Rodriguez, with his 3-for-4 and a home run performance, has three home runs and 11 RBI in his last five games. Figures he, along with the rest of the team, start heating up now. The Yankees have won five of their last seven games. Where was this when it mattered?

Carl Pavano couldn't get out of the fifth inning, but the Yankees' offense was able to carry them on this night. Edwar Ramirez was awarded the victory - his fifth of the season - and Phil Coke had another impressive outing (two perfect innings).

The Yankees, with Darrell Rasner on the mound, will look for the sweep tomorrow evening.

On a side note, Rodriguez's ninth-inning home run brought about instant replay for the first time in Major League Baseball history. The delay totaled a little over two minutes.

Yankees win another for Ponson

The Yankees are somehow 7-4 in Sidney Ponson's 11 starts as a Yankee. If only other starts got that kind of run support.

As you can tell by the 13-9 score, Ponson was terrible. He gave up seven runs (six earned) and nine hits in three innings. If Joe Girardi gives him another start, it would be clear that he's conceded the season.

Alex Rodriguez was the hitting star on the day, going 3-for-6 with four RBI and two runs scored. Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon also had three hits, while Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Ivan Rodriguez added two hits apiece.

Edwar Ramirez struggled again, walking three and giving up two earned runs. Phil Coke was one of the pitching positives on the day, as he struck out two in his first major-league inning.

The Yankees will travel to Tampa Bay for a three-game series that begins tomorrow night. Mike Mussina and Matt Garza will square off.

Ace Pavano improves to 2-0

That's right, Carl Pavano has won his second game in as many starts, as the Yankees were able to hold off the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1. It took him 72 pitches to get through six innings, giving up three hits and one earned run while walking one and striking out one. I'm sure he could've gone longer. With as little as he's pitched in his Yankees career, he owes the Yankees as much as possible.

Five relievers combined to pitch the final three innings, including five outs from Mariano Rivera for his 32nd save of the season.

A.J. Burnett defeated the Yankees by the same score earlier this month, as he struck out 13 batters in eight innings. This time, however, the Yankees were able to scratch across two runs in the fourth inning and hold off the Jays' offense.

The Red Sox won their game, so they maintain their six-game lead over New York in the wild-card standings. There are 28 games remaining.

Besides the Red Sox winning, another negative was Jose Veras' outing. On the heals of being charged with five earned runs against Boston on Wednesday, he allowed both of the batters he faced to reach base tonight. On the other hand, Edwar Ramirez redeemed himself with a big strikeout to help clear up Veras' mess.