Checking up on old friends

Periodically, I will check up on some of our old friends who have left New York for the 2009 season.

Jason Giambi (OAK) – 31-146 (.212/.346/.356), 5 HR (hit 400th career home run on May 23), 22 RBI, 6 2B, 25 R, 27 BB, 32 K

Bobby Abreu (LAA) – 47-152 (.309/.414/.408), HR (hit first of the season on May 26), 19 RBI, 8 2B, 2 3B, 20 R, 28 BB, 18 K

Wilson Betemit (CWS) – 9-42 (.214/.283/.333), 3 RBI, 5 2B, 2 R, 4 BB, 13 K

Ivan Rodriguez (HOU) – 35-135 (.259/.303/.452), 5 HR, 21 RBI, 7 2B, 2 3B, 15 R, 8 BB, 33 K

Carl Pavano (CLE) – 5-4, 5.50 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 55.2 IP, 66 H, 34 R, 34 ER, 6 HR, 13 BB, 46 K

Kyle Farnsworth (KC) – 1-3, 1 BSV, 3.71 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 17 IP, 15 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 17 K

AP Photo

Checking up on old friends

Periodically, I will check up on some of our old friends who have left New York for the 2009 season.

Jason Giambi (OAK) – 20-for-96 (.208/.345/.344), 3 HR, 13 RBI, 4 2B, 17 R, 16 BB, 22 K

Bobby Abreu (LAA) – 34-for-110 (.309/.389/.355), 0 HR, 12 RBI, 5 2B, 10 R, 15 BB, 17 K

Wilson Betemit (CWS) – 9-for-31 (.290/.333/.452), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 5 2B, 2 BB, 11 K

Ivan Rodriguez (HOU) – 27-for-99 (.273/.318/.495), 4 HR, 14 RBI, 6 2B, 2 3B, 6 BB, 22 K

Carl Pavano (CLE) – 2-3, 6.61 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 31.1 IP, 40 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 4 HR, 8 BB, 23 K

Kyle Farnsworth (KC) – 0-3, 1 BSV, 6.10 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 10.1 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 10 K

Checking up on old friends

Periodically, I will check up on some of our old friends who have left New York for the 2009 season.

Jason Giambi (OAK) – 9-for-30 (.300/.432/.367), 5 R, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 6 K

Really, a SLG lower than OBP?

Bobby Abreu (LAA) – 9-for-29 (.310/.344/.345), 1 R, 2B, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 SB

Wilson Betemit (CWS) – 1-for-5 (.200/.333/.400), 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 K

Ivan Rodriguez (HOU) – 5-for-23 (.217/.250/.391), 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 7 K

Carl Pavano (CLE) – 0-2, 16.71 ERA, 2.43 WHIP, 7 IP, 14 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 3 BB, 9 K (Thanks, V!)

Kyle Farnsworth (KC) – 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 4 K

Old friend Farnsworth strikes again

Did anyone see what happened in the White Sox/Royals game?

Protecting a 2-1 Kansas City lead in the bottom of the eighth, Kyle Farnsworth gave up a three-run shot to Jim Thome. The White Sox would go on to win 4-2 and Farnsworth was tagged with the loss.

The Royals signed Farnsworth to a two-year, $9.25 million deal this offseason.

Meanwhile, in other ex-Yankee action, Jason Giambi went 0-for-3 last night for Oakland and is currently 0-for-2 in tonight's game. Bobby Abreu went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts for the Angels and is currently 0-for-2 tonight.  Ironically, Giambi and Abreu are playing each other in the opening series.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

I almost wish Giese got bombed

Dan Giese pitched a great six innings, leaving with a 2-1 lead. After the Yankees tacked on another run, it looked like smooth sailing.

Not so fast.

Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez have turned into Kyle Farnsworth Pt. 2 in the seventh and eighth innings, snatching defeat from the hands of victory.

As I've said with Sidney Ponson in the past, starts like these from Giese will most likely be few and far between, so it's best to take advantage of the good starts if and when you get them. Apparently the Yankees didn't get the memo.

It's looking more and more like no playoffs for this squad.

Old friend Farnsworth implodes

Kyle Farnsworth made his second appearance as a Tiger this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays, and it wasn't a pretty one.

He entered the game with a 3-1 lead in the eighth. When he left, it was a 4-3 deficit. In his one inning of work, he gave up three hits (two home runs) and three earned runs. The two home runs were his 12th and 13th allowed this season.

Meanwhile, Ivan Rodriguez is 3-for-9 with a home run and an RBI in three games as a Yankee.

The Tigers would go on to lose the game, meaning the Yankees remain six games behind Tampa Bay in the loss column.

(AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

Roster changes

As a result of yesterday's acquisition of Ivan Rodriguez, the Yankees designated Chad Moeller for assignment. They also called up Chris Britton to replace Kyle Farnsworth's roster spot.

The Yankees also traded infielder Alberto Gonzalez to the Nationals for Double-A RHP Jhonny Nunez. What's with people spelling "Johnny" as "Jhonny"? Anyway, strange trade for the Yankees. Gonzalez seemed to be a better infield option than Wilson Betemit is.

By the way, Rodriguez will wear No. 12.

Breaking news: Yankees trade for Pudge Rodriguez

Jose Molina won't be the starting catcher much longer.

The Yankees have traded Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers for future hall of fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

In 82 games this season, Rodriguez has five home runs and 32 RBI. He is batting .295/.328/.417 in 302 at-bats. He has also walked 19 times while striking out 52 times.

Farnsworth seemed to turn his Yankee career around, becoming a rather reliable member of Joe Girardi's bullpen. He's given up a ton of home runs for a reliever (11) but he's also had stretches where he was dominant this season.

I find this trade rather strange. Unlike other Yankees fans, I never hated Farnsworth. I knew that if he could harness his stuff he could be valuable and I also felt the Yankees could get by with the tandem of Jose Molina and Chad Moeller. This takes one of the primary setup men out of the bullpen as well. That said, you can't pass up Rodriguez's defense and batting abilities.

The acquisition of Damaso Marte looks huge right now, and Brian Bruney is getting close to returning.

Rodriguez is a free agent after this season, so they won't have to worry about him interfering with Jorge Posada's eventual return.

Joba silences Red Sox bats

Seven innings, three hits, nine strikeouts, no walks. That was Joba Chamberlain's line against the Boston Red Sox in his first career start at Fenway Park. The Yankees defeated Boston 1-0 to win their seventh in a row. Chamberlain won his second game as a starter as well.

The Yankees recorded nine hits but left seven runners on base. Hopefully the acquisition of Xavier Nady can give the lineup a boost.

After Chamberlain needed 103 pitches to get through a career-high seven innings, Kyle Farnsworth came in and put two runners on base before being taken out. Mariano Rivera restored order, recording five outs for his 26th save of the season.

Robinson Cano went 1-for-4, extending his hitting streak to seven games but snapping his six-game multi-hit game streak.

Andy Pettitte and Tim Wakefield will start tomorrow afternoon at 4:00.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The hitting returns

After getting two-hit by Roy Halladay last night, the Yankees scored nine runs and pounded out 11 hits to beat Jesse Litsch and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Derek Jeter led off with his 200th career home run. However, the Blue Jays would score four runs in the bottom of the first against Darrell Rasner who has been struggling after his May success.

The Yankees would then score eight runs in the next three innings to give them a comfortable 9-4 victory. Included in that outburst was Alex Rodriguez's 537th career home run, passing Mickey Mantle.

Rasner won his first start since June 18, going five innings and allowing four earned runs. He struck out six and walked one, throwing 108 pitches. The bullpen threw four scoreless innings and allowed only one baserunner (a walk by Kyle Farnsworth).

Brett Gardner went 2-2 with three RBI, two runs scored and two walks. He has struggled since being called up, so hopefully this can get him going. Melky Cabrera, Rodriguez and Jeter also had two hits apiece.

Jason Giambi's struggles have seemingly gone unnoticed in the wake of his All-Star bid. He has one hit in his last 22 at-bats with no home runs and two RBI.

Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett will square off in tomorrow afternoon's rubber game.

After the game, many Yankees players reflected on Bobby Murcer's passing. Manager Joe Girardi cried during his postgame comments and many others very visibly shaken.

(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Aaron Harris)

Abreu walks off

Much-maligned Bobby Abreu hit a walk-off double that scored Derek Jeter in the 10th inning, as the Yankees won 2-1 and swept the Tampa Bay Rays in this brief two-game series.

As evidenced by the score, the Yankees offense struggled, only tallying seven hits. But they got a great start by Sir Sidney Ponson. He only allowed one run and five hits while striking out four and walking two in six innings. Starts like these from Ponson may be few and far between, so it's especially important that the Yankees take advantage.

Some negatives: Despite going 1-4, Melky Cabrera came up small in a big situation. With a runner on third with one out in the ninth, Cabrera struck out when all it took was a fly ball to win the game. The Yankees also left nine runners on base.

Jose Veras and Kyle Farnsworth pitched well once again, as each pitching one perfect inning. Mariano Rivera struck out four in two innings, as he picked up his fourth win of the season.

The Yankees will travel to Pittsburgh tomorrow to make up a rainout from June. They were winning 3-1 when the game was called, but since it was not an official game, the stats don't count.

Pettitte outduels Santana

Andy Pettitte turned in his fourth straight excellent start, battling the weather and Johan Santana en route to the Yankees' 3-2 victory over the Mets.

Pettitte gave up two runs (two home runs), five hits and three walks over six innings, but the offense made that stand up against Santana. The Mets right-hander struck out eight, walked four and gave up three earned runs over six innings. Last night, both teams scored 15 runs. Today, they only combined for 11 hits and five runs.

Pettitte came back after a rain delay in the middle of the sixth inning and allowed a leadoff home run to David Wright, before closing out the inning. He was then done after 88 pitches.

In his last four starts, he is 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in 27 innings. This was after allowing 10 earned runs to Kansas City on June 7.

After Pettitte left, Jose Veras, Kyle Farnsworth and Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless inning each. Veras was the only one to allow a hit (one) and none of them walked a batter. Rivera recorded his 22nd save of the season in the process.

Farnsworth is never a given - and he gave up a hard-hit line drive to left that was snared by Johnny Damon - but he pitched pretty well today. His pitch to strike out Carlos Beltran to end the eighth inning was quite possibly the best pitch he's thrown all season.

Robinson Cano went 2-for-4 with an RBI to raise his average to .244. Derek Jeter's 15-game hitting streak was snapped with his 0-4 afternoon. However, he scored one of the Yankees' three runs with a walk in the fourth inning.

Darrell Rasner takes the hill tomorrow afternoon as the Yankees look to sweep the Mets in their stadium. Oliver Perez will counter.

(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Farnsworth stitched up, mad at fans

Kyle Farnsworth and the battered Yankees' bullpen escaped a major injury, as the right-hander did not seriously injure his hand. He only needed three stitches to close up a cut.

However, according to the Star-Ledger's David Waldstein, Farnsworth was not enamored with the Yankees fans cheering Ken Griffey Jr.'s home run in the eighth inning.

I wasn't either.

Farnsworth is still booed when the Yankee Stadium scoreboard announces that he is warming up and later enters the game. He is still booed when he gives up a two-out single.

When he had to leave the game due to injury, I believe I heard a mixed reaction. The boos were probably because they don't like him, and the cheer were probably because he was leaving the game with what could have very well been a crushing injury.

With the bullpen the way it is, the Yankees can't afford to lose anyone. The Yankees got lucky here, and hopefully Farnsworth will cut down on his home runs allowed total.

I used to wonder why Farnsworth's home/away splits were so eye-popping. Now I'm beginning to realize why.

Pettitte helps Yanks avoid sweep

Since giving up 10 earned runs against Kansas City earlier this month (in 6 2/3 innings), Andy Pettitte has won his next three starts. In those 21 innings, he has allowed only one earned run.

The victory prevented a sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds and snapped the brief two-game losing streak.

Pettitte could have gone longer, but a rain delay cut his start short. He was relieved by Edwar Ramirez, who pitched a perfect inning. Kyle Farnsworth came in for the eighth and gave up a home run before leaving the game after trying to barehand a comebacker. It appeared as if he was cut on the hand.

Jason Giambi was the hitting star, going 3-3 with two RBI and a double. Jorge Posada and Bobby Abreu also had multi-hit games.

After an off-day tomorrow, the Yankees will begin a three-game series in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Yankees survive poor pitching

The Yankees were able to get to the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner en route to their sixth straight win.

Jake Peavy only lasted four innings and gave up four runs (three earned) while throwing 93 pitches. Meanwhile, Darrell Rasner struggled again but broke his personal four-game losing streak.

The Yankees right-hander walked five and gave up two runs in five innings. He was inefficient, throwing 96 pitches, but was able to even his season record at 4-4. The bullpen also left much to be desired, as Edwar Ramirez gave up two home runs and Kyle Farnsworth chipped in with a home run allowed. Mariano Rivera was able to restore order in the ninth inning to save the Yankees' 8-5 victory.

Alex Rodriguez continued to hit the ball hard, going 3-4 with a home run and two RBI. He has now homered in four straight games. In his last 111 at-bats, Rodriguez has 41 hits (.369) with 10 home runs and 30 RBI. For some perspective, Rodriguez has 14 home runs and 40 RBI on the season.

Johnny Damon had yet another three-hit game and Wilson Betemit somehow had three hits (two doubles). All of the Yankees' starters had at least one hit except for Jason Giambi. With the way he's been going lately, he can have a pass.

All of a sudden the Yankees are 39-33. Joba Chamberlain will go up against Josh Banks tomorrow afternoon, as the Yankees look for the sweep.

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Moose wins 10, Yankees get to three over

Mike Mussina got off to an inauspicious start, to borrow a line from Michael Kay. After the first inning, he was trailing 3-0. This could have been worse if the Astros didn't record another out on the basepaths in the inning.

However, he was able to limit the damage to only that and eventually turned in the definition of a quality start (three runs in six innings). He also struck out four batters.

He is now 10-4 on the season, one year removed from winning 11 games and not recording his 10th win until Sept. 18.

Simply remarkable.

The Yankees have now won three straight and eight of their last 11 to reach their high point of the season thus far (three games above .500 at 36-33).

Other positives: Melky Cabrera, who had one hit in his last 21 at-bats, went 2-2 with three walks and two RBI tonight. Robinson Cano had a pinch-hit RBI single to give the Yankees an insurance run. Kyle Farnsworth pitched a scoreless inning. By the way, he has a 3.11 ERA on the road, compared to a 5.14 ERA at home. Just some food for thought.

Chien-Ming Wang and Roy Oswalt will square off in a Father's Day matinee as the Yankees look for a sweep.

(AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Yankees survive without Mariano

Mariano Rivera, who has pitched in five of the last six days, was unavailable for tonight's game. As a result, that means the save is not a guarantee.

Jose Veras, entering in a tie game, pitched a dominant two innings, striking out three and facing the minimum six batters.

Kyle Farnsworth ran out to pitch the ninth and the Yankees lived to tell about it. Despite hitting the first batter he faced, he recorded a strike out and another batter was retired on a caught stealing.

Veras got his first win of the season and Farnsworth saved his first game of the season.

Joba Chamberlain made his third start of the year. He went six innings and threw 88 pitches, meaning that he should be free to pitch without a limit. He gave up one earned runs and six hits, while walking four (two intentional). In 12 2/3 innings as a starter, Chamberlain has given up four earned runs and 12 hits. He has also struck out 10 and walked nine (two intentional).

The Yankees are now two games over .500 (!) and will have Mike Mussina on the mound to try to enter uncharted territory for this season (three games above .500).

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Veras again in the eighth

Injured biceps are not, it's extremely encouraging to see Jose Veras in a tight game in the eighth inning.

I'm not the biggest fan of Veras, but he's certainly better than Kyle Farnsworth.

Last night, Joe Girardi took out Chien-Ming Wang with one out in the eighth leading 2-1, despite throwing 83 pitches and having no men on base.

After recording the second out of the inning, Veras walked two batters before recording the third out. As Michael Kay would say, he worked into and out of trouble.

Mariano Rivera worked the ninth for his fourth straight game and the rest is history.

However, I wake up to this message from Peter Abraham this morning:

Girardi claimed that he was saving Kyle Farnsworth in case he needed him for the ninth inning, which is why he went to Jose Veras in the eighth inning. Then he talked to Mariano Rivera and found out he was OK for the ninth. Why wouldn’t you talk to your closer earlier in the game? He just decided not to use Farnsworth, which is fine.

So you're telling me that Farnsworth would have closed the game if Rivera wasn't ready? That's even worse than him working the eighth inning. I honestly don't understand what Girardi sees in Farnsworth.

I hope tonight is a blow out, because there is no way Rivera works this game and Farnsworth will most likely be on call for the ninth inning.

Kyle Farnsworth's biceps

It was a pleasant surprise to see Jose Veras pitch the eighth inning with a three-run lead this afternoon.

However, it was because Kyle Farnsworth was feeling discomfort in his biceps, not because of his recent ineffectiveness.

From Lisa Kennelly:

"His biceps was a little cranky, his muscle," Girardi said. "Sometimes that's just a little fatigue."

Farnsworth pitched on back-to-back days last week, then warmed up but did not pitch on Friday. He said he was available to pitch yesterday but Girardi held him out "just to make sure he's fine."

Just when I thought Joe Girardi might have been turning a corner...

Giambi does his best to ruin Farnsworth's plans

Kyle Farnsworth tried to put the game out of reach, but pinch-hitting expert Jason Giambi would have none of it.

This is a huge, huge victory. The Yankees won the series against Toronto and are back to .500 once again.

At one point they were trailing 7-2, but the gritty, gutty Yankees (rolls eyes) were able to mount their biggest comeback of the season.

Chien-Ming Wang struggled again - and that's a major concern - but for now, celebrate this victory. They needed a win like this badly.