Scott Proctor's back

I never thought I'd be writing that Scott Proctor was back in pinstripes after the Yankees traded him to the Dodgers at the 2007 deadline. But life is unpredictable, and here we are.

Obviously the biggest news here is that Jesus Montero will finally be joining the big club, but Proctor's return is more poignant for me. This blog served as an outlet for me to get my long-form baseball and Yankees opinions out there, to hone my writing skills, and to pretend to be a baseball reporter.

The jokes about his arm falling off are as tired as me complaining about Jorge Posada, but for a time way back in 2007, those jokes inspired me to name this blog. Thank you, Joe Torre, for riding Proctor's arm for a ridiculous 102.1 innings way back in 2006. Wow, 2006. The year I graduated high school; the year I began college. I can't believe that was five years ago.

Proctor has always seemed like a good dude and hopefully he can take advantage of the opportunities he gets to finish out this season. It'd be foolish to expect him to get high-leverage innings out of the bullpen in a race to win the division, but the fact he's back here at all is rather astonishing. Stranger things have happened, I suppose.

My interests and goals have changed, but I'll always look back fondly on the time I had keeping up this blog and I hope you enjoyed reading it.

Maybe Scott Proctor will get a ring after all.

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.

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.

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.

Mitre to make his next turn

Joe Girardi said after last night's game that Sergio Mitre will make his next turn in the rotation.

"He threw the ball well," Girardi said. "His miscue cost him a really good outing, in a sense. You're looking at just a couple of solo home runs and that's basically it."

Right.

It's nitpicking complaining about the fifth starter on a first-place team, but Mitre is a below average fifth starter at this point. While the Yankees are 3-2 in his starts, he hasn't pitched more than 5 2/3 innings. Last night, Alfredo Aceves, one of Girardi's most trusted relievers, had to pitch four innings. Whatever the reasoning, Aceves is out until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.

In his latest column on FoxSports.com, Ken Rosenthal notes that recently-signed pitcher Russ Ortiz could be the next option for the Yankees should they decide to remove Mitre. Apparently, Ortiz can ask for his release after three starts. Last Thursday, in his first and only start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he threw six shutout innings. While Ortiz instills as much confidence in me as Mitre does, he's another arm to throw against the wall.

It's really just about eating innings at this point and praying the important starters don't get hurt. Watching Mitre throw games away - literally - is frustrating as hell. But if you continue to get good starts from the other four starters, you'll be in good shape.

Sweep success

One of my friends had an extra ticket to last night's game, so I was able to take in all the action in the expensive field level seats down the left field line. The area had waiter service and padded seats, but I digress.

The game was absolutely incredible and the atmosphere was great. It really felt like we were watching old playoff games in the old Stadium. As critical as I have been of the crowds and the Stadium itself, the fans really came out this series.

When Victor Martinez hit his two-run home run in the eighth, despite cursing Joe Girardi and Phil Coke, I never had the feeling that the game was actually over. This year, the way the Yankees have won games, they have given us reason to believe. I haven't felt this great about a Yankees team since the dynasty years.

By no means am I saying "Get the ticker tape ready," but the confidence I have in this team getting to that point is great. For someone as pessimistic as I usually am, this is a stunning development.

Wang likely head to DL, won’t be replaced by Aceves or Hughes

Chien-Ming Wang is most likely headed to the disabled list with a strained right shoulder with bursitis.

According to this report, Joe Girardi has already ruled out using Alfredo Aceves and Phil Hughes as spot starters.

The name being thrown around is Sergio Mitre, who is currently pitching for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  In 30 1/3 innings, he has struck out 23 and walked only three, compiling a 3.26 ERA.

Pettitte, with help from long ball, leads Yankees to victory over M's

(Originally posted for Baseball Digest)

The first two times the Yankees took the lead Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, Andy Pettitte gave it right back.  Once the Yankees took the lead for the third time, Pettitte was able to hold it, and the Yankees were on their way to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners to extend their winning streak to seven.

Pettitte pitched seven innings, allowing two earned runs or six hits while striking out five.

The Yankees took the lead in the third inning on Johnny Damon's 15th home run of the season, a solo shot to right field.  He has now homered 11 times at new Yankee Stadium.

The lead was short-lived, as Pettitte gave it right back in the top of the fourth.  Jose Lopez led off with a double and advanced to third on a fly out.  After a walk put runners on first and third with one out, Wladimir Balentien hit a grounder to first that Mark Teixeira bobbled.  Though he was able to get the out at second, the bobble cost the Yankees a shot at the double play.  As a result, the tying run scored.

It stayed a 1-1 game until the bottom of the fifth when Melky Cabrera snuck a ball just fair for another solo home run.  In fact, the play was so close that the umpires had to review it.  Ultimately, the call was upheld and the Yankees had a 2-1 lead.

But just like the last time they took the lead, Pettitte gave it right back in the next half-inning.  Ken Griffey Jr. hit a solo home run to right to tie the game at 2.

The Yankees didn't wait long to retake the lead.  Teixeira led off the bottom of the sixth with a single.  He was then followed by Alex Rodriguez, who hit a long two-run home run to center, his second in as many days, to give the Yankees a 4-2 lead.  The bullpen pitched two perfect innings after Pettitte left in the seventh, including Mariano Rivera's 20th save of the season.

The Yankees haven't trailed since Joe Girardi was ejected in the sixth inning Atlanta last Wednesday.  They are now 13 games over .500, which is their highest mark this season.

CC Sabathia takes the mound tomorrow night as the Yankees look for a sweep.

Dear Brian Bruney

Dear Brian Bruney,

Shut up.  Just shut up.

To refresh everyone’s memory, this is what Bruney said about Francisco Rodriguez after pitching in Trenton:

“Couldn’t have happened to a better guy on the mound, either. He’s got a tired act,” Bruney said. “He gets what he deserves, man. I just don’t like watching the guy pitch. I think it’s embarrassing.”

How about you actually help your team before you start putting your foot in your mouth?  The man they call K-Rod, obviously, is none too pleased.  I don’t really care how he feels, but the Yankees are in no position to be talking at all.

Oh, and manager Joe Girardi, the one who is supposed to be setting an example, called out Brad Penny for hitting Alex Rodriguez.

Now we know where the players get it from.  Word of advice: open your mouths after you beat Boston for once and legitimately beat the Mets.

I’m all for a team having a certain swagger and an attitude, but there is a time and a place.  Right now, this team is playing horrible baseball.  They have no right to say anything.

This one’s on Girardi (with a side of Posada)

Update – 4:35 p.m.: Apparently Girardi said Gardner not running has been addressed, meaning Gardner did something wrong (h/t RAB’s Twitter page).

Why didn’t Joe Girardi have Brett Gardner steal with the extremely slow Jorge Posada up at bat?

Why couldn’t Posada hit a fly ball?

Why was Chien-Ming Wang taken out?  Why were Phil Coke and David Robertson brought in?

Eric Wedge looked like a fool for taking out the surging Carl Pavano when he did.  But by the end of the ninth inning, Girardi made Wedge look like a genius.

By the way, I’ve seen just about enough of Coke.  Walking someone batting .184 in the ninth inning is just inexcusable.

Bad, frustrating loss, folks.

Bruney to see Dr. Andrews

The news just gets worse for Brian Bruney.  The relief pitcher is scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday, Tyler Kepner reports.

Bruney may have rushed himself back, and Joe Girardi is none too pleased.

“I just think he wasn’t totally forthright in how he was feeling,” Girardi said. “We’ve had many talks with him over the last couple of weeks about how you have to tell us exactly what’s going on. It could be that by rushing himself back, he’s never given himself the amount of time he’s needed.”

The Yankees called up David Robertson after this afternoon’s game and he will be up with the team in time for tonight’s game.

Kepner mentions Huston Street as a potential trade target.  Street is 7-for-7 in save opportunities for the last-place Colorado Rockies, allowing seven earned runs in 18 1/3 innings.

I’m not sure it’s time to start looking outside of the organization for help.  However, that day will probably end up coming sooner or later.

Wang will pitch again in AAA

Joe Girardi told the media that Chien-Ming Wang will start tomorrow night for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

According to Erik Boland, the Yankees feel his stuff isn’t ready for the majors just yet.

Phil Hughes will start in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.

Meanwhile, Johnny Damon is not in tonight’s lineup after running into the wall last night.

Wang to pitch for Scranton

Chien-Ming Wang is set to throw 100 pitches for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, according to Peter Abraham.

Abraham speculates that Wang could rejoin the team if he pitches well, as Joe Girardi said he is close.

On Thursday, Wang threw 72 pitches in Tampa, prompting Billy Connors to say to say he’s healthy.

Phil Hughes’ recent struggles will make the decision on the fifth starter spot a whole lot easier if Wang has a good outing for Scranton.

Rivera falters in tie game

Mariano Rivera gave up back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning of what was a tie game.  The Yankees lost 8-6 and are now embroiled in a five-game losing streak for the first time under Joe Girardi.  The Yankees were on a four-game winning streak leading up to this rough patch.

Eight home runs were hit tonight between the two clubs, including Johnny Damon’s game-tying home run in the eighth inning.  Unfortunately, the Yankees continue to struggle with runners in scoring position.

Oh yeah, Jose Molina injured his quad the day before Alex Rodriguez is set to return.  Really, is there anything else that can go wrong?

What a joke

This game doesn’t even warrant an FML.

What was Joe Girardi thinking putting Mariano Rivera into the game with an 0-1 count?  This over-managing of the bullpen is getting really old really fast.  It was a totally unnecessary move.

This team deserved to lose the game after Robinson Cano grounded into a double play with the bases loaded and no outs.

Same story, different year.

Wang headed to Tampa to pitch in extended spring training

Kat O’Brien is reporting that Chien-Ming Wang will pitch in Tampa in an extended spring training game on Thursday.

Wang isn’t hurt, so he can’t go on the disabled list, and he is out of options.  He will remain on the active roster and will throw 100 pitches, according to O’Brien.

This way, Joe Girardi explained, Wang can attempt to figure out what's wrong pitching in game conditions as opposed to more bullpen sessions. Part of the problem has been that Wang has looked good in the bullpen between starts and before games, but has struggled in games.

The Yankees will next need a fifth starter on Tuesday.  Girardi doesn’t know who is scheduled to start that game.

This is probably the best option they could’ve come up with considering the circumstances.  Hopefully he can figure out the problems and find a way to fix them.

Wang can be skipped, not demoted

Yes, we all know Chien-Ming Wang has been terrible.  Six innings in three starts is literally impossible.  Well, it was.  His ERA rose from 28.93 to 34.50.

But what can we do to solve this situation?

According to Tyler Kepner, the Yankees can’t option him and they can’t put him on the disabled list.

Wang is out of minor-league options, and according to Girardi, there is no way he could be sent to the minors without allowing other teams the chance to claim him. There is no scenario under which Wang could agree to an assignment and bypass the waiver system. If the Yankees try to send him down, they would lose him. It’s that simple.

Girardi is also on record as saying Wang is not injured, so the disabled list is not an option, either. The most logical route is to skip Wang on Friday and let him pitch on April 28 at Detroit. That gives him nine days off to work on mechanics and re-build his confidence.

Kevin Devaney Jr. explains more about the waiver rule:

A team cannot send a player to the minors unless they have options or the player agrees and has at least five years of service. Wang has no options and hasn’t been in the majors long enough.

So what can the Yankees do?  In Kepner’s entry, he explains that because of this Thursday’s off-day, the Yankees can skip his turn in Boston.  Joe Girardi said “there’s some room to play with some things.”

Nothing has been made final, but something has to be done.  The Yankees can’t keep throwing him out there like this.

Miranda called up; Matsui’s knee problems strike again

According to Bryan Hoch, 1B Juan Miranda was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  To make room for him, RHP David Robertson was optioned to Scranton.  Hoch said that the Yankees felt they needed a bench player due to Mark Teixeira’s wrist injury and Hideki Matsui’s left knee injury.

Matsui has fluid on his knee and is not in today’s starting lineup.  Joe Girardi feels that he “maybe has taken a little step back.”  Matsui was on base four times yesterday and then this comes up.

Miranda, who will be 26 next Saturday, is batting .361/.425/.667 in 36 at-bats for Scranton.  He has three home runs, 13 RBI and four walks.

This one is on Girardi

Can someone explain to me why Joe Girardi took out Damaso Marte after recording two outs on 11 pitches in the eighth inning?

Exactly.

It didn’t make sense at the time and it still doesn’t, after The Mexecutioner struck out the side to record the save and prevent a sweep.

Girardi used three pitchers in the eighth to record three outs.  If you want to remove Marte, put in Mariano Rivera.  He didn’t pitch yesterday.

Billy Butler, a righty, came into to pinch hit for Mike Jacobs, a lefty, when Jose Veras was brought into to pitch.  Butler only has one hit this season thus far.

Following Butler was Brayan Pena.  Pena's splits against lefties and righties aren’t all that different.  Yes, Pena hits slightly worse against righties (.222 vs. .234), but that difference is negligible and the sample sizes on both sides are awfully small.  And it doesn’t mean anything when your right-hander, Veras, is wild as can be. 

And I forgot to mention this originally: in 2008, righties hit only .196 against Marte, as compared to the .247 lefties hit against him!

And please, don’t even bring up the "Joba to the pen” argument.  He was decent today and will only get better.  The ‘pen would’ve held this lead if Girardi didn’t turn into Tony LaRussa before our eyes.

I’ll leave it at this: there was no reason to make all of these moves.  Marte wasn’t struggling and it wasn’t a tight game at the end of the year.  Marte started the inning; let him finish it.

I’m too angry to write a full recap.

(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

Jeter to bat leadoff when season begins

Derek Jeter has been batting leadoff since March 26.

Bryan Hoch reports that Jeter will continue to bat leadoff once the season begins, according to manager Joe Girardi.

So there you have it. At least Jeter will have one less opportunity to ground into a double play each game.