Gardner to DL with broken thumb

The news broke earlier this morning that Brett Gardner broke his left thumb during his takeout slide at second base yesterday afternoon.  He was put on the 15-day disabled list, with Jonathan Albaladejo taking his spot on the roster.

Peter Abraham says that have the extra pitcher up is temporary and they’ll add a position player in the next couple of days.  He suggests Austin Jackson, Shelley Duncan or John Rodriguez.

Gardner will be in a cast for two weeks.

I think if the Yankees call up Jackson, they feel that Gardner’s injury is more serious.

Aceves saves Joba and Ransom

Joba Chamberlain and Cody Ransom did their best to turn a 4-0 lead into an 8-4 deficit.  Ransom’s fielding error in the third inning opened the floodgates, as Chamberlain gave up five unearned runs and was out of the game after only retiring 11 batters.

However, Jonathan Albaladejo and Alfredo Aceves saved the Yankees on the pitching side, while Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui provided the offense.  Jeter hit the go-ahead home run in the fifth inning after Matsui drew the Yankees closer with a three-run shot in the fourth inning.  Posada added four hits and three RBI.

But the real story was Aceves, who pitched four innings of one-hit ball for his first career save.

The Yankees are now 15 games over .500 at 48-33, their highest amount of games above .500 this season.  They have also won 10 of their 11 games.  Andy Pettitte will look to lead the Yankees to a sweep over the Blue Jays tomorrow afternoon at 1:05.

Albaladejo optioned, Bruney has MRI

To make room for Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees optioned Jonathan Albaladejo to Triple-A, according to Bryan Hoch.  Albaladejo pitched 2 1/3 innings and threw 35 pitches last night, so he most likely wouldn’t be available tonight anyway.

However, the Yankees received bad news today, as Brian Bruney will not be available tonight.  He had an MRI on his arm that came back negative.

Yankees keep on rolling despite Joba’s injury

The Yankees won their ninth in a row tonight, despite watching their starting pitching leave in the first inning with an injury.

Joba Chamberlain was struck on the knee by a comebacker and left with two outs in the first inning.  The bullpen then had to pitch 8 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (all charged to Jonathan Albaladejo), 10 hits and only one walk.

Last night, the Yankees hit three straight home runs in the second inning.  Tonight, they hit three straight doubles to lead off the game (Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira).  They would hit a fourth later in the inning to give the team an early 4-0 lead.

Cano drove in two more runs in the second inning with his second home run in as many days.  He also went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI for the second straight night.  Hideki Matsui added a solo home run in the fifth to complete the Yankees scoring.

Alfredo Aceves came out of the bullpen immediately after Chamberlain’s injury and pitched 3 1/3 innings to record his third victory of the season.  Albaladejo struggled over his 2 1/3 innings, allowing five hits (including two home runs).  Jose Veras and Mariano Rivera pitched scoreless outings to close out the game.  Rivera earned his ninth save of the season.

The Yankees are now 24-17 and have won four series in a row.  They begin an interleague matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow night at Yankee Stadium.  This is the final series of this 10-game homestand.  Brett Myers will face A.J. Burnett.

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Another day, another walk-off

Today was Johnny Damon’s turn.  He hit a walk-off home run to right field in the 10th inning.  This was the Yankees’ third straight win in such fashion and fifth straight overall, as they improve to 20-17.

Alex Rodriguez also added a solo home run to first get the Yankees on the board after falling behind 2-0.

A.J. Burnett struck out seven and walked six in 6 2/3 innings in the no decision.  Jonathan Albaladejo got out of a jam Burnett created, and Brett Tomko got out of a jam Albaladejo created.

And how about that play by Joe Mauer?  That was unbelievable.  With Brett Gardner at second with one out in the ninth inning, Francisco Cervelli hit a ball off the pitcher that Mauer fielder in front of the plate.  He then pump-faked a throw to first and tagged out the running Gardner at home.

But the day belonged to Damon and the Yankees.  Melky Cabrera won the game Friday night and Rodriguez won it yesterday.  If this doesn’t set the Yankees off, nothing will.

Andy Pettitte goes for the four-game sweep tomorrow night.

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 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 to carry no long reliever

Bryan Hoch is reporting that Jonathan Albaladejo has made the team, meaning that the Yankees will have no dedicated long reliever to begin the season.

Pitchers Alfredo Aceves, Dan Giese and Brett Tomko, and catcher Kevin Cash were all sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

I liked what Tomko showed during spring training. His meaningless stats: 15.1 IP, 12 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 12 K. Small sample size, yes, but he would've been a nice addition to the team coming out of camp.

That said, Albaladejo pitched well also, giving up one earned run in 9 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking one. I've been intrigued by Albaladejo. We didn't see much of him last year but he could be another nice addition to the team if he stays healthy.

The first of the last two games in Florida is this afternoon. The Yankees are playing in New York on Friday.

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 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,

Yankees sign remainder of 40-man players

Joel Sherman has the news that the Yankees have signed the remainder of the players on their 40-man roster, including Jonathan Albaladejo and Ian Kennedy.

The Yankees completed the signing of their 40-man roster players by coming to terms with Jonathan Albaladejo ($220,000 in the minors/$403,075 in the majors); Francisco Cervelli ($65,000/$400,700); Wilkin De La Rosa ($23,500/$400,000); Michael Dunn ($32,500/$400,000); Christian Garcia ($32,500/$400,000); Eric Hacker ($32,500/$400,000); Steven Jackson ($32,500/$400,000); Ian Kennedy ($123,435/$408,925), Cody Ransom ($66,394/$455,100) and David Robertson ($102,812/ $406,825).

Albaladejo leaves game with leg injury

Bryan Hoch is reporting that Jonathan Albaladejo left today's game in the third inning after being struck in the left calf on a ball hit by Jeff Keppinger.

Albaladejo missed most of last season with a stress fracture in his elbow.

Yankees win 5-1

The Yankees are 2-0 and have outscored their opponents 11-2. Too bad it's only February.

Phil Hughes started today, and pitched two shutout innings, despite hitting two batters. He threw 33 pitches for 22 strikes and struck out one batter. Hughes was consistently reaching 92 mph with his fastballs. The two hit batters are a concern, but he was able to work out of trouble in the first inning.

Phil Coke also pitched two shutout innings, so did Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Mark Melancon and Jonathan Albaladejo. J.B. Cox gave up one run on three hits in his one inning of work.

At the plate, the Yankees hit two home runs, including a solo home run by Jorge Posada in the third inning. He also drove in a run on a ground-rule double to center in the fifth. Shelley Duncan followed with a three-run home run of his own in the seventh.

Mark Teixeira also hit a single in his first game as a Yankee.

The Yankees travel to Fort Myers tomorrow to face the Twins at 1:05 p.m. Ian Kennedy will go for the Yankees.

Girardi's Farnsworth obsession

I just read Tyler Kepner's notebook and came across this alarming quote from Joe Girardi regarding Kyle Farnsworth. Here goes:

"It seems to me that Kyle's history gets brought up during the course of this year, where I feel he's had a ton of good outings," Girardi said. "He gave up a run yesterday in a tough situation, but that's not going to keep me from using him in a tough situation, because for this team to be successful, Kyle has to pitch in those types of situations and be successful."

The success of this team depends on Farnsworth's use in high-leverage situations? He will continue to be used in said situations? Uh oh! No wonder they are 28-30 (22-30 against teams not from the Pacific Northwest). Is this just a case of Girardi expressing loyalty to a former teammate?

Who knew we'd miss Jonathan Albaladejo and Brian Bruney this much?

Glad I wasn't home

You all know by now that the Yankees lost 6-5. They are now 0-4 against the Detroit Tigers this season.

Kei Igawa was terrible, as expected - three innings, 11 hits, six earned runs. He is still scheduled to start next Wednesday, but hopefully something will change between tonight and Tuesday evening. It's amazing what $5 million can buy you in 2008.

Jonathan Albaladejo will be added to the disabled list with an elbow injury. He pitched 2 1-3 scoreless innings before injuring himself. Chris Britton, who was sent down for Igawa, will be brought right back up. The same situation occurred when Alex Rodriguez was placed on the disabled list.

By the way, since bursting onto the scene last season, Shelley Duncan has done absolutely nothing. He is 5-26 with one RBI this season, yet he continues to hit high in the lineup when he does get playing time. It's nice that he's energetic and it's nice that he slams forearms with his teammates, but he's showing nothing at the plate.

The Yankees once against fall one game under .500 on the season at 18-19.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Back from Maine

I just got back from Maine, and boy are my legs tired.

The Yankees have lost two games (three-straight overall) and some moves have been made. I was unable to watch the games, so I don't have the right to comment. Here are the moves that have gone down:

Before today's game, Shelley Duncan was called up, as lefty reliever Billy Traber was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Lefties had been hitting .375 against Traber, so he isn't serving much of a purpose if he can't get lefties out. Loyal readers of the blog already know my stance on lefty relievers, so it's not a big deal if the bullpen doesn't have a lefty reliever for the sake of having a lefty reliever.

Before last night's game, it was learned that Brian Bruney has a torn ligament in his foot and will be out for the season. Chad Moeller was also designated for assignment. This resulted in Chris Britton and Jonathan Albaladejo being called up to give the bullpen some extra arms.

Apparently Joba Chamberlain tweaked his hamstring the other day and is receiving treatment. The Yankees are being quiet about the injury, so I'll pass along any information I can get when it becomes available.

After losing three-straight, the Yankees are one game below .500. As evidenced by the record, the team has been very up and down so far. The Yankees have been on two three-game winning streaks and have followed both with a three-game losing streak. Hopefully Chien-Ming Wang can be the stopper tomorrow afternoon. If they can pull out a victory tomorrow, they'll have a chance to split the series Monday night.

Edwar up, Albaladejo most likely down

Edwar Ramirez is with the team in Baltimore this afternoon, leading many to believe that Jonathan Albaladejo will be optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Albaladejo threw 48 pitches in last night's 7-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox, so the Yankees want a fresh arm in the bullpen with Phil Hughes going tonight.

Albaladejo was called up when Joba Chamberlain went on the bereavement list. In 5 2-3 innings pitched this season, he has given up two earned runs and has struck out seven batters. The two runs were scored last night in his three-inning outing.

Ramirez struggled last season with the big club. He had 14 walks in 21 innings, but also struck out 31 batters. He also gave up six home runs, leading to an ERA of 8.14. His changeup is a terrific pitch, but his fastball is mediocre.

In Scranton, Ramirez has struck out 11 and walked only one in seven innings. He has also allowed two hits and no runs.

They should combine Hughes and Mussina

If you combine Phil Hughes and Mike Mussina, maybe then you'd get one pitcher that could pitch more than five innings.

Mussina against the Red Sox tonight: 3 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 Manny Ramirez home runs.

Why do they keep letting Ramirez beat them? Why is Mussina so stubborn?

Jonathan Albaladejo is in to start the fourth with the Yankees down 5-0.