Yankees Throw Away Winning Streak in 9th

photo courtesy of NY Post

The Yankees had everything going their way last night against the Chicago White Sox. They had built 3-1 lead behind a strong 7+ inning start from Ivan Nova, a Mark Teixeira solo home run, and a pair of hard hit doubles by Alex Rodriguez.

But what the Yankees didn't have was Rafael Soriano to pitch the 9th inning and that's when the Yankees met their Waterloo. Rather than start the inning with David Robertson, Joe Girardi stayed with Cody Eppley, who had entered the game in the 8th inning. When Eppley allowed a lead off single to Alex Rios, Girardi opted for lefty Clay Rapada to face left-handed hitting A.J. Pierzynski.

Rapara got just what he needed, a groundball right at him. But instead of starting a 1-6-3 double play, Rapada threw well wide of Derek Jeter, who was covering second base on the play, and the ball sailed into centerfield. Instead of two out and none on, the White Sox had runners on the corners with no one out.

Girardi then went to Robertson, who promptly served up a gopher ball to Dayan Viciedo and the Yankees trailed 4-3 just like that. Dewayne Wise reached on a lead off single to start the bottom of the 9th against White Sox closer Addison Reed, but Eric Chavez and Andruw Jones both made outs without advancing the runners.

Derek Jeter gave the fans a momentary reason to roar when he ripped a line drive to deep right field, but Rios playing deep in a no doubles defense, snared the ball in front of the wall. Game over. 5 game winning streak over.

Robertson said after the game that he prefers to start the inning, but admitted he's come in these situations before and he didn't get the job done. It was a toss up for who felt worse, Robertson or Rapada, whose face sank when Jeter made the last out.

AL '09 Rookie Preview - AL Central

We continue our preview of the AL's top rookies with a look at the AL Central's up and comers.

White Sox

Chicago surprised just about everyone, but themselves, with their first place finish in the AL Central last season. The core of the team is in tact, but there is a hole at third base after the departure of Joe Crede. It's an opening that could be filled by a soon-to-be 20-yr old.

Dayan Viciedo defected from Cuba last May and was signed by the White Sox in December. He proved to be one of the shining stars in the Cuban baseball leagues after hitting .337 as a 16-yr old. Just 6'1", Viciedo had ballooned to 262 pounds last fall after his defection, but shed 15 pounds over the summer. The White Sox would like him to lose another 15 pounds prior to the start of the season.

Viciedo is a strong hitter, who showed in winter ball that he can handle breaking pitches. Defense is a question mark though and could lead to Viciedo eventually supplanting Paul Konerko at first base. For now, Viciedo will have competition at the hot corner with Josh Fields.

The back end of the rotation is up for grabs with prospects Lance Broadway, Clayton Richard, (former Yankee farm hand) Jeffrey Marquez, and Aaron Poreda in the mix.

Indians

Catcher Carlos Santana and outfielder Matt LaPorta should see plenty of playing time in 2010, but aren't expected to have much of an impact in the coming season. That leaves the bullpen as the only spot where a rookie will get a shot. One time top starting prospect Adam Miller could be that guy.

Tigers

Detroit is heavily laden with veterans, with no rookies on the immediate horizon. 2007 first round pick Rick Porcello should be in the 2010 rotation if all goes as planned. It's doubtful the Tigers would rush him to the majors this season, but you never know.

Twins

The Twins have young players sprinkled throughout their lineup and starting rotation. The organization's top ranked prospect, Aaron Hicks, is just 18 years old, so he won't have an impact any time soon. If Joe Crede's back acts up, Danny Valencia could see some time at third base, but he's likely to spend the year at Triple-A.

Royals

No team uses more young players than KC (the 'C' may very well stand for cheap). Stud prospects Alex Gordon and Billy Butler currently man the corners. Mike Moustakas could join them at shortstop next season or this year if Mike Aviles doesn't pan out (or plays well and KC trades him before he can earn money).






Ranking the AL Central ROY Prospects

1. Dayan Viciedo
2. Matt LaPorta
3. Mike Moustakas
4. Rick Porcello

Friday Hot Stove

We need to crank up the heat on the stove a little. It's not December yet, and we're already freezing our butts off. One guy who better get used to colder weather is Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 19-yr old, rated as the top teen talent in Cuba, has signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox for a reported $11 million over four years.

Viciedo could have company in the US soon...players (pitcher) Yadel Marti and (outfielder) Yasser Gomez have been kicked off the Havana Industriales, the top team in Cuba, for what has been described as committing a "grave act".

Here's the latest from SI's Jon Heyman:

Trying to avoid a big free agent deal for K-Rod and apparently not enthused by Brian Fuentes, the Mets are exploring a deal for a closer. Bobby Jenks, J.J. Putz, and Huston Street have been mentioned. But most teams are looking at the Mets top prospects, including Fernando Martinez, whom the Mets refused to deal for Johan Santana.

The Yankees are looking into signing Derek Lowe, but are getting big competition from Lowe's former employers in Boston.

The Red Sox and Tigers have discussed a Julio Lugo for Dontrelle Willis deal.

Predictions are that the Angels will make a BIG offer to keep Mark Teixeira- somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 years and $160 million.

The Royals are looking to deal oft-troubled right fielder Jose Guillen.

The Indians are showing interest in free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Both Asdrubel Cabrera and Josh Barfield flopped there last year. Other sources indicate the Giants have high interest in Hudson.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays have reportedly made a 5-year offer to retain the services of A.J. Burnett.

The Boston Herald says that big money is not scaring off the Red Sox from offering Teixeira a huge deal, one that would pay him for than Manny Ramirez received when he signed in Beantown.

You don't hear this often, according to the NY Post, Mets second baseman Luis Castillo has asked the team NOT to trade him.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are interested in infielder Cesar Izturis.

The Cardinals have signed free agent lefty reliever Trever Miller to a 2-year deal. That per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Casey Blake may find a new home in Minnesota according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The third baseman, who was dealt from the Indians to the Dodgers at this past season's trade deadline, has had extensive talks with the Twins front office.

Rafael Furcal reportedly won't settle for less than a four year deal. Keep dreamin' Raffy.

Friday Hot Stove

We need to crank up the heat on the stove a little. It's not December yet, and we're already freezing our butts off. One guy who better get used to colder weather is Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 19-yr old, rated as the top teen talent in Cuba, has signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox for a reported $11 million over four years.

Viciedo could have company in the US soon...players (pitcher) Yadel Marti and (outfielder) Yasser Gomez have been kicked off the Havana Industriales, the top team in Cuba, for what has been described as committing a "grave act".

Here's the latest from SI's Jon Heyman:

Trying to avoid a big free agent deal for K-Rod and apparently not enthused by Brian Fuentes, the Mets are exploring a deal for a closer. Bobby Jenks, J.J. Putz, and Huston Street have been mentioned. But most teams are looking at the Mets top prospects, including Fernando Martinez, whom the Mets refused to deal for Johan Santana.

The Yankees are looking into signing Derek Lowe, but are getting big competition from Lowe's former employers in Boston.

The Red Sox and Tigers have discussed a Julio Lugo for Dontrelle Willis deal.

Predictions are that the Angels will make a BIG offer to keep Mark Teixeira- somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 years and $160 million.

The Royals are looking to deal oft-troubled right fielder Jose Guillen.

The Indians are showing interest in free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Both Asdrubel Cabrera and Josh Barfield flopped there last year. Other sources indicate the Giants have high interest in Hudson.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays have reportedly made a 5-year offer to retain the services of A.J. Burnett.

The Boston Herald says that big money is not scaring off the Red Sox from offering Teixeira a huge deal, one that would pay him for than Manny Ramirez received when he signed in Beantown.

You don't hear this often, according to the NY Post, Mets second baseman Luis Castillo has asked the team NOT to trade him.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are interested in infielder Cesar Izturis.

The Cardinals have signed free agent lefty reliever Trever Miller to a 2-year deal. That per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Casey Blake may find a new home in Minnesota according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The third baseman, who was dealt from the Indians to the Dodgers at this past season's trade deadline, has had extensive talks with the Twins front office.

Rafael Furcal reportedly won't settle for less than a four year deal. Keep dreamin' Raffy.

The Daily Yankeeland - 6/11

It appears Phil Hughes won't be back before August. The rookie right-hander is scheduled to undergo another scan to determine if his rib injured has sufficiently healed.

Kyle Farnsworth, who sat out the previous 3 games with a bicep strain, was available last night, but Joe Girardi opted to go to Jose Veras instead.

The New York Times has a story on Jason Giambi's return to the Bay area. Giambi was asked if he would like to possibly end his career where it started.

“They’ve got great young players over here,” he said of the A’s. “I don’t know what would go with the situation. I love playing in New York, and I still have a World Series to win.”

Giambi has a $22 million option for next year, which the Yankees would, unless they're crazy, turn down. He also has a $5 million buy out.

Tino Martinez isn't shy about telling Joba Chamberlain's teammates to shut up, particularly when it comes to how the prized rookie should be used.

"You shouldn't complain," Martinez told the Daily News Tuesday when asked about Damon last week questioning the team's decision to move Chamberlain to the starting rotation.

"They think that's the best way for the team to win, (so) that's what the players have to accept. That's just the way it is. (Chamberlain) is obviously in a transition period now, but I'm sure once he gets his pitch count up there and he gets comfortable starting, he is going to be a very good starting pitcher."

The BamTino was in Manhattan and Long Island yesterday signing copies of a "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective." Tino also spoke to the Daily News about his role as an assistant to GM Brian Cashman.

The New York Post reports that the Yankees are one of the teams interested in 18-yr old Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 3rd Baseman began playing in the professional leagues when he was 15. He's expected to set up residency in the Dominican Republic before his agent Jaime Torres shows him off to prospective teams.

The Daily Yankeeland - 6/11

It appears Phil Hughes won't be back before August. The rookie right-hander is scheduled to undergo another scan to determine if his rib injured has sufficiently healed.

Kyle Farnsworth, who sat out the previous 3 games with a bicep strain, was available last night, but Joe Girardi opted to go to Jose Veras instead.

The New York Times has a story on Jason Giambi's return to the Bay area. Giambi was asked if he would like to possibly end his career where it started.

“They’ve got great young players over here,” he said of the A’s. “I don’t know what would go with the situation. I love playing in New York, and I still have a World Series to win.”

Giambi has a $22 million option for next year, which the Yankees would, unless they're crazy, turn down. He also has a $5 million buy out.

Tino Martinez isn't shy about telling Joba Chamberlain's teammates to shut up, particularly when it comes to how the prized rookie should be used.

"You shouldn't complain," Martinez told the Daily News Tuesday when asked about Damon last week questioning the team's decision to move Chamberlain to the starting rotation.

"They think that's the best way for the team to win, (so) that's what the players have to accept. That's just the way it is. (Chamberlain) is obviously in a transition period now, but I'm sure once he gets his pitch count up there and he gets comfortable starting, he is going to be a very good starting pitcher."

The BamTino was in Manhattan and Long Island yesterday signing copies of a "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective." Tino also spoke to the Daily News about his role as an assistant to GM Brian Cashman.

The New York Post reports that the Yankees are one of the teams interested in 18-yr old Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 3rd Baseman began playing in the professional leagues when he was 15. He's expected to set up residency in the Dominican Republic before his agent Jaime Torres shows him off to prospective teams.