Elliot Johnson Finally Pays Off Debt, Yankees Back in 1st

Let's go into the way back machine, back to Spring Training, March 8, 2008. Yankees playing the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa. Elliot Johnson of the Rays races to the plate and barrels over and through Yankees up and coming catcher Francisco Cervelli.

Cervelli's wrist was broken, Joe Girardi was livid, and Joe Maddon and the Rays made a statement that they weren't going to be stepped on any more. The play led to an eventual brawl when Shelley Duncan slid in spikes high on Akinori Iwamura four days later. Cervelli's season was pretty much done- he was limited to just 27 games in the minor leagues in 2008.

It took four years, but Elliot Johnson finally said he was sorry. Well, ok, not really, but his throwing error in the 7th inning gave the Yankees the lead back for good and helped them reclaim sole possession of first place.

Hiroki Kuroda was handed 3-1 and 4-3 leads, but couldn't hold either. But a slumping Andruw Jones singled off Rays' starter Matt Moore to start the top of the 7th. Steve Pearce followed with a single of his own before Jayson Nix sacrificed pinch-runner Ichiro Suzuki and Pearce into scoring position.

Former Yankee Kyle Farnsworth got a ground ball from Derek Jeter, but second baseman Johnson's throw sailed wide of catcher Jose Lobaton. Not only did Suzuki score, but Pearce raced home with a second run.

The Rays put two men aboard against Boone Logan and David Robertson in the 8th, but D-Rob got Matt Joyce to pop out to end the inning. The 9th was Rafael Soriano time and the closer untucked his jersey for the first time in days after he retired the Rays in order for his 36th save.

Notes

While the Rays fell back to 2.5 games out, the Orioles dropped back into second place, 1 game out after a 6-4 loss to Toronto. The Yankees and O's begin a four game series in Baltimore on Thursday.

BD Spring Training Report: ‘But Watch Out For In Your Ear’ | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: ‘But Watch Out For In Your Ear’ | Baseball Digest

There is a cardinal rule in baseball to never talk about another team’s woes or do anything to incite said team. The Cincinnati Reds Jonny Gomes may have done that on Wednesday when it was perceived that he was celebrating the St. Louis Cardinals loss of Adam Wainwright (does that make it a double cardinal rule?). The Reds and Cardinals already had bad blood between them last season which led to a bench clearing brawl. Now Gomes’ purported actions might ignite something in 2011.

It was reported that Gomes entered the Reds clubhouse singing “Wainwright’s gone, Wainwright’s gone”. According to Gomes, who already reached out to the Cardinals via a friend on the club, he had appeared on Rob Dibble’s radio show earlier in the day and was informed of Wainwright’s injury. He came into the clubhouse happy because an interview he had to do for the Reds’ scoreboard was pushed back to accommodate the Dibble interview. So he apparently was singing a song from “The Karate Kid” and asked “Is Wainwright gone?”

Huh?

Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “I’ve got to believe that every place said, ‘That’s a hit to that club and that hurts their chances. But I don’t know that anybody is going to be immune this year from going though slumps or injuries. That’s why everybody just takes care of their own business and understands how fragile this stuff is.

“I happen to know Gomes,” he continued. “I don’t think he meant anything by it. And I haven’t even heard for sure what he said. But I like the way he competes.”

LaRussa was prety cryptic with his answer which means when Gomes comes to bat against St. Louis to he had better stay light on his feet.

Newly signed free agent Adrian Beltre will miss two weeks of Texas Rangers camp after being diagnosed with a Grade I strain of his right calf muscle.

Miguel Cabrera finally reported to the Detroit Tigers camp in Lakeland, FL. The organization is working with Cabrera to find treatment, though the 1st baseman will not categorize himself as an alcoholic. “I have it under control,” Cabrera said. “It was just a bad decision. I made a mistake this time, and all I can do is continue treatment. “… I’ve learned a lot of lessons in my life, and this was a tough one.”

He did offer up an apology- ”I am very sorry for what I have done,” Cabrera said through a translator. “I have worked hard for a period of time, and I hope everyone forgives me. All I ask for is forgiveness.”

The Dodgers Vicente Padilla feels great after undergoing elbow surgery for an entrapped radial nerve. He could begin throwing again in 3-4 weeks.

Commissioner Bud Selig has named Joe Torre to the post of Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. An official announcement will be made on Saturday.

Around the Horn - 6/6

"I was at a boxing match last night and a hockey game broke out". An oldie, but goodie. Last night a brawl broke out at the Rays-Red Sox baseball game. Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp became a marked man after his questionableslide into 2nd Baseman Aki Iwamura (yeah the same guy Shelley Duncan spiked) the night before (Crisp said it was in retaliation for Jason Bartlett blocking the bag earlier in the game). In the 2nd inning of last night's game Rays starter James Shields drilled Crisp in the leg and made no doubt about it afterwards that it was intentional.

"I think what (Crisp) did (Wednesday) was an absolutely dirty move, bush league and not supposed to be in the professional game of baseball... He’s not a professional player. I lost all respect for him... We’ve been getting stomped around the last 10 years and that’s not going to happen any more," said Shields.

Crisp charged the mound and ducked a haymaker from Shields before landing a punch of his own and was then tackled by Rays catcher Dionner Navarro. While on the ground, Crisp was pounded at by Rays DH Jonny Gomes (yeah, him again) while Shields was buried under another pile.

The Red Sox won the game 7-1 behind Manny Ramirez's 5 RBI, but Ramirez also got into it in the dugout with teammate Kevin Youkilis. The two had to be separated in the dugout 5th inning. Boston may have a big loss though. Jacob Ellsbury rolled on his wrist while making a catch and for the moment is day-to-day.

Chipper Jones slugged his 400th career home run in the Braves 7-5 win over the Marlins. He became just the 3rd switch-hitter, along with Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray to hit the 400 mark. And in case you haven't noticed, he's still hitting .418.

C.C. Sabathia is definitely not making the most of his pending free agency. He allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings in the Indians 9-4 loss to the Rangers last night. Sabathia is now 3-8, 4.65 on the season.

Jose Contreras has very quitely put together a solid season. He was on the winning end of the White Sox 6-2 victory over the Royals. The Cuban native is now 6-3, 2.76 and has allowed just 7 earned runs in his last 42 innings. Jim Thome hit career home run #519.

It was a "Land of the Rising Sun" showdown in LA last night when the Cubs met the Dodgers. Tied 2-2 in the 9th, Kusoke Fukodome singled in the game winning run against Takaski Saito.

The Cardinals and Nationals split a twinbill. Todd Wellmeyer went to 7-1 in the Cardinals 4-1 win in the opener. After blowing a 6-0 lead in the nightcap, the Nationals came back from a 1-run deficit on the 10th, winning it on Elijah Dukes' 2-run walk-off home run.

Scott Schoenweis had a night against the Padres he'd like to forget. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, the lefty hit Pete McAnulty to force in the winning run. Hard to pin that one on Willie Randolph.

Cole Hamels beat Homer Bailey and the Reds 5-0 in a complete game effort. Most of the post-game discussion though centered on reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins, who was pulled from the game by manager Charlie Manuel after not running out a pop up.

Garrett Olson improved to 5-1 and George Sherrill be came the majors 2nd closer with 20 saves in the Orioles 3-2 win over the Twins. Adam Jones' home run was the decisive blow.

Jason Michaels' 3-run home run propelled the Pirates over the Astros 4-3. Paul Maholm won his 3rd straight start.

In case you missed it, here's the Rays-Sox fisticuffs.

Around the Horn - 6/6

"I was at a boxing match last night and a hockey game broke out". An oldie, but goodie. Last night a brawl broke out at the Rays-Red Sox baseball game. Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp became a marked man after his questionableslide into 2nd Baseman Aki Iwamura (yeah the same guy Shelley Duncan spiked) the night before (Crisp said it was in retaliation for Jason Bartlett blocking the bag earlier in the game). In the 2nd inning of last night's game Rays starter James Shields drilled Crisp in the leg and made no doubt about it afterwards that it was intentional.

"I think what (Crisp) did (Wednesday) was an absolutely dirty move, bush league and not supposed to be in the professional game of baseball... He’s not a professional player. I lost all respect for him... We’ve been getting stomped around the last 10 years and that’s not going to happen any more," said Shields.

Crisp charged the mound and ducked a haymaker from Shields before landing a punch of his own and was then tackled by Rays catcher Dionner Navarro. While on the ground, Crisp was pounded at by Rays DH Jonny Gomes (yeah, him again) while Shields was buried under another pile.

The Red Sox won the game 7-1 behind Manny Ramirez's 5 RBI, but Ramirez also got into it in the dugout with teammate Kevin Youkilis. The two had to be separated in the dugout 5th inning. Boston may have a big loss though. Jacob Ellsbury rolled on his wrist while making a catch and for the moment is day-to-day.

Chipper Jones slugged his 400th career home run in the Braves 7-5 win over the Marlins. He became just the 3rd switch-hitter, along with Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray to hit the 400 mark. And in case you haven't noticed, he's still hitting .418.

C.C. Sabathia is definitely not making the most of his pending free agency. He allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings in the Indians 9-4 loss to the Rangers last night. Sabathia is now 3-8, 4.65 on the season.

Jose Contreras has very quitely put together a solid season. He was on the winning end of the White Sox 6-2 victory over the Royals. The Cuban native is now 6-3, 2.76 and has allowed just 7 earned runs in his last 42 innings. Jim Thome hit career home run #519.

It was a "Land of the Rising Sun" showdown in LA last night when the Cubs met the Dodgers. Tied 2-2 in the 9th, Kusoke Fukodome singled in the game winning run against Takaski Saito.

The Cardinals and Nationals split a twinbill. Todd Wellmeyer went to 7-1 in the Cardinals 4-1 win in the opener. After blowing a 6-0 lead in the nightcap, the Nationals came back from a 1-run deficit on the 10th, winning it on Elijah Dukes' 2-run walk-off home run.

Scott Schoenweis had a night against the Padres he'd like to forget. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, the lefty hit Pete McAnulty to force in the winning run. Hard to pin that one on Willie Randolph.

Cole Hamels beat Homer Bailey and the Reds 5-0 in a complete game effort. Most of the post-game discussion though centered on reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins, who was pulled from the game by manager Charlie Manuel after not running out a pop up.

Garrett Olson improved to 5-1 and George Sherrill be came the majors 2nd closer with 20 saves in the Orioles 3-2 win over the Twins. Adam Jones' home run was the decisive blow.

Jason Michaels' 3-run home run propelled the Pirates over the Astros 4-3. Paul Maholm won his 3rd straight start.

In case you missed it, here's the Rays-Sox fisticuffs.

Pettitte Gets Yankees Off on Wrong Foot

The Yankees don't know what to expect from their number 4 and 5 starters and from veteran Mike Mussina, but they knew they could count on Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte to give them quality starts. So far Pettitte has let manager Joe Girardi down in that respect.

Pettitte started out the season well, going 3-1, 2.45 through his first four starts. But since then he's pitched poorly in 3 of 4 outings and has allowed 16 earned runs in 21.1 innings. Those 3 poor outings have all resulted in Yankees losses. Last night it was the Tampa Rays sending Pettitte to an early shower in a 7-1 win at Tropicana Field.

The Yankees offense was flat as well as Rays starter Matt Garza dominated them through 7 innings. Pettitte looked sharp to start the game, but Jonny Gomes continued to be a thorn in his side this season. The Rays outfielder hit a game winning blast against Pettitte at Yankee Stadium back on April 5. This time Gomes ran the Rays into the early lead with a 2-out single in the 2nd inning and a stolen base. Former Yankees prospect Dionner Navarro had the first of his three hits on the night with a bloop RBI single to center field to give the Rays a 1-0 lead.

Rays phenom Evan Longoria doubled off the top of the right field wall to start the 4th and came home on Gomes' single to left. Navarro sacrificed him to 2nd and Gomes then stole 3rd Base as Eric Hinske walked. Jason Bartlett then provided the back breaker with a 2-run triple for a 4-0 lead. He would come home on Aki Iwamura's RBI single before Pettitte eventually wriggled his way out of the inning.

Garza meanwhile did not allow a Yankee to reach 2nd Base until the 6th inning when he allowed singles to Alberto Gonzalez and Derek Jeter. But Garza, who had already gotten Jose Molina to bounce into a pair of double plays, induced an around the horn double play from Bobby Abreu to end the inning.

The Rays tacked on a pair of runs against Chris Britton and Jose Veras before the Yankees finally scored a meaningless run in the 8th inning against the Rays bullpen.

News and Notes

Derek Jeter is 6-16 with 2 walks over the last 4 games, but just 2 runs scored. To exemplify the Yankees inability to score runs, consider that one of those runs came on his own home run.

Since his 17-game hitting streak ended, Hideki Matsui is just 1-11.

Alberto Gonzalez was 2-3 last night, is hitting .310, and has reached base in 9 of the 10 games he's had had at least one plate appearance. He definitely merits playing time over Morgan Ensberg.

		Final		1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		R		H		E
		NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	6	0
		Tampa Bay	0	1	0	4	1	0	1	0	X	7	13	0
WP: M. Garza (2-1) LP: A. Pettitte (3-4)

NY Yankees
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
J. Damon lf	4	0	0	1	0	0	2	.274
D. Jeter ss	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	.309
B. Abreu rf	4	0	0	0	0	2	3	.295
H. Matsui dh	3	0	0	0	1	3	0	.323
J. Giambi 1b	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.177
M. Cabrera cf	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	.270
R. Cano 2b	3	0	1	0	0	0	2	.188
J. Molina c	3	1	1	0	0	0	2	.214
A. Gonzalez 3b	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.310
Totals	30	1	6	1	2	5	11

Batting 2B - J Molina (8, G Glover). RBI - J Damon (17). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - B Abreu 1. GIDP - J Molina 2, B Abreu. Team LOB - 5.

Tampa Bay
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
A. Iwamura 2b	5	0	2	1	0	2	0	.258
C. Crawford lf	4	0	1	0	1	2	2	.288
B.J. Upton cf	4	0	1	0	1	0	2	.295
C. Pena 1b	5	0	1	0	0	1	5	.209
E. Longoria 3b	4	2	2	0	1	2	2	.223
J. Gomes dh	4	3	2	1	0	0	1	.225
D. Navarro c	3	0	3	2	0	0	0	.362
E. Hinske rf	3	1	0	1	1	0	3	.257
G. Gross rf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.205
J. Bartlett ss	4	1	1	2	0	0	2	.248
Totals	36	7	13	7	4	7	17

Batting 2B - E Longoria (4, A Pettitte). 3B - J Bartlett (1, A Pettitte). S - D Navarro. RBI - D Navarro 2 (12), J Gomes (10), J Bartlett 2 (8), A Iwamura (12), E Hinske (17). 2-out RBI - D Navarro. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - C Pena 2, J Bartlett 1, E Longoria 1. Team LOB - 10.

Base Running SB - J Gomes 2 (4, 2nd base off A Pettitte/J Molina, 3rd base off A Pettitte/J Molina). Fielding DP - 3 (J Bartlett-A Iwamura-C Pena 2, E Longoria-A Iwamura-C Pena).

NY Yankees
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
A. Pettitte (L, 3-4)	4.0	8	5	5	2	5	0	4.40
C. Britton	2.0	1	1	1	2	0	0	1.93
J. Veras	1.2	4	1	1	0	1	0	2.45
E. Ramirez	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Tampa Bay
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
M. Garza (W, 2-1)	7.0	5	0	0	1	3	0	3.86
G. Glover	1.0	1	1	1	1	1	0	2.31
T. Miller	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	4.76

WP - J Veras.

HBP - J Giambi (by M Garza).

Pitches-strikes - A Pettitte 81-50; C Britton 33-19; J Veras 31-22; E Ramirez 4-4; M Garza 108-68; G Glover 28-20; T Miller 8-7.

Ground balls-fly balls - A Pettitte 5-2; C Britton 2-4; J Veras 3-1; E Ramirez 0-0; M Garza 7-11; G Glover 2-0; T Miller 0-2.

Batters faced - A Pettitte 22; C Britton 9; J Veras 9; E Ramirez 1; M Garza 25; G Glover 5; T Miller 3.

Game Details

Umpires: HP--Dan Iassogna. 1B--Ron Kulpa. 2B--Rob Drake. 3B--Dale Scott. Time: 3:01. Attendance: 13,932.

Pettitte Gets Yankees Off on Wrong Foot

The Yankees don't know what to expect from their number 4 and 5 starters and from veteran Mike Mussina, but they knew they could count on Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte to give them quality starts. So far Pettitte has let manager Joe Girardi down in that respect.

Pettitte started out the season well, going 3-1, 2.45 through his first four starts. But since then he's pitched poorly in 3 of 4 outings and has allowed 16 earned runs in 21.1 innings. Those 3 poor outings have all resulted in Yankees losses. Last night it was the Tampa Rays sending Pettitte to an early shower in a 7-1 win at Tropicana Field.

The Yankees offense was flat as well as Rays starter Matt Garza dominated them through 7 innings. Pettitte looked sharp to start the game, but Jonny Gomes continued to be a thorn in his side this season. The Rays outfielder hit a game winning blast against Pettitte at Yankee Stadium back on April 5. This time Gomes ran the Rays into the early lead with a 2-out single in the 2nd inning and a stolen base. Former Yankees prospect Dionner Navarro had the first of his three hits on the night with a bloop RBI single to center field to give the Rays a 1-0 lead.

Rays phenom Evan Longoria doubled off the top of the right field wall to start the 4th and came home on Gomes' single to left. Navarro sacrificed him to 2nd and Gomes then stole 3rd Base as Eric Hinske walked. Jason Bartlett then provided the back breaker with a 2-run triple for a 4-0 lead. He would come home on Aki Iwamura's RBI single before Pettitte eventually wriggled his way out of the inning.

Garza meanwhile did not allow a Yankee to reach 2nd Base until the 6th inning when he allowed singles to Alberto Gonzalez and Derek Jeter. But Garza, who had already gotten Jose Molina to bounce into a pair of double plays, induced an around the horn double play from Bobby Abreu to end the inning.

The Rays tacked on a pair of runs against Chris Britton and Jose Veras before the Yankees finally scored a meaningless run in the 8th inning against the Rays bullpen.

News and Notes

Derek Jeter is 6-16 with 2 walks over the last 4 games, but just 2 runs scored. To exemplify the Yankees inability to score runs, consider that one of those runs came on his own home run.

Since his 17-game hitting streak ended, Hideki Matsui is just 1-11.

Alberto Gonzalez was 2-3 last night, is hitting .310, and has reached base in 9 of the 10 games he's had had at least one plate appearance. He definitely merits playing time over Morgan Ensberg.

		Final		1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		R		H		E
		NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	6	0
		Tampa Bay	0	1	0	4	1	0	1	0	X	7	13	0
WP: M. Garza (2-1) LP: A. Pettitte (3-4)

NY Yankees
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
J. Damon lf	4	0	0	1	0	0	2	.274
D. Jeter ss	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	.309
B. Abreu rf	4	0	0	0	0	2	3	.295
H. Matsui dh	3	0	0	0	1	3	0	.323
J. Giambi 1b	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.177
M. Cabrera cf	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	.270
R. Cano 2b	3	0	1	0	0	0	2	.188
J. Molina c	3	1	1	0	0	0	2	.214
A. Gonzalez 3b	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.310
Totals	30	1	6	1	2	5	11

Batting 2B - J Molina (8, G Glover). RBI - J Damon (17). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - B Abreu 1. GIDP - J Molina 2, B Abreu. Team LOB - 5.

Tampa Bay
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
A. Iwamura 2b	5	0	2	1	0	2	0	.258
C. Crawford lf	4	0	1	0	1	2	2	.288
B.J. Upton cf	4	0	1	0	1	0	2	.295
C. Pena 1b	5	0	1	0	0	1	5	.209
E. Longoria 3b	4	2	2	0	1	2	2	.223
J. Gomes dh	4	3	2	1	0	0	1	.225
D. Navarro c	3	0	3	2	0	0	0	.362
E. Hinske rf	3	1	0	1	1	0	3	.257
G. Gross rf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.205
J. Bartlett ss	4	1	1	2	0	0	2	.248
Totals	36	7	13	7	4	7	17

Batting 2B - E Longoria (4, A Pettitte). 3B - J Bartlett (1, A Pettitte). S - D Navarro. RBI - D Navarro 2 (12), J Gomes (10), J Bartlett 2 (8), A Iwamura (12), E Hinske (17). 2-out RBI - D Navarro. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - C Pena 2, J Bartlett 1, E Longoria 1. Team LOB - 10.

Base Running SB - J Gomes 2 (4, 2nd base off A Pettitte/J Molina, 3rd base off A Pettitte/J Molina). Fielding DP - 3 (J Bartlett-A Iwamura-C Pena 2, E Longoria-A Iwamura-C Pena).

NY Yankees
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
A. Pettitte (L, 3-4)	4.0	8	5	5	2	5	0	4.40
C. Britton	2.0	1	1	1	2	0	0	1.93
J. Veras	1.2	4	1	1	0	1	0	2.45
E. Ramirez	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Tampa Bay
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
M. Garza (W, 2-1)	7.0	5	0	0	1	3	0	3.86
G. Glover	1.0	1	1	1	1	1	0	2.31
T. Miller	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	4.76

WP - J Veras.

HBP - J Giambi (by M Garza).

Pitches-strikes - A Pettitte 81-50; C Britton 33-19; J Veras 31-22; E Ramirez 4-4; M Garza 108-68; G Glover 28-20; T Miller 8-7.

Ground balls-fly balls - A Pettitte 5-2; C Britton 2-4; J Veras 3-1; E Ramirez 0-0; M Garza 7-11; G Glover 2-0; T Miller 0-2.

Batters faced - A Pettitte 22; C Britton 9; J Veras 9; E Ramirez 1; M Garza 25; G Glover 5; T Miller 3.

Game Details

Umpires: HP--Dan Iassogna. 1B--Ron Kulpa. 2B--Rob Drake. 3B--Dale Scott. Time: 3:01. Attendance: 13,932.