Millwood Makes Yankees Take Notice

He may have been facing hitters that were little more than half his age, but veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood showed the Yankees something Sunday afternoon by nearly no-hitting the Double-A Harrisburg Senators.

Pitching for the Trenton Thunder, Millwood came within four outs of a no-hitter in the first game of a 7-inning doubleheader. His fastball was clocked at 87-88 mph, which is not out of the ordinary for the 36-yr old. Millwood did walk four batters and struck out three with Yankees' front office utility man Gene Michael in attendance (per Mike Ashmore). The Thunder won 7-0 en route to a split up the twinbill.

What's next for Millwood remains to be seen, but he told John Nalbone, “I think by then (May 1) I should be where I want to get to in terms of pitch count,’’ Millwood said. “I don’t think it should take much longer than that to see where I’m at.’’

Nova and Garcia Get The Spots

We already knew that Ivan Nova was the #4 starter (though Joe Girardi officially informed him this morning), but a bit of a surprise for the #5 spot. According to the regular Yankees beat writers, Freddy Garcia has won the final spot in the rotation with Bartolo Colon to be used in the Al Aceves role out of the bullpen.

Garcia seemed to be the early favorite for the #5 spot, but faltered in his last few starts and Colon came on strong. The guess is Girardi felt Colon could suit the pen role much better than Garcia and would be able to throw more often.

Not good news though - Pedro Feliciano likely headed to the DL. This is no surprise though since he's complained of a dead arm all spring and hasn't thrown much.

Let's just hope Kevin Millwood is never needed.

Colon, Garcia...and Millwood?

Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon, and Freddy Garcia have battled all spring training for the final two spots in the Yankees rotation. Nova solidified a spot early, while front-runner Garcia was passed by Colon in the last couple of weeks.

Rumor has it that the Yankees have signed free agent pitcher Kevin Millwood as an insurance policy. Millwood found no takers/contracts to his liking this off-season, so he has had no spring training and would need a few weeks to get ready. Hampered by injuries last year, he was just 4-16, 5.10 with a 1.510 WHIP for the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched to a 3.67 ERA for Texas in 2009, but three of his last four seasons have seen Millwood pitch to an ERA over 5.00.

The Yankees were one of a number of teams that recently watched Millwood throw and apparently came away impressed (enough) to get a deal done. While it's a #5 starter role in question, if indeed Millwood is brought up, this is not a good sign or signing for the Yankees. Here's hoping Nova and Colon/Garcia get the job done.

BD Hot Stove: Millwood’s Pitch Is Off Key | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Millwood’s Pitch Is Off Key | Baseball Digest

With Andy Pettitte retiring, Kevin Millwood may think he has a shot at signing a deal with the New York Yankees, but Buster Olney tweeted this morning that Millwood is looking for $4M-$5M per season. That’s not happening. Just as worrisome to any Yankees fan is Olney’s notion that the Yankees may be interested in the Phillies’ Joe Blanton.

Former Mets’ much hyped prospect Lastings Milledge has signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. The contract includes an invite for the now 26 year old outfielder, who is already with his fourth organization.

The Royals have signed veteran 3rd baseman Pedro Feliz to a minor league deal. Feliz struggled last season, but this move could be a low risk/medium reward venture for KC.

Mlb.com’s Scott Merkin writes that Matt Thornton is the early favorite to emerge as the White Sox closer. The position became available when Chicago let go of Bobby Jenks.

SI.com reports that Jim Edmonds is awaiting the results of a physical before deciding whether to return in 2011.

SI’s Jon Heyman reports the Angels are in the market for a lead off hitter.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal reports that Jermaine Dye, who sat out all of last season, is likely to officially retire.

The Nationals signed reliever Cla Meredith to a minor league deal.

Mark Cuban told reporters that he is not interested in buying/investing in either the NY Mets or the LA Dodgers.

BD Hot Stove: The Unemployed | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: The Unemployed | Baseball Digest

You can never compare athletes to people out in the real world, but there are a number of major league caliber baseball players that haven’t been able to find a job this winter. Guys like Kevin Millwood, Freddy Garcia, and Justin Duchscherer. The three pitchers have to wonder when they see Bartolo Colon get a minor league deal after he hasn’t pitched in the big leagues in two years. Granted, in some cases injuries (Duchscherer), sub par seasons (Millwood), and wear and tear (Garcia) may be keeping teams away, as well as the possibility of the players and their agents wanting too much guaranteed money.

Then there’s the case of a once fierce warrior that scared opposing pitchers so much that he became known as “Vlad the Impaler”. Or maybe it was just how pale pitcher’s faces went when they had to face Vladimir Guerrero. The man who would swing at anything looked like he might be finished with the Angels a couple of years ago, but despite a bad back and bad feet the Impaler returned in 2010. Guerrero produced 29 HR and 115 RBI and nearly slugged .500. But a .513 OPS with 6 RBI in 15 post-season games apparently sent up red flags. Offers have been few, partially because Guerrero reportedly wants $8M a season. Sources say the Orioles have made an offer, but it’s likely to be closer to the one year, $2M deal Manny Ramirez received from Tampa Bay than what Guerrero wants.

If you think Guerrero has it bad, look at the case of Jermaine Dye. The veteran outfielder didn’t play in 2010 after not finding an acceptable offer. Our own Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb talks about the issue in today’s Baseball Digest Birthday segment as Dye turns 37.

Among those still looking for jobs are catcher Bengie Molina, infielders Troy Glaus, Orlando Cabrera, Christian Guzman, Pedro Feliz, David Eckstein, Jorge Cantu (tentative deal with SD as of this writing), Felipe Lopez, Willy Aybar, Nick Johnson, Eric Chavez, pitchers Jeremy Bonderman, David Bush, Kelvim Escobar, Mark Hendrickson, John Maine, Lance Cormier, Manny Delcarmen, Chad Durbin, Doug Davis, slugger Russell Branyan, outfielders Jim EdmondsRyan Church, and Jose Guillen. Click here for a complete list and a summary of the winter signings.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Contra Costa Times heard that the A’s were trying to deal 3rd baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Mariners for Chone Figgins. Buster Olney also reported that Toronto could be involved, but so far Figgins has not been asked to waive his limited no trade clause. The infielder was a bust in the first season of a four year, $36M contract.

Several sources have reported that the Mets are putting a portion of the team up for sale. The majority owner, Jeff Wilpon and family, lost a large amount of money in the Bernie Madoff “Ponzi” scheme.

Pitcher Joe Beimel has agreed to a minor league deal and an invitation to spring training with the Pirates.

Despite a number of rumors, Indians GM Chris Antonetti stated that Fausto Carmona and Grady Sizemore are not being dealt.

The Minnesota Twins have announced they will retire number 28 in honor of recent Hall of Fame electee Bert Blyleven.

BD Hot Stove: A Jones For Andruw | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: A Jones For Andruw | Baseball Digest

Andruw Jones burst on to the scene for the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series, slugging a pair of home runs in game 1 against the Yankees. He was a mere 20 years old at the time. 15 years later, Jones is looking for a job, but is clearly not the player he once was.

Older, slower, out of a shape, and a bad back…they all contributed to a less than stellar handful of seasons (2008-2010) for the five time All-Star. Even in his last very productive season (2007), when he hit 26 home runs and drove in 94 runs, Jones hit just .222 and struck out 138 times. The drop off in offensive production was dramatic after averaging 46 home runs and 128 RBI the previous two seasons. Jones also won the last of his 10 Gold Gloves in 2007.

With the White Sox last season Jones did show some pop-19 home runs- and drove in 48 runs in 278 at-bats. Despite hitting just .230, he put up a .341 OPS due to 45 walks. The combination is what has some teams still showing interest in the native of Curacao. The Yankees, looking to fill the void left by Marcus Thames and Austin Kearns, are said to be the front-runner for Jones’ services and, in fact, some sources say a contract is imminent. The Yankees would give him outfield time as well as occassional DH duty when the regular DH Jorge Posada gets a day off.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

A once promising career has apparently come to a close. Kansas City Royals pitcher Gil Meche has decided to retire due to lingering shoulder issues. The 32-yr old, who would have made $12M this season, said he would have to have another shoulder surgery to even think about being a starting pitcher again. The Royals released the following statement:

“After a lot of thinking and prioritizing of issues in my life I have decided to retire from baseball. As a competitor my entire life this is the hardest decision that I’ve ever faced, but it’s not fair to me, my family or the Kansas City Royals that I attempt to pitch anymore. I came into this game as a starting pitcher and unfortunately my health, more accurately, my shoulder, has deteriorated to the point where surgery would be the only option and at this stage of my life I would prefer to call it a career rather than to attempt to pitch in relief for the final year of my contract. I can’t thank the Kansas City Royals and their fans enough for my four seasons there and if I have any regret, it’s that we weren’t able to accomplish on the field what the goal was when I signed there.”

The Diamondbacks and shortstop Stephen Drew have agreed on a two year, $13.75M contract with a mutual option for 2013.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees are still looking at Freddy Garcia and Kevin Millwood for the number five spot in the rotation and a veteran presence in place of Andy Pettitte.

The Mets are reportedly close to a minor league deal with Scott Hairston.

Newly acquired Rajai Davis has agreed to a two year, $5.25M deal with the Blue Jays. Toronto has added a club option for 2013.

The Dodgers reached an agreement with Marcus Thames on a one year deal. LA is also close to signing Gabe Kapler to a minor league deal.

Several players have avoided arbitration with new contracts (all are for one year): Prince Fielder (MIL, $15.5M), Shin-Soo Choo (CLE, $3.975M), Ryan Ludwick (SD, $6.775M), Heath Bell (SD, $7.5M), Dallas Braden (OAK, $3.35M), Conor Jackson (OAK, $3.32M), Brandon Morrow (TOR, $2.3M), Shawn Camp (TOR, $2.25M), Yunel Escobar (TOR, $2.9M), Manny Parra (MIL, und.), Mike Pelfrey (NYM, $3.925M), Rafael Perez (CLE, $1.33M), Chris Perez (CLE, $2.25M), Felix Pie (BAL, $985K), Armando Galarraga (DET, $2.3M), Anibal Sanchez (FLA, $3.7M), Clay Hensley (FLA, $1.4M), Mike Morse (WAS, und.), Jeff Keppinger (HOU, $2.3M), Clint Barmes (HOU, $3.925M), Tony Pena (CHW, $1.6M), Felipe Paulino (COL, $79OK), Kyle Davies (KC, $3.2M)

Don't Spare The A-Rod

A week ago Wednesday the Yankees were on the verge of another embarrassing loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Not only a loss, but on the precipice of being swept in a three game series. Then Nick Swisher stepped up in the bottom of the 9th and smacked a game winning 2-run home run off of Koji Uehara to save the day.

It wasn't quite deja vu, but the Yankees were one strike away from losing the opening game of a three game set in Baltimore last night when Alex Rodriguez turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead when he drove an Uehara meatball into the left field seats. Mariano Rivera closed things out, and coupled with Tampa Bay's 9th inning loss to Anaheim, the Yankees were back in first place in the AL East.

Much like the series finale (Phil Hughes start) in Tampa, the Yankees got a decent performance from their starter (A.J. Burnett), but home runs allowed had put them in a hole. Jorge Posada, who had entered the game in the 7th inning as a pinch-hitter for Francisco Cervelli, led off the 9th with a base hit. After Derek Jeter struck out looking, Curtis Granderson singled to put the tying runs on base.

Mark Teixeira, who has struggled since breaking a toe at the end of August, popped out for the second out of the inning. That left things up to Rodriguez, who earlier in the game had accounted for the Yankees sole run with a solo home run. The comeback was nearly not to be as the Yankees third baseman stared down a potential third strike that just missed inside. Then Uehara threw one right down the middle and Rodriguez slugged his 25th home run of the season and 608th of his career.

A-Rod knows he nearly got punched out on strikes

Burnett pitched one of his better games in a while, but allowed solo home runs to Adam Jones in the 4th and Robert Andino in the 7th. David Robertson tossed a scoreless 8th to earn the win and evened his record at 4-4 in the process. Rivera notched his 31st save with a 1-2-3 9th inning.

As has been the case for the past few weeks, the Yankees had the chance to bust the game open early and couldn't. After Rodriguez's solo home run in the 2nd, the Yankees loaded the bases with one out against O's starter Kevin Millwood. But Cervelli struck out swinging and Jeter lined out hard to third.

Millwood settled down after that and didn't run into any trouble again until the 7th when the Yankees put two aboard with two outs. But the veteran right-hander struck out Teixeira to end the threat.

Notes

Burnett was sporting a black eye when he came to the ball park, but refused to tell the cause. Joe Girardi would not comment either.

Yankees Steamroll O's

There was plenty of buzz in the D.C. metro area last night, all of it south of Baltimore where Stephen Strasburg was making his major league debut for the Washington Nationals. Meanwhile, the Yankees buzz sawed the Orioles 12-7 at Camden Yards.

Nick Swisher drove in five runs, Curtis Granderson belted a grand slam, and Mark Teixeira broke out of his slump, for one night at least, with three hits and a home run. All of the offense was more than enough for Phil Hughes to pick up his eighth win despite not having his best stuff.

While Strasburg was making history with 14 strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Yankees jumped all over Kevin Millwood for the second time in a week. Swisher, the games second batter, continued his assault on Camden Yards with a 2-run home run. The right fielder has a career .339 average at the Orioles' home with 14 HR and 36 RBI in 31 games.

Two innings later, the Yankees the loaded the bases off of Millwood and Granderson broke the game open with his second career grand slam. Since returning from the DL on May 28, Granderson is hitting.324 (12-37) with eight RBI and eight runs scored.

Hughes said afterwards that he didn't feel quite right out on the mound, and the Orioles took advantage, banging out nine hits and scoring three runs in six innings. But the offense more than picked up the slack.

With the lead cut to 6-3, the Bombers put a six spot up on the board in the 7th. Swisher delivered a bases loaded double that plated three and Teixeira took out his most recent struggles on a Matt Albers pitch, sending it deep into the night for his 9th home run.

Notes

Just because you're the last man on the roster, doesn't mean you don't have to earn your way. I was not pleased when the Yankees re-signed Chad Gaudin after the A's released him in May and I continue to not be pleased. Last night, the Yankees almost needed to use "real" relievers when Gaudin gave up four runs over the final two innings. His ERA rose to 8.53 in the process.

Jorge Posada got closer to getting back behind home plate by catching Andy Pettitte's bullpen session yesterday.

Tuesday was the 41st anniversary of Mickey Mantle Day at version I of Yankee Stadium. The Mick had his number retired before a packed house.

Late mention, but congrats to Bob Lorenz for the job he did over the weekend doing play-by-play in the Yankees-Blue Jays series. He quickly proved that he, like Ken Singleton, is a better play-by-play guy than Michael Kay.

Millwood Moved as Meetings Continue

The third day of the winter meetings saw veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood traded from the Texas Rangers to the Baltimore Orioles for reliever Chris Ray and a player to be named later. In obtaining Millwood and cash, the O's add a workhorse starter to a rotation that is filled with youngsters (Jeremy Guthrie being the exception.).

Ray missed most of the 2008 season after under going Tommy John surgery and struggled in his return this past season. He gives the Rangers a veteran set up man with closing experience.

In other moves and rumors:

The Pirates are close to agreeing to terms with much injured infielder Bobby Crosby, who has spent his entire career with the A's. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Crosby would receive a 1-yr, $1 million deal that will include incentives in addition to the base salary.
The Florida Marlins have dealt one time closer Matt Lindstrom to the Houston Astros for pitcher Robert Bono, shortstop Luis Bryan and a player to be named later. Lindstrom will have the chance to take over the closing role from departing free agent Jose Valverde.

The Brewers have signed pitchers Randy Wolf (3 years, $27 million) and LaTroy Hawkins (2 years, $7.5 million). I can't say that's the wisest way to use their money.

The Red Sox and Rangers are reportedly discussing a deal for Mike Lowell. The Sox are reportedly interested in Adrian Beltre as a replacement.

Joba Needs a Relocation Program

Real estate is all about "location, location, location", and Joba Chamberlain didn't have any tonight against the Texas Rangers. Chamberlain, pitching for the first time in eight days, couldn't hold a 4-0 lead and the Yankees lost to the Rangers 10-9 when a 9th inning rally fell just short.

The long rest between starts was an effort to abide by the "Joba Rules" so that Chamberlain wouldn't exceed the innings limit the Yankees have set for him. It would also enable him to be used as a starter in the playoffs, should the Yankees make it there (hey, nothing is a given). But tonight Chamberlain continued hisstruggles in front of his home crowd (3-3, 5.13 as opposed to 2-1, 3.15 on the road) and couldn't locate his fastball, or for that matter, any of his other pitches. The result was adisastrous 5th inning that turned a 4-2 Yankees' lead into a 7-4 deficit.

Just as the Rangers had scored both runs with two outs in the 2nd inning, they did all their damage with two outs in the 4th. Chamberlain retired Ian Kinsler on a pop up and struck out slugger Nelson Cruz, but then walked Ivan Rodriguez. A barrage of singles (five) followed, as the Rangers blooped, lined, and grounded their way to lead (we can already hear Joe Girardi saying the ball wasn't hit that hard - it won't work Joe). After Chris Davis' single put two aboard, rookies Elvus Andrus (3 RBI) and Julio Borbon brought home the tying and go ahead runs with base hits. Michael Young and Josh Hamilton then chipped in with RBI hits before Chamberlain finally got Marlon Byrd looking on a 3-2 pitch to end the misery. Chamberlain's last pitch was his 96th, and 44th in the inning.

It still appeared the Yankees might win the game or at least send it to extra innings when they rallied for four runs against Jason Grilli and Frank Francisco in the 9th inning. But with runners on 1st and 2nd and no one out, and Nick Swisher at the plate, Girardi called for the bunt. After fouling a pitch off, Swisher, who has three sac bunts this season, bunted into the air for an easy out. Another fundamental mistake, this time with base running, then ended the game. Pinch-runner Jerry Hairston Jr. strayed too far off of 2nd base and was doubled off when Melky Cabrera lined out to shortstop Elvus Andrus.

Things certainly started out well on the night as the Yankees began their six game homestand. Mark Teixeira drew a 2-out walk from starter Kevin Millwood and Alex Rodriguez blooped a single to right. Hideki Matsui ripped a double down the right field that took a funny hop, allowing A-Rod to follow Teixeira home for a 2-0 Yankees lead. Jorge Posada then deposited his 16th home run of the season into the right field seats and the Yankees were rolling. Unfortunately, the Yankees pitching never got on a roll.

Game Notes

Derek Jeter had another multi-hit game (2 hits), putting him within 18 hits of tying Lou Gehrig's franchise record of 2,721 hits.

Brett Gardner's recovery from a fractured thumb is going well and he hopes to be activated sometime within the next week.

Joe Girardi has already announced that Joba Chamberlain will pitch next on his normal five days rest- Sunday against the Chicago White Sox.

A Texas Sized Stinker

Rusty Joba and Yankees Falter

May 27th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: al aceves • hideki matsui • Ian Kinsler • joba chamberlain • josh hamilton • Kevin Millwood • Mark Teixeira • Michael Young • nick swisher • phil coke • Yankees 5/27 recap • Yankees vs. Rangers

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	0		3	13	0
Texas	2	0	0	1	0	1	2	1	X		7	9	0

WP - Jennings (2-1) LP - Aceves (3-1)

The Texas Rangers may want to send a “thank You” note to the Baltimore Orioles‘ Adam Jones. It was Jones’ line drive that knocked Joba Chamberlain out of his last start after facing only four batters. The rust was apparent last night as Chamberlain threw an ineffective four innings and the Yankees lost to the Texas Rangers 7-3.

Though the Yankees rallied from the 3-0 deficit Chamberlain put them in, Joe Girardi had to go to the bullpen early. Al Aceves had his worst outing of the season; he allowed three runs in two innings and was handed his first loss of the year. But the story of last night’s game was Chamberlain’s inability to throw strikes and the Yankees failure to take advantage of the situations handed to them later in the game.

After waiting out a 2-hour, 24 minute rain delay, Ian Kinsler led off the ball game with a drive to center that hurt the Yankees two-fold. Melky Cabrera couldn’t come up with the catch and crashed into the center field wall. Kinsler ended up with a triple and Cabrera had to leave the game with what was later determined to be a sprained shoulder.

Trouble was temporarily avoided when Alex Rodriguez made a spectacular play to nail Kinsler, who was trying to get back to third base. A-Rod moved to his left to field Michael Young’s grounder. He double pumped, and seeing Kinsler start to move down the line towards home, held on to the ball and raced Kinsler back to third. A-Rod dove and tagged Kinsler out before he could get back to the base safely.

But Chamberlain’s lack of a good fastball put him in 2-2 and 3-2 counts all night. A Nelson Cruz double and a walk to David Murphy loaded the bases. Marlon Byrd chased a pitch out of the strike zone and flicked it into right for a 2-run single. Chamberlain struck out Chris Davis to end the inning and struck out the first two hitters in the 2nd, but the handwriting was on the wall. Chamberlain walked one batter in the 2nd and two more in the third, but escaped the latter jam with a double play ball.

Davis took Chamberlain deep, for the first of his two home runs on the night, in the 4th for a 3-0 Rangers lead. The Yankees left runners in scoring position against Rangers starter Kevin Millwood in each of the first four innings. Mark Teixeira finally broke through with a solo home run in the top of the 5th and the Yankees tied things up with a pair of runs in the 6th.

Brett Gardner, who replaced Cabrera in the first, singled, stole second base and came home on Hideki Matsui’s double. One batter later, Francisco Cervelli tied the game with a single back through the middle. But the Rangers answered immediately with a run in their half of the sixth against Aceves, who had entered the game in the 5th. The right-hander hadn’t been scored upon in six straight appearances before allowing a run in the series opener on Monday, and he couldn’t work out of trouble last night.

Phil Coke didn’t help Aceves either. He came on to pitch after Kinsler and Young reached on a single and a double, respectively, in the 7th. Josh Hamilton and Murphy brought them home with productive outs for a 6-3 Texas lead. Davis put the icing on the cake when he went deep on Coke for his second long ball of the night.

The Yankees had an opportunity to break the 3-3 tie in the top of the 7th when they loaded the bases with one out. Robinson Cano and Gardner singled, and left-hander C.J. Wilson hit Matsui with a pitch. But Wilson made up for it by getting Nick Swisher to bounce into an innning ending double play.

Game Notes

Mark Teixeira’s home run was his 11th this month and the RBI was his 27th in May.

David Robertson pitched a scoreless inning after being recalled to replace Brian Bruney.

The finale of the series is tonight at 8:05 p.m. ET with A.J. Burnett (2-2, 5.28) facing rookie left-hander Derek Holland (1-1, 4.82), who is making his second major league start. Burnett is 0-2 with five no decisions since winning his first two starts of the year.

Around the Horn - 7/26

The Dodgers, looking to strengthen their infield, have acquired Casey Blake from the Indians for prospects RHP Jon Meloan and catcher Carlos Santana (can he play guitar too?).

The Mets won again last night and are now 23-12 under Jerry Manuel. They also have a 2 game lead in the NL East after the Phils got drubbed by the Braves 8-2. The Mets will be without Pedro Martinez, due to the death of his father. Boston's David Ortiz paid tribute to his friend by putting RIP 45 on his helmet.

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Twins not be promoting Francisco Liriano for Sunday's game. Liriano has talked about bringing action against the Twins for not promoting him sooner.

Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood is headed to the DL for the umteenth time with a groin injury. His teammate Josh Hamilton reached the 100 RBI mark last night before any other ALer reached 80 RBI.

The Astros expect Roy Oswalt back from the DL on Monday.

Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez was released from a Cleveland area hospital after crashing into the wall last night against the Indians. Gomez injured his lower back and was given a pain injection. He's not expected to miss significant time.

Around the Horn - 7/26

The Dodgers, looking to strengthen their infield, have acquired Casey Blake from the Indians for prospects RHP Jon Meloan and catcher Carlos Santana (can he play guitar too?).

The Mets won again last night and are now 23-12 under Jerry Manuel. They also have a 2 game lead in the NL East after the Phils got drubbed by the Braves 8-2. The Mets will be without Pedro Martinez, due to the death of his father. Boston's David Ortiz paid tribute to his friend by putting RIP 45 on his helmet.

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Twins not be promoting Francisco Liriano for Sunday's game. Liriano has talked about bringing action against the Twins for not promoting him sooner.

Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood is headed to the DL for the umteenth time with a groin injury. His teammate Josh Hamilton reached the 100 RBI mark last night before any other ALer reached 80 RBI.

The Astros expect Roy Oswalt back from the DL on Monday.

Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez was released from a Cleveland area hospital after crashing into the wall last night against the Indians. Gomez injured his lower back and was given a pain injection. He's not expected to miss significant time.

Slide Continues

When you have allowed five runs in two games to the Texas Rangers, the league leader in runs scored, you should be chalking up two victories. But the Yankees bats are running silent right now. Instead of two wins, they have two more losses and are two more games back in the American League East. The Rangers scored the game winner in the 9th and held on, after some questionable managing by Joe Girardi in the 9th inning, for a 3-2 victory.

The game was tied 2-2 when Mariano Rivera entered the contest in the 9th inning. In possibly his finest season to date, Mo has struggled in tie games. The trend continued last night when Ian Kinsler lead off the inning with a double to left. He promptly stole 3rd base and scored when Michael Young bounced one up the middle, through the drawn in infield, for the go ahead run. Rivera would get out of a 1st and 3rd, 1-out jam, but the damage was already done.

The Yankees had a chance against Rangers closer C.J. Wilson in the bottom of the 9th, but Girardi's choice to have Melky Cabrera swing away ended all that. Wilson Betemit drew a lead off walk, which brought up the Yankees struggling center fielder. Cabrera mired in an 0-20 slump, should have been bunting, it was the clear fundamental play. But instead Girardi opted to have Cabrera swing away, despite having Derek Jeter available on the bench. Faster than you can say "managerial mistake", Cabrera bounced into a rally killing 6-4-3 double play. Wilson then retired Johnny Damon on a game ending ground out.

Joba Chamberlain made his first start since his 114 pitch effort, and whether or not that had an effect, the Yankees reliever turned starter struggled with his control. After issuing a walk in the 1st inning, he issued back to back walks to David Murphy and Marlon Byrd to start the 2nd. Rookie Chris Davis drilled a ball off of the base of the wall in left-center to score Murphy, who had inexplicably held up on the play, causing Byrd to stop at 2nd base. The Rangers base running in the inning would only get worse.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled to center to score Byrd, but Davis was gunned down by Cabrera trying to go to 3rd. Saltalamacchia advanced to 2nd base on the play, but quickly committed another base running cardinal sin by trying to advance to 3rd on Ramon Vazquez's grounder to short. Betemit threw to Alex Rodriguez, who actually missed the tag, but sold it well enough that umpire Dan Iassogna, who called Saltalamacchia out. Chamberlain then struck out Kinsler to escape further trouble.

Chamberlain was right back in the soup in the 3rd inning when he gave up a single to Michael Young and walked Josh Hamilton. But the gritty right-hander bounced back with strike outs of Milton Bradley (the 6th straight time he struck out) and Murphy, and then retired Byrd on a fly out to center. The 4th would be Chamberlain's last inning as the Rangers again put two men aboard with 2 outs, but failed to score when Young lined out.

The Yankees finally broke through against Rangers starter Kevin Millwood in the 4th. Jason Giambi drew a 1-out walk and moved to third on Jorge Posada's line drive single off the wall in right field. Robinson Cano singled through the right side to cut the Rangers lead in half. Millwood got a huge out when he struck out Betemit swinging, and then retired Cabrera on a fly out to left to end the threat.

Millwood was hit by a comebacker off the shin in the 2nd inning and it swelled to the point that he was forced from the game after five innings. The Yankees immediately took advantage against reliever Josh Rupe. Though Rupe retired the first two hitters, Posada, Cano, and Betemit strung singles together to tie the game up.

Dan Giese, Dave Robertson, who looked especially impressive, and Jose Veras got the game into the hands of Mariano Rivera, but the reliever's rep in tie games is becoming as standard as his rep in save situations.


News and Notes

Derek Jeter sat out completely for the first time since April 13.

Melky Cabrera's 0-18 the last 5 games has dropped his average to a season low .240.

Joba Chamberlain threw 91 pitches in 4 innings. His ERA jumped to 2.22.

All 4 runs that Mariano Rivera has allowed this season have come in non-save situations.

Slide Continues

When you have allowed five runs in two games to the Texas Rangers, the league leader in runs scored, you should be chalking up two victories. But the Yankees bats are running silent right now. Instead of two wins, they have two more losses and are two more games back in the American League East. The Rangers scored the game winner in the 9th and held on, after some questionable managing by Joe Girardi in the 9th inning, for a 3-2 victory.

The game was tied 2-2 when Mariano Rivera entered the contest in the 9th inning. In possibly his finest season to date, Mo has struggled in tie games. The trend continued last night when Ian Kinsler lead off the inning with a double to left. He promptly stole 3rd base and scored when Michael Young bounced one up the middle, through the drawn in infield, for the go ahead run. Rivera would get out of a 1st and 3rd, 1-out jam, but the damage was already done.

The Yankees had a chance against Rangers closer C.J. Wilson in the bottom of the 9th, but Girardi's choice to have Melky Cabrera swing away ended all that. Wilson Betemit drew a lead off walk, which brought up the Yankees struggling center fielder. Cabrera mired in an 0-20 slump, should have been bunting, it was the clear fundamental play. But instead Girardi opted to have Cabrera swing away, despite having Derek Jeter available on the bench. Faster than you can say "managerial mistake", Cabrera bounced into a rally killing 6-4-3 double play. Wilson then retired Johnny Damon on a game ending ground out.

Joba Chamberlain made his first start since his 114 pitch effort, and whether or not that had an effect, the Yankees reliever turned starter struggled with his control. After issuing a walk in the 1st inning, he issued back to back walks to David Murphy and Marlon Byrd to start the 2nd. Rookie Chris Davis drilled a ball off of the base of the wall in left-center to score Murphy, who had inexplicably held up on the play, causing Byrd to stop at 2nd base. The Rangers base running in the inning would only get worse.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled to center to score Byrd, but Davis was gunned down by Cabrera trying to go to 3rd. Saltalamacchia advanced to 2nd base on the play, but quickly committed another base running cardinal sin by trying to advance to 3rd on Ramon Vazquez's grounder to short. Betemit threw to Alex Rodriguez, who actually missed the tag, but sold it well enough that umpire Dan Iassogna, who called Saltalamacchia out. Chamberlain then struck out Kinsler to escape further trouble.

Chamberlain was right back in the soup in the 3rd inning when he gave up a single to Michael Young and walked Josh Hamilton. But the gritty right-hander bounced back with strike outs of Milton Bradley (the 6th straight time he struck out) and Murphy, and then retired Byrd on a fly out to center. The 4th would be Chamberlain's last inning as the Rangers again put two men aboard with 2 outs, but failed to score when Young lined out.

The Yankees finally broke through against Rangers starter Kevin Millwood in the 4th. Jason Giambi drew a 1-out walk and moved to third on Jorge Posada's line drive single off the wall in right field. Robinson Cano singled through the right side to cut the Rangers lead in half. Millwood got a huge out when he struck out Betemit swinging, and then retired Cabrera on a fly out to left to end the threat.

Millwood was hit by a comebacker off the shin in the 2nd inning and it swelled to the point that he was forced from the game after five innings. The Yankees immediately took advantage against reliever Josh Rupe. Though Rupe retired the first two hitters, Posada, Cano, and Betemit strung singles together to tie the game up.

Dan Giese, Dave Robertson, who looked especially impressive, and Jose Veras got the game into the hands of Mariano Rivera, but the reliever's rep in tie games is becoming as standard as his rep in save situations.


News and Notes

Derek Jeter sat out completely for the first time since April 13.

Melky Cabrera's 0-18 the last 5 games has dropped his average to a season low .240.

Joba Chamberlain threw 91 pitches in 4 innings. His ERA jumped to 2.22.

All 4 runs that Mariano Rivera has allowed this season have come in non-save situations.

Yankees vs. Rangers - July 1

First game of July and the Yankees find themselves 6.5 games behind the Tampa Rays in the AL East and 5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card race. They also have a two game losing streak that has dropped them back to 5 games over .500 (44-39). Joba Chamberlain (2-2, 2.03) will attempt to turn things around tonight when he faces veteran Kevin Millwood (5-4, 5.08).

Chamberlain has never faced any member of the Rangers. Millwood is 1-4, 4.82 in 6 career starts against the Yankees.

Yankees vs. Millwood

Abreu 14-39 (.359) 1 HR 4 RBI
Cabrera 4-9 (.444)
Cano 4-10 (.400) 1 RBI
Damon 3-15 (.200) 1 RBI
Giambi 5-11 (.455) 2 HR 3 RBI
Jeter 5-19 (.263) 2 RBI
Moeller 0-4
Molina 1-9 (.111)
Posada 1-10 (.100)
Rodriguez 6-14 (.429) 1 HR 2 RBI


Tonight's lineups courtesy of Peter Abraham, including Derek Jeter taking a rare night off:

Damon DH
Gardner LF
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Betemit SS
Cabrera CF

As expected, A-Rod said he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby. No word if Madonna will.

According to the NY Post, Hideki Matsui may start taking BP soon.

"He came in today and he looked great. Keeping him off it really helped," said manager Joe Girardi. "[Trainer] Gene Monahan came up to me and said he looks tremendous and we talked about him taking BP in a couple of days. So I think the actual rest where he wasn't traveling to the ballpark and taking BP and trying to test it I think really helped calm it down."

The Post's Kevn Kiernan also has a piece on how Jose Reyes should watch Derek Jeter to learn how to conduct himself on the field.

Mark Feinsand of the News has some more info on Brett Gardner. Joe Girardi said Gardner is "here to play". Of course after Saturday's game he said Kei Igawa was going to be part of the bullpen. He was sent down before the next game.

Yankees vs. Rangers - July 1

First game of July and the Yankees find themselves 6.5 games behind the Tampa Rays in the AL East and 5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card race. They also have a two game losing streak that has dropped them back to 5 games over .500 (44-39). Joba Chamberlain (2-2, 2.03) will attempt to turn things around tonight when he faces veteran Kevin Millwood (5-4, 5.08).

Chamberlain has never faced any member of the Rangers. Millwood is 1-4, 4.82 in 6 career starts against the Yankees.

Yankees vs. Millwood

Abreu 14-39 (.359) 1 HR 4 RBI
Cabrera 4-9 (.444)
Cano 4-10 (.400) 1 RBI
Damon 3-15 (.200) 1 RBI
Giambi 5-11 (.455) 2 HR 3 RBI
Jeter 5-19 (.263) 2 RBI
Moeller 0-4
Molina 1-9 (.111)
Posada 1-10 (.100)
Rodriguez 6-14 (.429) 1 HR 2 RBI


Tonight's lineups courtesy of Peter Abraham, including Derek Jeter taking a rare night off:

Damon DH
Gardner LF
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Betemit SS
Cabrera CF

As expected, A-Rod said he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby. No word if Madonna will.

According to the NY Post, Hideki Matsui may start taking BP soon.

"He came in today and he looked great. Keeping him off it really helped," said manager Joe Girardi. "[Trainer] Gene Monahan came up to me and said he looks tremendous and we talked about him taking BP in a couple of days. So I think the actual rest where he wasn't traveling to the ballpark and taking BP and trying to test it I think really helped calm it down."

The Post's Kevn Kiernan also has a piece on how Jose Reyes should watch Derek Jeter to learn how to conduct himself on the field.

Mark Feinsand of the News has some more info on Brett Gardner. Joe Girardi said Gardner is "here to play". Of course after Saturday's game he said Kei Igawa was going to be part of the bullpen. He was sent down before the next game.

Blogging: Enter with Caution

C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers may now be heeding that advice. Wilson is in hot water with his teammates after making a general, derogatory comment about them and their lack of interest in the presidential campaign.

Wilson commented to ESPN.com that he was frustrated by his teammate's apathy. Brandon McCarthy responded with a lengthy critical post on lonestar.com. Wilson gave McCarthy kudos for expressing himself, but took a shot at the rest of the Rangers.

"Come on man you have to admit the median or average guy in a baseball clubhouse does drive an SUV, drinks beer, golfs, likes college sports, chews or dips tobacco and is relatively a [expletive]."

Michael Young, Kevin Millwood, and Frank Catalanotto all got in Wilson's face about his choice of tactics.

"I think if you are going to be online, you have to choose your words wisely," Catalanotto said. "And if you have something to say to someone, I think you should say that directly to them. Otherwise, it can misconstrued, even if it was meant in a joking manner. That doesn't come across on the Web. Hopefully, C.J. has learned his lesson. You can say something online that makes yourself or your teammates look bad."

General Manager Jon Daniels didn't let it just go either.

"I've spoken to him about his blogging in the past – using good judgment, what's appropriate and what's not – but not about this specifically. My understanding is the players are handling it themselves.

"We're a family, and it's important to handle things internally. I don't see much benefit in getting into it publicly. In this case, C.J. used poor judgment in what he wrote and that reflects poorly on him and by extension the team he represents."

We could probably dismiss it as just the antics of another loony lefty, but it's a big mistake to tick off your teammates...even if you might be right.

Blogging: Enter with Caution

C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers may now be heeding that advice. Wilson is in hot water with his teammates after making a general, derogatory comment about them and their lack of interest in the presidential campaign.

Wilson commented to ESPN.com that he was frustrated by his teammate's apathy. Brandon McCarthy responded with a lengthy critical post on lonestar.com. Wilson gave McCarthy kudos for expressing himself, but took a shot at the rest of the Rangers.

"Come on man you have to admit the median or average guy in a baseball clubhouse does drive an SUV, drinks beer, golfs, likes college sports, chews or dips tobacco and is relatively a [expletive]."

Michael Young, Kevin Millwood, and Frank Catalanotto all got in Wilson's face about his choice of tactics.

"I think if you are going to be online, you have to choose your words wisely," Catalanotto said. "And if you have something to say to someone, I think you should say that directly to them. Otherwise, it can misconstrued, even if it was meant in a joking manner. That doesn't come across on the Web. Hopefully, C.J. has learned his lesson. You can say something online that makes yourself or your teammates look bad."

General Manager Jon Daniels didn't let it just go either.

"I've spoken to him about his blogging in the past – using good judgment, what's appropriate and what's not – but not about this specifically. My understanding is the players are handling it themselves.

"We're a family, and it's important to handle things internally. I don't see much benefit in getting into it publicly. In this case, C.J. used poor judgment in what he wrote and that reflects poorly on him and by extension the team he represents."

We could probably dismiss it as just the antics of another loony lefty, but it's a big mistake to tick off your teammates...even if you might be right.

The Rotations - AL West

A’s

Guaranteed Spots: Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Lenny DiNardo, Chad Gaudin

The A’s have already moved out their ace, Rich Harden, and GM Billy Beane is exploring deals for Joe Blanton (14-10, 3.95).

Harden has incredible stuff, but his arm has been a wreck- he’s thrown just 71.2 innings over the last 2 seasons.

DiNardo came into his own last season, making 20 starts, and putting up respectable numbers (8-10, 4.11).

Gaudin underwent off-season surgery on his hip and foot and hopes to be ready for opening day. He threw a career high 199 innings last year and faded as the season went on. He also has control issues, having walked 100 hitters last season.

Barring any additional deals, the A’s will look to their youth for their 4^th and 5^th starters. Dan Meyer, acquired in the Tim Hudson deal, got hammered (8.82 ERA) in a 6 game cup of coffee last season, but went 8-2, 3.28 at Triple-A. Beane has to be banking on Meyer being ready for prime time.

Dallas Braden falls into the same category as Meyer. He had mixed results in 20 apperances,14 of which were starts for the A’s- 1.8, 6.72- but was 2-3, 2.95 ERA in Triple-A.

The A’s also brought back Kirk Saarloos, who went 17-16 from 2005-2006, before flopping with the Reds last year (1-5, 7.17).

Mariners

Guaranteed Spots: Erik Bedard, Felix Hernandez, Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva

The Mariners picked up a bonafide ace when they acquired Bedard from the Orioles. He makes the division that much more competitive.

“The King”, Felix Hernandez was off to an incredible start (1-hitter against the Red Sox) before his history of arm problems caught up with him. The M’s shut him down for a bit of time, and watched what pitches he threw the rest of the season. It produced pretty good results – 14-7, 3.92; 165 K’s in 190.1 IP, and Hernandez was strong again down the stretch.

Washburn either very good or very bad, but still managed to put up decent numbers- 10-15, 4.32. He also maintained a good ERA (4.03) when the M’s sank like a stone in September.

Silva signed a 4-year, $48 million deal in the off-season. Not bad for a guy coming off years of 13-14, 4.19 and 11-15, 5.92. Where can we get one of those deals? Silva only allowed 20 home runs last year after allowing 38 in 2006 and will benefit from the spacious confines of Safeco Field.

Miguel Batista and Horacio Ramirez should battle for the 5^th spot.

Angels

Guaranteed Spots: Kelvim Escobar, Jered Weaver, John Garland, John Lackey

Lackey is the workhorse of the group, averaging 210 innings pitcher over the last 5 seasons. Last year Lackey was at his best, put up a 19-9 record and a miniscule (by today’s standards) 3.01 ERA.

Escobar has blossomed since joining the Halos, but he’ll miss the start of the season with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Escobar put up career numbers -18-7, 3.40 – in 2007.

Garland multi-year deal expires after this season, he was prime trade bait. Garland struggled last year, but who didn’t in Chicago? He’s average 207 IP over the last 6 years and won 18 games in back-to-back seasons (2005-6).

Weaver has lived up to his billing in his first two seasons in the majors. He threw 161 innings last year and has gone 20-9 in 47 big league starts.

Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana were to do battle for the 5^th spot in the rotation, but both will be in the top 5 due to Escobar’s injury. Saunders has shown a lot of promise, going 15-8, 4.55 in his first 2 years. Santana, on the other hand, has been in a downward spiral since going 10-3, 3.68 prior to the 2006 All-Star break. The Dominican-born right-hander went 6-5, 4.68 in the 2^nd half, and was horrendous in 2007, going 7-14, 5.76. Santana was the name often asked for in trade talks, but the Angels wouldn’t part with him. Now he’s the name the Angels often put in trade talks, but he’s lost considerable value.

Rangers

Guaranteed Spots: Kevin Millwood, Brandon McCarthy, Jason Jennings, Vincente Padilla

Millwood made 31 starts, but averaged less than 6 innings a start due to hamstring problem. His 5.16 ERA was a career worst. This off-season he has taken up kick boxing to help his conditioning.

People questioned the acquisition of McCarthy, especially since it cost the Rangers prospect John Danks. McCarthy didn’t have the best season, allowing more hits than innings pitched and issued 48 walks in just 101.2 innings. On a positive not, he only allowed 9 home runs.

Jennings makes his way to the AL after 6 seasons in Colorado and 1 in Houston. He put up a 3.78 ERA in 2006, but his free agency was hurt by an elbow injury, and subsequent surgery, and a 6.45 ERA in 2007.

It’s been a long time since the Padilla Flotilla was a hit in Philadelphia. Vincente Padilla’s ERA has not been below 4.50 in the last 4 years. He did give the Rangers 15 wins and 200 innings in 2006 and manager Ron Washington is hoping to get that again after Padilla missed chunks of last season with a triceps injury. GM Jon Daniels has also been shopping the right-hander this off-season.

Kason Gabbard was acquired from the Red Sox in the Eric Gagne deal at last year’s trade deadline. In 7 starts for Boston, Gabbard was 4-0, 3.73 and held opponents to a .196 batting average. But the league caught up to the left-hander in Texas, where he posted a 2-1, 5.68 record in 8 starts. Gabbard walks too many hitters and doesn’t strike anyone out, so it’s a fine line between good and bad, but he probably has the inside track on the 5^th spot in the rotation.

Also getting a look this spring will be Kameron Loe who made 38 starts over the last two seasons, both of which resulted in an ERA over 5, and Robinson Tejeda, who posted a 6.61 ERA in 19 starts. Veterans Jason Davis and Jamey Wright are also in camp as are prospects Luis Mendoza and Eric Hurley.

Ranking the Rotations

1. Angels
2. Mariners
3. A's
4. Rangers