New Year, New MLB Rumors

Nelson Cruz is among those still wondering where his next contract is.

Happy New Year to one and all. We are just 43 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to camp. A truly great Valentine's Day gift. There are quite a number of free agents still not signed, but I would expect some trades, mostly minor, to occur prior to spring training.

The biggest news right now is, of course, the chase for Masahiro Tanaka. With the posting fee reduced to $20MM there are plenty of teams that will try to persuade the Japanese star to sign with them. Only a handful will be able to afford the $100MM he's expected (or expecting) to sign for.

ESPN's Jayson Stark reported that, according to some Major League execs, the Seattle Mariners could be big time players in the negotation battle. The Yankees have to be concerned after the ridiculous contract that Mariners gave Robinson Cano. Apparently, they still have quite a bit of cash to play with.

You can onlyhope that Ichiro Suzuki refuses to discuss playing in Seattle with Tanaka and only will talk about playing in New York..and only discuss the positives.

There are other big name pitchers on the market, though the names don't necessarily merit the contracts they are looking for. Matt Garza, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez are tops among them. The Twins, who already signed Phil Hughes and re-signed Mike Pelfrey, are willing to give big money, but not years to a pitcher like Garza. Then again the report was from ESPNradio 1500's Darren Wolfson who also reported last week that the Twins had an interest in Tanaka. I hadn't laughed that hard in a while. Everyone has an interest, but the Twins NEVER spend that kind of money...well, outside of Joe Mauer and that hasn't worked out so well.

The Cleveland Plains Dealer's Paul Hoynes reported that Jimenez is looking for $17MM-$20MM annually. Apparently he needs that much to get counseling for his delusions. Jimenez was phenomenal in the first half of 2010 and has been downright awful in every season since, except for the second half of last year (1.82 ERA). But you don't give a guy that much money based on 13 starts.

Santana is another pitcher who is clearly pricing himself out of the market. The right-hander has been too inconsistent in his career to command an upper dollar contract. The Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in Tanaka, but are more likely to be able to sign Santana, whom they have major interest in.

Bronson Arroyo is still out there, but he appears to be everyone's plan 'B'. Perhaps he's asking for too much money after hearing WFAN's Mike Francesa talk about him like he's Walter Johnson.

No rumor here; good luck to Mark Mulder who is attempting a comeback with the Los Angeles Angels. The left-hander hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2008 due to shoulder problems. He's been working as a commentator since then, but decided to give it another try. The 36-yr old signed a minor league deal with an invite to spring training and reportedly threw in the low 90's during December auditions.

It's not just the big names pitchers still waiting for offers. Outfielder Nelson Cruz, who was one of the players suspended 50 games in 2013 for the Biogenesis scandal, has yet to find a new team. He won't be returning to his old one, the Texas Rangers, after they signed Shin-Soo Choo to a seven-year, $130MM contract. Jeff Wilson (Ft. Worth Star Telegram) reported that there are four (unnamed) teams interested in the unsigned 33-year old.

First baseman/DH Kendrys Morales is still looking for a new home as well after one season with the Mariners. Morales may never be the same player he was before he broke his leg in 2010, but he's become a productive hitter again. One that would benefit from a hitters park rather than pitcher friendly Safeco Field. Most of the rumors are writers saying "this team" should sign Morales.

Despite rumors, probably started by his agent Scott Boras, Stephen Drew will not be signed by the Yankees. Brian Cashman stated Monday that the team has no plan to sign Drew.

Two major closers remain unemployed, though one thought he had a job. Grant Balfour agreed to terms with the Baltimore Orioles on a multiple year deal, but some warning bells on an MRI of his right shoulder caused the deal to fall through.

Fernando Rodney was dominant when he closed for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 and had a pretty good year with them in 2013. Teams have to be wary, however, of Rodney inconsistent past. For most of his career, he was not a pitcher you could trust in a big situation.

Time to check some email. I wonder if I got anything from Alex Rodriguez or Randy Levine.

The Texas Rangers Gift to the American League

Adrian Beltre is one of the few Rangers who can still intimidate the opposition

Texas is a big, brash, bold, braggadocios state. Apparently they are benevolent now as well. At least when it comes to the American League wild card race.

The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays began a series Monday evening in Florida.  The two teams entered play tied for the two wild card positions. However, the two are headed in two different directions. The Rays have won four of five after they took the first game of the series 6-2. Texas has dropped seven straight and 10 of 11.

The Rangers represented the American League in the World Series in 2010 and 2011, and made it to the wild card game last year, where they lost to the Baltimore Orioles. Texas got off to a good start in 2013 and led the AL West by seven games after 41 contests. Since then the Rangers have been a .500 team over their last 108 games (54-54). and entered Monday's play 6.5 games behind the first place Oakland A's.

Texas' poor play has enabled the Yankees, KC Royals, Orioles, and Cleveland Indians to all remain in the hunt for a wild card spot. There have been a number of reasons for the Rangers' demise. Injuries - Matt Harrison was lost for the year after just two starts, endured two back surgeries within nine days of each other in May and recently underwent surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. (Debilitating compression is relieved through removal of a rib and surrounding tissue.) The left-hander won 18 games in 2012.

Colby Lewis missed the entire season after undergoing elbow surgery in July, 2012. Then last month he had a hip resurfacing procedure to avoid complete hip replacement. Neftali Feliz was recently activated after he completed rehab from last season's Tommy John surgery. He's still not at full strength and has to be used cautiously. Swing man Alexi Ogando has been on the disabled list three times with shoulder inflammation and bicep tendinitis. #2 starter Derek Holland is healthy as far as anyone can tell, but has been awful in September with three losses and an ERA above 8.

Inept offense - The lineuptook a big hit when Josh Hamilton left for LA as a free agent after last season's 43 home runs and 128 RBI. He's struggled mightily with the Angels (.734 OPS, 20 HR, 68 RBI), but those numbers may have been different had he stayed in Arlington. Free agent acquisition Lance Berkman has played just 71 games due to injuries.

Nelson Cruz had 27 HR and 76 RBI when he was suspended for the remainder of the season for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.  Though he has 40 stolen bases, Elvis Andrus took a step back offensively (.652 OPS). Ian Kinsler started the year like a house afire - .919 OPS 5 HR 16 RBI in April - but he's hit just .256 since then with 6 HR and has been caught eight times in 19 stolen base attempts.

The Rangers were also counting on rookie Jurickson Profar to make a major contribution, but the top prospect has only produced a slash line .237/.310/.330 and has been thrown out on four of six stolen base attempts.

The combination of all the above have spelled disaster for Texas and it will come as no shock if the Rangers continue to slide right out of a playoff spot and into an early vacation.

Nelson Cruz and His "Whoops"

It's great to see the statements made once a player fails a test for PEDs or gets caught up in some sort of nefarious doings. Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz had a doozie today.¹

"I have been notified by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball that I have been suspended for 50 games for violation of the Joint Drug Agreement. I have decided to accept this suspension and not exercise my rights under the Basic Agreement to appeal. From November 2011 to January 2012, I was seriously ill with a gastrointestinal infection, helicobacter pylori, which went undiagnosed for over a month. By the time I was properly diagnosed and treated, I had lost 40 pounds.

Just weeks before I was to report to spring training in 2012, I was unsure whether I would be physically able to play. Faced with this situation, I made an error in judgment that I deeply regret, and I accept full responsibility for that error. I should have handled the situation differently, and my illness was no excuse. I am thankful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. I look forward to regaining the trust and respect of the Rangers organization, my teammates, and the great Rangers fans, and I am grateful for the opportunity to rejoin the team for the playoffs."

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/foul_territory/2013/08/nelson-cruz-statement-i-made-an-error-in-judgment.html#storylink=cpy

How about instead Cruz told the truth, which was I am a free agent after the season and felt I wouldn't get a major deal due to my weakened state. There's also no reason to think Cruz was not using prior to this season.

The Texas Rangers, who thought until this morning that Cruz would appeal the suspension, had this to say:

“The Texas Rangers are disappointed that Nelson Cruz has violated the terms of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program resulting in his suspension. The Rangers’ organization fully supports the MLB program and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, the Rangers will have no further comment.”

1 - star-telegram.com

MLB Reads A-Rod the 2-1-1

Circa 1998: "Steroids? What are steroids?"

It's finally official at last, MLB has suspended Alex Rodriguez and 12 others for their involvement with Biogenesis of America. Those 12 others accepted a 50 game suspension. A-Rod, on the other hand, is expected to appeal the 211 games he was slapped with.

The suspensions take effect on August 8 giving time to file an appeal. It also means that A-Rod will get 49 regular season games this year and 162 next year as well as any post-season games. According to FOXSports' Ken Rosenthal, A-Rod got the big body slam because he was "using PEDs, including testosterone and HGH, over multiple years and obstructing and frustrating its investigation."

Commissioner Bud Selig who dragged his feet so long his shoes wore out, released the following statement about all of the suspensions:

“Major League Baseball has worked diligently with the Players Association for more than a decade to make our Joint Drug Program the best in all of professional sports.  I am proud of the comprehensive nature of our efforts – not only with regard to random testing, groundbreaking blood testing for human Growth Hormone and one of the most significant longitudinal profiling programs in the world, but also our investigative capabilities, which proved vital to the Biogenesis case.  Upon learning that players were linked to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, we vigorously pursued evidence that linked those individuals to violations of our Program.  We conducted a thorough, aggressive investigation guided by facts so that we could justly enforce our rules.

“Despite the challenges this situation has created during a great season on the field, we pursued this matter because it was not only the right thing to do, but the only thing to do.  For weeks, I have noted the many players throughout the game who have strongly voiced their support on this issue, and I thank them for it.  I appreciate the unwavering support of our owners and club personnel, who share my ardent desire to address this situation appropriately.  I am also grateful to the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society and our club physicians, who were instrumental in the banning of amphetamines and whose expertise remains invaluable to me.  As an institution, we have made unprecedented strides together.

“It is important to point out that 16,000 total urine and blood tests were conducted on players worldwide under MLB Drug Programs in 2012.  With the important additions of the HGH testing and longitudinal profiling this season, we are more confident than ever in the effectiveness of the testing program.  Those players who have violated the Program have created scrutiny for the vast majority of our players, who play the game the right way.

“This case resoundingly illustrates that the strength of our Program is not limited only to testing.  We continue to attack this issue on every front – from science and research, to education and awareness, to fact-finding and investigative skills.  Major League Baseball is proud of the enormous progress we have made, and we look forward to working with the players to make the penalties for violations of the Drug Program even more stringent and a stronger deterrent.

“As a social institution with enormous social responsibilities, Baseball must do everything it can to maintain integrity, fairness and a level playing field.  We are committed to working together with players to reiterate that performance-enhancing drugs will not be tolerated in our game.”

The "Dirty Dozen" that accepted a 50 game ban are Francisco Cervelli, Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta, Everth Cabrera, Antonio Bastardo, Jordany Valdespin, Fernando Martinez, Jesus Montero, Cesar Puello, Sergio Escalona, Fautino De Los Santos, Jordan Norberto.

Selig Ready to Bring the Hammer Down Monday

"I'll hold my breath if you suspend me!"

Alex Rodriguez is on his way to the Windy City, if he's not there already, for the Yankees series with the Chicago White Sox beginning Monday night.

It appears A-Rod will be able to suit up once MLB commissioner Bud Selig hands down the third baseman's suspension as well as that of 12 other players. Selig seems to have backed off his threat of a lifetime ban and will allow any players that choose to appeal to continue to play while their case is heard.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported that in addition to A-Rod, Nelson Cruz (Texas), Jhonny Peralta (Detroit), Everth Cabrera (San Diego), Francisco Cervelli (NYY), Fernando Martinez (NYY minors), Jesus Montero (Seattle), Jordan Norberto (Oakland minors), Cesar Puello (NYM minors), and Fautino De Los Santos (San Diego minors) are to be suspended.¹

All with the exception of A-Rod are expected to be given 50 game suspension. The three time AL MVP on the other hand is reportedly to be suspended through 2014, with the possibility it could into 2015 if the appeal impacts the number of games A-Rod plays the rest of this season.

Melky Cabrera (Toronto), Bartolo Colon (Oakland), and Yasmani Grandal (San Diego) have already served suspensions for their participation with Biogenesis and will not receive further punishment. Washington Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez name had been mentioned in connection with Biogenesis, but there was no evidence of his involvement.

Update 1:50 PM 8/5: In addition to the names listed above (not including A-Rod), Jordany Valdespino (NYM), Antonio Bastardo (Philly), Sergio Escalona (Houston) have reportedly accepted 50 game suspensions.

1 - CBSsports.com

MLB Tells A-Rod Too Much, Too Little, Too Late

"Why didn't I do this sooner?!"

According to Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown, Major League Baseball has said "You're too late" to Alex Rodriguez and his representatives after the controversial slugger requested a meeting between the two sides. The third baseman had been defiant up until this point saying that he would appeal any suspension, but apparently had a change of heart once the time grew closer to this Monday's announcement of those players suspended. (Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta,  Everth Cabrera...)

While I understand MLB and puppet master(or is he the puppet?)  Bud Selig's aggravation at A-Rod, the league is making themselves look bad/petty for not hearing what A-Rod, his lawyer David Cornwell or other reps have to say. It could also possibly damage some of MLB's case if A-Rod does indeed appeal.

A-Rod's meeting request was through contact with the players' union and reportedly included a request to meeting with Yankees officials in regards to a "financial settlement".

Part of MLB's reluctance to meet could be because A-Rod refused to cooperate with the leagues investigators when they spoke to him earlier. It would appear though that collecting his cash is more important to A-Rod then being on the playing field. After his rehab stint in Trenton Friday, A-Rod had this to say:

"I think that's the pink elephant in the room. I think we all agree that we want to get rid of PEDs. That's a must. I think all the players feel that way. But when all the stuff is going on in the background and people are finding creative ways to cancel your contract, I think that's concerning for me. It's concerning for present [players] and it should be concerning for future players as well. There is a process. … I'm going to keep fighting."¹

This fight and A-Rod are not going away any time soon.


1 -  Yahoo Sports

Things Are Not Grand in Yankees-land

Yeah, that hurt. (photo courtesy of AP)

Everyone held their breath for about an hour or so until the bad news was delivered Sunday afternoon. Curtis Granderson, hit in the right forearm in his first at-bat of spring training, will miss 10 weeks and hopefully will return in May.

Toronto Blue Jays starter J. A. Happ nailed Granderson, who made it down to first base, but immediately left the game for x-rays.  The injury further saps a team that is missing much of its power from last season. Granderson (84 home runs over the last two years) joins Alex Rodriguez on the disabled list, while free agents Nick Swisher (24 home runs in 2012), Russell Martin (21 HR), and Raul Ibanez (19 HR) all signed elsewhere.

Barring a trade the injury gives both Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera a better chance of making the team rather than just one of them. (Be glad Bubba Crosby is retired) Those of you who are thinking 'what about moving Eduardo Nunez to the outfield", forget it. Joe Girardi was adamant on today's telecast that Nunez would only play shortstop in hopes of improving his defense, while also not messing with his promising bat. (Girardi said it before he knew the extent of the injury, but I don't see it changing anything regarding Nunez.)

Diaz and Rivera are both well past their prime and both are right-handed hitters. One was expected to share right field with Ichiro Suzuki and DH at-bats with Travis Hafner. The only other outfielder that could possibly win a spot out of spring training would be Ronnier Mustelier.

The Cuban-born fireplug (5'10", 210 lbs) tore up pitching at Trenton ('AA') and Scranton ('AAA') last season in 114 games played. 82 of those games were at the Triple-A level where he posted an .815 OPS with 10 HR and 49 RBI in 347 at-bats. Mustelier was even better in the Eastern League where he compiled a 1.010 OPS in 25 games.The 28-year old is also a right-hander hitter.

"We need guys to step up" is already an overused quote down at George M. Steinbrenner III Field, but it has never been truer of any Yankees team in recent memory. Hafner will need to stay healthy and productive; the same can said for third baseman Kevin Youkilis.

The Yankees could find someone productive off the waiver wires prior to the end of spring training or Brian Cashman could pursue a deal (though he will say the Yankees will look for a solution within the organization.)  Among the outfielders that are potential free agents after this season are Texas' David Murphy and the oft-injured Nelson Cruz, Arizona's Jason Kubel, and KC's Jeff Francoeur. Players like Carlos Beltran and Shin-Soo Choo are likely not to be moved before the Major League trade deadline. Basically, I don't see the Yankees obtaining anyone more than an average player.

As for Granderson, he's in the final year of the deal he originally signed with Detroit and is scheduled to be a free agent after the season. Missing significant playing time could be a significant dent in his wallet.

Baseball Digest | Cruz Missile Puts Texas In Command

The baseball post-season is all about do-overs. You can have a rotten regular season and then become a hero in October. You can also wear goat horns in in one series and be the guy who comes through with the big hit in the next clash. Nelson Cruz knows what it feels like. Though his Texas Rangers won their AL division series, Cruz played no offensive role in advancing to the next round. He was just 1-15 and struck out five times against the Tampa Bay Rays. All that changed on Monday though when Cruz, who had homered in Game 1, smacked two more to give his Texas Rangers a commanding two games to none lead over the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS.

Tigers’ starter Max Scherzer had given up a pair of early runs, but held a 3-2 lead entering the 7th inning, thanks to a Ryan Rayburn 3-run home run off of Rangers’ starter Derek Holland. That’s when Cruz played the hero for the first time, tying the game against Scherzer with a solo blast in the 7th inning. Then Cruz put his name in the record books when he became the first player in League Championship Series to hit a walk off grand slam. It came in the 11th inning after Ryan Perry had allowed three straight singles, and gave the Rangers a 7-3 victory. It was a home run that fit the moment; a majestic shot that simply had to stay fair, which it did.

Read the rest of this free story at BaseballDigest.com.

Baseball Digest | Texas Will Go As Far As Their Arms Will Take Them

When the media and baseball experts talk about the Texas Rangers, they tend to focus on the Rangers’ deep lineup. And who can blame them? With Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, Michael Young, Mike Napoli, and Elvis Andrus, the Rangers can put a big number up on the scoreboard. But if the Rangers are to win their first World Series it will because of their starting pitching and bullpen.

There were a lot of people who didn’t think Texas would get back to the championship after losing Cliff Lee to free agency. But C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, and Derek Holland all remained steady, and Alexi Ogando gave the team a big boost in the first half with his promotion to the starting rotation. Texas is now just four victories away from returning to the World Series, which they lost in five games to the San Francisco Giants last season.

Read the rest of this free article at BaseballDigest.com.

Garcia Gives Yankees Boost

Freddy Garcia..or "The Rock"?

I had a nightdream yesterday. That's a combo daydream and nightmare; basically a horrible vision at night. I saw a Yankees starting rotation of CC Sabathia, Bartolo Colon, Kevin Millwood, Carlos Silva, and Freddy Garcia. It was understandable after Phil Hughes went on the disabled list and Ivan Nova pitched poorly for the second straight time out on Friday.

But lo and behold, Freddy Garcia threw six scoreless innings and the Yankees toppled the Texas Rangers 5-2 on a soggy Saturday afternoon. It was Garcia's first start of the season and just his second appearance (he threw one inning last Sunday vs. Boston). It was also the first time he had not allowed a run in any appearance since 2006.

Mark Teixeira gave Garcia some room to work with in the 1st inning when he launced a Derek Holland pitch into the right field seats with two aboard for a 3-0 Yankees lead. Garcia then had to face just 21 hitters, retiring 18 of them. He gave up a lead off single to Adrian Beltre and walked the hitter that followed, Nelson Cruz. But Garcia got David Murphy to line out to right, Yorvit Torrealba to ground out, and Mitch Moreland to pop out to escape the jam. The only other base runner Garcia allow would be a Murphy single in the 5th.

Holland settled down after the 1st inning and the Rangers finally got to Rafael Soriano to cut the lead to 3-2 in the 8th. But with a man aboard in the home half of the 8th Robinson Cano clanged a Holland pitch off the right field foul pole for a 5-2 lead. Mariano Rivera then came on in the 9th for his 5th save of the season.

The nightdream delayed, at least for today.

Notes

Alex Rodriguez left the game prior to the 7th inning after his back and oblique stiffened up. It's not thought to be serious.

Russell Martin finally got a day off with Gustavo Molina making his first start. He went 0-3.

Girardi Managing To Lose

I've talked all year about my discontent with Joe Girardi's in-game moves. He got away with many of them last year, no more so than in the 2009 ALCS. But this year Girardi's moves are coming back to bite him on the behind.

Down two games to one, Girardi opted to stand by his decision to start A.J. Burnett in game four rather than bring back CC Sabathia (93 pitches in game one) on three days rest. His reasoning did make some sense. He didn't want to push Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte to pitch on three days rest. But! and it's a but as large as Prince Fielder's. You have to get the momentum to swing back in your favor.

The Yankees have had trouble hitting in the clutch for well over a month. Translation- you need your pitcher to keep the opponent down. Andy Pettitte did that on Monday, but unfortunately was up against Cliff Lee. You go Sabathia game four and if need be, Burnett (or Dustin Moseley or whomever) in game five.

But, surprise of surprise, Burnett went out and gave Girardi a solid five innings and had a 3-2 lead. And then Girardi got greedy. Burnett hadn't started a game since September 27, but as his pitch count rose, Girardi stuck by him...and got burned.

Vladimir Guerrero led off with a single. Nelson Cruz hit into a force out, but Ian Kinsler just missed getting a hold of one, flying out to deep center. That should have been signal for the hook right there, but Girardi remained in the dugout. Yankee killer David Murphy was up and with a base open, Girardi called for an intentional walk, preferring to pitch to Bengie Molina. Burnett nearly threw a wild pitch in the process. Another signal to Girardi, but still no movement.

Burnett had misfired on a pitch to Molina earlier in the game and hit the bulky catcher in the back. This time Burnett's misfire was much more costly. With Francisco Cervelli set up outside, Burnett's pitch sailed right into Molina's wheelhouse. The result was a crushing three run home run and a 5-3 Rangers lead. Finally after six, Girardi went to the pen. But his mistakes weren't over yet.

David Robertson came out of the pen firing in the 7th. He dominated right-handed hitters Elvis Andrus and Michael Young. But Girardi and his friendly neighborhood binder said Boone Logan should pitch to Josh Hamilton. The leading contender for AL MVP smashed Logan's pitch into the seats for a 6-3 lead and things just got worse from there until it was an embarassing 10-3 final.

Yes, you have to give credit to the other team. As expected the Yankees hit Tommy Hunter well, but didn't break the game open. They've been unable to do that for months. Derek Holland then came out of the pen and pitched up to the potential we've all heard about him. And the Yankees were dead in game four and probably dead for the series.

When you're out managed by Ron Washington, you know you've screwed up. Joe Girardi will manage to find a way not to win.


Notes

As if things weren't bad enough, Mark Teixeira was forced to leave the game early with a strained hamstring and is probably done for the year whether or not the Yankees continue on. Though he was hitless in the ALCS his glove was invaluable.

Good Things Happen To Those Who Don't Watch

I admit it. I shut off the TV last night when the 6th Texas run crossed home plate last night. Down 6-1 against Cliff Lee there was no way the Yankees were coming back.

Only they did.

Now while I messed around on Facebook and played Spider Spolitaire and considered going to bed early, I also kept checking the score on Yahoo Sports.

A wild pitch, a Lance Berkman ribbie double. Brett Gardner finally gets a hit..hmm, 6-4.

Resisting urge to turn the game back on; they're doing fine without me.

Marcus Thames homers off Frank Francisco in the 8th to cut the lead to 6-5. Will NOT put the game on.

The game is tied and two are on...CLICK...we now return you to your normal programming day. Just in time to see Marcus Thames single through the left side to put the Yankees on top 7-6.

But this isn't over yet. Elvus Andrus triples off Mariano Rivera to start the bottom of the 9th. Perhaps I should have left the game off.

But Mo would make Houdini proud.

Michael Young bloops one to right for a sure game tying single. But wait. Austin Kearns shoe top catch saves the day for a moment. Even Mo said "Oh God" to himself when Kearns caught it.

Next Mo gets the league's leading hitter Josh Hamilton to hit a comebacker for the 2nd out. That leaves it up to the dangerous Nelson Cruz, but the big outfielder grounds out to A-Rod. Yankees win. THeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees win!

Notes

Kerry Wood picked up his first win as a Yankee. Though he's walked too many hitters, he's allowed just one earned run and struck out nine in six innings pitched.

Jorge Posada was back behind the dish after sitting out all of Tuesday's game with a sore shoulder.

George King of the NY Post reported that Andy Pettitte was scratched from a simulated start today. No reason was given.

Curtis Granderson has had his swing revamped by Kevin Long in hopes of turning his season around. Granderson will unveil the new look tonight in Kansas City.

Javier Vazquez's last three starts have not been good - 6.1 - 5.1 - 4.1 innings pitched. He's allowed 13 earned runs in the 15 innings with 22 hits and 7 walks.

Home Run Royalty

He was born with home run bloodlines, but Prince Fielder has become his own man and very much his own home run hitter. Last night he captured the 2009 All-Star Home Run Derby in one of the longest, most boring nights in the event's history.

Fielder is quietly having a magnificent season. It hasn't caught the attention of the baseball world due to Fielder's All-Star teammate Albert Pujols, whose 32 HR and 87 RBI dwarf everyone. But the Prince of Milwaukee has hit 22 home runs and driven in 78 runs of his own.

But unless an injury or a fantastic second half by the Brewers occurs, Fielder will watch as someone else, likely Pujols, hoists the NL MVP trophy.

As for the competition, I have to admit right off the bat (no pun intended) that I did not watch much of it. What I did watch was boring. I even shut it off before it was over.

It went on for an interminable amount of time and I had to have the sound off most of the time so I didn't have to hear ESPN's version of the 3 Stooges - Chris Berman, Joe Morgan, and Steve Phillips.

Since the game was in St. Louis, the fans obviously wanted Pujols to win, but he fell well short. In fact, he wouldn't have even advanced past the initial round if not for a fan's assistance (the name Jeffrey Maier is once again being mentioned everywhere).

There were some titanic blasts- Fielder hit one 503 ft., but there was no overwhelming sense of awe like there was when Josh Hamilton did his best to completely leave the yard in Yankee Stadium last year. Maybe that was part of the problem- last year's derby was so tremendous with Justin Morneau and Hamilton going toe to toe in the final season at the old Yankee Stadium, that maybe the event peaked.

As we made our comments known on Twitter last night and shared opinions and views with those we follow and those who follow us, one thing became crystal clear. The event has to be changed or people are not going to tune in.

Not acting like a Big Daddy

Tip of the hat to Jane Heller (aka She-Fan) for letting me know about the rift between Fielder and his Dad, "Big Daddy" Cecil Fielder. I had no idea there was an issue. Did a little research this morning and found that Cecil is a compulsive gambler and blew Prince's $200,000 signing bonus.

It's a real shame. I remember when Cecil was in Detroit and had Prince, who was about 10 or 12 then, there with him. Sports Illustrated had done a piece on it. Hopefully they can resolve their issues and Cecil can get some help.

Melky's Afternoon Delight

Melky Gives Yankees Afternoon Delight

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Brandon McCarthy • C.J. Wilson • chien-ming wang • Ian Kinsler • Johnny Damon • mariano rivera • Mark Teixeira • melky cabrera • Nelson Cruz • Yankees 6/5 recap • Yankees vs. Rangers

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Texas	0	0	2	2	1	1	0	0	0		6	11	1
NY Yankees	1	0	0	0	5	0	0	2	X		8	10	1

WP - Robertson (1-0) SV - Rivera (12) LP - Wilson (3-3)

Melky Cabrera had a miserable 2008 season. He barely hit his weight, had no power, was out of shape, and arguably, didn’t have the best attitude. He hit rock bottom when he was sent to the minors in August. He heard his name mentioned in various off-season trade rumors and came to spring training this year knowing he would have to compete for a job with rookie Brett Gardner. Despite hitting over .300 in the exhibition season, Cabrera lost out to Gardner and was relegated to the bench. But the stars aligned for Cabrera; the youngster struggled and the veterans started getting hurt. The Melkman jumped at his chance and took full advantage of it. Yesterday was another day for Cabrera to play hero, this time providing a game winning 2-run home run in the bottom of the 8th inning.

The Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 8-6 after being down 5-1 and blowing a 6-5 lead of their own. Chien-Ming Wang pitched a seamless two innings, racking up three strikeouts, but then the Rangers jumped all over him the second time around the lineup. The Yankees bullpen held Rangers to one run the rest of the way though to enable the Yankees to enjoy another come from behind victory.

Except for a Johnny Damon solo home run to start the home team’s first at-bat, the Yankees couldn’t muster anything against Rangers starter Brandon McCarthy until the 5th inning. The youngsters started it off, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter had the day off, with Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena stroking back to back singles. Damon walked to loaded the bases and Nick Swisher drew a free pass on a 3-2 pitch to force in the Yankees second run. Mark Teixeira, back in the lineup after sitting out Wednesday with a bruised ankle, hit what seemed like a harmless squibber down the third baseline.

But the ball eluded the glove of Michael Young and trickled towards the left field corner. It allowed all three base runners to score to tie the game at 5-5 and Teixeira cruised into second with a gift double. Alex Rodriguez put the Yankees back on top with a long single off reliever Jason Jennings and Robinson Cano followed with a single of his own. But Jennings got out of the no-out jam when A-Rod was doubled off of second base on Hideki Matsui’s line out and Cabrera grounded out.

Ian Kinsler quickly tied the game back up in the 6th, with a solo home run off of Al Aceves, to set up Melky’s heroics. C.J. Wilson walked Cano to start the 8th and one batter later, Cabrera lofted a fly ball that barely cleared the wall in left field.

Mariano Rivera got into his own trouble as he tried to lock down the game in the 9th, putting runners on the corners with just one out. But Rivera struck out slugger Nelson Cruz and retired David Murphy on pop up to A-Rod to end the game.

Game Notes

Chien-Ming Wang was charged with 5 runs in 4.2 innings pitched, but still lowered his ERA to 14.46. You have to question the wisdom of throwing Wang after he pitched 3 innings on Sunday in Cleveland. Joe Girardi could have stuck with today’s scheduled starter, CC Sabathia, yesterday and thrown Wang today. It’s possible Girardi went with the philosophy that a sinkerballer is more effective when he’s a little tired.

Nelson Cruz’s home run ended Wang’s streak of 267 right-handed batters faced without allowing a home run.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, David Robertson became the first pitcher in three years to win a ball game after throwing just one pitch.

The Yankees open a 3-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays tonight at the Stadium. CC Sabathia (5-3, 3.46) faces hard throwing phenom David Price (1-0, 3.00).

And because I couldn't resist:

Fired Up Yankees Crush Rangers

Don’t Mess with Tex

June 3rd, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: a.j. burnett • Derek Holland • Elvis Andrus • errorless streak ends • hideki matsui • Jorge Posada • Mark Teixiera • Nelson Cruz • Vincenet Padilla • Yankees 6/2 recap • Yankees vs. Rangers

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Texas	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		3	8	0
NY Yankees	0	2	0	7	0	3	0	0	X		12	13	1

WP - Burnett (4-2) LP - Padilla (3-3)

The Yankees were playing a relatively flat game last night against the Texas Rangers last night and weren’t having much success off Rangers’ starter Vincent Padilla. Then with two men aboard in the 4th and the game tied 3-3, Padilla hit Mark Teixiera for the second time in the game.

An angry Teixeira, yelled some choice expletives at Padilla and implored him to throw the ball over the plate. With the bases loaded and one out, the next batter, Alex Rodriguez, hit a potential double play grounder to second baseman Ian Kinsler. Kinsler flipped to shortstop Elvis Andrus, but a fired up Teixeira took him out with a good hard, clean slide. Andrus couldn’t get enough on his throw to first base to complete the double play, enabling Derek Jeter to score the go ahead run and the 1,500th run of his major league career. The Yankees then stepped on the Rangers’ necks and won a 12-3 laugher in the first of the three game series.

A.J. Burnett battled his way through seven innings to earn his second straight victory and his fourth of the season. Staked to a 2-0 lead, he gave up a mammoth 3-run home to Nelson Cruz in the 3rd inning to put Texas ahead. But after the Yankees took the lead back, he settled down and limited the Rangers to two base hits over his final three innings. He also backed up his teammates by knocking down Cruz with a pitch up and in. Teixeira appreciated Burnett’s actions and was still fuming about Padilla after the game.

“There’s really no reason for it in baseball. You know, if you can’t get a guy out, don’t hit him. You know, if you don’t want to pitch to a guy, then, you know, put four fingers out there and walk him,” Teixeira said. “And, unfortunately, when I was a teammate, it happened a lot where he would hit guys, and the 3-4 hitters, those are the guys that got hit for retaliation, and I got hit plenty of times.”

Courtesy of Assoicated Press

Padilla faced only one hitter, Robinson Cano, after Teixiera’s take out, and allowed an RBI single. Derek Holland was greeted just as rudely by Jorge Posada with an RBI single of his own and Hideki Matsui broke the game open with a 3-run home run. Posada would later put an exclamation point on the evening with a 3-run home run into the upper deck in right in the 6th.

Game Notes

The Yankees errorless streak ended at 18 games when Andrus attempted to steal second base and Jorge Posada’s throw sailed high over the glove of Robinson Cano and into center field.

It was another memorable night in the career of Derek Jeter. The 1,500th run made him just the fourth player, along with Honus Wagner, Bill Dahlen, and Cal Ripken, to accomplish the feat while playing 1,500 games at shortstop. Jeter extended his hitting streak to 16 games and his 3-hit game was the seventh straight multi-hit game during the streak, matching his career high.

Mark Teixeira’s hittting streak came to an end at 15 games.

Andy Pettitte’s (5-1, 4.10) back feels good so he’ll make his scheduled start tonight against the Rangers Scott Feldman (4-0, 3.91). Game time is 7:05 p.m. ET.