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.

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Baseball Digest | Tigers Need Max Effort From Scherzer In Game 2

Max Scherzer has been here before, in fact less than a week ago. Detroit Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander pitched one inning in Game 1 of the ALDS before rain suspended play and the Tigers lost to the New York Yankees when play resumed the following day. Down 1-0 in games, the Tigers turned the ball over to Scherzer, the “other” hard throwing right-hander in their rotation, for Game 2. The 27-yr old responded with 5.1 innings of no-hit ball as the Tigers evened the series at a game apiece.

Scherzer will take the hill in Game 2 with his team again down a game after rains affected the opener of the American League Championship Series on Saturday. The Texas Rangers edged Detroit 3-2 after a pair of rain delays limited the game’s starters, Verlander (4) and C.J. Wilson (4.2), to less than five innings.

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The 2011 Planning Has Begun

Written For Baseball Digest.

From the moment Alex Rodriguez watched a called third strike to end the American League Championship Series, you could hear the wheels turning inside Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s head. Cashman has a busy winter ahead of him with a number of free agent issues to contend with, both internally and externally.

The two biggest free agents among the current Yankees are their skipper Joe Girardi and the face of the team, shortstop Derek Jeter. Cashman has already stated he wants Girardi to stay and said Jeter will not be going anywhere. The second is nearly 100% true, but Girardi’s situation could be a little trickier.

Girardi would have been in for a mega pay day had his contract expired at the end of the 2009 championship season. But he and his binder struggled at times this season and the Yankees season fell short of both management’s and the fan’s expectations. Which, of course, is easy to do when you’re expected to win the World Series every year.

Girardi also lost some negotiating power when the Chicago Cubs, rumored to be highly interested in the Illinois native, hired interim leader Mike Quade to be the full-time manager. That being said, according to several sources Girardi will sign a new deal shortly, likely three years in length. Should the Yankees and Girardi not work out a deal, Bobby Valentine, Tony Pena,and Willie Randolph would be among those considered for the job.

Derek Jeter is fully expected to be back in Pinstripes next year, but just like Girardi, Jeter’s bargaining power decreased with a subpar year after a huge 2009, and many questions remain. How much money is he willing to accept? How long does Jeter want to play? How long can he play shortstop and will he be willing to eventually move to another position/share time at DH? Will he be able to handle reduced playing time? The right thing to do would be to sign Jeter to a lifetime deal that specifies baseball and post-career life. Jeter should never be out of Pinstripes unless he wants to be. A deal will be made, but just how quickly a deal gets done remains to be seen.

The two other big free agents among current Yankees are two-thirds of the remaining “Core Four”- Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. The main factor in each player’s future is how strong their desire is to return for another year. Both have admitted they have pondered their future beyond baseball. Rivera said at one point not too long ago that he would like to pitch another five years. It was certainly tongue in cheek, but Rivera is likely to return in 2011. If for whatever reason Rivera decided to hang it up, the Yankees would certainly go hard and heavy after free agent closer Rafael Soriano.

Pettitte, as he has done the last two years, will probably take his time over the winter and not declare his intentions until after the holidays. At this point, chances are probably 50/50 that he returns next season. Though he was healthy for the most part, Pettitte suffered a debilitating groin strain that DL’ed him for two months, and then he dealt with back and hamstring issues in the post-season (which was revealed yesterday in a Brian Cashman-Joe Girardi season wrapup press conference.)

Aside from Jeter, the remainder of the infield is set with Mark Teixeira (1B), Robinson Cano (2B), and Alex Rodriguez (3B) returning to their positions in 2011. The Yankees catching situation will most certainly see a change though. Jorge Posada will be back for the final year of the four year contract he signed prior to the 2008 season, but backup Francisco Cervelli will likely be gone. Cervelli started out the season hitting like a house on fire, but his offensive and defensive production decreased with increased playing time. Posada’s time behind the plate is also likely to be reduced to try to limit the number of games he misses due to injuries.

The beginning of the Jesus Montero era, however long or short, should begin in the Bronx next season. In addition to backing up Posada, Montero should see time at DH as the Yankees take a serious look at his powerful right-handed bat. Austin Romine will also be waiting in the wings at Scranton and, as has been the norm for the past several years, the Yankees will sign a Chad Moeller-esque catcher to a minor league contract as a precaution.

The outfield situation is an interesting one. Curtis Granderson (CF) and Brett Gardner (LF) are likely to return, but with free agents Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth looming on the horizon, the Yankees could move Nick Swisher if either outfielder is signed. Everyone loves what Carl Crawford can bring to a ball club, but signing the right-handed, right field-playing Werth may actually make more sense (and could possibly be a less expensive option than what Crawford will demand). The Yankees could use another strong right-handed bat as well.

While it may sound like blasphemy to some Yankees fans, Swisher’s value will never be higher. He had a career year, but Werth is a better ballplayer in every aspect of the game. Swisher has one year ($9 million) left on his current deal with a club option ($10.25 million, $1 million buyout) for 2012. Age isn’t a factor in this one since Werth (31) is actually a year older than Swisher (30).

Crawford, who will start next season at age 29, can of course wreak havoc on the basepaths as well as hit for power. He’ll most certainly be looking for a long term deal (5-7 years minimum?), though the economy could impact his future. Crawford has always been a center or left fielder and he isn’t your prototypical rightfielder. So if he were to be signed, it would likely mean moving Granderson or Gardner out of town, and that doesn’t make any sense from a baseball or economic standpoint.

The starting rotation for now consists of CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and a beleaguered A.J. Burnett. Javier Vazquez will be gone and NOT brought back a third time. While Pettitte contemplates his future, Cashman and the Yankees will be firing on all cylinders as they go after free agent-to-be Cliff Lee. But Lee’s signing isn’t as automatic as most pundits and fans thought several months ago. Lee likes it in Texas and he’s the guy front and center leading the team to its first World Series. The new ownership has plenty of bucks and has already vowed to do everything they can to keep Lee in Arlington.

The World Series outcome should have no impact on Lee’s decision. WFAN’s Evan Roberts believes Lee is much more likely to stay if the Rangers win, but just the fact that they are there could play a major factor in Lee’s decision. The Yankees will argue, of course, that they have a better chance of reaching the World Series in any season. And, of course, the Yankees will not be outbid.

If indeed the Yankees succesfully land Lee, they could look into dealing Burnett, who was a train wreck in 2010. With three years remaining on his five year deal, it’s a trade that could be accomplished, especially if the Yankees pick up some of the cash. The Yankees will also look at back end of the rotation options to replace Vazquez and/or in case Pettitte retires.

The bullpen, a key to the team’s 27th title, was a let down this season. Outside of Rivera, there wasn’t much consistency. Damaso Marte will be out until after the 2011 All-Star break after having surgery on a torn labrum. Boone Logan stepped up and did a decent job as the left-handed specialist. He should remain in that capacity next season. David Robertson had a hugely disappointing follow up to his breakout season in 2009. His spot is certainly not guaranteed for next year. Some of the young arms in the minor leagues will certainly get a chance to make the squad out of spring training. And then of course there is Joba Chamberlain.

In yesterday’s press conference, Girardi said Chamberlain will be a “bullpen guy”, a back end of the bullpen reliever. If not for the fact that he’s out of options (thanks to the guys at River Ave. Blues for that information), the Yankees could have had Joba working his way back as a starter in the minor leagues like they should have in 2008 or 2009. But that ship has sailed. Of course there is the very real possibility that Chamberlain could be dealt.

The Yankees won’t pick up the $11 million option on Kerry Wood, but will definitely be interested in resigning him if they can get him at a good cost and if he doesn’t mind remaining as a setup man. Wood excelled once he was acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline.

The utility infield position will be up for grabs, with Eduardo Nunez having a solid chance to push Ramiro Pena out of the job. While Pena has the better glove, Nunez has much more offensive potential. The Yankees are also likely to bring in a Miguel Cairo type to compete for the position as well as to push the youngsters.

The bench was a key to the second half of the Yankees regular season though it was a bit exposed during the playoffs. Lance Berkman’s option won’t be picked up and there is a good chance he’ll return to Houston and/or the National League. Both Marcus Thames and Austin Kearns are free agents that may or may not be back. Thames put up solid numbers, but is a defensive liability, while Kearns battled injuries and has always had an erratic bat.

One surprise that came out of the season ending press conference: pitching coach Dave Eiland, for reasons kept private, was dismissed by the team. Early candidates to replace him are bullpen coach Mike Harkey and minor league pitching coach Scott Aldred, who spent the last four seasons in the Yankees organization in Trenton and Scranton.

Finally, Brian Cashman himself has to do a better job this off-season. The GM himself admitted that last winter was not one of his best as moves for Vazquez and Nick Johnson, (who will also not be making a third trip back), blew up in his face.

Whatever moves are to be made this winter, you can bet the Yankees will be right in the middle of things. After all, there’s a 28th championship out there to be won.

Drew Sarver is the Yankees content editor and contributor for BaseballDigest.com. You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes.

Texas' Deep Heart Downs Yankees

The majority of Colby Lewis' 12 years of professional baseball have been spent in relative anonymity. A 1st round pick (38th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 1999, Lewis spent parts of five seasons in the majors with three teams and compiled a 12-15 mark. He tore his rotator cuff in 2004 and missed all of the following season. Then there were the last two years playing for the Hiroshima Carp in Japan. But that's where Lewis began to hone his game. And tonight he shone, back with his original ball club, helping to close out the ALCS in six games over the Yankees.

Lewis dominated the Yankees for the second time in the series as the Texas Rangers repeated their knockout of Phil Hughes and topped the Bomberless Bombers 6-1. Lewis limited the Yankees to three hits over eight innings, walked three, and struck out seven to finish the series 2-0, 1.98. And he got plenty of run support to boot.

Hughes was on the ropes all night and Texas finally hit him with a haymaker in the 5th. Tied 1-1, Mitch Moreland singled and moved to third on a pair of ground outs. The Yankees, who mistakenly pitched to Josh Hamilton in his first at-bat, intentionally walked the soon to be AL MVP to face Vladimir Guerrero.

Guerrero didn't have an RBI in the series until a 1st inning ground out gave the Rangers an early 1-0 lead. He quickly added two more when he drove a double to center for a 3-1 advantage. Joe Girardi nearly ran out to the mound to pull Hughes, but it was to no avail. David Robertson came on and was greeted by a Nelson Cruz 2-run home run that was the death knell.

Lewis allowed just a pair of walks to Curtis Granderson through the first four innings before Alex Rodriguez started the 5th with a double. After moving to third on a deep fly out by Lance Berkman, A-Rod scored when Lewis' one hop pitch ricocheted off of Nick Swisher for a wild pitch.

Bengie Molina and manager Ron Washington argued vehemently, and correctly, that it should have been ruled a hit batsman and a dead ball, but home plate Brian Gorman saw it otherwise. Ironically, it was Swisher who was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in game 4, but the play was missed by then home plate ump Angel Hernandez.

Neftali Feliz retired the side in order in the 9th for Texas, setting off a massive celebration as the Rangers sealed their first trip to the World Series. Much will be made that former Ranger Rodriguez was the final strikeout and third out victim.

Notes

Mariano Rivera threw the 8th and final inning for the Yankees in what will hopefully not be his last time in a Yankees uniform.

Red hot Robinson Cano went ice cold for the first time in the series and went hitless.

The Yankees were completely outplayed, outclassed, out pitched, outhit, and out managed in the series. Their lackluster play began in late August and it never stopped, except for their ALDS series with the Minnesota Twins- a team they could beat with their eyes closed.

At times they looked old- stirring up feelings that were felt when they lost in the 2001 ALCS and the 2003 World Series. They also looked flat at times and appeared to have no fight or desire in their hearts or bellies, especially when they fell behind. They basically embarrassed themselves in the series.

There's some symmetry between the Rangers and the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, who beat the Yankees in a wild World Series. Both teams had financial issues. The Dbacks had trouble making payroll, the Rangers couldn't get a sale to go through. But they stole Cliff Lee out from under the Yankees and their season was put into overdrive. Now they'll face the Giants or Phillies for all the marbles.

Yankees Live to Fight Another Day

CC Sabathia wasn't as sharp as he is capable of being, but he was a lot sharper than he was in game 1 of the ALCS. The Yankees gave him run support just as they did in the series opener and forced a game 6 with a 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers this afternoon.

Unlike the earlier games in the series the Yankees came up with some big hits when they needed them. They also got some help from some sloppy Texas play and C.J. Wilson who wasn't nearly as good as he was in game 1.

Sabathia gave up three hits in the first two innings, but with the help of a double play, the game was scoreless in the bottom of the 2nd inning. That's when Wilson's troubles began. He walked the lead off man Alex Rodriguez and one batter later issued a free pass to Lance Berkman. Jorge Posada singled through the right side to plate Rodriguez, who went in standing just ahead of catcher Matt Treanor's tag.

Curtis Granderson then dropped one in front of Jeff Francoeur in right to score Berkman and Posada followed when Francoeur's throw ricocheted off the outstretched glove of third baseman Michael Young. Wilson backed up the play and had a shot at Posada at the plate, but threw over the head of Treanor for a 3-0 Yankees lead.

The Yankees brought out the big guns an inning later; Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano hit back to back home runs for a comfortable 5-0 lead. It was Cano's fourth home run of the series, tying him with Hamilton for the LCS high.

Sabathia bent, but never broke. He gave up a solo home run to Treanor in the 5th and ran into trouble in the 6th when he gave up three straight singles. But after Treanor's ground out produced a second run, Sabathia froze Mitch Moreland with a strike three breaking pitch to end the inning.

The Yankees got one of the runs back on a sac fly by Berkman in the 5th and added another in the 8th on a Granderson solo home run.

Joe Girardi, highly criticized here earlier today, didn't have to make too many decisions in this one. The lineup worked out for the most part, he had his ace on the mound and then he went to a Kerry Wood-Mariano Rivera duo for the 7th through 9th innings. It was just a matter of determining who would get how many outs.

As it turned out Woods was the two inning man, pitching a very effective 7th and 8th innings. His work included picking Elvis Andrus off of second base to quash any possible rally in the 7th inning. Rivera, working for the first time since game 1, allowed a two out single to Moreland, but retired Andrus on a foul out to earn his second save of the series.

On to Texas for a Phil Hughes-Colby Lewis rematch on Friday night.

Notes

As expected, Mark Teixeira was removed from the roster with a badly strained hamstring. Infielder Eduardo Nunez took his place. Should the Yankees advance to the World Series, Teixeira would not be eligible to play even if he miraculously recovered.

The Yankees nearly lost another first baseman when Berkman slipped on the warning track chasing a foul ball. His feet went out from under and he slammed down hard on the firm surface. He got the wind knocked out of him and stayed down for several minutes. Though he's sure to be sore on Thursday he was able to continue for the rest of the game...with a better pair of shoes.

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.

Game 3: Critical, But Not Deadly

With both the ALCS and NLCS tied at a game apiece, I decided to do a little research, which will probably be available by Elias tomorrow (if it's not already tonight).

I looked back at all of the World Series plus all League Championship Series since 1985 (when the format went from five to seven games). Prior to this year's post-season there were 79 series that were tied at 1-1 after two games.

52 of those series occurred during the World Series. 16 teams came back from a 2-1 deficit to win the championship. They included the 1923, 1951, and 1952 Yankees.

There have been 13 ALCS that were tied after the first two games, with five teams going to the World Series after dropping game 3. They included the 1998 and 2003 Yankees.

Of the 14 NLCS series involved, four teams moved on to play in the World Series after dropping the third game of the playoff series.

So what does it all mean? While it's difficult to come back from a 2-1 deficit it is not impossible. Especially if you have games four and five at home.

68.3% winner of game 3 takes it all.

A Start 23 Years in the Making

Phil Hughes will take the ball this afternoon for the New York Yankees in the second game of the ALCS. Two years ago there were many who could not have envisioned that scenario. Luckily for Hughes, none of those people mattered to his future.

It’s fortunate that athletes don’t generally read fan message boards or Twitter or blogs. Some of what they read in the mainstream media maybe damaging enough to their egos and confidence. They don’t need to be exposed to the rantings and ravings of the average fan. Phil Hughes is one of those athletes who has hopefully never googled himself on the web. Had he done so, he would have seen “thoughts” back in 2008 ranging from “This kid will never amount to anything” to “He’s another Carl Pavano in the making.” (Yes, I really did see someone state that back then.)

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Yankees Win Bigger Than Texas

CC Sabathia has picked up his teammates up many times with outstanding starts. Friday night it was his teammates turn to pick up the top Cy Young contender with a come from behind, 6-5 victory in game 1 of the ALCS.

Bolstered by a 5-0 lead, C.J. Wilson dominated the Yankees through six innings before Robinson Cano finally put the Yankees on the board with a solo home run. An inning later the Yankees took advantage of a shaky Rangers bullpen.

Brett Gardner started things off with pure hustle on a tapper to first baseman Jorge Cantu. Gardner flew down the line and slid head first to beat Wilson to the first base bag. Derek Jeter followed with a double into the left field corner and Gardner scored as the ball kicked around in the corner. Ron Washington pulled Wilson and opted for left-hander Darren Wilson to keep Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira batting from the right side.

The move didn't matter though when Oliver, who faced the Yankees in the post-season as a member of the Rangers in 1996, walked both hitters to load the bases. Washington went to right-hander Darren O'Day to face Alex Rodriguez, but the Yankees third baseman ripped a 2-run single through his counterpart Michael Young to cut the lead to 5-4.

Washington's moves continued to backfire when he brought in lefty Clay Rapada to face Cano. The Yankees MVP candidate lined a single to center field that Josh Hamilton mishandled to allow Teixeira to score the tying run. Cue another pitching change.

This time Washington went with another left-hander, Derek Holland, but Marcus Thames singled home A-Rod to put the Yankees on top for the first time, 6-5.

Sabathia appeared to be rusty after not having pitched since October 6. His lack of command affected him immediately as he walked lead off man Elvis Andrus in the 1st inning. Young followed with a single and Josh Hamilton hit a 2-strike frozen rope into the right field seats for a 3-0 lead.

The Rangers would eventually load the bases and could have broken the game open early, but Posada fielded Sabathia's wild pitch and threw out Nelson Cruz racing home from third. Replays showed that Sabathia got the tag on Cruz's shoulder just before the Rangers outfielder crossed home plate. Sabathia appeared to settle down somewhat, but the Rangers staged a two out rally in the 4th inning that culminated with a Young 2-run double for the 5-0 advantage.

The Yankees bullpen combo of Joba Chamberlain and Dustin Moseley plugged up the leak and enabled the comeback. Moseley picked up the first post-season win of his career after Mariano Rivera escaped a jam in the 9th. Pinch-hitter Mitch Moreland led off the inning with a single and was sacrificed to second by Andrus. But Rivera won a long duel with Young with a strikeout and got Hamilton to ground out to end the game.

Notes

The Rangers relievers were most responsible for the loss, but Ian Kinsler has some goat horns as well. After drawing a lead off walk against Kerry Wood in the 8th, Kinsler was picked off for a huge out.

Cano's home run was the first by a left-hander off of Wilson since June, '08.

And Then C.J. Wilson Said....

Every major league team has a player or two to break up the monotony that builds up over a 162 game season. There’s the guy (Kenny Rogers) who gives the hot foot in the dugout. The quirky left-hander (Sparky Lyle) who ceremoniously sits naked in the birthday cakes. The player (Roger McDowell) who puts on a wig and dresses in disguises. And then there’s the Texas Rangers starter who lets his mouth and fingers do the talking. Sometimes entertaining, sometimes controversial, but never boring- that’s C.J. Wilson.

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ALCS Preview 2010

Written for Baseball Digest.com

The Texas Rangers find themselves in unfamiliar territory facing an old adversary as they face the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.

Texas has little playoff experience to show for the franchise’s 49 year history (the first 11 years of which were played as the Washington Senators.) They’ve made the playoffs just three times prior to this season and in all three cases- 1996, 1998, and 1999- they ran into the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees. All three meetings came in the ALDS, with the Rangers managing to win just one of the nine games between the two franchises. And that one win came the very first time the two teams clashed in post-season play 14 years ago.

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Vazquez Looking for his A's Game

Written for Baseball Digest

When Alex Rodriguez was acquired by the Yankees in February, 2004, Yankees fans and the team’s front office were ecstatic. The next five years would be an up and down, love/hate relationship between New York and Rodriguez. The giant gorilla was lifted off Rodriguez’s shoulders when the Yankees captured their 27th world championship last summer and Rodriguez was a big part of it. The title also removed the stain that the 2004 ALCS had left on the Yankees third baseman. It’s the same stain that is still haunting Javier Vazquez.

Though the deal wasn’t met with the same oohs and ahs that the Rodriguez deal brought, Vazquez’s acquisition from Montreal for three players (Juan Rivera, Nick Johnson, and Randy Choate) in December, 2003 was well received by Yankees fans.The then-27 year old right-hander was building his resume as a top-notch NL starter.

Vazquez had topped 215 innings pitched the prior four seasons and was one of the few bright spots left on an Expos team that was on its way to oblivion. His first half with the Yankees was everything the Yankees wanted and more. A first half 10-5, 3.56 mark led to an All-Star appearance and the Yankees were well on their way to another playoff appearance.

But a sore shoulder, which Vazquez hid from the Yankees, led to a miserable second half (4-5, 6.92) for the native of Puerto Rico. But no performance would be remembered more by the Yankees than game 7 of the ALCS. The Yankees had blown a 3-0 lead and were clinging to the last of their hopes for a return trip to the World Series.

Vazquez had won a game 3 blowout (19-8) despite giving up four runs in four-plus innings of relief. Just as he had in that game, Vazquez had to come in early for starter Kevin Brown when the series reached it’s finale. When Johnny Damon blasted 3-run and grand slam home runs, the fates of Vazquez and the Yankees were sealed.

Vazquez was shipped out during the off-season and spent the next five years in Arizona, Chicago (AL), and Atlanta. Then Brian Cashman jumped at the chance to bring Vazquez back this past winter after posting a 15-10, 2.87 record in Hotlanta.

But all is not forgiven by the Yankees faithful. After a decent spring training, Vazquez was roughed up in Tampa Bay and was hit even harder in his return to the Bronx a week later. Vazquez heard the derisive cheer the Bronx is famous for, chants of “hang ‘em Javy”, and some other things that would not be nice to put into print.

There’s still plenty of time to turn around his 9.82 ERA, but if he doesn’t and the team doesn’t succeed, Vazquez will still wear the stain of 2004.

The Big 4-0

Yankees Wrap Up 40th Pennant

Written for Baseball Digest Online

Andy Pettitte has been in big post-season spots before. There was the huge 1-0 win over John Smoltz and the Braves in the ‘96 World Series. Two wins in the ‘01 ALCS against Seattle. A win in all three series in the ‘03 post-season. So it was no shock to see Pettitte bring his ‘A’ game tonight in what turned out to be the 6th and decisive game of the ALCS. The Yankees topped the Angels 5-2 to capture their 40th pennant in franchise history.

Joe Saunders, who performed so well in Game 2, blanked the Yankees through three innings, but trailing 1-0 in the 4th, the Yankees broke through. Robinson Cano drew a lead-off walk and Nick Swisher followed with a bust-out-of-a-slump single to left. After Melky Cabrera successfully sacrificed the runners over, Saunders walked Derek Jeter to load the bases. Johnny Damon got the Yankees off the schneid with runners in scoring position with a base hit to left field for a 2-1 lead. After a single by Mark Teixeira loaded the bags again, Saunders walked Alex Rodriguez to force in the third run of the inning. After that it was all up to Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera.

Pettitte allowed an RBI single to former teammate Bobby Abreu in the third, but was spotless the rest of the night. His biggest challenge came in the 6th when Torii Hunter reached on a two-out single and Vlad Guerrero followed with a double. But Pettitte knocked down Kendry Morales’ comebacker and threw him out at first to escape the jam.

Pettitte received a standing ovation after he allowed a one-out single to Juan Rivera in the 7th and departed in favor of Chamberlain. The right-hander bridged the gap to Rivera by retiring pinch-hitter Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar to keep the game at 3-1.

The Sandman actually looked human in the 8th inning when he gave up a two out RBI single to Guerrero to cut the deficit to 3-2. But the Angels, so sound fundamentally, gave the Yankees some breathing room in the home half of the inning.

After a walk to Cano, Nick Swisher laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt. Howie Kendrick dropped Scott Kazmir’s throw to first for an error and the Yankees were in business. Cabrera followed with another sac bunt, which Kazmir “sky hooked” into right field for a run-scoring error. Teixeira’s long sac fly to center gave the Yankees an insurmountable 5-2 lead.

In the 9th, Rivera retired Kendrick on a ground-out and Juan Rivera on a fly-out before striking out pinch-hitter Gary Matthews Jr. for the final out. Rivera strode off the mound, exchanged hugs with Jorge Posada, and the Yankees’ celebration was on.

Game Notes

Game 1 of the World Series is Wednesday night. The Yankees will send the ALCS MVP, CC Sabathia, out against his former Indians teammate Cliff Lee.

Comparisons to 2004 are Way Off Base

Written for Baseball Digest Online

From the moment the Los Angeles Angels took a first inning lead in Game 5 of the ALCS, the national and local media began dredging up the New York Yankees 2004 ALCS collapse. Glee may have even been heard in the voice of lead Fox announcer Joe Buck. But whether or not this year’s Yankees advance to the World Series, one thing is for sure, this team has nothing in common with the ‘04 squad.

Pitching wins championship and that is the major difference between the current squad and the one five years ago that squandered a three games to none lead. Mariano Rivera is the only hurler to be on both team’s rosters. Had tonight’s Game 6 starter AndyPettitte taken the mound for Game 6 back then, there may have been a different outcome. And while CC Sabathia , already 3-0 in this post-season, waits in the wings in the event of a seventh game, the Yankees had to go with a creaky Kevin Brown in the decisive ‘04 contest.

The ‘04 team hit with a vengeance through the first three games of their showdown with Boston, and then, to a man, completely stopped hitting. DerekJeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, and Hideki Matsui are the only players left from the prior roster. And while the current team has struggled throughout these playoffs to score without the aid of a home run, they’ve proven throughout the season that no deficit is too small. Even before losing Game 5 Thursday night, the Yankees turn a 4-0 deficit into a 6-4 lead.

And this year’s opponent should not be overlooked. The Angels don’t have more than three-quarters of a century of losing hanging over the heads. They’re an established winning franchise, with arguably the top manager in baseball at the helm. They are a team capable of coming back from a three games to one deficit.

So while it remains to be seen if the Yankees will play for their 27th championship, there’s no question that this team has built its’ own reputation and will determine its’ own legacy.

Good Day Sunshine

It's today that Game 6 isn't right now. This is perfect October baseball weather.

Now Catching, the Mighty Durga

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has decided that the Hindu Goddess Durga will give the Yankees their best defense with A.J. Burnett starting Game 5 of the ALCS tonight. With Burnett's propensity to be wild with his breaking pitches, the versatile Durga gives the Yankees an excellent shot at no wild pitches or passed balls.

Twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go

Is it Game 5 Yet?

Some Random ALCS Thoughts

Kate Hudson has been seen by more viewers than her last 5 movies combined

Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, Joba Chamberlain, Melky Cabrera, and Robinson Cano form the Yankees Airhead Society of America (YASA). Tip of the hat to Captain Pokecheck for the airhead idea. Jorge is the president. He wanted to be treasurer, but can't keep track of the count.

Alex Rodriguez really can hit when it counts. Alex Clutchriguez as @SunnySoCal calls him.

Jorge Posada has more steals than Brett Gardner.

So strange to see that Donnie Baseball is interviewing with the Indians and Nationals, but no weirder than seeing him wearing a Dodgers uniform. Is it bad thing to root for him to get the Nationals job?

Win #6 Victory Song

6 down, 5 to go

"You shook me all night long"

We Liked the Match Up Better

Courtesy of Chad Jennings and LoHud:

“We have all the matchups and all the scouting reports,” Girardi said of the Aceves decision. “And we felt that, you know, it was a better matchup for us.”

“I’m not going to get into specifics of why,” pitching coach Dave Eiland said. “We just liked the matchup better, and Ace had (Howie Kendrick) where he wanted to, he just couldn’t make the pitch to put him away. And still, it was a five-hopper up the middle or a 10-hopper up the middle, but he just wasn’t able to make that one pitch to put him away.”

Lame guys, lame.