FullCountPitch - The Closer Goes To The Movies

Baseball has progressed over the last few decades from starting pitchers going the distance to a closer entering the game as early as the 7th inning to a one inning job. (Occassionally entering the game in the 8th inning). For the most part, there is the one go-to guy on each squad, but this season a number of closers have struggled, causing their teams to use replacement closers or closer by committee. Let’s take a look at how each “last man standing” has held up so far in 2011.

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Mariano Rivera Jonathan Papelbon Heath Bell Jonathan Broxton Ryan FranklinKevin Gregg Francisco Rodriguez Joakim Soria Huston Street.

Damon's Heads Up Play Gets Y ankees One Step Away

The Yankees have a decision to make this winter concerning free agent to be Johnny Damon, whose four year contract is up after this season. Damon's skills in the outfield have decreased considerably, but he showed this season that he can still be offensive force. It was Damon's play at the plate and on the bases last night that helped put the Yankees one win away from their 27th World Championship.

The Yankees scored three runs in the 9th inning and beat the Philadelphia Philles 7-4 before a sold out, raucous Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies had gotten off the mat in the bottom of the 8th when Pedro Feliz hit a game tying solo home run off of Joba Chamberlain. But after Brad Lidge retired the first two Yankees in the 9th, Damon lined a single on the 10th hit of the at-bat.

With Mark Teixeira up, the Phillies employed their usual shift with third baseman Feliz positioned more like a shortstop. Damon took off for second, beating catcher Carlos Ruiz's throw. After a momentary hesitation, Damon broke off for the unoccupied third base and reached it uncontested.

The play was huge. With Damon on third, Lidge would be more reluctant to throw his slider in the dirt. Lidge, who appeared to have turned his regular season struggles around during the post-season, hit Teixeira. Alex Rodriguez then drilled a fat fastball off the left field wall to give the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Jorge Posada provided some insurance with a 2-run double and Mariano Rivera nailed down the save.

Damon's defense had come into question earlier in the game when he play Feliz's catchable ball on a hop and made a weak throw home as Ryan Howard scored to tie the game at two apiece.

In actuality, Howard never scored as he never touched home plate. It was just part of a bad night for home plate ump Mike Everitt who had a wandering plate all night.

Phantastic!

Melky Delivers Another Walk Off Victory

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Alex Rodriguez • andy pettitte • brad lidge • J.A. Happ • John Mayberry Jr. • melky cabrera • Raul Ibanez • Walk Off • Yankees 5/23 recap • Yankees vs. Phillies

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Philadelphia	0	1	0	0	3	0	0	0	0		4	6	0
NY Yankees	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	3		5	8	0

WP - Veras (3-1) LP - Lidge (0-2)

Joe Girardi Homestand Checklist:

1. Plan 9th inning rally
2. Select player to get a walk off RBI(s)
3. Make sure A.J. Burnett has a fresh supply of whipped cream

Okay, so maybe Joe Girardi doesn’t have a prepared list, but it certainly would seem that way. For the fourth time in eight games of the current nine game homestand, the Yankees won in walk-off fashion on Saturday. The Yankees trailed 4-2 in the 9th and had to face All-Star closer Brad Lidge. But Lidge walked lead off hitter Johnny Damon, who then moved to second base on fielder’s indifference. Lidge struck out Mark Teixeira, but after throwing a number of off-speed pitches to Alex Rodriguez, Lidge left a 3-2 fastball up in the zone. A-Rod jumped all over it it, sending it to right for a game-tying home run.

The Yankees weren’t done either. Robinson Cano singled and quickly stole second base. That left it up to Melky Cabrera, who had two walk-off hits in last weekend’s series against the Minnesota Twins. Lidge again left a pitch up in the zone and Cabrera looped it into right-center field to score Cano and give the Yankees a 5-4 win and another victory celebration. Burnett finished it off with a double whipped cream delivery to the faces of both Cano and Cabrera.

Jose Veras pitched to one batter in the top of the 9th to pick up his third win of the season. Andy Pettitte threw a solid seven innings, but gave up a pair of home runs, to Raul Ibanez and John Mayberry Jr., to put the Yankees in a 4-1 hole.

Derek Jeter got the Yankees back to within a run in the 6th with a solo home run off of Phillies starter J.A. Happ and the Yankees put the tying run at the plate in the eighth. Brett Gardner reached on a one-out pinch-hit double off Ryan Madson, but Madson, who had already struck out Nick Swisher to start the inning, K’ed pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui and Jeter to end the inning.

But it didn’t matter, because the Yankees had a checklist to handle the 9th inning.

Game Notes

John Mayberry Jr.’s home run was the first of his major league career and it only took him two at-bats to do it. His father, former Royals’ All-Star and one time Yankee, John Mayberry Sr. was in attendance. FOX Sports made a major snafu, however, when for several innings they showed an African-American man in a Phillies cap with a graphic stating that it was the senior Mayberry. It turned out not to be him at all, causing Joe Buck to apologize for the embarrassment. FOX’s Ken Rosenthal later located the real Mayberry Sr. and conducted a brief interview.

Alex Rodriguez‘ home run was career #560, putting him three behind Reggie Jackson for 11th place. He’s just seven home runs behind Don Mattingly for 9th place on the Yankees career home run list.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the win was the 5th walk-off in May, the first time the Yankees had achieved the feat in a single month since September, 1988. The last time the Yankees had four walks-offs in one homestand was 1963. And finally, Yankee Stadium is the first major league park to have a home run hit in 22 consecutive games.

Nick Swisher’s play in May has reinforced the need for the healthy return of Xavier Nady. Swisher is hitting just .117 this month and has struck out 24 times in 60 at-bats.

Brad Lidge has three blown saves after having none last year.

Pitching duels don’t always work out in the actual games, but today’s pairing is fantastic on paper. The Phillies will send their ace, Cole Hamels (2-2, 4.95), against the Yankees ace, CC Sabathia (4-3, 3.43).

Cheesesteaks for Everyone

The Philadelphia Phillies captured their second ever World Series title, and first since 1980, by downing the Tampa Rays tonight, 4-3. The game picked up where it left off on Monday, with the Phillies batting in the bottom of the sixth. With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Pedro Feliz singled home pinch-runner Eric Bruntlett with the go ahead run. Then it was up to Brad Lidge to close things out in the ninth. After allowing a broken bat single to Dioner Navarro, Lidge retired pinch-hitter Ben Zobrist on a line drive and struck out pinch-hitter Eric Hinske before dropping to his knees in celebration. The win closed out the series in five games as the Phillies won all three home games.

Pat Burrell led off the bottom of the seventh with a double that nearly left the yard off of J.P. Howell. With Chad Bradford on in relief, Shane Victorino failed in two attempts to get a sacrifice bunt down, but then pulled a Bradford delivery on the ground to first baseman Carlos Pena to move Bruntlett to third base. (Bradford was an odd choice by Joe Maddon since he's a ground ball pitcher and the Phillies needed a bunt or pulled groundball.) With the infield in, Feliz singled back through the middle to put the Phils up 4-3. A great diving stop by Aki Iwamura prevented a possible bigger rally.

The Phillies had taken an immediate lead when play resumed. Geoff Jenkins doubled to lead off the sixth against Grant Balfour and moved to third on Jimmy Rollins sac bunt. Jayson Werth brought Jenkins home with a single to shallow center.

The Rays came right back in the top of the seventh on Rocco Baldelli's game tying home run off of Ryan Madson. But this was not to be the Tampa Rays night.

We chose the Rays to win the series in six games due to their starting pitching, but we did say the Phillies had an advantage in the bullpen and that certainly played out.

Congratulations to the Phillies, especially manager Charlie Manuel.

Is is Spring Training yet?

Cheesesteaks for Everyone

The Philadelphia Phillies captured their second ever World Series title, and first since 1980, by downing the Tampa Rays tonight, 4-3. The game picked up where it left off on Monday, with the Phillies batting in the bottom of the sixth. With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Pedro Feliz singled home pinch-runner Eric Bruntlett with the go ahead run. Then it was up to Brad Lidge to close things out in the ninth. After allowing a broken bat single to Dioner Navarro, Lidge retired pinch-hitter Ben Zobrist on a line drive and struck out pinch-hitter Eric Hinske before dropping to his knees in celebration. The win closed out the series in five games as the Phillies won all three home games.

Pat Burrell led off the bottom of the seventh with a double that nearly left the yard off of J.P. Howell. With Chad Bradford on in relief, Shane Victorino failed in two attempts to get a sacrifice bunt down, but then pulled a Bradford delivery on the ground to first baseman Carlos Pena to move Bruntlett to third base. (Bradford was an odd choice by Joe Maddon since he's a ground ball pitcher and the Phillies needed a bunt or pulled groundball.) With the infield in, Feliz singled back through the middle to put the Phils up 4-3. A great diving stop by Aki Iwamura prevented a possible bigger rally.

The Phillies had taken an immediate lead when play resumed. Geoff Jenkins doubled to lead off the sixth against Grant Balfour and moved to third on Jimmy Rollins sac bunt. Jayson Werth brought Jenkins home with a single to shallow center.

The Rays came right back in the top of the seventh on Rocco Baldelli's game tying home run off of Ryan Madson. But this was not to be the Tampa Rays night.

We chose the Rays to win the series in six games due to their starting pitching, but we did say the Phillies had an advantage in the bullpen and that certainly played out.

Congratulations to the Phillies, especially manager Charlie Manuel.

Is is Spring Training yet?

Hamels the Hero Again

If game 1 is any indication, the 2008 World Series should be a good one. But the Rays won't win it unless they can either solve Cole Hamels or beat up on the rest of the Phillies rotation. Hamels put in another masterful post-season performance, holding the Rays to 5 hits over 7 innings, as the Phillies edged the Rays 3-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Hamels is now 4-0, 1.55 in four post-season appearances. He's limited hitters to a .178 average and struck out 27 batters in 29 innings. He got an immediate boost in last night's game when Chase Utley followed Jayson Werth's first inning walk with a 2-run home run to right field off of Scott Kazmir.

The Rays biggest threat came in the third inning when they loaded the bases on singles by Ben Zobrist and Aki Iwamura sandwiched around a Jason Bartlett walk. The Rays had their hottest hitter up in B.J. Upton, and Upton did hit a scorcher. But it was right at third baseman Pedro Feliz who started an inning ending 5-4-3 double play.

The Phillies added a run in the fourth inning that would be the difference in the ball game. Shane Victorino and Feliz stroked back to back singles off of Kazmir to start the inning, and moved up a base on Chris Coste's ground out. With the infield playing back to stop a big inning, Carlos Ruiz grounded to Bartlett for an RBI ground out. Kazmir got out of further trouble by striking out Jimmy Rollins to end the threat.

Carl Crawford got the Rays back in the ball game when he went yard against Hamels in the bottom of the fourth to cut the Phillies lead to 3-1. One inning later the Rays mounted a 2-out threat after Bartlett walked and stole second base. Iwamura came through with a big 2-out hit, doubling to left-center field to cut the margin to 3-2. But Hamels got Upton to foul out to end the inning.

The Phillies had a chance to increase their lead in a wild seventh inning. J.P. Howell came on to replace Kazmir and struck out Werth to start the inning. Chase Utley then singled, stole second base, and moved to third on Howell's wild pitch. But Howell bounced back and struck out Ryan Howard before issuing an unintentional intentional walk to Pat Burell. Joe Maddon sent for Grant Balfour, who made the move pay off by striking out Victorino to end the inning.

Ryan Madson was overpowering out of the Phils pen in the eighth, striking out Upton to punctuate a 1-2-3 inning. Then it was up to Brad Lidge who was perfect in 46 save chances during the regular season. No problem. He K'd Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria and then retired Crawford on a foul out to end the game.


News and Notes

The heart of the Rays order, Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and B.J. Upton, went a combined 0-12. Upton hit into two double plays in addition to a strike out and foul out.

Chase Utley joined a litany of players to homer in their first World Series at-bat.

Aki Iwamura had 3 of the 5 hits allowed by Cole Hamels.

Hamels the Hero Again

If game 1 is any indication, the 2008 World Series should be a good one. But the Rays won't win it unless they can either solve Cole Hamels or beat up on the rest of the Phillies rotation. Hamels put in another masterful post-season performance, holding the Rays to 5 hits over 7 innings, as the Phillies edged the Rays 3-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Hamels is now 4-0, 1.55 in four post-season appearances. He's limited hitters to a .178 average and struck out 27 batters in 29 innings. He got an immediate boost in last night's game when Chase Utley followed Jayson Werth's first inning walk with a 2-run home run to right field off of Scott Kazmir.

The Rays biggest threat came in the third inning when they loaded the bases on singles by Ben Zobrist and Aki Iwamura sandwiched around a Jason Bartlett walk. The Rays had their hottest hitter up in B.J. Upton, and Upton did hit a scorcher. But it was right at third baseman Pedro Feliz who started an inning ending 5-4-3 double play.

The Phillies added a run in the fourth inning that would be the difference in the ball game. Shane Victorino and Feliz stroked back to back singles off of Kazmir to start the inning, and moved up a base on Chris Coste's ground out. With the infield playing back to stop a big inning, Carlos Ruiz grounded to Bartlett for an RBI ground out. Kazmir got out of further trouble by striking out Jimmy Rollins to end the threat.

Carl Crawford got the Rays back in the ball game when he went yard against Hamels in the bottom of the fourth to cut the Phillies lead to 3-1. One inning later the Rays mounted a 2-out threat after Bartlett walked and stole second base. Iwamura came through with a big 2-out hit, doubling to left-center field to cut the margin to 3-2. But Hamels got Upton to foul out to end the inning.

The Phillies had a chance to increase their lead in a wild seventh inning. J.P. Howell came on to replace Kazmir and struck out Werth to start the inning. Chase Utley then singled, stole second base, and moved to third on Howell's wild pitch. But Howell bounced back and struck out Ryan Howard before issuing an unintentional intentional walk to Pat Burell. Joe Maddon sent for Grant Balfour, who made the move pay off by striking out Victorino to end the inning.

Ryan Madson was overpowering out of the Phils pen in the eighth, striking out Upton to punctuate a 1-2-3 inning. Then it was up to Brad Lidge who was perfect in 46 save chances during the regular season. No problem. He K'd Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria and then retired Crawford on a foul out to end the game.


News and Notes

The heart of the Rays order, Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and B.J. Upton, went a combined 0-12. Upton hit into two double plays in addition to a strike out and foul out.

Chase Utley joined a litany of players to homer in their first World Series at-bat.

Aki Iwamura had 3 of the 5 hits allowed by Cole Hamels.

Booing Suspended in City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia fans love to boo their teams as much as they love to cheer them, but there will be no booing tonight. The Phillies have advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1993 by defeating the Dodgers tonight, 5-1. The Phillies won their sixth National League pennant in five games, taking the series 4 games to 1.

Jimmy Rollins got the Phillies rolling right off the bat, leading off the ball game with a solo home run off of Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley. The Phillies added two more in the third inning, knocking out Billingsley after 2.2 innings. Billingsley, who won 16 regular season games and beat the Cubs in the NLDS, lasted on 2.1 innings in his prior NLCS start in game 2.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels on the other hand was outstanding once again, winning his second game of the series. Hamels, who allowed just 3 runs in the 14 innings, picked up the series MVP award.

Rollins ignited things again in the third with a one out walk and a stolen base. Billingsley struck out Jayson Werth, but walked Chase Utley. Ryan Howard, who had been 2-19 in the series before finishing 6 for his last 12, picked up his first of three hits, an RBI single to right. Pat Burrell added an RBI single for a 3-o lead.

A shoddy Dodgers defense helped put the game out of reach in the fifth. Singles by Werth and Howard put runners on the first and second with one out. Greg Maddux got Burrell to hit a potential double play ball grounder to short, but Rafael Furcal kicked the ball into left field to allow a run to score. After an intentional walk to Shane Victorino loaded the bases, Maddux struck out Pedro Feliz, but Furcal threw away Carlos Ruiz's grounder for a fifth run.

The Dodgers picked up their only run in the sixth on Manny Ramirez's solo home run, his first of the series. Phils' manager Charlie Manuel went to his usual bullpen men to close things out, using Ryan Madson in the 8th and Brad Lidge in the 9th. Nomar Garciaparra fouled out to Ruiz for the final out.

Box Score

Booing Suspended in City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia fans love to boo their teams as much as they love to cheer them, but there will be no booing tonight. The Phillies have advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1993 by defeating the Dodgers tonight, 5-1. The Phillies won their sixth National League pennant in five games, taking the series 4 games to 1.

Jimmy Rollins got the Phillies rolling right off the bat, leading off the ball game with a solo home run off of Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley. The Phillies added two more in the third inning, knocking out Billingsley after 2.2 innings. Billingsley, who won 16 regular season games and beat the Cubs in the NLDS, lasted on 2.1 innings in his prior NLCS start in game 2.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels on the other hand was outstanding once again, winning his second game of the series. Hamels, who allowed just 3 runs in the 14 innings, picked up the series MVP award.

Rollins ignited things again in the third with a one out walk and a stolen base. Billingsley struck out Jayson Werth, but walked Chase Utley. Ryan Howard, who had been 2-19 in the series before finishing 6 for his last 12, picked up his first of three hits, an RBI single to right. Pat Burrell added an RBI single for a 3-o lead.

A shoddy Dodgers defense helped put the game out of reach in the fifth. Singles by Werth and Howard put runners on the first and second with one out. Greg Maddux got Burrell to hit a potential double play ball grounder to short, but Rafael Furcal kicked the ball into left field to allow a run to score. After an intentional walk to Shane Victorino loaded the bases, Maddux struck out Pedro Feliz, but Furcal threw away Carlos Ruiz's grounder for a fifth run.

The Dodgers picked up their only run in the sixth on Manny Ramirez's solo home run, his first of the series. Phils' manager Charlie Manuel went to his usual bullpen men to close things out, using Ryan Madson in the 8th and Brad Lidge in the 9th. Nomar Garciaparra fouled out to Ruiz for the final out.

Box Score

Around the Horn - 3/10

The annual spring training aches and pains are starting to kick in. Red Sox ace Josh Beckett left his last start after 1 pitch due to back spasms. Teammate Coco Crisp has been limited by a sore groin.

The Rockies' Luis Vizcaino returned to the mound on Sunday after missing time with a sore elbow (another victim of Torre overuse?).

The Marlins' Scott Olsen played catcher on Saturday after missing time with a sore shoulder.

The Phillies' Brad Lidge is working his way back from knee surgery. He threw 25 pitches today.

Texas Rangers pitcher Brandon McCarthy got bad news; he'll be out 4-6 weeks with severe inflammation in his forearm. The Rangers also signed Sidney Ponson to a minor league deal this weekend. What could they be thinking?

Jordan Tata of the Detroit Tigers violated the Kevin Brown-Julian Taverez rule; do not punch hard objects. Tata broke a knuckle after getting upset at 3 straight rough outings. He also has a sore shoulder too boot.

Do not adjust your monitor: Ichiro Suzuki really is 0-14 this spring.

Around the Horn - 3/10

The annual spring training aches and pains are starting to kick in. Red Sox ace Josh Beckett left his last start after 1 pitch due to back spasms. Teammate Coco Crisp has been limited by a sore groin.

The Rockies' Luis Vizcaino returned to the mound on Sunday after missing time with a sore elbow (another victim of Torre overuse?).

The Marlins' Scott Olsen played catcher on Saturday after missing time with a sore shoulder.

The Phillies' Brad Lidge is working his way back from knee surgery. He threw 25 pitches today.

Texas Rangers pitcher Brandon McCarthy got bad news; he'll be out 4-6 weeks with severe inflammation in his forearm. The Rangers also signed Sidney Ponson to a minor league deal this weekend. What could they be thinking?

Jordan Tata of the Detroit Tigers violated the Kevin Brown-Julian Taverez rule; do not punch hard objects. Tata broke a knuckle after getting upset at 3 straight rough outings. He also has a sore shoulder too boot.

Do not adjust your monitor: Ichiro Suzuki really is 0-14 this spring.

Around the Horn - 2/25

With Curt Schilling ailing, the Red Sox have reportedly turned to another veteran, also dealing with arm issues. According to ESPN, the Sox have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. There is no guaranteed money for Colon, who nearly signed with the Mets last week before they backed off.

The Red Sox also announced they are keeping their manager for at least 3 more years. Terry Francona agreed to a 3-year, $12 million extension.

Brad Lidge will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss the start of the Phillies' regular season. It's an early blow to the defending NL East champs, who acquired Lidge so they could move Brett Myers back to the starting rotation.

The Cubs Mark DeRosa had to be taken off the field on a stretcher Saturday due to an irregular heartbeat. He was feeling better on Sunday and was released from an area hospital. DeRosa will see a cardiologist today to determine when he can resume baseball activities.

The Blue Jays are bringing Shannon Stewart back to Toronto with a minor deal that will turn into $1.5 million if he makes the team. Stewart, who turns 34 today, played for the Jays from 1995-2003.

Tony LaRussa has selected Adam Wainwright to be the Cardinals opening day starter. In his comeback attempt, the Tigers Matt Mantei threw to hitters for the first time in 2 years.

Around the Horn - 2/25

With Curt Schilling ailing, the Red Sox have reportedly turned to another veteran, also dealing with arm issues. According to ESPN, the Sox have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. There is no guaranteed money for Colon, who nearly signed with the Mets last week before they backed off.

The Red Sox also announced they are keeping their manager for at least 3 more years. Terry Francona agreed to a 3-year, $12 million extension.

Brad Lidge will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss the start of the Phillies' regular season. It's an early blow to the defending NL East champs, who acquired Lidge so they could move Brett Myers back to the starting rotation.

The Cubs Mark DeRosa had to be taken off the field on a stretcher Saturday due to an irregular heartbeat. He was feeling better on Sunday and was released from an area hospital. DeRosa will see a cardiologist today to determine when he can resume baseball activities.

The Blue Jays are bringing Shannon Stewart back to Toronto with a minor deal that will turn into $1.5 million if he makes the team. Stewart, who turns 34 today, played for the Jays from 1995-2003.

Tony LaRussa has selected Adam Wainwright to be the Cardinals opening day starter. In his comeback attempt, the Tigers Matt Mantei threw to hitters for the first time in 2 years.

Phillies Acquire Brad Lidge

Sometime closer, sometime set up man Brad Lidge has been dealt by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a 5 player deal.

Joining Lidge in Philly will be infielder Eric Bruntlett. Outfielder Michael Bourn, righthanded pitcher Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo are being shipped to Houston.

Source

Phillies Acquire Brad Lidge

Sometime closer, sometime set up man Brad Lidge has been dealt by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a 5 player deal.

Joining Lidge in Philly will be infielder Eric Bruntlett. Outfielder Michael Bourn, righthanded pitcher Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo are being shipped to Houston.

Source