On The Warning Track - 2nd Half Outlook AL East - Yankees

For years the American League East held the unofficial title of the best division in baseball. That’s not the case any more, though the division is still extremely competitive despite its flawed teams. There’s no question that it may take as little as 90 wins to capture the division title and any of the five teams in the division could be on top when the regular season ends on October 4.

The next two weeks will determine whether or not teams are buyers or sellers at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. With a weakened division and the two wild card spots, a minimum of four teams will be buyers, with the Red Sox the lone possible seller as of this writing.

Here’s a look at what you can expect from each AL East team, starting with the Yankees, for the second half of the season.

New York Yankees (48-40): Most media experts and predictors felt the Yankees would finish in 4th or 5th/last place in the division. When you look at the construct of the team, you can understand why those predictions were made. But the Yankees have gotten performances from unexpected sources and have taken an advantage of the inconsistency of their division rivals.

Surprises – There was nothing more unexpected than the performances of first baseman Mark Teixeira and Designated Hitter Alex Rodriguez. Teixeira was selected to his first All-Star since 2009, his first year in New York. The Georgia Tech product saw his production suffer the last few years due to some bad habits and injuries, including a wrist injury that kept him out of all but 15 games in 2013. He entered the break with an AL leading 62 RBI and has his highest slugging pct. (SLG) in six years.

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Shout It From The Rooftops: Opening Day Is Here! - Lineups

Regular season test 1 of Tanaka's elbow

April 6, 2015. A lovely Spring day that is perfect for the opening of the baseball season at the big Stadium in the Bronx.

The Yankees open with a tough week - three games each with the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox.  The Yankees send Masahiro Tanaka to the hill for the opener. It's the first time since he became a Yankees in 2009 that CC Sabathia isn't the Game 1 starter.

The Yankees lineup, which looks very strange without Derek Jeter in the two hole, is

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Brett Gardner
RF Carlos Beltran
1B Mark Teixeira
  C Brian McCann
3B Chase Headley
DH Alex Rodriguez
2B Stephen Drew
SS Didi Gregorius

The Blue Jays go with

SS Jose Reyes
  C Russell Martin
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
3B Josh Donaldson
DH Dioner Navarro
CF Dalton Pompey
LF Kevin Pillar
2B Devon Travis

Let the game begin.

Headley's Two Day Journey Ends With 14th Inning Game Winner

Headley celebrates his game winning hit over Texas

Chase Headley (@chaseheadley7 on Twitter) woke up in Chicago on Tuesday, 7/22 and will go to bed in New York early Wednesday morning as a baseball hero. Headley has been the subject of trade rumors involving the Yankees for the last three years, but it took until Tuesday for rumor to become fact.

Almost a dozen hours later, Headley was getting doused with Gatorade by new teammate Brett Gardner and was being interviewed on the field by Meredith Marokovits (YES Network) and Suzyn Waldman (WFAN-AM). With the game tied at one apiece in the 14th inning, Brian Roberts reached with a one-out ground rule double. Francisco Cervelli, who ripped a potential game winning line drive to Adrian Belte at third base two innnigs earlier, singled to push Roberts to third base and gave Headley a second chance to play the hero.

Headley, who had arrived shortly after the game started, pinch-hit for Zelous Wheeler in the 8th inning and struck out. He made the second out in the 11th inning with a ground out and bounced out again with the bases loaded to end the 12th.

But with his fourth at-bat of the night, Headley got his first Yankees' RBI when he dropped a Nick Tepesch pitch into left-center to drive home Roberts with the game winner. It was a satisfying ending to a long day.

Headley had been informed around 11:30 CDT this morning that he had been traded. He got the first plane out to New York and walked into the dugout in pinstripes with the number 12 on his back as the Yankees battled the Rangers in a scoreless duel. Headley told Marokovits after the game that he was excited "to go from the situation I was in (the Padres fell to 43-56 after the Cubs shut them out 8-0 on Tuesday), to go right into a pennant race."

Yankees Aim To Give The Captain One More Ring (D4A)

Key Acquisitions: Masahiro Tanaka, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann

Key Losses: Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson

The 2013 New York Yankees season was rife with poor performance, injuries, moves made in desperation, steroid allegations, and a roster of maybes, has-beens, and never-weres. Owner Hal Steinbrenner wanted general manager Brian Cashman to get payroll under control so that the team would fit under the 2014 luxury tax threshold of $189MM. With injuries and payroll cuts, sub-par players like catcher Chris Stewart and journeyman infielders like Reid Brignac and Luis Cruz littered the 25-man roster last season.

Manager Joe Girardi did his best to push all the right buttons, but many days he simply ran out of buttons to push. The team managed to rack up 85 wins and finished in third place the AL East, but their record fell well short of a playoff appearance. It was just the second time since 1995 that the Yankees missed the post-season.

With Derek Jeter's announcement that this will be his final season, the moves made by the Yankees this off-season could give him one final chance to add to his championship ring collection (He has five).  More importantly, Jeter needs to remain healthy after ankle and quad injuries limited him to 17 games in 2013.

The Yankees upgraded at catcher when they signed veteran Brian McCann to a five-year deal worth $85MM. The former Atlanta Brave hit 20 or more home runs during the last six seasons and should enjoy swinging at the short porch in right field this year.

Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, a member of the Boston Red Sox 2013 World Series championship, was persuaded to put on the pinstripes with a seven- year deal in excess of $152MM. (The deal could earn Ellsbury close to $169 if the Yankees exercise an 8th-year option.) There's no question that the Yankees overpaid for a player who has missed more games than he has played in two of the last four seasons and suffered a calf injury during the current Spring Training season. But, if healthy, he can steal 50 bases and hit 10-15 home runs.

Read the rest of the preview for Free at Designated For Assignment

Yankees Get Gardner To Stay Awhile

Brett Gardner could have tested the free agent waters next year, but instead chose to stick around a little longer in New York. The Yankees and Gardner agreed to a four year contract extension worth $52MM on Sunday.

The Yankees went out of their comfort zone - they normally don't extend players that are already under contract - to get Gardner at a reasonable price.  GM Brian Cashman explained why.

"It's a demonstration from our end. We don't typically do this, but it shows the level of confidence, belief and trust in the type of person and player he is, and we're excited to know he's going to be part of this thing going forward."¹

While Cashman may be saying all the right things about Gardner, the terms of the contract also make the left fielder a viable trade chip in the future should any of the touted outfield prospects (Slade Heathcott, Mason Williams, and Tyler Austin) pan out.  But Gardner wants to stay right where he is.

"I don't want to be anywhere else," Gardner told reporters. "There's no better place to play baseball than in New York. I've never been anywhere else. I got drafted here almost nine years ago, and I love it here. I love everybody in the organization, the coaching staff and all my teammates, and this is where I want to be."¹

While I don't necessarily agree with the length of the deal, it was a smart move by the Yankees, especially considering how much money they have tied up going forward in Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Masahiro Tanaka. By getting Gardner at a mere $12.5MM per year (there's a $12.5MM option in 2019 with a $2MM buyout), the Yankees will have more money to work with when players like Mark Teixeira come off the books.

Roberts Handed Second Base

I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Cashman held a lucky rabbit's foot, wore a four leaf clover around his neck, and said a novena or Hail Mary or two when Brian Roberts put ink to paper and signed his contract with the New York Yankees.

With Kelly Johnson also in camp, manager Joe Girardi announced that Roberts would be his starting second baseman when the team heads north (actually west to play the Houston Astros) to start the regular season. Roberts isn't expected to replace the production that the Yankees will miss from Robinson Cano, but they hope Roberts and others can collectively make up some of that ground.

A once quick-as-a-rabbit youngster, Roberts joins a team of older, injured players. Well, most of them were injured last year anyway. For Roberts it's been a myriad of injuries over the last several years.

Roberts suffered an abdominal strain in 2010 that kept him out  of the lineup from April to July and limited him to 59 games. (He also suffered from a herniated disc in his back during Spring Training in 2010.)

In May of 2011, Roberts hit the back of his head sliding into first base and suffered a serious concussion. He missed the rest of the 2011 season and didn't return to the Majors until June, 2012.  But he wasn't active for long.

Roberts hurt his groin in early July and was placed back on the DL. At the end of the month he opted for season ending hip surgery. During the off-season he also had surgery to repair a sports hernia. He played in 17 games, the lowest number of his career and the same number his new double play partner, Derek Jeter, played in his own injury plagued 2013 season.

In April, 2013 Roberts made another trip to the DL after he ruptured a tendon in a portion of hamstring behind his right knee and underwent surgery. It kept him out of an Orioles uniform until June 30. His 77 games played was the most action he saw over a four year stretch of injuries and surgeries, but his production was far below his norm. (.249/.312/.392 slash line)

The Yankees hope to see a glimpse of the former first round pick (50th overall out of U. of South Carolina in 1999). Roberts was a two-time All-Star who combined some pop with speed (90 stolen bases 2007-2008) and was often a Yankees killer. A typical season for Roberts saw 13 home runs, 64 RBI, 36 steals, 45 doubles, and 99 runs scored. 

In attempt to keep him healthy, Girardi may very well put the reins on Roberts when it comes to stolen base attempts and it will be interesting to see where he bats in the lineup with a pair of lead off men - Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner - already in the lineup.

The Yankees and Roberts don't care where he bats as long as he can stay healthy and productive.

Tanaka Tweets, Confuses the Masses

Whenever a number of people I follow on twitter follow a user, retweet, etc., I get a notification on my cellphone. Tuesday's notification was that Masahiro Tanaka was on Twitter.  The prized Japanese right-hander, whose deadline to choose a team is this Friday, tweeted (in Japanese) a few words that were misinterpreted by the Twitter translation.

"It does is decided" was the incorrect translation that led many to believe that Tanaka had decided where he wanted to play. In fact, it was just the opposite. Tanaka had said deciding was very hard.

Hell, using freetranslation.com I tweeted "最高のフランチャイズ-ニューヨーク・ヤンキース" to Tanaka. "Best Franchise - New York Yankees".

Rumors flew throughout the day. At one point the YES Network reported that Tanaka was deciding between the Yankees and the Chicago Cubs. Others said the Los Angeles Dodgers were a lock. Until Tanaka actually announces his decision you might as well stop speculating.

Tanaka's pay will most likely put the Yankees over the magic $189MM mark even if they only pay Alex Rodriguez 1/8th of his contracted salary. In avoiding arbitration the Yankees signed Brett Gardner ($5.6MM), Ivan Nova ($3.3MM), David Robertson ($5.125MM), Shawn Kelley ($1.8MM), and Francisco Cervelli ($700K, not all guaranteed).

Gardner's salary nearly doubled from last seasons, $2.85MM and I have to admit the increase amount surprised me. I was thinking more along the lines of $3.5MM, but perhaps the Yankees were concerned about the figure Gardner would bring to arbitration and the possibility of losing the case.

Robertson got better than a 68% raise, while Nova's increase was more than five times the amount he earned in 2013. Kelley received an 88% bump and Cervelii got a modest increase from last year's $515,350 salary.

The Yankees will continue to work on Plan 'B' and 'C', etc., and apparently that includes trying to talk Brett Tomko out of retirement. The 40-year old hasn't pitched in the Major Leagues since 2011, but did play for the York Revolution in the independent Atlantic League.

Beltran to Be Introduced Friday Thanks to a No Thank Choo

Jessica Beltran tweeted this picture on Wednesday of herself, husband Carlos, and children Ivana (standing) and Kiara back in the Big Apple.

Carlos Beltran will be introduced to the media at 11 a.m. Friday morning after he and the Yankees officially put their signatures on the dotted line of a three-year deal worth $45MM.

The press conference comes on the heels of news that prior to agreeing to terms with Beltran two weeks ago, the Yankees had offered Shin-Soo Choo a seven-year, $140MM deal. Thankfully, Choo said no. It would have been a much worse deal than the seven-year overpayment that the Yankees gave to Jacoby Ellsbury.

Someone really needs to show the Yankees how to negotiate.  The style of "hmm, they offered five years and $75MM..tell you what -your name here - we'll give you seven years for $140MM", does not really work out in the long run.

Scott Boras has been peddling Choo as an on-base machine to try and substantiate a $20MM per year contract. Choo reached base at a career high 42.3% last year in addition to hitting 21 home runs and drew 112 walks. (His previous high in base on balls was 83). Not that it's a true marker of ability or performance, while Ellsbury has made just one All-Star team, Choo has never been voted or selected to the July classic. Choo is a very good player, but he's not a great player.

So rebuked by Choo, the Yankees powered full steam ahead to wrap up Beltran, who had spent 6 1/2 seasons in New York as a member of the Mets. Beltran took to Twitter back on December 10 to announce that he would wear #36 as a Yankee. It's the number he started his career with in 1998-1999 with the Kansas City Royals. Beltran wore 15 for much of his career and donned the #3 with St. Louis the last two seasons. With both numbers retired in the Bronx, he decided to go back to his numerical roots.

Despite playing on creeky knees last year, Beltran still hit .296/.339/.491 with 24 HR, 84 RBI, and 79 runs scored. The days of stolen bases are over for the player who averaged 37 swipes a year from 2001-2004, but he'll cut down on the Yankees strikeouts per game quite considerably. He fanned just 90 times last year in 600 plate appearances.

Yankees Tell Reds Fuggedaboutit

ESPN.com's Andrew Marchand reported that the Yankees have turned down an offer from the Cincinnati Reds that would have sent outfielder Brett Gardner to the Buckeye State for second baseman Brandon Phillips.

GM Brian Cashman has maintained that the Yankees aren't (actively) shopping Gardner, but when you take a look at the Yankees needs and the lack of money to spend, it would not shock anyone if the speedy outfielder was dealt. Through arbitration or a one year deal, Gardner is likely to earn in the neighborhood of $4MM in 2014.

Phillips has a limited no-trade clause and the Yankees are reportedly on it. It's been said he wanted more money if he were to waive the no-trade to go to the Bronx. Considering Phillips turns 33 in the middle of next season and is owed $50MM over the next four seasons, saying no was no-brainer.

Beltran Replaces Cano in Pinstripes

Trading Places: NY Edition

After seemingly out of the Carlos Beltran free agent sweepstakes, the Yankees have reportedly signed the veteran outfielder to a three-year, $45MM deal. Obstensibly, Beltran and Alfonso Soriano would split time between RF and DH if the Yankees stick to their public statement that Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury would start off the lineup as a pair of table setters.

Beltran was a member of the NL pennant winning St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 after he put together his eighth All-Star season.  He finished the year with 24 HR, 87 RBI, and an .830 OPS. The switch-hittter, who will be joining his sixth organization, has built a remarkable post-season resume. The native of Puerto Rico has hit 16 home runs and driven in 40 runs in 51 post-season contests, with an 1.128 OPS to boot.

Beltran's defense is not above average as it once was and neither are his knees, but he could fill some of the void created when Robinson Cano bolted for the Seattle Mariners earlier on Friday. The Yankees now have six outfielders on the Major League roster- Gardner, Ellsbury, Beltran, Soriano, Vernon Wells and Ichiro Suzuki.

Wells will likely be released since he has no impact on the team's luxury tax. Suzuki is owed $6.5MM and doesn't have much left in his bat. He'll be difficult to move and the Yankees could very well be stuck with him. At the very least they would have to pay half his salary if they find a suitor.

I originally thought Gardner might be dealt when Ellsbury was signed, then I read the front office wanted the pair setting the table  in the 1-2 spots in the order. However, Gardner may still be used to acquire a starting pitcher wtih the Yankees possibly relying on a youngster like Zoilo Almonte.

The Yankees said they would spend a lot of money this off-season, but I'm not so sure how wisely they're doing it. Perhaps at the trade deadline the Yankees can deal A-Rod back to Seattle for Cano.

Sabathia's Season Comes To A Strainful End

It came as no surprise earlier Monday when the Yankees announced that CC Sabathia's season came to an end due to an injury. Derek Jeter, Austin Romine, Mark Teixeira, Brett Gardner, Kevin Youkilis...the list goes on and on with season ending injuries and now Sabathia is part of it.

The Yankees ace, who had a very un-ace like season, suffered a Grade-2 strain of his hamstring in this past Friday's win against the San Francisco Giants. It will take a minimum of eight weeks to recover so the big man's season is done.

Diminished velocity and a lack of command contributed to Sabathia turning from a top 10 Major League pitcher into a run of the mill starter. He ended up with a 14-13 record and the lowest winning percentage (.519) of his career, and put up a career worst ERA (4.78), WHIP (1.370) and WAR (0.2) figures.

With three more guaranteed years on his contract worth $71MM the Yankees are hopeful that Sabathia can make the necessary adjustments during the off-season to recapture some of his past glory.

Sometimes You Win On High Holy Days, Sometimes You Lose

35 years ago I sat on the floor of our sun parlor, in my lucky seat in front of the couch. Two years earlier that's where I was when I was whispered, "How about a home run?" as Chris Chambliss approached the plate against Mark Littell in Game 5 of the ALCS.  In 1978 it was the Yankees and Boston Red Sox who needed a 163rd game to determine the AL East division winner. No wild card teams back then.

It was Rosh Hoshanah, the Jewish New Year and the only reason that schools were closed on a sunny Monday afternoon. Rather than attend temple, our congregation met in front of a 17" color TV. The Yankees stud ace Ron Guidry was having a career year and gutted his way to his 25th win with plenty of help from the bullpen. Everyone, of course, knows that the biggest moment of the game was when the Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent earned an off-color nickname when he gave the Yankees the lead for good with a 3-run home run off former teammate Mike Torrez.  The team went on to win the World Series, their last until Joe Torre and company restored order in 1996.

Yesterday, Saturday, was Yom Kippur. The "Day of Atonement"...and boy did the Yankees have plenty of atoning to do afterwards. I sat on our leather sofa, which has witnessed one World Series title, as Jon Lester dominated the Yankees in a 5-1 Red Sox win. It left the interlocking NY's three games behind both Texas and Tampa Bay in the AL wild card standings. The Yankees stud ace CC Sabathia continued his 2013 struggles; he lasted six innings, and allowed the five runs on nine hits and four walks. He lost his career worst 13th game.

While neither of these teams are as good as their 1978 ancestors, the Red Sox have set themselves apart in the AL East, one year after they won 69 games and finished last in the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers helped them out by taking Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, and Adrian Gonzalez off their hands last season. GM Ben Cherington and company then picked up Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, Koji Uehara, and Mike Carp prior to the season. All of them have contributed to the Sox success as has Jake Peavy who was acquired at the trade deadline. Most importantly they got rid of self-absorbed manager Bobby Valentine and hired their former pitch coach John Farrell, who had been the manager in Toronto, and was very popular with the team.

The Yankees, of course, added to their injury list in the series as they do most every game. Brett Gardner was lost the other night after he strained his oblique. Alfonso Soriano was scratched from Saturday's game due to a sprained thumb. And so it goes...just as they did a week ago the Yankees hope they can salvage one game in a series with Boston. Better say your prayers.

The Constant Gardner

The Yankees pulled out an important win in the 9th inning against the Baltimore Orioles last night, but Brett Gardner had to leave the game after one at-bat due to a oblique injury. It's possible that Gardner could be lost for the season after undergoing an MRI today, which in case you have forgotten, is Friday the 13th.

Gardner has played in 145 of the Yankees' 147 games, a far cry from last year when an injured right elbow limited him to just 16 games in the regular season. With Derek Jeter limited to 17 games this season, Gardner's role at the top of the order has been crucial to the Yankees keeping their toes in the water of the playoff race.

He's' not as aggressive as he once was, for reasons unknown to just about everyone, but Gardner has swiped 24 bases in 32 attempts this season. His .273 batting average and .416 slugging percentage are both above his career norms, and his hits (147), HR (8) , RBI (52),doubles (33), and triples (10) totals are career bests. His OPS (.759) is just three points lower than the career high he set in 2010.

Gardner also manned centerfield after being moved to left the past two seasons to accomodate Curtis Granderson. The move back to center would have occurred even Granderson hadn't suffered a broken forearm in Spring Training. With Garnder possibly out for at least the remainder of the regular season, Granderson will move back to centerfield and rookie Zoilo Almonte could see some more playing time.

As for Thursday night's game itself, the Yankees entered the 8th inning with a 5-2 lead, but David Robertaon had a rare terrible night that culminated in a game tying 3-run home run by Danny Valencia. Orioles reliever Jim Johnson got him off the hook though with a sloppy 9th inning.

After Brendan Ryan reached on a single, Johnson committed an error on Chris Stewart's sacrifice bunt attempt and everyone was safe. Granderson followed with a successful sac bunt and Ryan scored when Johnson unleashed a wild pitch.

Mariano Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 9th and was credited with his sixth. The official scorer could have given the win to Robertson, but didn't feel he deserved it after his performance. With no save for Rivera, the Yankees' closer remains tied for the AL lead with....you got it...Jim Johnson.  Coincidence much?

Granderson hit his 16th career home run aganist the Orioles, second only to Edwin Encarnacion's 19.

Phil Hughes started and was followed by David Huff. Both pitchers allowed one run in thee innings of work.

Laughter At 5 After: Red Sox Club Yankee Again

Mike Napoli of ZZ Top Boston Red Sox

The Yankees were already reeling from the first two games of the their four game set with the Boston Red Sox when the first pitch was thrown Saturday by David Huff about 1:05 pm. Huff struck out two and retired the side in order. Then he and fresh from Scranton Jim Miller got their heads handed to them in a 12-9 loss.

The Fox broadcast shared the ignominious statistic that Thursday and Friday's games represented the first time the Yankees had scored eight runs in back to back games at home and lost since they were the 1911 New York Highlanders. Now they can look up 25 runs in three straight losses.

Mike Napoli must be thinking that with all the shaved heads and beards on the Red Sox, the Yankees cannot tell them apart. It might explain why the Yankees continue to pitch to him despite the fact that he should be arrested for abuse of baseballs. With David Ortiz on second and first base open in the 2nd inning, Huff served up a meatball to Napoli, who quickly turned it into a souvenir and a 2-0 lead.

An inning later Jonny Gomes hammered Huff with two aboard and the Red Sox were rolling 5-1. Huff departed in the 4th in the midst of a five run 4th inning. By the time Xander Bogaerts hit his first Major league home run off of new reliever Jim Miller, the Yankees were in a 12-3 hole.

Then came the get-your-hopes-up comeback. A four run 6th inning highlighted by Brett Gardner's 2-run triple sent Sox starter John Lackey to the showers with a 5.2 inning, 7 earned runs allowed win (9-12). Mark Reynolds delivered a 2-run double in the 8th and it was suddenly a 12-9 game.

That is until Napoli came up and deposited yet another pitch, this one from Brett Marshall, over the fence in left-center field. It was the final death knell of what seems to be assuredly headed towards a four game sweep by Boston.

Notes

As of this writing, the Rays barring a comeback were headed towards another loss. However, both Baltimore and Cleveland won and will stand just a game back of the Rays.  Meanwhile, the Yankees are stuck cement 2.5 games back.

Napoli is 18-50 with 6 HR and 17 RBI against the Yankees...this year alone.

Derek Jeter left the game early with irritation in surgically repaired ankle. A CT scan was negative

Oh yes, the Yankees Season Can Get Worse

Read 'em and weep

You couldn't blame Andy Pettitte's teammates if they shackled Joe Girardi to the dugout bench the next time the 41-year old takes the mound for the Yankees. The bullpen blew up two potential Petttitte winning efforts in a six day span. In each case Girardi may have been premature when he yanked his longest tenured starting Yankees pitcher.

This past Sunday the Yankees were nine outs from beating Baltimore when the Orioles hammered the Yankees pen for seven runs in the 7th inning. Pettitte departed Friday night's contest with the Boston Red Sox after six innings and 100 pitches only to see his 8-3 lead turn in a disgusting 12-8 loss. To make matters worse it came on the heels of the blown comeback effort the night before.

Things started out well Friday night, as opposed to the first game of the series on Thursday. Alfonso Soriano smacked a 2-run home run off starter Felix Doubront in the 1st inning. Vernon Wells contributed an RBI and a pair of runs scored, Brett Gardner knocked in two, and Eduardo Nunez had a pair of hits with a ribbie and a run scored.

Then came the fateful 7th inning yet again. This time Girardi didn't allow Pettitte to start the inning as he had on Sunday. Instead he brought in Phil Hughes, who was making his first appearance since he was shifted/demoted to the bullpen.  Hughes managed to retire one batter, but was charged with four runs, three hits and a walk.

Boone Logan replaced Hughes and struck out David Ortiz for the second out, but the bases remained loaded. With little option, Girardi stuck with Logan against Yankees killer Mike Napoli. Big Mistake. Napoli fouled off a couple of 3-2 pitches before he delivered a grand slam to tie the game at eight apiece. Logan then departed with a sore elbow that he said bothered him during Napoli's at-bat.

Preston Claiborne continued his disappearing act an inning later with some help from the guy who somehow passes himself off as a competent pitcher, Joba Chamberlain. Four runs later the Red Sox were ahead 12-8 and the Yankees were done.

Remarkably, the Yankees are STILL 2.5 behind the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost once again, but have been passed by Baltimore and Cleveland in the standings. Both teams and the Rays have a game in hand to the Yankees and the Indians have the easiest schedule the rest of the way.

Girardi talks about his ramshackle bullpen

Notes

David Robertson woke up with a cranky shoulder Friday morning and went for an MRI. Tendinitis was found and D-Rob will be out for a number of days. Logan will go for an MRI as well. Shawn Kelley hasn't pitched since September 1, but might be available on Sunday.

Andy Pettitte talks about his start

Yankees Prevail As Dempster Takes His Game Into The Dumpster

The New York Yankees - Boston Red Sox game last night could have been simply played like a normal baseball game between the longtime rivals. The fans would have booed Alex Rodriguez unmercifully, which isn't any different than any other time A-Rod played in Boston, and a winner would emerge after the usual four hour contest.

Except that Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster decided to make the moment and the game his own personal statement against A-Rod. In the end, the Yankees got payback at Dempster's actions and won the game, but home plate umpire Brian O'Nora handled things poorly and Yankees manager Joe Girardi was ejected as a result.

The best result of the night for the Yankees was the final score - Yankees 9 Red Sox 6. It was the third straight series win for the Pinstripes, who have won 7 of 10 since they were swept in a three game series with the Chicago White Sox.

The 2nd inning set the tone for the night when A-Rod stepped to the plate for the first time. Dempster, a onetime player rep who helped decide how PED suspensions and appeals would be handled, threw his first pitch behind A-Rod legs. The next two pitches missed their target - A-Rod, not the plate - and were inside and tight. Finally, Dempster's 3-0 delivery hit A-Rod in the back below his armpit.

That's when O'Nora made a mess of the entire situation. Instead of tossing Dempster for the obvious intent of the entire at-bat, he warned both benches. Girardi shot out of the dugout faster than he's run since he legged out that famous triple in Game 6 of the 1996 World Series.

Every vein in Girardi’s neck and head looked ready to burst as he screamed at O'Nora for his actions, or more precisely, inaction. O'Nora ejected him, but not before Girardi called Dempster another word for a cat.

A-Rod stood quietly alongside first base coach Mick Kelleher as both benches emptied, but no altercations took place. Girardi was still furious after the game ended. He told the YES Network:

"Ryan Dempster has hit six guys in his last 320 innings. He throws the first pitch behind him, intentional. He threw the next one inside, he didn't hit him...intentional. At some point Brian O'Nora has to give him a warning and he should have thrown him out of the game. It's the bottom line.

Everyone knows it was intentional and I don't know understand why he's left in the game, and then to give us a warning...You know Brian and I have a long history together. Back in 'A' ball, Double-A, and I respect him, but that was wrong.

You know the one thing you can't do is start changing the system, because maybe you don't like it. Ryan Dempster has been a player rep and he's been very involved in the union, and he knows this is what they decided to do. So you can't change it and take your potshots, and you'd have to have your head in the sand with the comments coming from the other side not to know that something might be happen.

So, I thought it was handled very poorly and I was upset about yesterday, because calls went against us that changed the complexion of the game. Then you have this...it's just flat wrong."

The complete interview:

Jerry Seinfeld once said the best revenge was "living well." In baseball, it's hitting a home run and knocking the pitcher out of the game. Down 6-3 in the 6th, A-Rod crushed a Dempster delivery into the centerfield stands. As he rounded first, A-Rod loudly clapped his hands and pointed both arms skyward when he reached home plate.

The blast fired up his teammates, who then took control of the game. Eduardo Nunez and Lyle Overbay reached on one-out singles and Dempster was pulled after he walked light hitting Chris Stewart to load the bases. Drake Britton came on and Brett Gardner introduced himself by ripping a ball to the deepest part of right-center field. Pinch-runner Jayson Nix, Overbay, and Stewart all crossed home plate as Gardner raced to third with a triple that gave the Yankees a 7-6 lead.

Mark Reynolds and Stewart added tack on RBI singles and Mariano Rivera got out of a two-out, two-on jam in the 9th when he got Jarrod Saltalamacchia to line out to left.

A-Rod was obviously upset after the game when YES asked him, "Joe said that should have been handled differently. The first pitch behind you should have been a warning and when you got hit he should have been tossed. Do you feel the same way?"

"Yeah I agree. That was..whether you like me or hate me, what's wrong is wrong and that was unprofessional and silly. And kind of a silly way to get someone on your team hurt as well.

YES: "Considering how many players have spoken out about you playing during your suspension, are you concerned about this at all moving forward?"

"I'm not at all. You know we um, that today brought us together. Joe's reaction was amazing. Every one of my teammates said "hit a bomb and walk it off. They were more...as pissed as I was. That's just not right."

There was a light moment when a reporter asked if Dempster should be suspended. A-Rod and the media laughed when he responded, "You're the asking the wrong guy about a suspension. I got an attorney I can recommend."

The complete interview:

And so it will continue to go.

MLB's Poor Umpiring Helps Yankees Blast Halos

The cry for instant replay is going to reach a crescendo sooner rather than later. With a 162 game regular season schedule we've witnessed many mistakes by the men in blue year in and year out. It's affected the biggest stage as well during the post-season.

While it may not cost a team a post-season series, it could help decide who reaches the post-season. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels are two teams battling to stay above water, so when a call possibly costs them a game, you bet plenty of people stand up and take notice.

Last week in Chicago, home plate umpire Alan Porter erroneously called Brett Gardner out at the plate when he was clearly safe. The "erased" run helped cost the Yankees the game. Tuesday night's contest with the Angels saw the wrong call go in the Yankees favor. Chris Nelson, who spent a few weeks in a Yankees uniform this season, was on third base for Los Angeles with one out in the 6th inning and the Yankees clinging to a 4-3 lead.

Tommy Field lifted a fly ball to left that enabled Nelson to race home ahead of Alfonso Soriano's throw to tie the game at 4-4. Or did it? Catcher Austin Romine threw the ball to Jayson Nix at third and home plate umpire David Rackley called Nelson out. Needless to say Angels manager Mike Scioscia went ballistic. Replays showed that Nelson did not leave third base early - his foot was still on the base when the ball landed in Soriano's glove.

It was Rackley's responsibility to watch Nelson since the third base umpire, Brian Gorman, had to make sure the ball was caught. So standing 90 feet away Rackley determined that Nelson left before the ball was caught which allowed the Yankees to record a double play rather than make an appeal.

Instead of a tie game and lead off hitter J.B. Shuck coming to the plate with runners on first and second and two outs, the inning was over with the Yankees still in the lead. It enabled CC Sabathia to stay in the ball game and pick up his 10th win of the season. The Yankees also had their biggest offensive explosion in what seemed like a decade and held on for a 14-7 win.

Alfonso Soriano had his first big game back in pinstripes with a pair of home runs and a career high six RBI. Alex Rodriguez ripped a 2-run double to the base of the wall in left, Vernon Wells homered for the first time since May, and Eduard Nunez had four ribbies.

It was an odd game to say the least. Sabathia only allowed three hits, but walked six hitters. He also struck out seven so there was plenty of "no contact baseball" when he was in there. The double digit win total made Sabathia just the fifth pitcher since 1900 to win 10 or more games in their first 13 seasons. The others are Tom Seaver, Don Sutton, Eddie Plank, and Carl Hubbell.¹

The game was held up by rain for 26 minutes with two outs in the top of the 8th inning. When play resumed Dellin Betances struck out rookie Grant Green with a 97-mph fastball to end the inning. Unfortunately, Betances didn't have the same good fortune in the 9th inning when he was tagged for four runs after he struck out Chris Iannetta to start the frame. Joba Chamberlain came on to record the final two outs - a seven run lead may be the only time Joba is trusted now.

1 - Elias Sports Bureau

Yankees Treat Rodney With No Respect

"I blame that guy in the upper deck."

Fernando Rodney had a season for the ages as the Tampa Bay Rays closer last year. Given the opportunity when the incumbent, Kyle Farnsworth was felled by an injury, Rodney made the most of his chances.

The right-hander saved a career high 48 games in 50 chances, allowed just five earned runs in 74.2 innings pitched (0.60 ERA), and had a 5:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Where did this guy come from? Any fan of the Detroit Tigers or Los Angeles Angels had to ask that question. Where was the guy inconsistent guy who couldn't hold on to his closer job? The guy that was an inconsistent set up man; the guy with 37 career blown saves.

Guess what? He's ba-aaaack. Rodney blew his fifth save opportunity in 14 attempts Saturday when the Yankees rallied from two down in the 9th inning to tie the game at three apiece. Lyle Overbay won it for the Yankees, who have taken the first two games of the three game series, with a home run off Josh Lueke.

But the Yankees would not have gotten there if not for Rodney's contribution. Down 3-1, despite another solid effort by starter Vidal Nuno (6 IP 5 H 2 ER 1 BB 2 K), the Yankees were down to their final out when Rodney walked Overbay.  After Overbay took second base on fielder's indifference, Brennan Boesch, recalled due to the injury to Curtis Granderson, laced a ball into left field that plated Overbay.

Brett Gardner got ahead in the count 3-1 before he drove a ball back to shallow center for an RBI single that tied the game. The rally went no further when Gardner was thrown out as he tried to steal second. A poor choice by Gardner with Robinson Cano at the plate.

The game nearly came to an end in the bottom of the 10th when Ivan Nova made his first relief appearance since he was activated from the disabled list. The Rays loaded the bases with one out, but Nova struck out James Loney and retired Matt Joyce on a ground out. Then it was Overbay time, or should I say Overtampabay time.

Overbay hit nine home runs in 440 plate appearances in 2011; his game winner on Saturday was his eighth home run in 172 PAs. Overbay has continued to  come through in the clutch after it appeared his career might be over after the 2012 season. The Diamondbacks released him last August and Atlanta picked him up for the last month of the 2012 season. Overbay signed with the Boston Red Sox in January, but was released in late March and was quickly picked up the Yankees. The Red Sox loss was the Yankees gain as Overbay has been one of the early season surprises.

Notes

The Yankees had lost 13 of 16 at the Trop before winning back-to-back games. The Yankees were fortunate that Matt Moore surpassed the 100 pitch mark early and left after six innings. He remains unbeaten this season at 8-0.

Nuno had allowed just one run when he left, but Shawn Kelley and Boone Logan combined to allowed an inherited runner to score in the Rays two-run 7th inning.

Mariano Rivera recorded his 18th straight save chance.

Grandy Ready to Clean Up, Nuno Demoted

Curtis Granderson is back in familiar surroundings, though not as familiar as they once were. Penciled into the lineup as the clean up hitter in his return against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, Granderson is in left field instead of his accustomed center field spot.

It's not surprising that Joe Girardi decided to keep Brett Gardner in the middle of the outfield since he's the better defender. It's just the 23rd game of a nine year career for Granderson in left field. Offensively, he's 5-20 with two extra base hits when positioned on the left side.

To make room on the 25-man roster Vidal Nuno was sent down to Scranton in an expected move. Since he was not going to be available for five days it made sense.

There may be another roster spot opening up soon; it was bound to happen at some point, just like it did with Kevin Youkilis. The injury bug has taken a bit out of Travis Hafner. The Yankees DH has struggled of late and it may be in part due to soreness in his right shoulder. He's headed for an MRI and further examination.