A's Flunk Yankees - How Low Can You Go?

Coco Crisp ruins my afternoon - courtesy of sfgate.com

It appeared the Yankees would salvage the finale of the four game set in Oakland with the Athletics after losing to the A's kiddie corp three straight nights. After all, the Yankees had built a 4-0 against ex-teammate Bartolo Colon and had their ace, CC Sabathia, on the hill.

But after Curtis Granderson gave the Yankees a 4-0 lead with his 26th home run in the 4th inning, the Yankees offense went to sleep. Meanwhile the A's chipped away on solo home runs by Saturday's hero Brandon Inge, and catcher Kurt Suzuki and trailed 4-3 when Sabathia departed after seven innings.

David Robertson escaped a jam in the 8th, but closer Rafael Soriano was not so lucky. Soriano, who has been so good in place of the injured Mariano Rivera, served up a gopher ball to Seth Smith in the 9th to tie the game 4-4 for just his second blown save of the season.

It would stay that way until the 12th inning when Coco Crisp singled off Cody Eppley to bring home Derek Norris with the winning run. It completed the first ever four game sweep of Yankees by the A's in their home ball park. Each game was decided by one run, three of them in Oakland's final at-bat.

The afternoon started out as nicely as the 70 degree, sunny weather in Oakland. Mark Teixeira smacked the Yankees' fourth straight single to start the 3rd inning to put the Bombers on the board. Alex Rodriguez followed with a 2-run double for a 3-0 advantage.

Sabathia was sharp at the start, but was victimized in the 5th by Inge and Suzuki, who both pulled home runs into the left field seats. Colon, on the other hand, settled down and allowed just three more hits after the 3rd inning. Granderson's solo shot seemed to seal the deal, but the A's never-say-die attitude caught up with the Sabathia and the Yankees' pen.

Notes


Robinson Cano had his 23 game hitting streak snapped on Saturday, but had two hits on Sunday.

Derek Jeter didn't start the game, but came in as a late game defensive replacement.

Baltimore's victory moved them to within six games of the Yankees, but both Boston and Tampa Bay lost.

Yankees Get Burnt To A Crisp

The first rule of Baseball Club is that you DO discuss Baseball Club. The second rule is you don't give up home runs to Coco Crisp. The Yankees didn't abide by the latter and it cost them dearly in a 6-4 loss to the Oakland A's Wednesday night.

Crisp had already hit a solo home run off starter CC Sabathia when he unloaded a 3-run monster off of Rafael Soriano in the 10th inning to snap a 3-3 tie. Crisp entered the game with just three home runs in 469 plate appearances this season, but looked like the second coming of Babe Ruth (if Babe Ruth had a piercing in the side of his neck) in the Bronx.

The Yankees failed big time with runners in scoring position for the second straight night, had a rare bad night from the bullpen, and have allowed 12 runs in 19 innings of the series thus far to the normally anemic hitting A's. Despite the Yankees' failure in the clutch, thanks to a Nick Swisher home run and a Derek Jeter RBI single, they still maintained a 2-1 lead entering the 8th inning. But Kurt Suzuki led off the frame with a single, moved to second on a sac bunt, and scored the tying run on a Scott Sizemore double. That would be the last batter Sabathia would face. 8th inning man David Robertson came on and walked Jemile Weeks and then gave up a go ahead single to Crisp.

The lead was short lived as Mark Teixeira evened things up in the bottom of the inning with his 35th home run of the season, off of reliever Grant Balfour. Soriano who has been so good since coming off the DL, gave up back to back one out singles in the 10th before striking out Weeks. That brought up Crisp, who hit a no doubt about it shot to right to put a damper on the Yankees' night.

Swisher his his second home run of the game with two out in the 10th off of Andrew Bailey, but the A's closer picked up the save when he struck out Andruw Jones for the game's final out.

Notes

The Yankees were reportedly awarded a claim on Cubs' first baseman Carlos Pena, but Chicago is not expected to move him. GM Brian Cashman would not comment on the situation.

The A's won a series with the Yankees for the first time since 2007.

The Yankees had owned Trevor Cahill prior to last night. The right-hander was 0-4, 13.50 ERA in his previous starts. But the Yankees, who were 2-20 with RISP Tuesday night, were 1-8 last night. The worst failure came in the 7th inning when the Eduardo Nunez doubled and Francisco Cervelli followed with a bunt single. Reliever Brian Fuentes retired Brett Gardner on a pop up, Derek Jeter on a line out, and Curtis Granderson on a fly ball.

A's Melt, Yankees Win

On a sweltering night in the Bronx, a night that Phil Hughes would just as soon forget, the Yankees bats picked up the slack and then some and smashed the Oakland Athletics 17-7.

Hughes wasn't around long enough to get the win, but Nick Swisher tied a career high with 5 RBI and Mark Teixeira belted a grand slam as the Yankees had their biggest offensive output since scoring 15 runs against the Orioles back on April 23. A's starter Trevor Cahill is a very good pitcher, but not when he faces the Yankees. He entered the game with an 0 and 3 won-loss record and a 9.72 ERA against the Bronx Bombers. He won't want to look at those numbers tomorrow. The Yankees tagged him for 10 earned runs in just two innings pitched.

His counterpart, Hughes, didn't fare much better. Hoping to built off his solid start against Toronto five days ago, Hughes was bad from the start, and was unable to locate his pitches. He had a 14-2 lead at one point, but with the score 14-5 in the 5th, Hughes loaded the bases with just one out. Having seen his pitcher labor through 98 pitchers already, manager Joe Girardi said enough is enough and went to the bullpen. Hughes was charged with seven runs on his record after Hector Noesi allowed two inherited runners to score. Noesi settled down after that to earn the win (2-0) with 3.2 scoreless innings.

The game was all about offense though. Down 2-0 in the 2nd inning, the Yankees bats took over and battered Cahill. Eduardo Nunez and Brett Gardner reached on RBI singles to tie the game and Derek Jeter put the Yankees ahead for good with a 2-run single off first baseman Conor Jackson's glove. Curtis Granderson's sac fly brought in the fifth and final run of the inning.

The Yankees topped the 2nd inning with a nine run 3rd inning. Nick Swisher smashed a 3-run home run, reliever Michael Wuertz walked in two runs and then allowed Teixeira's slam. It was the first home run for the Yankees; first baseman (playing DH on Friday) since June 30, a span of 78 plate appearances. Swisher added a 2-run single in the 7th to complete his big ribbie night.

Yankees third baseman Brandon Laird made his Major League debut and achieved a bunch of firsts. To begin with, he got to pinch-hit for Derek Jeter. The first pitch to him from Joey Devine went behind his back. He ended up with a walk on a pitch that Harry Doyle would have said was "Jusssssssst outside". Laird scored on Swisher's 7th inning single and one inning later it was Laird with an RBI as he went back up the middle for his first Major League hit.

Notes

A's hitting coach Gerald Perry was ejected in the 4th inning after a horrible strike three call by home plate ump Marty Foster on outfielder Coco Crisp.

To honor Hideki Matsui's 500th home run, the Yankees showed a video of Matsui home runs over the years.

Yankees Crush A's, But Javy's The Story

With Dustin Moseley still trying to make a name for himself, Andy Pettitte still on the DL, and A.J. Burnett still pitching crazy after all these years, Javier Vazquez knows he has an opportunity to step up. He did just that last night, throwing 4.2 innings of relief in the Yankees 11-5 laugher over the Oakland A's. A minor adjustment made by pitching coach Dave Eiland seemed to make the difference for Vazquez, who was unusually animated during last night's game.

All it took was Vazquez moving his leg kick backward and in, which, in turn, allows him to have more momentum going forward. And, as a result, according to the right-hander, his ball doesn’t tail inside as much, because he’s throwing more over the top instead of dropping his arm slot. (Source: NJ.com)

The game didn't start off well as Moseley struggled, allowing three runners to cross home plate in the 1st inning. The Yankees immdiately answered back and took a 5-3 lead. But when Moseley gave up another run in the 4th and put runners on base in the 5th, Joe Girardi had seen enough. Vazquez was making his third relief appearance of the season and earned the win (his second in relief) after allowing just a single run the rest of the way. His fastball was clocked at a consistent 90 mph and was offset by low-to-mid 70's off speed stuff that kept hitters off balance all night. And Vazquez's own hitters game him more than ample support.

Mark Teixeira was back in the lineup after missing most of the weekend series with the Chicago White Sox with a bruised thumb. Tex hit back to back home runs with Robinson Cano and added a double, single, and three runs scored. Nick Swisher enjoyed a 3-hit, 3-RBI night, and Marcus Thames continued his torrid streak with a 3-run bash of his own. In his last five starts, Thames has six home runs and 11 RBI.

Oakland starter Trevor Cahill entred the game with a 2.43 ERA, but saw it rise nearly 40 points after he allowed eight earned runs in four innings.

Now Vazquez must sit and wait. He could replace Moseley, who has allowed 14 earned runs in his last 19.2 innings or A.J. Burnett if were to have another rocky outing on Wednesday. For now, the Yankees are glad they have an experienced starter to pick up some long relief innings.

Notes

Lance Berkman began the first of two game Trenton rehab stint and went 2-5. He could be activated in time for Wednesday night's Yankees game.

Snowy Sunday Hot Stove

Northern New Jersey didn't get as much snow as southern NJ or areas that normally get less snow. But it's a good day to get ready for football by talking some baseball hot stove.

Boston and Texas have been talking a Mike Lowell deal for weeks, but now things are off. A physical revealed torn ligaments in Lowell's thumb. The tear will require surgery and a 6-8 week recovery period. The deal could be revisited once Lowell recovers, but it's dead for now.

The Oakland A's and Coco Crisp are close to a one year deal per ESPN's Buster Olney. Crisp's career has gone downhill since his back to back star years (2004-2005) in Cleveland when he averaged 15 home runs and 70 RBI. He's still a threat to steal, but the power has diminished as has his OPS.

In case you missed it on Friday, the Cubs sent "Mr. Personality", Milton Bradley to the Mariners for overpaid/underachieving starting pitcher Carlos Silva. Bradley brings his ton of baggage to Seattle at $10 million per season for the next two years. He's a bargain, but do the M's really want to put up with Bradley's antics? He'll primarily split DH with Ken Griffey Jr. and see some time in the outfield as well. As for Silva, what were the Mariners thinking when they gave him a four year deal for $11-$12 million per year.

Where's Dave Winfield When You Need Him?

Cleveland's Progressive Field has apparently turned into Wild Kingdom. You saw the midges in that playoff game two years ago and now the place is suffering from sea gull infestation.

When the Yankees were in Ohio a couple of weeks back they were witness to the sudden influx of sea gulls. They were all over the place. The field, the stands, the roof. Michael Kay droned on and on about it. Well, he would have had a field day last night.

The Indians and Royals were tied 3-3 in the 10th inning when Shin-Soo Choo singled to center field. Mark DeRosa rounded third and headed for home. Center field Coco Crisp got himself lined up to make a throw to the play- but he never got the baseball.

The birds either deflected the ball or obliterated Crisp's view and the ball shot past him for the game winner. You can check out the play on the Indians' website.

Things might have been different had Dave Winfield been in town.

Sox Give Crisp the Royal Flush

Radio station 810 WHB in Kansas City is reporting that the Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez. It was anticipated that Crisp would be moved for a reliever to allow Justin Masterson to move back into the starting rotation.

This could also lead to more movement in KC, where center fielder David DeJesus has been the subject of trade rumors the past two seasons. If so, you have to figure the Yankees may be interested.

Sox Give Crisp the Royal Flush

Radio station 810 WHB in Kansas City is reporting that the Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez. It was anticipated that Crisp would be moved for a reliever to allow Justin Masterson to move back into the starting rotation.

This could also lead to more movement in KC, where center fielder David DeJesus has been the subject of trade rumors the past two seasons. If so, you have to figure the Yankees may be interested.

Around the Horn - 6/6

"I was at a boxing match last night and a hockey game broke out". An oldie, but goodie. Last night a brawl broke out at the Rays-Red Sox baseball game. Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp became a marked man after his questionableslide into 2nd Baseman Aki Iwamura (yeah the same guy Shelley Duncan spiked) the night before (Crisp said it was in retaliation for Jason Bartlett blocking the bag earlier in the game). In the 2nd inning of last night's game Rays starter James Shields drilled Crisp in the leg and made no doubt about it afterwards that it was intentional.

"I think what (Crisp) did (Wednesday) was an absolutely dirty move, bush league and not supposed to be in the professional game of baseball... He’s not a professional player. I lost all respect for him... We’ve been getting stomped around the last 10 years and that’s not going to happen any more," said Shields.

Crisp charged the mound and ducked a haymaker from Shields before landing a punch of his own and was then tackled by Rays catcher Dionner Navarro. While on the ground, Crisp was pounded at by Rays DH Jonny Gomes (yeah, him again) while Shields was buried under another pile.

The Red Sox won the game 7-1 behind Manny Ramirez's 5 RBI, but Ramirez also got into it in the dugout with teammate Kevin Youkilis. The two had to be separated in the dugout 5th inning. Boston may have a big loss though. Jacob Ellsbury rolled on his wrist while making a catch and for the moment is day-to-day.

Chipper Jones slugged his 400th career home run in the Braves 7-5 win over the Marlins. He became just the 3rd switch-hitter, along with Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray to hit the 400 mark. And in case you haven't noticed, he's still hitting .418.

C.C. Sabathia is definitely not making the most of his pending free agency. He allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings in the Indians 9-4 loss to the Rangers last night. Sabathia is now 3-8, 4.65 on the season.

Jose Contreras has very quitely put together a solid season. He was on the winning end of the White Sox 6-2 victory over the Royals. The Cuban native is now 6-3, 2.76 and has allowed just 7 earned runs in his last 42 innings. Jim Thome hit career home run #519.

It was a "Land of the Rising Sun" showdown in LA last night when the Cubs met the Dodgers. Tied 2-2 in the 9th, Kusoke Fukodome singled in the game winning run against Takaski Saito.

The Cardinals and Nationals split a twinbill. Todd Wellmeyer went to 7-1 in the Cardinals 4-1 win in the opener. After blowing a 6-0 lead in the nightcap, the Nationals came back from a 1-run deficit on the 10th, winning it on Elijah Dukes' 2-run walk-off home run.

Scott Schoenweis had a night against the Padres he'd like to forget. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, the lefty hit Pete McAnulty to force in the winning run. Hard to pin that one on Willie Randolph.

Cole Hamels beat Homer Bailey and the Reds 5-0 in a complete game effort. Most of the post-game discussion though centered on reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins, who was pulled from the game by manager Charlie Manuel after not running out a pop up.

Garrett Olson improved to 5-1 and George Sherrill be came the majors 2nd closer with 20 saves in the Orioles 3-2 win over the Twins. Adam Jones' home run was the decisive blow.

Jason Michaels' 3-run home run propelled the Pirates over the Astros 4-3. Paul Maholm won his 3rd straight start.

In case you missed it, here's the Rays-Sox fisticuffs.

Around the Horn - 6/6

"I was at a boxing match last night and a hockey game broke out". An oldie, but goodie. Last night a brawl broke out at the Rays-Red Sox baseball game. Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp became a marked man after his questionableslide into 2nd Baseman Aki Iwamura (yeah the same guy Shelley Duncan spiked) the night before (Crisp said it was in retaliation for Jason Bartlett blocking the bag earlier in the game). In the 2nd inning of last night's game Rays starter James Shields drilled Crisp in the leg and made no doubt about it afterwards that it was intentional.

"I think what (Crisp) did (Wednesday) was an absolutely dirty move, bush league and not supposed to be in the professional game of baseball... He’s not a professional player. I lost all respect for him... We’ve been getting stomped around the last 10 years and that’s not going to happen any more," said Shields.

Crisp charged the mound and ducked a haymaker from Shields before landing a punch of his own and was then tackled by Rays catcher Dionner Navarro. While on the ground, Crisp was pounded at by Rays DH Jonny Gomes (yeah, him again) while Shields was buried under another pile.

The Red Sox won the game 7-1 behind Manny Ramirez's 5 RBI, but Ramirez also got into it in the dugout with teammate Kevin Youkilis. The two had to be separated in the dugout 5th inning. Boston may have a big loss though. Jacob Ellsbury rolled on his wrist while making a catch and for the moment is day-to-day.

Chipper Jones slugged his 400th career home run in the Braves 7-5 win over the Marlins. He became just the 3rd switch-hitter, along with Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray to hit the 400 mark. And in case you haven't noticed, he's still hitting .418.

C.C. Sabathia is definitely not making the most of his pending free agency. He allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings in the Indians 9-4 loss to the Rangers last night. Sabathia is now 3-8, 4.65 on the season.

Jose Contreras has very quitely put together a solid season. He was on the winning end of the White Sox 6-2 victory over the Royals. The Cuban native is now 6-3, 2.76 and has allowed just 7 earned runs in his last 42 innings. Jim Thome hit career home run #519.

It was a "Land of the Rising Sun" showdown in LA last night when the Cubs met the Dodgers. Tied 2-2 in the 9th, Kusoke Fukodome singled in the game winning run against Takaski Saito.

The Cardinals and Nationals split a twinbill. Todd Wellmeyer went to 7-1 in the Cardinals 4-1 win in the opener. After blowing a 6-0 lead in the nightcap, the Nationals came back from a 1-run deficit on the 10th, winning it on Elijah Dukes' 2-run walk-off home run.

Scott Schoenweis had a night against the Padres he'd like to forget. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, the lefty hit Pete McAnulty to force in the winning run. Hard to pin that one on Willie Randolph.

Cole Hamels beat Homer Bailey and the Reds 5-0 in a complete game effort. Most of the post-game discussion though centered on reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins, who was pulled from the game by manager Charlie Manuel after not running out a pop up.

Garrett Olson improved to 5-1 and George Sherrill be came the majors 2nd closer with 20 saves in the Orioles 3-2 win over the Twins. Adam Jones' home run was the decisive blow.

Jason Michaels' 3-run home run propelled the Pirates over the Astros 4-3. Paul Maholm won his 3rd straight start.

In case you missed it, here's the Rays-Sox fisticuffs.

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.

Boston Globe Claims Sox are Close

A report out of the Boston Globe claims that the Twins and Red Sox are close to swinging a deal with Johan Santana as the centerpiece. The Twins would receive Jon Lester, Coco Crisp and prospects Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson. ESPN's Buster Olney verified that those were the players included.

We don't see how that deal trumps a Yankees package of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and a prospect, but we just as soon would hold on to Hughes. The Twins keep insisting on Ian Kennedy as that 3rd player, but the Yankees steadfastly refuse to include him.

"That's not going to happen", said Hank Steinbrenner. "To give up two of the three, there's no chance, not for anybody - unless it's [Sandy] Koufax, and that's not happening.".

We'll get more answers today as to whether Santana becomes a Red Sox or if Hank Steinbrenner changes his mind. Source

Boston Globe Claims Sox are Close

A report out of the Boston Globe claims that the Twins and Red Sox are close to swinging a deal with Johan Santana as the centerpiece. The Twins would receive Jon Lester, Coco Crisp and prospects Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson. ESPN's Buster Olney verified that those were the players included.

We don't see how that deal trumps a Yankees package of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and a prospect, but we just as soon would hold on to Hughes. The Twins keep insisting on Ian Kennedy as that 3rd player, but the Yankees steadfastly refuse to include him.

"That's not going to happen", said Hank Steinbrenner. "To give up two of the three, there's no chance, not for anybody - unless it's [Sandy] Koufax, and that's not happening.".

We'll get more answers today as to whether Santana becomes a Red Sox or if Hank Steinbrenner changes his mind. Source