BD Hot Stove: If I Were A GM… | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: If I Were A GM… | Baseball Digest

I’m just sitting around, keeping warm by the hot stove as we wait for more moves to occur. Things are a little slow right now with the holidays, so maybe it’s time to ponder what moves might occur and some moves I would like to see during the 2011 season.

The Red Sox deal Jon Papelbon for a bat or a starting pitcher. The Red Sox had some discussion with Mariano Rivera then signed closer Bobby Jenks to a two year deal to set up (for now) Papelbon. It’s obvious the front office isn’t happy with Papelbon’s performance and would like to move him even though they insist otherwise. The Red Sox are still trying to sign Brian Fuentes, which would give them another closer/set up guy and plenty of depth to deal Papelbon.

How about a non-move? The Brewers, bolstered by Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo, hold on to Prince Fielder for the entire season.

The Yankees, in need of starting pitching, decide to go all out to land Joakim Soria from the Royals. Soria sets up Rivera as a prelude to taking over as closer one day.

The Mets deal Carlos Beltran and cash to the Brewers as Milwaukee goes all out for a shot at the World Series.

The Mets tire of Jose Reyes‘ inconsistency and work out a mega deal with the Angels. Among the players the Mets receive are Erick Aybar, Brandon Wood, and prospect Garrett Richards.

The Astros continue to clean house and deal Carlos Lee, not getting too much in return, but not having to pay out the entire remainder of his contract either.

The Yankees are rebuffed in numerous attempts to acquire Felix Hernandez or Justin Verlander, and overpay to acquire Fausto Carmona from the Indians.

Derrek Lee has a tremendous comeback season with the Orioles, who then flip him at the deadline for several prospects.

Okay, time for things that are more likely to happen…

Rumors, News, and Transactions

A’s beat reporter Joe Stiglich reports the team is among six clubs interested in reliever Chad Qualls.

According to the Centre Daily Times, the Metrodome roof won’t be fixed until March. That means hundreds of college baseball games will be affected and the Twins annual fan festival will have to find another venue.

Cuba is considering letting some ball players sign with teams in the US in exchange for some money… a lot of money. First things first though, the U.S. would have to lift the embargo on such a maneuver.

AOL Fanhouse has named 19 year outfielder Mike Trout as the top MLB prospect of the year.

SI’s Jon Heyman said the Yankees “checked in” on Rafael Soriano, which just sounds like due diligence.

Lee Says No to a Halo

The Los Angeles Angels surprised a lot of people when they acquired Dan Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Today it was the Halos who got the surprise when Chicago Cubs 1st baseman Derrek Lee turned down a trade to join the club.

Lee invoked his no-trade clause the deal, because he felt it would be better for his family to finish out the season with Chicago. Lee added that he hopes to stay beyond the current season.

The Angels also got bad news before this afternoon's game with Boston when scheduled starter Joel Pineiro was scratched with a strained oblique. He's expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

The Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers did swing a deal with the Tribe sending Jhonny Peralta to the Motor City. In return, Cleveland received minor league pitcher Giovanni Soto. The Tigers have been hurt, literally, by injuries to Brandon Inge and Carlos Guillen.

Rumor Mill

The Cardinals are said to be interested Orioles infielder Miguel Tejada. Baltimore also continues to get calls about Ty Wiggington.

The Blue Jays are said to be talking to the Diamondbacks about Kelly Johnson. Current 2nd baseman Aaron Hill is willing to change positions to upgrade the offense.

In addition to Wiggington the Marlins are also checking into Jorge Cantu, as are the Giants. San Fran is also looking into Jose Guillen.

The Blue Jays are said to be asking for a top prospect for reliever Scott Downs. That means they want Jesus Montero from the Yankees. Not happening. The Jays reportedly have already asked for Joba Chamberlain.

The Indians and Phillies are said to be discussing Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook.

The Dodgers have shown an interest in Royals speedster Scott Podsednik.

UPDATE 9:21 p.m. The Dodgers have indeed acquired Scott Podsednik for 2 minor leaguers - Lucas May and Elisaul Pimentel.

Cano Slams Door on Tribe

It used to be that Yankees fans would cringe whenever Robinson Cano came to the plate with runners in scoring position. The mantra, "don't hit into a double play" could be heard when the bases were loaded. But this is not your, well, your own Robinson Cano any more.

The red hot Cano had three hits, including a back breaking grand slam, as the Yankees opened their four game series with the Cleveland Indians with an 8-2 win. Phil Hughes struck out eight over seven innings to improve to 6-1.

With Alex Rodriguez getting a routine day off, Cano batted clean up for the first time in his career. Prior to this season, it's doubtful Joe Girardi or Joe Torre would have even considered putting Cano in the big hitter spot. But this is the new Robinson Cano, who has worked hard with hitting coach Kevin Long to be more selective in his hitting approach.

After hitting .207 with runners in scoring position (RISP) and .204 with RISP and 2 outs last season, Cano has boosted those numbers to .327 and .259 this season.

Cano was aboard when Nick Swisher put the Yankees ahead 2-0 in the 2nd inning with a home run high off the foul pole in right field. Cano's second single of the game helped loaded the bases against Indians' starter Fausto Carmona in the 6th.

Juan Miranda drew a bases loaded walk to force in a run before Cano came home on a Brett Gardner sacrifice fly for a 4-1 Yankees lead.

Hughes bounced back from two straight rough outings with an impressive performance. He struck out the side in the first inning and limited the Tribe to five hits. He allowed an RBI double to Jhonny Peralta to cut the Yankees lead to 2-1 in the 3rd, but struck out Luis Valbuena with two on and two out to escape further trouble. A Russell Branyan solo home run was the only other run Hughes allowed.

Left-hander Tony Sipp replaced Carmona in the 7th with the Indians down 4-2. Derek Jeter reached on an infield single and Curtis Granderson doubled in the gap in right-center. Mark Teixeira drew his second walk of the game before Cano drilled a pitch into the right field seats for his 10th home run of the season.

Just another good at-bat with runners in scoring position for the new and improved Robinson Cano.

photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Yankees and CC Firing on all Cylinders

CC Keeps Yankees Streaking

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: cc sabathia • Derek Jeter • Fausto Carmona • Grady Sizemore • Jorge Posada • Mark Teixeira • Robinson Cano • Victor Martinez • Yankees 5/30 recap • Yankees vs. Indians

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	2	0	5	0	1	0	0	2		10	13	0
Cleveland	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	2		5	7	2

WP - Sabathia (5-3) LP - Carmona (2-5)

The Yankees are all about streaks these days. Winning streaks, hitting streaks, errorless streaks. CC Sabathia won his fourth straight decision last night and the Yankees pounded the Cleveland Indians 10-5. It was the Yankees third straight win and 14th in the last 17 games. It also pushed their lead over the Boston Red Sox to 1.5 games in the AL East and kept the Toronto Blue Jays at the same distance.

Sabathia was pitching for the first time back in the city and on the mound where he cut his teeth. He’d had a no-decision in the Yankees opening day loss to the Indians back on April 6, but this was his first time facing his old team. He loosened up prior to the game by playing a video baseball game with reliever Brian Bruney and then went out and through seven effective innings for his fifth win of the season.

The Yankees got on the board in the 2nd with solo home runs by Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher for a 2-0 lead and knocked Indians starter Fausto Carmona from the game with a 5-run 4th inning. The Yankees loaded the bases on a Hideki Matsui double, a walk to Swisher, and a Ryan Garko throwing error that allowed Brett Gardner to reach base safely.

Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a bouncer through the middle for a 2-run single and a 4-0 Yankees’ advantage. Johnny Damon followed Jeter’s lead by ripping an RBI single to right to score Gardner and three batters later, Robinson Cano finished off the inning with a 2-run single for a 7-0 Yankees lead.

Sabathia was dominant for the first four innings, allowing just a lone base runner on a walk. But a harmless grounder back through the box by Shin-Soo Choo in the 5th led to a pair of Indians runs. Sabathia suddenly lost the sharp command he had exhibited early, and singles by Mark DeRosa, Garko, and Jamey Carroll, cut the Yankees lead to 7-2.

An inning later, Sabathia surrendered a solo home run to Grady Sizemore, but got Choo to bounce into an inning ending double play after he walked Jhonny Peralta. Sabathia also escaped trouble in the 7th inning, after he hit Garko with a pitch and walked Carroll, ending his night by striking out Asdrubel Cabrera swinging. All in all, it was a good homecoming for the big man who called Cleveland home for 8 1/2 big league seasons.

Game Notes

The Yankees did not commit an error for a franchise record 16th straight game. It’s also gives them a share of the second longest streak in MLB history with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Yankees have a chance to tie the longest streak, held by the 2006 Boston Red Sox, this afternoon.

Mark Teixeira was 2-5 to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. Robinson Cano has a 7-game hitting streak (12-32, .375) and has 3 HR and 13 RBI in his last 10 games.

After the game, the Indians placed Grady Sizemore on the 15-Day DL with inflammation in his left elbow. The injury had limited Sizemore to only appearing as the DH.

Indians catcher/1st Baseman Victor Martinez fouled a ball of his left knee and had to leave the game after finishing his at-bat. X-Rays were negative, but it’s unlikely he will play today.

Phil Hughes goes for his third straight win this afternoon (12:40 p.m. ET) against ex-Yankee Carl Pavano, who pitched effectively in a no-decision against the Yankees on April 19.

The Wanger's Tale of Woe

Here's my recap of today's debacle for Baseball Digest.

Browns score 3 touchdowns…Wait a minute

April 18th, 2009

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Anthony Claggett • Asdrubel Cabrera • chien-ming wang • Cleveland Indians • Fausto Carmona • Grady Sizemore • Mark DeRosa • Mark Teixeira • New York Yankees • Yankees recap 4/17/09

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Cleveland	0	14	1	1	4	0	0	1	1		22	25	1
NY Yankees	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0		4	7	1

WP - Carmona (1-2) LP - Wang (0-3)
HR - Hafner (4), V. Martinez (4), DeRosa (3), Sizemore (4), A. Cabrera (1), Choo (2), Teixeira (3), M. Cabrera (2)

Anyone who thought that the Yankees were embarrassed in their home opener couldn’t have known that today’s game would be far worse. The Cleveland Indians clobbered Chien-Ming Wang and Anthony Claggett to the tune of 14 runs in the second inning and went on to a 22-4 win.

It was the Yankees’ most lopsided loss since the Indians beat them in Cleveland, 19-1, on July 4, 2006. It was the worst loss at home since the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Yankees, 19-6, just 25 days later on July 29.

The biggest concern, of course, is figuring out what has gone wrong with Chien-Ming Wang. He was the Yankees’ most consistent pitcher for the last three seasons, compiling a 46-15 (.754) record along the way. After two horrendous outings that saw his ERA skyrocket to 28.93, Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland hoped that Wang’s side work would pay off today, and for a very short time it appeared as if it had.

Wang breezed through the first inning, and Mark Teixeira gave the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead in the home half of the first with his third home run of the year against Indians’ starter Fausto Carmona. But the game quickly unraveled for Wang in the second inning.

Travis Hafner led off with a harmless squibber for an infield single. It would be the last softly hit ball in the inning. Jhonny Peralta followed with a single to left and left-handed hitter Shin-Soo Choo proved the baseball doesn’t take off only toward right field in the new stadium. Choo hit a long 3-run home run to left-center for a 3-2 Indians lead.

Wang retired Ryan Garko, but Ben Francisco followed with a double. Asdrubel Cabrera singled him in and back to back doubles by Grady Sizemore and Mark DeRosa increased the lead to 6-2. Girardi stuck with Wang in the hope that he could work his way out of further trouble. But a wild pitch and an RBI single by Victor Martinez drove Wang from the game to a chorus of boos (and maybe booze). Wang’s ERA actually increased to a mind boggling 34.50 (Sending fantasy owners into a tizzy).

Claggett, who was making his major league debut, fared no better. He allowed eight runs (and allowed an inherited runner to score) on nine hits over the next inning and two-thirds. His contribution to the second inning included a grand slam by Asdrubel Cabrera followed by a Sizemore solo shot. The game was only one and one-half innings old and the Yankees were already down 14-2.

The rest of the game couldn’t go fast enough, but unfortunately for the remaining fans, it took nearly four hours (3:49) to complete. The Indians hit six home runs in all and DeRosa and Cabrera combined for 11 RBI. The only other highlight for the Yankees was a 2-run home run by Melky Cabrera, who had also homered on Friday.

Game Notes

The Yankees will look for a split of the four game series on Sunday (1:05 pm EDT) when A.J. Burnett (2-0, 2.70) faces old nemesis (Possibly the only time in history a nemesis was a teammate), and newly goateed, Carl Pavano (0-2, 16.71).

The three home games have produced 17 home runs, nine by the Indians and eight by the Yankees.

Chien-Ming Wang’s three game losing streak is the longest of his career.

Wang tries to get back on track

Chien-Ming Wang and Fausto Carmona are two hard throwing sinker ball pitchers. Wang had consecutive 19-win seasons before a torn Lysfranc prematurely ended his 2008 season.

Carmona was one of the keys to the Cleveland Indians near American League pennant in 2007 when he won 19 games. Last season he struggled to an 8-7, 5.44 mark and remarkably, walked 70 batters in just 120 innings.

2009 has not been good to either pitcher. Wang has struggled like never before, going 0-2 with an unfathomable 28.93 ERA. Carmona hasn't been much better. He is also 0-2 and has a 9.00 ERA. He's also walked six batters in 10 innings.

Both pitchers have tried to make adjustments in their throw sessions, in the hope of getting back to the mid-90s sinker that has made them so successful. The Yankees hope Wang is the only one who figures it out today.

Miranda back to Scranton
Juan Miranda in New York lasted all of one game. The Yankees sent him back to Scranton and recalled right-handed reliever Anthony Claggett.

Lineups

Indians

CF Sizemore
3B DeRosa
C V. Martinez
DH Hafner
SS Peralta
RF Choo
1B Garko
LF Francisco
2B A. Cabrera

Yankees

SS Jeter
DH Damon
1B Teixeira
RF Swisher
C Posada
2B Cano
LF Cabrera
CF Gardner
3B Pena

The Pennant Race - 9/23

The Mets players may deny they are uptight about the last week of the season, but who can blame them. After last year's momentous collapse, the Mets are on the brink of blowing another playoff opportunity. Last night, for the second time this season, the Mets were burned by an opposing pitcher's grand slam. The Cubs' Jason Marquis joined the Mariners' Felix Hernandez in the Mets record book by taking rookie starter Jon Niese deep with the bases loaded. The Cubs went on to a 9-5 victory, which dropped the Mets lead in the wildcard to a half-game ahead in front of the Brewers.

The Phillies also pushed their advantage in the NL East to 2.5 games ahead of the Mets with a 6-2 win over the Braves. The game was tied 2-2 in eighth inning when the Phillies went ahead on a fielder's choice. Pat Burrell then put the game away with a 3-run home run, his 33rd long ball of the season. Chase Utley also picked up his 100th RBI, the fourth year in a row the second baseman has achieved the feat.

Brandon Webb picked up his 22nd win and the Diamondbacks moved to within 2 games of the idle Dodgers in the NL West with their 4-2 defeat of the Cardinals. Stephen Drew reached the 20 home run mark for the first time in his career and Brandon Lyon escaped a 2nd and 3rd, nobody out, jam in the eighth inning.

The Rays moved 2.5 games in front of the Red Sox in the AL East with a 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jason Bartlett's RBI double snapped a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning. Last year's number one amateur pick, David Price, made his first major league start, going 5.1 innings, with one earned run allowed.

The Indians' Zach Jackson won his first MLB game in two years in the Tribe's 4-3 win over the Red Sox. Jamey Carroll and Shin-Soo Choo singled in runs off of Josh Beckett in the fifth inning to give Cleveland the lead for good.

News and Notes

The Indians' Fausto Carmona (6 games) and the Tigers' Gary Sheffield (4 games) were each suspended for the role in the bench clearing brawl between the two teams on Friday night. Indians' Victor Martinez and Asdrubel Cabrera also were suspended for 3 games each.

The Red Sox J.D. Drew received a cortisone shot for his bad back, but it remains to be seen if he'll play again this year. Teammate Mike Lowell could be back in the lineup this week though.

Speaking of bad backs, Rays' closer Troy Percival will be getting a second epidural this week.

The Pennant Race - 9/23

The Mets players may deny they are uptight about the last week of the season, but who can blame them. After last year's momentous collapse, the Mets are on the brink of blowing another playoff opportunity. Last night, for the second time this season, the Mets were burned by an opposing pitcher's grand slam. The Cubs' Jason Marquis joined the Mariners' Felix Hernandez in the Mets record book by taking rookie starter Jon Niese deep with the bases loaded. The Cubs went on to a 9-5 victory, which dropped the Mets lead in the wildcard to a half-game ahead in front of the Brewers.

The Phillies also pushed their advantage in the NL East to 2.5 games ahead of the Mets with a 6-2 win over the Braves. The game was tied 2-2 in eighth inning when the Phillies went ahead on a fielder's choice. Pat Burrell then put the game away with a 3-run home run, his 33rd long ball of the season. Chase Utley also picked up his 100th RBI, the fourth year in a row the second baseman has achieved the feat.

Brandon Webb picked up his 22nd win and the Diamondbacks moved to within 2 games of the idle Dodgers in the NL West with their 4-2 defeat of the Cardinals. Stephen Drew reached the 20 home run mark for the first time in his career and Brandon Lyon escaped a 2nd and 3rd, nobody out, jam in the eighth inning.

The Rays moved 2.5 games in front of the Red Sox in the AL East with a 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jason Bartlett's RBI double snapped a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning. Last year's number one amateur pick, David Price, made his first major league start, going 5.1 innings, with one earned run allowed.

The Indians' Zach Jackson won his first MLB game in two years in the Tribe's 4-3 win over the Red Sox. Jamey Carroll and Shin-Soo Choo singled in runs off of Josh Beckett in the fifth inning to give Cleveland the lead for good.

News and Notes

The Indians' Fausto Carmona (6 games) and the Tigers' Gary Sheffield (4 games) were each suspended for the role in the bench clearing brawl between the two teams on Friday night. Indians' Victor Martinez and Asdrubel Cabrera also were suspended for 3 games each.

The Red Sox J.D. Drew received a cortisone shot for his bad back, but it remains to be seen if he'll play again this year. Teammate Mike Lowell could be back in the lineup this week though.

Speaking of bad backs, Rays' closer Troy Percival will be getting a second epidural this week.

Around the Horn - 7/11

The Diamondbacks are looking into the possibility of bringing back their former 1st baseman Tony Clark. The Arizona Republic reported that the Dbacks are one of several teams to have contacted the Padres about the 6'7" 1st baseman. We recommend they get a 3rd baseman too. Mark Reynold's lack of defense is killing them.

Dbacks GM Josh Byrnes and company have decided not to pursue Barry Bonds, and according to the East Valley Tribune, have denied having any interest in Milton Bradley, as had been reported on a radio broadcast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hank Blalock is set to start a rehab assignment and may soon finally return to the Rangers lineup.

Fausto Carmona threw a 50-pitch simulated game and, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Pitcher Josh Johnson made his return to the Florida Marlins after Tommy John surgery. He allowed 3 runs in 5 innings.

The Associated Press reported that the Mariners have acquired 1st baseman Craig Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named.

Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Around the Horn - 7/11

The Diamondbacks are looking into the possibility of bringing back their former 1st baseman Tony Clark. The Arizona Republic reported that the Dbacks are one of several teams to have contacted the Padres about the 6'7" 1st baseman. We recommend they get a 3rd baseman too. Mark Reynold's lack of defense is killing them.

Dbacks GM Josh Byrnes and company have decided not to pursue Barry Bonds, and according to the East Valley Tribune, have denied having any interest in Milton Bradley, as had been reported on a radio broadcast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hank Blalock is set to start a rehab assignment and may soon finally return to the Rangers lineup.

Fausto Carmona threw a 50-pitch simulated game and, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Pitcher Josh Johnson made his return to the Florida Marlins after Tommy John surgery. He allowed 3 runs in 5 innings.

The Associated Press reported that the Mariners have acquired 1st baseman Craig Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named.

Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Up, Out, and Over

Perfection has become expected of Joba Chamberlain. Anything less is shocking. Of course those expectations are too high, but that's what happens when you have a young, hard throwing pitcher that dominates hitter. Last night though it was Chamberlain who got dominated when David Dellucci turned on a 96-mph fastball and put it into the right field seats for a game winning 3-run home run. The Indians held on for a 5-3 win in the first game of the 3-game series.

There were no midges this time around, but just like last October 5th, Chamberlain was called on to protect Andy Pettitte's slim one run lead, and just like last October, Chamberlain failed in his quest.

Pettitte had gotten the Yankees through 6 1-3 innings with a 3-2 lead before Kyle Farnsworth got the final 2 outs in the 7th inning. Joe Girardi had the game just as he would design it from a pitching standpoint. But Chamberlain got in trouble immediately by walking lead off man Grady Sizemore on a 3-2 pitch to start the 8th. Jamey Carroll bunted Sizemore into scoring position before Chamberlain issued his second walk of the inning, this time to Jhonny Peralta. Ryan Garko flied out to right for the 2nd out of the inning, but Dellucci, a great fastball hitter, drilled a pitch that was up and in, up and out as a helpless Bobby Abreu looked on.

The Yankees had the top of the order up in the 9th, but acting closer Rafael Betancourt retired Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, and Abreu in order to snap the Yankees 3-game winning streak.

Andy Pettitte bounced back from two straight poor showings with an effective outing. He allowed 2 runs, 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6, leaving after his 104th pitch. The Yankees had given him an early lead, but as has been the pattern this season, could not break the game open.

The Yankees loaded the bases in the 1st inning against Fausto Carmona on singles by Jeter and Hideki Matsui, sandwiched around a walk to Abreu. But a slumping Jason Giambi continued his bad start, hitting a ground out to first. The only saving grace was that it was hit slowly enough to only get a force out, allowing Jeter to score on the play. Carmona escaped further trouble by getting Melky Cabrera to hit a comebacker for the 3rd out.

Peralta, who had spoiled Pettitte's game in Cleveland in April with a home run, jumped on a Pettitte delivery in the 4th inning for a 2-run home run, his 6th of the season. But the Yankees answered right back against Carmona, who continued to struggle with his control this season.

The young right-hander walked Matsui to start the 4th and Godzilla immediately scored on Giambi's double to left. Cabrera did his job grounding out to the right side to move Giambi to 3rd and Robinson Cano brought him home with a single to left for a 3-2 lead. Jose Molina's 2-out single put a runner in scoring position, but Damon lined out to Sizemore to end the frame.

News and Notes

The Yankees were 1-6 with runners in scoring position. Even if you take away Melky Cabrera's productive out in the 4th, the Yankees continued to fail in the clutch.

Bobby Abreu had a rough night on the bases. He was thrown trying to steal 2nd Base in the 3rd inning, and was throw out trying to go from 1st to 3rd on Hideki Matsui's single to right in the 5th.

Matsui's 3-3 night extended his hitting streak to 15 games and raised his average to .342. He's had 7 hits in last 12 at-bats (.583).

As hard as it is to say, Kyle Farnsworth has been pitching well. He's allowed just 2 runs over his last 9.2 innings, with both runs coming on home runs. He's lowered his ERA from 4.91 to 3.38 in his last 10 appearances.

Up, Out, and Over

Perfection has become expected of Joba Chamberlain. Anything less is shocking. Of course those expectations are too high, but that's what happens when you have a young, hard throwing pitcher that dominates hitter. Last night though it was Chamberlain who got dominated when David Dellucci turned on a 96-mph fastball and put it into the right field seats for a game winning 3-run home run. The Indians held on for a 5-3 win in the first game of the 3-game series.

There were no midges this time around, but just like last October 5th, Chamberlain was called on to protect Andy Pettitte's slim one run lead, and just like last October, Chamberlain failed in his quest.

Pettitte had gotten the Yankees through 6 1-3 innings with a 3-2 lead before Kyle Farnsworth got the final 2 outs in the 7th inning. Joe Girardi had the game just as he would design it from a pitching standpoint. But Chamberlain got in trouble immediately by walking lead off man Grady Sizemore on a 3-2 pitch to start the 8th. Jamey Carroll bunted Sizemore into scoring position before Chamberlain issued his second walk of the inning, this time to Jhonny Peralta. Ryan Garko flied out to right for the 2nd out of the inning, but Dellucci, a great fastball hitter, drilled a pitch that was up and in, up and out as a helpless Bobby Abreu looked on.

The Yankees had the top of the order up in the 9th, but acting closer Rafael Betancourt retired Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, and Abreu in order to snap the Yankees 3-game winning streak.

Andy Pettitte bounced back from two straight poor showings with an effective outing. He allowed 2 runs, 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6, leaving after his 104th pitch. The Yankees had given him an early lead, but as has been the pattern this season, could not break the game open.

The Yankees loaded the bases in the 1st inning against Fausto Carmona on singles by Jeter and Hideki Matsui, sandwiched around a walk to Abreu. But a slumping Jason Giambi continued his bad start, hitting a ground out to first. The only saving grace was that it was hit slowly enough to only get a force out, allowing Jeter to score on the play. Carmona escaped further trouble by getting Melky Cabrera to hit a comebacker for the 3rd out.

Peralta, who had spoiled Pettitte's game in Cleveland in April with a home run, jumped on a Pettitte delivery in the 4th inning for a 2-run home run, his 6th of the season. But the Yankees answered right back against Carmona, who continued to struggle with his control this season.

The young right-hander walked Matsui to start the 4th and Godzilla immediately scored on Giambi's double to left. Cabrera did his job grounding out to the right side to move Giambi to 3rd and Robinson Cano brought him home with a single to left for a 3-2 lead. Jose Molina's 2-out single put a runner in scoring position, but Damon lined out to Sizemore to end the frame.

News and Notes

The Yankees were 1-6 with runners in scoring position. Even if you take away Melky Cabrera's productive out in the 4th, the Yankees continued to fail in the clutch.

Bobby Abreu had a rough night on the bases. He was thrown trying to steal 2nd Base in the 3rd inning, and was throw out trying to go from 1st to 3rd on Hideki Matsui's single to right in the 5th.

Matsui's 3-3 night extended his hitting streak to 15 games and raised his average to .342. He's had 7 hits in last 12 at-bats (.583).

As hard as it is to say, Kyle Farnsworth has been pitching well. He's allowed just 2 runs over his last 9.2 innings, with both runs coming on home runs. He's lowered his ERA from 4.91 to 3.38 in his last 10 appearances.

Yankees vs. Indians - May 6

Andy Pettitte tries to snap a 2-game losing streak tonight when the Yankees host the Indians in the first game of a 3-game series at the Stadium. Pettitte's (3-3, 3.93) skid began with a loss in Cleveland and continued when he dropped a decision at home against Detroit. In both cases, the Yankees left-hander seemed to run out of gas in the middle innings, and started serving up gopher balls like there was no tomorrow.

Jhonny Peralta and Franklin Gutierrez both took Pettitte deep in a 4-run 5th inning that turned a 3-1 Yankees lead into a 5-3 deficit.

Fausto Carmona (3-1, 2.60) is 0-1, 3.86 lifetime against the Yankees in the regular season, but he dominated them in last year's ALCS. Carmona has been suffering through some bouts of wildness this season. After walking just 61 hitters in 215 innings last year, he's already issued 26 base on balls this season in just 34.2 innings. He's walked 4 or more batters in 5 of his 6 starts. Carmona's low point was an 8-walk outing in a 3.1 inning start against the A's on April 12. That marked Carmona's lone loss of the season.


Yankees vs. Carmona

Abreu 2-6 2 RBI
Cabrera 3-6
Cano 2-7
Damon 2-5
Giambi 1-5 1 HR 2 RBI
Jeter 3-7
Matsui 1-3
Molina 0-4

UPDATE - 4:19 pm
Tonight's Lineup from Peter Abraham - Wilson Betemit is back and right in the starting nine. It's not official, but most likely Alberto Gonzalez has been sent down.

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Cano 2B
Betemit 3B
Molina C

Yankees vs. Indians - May 6

Andy Pettitte tries to snap a 2-game losing streak tonight when the Yankees host the Indians in the first game of a 3-game series at the Stadium. Pettitte's (3-3, 3.93) skid began with a loss in Cleveland and continued when he dropped a decision at home against Detroit. In both cases, the Yankees left-hander seemed to run out of gas in the middle innings, and started serving up gopher balls like there was no tomorrow.

Jhonny Peralta and Franklin Gutierrez both took Pettitte deep in a 4-run 5th inning that turned a 3-1 Yankees lead into a 5-3 deficit.

Fausto Carmona (3-1, 2.60) is 0-1, 3.86 lifetime against the Yankees in the regular season, but he dominated them in last year's ALCS. Carmona has been suffering through some bouts of wildness this season. After walking just 61 hitters in 215 innings last year, he's already issued 26 base on balls this season in just 34.2 innings. He's walked 4 or more batters in 5 of his 6 starts. Carmona's low point was an 8-walk outing in a 3.1 inning start against the A's on April 12. That marked Carmona's lone loss of the season.


Yankees vs. Carmona

Abreu 2-6 2 RBI
Cabrera 3-6
Cano 2-7
Damon 2-5
Giambi 1-5 1 HR 2 RBI
Jeter 3-7
Matsui 1-3
Molina 0-4

UPDATE - 4:19 pm
Tonight's Lineup from Peter Abraham - Wilson Betemit is back and right in the starting nine. It's not official, but most likely Alberto Gonzalez has been sent down.

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Cano 2B
Betemit 3B
Molina C

Yankees vs. Indians - April 25

The Yankees return to the scene of the crimemidges tonight when they start a four game series with the Cleveland Indians. Like the Yankees, the Indians have started off slowly. Their doubleheader sweep of the Royals yesterday raised their record to 10-12.

C.C. Sabathia was last year's CY Young winner and the Indians had one of the strongest bullpen. However, none of that has come to fruition this year. Sabathia finally won his last start, a 6-inning, 11-strikeout performance in which he did not allow a run. That lowered his ERA considerably...to 10.50. Jake Westbrook has just landed on the DL with an intercostal strain, and erratic closer Joe Borowski is on the shelf with strained triceps muscle.

Thankfully for the Yankees they'll miss the Indians best starter this season, Cliff Lee, unless manager Eric Wedge decides to bring him back on three days rest to pitch in the series finale on Monday.

The strength of the Indians bullpen has been their set up men, primarily Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez. Betancourt has temporarily moved to the closer's role and picked up his first save yesterday. But he had been struggling this season in the setup role to the tune of 4.00 ERA and a league average against of .300.

Perez was fantastic last season, a 1.78 ERA and .187 opponents batting average. He also put up a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio. But this season Perez has been battered around. His ERA is 6.52 and he's allowed 15 hits and 5 walks in 9.2 innings pitched.

The very hittable Paul Byrd (0-2, 4.43) will get tonight's start and the Indians will recall Jeremy Sowers from the minors to go on Saturday.

The last time the Yankees faced the Indians was of course the 2007 ALDS when Fausto Carmona and the Indians pen dominated them. (With the doubleheader yesterday, Carmona would also be going on three days rest should he pitch on Monday.) Joba Chamberlain says he's over the experience, but you can bet he's hoping for no bug attacks tonight. We're sure the Indians fans won't let him forget it.

Yankees vs. Paul Byrd (1-4, 4.44 8 games)

Bobby Abreu 2-5 2 RBI
Melky Cabrera 3-5 1 HR 6 RBI
Robinson Cano 2-8 1 HR 1 RBI
Johnny Damon 3-19 2 RBI
Jason Giambi 3-14 1 HR 1 RBI
Derek Jeter 11-27 3 RBI
Hideki Matsui 1-5
Chad Moeller 1-6
Jose Molina 1-3
Jorge Posada 3-18 2 RBI
Alex Rodriguez 4-15 1 HR 2 RBI

Indians vs. Andy Pettitte (6-7, 4.50 16 games)

Asdrubel Cabrera 1-3
Jamey Carroll 0-7
Ryan Garko 1-3
Franklin Gutierrez 1-3
Victor Martinez 2-6
Jason Michaels 3-8 1 RBI
Jhonny Perhalta 2-5 2 RBI
Grady Sizemore 1-3

Quick update already- The Indians are going with Aaron Laffey on Monday.

Yankees vs. Indians - April 25

The Yankees return to the scene of the crimemidges tonight when they start a four game series with the Cleveland Indians. Like the Yankees, the Indians have started off slowly. Their doubleheader sweep of the Royals yesterday raised their record to 10-12.

C.C. Sabathia was last year's CY Young winner and the Indians had one of the strongest bullpen. However, none of that has come to fruition this year. Sabathia finally won his last start, a 6-inning, 11-strikeout performance in which he did not allow a run. That lowered his ERA considerably...to 10.50. Jake Westbrook has just landed on the DL with an intercostal strain, and erratic closer Joe Borowski is on the shelf with strained triceps muscle.

Thankfully for the Yankees they'll miss the Indians best starter this season, Cliff Lee, unless manager Eric Wedge decides to bring him back on three days rest to pitch in the series finale on Monday.

The strength of the Indians bullpen has been their set up men, primarily Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez. Betancourt has temporarily moved to the closer's role and picked up his first save yesterday. But he had been struggling this season in the setup role to the tune of 4.00 ERA and a league average against of .300.

Perez was fantastic last season, a 1.78 ERA and .187 opponents batting average. He also put up a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio. But this season Perez has been battered around. His ERA is 6.52 and he's allowed 15 hits and 5 walks in 9.2 innings pitched.

The very hittable Paul Byrd (0-2, 4.43) will get tonight's start and the Indians will recall Jeremy Sowers from the minors to go on Saturday.

The last time the Yankees faced the Indians was of course the 2007 ALDS when Fausto Carmona and the Indians pen dominated them. (With the doubleheader yesterday, Carmona would also be going on three days rest should he pitch on Monday.) Joba Chamberlain says he's over the experience, but you can bet he's hoping for no bug attacks tonight. We're sure the Indians fans won't let him forget it.

Yankees vs. Paul Byrd (1-4, 4.44 8 games)

Bobby Abreu 2-5 2 RBI
Melky Cabrera 3-5 1 HR 6 RBI
Robinson Cano 2-8 1 HR 1 RBI
Johnny Damon 3-19 2 RBI
Jason Giambi 3-14 1 HR 1 RBI
Derek Jeter 11-27 3 RBI
Hideki Matsui 1-5
Chad Moeller 1-6
Jose Molina 1-3
Jorge Posada 3-18 2 RBI
Alex Rodriguez 4-15 1 HR 2 RBI

Indians vs. Andy Pettitte (6-7, 4.50 16 games)

Asdrubel Cabrera 1-3
Jamey Carroll 0-7
Ryan Garko 1-3
Franklin Gutierrez 1-3
Victor Martinez 2-6
Jason Michaels 3-8 1 RBI
Jhonny Perhalta 2-5 2 RBI
Grady Sizemore 1-3

Quick update already- The Indians are going with Aaron Laffey on Monday.

Around the Horn - 4/25

Two of the most promising young pitchers hooked up at Petco Park last night. The Giants sent second year man Tim Lincecum to the hill against the Padres big man, 6'10", Chris Young. Young allowed 1 run on 2 hits, and struck out 10 in his 7 innings...and lost the game.

Rich Aurilia, who seems like he's 400 years old, hit his first home run of the season for the game's line run. Lincecum's line - 6.1 IP 4 H 5 BB 9 K- earned him the win.

Chipper Jones, "Wally" to those out at Shea, celebrated his 36th birthday with his 393rd career home run and went 3-3. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-4 as the chipper feeling Jones raised his average to .442.

Troy Tulowitzki's fielder's choice and Ryan Spilborghs singled plated a pair of runs in the 8th to give the Rockies a 4-2 win over the Cubs.

Lance Berkman went 3-3 with a home run and 3 RBI in the Astros 5-3 win over the Reds. Rookie phenom Johnny Cueto gave up all 5 runs in 7 innings.

The Mets lead the Nationals 3-0, but starter Oliver Perez and the bullpen faltered, and the Nats pulled out a 10-5 win. Aaron Heilmann continued his horrid pitching, serving up a grand slam to Felipe Lopez who drove in 6 on the day.

Conor Jackson and Jeff Salazar drove in 2 runs each to pace the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers 6-4.

Pat Burrell's 2-run double in the 8th snapped a 1-1 tie and the Phillies held on against the Brewers, 3-1. Jamie Moyer and Jeff Suppan both pitched well in gaining no-decisions.

Brian Barton drove in 2 runs and Joel Pineiro picked up his first win in the Cardinals 6-2 win against the Pirates.

Eric Hinske drove in 2 runs to back a strong outing from Andy Sonnanstine in the Rays 5-3 win over the Blue Jays. Toronto starter Dustin McGowan walked 7 hitters in just 4 innings.

The Orioles rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Mariners 8-7. Former 'M', Adam Jones drove in 3 runs including the game winner. George Sherrill picked up the save, his 5th against his former team this season (out of 8 total).

The Indians swept the Royals in a doubleheader, 9-6 and 2-0. Grady Sizemore had 4 hits including a home run and Fausto Carmona was shaky but earned his 3rd win. In the nightcap, Cliff Lee threw a complete game shutout to raise his record to 4-0 and lower his ERA to a mind boggling 0.28.

The Angels came back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Rex Sox 7-5. The Angels couldn't solve rookie emergency starter Justin Masterson, but they had the number of the Sox pen. Gary Matthews Jr. enjoyed a 3-hit, 3 RBI afternoon.

The Tigers rolled over the Rangers again, this time by an 8-2 margin. Magglio Ordonez hit two of the five Tigers home runs on the day. Detroit outscored the Rangers in the three game series, 37-10. Jim Leyland has to be concerned about Jeremy Bonderman, who was removed one out shy of being eligible for the win. He'd already thrown 110 pitches and walked 7.

Donnie Murphy hit his first two home runs of the year and knocked in 4 as the A's steamrolled the Twins 11-2. Twins starter Francisco Liriano only retired 2 hitters, allowing 6 runs, 5 hits, and 3 walks. He's probably ticketed for a return to the minors.

Around the Horn - 4/25

Two of the most promising young pitchers hooked up at Petco Park last night. The Giants sent second year man Tim Lincecum to the hill against the Padres big man, 6'10", Chris Young. Young allowed 1 run on 2 hits, and struck out 10 in his 7 innings...and lost the game.

Rich Aurilia, who seems like he's 400 years old, hit his first home run of the season for the game's line run. Lincecum's line - 6.1 IP 4 H 5 BB 9 K- earned him the win.

Chipper Jones, "Wally" to those out at Shea, celebrated his 36th birthday with his 393rd career home run and went 3-3. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-4 as the chipper feeling Jones raised his average to .442.

Troy Tulowitzki's fielder's choice and Ryan Spilborghs singled plated a pair of runs in the 8th to give the Rockies a 4-2 win over the Cubs.

Lance Berkman went 3-3 with a home run and 3 RBI in the Astros 5-3 win over the Reds. Rookie phenom Johnny Cueto gave up all 5 runs in 7 innings.

The Mets lead the Nationals 3-0, but starter Oliver Perez and the bullpen faltered, and the Nats pulled out a 10-5 win. Aaron Heilmann continued his horrid pitching, serving up a grand slam to Felipe Lopez who drove in 6 on the day.

Conor Jackson and Jeff Salazar drove in 2 runs each to pace the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers 6-4.

Pat Burrell's 2-run double in the 8th snapped a 1-1 tie and the Phillies held on against the Brewers, 3-1. Jamie Moyer and Jeff Suppan both pitched well in gaining no-decisions.

Brian Barton drove in 2 runs and Joel Pineiro picked up his first win in the Cardinals 6-2 win against the Pirates.

Eric Hinske drove in 2 runs to back a strong outing from Andy Sonnanstine in the Rays 5-3 win over the Blue Jays. Toronto starter Dustin McGowan walked 7 hitters in just 4 innings.

The Orioles rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Mariners 8-7. Former 'M', Adam Jones drove in 3 runs including the game winner. George Sherrill picked up the save, his 5th against his former team this season (out of 8 total).

The Indians swept the Royals in a doubleheader, 9-6 and 2-0. Grady Sizemore had 4 hits including a home run and Fausto Carmona was shaky but earned his 3rd win. In the nightcap, Cliff Lee threw a complete game shutout to raise his record to 4-0 and lower his ERA to a mind boggling 0.28.

The Angels came back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Rex Sox 7-5. The Angels couldn't solve rookie emergency starter Justin Masterson, but they had the number of the Sox pen. Gary Matthews Jr. enjoyed a 3-hit, 3 RBI afternoon.

The Tigers rolled over the Rangers again, this time by an 8-2 margin. Magglio Ordonez hit two of the five Tigers home runs on the day. Detroit outscored the Rangers in the three game series, 37-10. Jim Leyland has to be concerned about Jeremy Bonderman, who was removed one out shy of being eligible for the win. He'd already thrown 110 pitches and walked 7.

Donnie Murphy hit his first two home runs of the year and knocked in 4 as the A's steamrolled the Twins 11-2. Twins starter Francisco Liriano only retired 2 hitters, allowing 6 runs, 5 hits, and 3 walks. He's probably ticketed for a return to the minors.

Around the Horn - 4/17

6-hours, 16 minutes. That's how long it took the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres to complete 22 innings of baseball. Troy Tulowitzki, in his 10th plate appearance, doubled in the game winner. The final out was recorded 1:21 a.m. PDT.

Jeff Francis (7 IP 0 R 7 K) and Jake Peavy (8 IP 0 R 11 K) started the pitchers duel off. No one scored until the 14th inning when both teams put a runner across home plate.

The Phillies belted 4 home runs in thrashing the Astros 10-2. Pat Burrell continued his hot start (.373-6-17) with a home run, single, and 2 RBI.

The Mets and Nationals went 14 innings before Joel Hanrahan wild pitched home the winning run.

The Brewers rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Cardinals 5-3 in 10 innings. Prince Fielder ended his month long home drought with a game winning 2-run blast.

Joey Votto homered and drove in 5 runs in the Reds 9-2 win over the Cubs. Ken Griffey Jr. slugged a 3-run shot, the 596th of his career.

Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, and Brian McCann hit consecutive home runs in the 5th inning to propel the Braves past the Marlins 8-0. Jones went 4-4 with a pair of home runs as John Smoltz picked up his 210th career win.

In an AL Central battle of heavyweights, Fausto Carmona and the Indians outpitched Justin Verlander and the Tigers. The Tribe won 11-1 with a 13 hit attack. The game also featured some hit batters (Verlander into Garko's back) and clear retaliation (Carmona and Sheffield), but no ejections.

Vincente Padilla outpitched Roy Halladay in the Rangers 4-1 win over the Blue Jays. Halladay pitched his 2nd straight complete game.

The Mariners used a 5-run 3rd inning to beat the A's 8-1. Raul Ibanez (.343) and Jose Lopez had 3 hits each. After Kurt Suzuki (.327), the highest average in the A's lineup was Ryan Sweeney at .267.

The Orioles rallied from 2 down in the 9th against White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, and Adam Jones stroked the game winning single in the 10th.

Eric Hinske homered and Jason Hammel picked up his first win in the Rays 7-3 victory over the Twins. Carlos Pena had to leave the game with a hamstring injury and has been listed as day-to-day.

Garrett Anderson drove in 3 runs and John Garland improved to 2-2 in the Angels 5-3 win against the Royals. David DeJesus already bothered by a bad ankle this year, had to leave the game with a jammed toe.

News and Notes

Evan Longoria has only played 6 major league games, but the Rays know what they've got. That's why they've signed him to a 9-year, $44 million deal.

Braves pitcher Peter Moylan may have to have season ending elbow surgery, but the Braves are still looking into all the options.

Miguel Tejada may or may not have lied about P.E.D. use, but he did lie about his age. Tejada admitted yesterday that he's 33 not 31.

Around the Horn - 4/17

6-hours, 16 minutes. That's how long it took the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres to complete 22 innings of baseball. Troy Tulowitzki, in his 10th plate appearance, doubled in the game winner. The final out was recorded 1:21 a.m. PDT.

Jeff Francis (7 IP 0 R 7 K) and Jake Peavy (8 IP 0 R 11 K) started the pitchers duel off. No one scored until the 14th inning when both teams put a runner across home plate.

The Phillies belted 4 home runs in thrashing the Astros 10-2. Pat Burrell continued his hot start (.373-6-17) with a home run, single, and 2 RBI.

The Mets and Nationals went 14 innings before Joel Hanrahan wild pitched home the winning run.

The Brewers rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Cardinals 5-3 in 10 innings. Prince Fielder ended his month long home drought with a game winning 2-run blast.

Joey Votto homered and drove in 5 runs in the Reds 9-2 win over the Cubs. Ken Griffey Jr. slugged a 3-run shot, the 596th of his career.

Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, and Brian McCann hit consecutive home runs in the 5th inning to propel the Braves past the Marlins 8-0. Jones went 4-4 with a pair of home runs as John Smoltz picked up his 210th career win.

In an AL Central battle of heavyweights, Fausto Carmona and the Indians outpitched Justin Verlander and the Tigers. The Tribe won 11-1 with a 13 hit attack. The game also featured some hit batters (Verlander into Garko's back) and clear retaliation (Carmona and Sheffield), but no ejections.

Vincente Padilla outpitched Roy Halladay in the Rangers 4-1 win over the Blue Jays. Halladay pitched his 2nd straight complete game.

The Mariners used a 5-run 3rd inning to beat the A's 8-1. Raul Ibanez (.343) and Jose Lopez had 3 hits each. After Kurt Suzuki (.327), the highest average in the A's lineup was Ryan Sweeney at .267.

The Orioles rallied from 2 down in the 9th against White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, and Adam Jones stroked the game winning single in the 10th.

Eric Hinske homered and Jason Hammel picked up his first win in the Rays 7-3 victory over the Twins. Carlos Pena had to leave the game with a hamstring injury and has been listed as day-to-day.

Garrett Anderson drove in 3 runs and John Garland improved to 2-2 in the Angels 5-3 win against the Royals. David DeJesus already bothered by a bad ankle this year, had to leave the game with a jammed toe.

News and Notes

Evan Longoria has only played 6 major league games, but the Rays know what they've got. That's why they've signed him to a 9-year, $44 million deal.

Braves pitcher Peter Moylan may have to have season ending elbow surgery, but the Braves are still looking into all the options.

Miguel Tejada may or may not have lied about P.E.D. use, but he did lie about his age. Tejada admitted yesterday that he's 33 not 31.