Peralta Disproves Adage That Cheaters Never Prosper

Jhonny Peralta got slapped with a 50 game suspension this past season for his association with Biogenesis, then returned to the Detroit Tigers to play in the post-season, which included a World Series appearance. And now, the big free agent pay-off. Peralta and the St. Louis reportedly reached an agreement on a four-year, $50MM deal.

There were rumors that Peralta might sign with a team and switch to the outfield, but with not much offensive production from Cards' shortstops Pete Kozma and Daniel Descalso, Peralta is likely to remain at short.

After seven-plus seasons in Cleveland, Peralta was dealt to the Tigers at the 2010 trade deadline for catcher Giovanni Soto. Outside of an All-Star appearance two years when he hit 21 home runs and knocked in 86, Peralta's offense had been in decline since 2008. That is until this past season when he had an .815 OPS with 11 HR and 55 RBI in 107 games and was selected as an All-Star for the second time.

But Peralta's regular season ended prematurely when his name was among those involved in the Biogenesis Clinic scandal. The native of the Dominican Republic issued a public apology at the time -  "I take full responsibility for my actions, have no excuses for my lapse in judgment and I accept my suspension."

Peralta made a career high $6MM in 2013 and will reportedly more than double his annual salary despite the fact his numbers may very well have been boosted by his PED use.  Apparently baseball ownership doesn't care much more than the fans do.

MLB Reads A-Rod the 2-1-1

Circa 1998: "Steroids? What are steroids?"

It's finally official at last, MLB has suspended Alex Rodriguez and 12 others for their involvement with Biogenesis of America. Those 12 others accepted a 50 game suspension. A-Rod, on the other hand, is expected to appeal the 211 games he was slapped with.

The suspensions take effect on August 8 giving time to file an appeal. It also means that A-Rod will get 49 regular season games this year and 162 next year as well as any post-season games. According to FOXSports' Ken Rosenthal, A-Rod got the big body slam because he was "using PEDs, including testosterone and HGH, over multiple years and obstructing and frustrating its investigation."

Commissioner Bud Selig who dragged his feet so long his shoes wore out, released the following statement about all of the suspensions:

“Major League Baseball has worked diligently with the Players Association for more than a decade to make our Joint Drug Program the best in all of professional sports.  I am proud of the comprehensive nature of our efforts – not only with regard to random testing, groundbreaking blood testing for human Growth Hormone and one of the most significant longitudinal profiling programs in the world, but also our investigative capabilities, which proved vital to the Biogenesis case.  Upon learning that players were linked to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, we vigorously pursued evidence that linked those individuals to violations of our Program.  We conducted a thorough, aggressive investigation guided by facts so that we could justly enforce our rules.

“Despite the challenges this situation has created during a great season on the field, we pursued this matter because it was not only the right thing to do, but the only thing to do.  For weeks, I have noted the many players throughout the game who have strongly voiced their support on this issue, and I thank them for it.  I appreciate the unwavering support of our owners and club personnel, who share my ardent desire to address this situation appropriately.  I am also grateful to the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society and our club physicians, who were instrumental in the banning of amphetamines and whose expertise remains invaluable to me.  As an institution, we have made unprecedented strides together.

“It is important to point out that 16,000 total urine and blood tests were conducted on players worldwide under MLB Drug Programs in 2012.  With the important additions of the HGH testing and longitudinal profiling this season, we are more confident than ever in the effectiveness of the testing program.  Those players who have violated the Program have created scrutiny for the vast majority of our players, who play the game the right way.

“This case resoundingly illustrates that the strength of our Program is not limited only to testing.  We continue to attack this issue on every front – from science and research, to education and awareness, to fact-finding and investigative skills.  Major League Baseball is proud of the enormous progress we have made, and we look forward to working with the players to make the penalties for violations of the Drug Program even more stringent and a stronger deterrent.

“As a social institution with enormous social responsibilities, Baseball must do everything it can to maintain integrity, fairness and a level playing field.  We are committed to working together with players to reiterate that performance-enhancing drugs will not be tolerated in our game.”

The "Dirty Dozen" that accepted a 50 game ban are Francisco Cervelli, Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta, Everth Cabrera, Antonio Bastardo, Jordany Valdespin, Fernando Martinez, Jesus Montero, Cesar Puello, Sergio Escalona, Fautino De Los Santos, Jordan Norberto.

Selig Ready to Bring the Hammer Down Monday

"I'll hold my breath if you suspend me!"

Alex Rodriguez is on his way to the Windy City, if he's not there already, for the Yankees series with the Chicago White Sox beginning Monday night.

It appears A-Rod will be able to suit up once MLB commissioner Bud Selig hands down the third baseman's suspension as well as that of 12 other players. Selig seems to have backed off his threat of a lifetime ban and will allow any players that choose to appeal to continue to play while their case is heard.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported that in addition to A-Rod, Nelson Cruz (Texas), Jhonny Peralta (Detroit), Everth Cabrera (San Diego), Francisco Cervelli (NYY), Fernando Martinez (NYY minors), Jesus Montero (Seattle), Jordan Norberto (Oakland minors), Cesar Puello (NYM minors), and Fautino De Los Santos (San Diego minors) are to be suspended.¹

All with the exception of A-Rod are expected to be given 50 game suspension. The three time AL MVP on the other hand is reportedly to be suspended through 2014, with the possibility it could into 2015 if the appeal impacts the number of games A-Rod plays the rest of this season.

Melky Cabrera (Toronto), Bartolo Colon (Oakland), and Yasmani Grandal (San Diego) have already served suspensions for their participation with Biogenesis and will not receive further punishment. Washington Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez name had been mentioned in connection with Biogenesis, but there was no evidence of his involvement.

Update 1:50 PM 8/5: In addition to the names listed above (not including A-Rod), Jordany Valdespino (NYM), Antonio Bastardo (Philly), Sergio Escalona (Houston) have reportedly accepted 50 game suspensions.

1 - CBSsports.com

MLB Tells A-Rod Too Much, Too Little, Too Late

"Why didn't I do this sooner?!"

According to Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown, Major League Baseball has said "You're too late" to Alex Rodriguez and his representatives after the controversial slugger requested a meeting between the two sides. The third baseman had been defiant up until this point saying that he would appeal any suspension, but apparently had a change of heart once the time grew closer to this Monday's announcement of those players suspended. (Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta,  Everth Cabrera...)

While I understand MLB and puppet master(or is he the puppet?)  Bud Selig's aggravation at A-Rod, the league is making themselves look bad/petty for not hearing what A-Rod, his lawyer David Cornwell or other reps have to say. It could also possibly damage some of MLB's case if A-Rod does indeed appeal.

A-Rod's meeting request was through contact with the players' union and reportedly included a request to meeting with Yankees officials in regards to a "financial settlement".

Part of MLB's reluctance to meet could be because A-Rod refused to cooperate with the leagues investigators when they spoke to him earlier. It would appear though that collecting his cash is more important to A-Rod then being on the playing field. After his rehab stint in Trenton Friday, A-Rod had this to say:

"I think that's the pink elephant in the room. I think we all agree that we want to get rid of PEDs. That's a must. I think all the players feel that way. But when all the stuff is going on in the background and people are finding creative ways to cancel your contract, I think that's concerning for me. It's concerning for present [players] and it should be concerning for future players as well. There is a process. … I'm going to keep fighting."¹

This fight and A-Rod are not going away any time soon.


1 -  Yahoo Sports

Yankees Get All the Bad Breaks in Game 1 Loss

Photo courtesy of CNN.com

The Yankees post-season went from the real to the surreal last night and I am still trying to get my head wrapped around it. Game 1 of the ALCS went from low to high to rock bottom in a manner of hours. It's been a rough year for the remaining members of the "Core Four" (Mariano Rivera's season ending ACL injury; Andy Pettitte's broken ankle; at least Jorge Posada was having fun last night at his wife's bff's wedding in Puerto Rico) and last night it got worse when the Yankees dropped the ALCS opener, 6-4 to the Tigers.

Raul Ibanez, amazingly, hit another desperation home run in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extra innings. But in the 12th and final inning, the Yankees suffered a truly painful loss. Delmon Young had already put Detroit ahead with an RBI double off of David Phelps when Jhonny Peralta hit a bouncer up the middle.

Derek Jeter fielded the ball, lost his footing and hit the dirt. With no play, he quickly flipped the ball in the direction of Robinson Cano to keep the runners from advancing and roared in pain. And then he didn't get up. I truly believe every Yankees fan gasped at that moment. We all have seen Derek Jeter not get up once before and that's when he had his shoulder destroyed on opening day in 2003. (The dive in the stands he was able to get to his feet with assistance, even he was not quite sure where he was at that moment).

The next image of Jeter being helped off the field with no weight being put on his left leg told us all we needed to know. There was big trouble in the Bronx and after the game it was confirmed- Jeter had fractured his left ankle and is done for the post-season. A three month recovery period is expected, and hopefully, after further testing, no surgery will be needed. Ironically, it came on the 11th anniversary of the "Flip Play" in the 2001 playoffs.

There were a few factors that played into the gruesome ending of the evening. First, the Yankees could do nothing on offense for eight innings, leaving the bases loaded three times. They also did nothing after scoring four runs in the 9th inning. (Ichiro Suzuki delivered a 2-run home run prior  to Ibanez's blast.) A combo of Major League Baseball's scheduling with the Yankees propensity for long, extra inning games can lead to issues for a 38-year old with already beat up ankles and feet. And finally, had Nick Swisher not screwed up another play in the outfield, perhaps none of the aftermath would have taken place.

Outfielder or turtle? You decide. Photo courtesy of NY Post

David Phelps entered the game in the 12th (I believe a major mistake by Joe Girardi not staying with David Robertson for a second inning) inning and walked Miguel Cabrera. Though I hate walking batters I had no problem with that since I don't want Cabrera having a chance to beat me.

Prince Fielder hit a tapper to move to Cabrera into scoring position, which brought up Young. The DH, who killed the Yankees last season's ALDS (.316 3 HR 3 RBI), hit a laser to right field. Swisher appeared ready to make a running catch, but the next thing you knew the ball shot past him to the wall to score Cabrera. And of course, Swisher, the clown that he is (Have you noticed how I have totally had it with this guy?) then had to go into a roll as well. The Tigers added an insurance run when Andy Dirks' comebacker couldn't be handled by Phelps for a ribbie single.

Drew Smyly allowed a single to Suzuki in the 11th, but retired the final six men he faced to earn his first post-season win. His fellow rookie Phelps lost for the second time, after he had been on the wrong end of a 13-inning, 2-1 loss in Game 4 of the ALDS.

For most of the game it looked like the Yankees would be dispatched rather easily as they threatened against Tigers starter Doug Fister, but couldn't push a run across.

Yankees starter Andy Pettitte made the mistake of having one bad inning, the 6th, when he allowed a pair of runs and things got worse when Derek Lowe was charged with two more in the 8th for a seemingly insurmountable 4-0 deficit.

Tigers closer Jose Valverde had a pretty miserable year and it continued when he came on in the 9th to close things out. He gave up a lead off single to Russell Martin and two batters later Suzuki his first career post-season home run to halve the lead.

Photo courtesy of LA Times

It appeared Valverde would still come out with a save when he retired Robinson Cano (now 2-28 in the post-season) and had two strikes on Mark Teixeira. But the Yankees first baseman worked a walk and a chant of Rauuuuuuuuuuuuuuul greeted Ibanez as he stepped into the batter's box. Ahead 0-1 in the count, Valverde hung a slider and Ibanez deposited it into the right field seats. A sullen Yankee Stadium crowd erupted into a joyous frenzy.

But the Bombers went back to being the Bombless in extra innings. Curtis Granderson drew a one out walk from Octavio Dotel in the 10th inning and pinch-runner Brett Gardner stole second.  But Dotel got Martin on a weak fly to center, and after Gardner stole third, he retired Jeter on a routine fly out to right. It was all downhill after that.

The game started out with such promise when the Yankees put Fister on the ropes in the 1st inning. With the bases loaded on walks, Alex Rodriguez hit a hard smash to the left side that shortstop Jhonny Peralta made a diving stop on and threw to second just in time to force Ibanez.

The Yankees mounted another two out, bases loaded rally in the 2nd inning on consecutive singles by Martin, Jeter, and Suzuki. Cano hit a comebacker off the right wrist of Fister and the ball ricocheted to Peralta who threw Cano out at first to end the inning (though replays showed that Cano was clearly safe.)

Pettitte meanwhile was cruising along. He struck out four and used a double play to get out of some trouble through the first five innings. But his luck ran out in the 6th when Austin Jackson led off with a scorcher that got trapped in the cutout on the right side by the ball boy. It was the one time a fan should have reached out and grabbed the ball for a ground rule double.

Pettitte retired Omar Infante and then intentionally walked Cabrera set up a double play possibility. But Fielder lined an RBI single to center to get the Tigers on the board. Young followed with a bloop to right that Swisher played on a hop rather than aggressively try to dive for it (which you have to do when your team isn't scoring). Cabrera took off immediately when bat met ball and scored easily. Down 2-0, Pettitte bore down and escaped further trouble.

Remarkably, the Yankees put Fister on the ropes again in the bottom of the 6th when Teixeira singled and Ibanez doubled to right. But Fister struck out A-Rod, and after a walk to Swisher to load the bases, K'ed Granderson and Martin. (Daniel Day-Lewis will soon be starring in "There Will Be Booing").


Notes

CC Sabathia could have come back on three days rest and pitched Game 3 of the ALCS, but at the moment Joe Girardi has him slated for Game 4. I think it's a mistake, but we will all see how things play out. The outcome of Game 2 could changes things.

Hiroki Kuroda goes against Anibal Sanchez in Game 2, and then Phil Hughes starts Game 3 in Detroit against Justin Verlander. Sabathia would go against Max Scherzer in the 4th game.

Girardi chose to pinch-hit for A-Rod once again, with Eric Chavez. The move made no sense since A-Rod was leading off the 8th and the Yankees were down four.

Cano and Yankees Have A Blast

I had to admit I was more tense before the continuation of Game 1 than I was before the actual start. Even though Justin Verlander had started for Detroit, the Yankees had answered with CC Sabathia. Then, as you know, the rains came and 23 hours and 29 minutes later play resumed.

It actually looked tenuous for a while - it was pouring a little less than two hours before game time. But once things got underway the weather was cold and damp, but dry. There was some heat though, in the bat of Robinson Cano. He nearly homered in the 5th, but settled for an RBI double. Then with the Yankees leading 4-1 on a Brett Gardner 2-run single earlier in the 6yh, Cano came to bat with the bases loaded.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland Doug Fister, whom the Yankees had waited out, and went to strike out pitcher Al Alburquerque. Leyland had lefty Phil Coke ready in the pen, but figured with Cano's prowess aginst lefties, his right-hander had a better shot at retiring Cano. Boy was he wrong.

This time Cano hit a no doubt about it blast into the second deck in right, through the team of the wind for a game breaking 8-1 lead. Cano wasn't done though, he'd had an RBI double to deep center in the 8th to make a 9-1 game and a team record tying 6 RBI.

Cano wasn't the only one dealing with a hot hand, starter turned reliever in this case, Ivan Nova shut down the Tigers for the most part. He ran into trouble when he put two aboard with one out in the 6th, but Alex Avila got a bad jump off of second base on Jhonny Peralta's base hit and was thrown out at home on a relay from Curtis Granderson to Derek Jeter to Russell Maritn.

He would pitch into the 9th, when he loaded the bases and left to a standing ovation. Detroit put a brief scare into the Yankees when they scored a pair of (inherited) runs off of Luis Ayala, forcing Joe Girardi to call on Mariano Rivera. The Yankees' closer made easy work of it with a three pitch strikeout of Wilson Betemit.

Yankees Can't Steal One From Indians

Mistakes Foil Comeback

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: brett gardner • Carl Pavano • chien-ming wang • Derek Jeter • Jhonny Peralta • Kerry Wood • Mark Teixeira • Phil Hughes • Yankees 5/31 recap • Yankees vs. Indians

Jhonny Peralta’s 9th inning single, past a diving Alex Rodriguez, scored Trevor Crowe from second base and gave the Cleveland Indians a 5-4 victory Sunday afternoon. The Yankees had rallied back from a 4-0 deficit on the back of Mark Teixeira, who drove in all four Yankees runs, but wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead in the top of the 9th inning. Phil Coke was saddled with his third loss of the year after he and David Robertson combined to give up the winning run.

The Yankees were shut down by Carl Pavano, yes, that Carl Pavano, through the first five innings, before Teixeira continued his May home run tear. The outcome of the game may have been different had Derek Jeter not been called out on a play at a first base that replays showed he was clearly safe on. ( First base coach Mick Kelleher and manager Joe Girardi argued to no avail with umpire Mark Carlson.) The play became important, because the next batter, Johnny Damon, reached on a broken bat single and Teixeira sent his 16th home run of the season into the right-center field bleachers. It was Teixeira’s 13th home run in May after hitting just three in April. Instead of a one run game, Teixeira’s home run only cut the lead in half.

Indians fans had to be second guessing manager Eric Wedge when he pulled Pavano in the 8th after his starter allowed a one out single to Jeter. Pavano had thrown just 89 pitches and handled the Yankees potent offense all day. The move quickly backfired when lefty Rafael Perez gave up a double to Damon to put the tying runs in scoring position.

Wedge went to right-hander Rafael Betancourt to face Teixeira, but he was forced to make another move when Betancourt strained his groin and had to leave the game. Teixeira tattooed Matt Herges‘ pitch off the wall in left-center for a 2-run double and suddenly the game was tied 4-4. Herges bounced back though, retiring Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano on ground outs to preserve the tie.

Chien-Ming Wang provided three stellar innings in relief of Phil Hughes and the Yankees were set up to take control of the game in the 9th. Indians closer Kerry Wood walked Hideki Matsui to start the inning and Nick Swisher sacrificed pinch-runner Ramiro Pena to second base. Brett Gardner reached on a high chopper to short for an infield single that put runners on the corners with just one out. And that’s where things started to fall apart.

Gardner got the steal sign from Girardi…and didn’t go. Gardner said after the game that he was afraid of being picked off. Odd talk from a base runner as aggressive as Gardner is. Even if he had not stolen second base, had Gardner gone on the pitch, the inevitable might have been avoided- Jorge Posada bounced into an inning ending 4-6-3 double play.

Wedge wasn’t the only manager whose pitching decisions were second guessed on Sunday. The Yankees didn’t want to “stretch out” Wang too far in case he had to start for Andy Pettitte on Wednesday. But Girardi could have opted to start Al Aceves, if necessary, for Pettitte. That would have allowed Wang to continue into the 9th inning yesterday in what was easily his best appearance of the season.

Instead, Phil Coke came on and walked Crowe to start the 9th, and Cabrera did a great job of getting down a 2-strike sacrifice bunt to move the runner into scoring position. Girardi sent for the right-hander throwing Robertson to face the right-handed hitting Ben Francisco, but Robertson walked him. Peralta then provided the heroics with a ball down the left field line that was just out of the reach of an outstretched A-Rod.

Hughes started out like a house afire. He threw two over powering innings, and retired seven of the first eight batters he faced, four of them by strikeout. But two hits and a walk loaded the bases in the 3rd inning and Peralta showed a precursor of what was yet to come- a 2-run single to put the Indians on the board first. Two batters later, Mark DeRosa brought home the Indians third run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.

Hughes had an easy 4th inning, but Gardner misplayed Cabrera’s fly ball into a double to start the 5th inning. The play proved costly when Francisco’s infield single moved Cabrera to third base and Shin-Soo Choo brought him home with a sacrifice fly.

Pavano has looked tremendous in two starts against the Yankees this season, having allowed four earned runs in 13.1 innings. He left both games with the lead only to see the bullpen blow it each time. After starting off the season 0-3, 9.50 in four starts,Pavano has gone 5-1, 3.60 in the seven starts since then.

Game Notes

The Yankees tied the 2006 Boston Red Sox by playing in their 17th straight errorless game.

Mark Teixeira set a personal high with his 13 home runs in May. That figure along with 34 RBI were tops in baseball for the month. He also extended his hitting streak to 13 games on Sunday.

Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to 14 games.

The Yankees go for the series win tonight when Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.97) faces Jeremy Sowers (1-2, 7.71)

Fright Night Low Lights

Like biting into unsweetened chocolate, Friday night left a bitter taste in our mouths. The Rangers lead the Penguins 3-0 in their 2nd round NHL playoff game and the Yankees were ahead of the Indians 3-1 at the Jake. Then all hell broke loose. Hours later both teams had gone down to defeat leaving us angry, bitter..okay, you get the idea.

For the Yankees a second straight blown lead meant a two game losing streak. One night after a 3-0 game against the White Sox turned into a loss, the Yankees sent their stopper, Andy Pettitte, to the mound against the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees built their lead on a pair of Jason Giambi home runs. With Pettitte on the hill, it appeared the Yankees would take the first game of the four game series and end their mini 1-game losing streak. Then just as fast as midges can attack, they fell behind and the Indiand went on to a 6-4 victory.

Pettitte retired the first two hitters in the fifth and appeared to be breezing along. Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez stroked consecutive singles and suddenly the Tribe had a rally. Jhonny Peralta made it count when he blasted a hanging breaking pitch into the left field seats for his 5th home run of the season and a 4-3 Indians lead. Franklin Gutierrez then went back-to-back, hitting a his 2nd home run of the year not far from where Peralta's landed. Just like that the Yankees trailed 5-3.

Giambi had taken Indians starter Paul Byrd deep in both the 2nd and 4th innings, the latter with a man aboard. Hideki Matsui quickly got a run back for Pettitte in the 6th, when he took went yard on Byrd for his 4th home run of the year. The blast also sent Indians manager Eric Wedge to the mound to get Byrd and bring in hard throwing left-hander Rafael Perez.

Both Perez and setup man Rafael Betancourt, who is the closer while Joe Borowski is on the DL, have struggled this season, but both dominated last night as they did in the 2007 ALDS. Perez's walk to Robinson Cano would be the only base runner either would allow. Since Melky Cabrera followed Cano's walk with a double play grounder, the two faced the minimum 10 batters over the final 3.1 innings.

News and Notes

The Indians picked up another run in the 6th off of lefty specialist Billy Traber. The last six left-handed hitters that have faced Traber have all reached base safely. It may not be long before Heath Phillips gets a call up from Scranton and takes a shot at the role.

Ian Kennedy goes for the Yankees today and Joe Girardi told the media, "he knows what I want". Kennedy could be ticketed for Scranton very shortly if his struggles continue.

Shelley Duncan has been recalled from Scranton as expected.

Fright Night Low Lights

Like biting into unsweetened chocolate, Friday night left a bitter taste in our mouths. The Rangers lead the Penguins 3-0 in their 2nd round NHL playoff game and the Yankees were ahead of the Indians 3-1 at the Jake. Then all hell broke loose. Hours later both teams had gone down to defeat leaving us angry, bitter..okay, you get the idea.

For the Yankees a second straight blown lead meant a two game losing streak. One night after a 3-0 game against the White Sox turned into a loss, the Yankees sent their stopper, Andy Pettitte, to the mound against the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees built their lead on a pair of Jason Giambi home runs. With Pettitte on the hill, it appeared the Yankees would take the first game of the four game series and end their mini 1-game losing streak. Then just as fast as midges can attack, they fell behind and the Indiand went on to a 6-4 victory.

Pettitte retired the first two hitters in the fifth and appeared to be breezing along. Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez stroked consecutive singles and suddenly the Tribe had a rally. Jhonny Peralta made it count when he blasted a hanging breaking pitch into the left field seats for his 5th home run of the season and a 4-3 Indians lead. Franklin Gutierrez then went back-to-back, hitting a his 2nd home run of the year not far from where Peralta's landed. Just like that the Yankees trailed 5-3.

Giambi had taken Indians starter Paul Byrd deep in both the 2nd and 4th innings, the latter with a man aboard. Hideki Matsui quickly got a run back for Pettitte in the 6th, when he took went yard on Byrd for his 4th home run of the year. The blast also sent Indians manager Eric Wedge to the mound to get Byrd and bring in hard throwing left-hander Rafael Perez.

Both Perez and setup man Rafael Betancourt, who is the closer while Joe Borowski is on the DL, have struggled this season, but both dominated last night as they did in the 2007 ALDS. Perez's walk to Robinson Cano would be the only base runner either would allow. Since Melky Cabrera followed Cano's walk with a double play grounder, the two faced the minimum 10 batters over the final 3.1 innings.

News and Notes

The Indians picked up another run in the 6th off of lefty specialist Billy Traber. The last six left-handed hitters that have faced Traber have all reached base safely. It may not be long before Heath Phillips gets a call up from Scranton and takes a shot at the role.

Ian Kennedy goes for the Yankees today and Joe Girardi told the media, "he knows what I want". Kennedy could be ticketed for Scranton very shortly if his struggles continue.

Shelley Duncan has been recalled from Scranton as expected.