Lackey Knows All About The Pressure on Wacha

Michael Wacha will take the mound tonight for the St. Louis Cardinals in a win or go home Game 6 of the World Series. The rookie has performed admirably throughout the playoffs, but tonight he'll face the most pressure to date and he'll do it in front of a sold out, hostile Fenway Park crowd.

His opponent, Red Sox starter John Lackey, knows all about the pressures put on a rookie in a big game. It was 11 years ago that Lackey and fellow rookie Francisco Rodriguez (later to be known simply as "K-Rod") stood out in the World Series as rookie performers.

Lackey took the mound for the then Anaheim Angels on October 27, 2002, better known as the decisive 7th game of the 2002 World Series against the San Francisco Giants. Lackey had been far from good in his Game 4 start four days earlier - 5 IP 3 ER 9 H - but manager Mike Scioscia had faith in him to bring Lackey back on three days rest to start the finale on his home field.

Just as Wacha faces a veteran tonight, Lackey faced veteran Livan Hernandez, one of the heroes of the 1997 World Champion Florida Marlins, in Game 7. Lackey went just five innings again, but his removal from the ball game had more to do with pitching on three days rest than his performance. He departed with a 4-1 lead and had allowed just four hits and a walk. The bullpen did the rest and the Angels captured their first championship. (Hernandez, on the other hand, lasted only two official innings and allowed all five base runners he faced in the 3rd inning to reach base safely before he was pulled from the game.)

When he was queried Tuesday about the 2002 Series, Lackey didn't remember much and pretty much pushed the experience aside.

"That was a long time ago, man. I don't think that's going to play much into (Wednesday). I think most of those guys in that game aren't even playing anymore."

"I was trying to get five or six innings," he said, "and turn it over to those guys (Brendan Donnelly, K-Rod, and Troy Percival). My job was just basically not to screw it up."¹

Like Wacha, Lackey was instrumental in getting his team to the World Series in '02. He replaced Ramon Ortiz in the third inning of  Game 3 of the ALDS with his team down 6-1 and tossed three scoreless innings. The Angels rallied for a 9-6 win and a 2 to 1 advantage in the best of five series with the New York Yankees.

Lackey's seven innings of shutout ball gave the Angeles a commanding 3 games to 1 lead over the Minnesota Twins in the '02 ALCS. He allowed three hits, walked none, and struck out 7 for his first post-season win. His 86 pitch performance in the decisive game of the World Series quickly made him a household name.

Wacha has already gotten his 15 minutes of fame and then some. The rookie isn't going anywhere but up though after being the 19th pick in the first round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft. Wacha has allowed three earned runs in the 27 innings he's thrown over four post-season starts. He has struck out 28 hitters and earned the victory in those four contests.

His numbers include a Game 2 victory against Boston in which he allowed two earned runs in six innings pitched. Now he has a must win game to deal with just as his opposing pitcher did 11 years ago.


1 - newstelegram.com

Salty Slams Yankees to the Mat

One might think the game was over Friday night after the Red Sox scored four runs in the 1st inning off of Hiroki Kuroda. But just as they had last week in New York, the Yankees rallied to tie the game at four apiece. Unfortunately, just like three of last week's games with Boston, the Yankees lost anyway.

The Red Sox have hit eight grand slams on the year, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia being the latest batter to go deep with the bases loaded. The catcher's slam came off of Preston Claiborne and turned the aforementioned 4-4 tie into an 8-4 Red Sox lead. That turned out to be the final score as the Red Sox won their 90th game and the Yankees fell two games behind Tampa Bay for the number two wild card spot.

Kuroda has been the Yankees ace since last year, but he's been extremely fatigued of late. Since he tossed eight innings of shutout ball against the Los Angeles Angels on August 12, Kuroda has not gone past 6.1 innings in any start. In fact, he recorded an out in the 7th inning only once and hasn't won since the game against the Angels. (In fairness, he was the pitcher of record in last Sunday's game against Boston, but Mariano Rivera blew the lead. The Yankees won in the bototom of the 9th on a wild pitch.)

Kuroda got into immediate trouble Friday night with a 33 pitch 1st inning. He gave up a lead off single to Dustin Pedroia, a 1-out double to David Ortiz, and an RBI ground out to Mike Carp that gave Boston a 1-0 lead. Given the opportunity to escape with a single run allowed, Kuroda got touched up for three more runs on a Daniel Nava single and a 2-run double by Stephen Drew.

The Yankees slowly chipped away against Sox starter John Lackey with an unexpected solo home run from Brendan Ryan in the 3rd inning. Lyle Overbay cut the lead in half in the 6th with a sacrifice fly as Kuroda hung tough and shut down the Red Sox red hot lineup.

The Yankees pulled even in the 7th with Ryan and Chris Stewart reaching on back-to-back singles to start the rally. With Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, and Robinson Cano due up, John Farrell sent for left-hander Craig Breslow. Breslow K'ed Granderson, but walked A-Rod to load the bases for Cano. The second baseman came through with a game tying 2-run double. Alfonso Soriano had a chance to put the Bombers ahead, but Brandon Workman induced an inning ending ground out.

The good times didn't last long- Joe Girardi sent Kuroda back out to start the 7th, but he gave up a single to Shane Victorino and departed. Lefty Cesar Cabral came on, but hit Ortiz. Claiborne, this year's Cody Eppley, wore down quicker than his predecessor after a surprisingly effective first half of the season. He was next to enter the fray Friday night and walked pinch-hitter Jonny Gomes to load the bases.

Claiborne struck out Nava, but Saltalamacchia deposited grand slam number eight over the right field fence to essentially end the Yankees night.

Pitching Matchups Set For Boston Series

Kuroda needs to get the Yankees off on the right foot with his right arm

From the Star Ledger:

FRIDAY: Hiroki Kuroda (11-10, 2.99 ERA) v. John Lackey (9-12, 3.48 ERA).

SATURDAY: CC Sabathia (13-12, 4.82 ERA) v. Jon Lester (13-8, 3.86 ERA).

SUNDAY: Ivan Nova (8-4, 3.17 ERA) v. Clay Buchholz (10-0, 1.61 ERA).

You get to suffer through a FOX telecast on Saturday and an ESPN telecast on Sunday night. I recommend the mute button.

Laughter At 5 After: Red Sox Club Yankee Again

Mike Napoli of ZZ Top Boston Red Sox

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

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

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

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

Lackey Needs to Shut His Butt Ugly Face About A-Rod

If you know me at all or have read anything I've written on this blog, other sites, Facebook or Twitter, you know that I am no fan of Alex Rodriguez. I've felt that way for a number of pre-steroid years. Some players are just not likeable and A-Rod, to me, is one of those people. That being said, Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey needs to shut his butt ugly face.

Lackey, who is scheduled to face the A-Rod and the Yankees Saturday afternoon, told media members “I’ve got a problem with it (A-Rod playing). You bet I do. How is he still playing? He obviously did something and he’s playing. I’m not sure that’s right. . It’s pretty evident he’s been doing stuff for a lot of years I’ve been facing him. “Sure, we talk about it,” he said. “But talking to the media about it is a little bit different. People have strong feelings." 

“He took me deep the first time I faced him as a rookie, and he admitted to doing stuff back then. There are a lot of things I want back from him.”¹

Yes, I am sure A-Rod came right out and admitted to the opposition that he was using performance enhancing drugs.  Unless Lackey can say with 100% surety that he has never played with a PED user in his 11 year career with the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox, he needs to keep his thoughts to himself. (He might want to note that David Ortiz, his teammate since 2011 failed a drug test in 2003, but it's been swept under the carpet because of Ortiz's popularity with fellow players, fans, and the media.)

As much as it might annoy people, A-Rod also has the right to play while he appeals his suspension. It's all part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that the players signed off on.

Also, how does Lackey know that it's "pretty evident he's been doing stuff?" There were no rumors early in the decade about A-Rod using PEDs. For that matter how do we know Lackey hasn't cheated. His career looked over, he had major surgery, and all of a sudden he looks like a stud again. Is it because of a Bartolo Colon cocktail or good health and hard work?

I personally don't think Lackey cheated his way back, but as a player who has been part of the steroid era, he should simply keep his mouth shut.

1 - Boston Globe

Yankees Walk Tightrope To Win

Whether you are a fan of the Yankees or Red Sox, last night’s game between the two was not an easy one to watch. The teams played their usual three-and-a-half hour plus game, home plate Ed Rapuano squeezed the strike zone tighter than the Boston Strangler, the benches emptied, batters were hit and not hit, and the two team’s pitching staffs escaped jam after jam. In the end though it was the Yankees doing the celebrating in a 5-2 win.

Managers Joe Girardi and Terry Francona try to publicly downplay the games between the two, but make no mistake this was an important win for the Bronx Bombers. For one thing CC Sabathia finally beat the Red Sox after losing his first four starts against them this season. The 18 game winner was far from perfect and threw a whopping 128 pitches in six innings, but left the game with a 4-2 lead.

The Yankees offense had several chances to bust the game open against Red Sox starter John Lackey, but couldn’t deliver the knockout punch. They did manage to put five runs across home plate, four of them earned, in Lackey’s seven innings of work.

Eric Chavez gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but Jorge Posada bounced into an inning ending double play with two aboard. The 3rd inning had similar results when Robinson Cano and Chavez delivered RBI hits for a 3-0 lead, but Posada once again bounced into an inning ending twin killing.

Sabathia worked his way out of early trouble, he got Jacoby Ellsbury to ground out with the bases loaded and two down in the 2nd, but couldn’t escape the 4th inning unscathed. Carl Crawford got Boston on the board with a solo home run and Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Darnell McDonald followed with singles. Sabathia struck out Ellsbury, but Marco Scutaro doubled in a run to cut the Yankees lead to 3-2. Sabathia had first baseman Adrian Gonzalez's number all night and struck him out to preserve the lead. (Sabathia would strike Gonzalez out three times.)

Francisco Cervelli led off the 5th with a solo home run and ignited some fire in Lackey and the Red Sox. As Cervelli stepped on home plate he clapped his hands together hard right in front of Saltalamacchia. Cameras caught Lackey glaring at Cervelli as he walked back to the visitor’s dugout. The next time Cervelli stepped into the box, Lackey drilled him up high and the benches empty. Cervelli had choice words for both Lackey and Saltalamacchia and Sabathia also yelled at his counterpart. (When asked after the game what he said, Cervelli said I don’t remember; I forgot English at that point and a lot of Spanish came out.)

Things settled down on the field, but Sabathia continued to walk the fine line between holding the lead and getting knocked out of the box. David Ortiz reached on a one out single in the bottom of the 5th and Jed Lowrie followed with a double to put the tying runs in scoring position. Crawford hit a bullet, but right at Cano for the second out and Sabathia struck out Saltalamacchia to end another threat.

Sabathia’s pitch count was already up to 100, but with a shortened bullpen (David Robertson was unavailable), Girardi and pitching coach Larry Rothschild needed Sabathia to work another inning and the big lefty put up another goose egg on the scoreboard.

The bullpen had no easy time of either though. With Robertson out and Rafael Soriano pushed back to the 8th inning role, the Yankees relied on Corey Wade and Boone Logan to get them through the 7th inning. Wade retired Dustin Pedroia, but walked Ortiz and gave up a single to Lowrie. Logan came on to face Crawford, whose hot hitting continued with a lined single to left-center. The Yankees caught a break when Ortiz couldn’t get a good read on the ball and had to hold up at third base. Logan bounced back and K’ed Saltalamacchia and McDonald to get out of the jam.

Soriano was hit hard in the 8th, but turned the 5-2 lead over to Mariano Rivera in the 9th. Just like the rest of the game, the final inning wasn’t smooth sailing. Ortiz led off with a single to right that Nick Swisher played into a double. Rivera retired the next two hitters before hitting Saltalamacchia to bring the tying run to the plate. Earlier in the game Curtis Granderson appeared to be hit on the hand, but Rapuano ruled the ball hit the handle of the bat. Replays showed that it may very well have done both, but after inspecting Granderson’s hand, Rapuano stood by his call. When Saltalamacchia got hit he appeared to not be able to check his swing, which would result in a strike and negate the hit by pitch. But third base umpire Mark Wegner ruled that Saltalamacchia held up. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know Girardi was about to get tossed. He was before he even reached Wegner and unloaded the night’s frustrations on the ump.

Play resumed and Rivera retired pinch-hitter Josh Reddick on a line drive to left to earn his 35th save of the season. The Yankees cutter-man is now six saves away from 600 total and seven away from tying Trevor Hoffman for the all-time record.

NOTES

Nick Swisher had a perfect night at the plate with three hits and a walk. The right fielder has a .978 OPS since the All-Star break compared to .783 beforehand.


Alex Rodriguez received a cortisone shot in his left thumb and was hopeful he could return for Thursday’s finale in Boston, though the opener of the Toronto series at home on Friday is a more likely scenario.

I'm Limping Up To Boston

The Yankees may be without the services of shortstop Derek Jeter for the upcoming series in Boston and possibly longer. "El Capitan" bruised his kneecap on a foul ball in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader and was a late scratch in the nightcap for that reason.

Though you know Jeter will be fighting to get into the lineup, it's likely that Eduardo Nunez is at shortstop for most, if not all, of the seriesi n Fenway Park that begins Tuesday night.

CC Sabathia hopes his problems with the Red Sox this season are resolved this time around. Sabathia is 0-4, 7.20 against Boston and 17-3, 2.40 against the rest of baseball. He's also not been as sharp since the All-Star break. His ERA is nearly a full point higher and he's already allowed more home runs than he did prior to the break. Ironically though, his
walks and hits per nine innings (WHIP) has gone down.

Phil Hughes follows Sabathia in the series and looks to bounce back from his horrendous outing against Oakland last week.

The Yankees got Hughes off the hook with a tremendous offensive outburst in a 22-9 win. Hughes' start could also be vital since Joe Girardi plans to go back to a five man rotation after the Boston series. With A.J. Burnett going in the series finale, Hughes can take a big step up if he has a productive outing.

Speaking of Burnett and the $33MM the Yankees still owe him and will likely be stuck with - I erroneously wrote earlier that there was on $22MM left, thinking of the deal he had previously signed with Toronto - Burnett's August records as a Yankee are 1-2, 11.91 (2011 - 5 starts),0-4, 7.80 (2010 - 5 starts), 0-4, 6.03 (2009 - 6 starts).

Boston will send out John Lackey,

CC's Boston Beatdown

Putting everything else aside (his prior starts against Boston) and his red hot streak, I expected CC Sabathia to limit Boston's offense yesterday. Nothing was further from the truth. Sabathia, who is is 16-2, 2.11 vs. other AL opponents, was thumped by the Red Sox for seven runs in six innings. The Red Sox won 10-4 to move back into a first place tie in the AL East with the series finale pitting Freddy Garcia against Josh Beckett tonight. The win also snapped the Yankees' eight game winning streak.

Sabathia's record against Boston is now 0-4, 7.20. It's that record that will likely keep him from winning the AL Cy Young Award no matter how he finishes the season. But individual awards are the last thing on the mind of Sabathia, Joe Girardi, or the Yankees fans. They know that to get to the World Series they will, in all likelihood, have to beat Boston in the ALCS. (assuming both teams win win their division series.)

Opponents are hitting .238 vs. Sabathia this season, but the Red Sox are hitting well over .300 with four Boston batters in particular having done major damage to the lefty this season.

Carl Crawford (5-13) .385, .846 OPS
Jacoby Ellsbury (4-8) .500, 1.545 OPS, 1 HR 7 RBI (six of which came on Saturday)
Adrian Gonzalez (4-13) .308 1 HR 4 RBI
Dustin Pedroia (6-10) .600, 1.336 OPS

To make matters worse, Sabathia has walked 10 Red Sox in 25 innings, by far his worst walks per nine innings of any team. The Red Sox have enough good/great hitters without a pitcher giving them free passes. Needless to say he's going to have to change his approach against them in the future.

Yesterday's game was so typical of a Yankees - Red Sox game at Fenway on a Saturday. Boston pitcher throws mediocre to decent outing (John Lackey 6 IP 3 ER), Yankees starter gets clobbered and Boston scores in double figures. The only missing was a rain delay.

One guy who loves facing Boston pitching is Francisco Cervelli. The Cisco Kid was 3-4 on Saturday and is now 18-42 (.429) lifetime against the Red Sox with 12 RBI in 13 games.

Curtis Granderson scored his league leading 100th run as part of a two run fourth inning that briefly tied the game at two apiece.

Ellsbury's career high six RBI included a back breaking 3-run HR in the 4th inning.

Topsy Turvy Two Weeks | Baseball Digest

Topsy Turvy Two Weeks | Baseball Digest

It’s been a little over two weeks since the start of the Major League baseball season; so far we’ve seen some things that everyone would expect, but there has been plenty to make us go, “huh?”

The Baltimore Orioles started out like gangbusters winning their first four games and six of seven. The media quickly jumped on the bandwagon, “The Orioles have turned things around”; “Buck Showalter is a genius”. Well hold on to your crab cakes, the O’s have lost eight straight. Teams live and die with their pitching- during the losing streak the Orioles’ staff has given up nearly seven runs a game. Let’s all hold off on considering the O’s AL East contenders. Mm, k?

Speaking of fast starts, the AL Central leaders squared off last night. Twins? Tigers? White Sox? Forget it; it was the Indians and Royals. Yes, Cleveland and Kansas City entered Monday night’s play as the only two AL Central teams above .500. The Tribe won in extra innings and are a remarkable 12-4. The Indians rotation has been bolstered by their #3 and #4 starters, Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin, who have gone a combined 6-0, 2.03 in their six starts. The Indians have also gotten big time offensive production from an unexpected source- their middle infield. Second baseman Orlando Cabrera and shortstop Asdrubel Cabrera have combined for 25 RBI. And could it be that Travis Hafner’s shoulder is finally healthy? “Pronk” has a 1.061 OPS through 14 games. The Indians also turned the season’s first triple play- you can check it out here.

The Indians built most of their record without the services of center fielder Grady Sizemore who returned on Sunday with a home run. In two games, Sizemore is 5-9 with a pair of doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored.

Will Troy Tulowitzki break Barry Bonds’ home run record? No, but the star shortstop is healthy (and hopefully he stays that way), which should mean a huge offensive year. The Rockies have won 12 of their first 16 games in no small part because of Tulo’s 1.259 OPS, 7 HR, and 14 RBI. 2010 NL MVP contender Carlos Gonzalez has also picked up where he left off with 12 RBI. The Rockies are getting contributions from everywhere and at this rate I am going to have to eat my words for saying the Rockies wouldn’t make the playoffs. I get some redemption for talking about how overlooked Jhoulys Chacin was as a rookie last season. He’s off to a 3-0, 1.64 start and has picked up the slack for the injured Ubaldo Jimenez.

It looks like someone has finally gotten through to Matt Kemp, the Dodgers’ Mr. Inconsistency. Who better than new manager and hitter extraordinaire Don Mattingly? Kemp has always had the ability, but has been knocked for his inability to produce. Hello .459 batting average. Throw in 3 HR, 13 RBI, and 8 SB, and you have a monster season in the making. No expects Kemp to keep the average going, but a .325-30-100 line sure would be appreciated by the Dodger faithful.

The Twins are the consensus pick to repeat as AL Central champs, but they better wake up soon, especially their bullpen. Off to a 6-10 start and in last place, the Twins bullpen, a supposed strength is crumbling. Joe Nathan, a year removed from Tommy John surgery, returned to his closer role and last year’s closer Matt Capps became the 8th inning guy. Great 1-2 punch, right? Someone forgot to tell the two of them. Perhaps he’s not at 100%, but whatever the reason Nathan is out at closer after two blown saves, a loss, and five earned runs allowed in 5.1 IP. Capps struggled in the set up role, but has saved both games he entered as the new closer (he did blow one save prior to that in extra innings after Nathan had blown the lead in the ninth inning.)

Monday night the Tigers’ Ryan Raburn became the first player to hit a ball off the roof in Seattle’s Safeco Field. The ball was foul the entire time and fell between third baseman Chone Figgins and catcher Miguel Olivo in foul territory.

Ryan Franklin’s days as St. Louis’ closer are close to being over (they should have been already). The guy with the creepy goatee has blown four saves already in just 16 games. With the competitive NL Central, you just can’t be giving games away. At least someone hold him down and shave that thing off.

Some Q & A between me and me.

Should Yankees fans be worried about Derek Jeter and Phil Hughes?

Worry is probably too strong of a word, but if you follow the Pinstripes you should be concerned. Some fans and media (e.g. Yahoo’s Jeff Passan) have already pushed the panic button and feel Jeter should be batting eighth or ninth. While Jeter struggled for most of last season and hasn’t hit too many balls out of the infield this season, this season has only consisted of 14 games. Jeter’s reputation, at the very least, has earned him a full month or more before a move should even be considered.

Hughes is the bigger concern for manager Joe Girardi at the moment and rightly so. In his three starts, last year’s 18-game winner’s velocity has been missing in action. Normally throwing 92-93 mph, Hughes isn’t hitting 90 on the radar gun this season and has been battered around the ballpark. He’s now on the DL with a “dead arm”, which he at first didn’t want to own up to (perhaps he’s not really injured), and will work on long tossing to strengthen his prized right arm.

Are Josh Beckett and John Lackey for real?

Good question. Beckett has had back to back dominate performances, one of them against an impressive Yankees lineup. While I don’t believe he’ll continue throwing 2-hit ball for seven innings, it does give Red Sox Nation some hope. Lackey on the other hand could be a real problem. The 215 innings Lackey threw last year concerned me since he his numbers have steadily declined since he topped 200 innings in 2006-2007. He’s won one of his two starts this season, but has an ERA of 15.88 and has had his turn skipped once. Manager Terry Francona: “A lot of his pitches, it didn’t seem like he finished them, [he] left them in the middle. He had two walks, a hit batsman, and all three scored. Against that (Yankees) lineup, you got to make them earn everything they get, because they’re that good.”

Is Zach Britton the real deal?

Though he got knocked around in his last start, you bet he is. While Britton, the Orioles number one pitching prospect wasn’t expected to contribute until later in the season, he won his first two games and posted a 0.69 ERA. ESPN’s Buster Olney feels that Britton could generate as much buzz this year as the Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg did last season.

Will Jose Bautista pop 50 home runs again?

Not a chance, but Bautista should hit 30-35. He’s hit three already and is slugging at a .510 rate, but a lot will depend on how much protection he gets in the order. At the moment that responsibility falls to Adam Lind; after a quick start, Lind is hitting just .230 as he tries to recapture his 2009 season (.305-35-114).

Biggest surprise and disappointment

Teams – If Tampa Bay hadn’t just won 7 of 10 it would have been them, but the Red Sox 2-10 start (now 5-10) is the winner for losing/disappointment. 2-10? Incomprehensible. I have to go back to the Tribe for the surprise. 12-4? Get out of here.

Players – Alex Gordon, KC. The uber-prospect may finally be reaching the heights expected of him. He’s batting .353 so far and is playing like someone with confidence. Finally. (Matt Kemp gets honorable mention) The biggest disappointment, hands down, is Boston’s Carl Crawford. The big free agent signee is already being vilified in Boston for his .133/.175/.167 splits. And when you don’t get on base, you don’t steal. Crawford has just two thefts in three attempts. (Phil Hughes gets honorable mention)

Hughes Fastball Still MIA

If you happen to see a baseball wandering around your neighborhood at about 92-93 mph, please call the local authorities. Do NOT try to apprehend the baseball yourself. We don't know why the known fastball has abandoned its owner-Phil Hughes- but pitching coach Larry Rothschild better find out in a hurry.

After a tremendous first half last season, Hughes struggled in the second half, primarily because of the lack of location. Now, the question of location is where is the velocity on his fastball? Just as in his prior start against Detroit, Hughes' teammates put runs on the board, but he couldn't keep them in the lead as his fastball resembled Javier Vazquez's. He lasted just two innings, and was yanked after he allowed five runs to the Boston Red Sox in the second inning to put his squad behind 6-3.

The Yankees rallied to tie the game before the Red Sox scored three runs off of Bartolo Colon and Boone Logan and fell 9-6. The victory was the first of the season for Boston, which had lost its first six games. Boston starter John Lackey fared no better than his counterpart, allowing six runs in five innings, but earned the victory. In his two starts, Lackey has allowed 15 earned runs in 8.2 innings pitched.

Hughes entered the bottom of the 2nd inning with a 3-1 lead thanks to a 2-run Robinson Cano dobule and an RBI double by Brett Gardner. But Boston loaded the bases on three straight singles with no out to start their half of the 2nd frame. A Marco Scutaro ground out scored one run, but Hughes looked like he might get out of trouble when he got Carl Crawford to bounce out for the second out of the inning. Dustin Pedroia, who homered in the 1st, had other things in mind and lined a 2-run single to center for a 4-3 Boston lead.

Pedroia moved to 2nd base on a Curtis Granderson throwing error and came home on an RBI single by Adrian Gonzalez. After Hughes walked Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz brought home the final run of the inning with a single. Hughes probably would have been pulled then, but Youkilis was caught in between 2nd and 3rd and was eventually tagged out by Alex Rodriguez to end the inning.

The Yankees got single runs in the 2nd through 5th innings, including a solo home run by Rodriguez, but failed to score against the Boston bullpen. Former Yankee Al Aceves made his Red Sox debut and was followed by Bobby Jenks, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon.

Full Count Pitch - Don't Count Your Wicked Awesomes Just Yet

Many pundits think the Red Sox are a lock in the AL East, but FCP is here to give you some food for thought.

Listening to/reading ESPN or other media outlets you would think the Boston Red Sox would not have to play one game in 2011 to capture the AL East title. The experts see the addition of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to a healthy lineup and think “1,000 runs scored and a dominant team”. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman reported the other day that one AL Scout said, “I don’t see how Red Sox lose the AL East.”

Hang on, unnamed source; I can see a few reasons how they might lose and I’m going to tell you and everyone else. Let’s start with the Red Sox’ starting pitching. The quintet of Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka looks pretty good on paper, but let’s take a closer look.

There’s no question that Lester is an ace, a #1 stud, who is easy to root for given that he conquered cancer. But he does struggle in April (16 starts 3-5 and a career worst 4.58 ERA) and that could have an overall effect on the team’s start. Lester will be fine as the weather gets warm, though, and is one of the most reliable starters in baseball. John Lackey, on the other hand, is not the same pitcher he was with the Angels. His ERA has steadily risen over the last three seasons from 3.75 to his worst ERA in six seasons (4.40) last year. The league average against him has also gone from .260 to .277 over the same time period, and his strikeouts per nine innings has gone from 8.6 in 2005 to 6.5 in 2011.

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BD Spring Training Report: And Stretch That Money | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: And Stretch That Money | Baseball Digest

One of the things that clearly is not a favorite among players during spring training is the daily stretching. It’s a necessity, but it’s an incredible bore. And running, sprinting…all this getting in shape stuff. How many times have you heard a player say “I haven’t picked up a ball since (fill in some late date)”. Of course for hurlers nothing is worse than PFP (Pitchers Fielding Practice). Spring training is all about rote. Turning the double play. Who goes where on a sac bunt. Hitting the cut off man.(The MLB Network has videos demonstrating the pitcher’s workout) Spring training is also about answering questions from the media that you sometimes would rather not have to.

The New York Yankees CC Sabathia found himself in that situation on Monday. Sabathia, who came to camp 25 pounds lighter (290 lbs), has a clause in his contract that would allow him to opt out after the 2011 season. Reporters quickly brought it up when questioning Sabathia. From the CC Sabathia_drops_25_pounds_says_not_eating_capn_crunch_is_key_to_yankee_aces_we.html" target="_blank">New York Daily News, ”I’m here to try to help this team win,” Sabathia said. “I went through it with the free agency thing, so it’s not going to distract me at all.” Still, Sabathia seemed to back off a previous statement that he had no plan to exercise the opt-out clause. ”Yeah. I said that, but …” Sabathia said. “Like I said, I’m here to try to help the team win. I don’t want to talk about that all year. This will probably be the last time I address it. I’m here.” Hank Steinbrenner for one doesn’t think Sabathia will opt out.

The St. Louis Cardinals having plenty weighing on their minds and it has nothing to do with how many pounds a player has lost. According to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak the team has until Wednesday at Noon to reach a deal with slugger Albert Pujols or the team won’t have access to the three time MVP until after the season. Pujols’ manager, Tony LaRussa feels the union is putting immense pressure on his star ball player. “I know what he’s going through with the union, and to some extent, his representatives,” said La Russa this morning at the Cardinals’ camp. ”His representatives are getting beat up by the union. ‘Set the bar. Set the bar.’” You can read the rest of LaRussa comments in Rick Hummel’s column in St.Louis Today.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has imposed a deadline of his own. Manuel is entering 2011 in the final season of a contract he signed after the 2007 season and is reportedly seeking a two year extension. Manuel told reporters he doesn’t want his negotiation to be a distraction to the team. “Hopefully something happens in spring training, and if not, my extension and contract, I definitely don’t want it to be a distraction for our team,” Manuel said. “I definitely put my team first. The players, and how we play, that’s how I get a contract. That’s the whole purpose of me doing what I do, and that’s how I look at it.”

No new word on a new contract for Boston Red Sox 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who isn’t scheduled to report to camp until Friday. But Adrian’s older brother Edgar has a new gig; the infielder signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants.

Jose Bautista knows that the likelihood of him hitting 54 home runs again isn’t great so he has to strike while the iron is hot. Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays were set to go to arbitration, but have pushed back the hearing with the possibility of a long term deal on the horizon.

Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol avoid arbitration by agreeing Monday to a new three year, $20MM deal.

CC Sabathia wasn’t the only one who felt weight loss could help his performance. John Lackey, who had a decent first year with the Red Sox, dropped 11 pounds and feels great.

Cervelli and Yankees Drop the Ball

The course of a baseball game or life can change an instant. Okay, enough paraphrasing John Sterling. Francisco Cervelli learned the hard way last night just how much one play can change things. Cervelli's drop opened the flood gates last night en route to a 6-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

Yankees starter Javier Vazquez may have flashed back to October '04 when he surrendered home runs to David Ortiz and Ryan Kalish, but it was his multiple walk in the park that really ruined his and the Yankees' night.

The Bombers, as is their custom lately, took an early lead and then went to sleep on offense. Up 2-1 in the 2nd on a Mark Teixeira blast, Vazquez gave up a lead off double to Adrian Beltre to start the 2nd inning, but got J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell to hit back to back pop ups. The only problem was that Cervelli dropped Lowell's would be second out.

Vazquez struck out Kalish, but then completely lost the strike zone, issuing consecutive walks to Jed Lowrie and Jacoby Ellsbury to force in a run. Vazquez then left a hanger in the zone that Marco Scutaro ripped to left for a 2-run double and 4-2 Red Sox lead.

The Yankees wasted a 2-on, no one out opportunity in the 4th, but chipped away with a run in the 5th. Derek Jeter reached with one out when he was plunked by a Clay Buchholz pitch. Nick Swisher followed with a single to right and two batters later Alex Rodriguez delivered an RBI single. Robinson Cano had a chance to tie things up, but grounded out to end the inning.

Vazquez, known as "Hang 'em Javy" by disgruntled Yankees fans lived up to his longball reputation when he served up a back breaking 2-run shot to Kalish in the 6th. It was the rookie's 1st major league home run and gave Boston a 6-3 lead.

The Yankees final try came in the 9th when Jeter reached on a 2-out walk by closer Jonathan Papelbon, but Swisher flied out to end the game.

Notes

The Yankees remained in first place in the AL East thanks to some help from Toronto, which beat Tampa Bay 2-1.

Since July 1, Mark Teixeira is hitting .328 with 11 HR, 35 RBI, and OPS over 1.000 in 31 games.

New daddy CC Sabathia will try to stop the Yankees skid when he faces off today at 4 p.m. against John Lackey.

Slugger Carlos Delgado worked out for the Red Sox in the Stadium's indoor batting cage and could be signed to a deal as early as today.

Another Red Sox went on the DL yesterday; this time it was lefty Hideki Okajima with a hamstring strain.

Vazquez's fastballs were mostly below 90 mph last night; not a good sign.

UPDATE 12:35 pm 8/7 - Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Carlos Delgado has agreed to a minor league with the Red Sox. If not called up by 9/1, he becomes a free agent.

Red Sox Sign Lackey, Cameron

The Red Sox took a big step towards competing with the Yankees in the AL East this evening by signing free agent pitcher John Lackey. The Sox also inked center fielder Mike Cameron to a deal.

Lackey has been a stud for the LA Angels and leaves a huge void in Mike Scoscia's rotation. He joins a Red Sox rotation of Josh Beckett, John Lester, Dice-K, Clay Buchholz, and Tim Wakefield. The deal is reportedly for 5 years and in the range of $80-$85 million.

Cameron could replace Jason Bay in left field or free up the Sox to possibly include Jacoby Ellsbury in a deal for Adrian Gonzalez or another bat.

Now Catching, the Mighty Durga

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has decided that the Hindu Goddess Durga will give the Yankees their best defense with A.J. Burnett starting Game 5 of the ALCS tonight. With Burnett's propensity to be wild with his breaking pitches, the versatile Durga gives the Yankees an excellent shot at no wild pitches or passed balls.

Twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go

Is it Game 5 Yet?

The Dominator

CC Dominates ALCS Game 1

Written for Baseball Digest Online

Brian Cashman went hard after free agent CC Sabathia last winter for one reason and one reason only. Games in October. Sabathia paid out a huge dividend tonight with eight dominate innings and the Yankees took advantage of a rare sloppy performance by the Los Angeles of Anaheim to grab Game 1 of the ALCS, 4-1.

Sabathia came out firing bullets in the first inning and was still hitting 95-mph on the radar gun in his final frame. He threw 113 pitches, 76 of which were strikes, in winning his fourth career post-season game. Sabathia allowed just four hits, a walk, and struck out seven. His only difficulty came in the 4th inning with the Yankees up 2-0. Torii Hunter reached on a one out double and scored two batters later on an RBI single by Kendry Morales. But Sabathia retired Howie Kendrick on a line out to right to end the inning.

The Yankees jumped right on Angels’ starter John Lackey in the 1st inning. Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon reached on back to back singles, and Juan Rivera contributed a throwing error, to put both runners in scoring position with no one out. Lackey got a big out when Mark Teixeira popped out, but Alex Rodriguez flew to deep center for his 7th RBI of the post-season and a 1-0 Yankees’ lead.

The Yankees then got a huge break when Chone Figgins and Erick Aybar stared at Hideki Matsui’s pop up until it fell in for a gift RBI single. Figgins appeared to at first call for the ball, but neither infielder took charge and the Yankees took advantage.

Lackey appeared to be getting stronger in the middle innings, but then the Yankees mounted another threat in the 5th. Damon led off with a double and one batter later, A-Rod earned an unintentional intentional walk. Matsui ripped a clean hit to left-center to score Damon, but A-Rod ran through the stop sign at third and was out on a hard collision at home plate with catcher Jeff Mathis.

In the 6th, Melky Cabrera reached on a two out walk and moved to second on Lackey’s errant pick off throw. Jeter ripped a single back up the middle. Any chance Hunter had of throwing Cabrera out at home went out the window when the ball kicked off the heel of his glove and shot past him for an error.

Joe Girardi didn’t hesitate at all in sending Sabathia out for the 8th inning, but there was no doubt he was going to Mariano Rivera in the 9th. The Yankees closer walked Hunter to start the 9th, but retired the next three batters for his 36th career post-season save.

Game Notes

David Cone threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game after nearly not getting there on time. As Cone relayed on the YES post-game show, he appeared this afternoon on Michael Kay’s radio show at a bar across from the Stadium. Only Cone didn’t realize how late it was and nearly forgot his pre-game honor. Luckily, he made it on time and threw a slider strike to Jose Molina.

It was the Yankees first ALCS victory since Game 3 of the 2004 series, exactly 5 yeasrs to the day.

2009 ALCS Preview

I was only 50/50 in picking the division series teams- the Yankees and Phillies being the correct ones. Still trying to figure out what happened to the Cardinals and I guess the Red Sox were even worse off than I thought.

But on to more important things- Yankees and the Angels in the American League Championship Series. Rotten weather on the east coast can affect games 1 and 2, and therefore beyond. The Yankees plans to use three starters could go out the window.

Positional Breakdown

The Managers

We're not going to rehash everything we talked about prior to the division series, but a couple of notes from that series. I'm concerned, as I have been all year, withover managing the bullpen. Joe Girardi was guilty of it for much of the stretch and again in the first round. So far it hasn't caught up with him, but it still could. On the plus side, now he has some experience under his belt.

Mike Scioscia

The former Dodgers' catcher is one of the top five managers in baseball. He's got one World Series ring and five division winners.

Edge: Angels


1st Base

Mark Teixeira went just 3-12 in the ALDS, but had a couple of big hits, including the game winning home run in game 3.

Kendry Morales came into his own this year, the first in which he got regular at-bats. He belted 34 home runs and drove in 108 runs while posting a .924 OPS. He's also a pretty good defender and a posted a .994 fielding percentage. He made up for the huge loss ofTeixeira to free agency. ALDS: 2-10, 1 HR 3 RBI

Edge: Yankees

2nd Base

Robinson Cano was just 2-12 in the ALDS, with one key RBI.

Howie Kendrick experienced some of the same lows Cano did in 2008. Kendrick was sent to the minors after struggling in the first half of the season. But he was resurgent after the break, posting a .358 average and a .948 OPS. LikeCano he also doesn't like to take a walk. Kendrick absolutely loves hitting against the Yankees (.426), including .310 this year). ALDS: 1-5

Edge: Yankees


Shortstop

Derek Jeter built on his regular season with 4 hits, 3 walks, 2 RBI, and 4 runs scored against the Twins. His home run in the ALDS woke up the home crowd and helped ignite the Yankees to a sweep in the first round.

Erick Aybar is an example of the excellent scouting and player development that the Angels organization is noted for. Aybar hit .312 in his first season with over 500 at-bats. His speed and defense are a spark. ALDS: 4-10, 2 RBI

Edge: Yankees


3rd Base

Alex Rodriguez has to be still feeling the glow from his huge ALDS. Now he has to prove he can hit in October against teams other than Minnesota.

Chone Figgins is the Angels' spark plug and a huge nemesis to the Yankees- a .327 avg. in 17 steals in 25 attempts. Don't underestimate his fielding either. The Yankees may want to take a look at how Boston pitched him in round one. ALDS: 0-12, 6 K

Edge: Yankees


Left Field

Johnny Damon struggled over the last month of the season and those struggles continued in the ALDS, where he went just 1-12. That included a "Golden Sombrero" in Game 3.

Juan Rivera quietly put together a very solid season for the Angels. The former Yankee hit 25 home runs and drove in 88 runs in just 137 games. He's also a solid defensive player with a very good arm. ALDS: 3-11, 2 RBI

Edge: Angels (the defense gets it)


Center Field

Melky Cabrera has been up and down all year and right now he may be on the downside. If the 2-12 he put up in the ALDS continues, Brett Gardner may find some playing time.

Torii Hunter has always been known for his outstanding defensive play in center field, but he's also one of the AL's most consistent hitters. At 34 years of age, he hit a career high .299. His 3-run home run in Game 1 of the ALDS set the tone for the series with Boston. ALDS: 2-10, 1 HR 3 RBI

Edge: Angels


Right Field

Nick Swisher has had some consistency problems at the plate, but always brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the game. But he'll need to better than his 2-12ALDS for the Yankees to top the Angels.

Bobby Abreu was the free agent signing of the off-season. The ex-Yankee found an unwilling market and had to settle for a one year, $5 million deal with the Halos. It should pay off this winter. The typicalAbreu line in '09 - .293, 30 steals, 94 walks, 15 home runs, 103 RBI. ALDS: 5-9, 1 RBI 4 BB 4 Runs.

Edge: Angels


Catcher

Jorge Posada wasn't happy about sitting in favor of Jose Molina in Game 2, and seemed to affect his play in Game 1. But he bounced back with avengeance in the finale with a pair of big RBI and ended up 4-11. Girardi has not committed to using Molina this time around, but don't be surprised if he does. Either way, he and Molina will be tested by the Angels aggressive base running.

Jeff Mathis/Mike Napoli split the division series with Napoli getting two starts. Napoli has put together back to back 20-home run seasons, while Mathis isn't much of an offensive threat. Combined ALDS: 2-7

Edge: Yankees



DH

Hideki Matsui had some big at-bats in the ALDS, including a long 2-run home run. His knees need to hold up for about another 2-3 weeks.

Vlad Guerrero is not quite the hitter he was due to bad feet, back, and knees. But he's still dangerous. Just ask the Red Sox who mistakenly walk Hunter to face him in the ALDS finale. The result was the game winning hit. ALDS: 4-10, 2 RBI

Edge: Yankees


Starting Rotation

Yankees – Ideally, CC Sabathia will go in games 1, 4, and 7. A.J. Burnett would take games 2 and 5, while Andy Pettitte would take the hill in games 4 and 6. If things change, Chad Gaudin will go in Game 4.

Angels – John Lackey is a horse and the clear ace of the staff. He goes in Game 1, followed by left-hander Joe Saunders, and righty Jered Weaver. Scott Kazmir would get a Game 4 start.

Edge: Yankees, but not by much

Bullpen

Yankees – Mariano Rivera was huge in the Game 3 finale of the ALDS, but Phil Hughes struggled in the series. Girardi over managed his pen and will probably do the same in the ALCS. Marte is still a worry.

Angels – Brian Fuentes led the AL in saves, but is not intimidating. Kip Jensen has stepped up to give the Angels a solid righty late, but this bullpen is no K-Rod-Scot Shields.

Edge: Yankees

The Angels will run like crazy on the Yankees pitchers, catchers, and outfielders, but that being said:
PREDICTION – Yankees in 6

2009 AL West Preview

The division was a joke last season with the Los Angeles Angels cruising (21 games ahead of second place Texas) to their fourth AL West title in five years.

Even with the Angels rash of injuries, we don't see much evidence that 2009 will be any different than 2008.



AL WEST

Angels
Rangers
Mariners
A's

Don't get us wrong, the Angels definitely have to be concerned with injuries to their starting rotation. John Lackey (April return) and Ervin Santana (May return) are DL'ed with elbow injuries, while Kelvim Escobar rehabs from off-season shoulder surgery. But the team still has Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders. (The Jake Peavy trade rumors have already started as well.)

They lost Mark Teixeira and Francisco Rodriguez to free agency, but we still think the Angels are the best team in the division. For one thing, they have the best manager in the division in Mike Scioscia. He'll mix and match and move things around until it all fits. If Brian Fuentes struggles at closer, he'll turn to Jose Arredondo and Scot Shields. On offense, Bobby Abreu and Kendry Morales should pick up some of the slack left by Teixeira's departure.

The Rangers finished four games under .500 last season and should be back in that neighborhood thanks to an offense that's still potent even without Milton Bradley, who left for the Cubs. The problem with this team is the same year in and year out - starting pitching. Kevin Millwood, Vincente Padilla, Kris Benson, Brandon McCarthy and Matt Harrison aren't going to scare anyone. The Rangers should win a lot of 9-8 games.

The Mariners have to better than last season's 61 win campaign. Don't they? New manager Don Wakamatsu certainly hopes so. Erik Bedard is feeling good. Kenji Johjima swung a hot bat in the WBC and spring training. And Ken Griffey Jr. is back!

But WAIT...Ichiro is out with bleeding stomach ulcers, Jarrod Washburn and Ryan Rowland-Smith are in the rotation. Brandon Morrow is being used as closer and...Ken Griffey Jr. is back.

While the team is improved from last year, big run producer Raul Ibanez is gone. Adrian Beltre is suffering from a bad toe and is a lame duck. .500 is a long shot, but the team should see at a 10 game improvement.

The A's are a mix of wet behind the ears kids and banged up, over the hill stars. The A's can be very good in 2-3 years because of the talent they always produce at pitcher. They're basically starting over again this year with a rotation of Dallas Braden, Sean Gallagher, Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, and Dana Eveland (Justin Duchscherer will take a spot when he returns from the DL.) Brad Ziegler will close, but the team suffered a big blow when would be closer Joey Devine went on the 60-day DL with a sprained elbow.

Eric Chavez's back feels better, but will he ever resemble his early seasons again? Can a team really win with Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra, and Orlando Cabrera at this stage of their careers? Nah. This team is starting to look like a squad KC would put together (except their pitching would stink).