Pettitte Far From Perfect, but Yankees Rally Past O's Again

Andy Pettitte is not the pitcher we're using to seeing out there on the mound. More baseballs are in the air than on the ground, Pettitte's trademark for getting outs. On Saturday afternoon he hung tough and the Yankees offense bailed him out in a 5-4 Yankees win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Things didn't look good early for Pettitte, as has been the custom of late. Chris Davis, who used to not be able to hit a left-hander if  he were swinging an oak tree, deposited a first inning pitch over the center field wall for his 33rd home run and 2-0 O's lead. Alexi Casilla added an RBI double an inning later and the Yankees were in a quick 3-0 hole.

The Yankees bats, which had shown life in Minnesota, cut the lead to 3-2 in the home half of the 2nd inning against O's starter Chris Tillman. Recently acquired Luis Cruiz slapped a bases loaded single to get the Yankees on the board and fresh-off-the-DL Eduardo Nunez lifted a sac fly to left for the second run of the inning. The Yankees might have gotten more had Lyle Overbay not run them out of a bigger inning.

Overbay tagged up at second base on Nunez's fly and was easily thrown out trying to advance to third. Never mind the old cliche "You don't make the first or last out at third base.", you don't try to advance to third on a ball hit in front of you, especially when you have no speed.

Pettitte was tagged for another run in the 4th on a Taylor Teagarden RBI single, but finally retired the side in order for the first time in the 5th.  The Yankees took the opportunity to tie up the game in the bottom of the inning. Nunez and Chris Stewart stroked back to back singles and Brett Gardner followed with a sac bunt.

Ichiro Suzuki lashed a ball back up the middle that Casilla made a gorgeous stop on ranging to his right, but had no play on the speedy Ichiro as Nunez scored. Robinson Cano then sliced a pitch to left-center for a game tying single.

Pettitte stranded a runner in the 6th and left with two in the 7th after he struck out Nick Markakis looking with Casilla on second base. Shawn Kelley came on and stranded Casilla with a strikeout of Manny Machado. The Yankees meanwhile had taken the lead in the bottom of the 6th when Overbay singled, moved to second on Cruz's sac bunt, and scored on Nunez's single to center. Adam Jones made a strong throw home, but Overbay knocked over Teagarden as the the catcher couldn't corral the baseball.

David Robertson and Mariano Rivera finished things off for Pettitte's 251st career win, a total that tied him with Bob Gibson on the all time list. It was the lefty's first win since June 8 and his first start since he passed Whitey Ford as the Yankees all time strikeout leader.

Mariano Caps Great Day In The Bronx

Is that a smile of "I know you can't hit this?"

Whether you were at Yankee Stadium, sitting at home watching TV, or listening to the ceremonies on the radio, Sunday was a wonderful day in the Bronx. Having watched the 65th annual Old Timers Day prior to the regularly scheduled game, it was only fitting that Mariano Rivera, the oldest player on the Yankees, finished out Sunday's victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Rivera, who is older than Old Timers like Homer Bush and Aaron Small, struck out the side in the 9th to preserve the Yankees 6-4 victory. The Yankees homered three times in the game, including a blast by Jorge Posada, the second oldest Yankee.

The big story of the day though was the OT ceremonies, in particular the honoring of long time head trainer Gene "Geno" Monahan, who back in May announced he would retire at season's end. The 67-yr old has been with the organization for 49 years, including time as a bat boy when he was 17. A cancer scare last year put things in perspective for the man who has been there for Mantle, Murcer, Munson, Mattingly, and Mariano. Monahan was told he would throw out the first pitch before the OT game, which he did (to Jorge Posada who donned full catcher's gear), but he had know idea what was yet to come.

When he held the press conference in May, Monahan mentioned that he dreams a lot and it was time to start living some of those dreams. He mentioned he'd like to have a retriever named Schrader that he could take in his pick up truck to the store to pick up grass seed. All three came true on Sunday. With his fiancee and two grown daughters in attendance, Monahan was showered with gifts from the Yankees organization and sponsors. Among them was a Ford F-150 truck that had a big ol' Golden Retriever named Schrader in it.

There was a trip to the Alpine region in Europe, tickets to see Garth Brooks (and an autographed Cowboy hat from the country music star) in Las Vegas, a painting of the Stadium presented by the Steinbrenner family, a riding mower (and grass seed) presented by the grounds crew, a pair of seats from the old Stadiun, a video tribute, and much much more. It was an emotional capper to an emotional ceremony.

Back for the first time in a Yankees uniform were a couple of former managers, Joe Torre, who didn't leave on such great terms, and Lou Piniella, who was also one of the most popular Yankees players in the 1970's and 1980's. Torre appeared choked up as he received a long and loud ovation from the fans. Piniella hadn't been in a Yankees uniform since 1988 and marked the occassion by taking an at-bat in the game. He visited the broadcast booth during the regular game and joked (for those of you who don't know, Piniella was Paul O'Neill before Paul O'Neill) that he would be upset all night about grounding back to the pitcher.

Bernie Williams also made his return for his first Old Timers Day although he has never officially retired. He also received a very long ovation and then gave the crowd a big thrill with a deep drive to left-center for a double. Tino Martinez also got the fans applauding when he hit a David Cone meatball into the right field seats for a home run. The BamTino said "thank you" to Cone as he rounded third base, and Coney nodded his approval.

There aren't as many of the older Old Timers left; the ones that I used to see at OT Day when I was a kid, but some were still there. Moose Skowron, who announced to Kim Jones and the TV audience that he was battling lung cancer (even though he quit a while ago, Moose smoked for 40 years). Phil Rizzuto's old DP partner and long time baseball broadcaster Jerry Coleman was in attendance along with 86-yr old Charlie Silvera, who came up to the Yankees a catcher in 1948. The Yankees first great reliever, Luis Arroyo, was there. And of course Yogi Berra, who sadly looks very frail these days and the "Chairman of the Board", Whitey Ford were in the house. They, along with Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage were the Hall of Fame members in attendance.

David Wells, who is in better shape than he was in his playing days, demanded to know why O'Neill wasn't there. But so many players from my youth were- Mel Stottelmyre, Graig Nettles, BrianDolye, and Ron Guidry. There were those who are there every year, Joe Pepitone, Hector Lopez, Rick Cerone, and those that can't possibly be Old Timers like Bush, Kevin Maas, Clay Bellinger, and Brian Boehringer. As well as the playres from the last dynasty- Straw, Doc Gooden, Graeme Lloyd, Jeff Nelson and Charlie Hayes.

The widows of some of the Yankees greats are honored each year as well. This year's group was Kay Murcer, Diane Munson, Helen Hunter, Jill Martin, and Arlene Howard. Being that Bobby Murcer was my favorite player, I love seeing Mrs. Murcer there and I feel both sadness and joy to see Thurman's widow.

The Yankees also did a great job of remembering those who passed during the last year. Many of the names were unrecognizable, which makes think they now included members of the organization that worked behind the scenes. That was new and a nice touch. The last name announced was Cora Rizzuto, who I hadn't remembered had passed away.

The one thing missing was the Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who happened to turn 37 on Sunday. We all know he's rehabbing his injury and he wants to get back as soon as possible, but it was a disappointment that he wasn't there when Geno was honored, "Mr. Torre" and Bernie Williams returned.

One thing to note that was in poor taste. Thankfully it only lasted for about four players announced. Ron Blomberg came out to "Havah Nagila", Lee Mazzilli and Rick Cerone to a tarantella and Pat Kelly to an Irish jig. My wife and I exchanged shocked glances. "Are you really going to play an ethnic song for everyone? Could you stereotype it a little more?" As I said, thankfully that didn't continue or I wasn't paying attention. I hope it was the former.

As the regular game got underway, Michael Kay told John Flaherty that Mariano wanted him to introduce him with the Old Timers. Kay said, "I can't do that, I'll lose my job". Mariano pressed Kay to do it, but the YES broadcaster would not relent and said in a couple more years Mo will be one of them. After the game, Kim Jones asked Mo to verify the story and baseball's greatest reliever was all too happy to. He said "Michael blew it", called him a "big head" and said he was angry at him. It made for a great interview and was extremely funny. Mo concluded by saying, "I love you Michael". No one is greater than Mo.

As for the game itself, Ivan Nova and the Yankees fell behind 3-0 by the end of the 5th inning. Ty Wiggington hit the first of two home runs on the day as Nova had no control of his fastball. The Yankees answered back in the bottom of the 5th though when Nick Swisher hit a 2-run home run off of Rockies starter Juan Nicasio, and Posada followed with a game tying blast.

A Wiggington blast off Nova in the top of the 6th put Colorado back ahead, but Alex Rodriguez answered with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning to tie things up at 4-4. It would be broken an inning later when Eduardo Nunez singled home pinch-runner Chris Dickerson. Mark Teixeira then put some icing on the cake with a solo blast in the 8th, his 23rd of the season to gain a share of the AL lead with Toronto's Jose Bautista.

Boone Logan (2-2) and David Robertson then handed things over to Rivera, who cuttered his way through Wiggington, Charlie Blackmon, and Chris Iannetta for his 20th save of the season (579 in his career). A fitting ending to a perfect day.

Hughes Joins Elite Company

This from Elias Sports Bureau - With his 10th victory on Saturday, Phil Hughes became the 12th Yankees starting pitcher to start a season winning at least 10 of his first 11 decisions.

Hughes joins Hall of Fame members Lefty Gomez (10-1 in both 1932 and 1934), Red Ruffing (10-1 in 1939) and Whitey Ford (10-1 in 1964), and Cy Young Award winners Bob Turley (10-1 in 1958), Ron Guidry (11-0 in 1978), and Roger Clemens (10-1 in 2001).

A-Rod's Day to Remember

Do not intentionally walk Mark Teixeira.

Manny Acta certainly wasn't paying attention when Twins manager Ron Gardenhire intentionally walked Mark Teixeira to loaded the bases back on May 14. For that matter, neither manager may have looked at A-Rod's career numbers when a player is intentionally walked in front of him. Just as A-Rod did with Gardenhire, he quickly made Acta regret his decision by belting his 20th career grand slam. It helped the Yankees roll to an 11-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians and a series win (3 out of 4).

Rodriguez drove in six runs all told and is now 5-5 with three home runs and 18 RBI when Teixeira gets a free pass in front of him. Andy Pettitte was the recipient of the run support, but he didn't need it.

Pettitte tied Whitey Ford on the all time MLB career wins list with his 236 triumph. He allowed just four hits over seven innings, and, just as A.J. Burnett did on Sunday, gave the bullpen a much needed rest. In doing so, Pettitte lowered his ERA to an AL third best 2.48.

For the second straight game, it took a while for the Yankees offense to get going. They led just 2-1 against Indians starter Mitch Talbot entering the 7th inning. That's when the game changed quickly.

Derek Jeter had a sore hamstring from being hit by a pitch earlier in the game, but delievered a one out single to knock Talbot from the game. Curtis Granderson greeted left-handed reliever Raffy Perez with a single of his own to send pinch-runner Ramiro Pena to third and set up the big decision for Acta.

After the walk to Teixeira, Acta called on righty Chris Perez to face Rodriguez, who is now in sole possession of third place on the all-time grand slam list behind Lou Gehrig (23) and Manny Ramirez (21). The Memorial Day crowd had barely settled back in their seats from celebrating Rodriguez's heroics when Robinson Cano ripped a solo shot to right for his 11th home run of the season.

Notes

The Yankees open a three game series tonight with the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Javier Vazquez starts things off against left-hander Brian Matusz.

photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Ring-A-Ling-A-Ling

It was a very festive opening day in the Bronx yesterday. That's what you get when you hoist another championship banner and hand out World Series rings to the winning participants. Just another day in Yankee Stadium, albeit the first time in the House that George (and the city) built.


No part of the day may have been more poignant or worth celebrating more than the return of Yankees long time trainer Gene Monahan. We were told during Spring Training, which Monahan missed for the first time since 1972, that the man known as Geno was battling a serious illness. Mariano Rivera apparently let it slip during interviews yesterday that it is indeed some form of cancer. Monahan was very emotional, but in good spirits as he came out to accept his ring from manager Joe Girardi and special guests Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford. The YS crowd gave a well deserved standing ovation.

The biggest ovation of the day though went to a member of the Los Angeles Angels. "He's the Hideki you know"...Hideki Matsui, of course, got a huge standing, thank you ovation from the fans and got a group hug from his former teammates. He also got pranked. Derek Jeter orchestrated it all - fake rings given (a Spring Training promotion) to Godzilla and Nick Swisher. Neither even realized what was going on until Jeter and Rivera gave them the real rings.


Bernie Williams threw out the first pitch, though the YES Network nearly missed it coming back from commercial breaks. There was a military fly over and broadway star Kristen Chenoweth (who looked like she was trying to be Carrie Underwood's doppelganger) sang the National Anthem. Then it was time for baseball.


Starter Andy Pettitte was the perfect pick to pitch opening day. After all, he had been on the mound for the clinching win in each round of the 2009 post-season. He also quickly gave Matsui a reminder that he's no longer a Yankee. A first inning strikeout was part of an oh-fer for Godzilla on the day.

Nick Johnson smacked his first Stadium home run in the bottom of the 1st off Ervin Santana and Derek Jeter went deep in the third. The Captain added an RBI single in the 4th (hit #2757) and Alex Rodriguez's brought home two more in the sixth.

The Yankees would need every run they could get, because leading 7-1 in the 9th, David Robertson surrendered a grand slam to former Yankee Bobby Abreu. At least that way Rivera got to be part of the opener by picking up his 3rd save.

photos courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Notes

Jorge Posada is off to a hot start. He was 3-4 yesterday to raise his average to .429 and had a pair of doubles to move past Mickey Mantle for 7th place on the team's all-time doubles list. In typical Jorgie fashion, he also got thrown out at the plate.

Pettitte tossed six scoreless innings for his 1st win of the year and the 230th of his career and 193rd as a Yankee. It was also the 4th home opening win for Pettitte.

The loss had to be a minor thing for some of the Angels who had a tough day. Several of them witnessed a suicide from their hotel that morning. A former hotel employee jumped from the roof as the Angels were on their way out.

Not sure how long these will be up on Youtube, but a TOH to Zell's Pinstripe Blog for finding video of the ring ceremony.

We're On Our Way Home

Just a little over a half a day until the raising of the glorious 27th World Championship banner and the handing out of championship rings to the players, coaches, and front office personnel.

The Yankees arrived home after Sunday's 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The victory game the Bombers a 4-2 road trip that was comprised of series wins over both the Rays and the Boston Red Sox. Not a bad way to start the season.

Sunday's win was also big for A.J. Burnett, who had a rocky first outing in Boston and started out yesterday's game in shaky fashion. Burnett, the tattoed, pie smashing, right-hander allowed two first inning runs and admitted to not having confidence in his stuff. But Jorge Posada and pitching coach Dave Eiland helped settle him down and Burnett rewarded his teammates with six scoreless frames.

Alex Rodriguez hasn't homered yet, but he's getting darn close. A near miss in Boston, a near miss in Tampa. I expect him to break out any day now.

Posada and Nick Swisher both went deep on Sunday, with Posada's go-ahead shot coming against former teammate Randy Choate. Not the first time Yankees fans have witnessed a Choate failure.

In addition to the banner and ring presentations, one of tomorrow's highlight's will be Bernie Williams throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Now, Bernie hasn't offically ever announced a retirement date, but isn't time the Yankees front office set up a Bernie Williams Day? Retire #51, etc?
Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra (who I thought for sure would be throwing out the first pitch) will be on hand to present the rings. Ceremonies to kick off at 12:15. (thanks to the Star Ledger's Marc Carig for providing ceremony info. Click here to see the complete schedule of events).

An added bonus of tomorrow's opener is the opponent. Because the Yankees start their home schedule against the Los Angeles Angels, Hideki Matsui will be on hand to receive his ring. Godzilla is off to a great start in his new home. He's already had 2 game winning hits and is hitting .370 with a couple of home runs and 5 RBI.

The Plaques

The Plaques