The 2011 Planning Has Begun

Written For Baseball Digest.

From the moment Alex Rodriguez watched a called third strike to end the American League Championship Series, you could hear the wheels turning inside Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s head. Cashman has a busy winter ahead of him with a number of free agent issues to contend with, both internally and externally.

The two biggest free agents among the current Yankees are their skipper Joe Girardi and the face of the team, shortstop Derek Jeter. Cashman has already stated he wants Girardi to stay and said Jeter will not be going anywhere. The second is nearly 100% true, but Girardi’s situation could be a little trickier.

Girardi would have been in for a mega pay day had his contract expired at the end of the 2009 championship season. But he and his binder struggled at times this season and the Yankees season fell short of both management’s and the fan’s expectations. Which, of course, is easy to do when you’re expected to win the World Series every year.

Girardi also lost some negotiating power when the Chicago Cubs, rumored to be highly interested in the Illinois native, hired interim leader Mike Quade to be the full-time manager. That being said, according to several sources Girardi will sign a new deal shortly, likely three years in length. Should the Yankees and Girardi not work out a deal, Bobby Valentine, Tony Pena,and Willie Randolph would be among those considered for the job.

Derek Jeter is fully expected to be back in Pinstripes next year, but just like Girardi, Jeter’s bargaining power decreased with a subpar year after a huge 2009, and many questions remain. How much money is he willing to accept? How long does Jeter want to play? How long can he play shortstop and will he be willing to eventually move to another position/share time at DH? Will he be able to handle reduced playing time? The right thing to do would be to sign Jeter to a lifetime deal that specifies baseball and post-career life. Jeter should never be out of Pinstripes unless he wants to be. A deal will be made, but just how quickly a deal gets done remains to be seen.

The two other big free agents among current Yankees are two-thirds of the remaining “Core Four”- Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. The main factor in each player’s future is how strong their desire is to return for another year. Both have admitted they have pondered their future beyond baseball. Rivera said at one point not too long ago that he would like to pitch another five years. It was certainly tongue in cheek, but Rivera is likely to return in 2011. If for whatever reason Rivera decided to hang it up, the Yankees would certainly go hard and heavy after free agent closer Rafael Soriano.

Pettitte, as he has done the last two years, will probably take his time over the winter and not declare his intentions until after the holidays. At this point, chances are probably 50/50 that he returns next season. Though he was healthy for the most part, Pettitte suffered a debilitating groin strain that DL’ed him for two months, and then he dealt with back and hamstring issues in the post-season (which was revealed yesterday in a Brian Cashman-Joe Girardi season wrapup press conference.)

Aside from Jeter, the remainder of the infield is set with Mark Teixeira (1B), Robinson Cano (2B), and Alex Rodriguez (3B) returning to their positions in 2011. The Yankees catching situation will most certainly see a change though. Jorge Posada will be back for the final year of the four year contract he signed prior to the 2008 season, but backup Francisco Cervelli will likely be gone. Cervelli started out the season hitting like a house on fire, but his offensive and defensive production decreased with increased playing time. Posada’s time behind the plate is also likely to be reduced to try to limit the number of games he misses due to injuries.

The beginning of the Jesus Montero era, however long or short, should begin in the Bronx next season. In addition to backing up Posada, Montero should see time at DH as the Yankees take a serious look at his powerful right-handed bat. Austin Romine will also be waiting in the wings at Scranton and, as has been the norm for the past several years, the Yankees will sign a Chad Moeller-esque catcher to a minor league contract as a precaution.

The outfield situation is an interesting one. Curtis Granderson (CF) and Brett Gardner (LF) are likely to return, but with free agents Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth looming on the horizon, the Yankees could move Nick Swisher if either outfielder is signed. Everyone loves what Carl Crawford can bring to a ball club, but signing the right-handed, right field-playing Werth may actually make more sense (and could possibly be a less expensive option than what Crawford will demand). The Yankees could use another strong right-handed bat as well.

While it may sound like blasphemy to some Yankees fans, Swisher’s value will never be higher. He had a career year, but Werth is a better ballplayer in every aspect of the game. Swisher has one year ($9 million) left on his current deal with a club option ($10.25 million, $1 million buyout) for 2012. Age isn’t a factor in this one since Werth (31) is actually a year older than Swisher (30).

Crawford, who will start next season at age 29, can of course wreak havoc on the basepaths as well as hit for power. He’ll most certainly be looking for a long term deal (5-7 years minimum?), though the economy could impact his future. Crawford has always been a center or left fielder and he isn’t your prototypical rightfielder. So if he were to be signed, it would likely mean moving Granderson or Gardner out of town, and that doesn’t make any sense from a baseball or economic standpoint.

The starting rotation for now consists of CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and a beleaguered A.J. Burnett. Javier Vazquez will be gone and NOT brought back a third time. While Pettitte contemplates his future, Cashman and the Yankees will be firing on all cylinders as they go after free agent-to-be Cliff Lee. But Lee’s signing isn’t as automatic as most pundits and fans thought several months ago. Lee likes it in Texas and he’s the guy front and center leading the team to its first World Series. The new ownership has plenty of bucks and has already vowed to do everything they can to keep Lee in Arlington.

The World Series outcome should have no impact on Lee’s decision. WFAN’s Evan Roberts believes Lee is much more likely to stay if the Rangers win, but just the fact that they are there could play a major factor in Lee’s decision. The Yankees will argue, of course, that they have a better chance of reaching the World Series in any season. And, of course, the Yankees will not be outbid.

If indeed the Yankees succesfully land Lee, they could look into dealing Burnett, who was a train wreck in 2010. With three years remaining on his five year deal, it’s a trade that could be accomplished, especially if the Yankees pick up some of the cash. The Yankees will also look at back end of the rotation options to replace Vazquez and/or in case Pettitte retires.

The bullpen, a key to the team’s 27th title, was a let down this season. Outside of Rivera, there wasn’t much consistency. Damaso Marte will be out until after the 2011 All-Star break after having surgery on a torn labrum. Boone Logan stepped up and did a decent job as the left-handed specialist. He should remain in that capacity next season. David Robertson had a hugely disappointing follow up to his breakout season in 2009. His spot is certainly not guaranteed for next year. Some of the young arms in the minor leagues will certainly get a chance to make the squad out of spring training. And then of course there is Joba Chamberlain.

In yesterday’s press conference, Girardi said Chamberlain will be a “bullpen guy”, a back end of the bullpen reliever. If not for the fact that he’s out of options (thanks to the guys at River Ave. Blues for that information), the Yankees could have had Joba working his way back as a starter in the minor leagues like they should have in 2008 or 2009. But that ship has sailed. Of course there is the very real possibility that Chamberlain could be dealt.

The Yankees won’t pick up the $11 million option on Kerry Wood, but will definitely be interested in resigning him if they can get him at a good cost and if he doesn’t mind remaining as a setup man. Wood excelled once he was acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline.

The utility infield position will be up for grabs, with Eduardo Nunez having a solid chance to push Ramiro Pena out of the job. While Pena has the better glove, Nunez has much more offensive potential. The Yankees are also likely to bring in a Miguel Cairo type to compete for the position as well as to push the youngsters.

The bench was a key to the second half of the Yankees regular season though it was a bit exposed during the playoffs. Lance Berkman’s option won’t be picked up and there is a good chance he’ll return to Houston and/or the National League. Both Marcus Thames and Austin Kearns are free agents that may or may not be back. Thames put up solid numbers, but is a defensive liability, while Kearns battled injuries and has always had an erratic bat.

One surprise that came out of the season ending press conference: pitching coach Dave Eiland, for reasons kept private, was dismissed by the team. Early candidates to replace him are bullpen coach Mike Harkey and minor league pitching coach Scott Aldred, who spent the last four seasons in the Yankees organization in Trenton and Scranton.

Finally, Brian Cashman himself has to do a better job this off-season. The GM himself admitted that last winter was not one of his best as moves for Vazquez and Nick Johnson, (who will also not be making a third trip back), blew up in his face.

Whatever moves are to be made this winter, you can bet the Yankees will be right in the middle of things. After all, there’s a 28th championship out there to be won.

Drew Sarver is the Yankees content editor and contributor for BaseballDigest.com. You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes.

Texas' Deep Heart Downs Yankees

The majority of Colby Lewis' 12 years of professional baseball have been spent in relative anonymity. A 1st round pick (38th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 1999, Lewis spent parts of five seasons in the majors with three teams and compiled a 12-15 mark. He tore his rotator cuff in 2004 and missed all of the following season. Then there were the last two years playing for the Hiroshima Carp in Japan. But that's where Lewis began to hone his game. And tonight he shone, back with his original ball club, helping to close out the ALCS in six games over the Yankees.

Lewis dominated the Yankees for the second time in the series as the Texas Rangers repeated their knockout of Phil Hughes and topped the Bomberless Bombers 6-1. Lewis limited the Yankees to three hits over eight innings, walked three, and struck out seven to finish the series 2-0, 1.98. And he got plenty of run support to boot.

Hughes was on the ropes all night and Texas finally hit him with a haymaker in the 5th. Tied 1-1, Mitch Moreland singled and moved to third on a pair of ground outs. The Yankees, who mistakenly pitched to Josh Hamilton in his first at-bat, intentionally walked the soon to be AL MVP to face Vladimir Guerrero.

Guerrero didn't have an RBI in the series until a 1st inning ground out gave the Rangers an early 1-0 lead. He quickly added two more when he drove a double to center for a 3-1 advantage. Joe Girardi nearly ran out to the mound to pull Hughes, but it was to no avail. David Robertson came on and was greeted by a Nelson Cruz 2-run home run that was the death knell.

Lewis allowed just a pair of walks to Curtis Granderson through the first four innings before Alex Rodriguez started the 5th with a double. After moving to third on a deep fly out by Lance Berkman, A-Rod scored when Lewis' one hop pitch ricocheted off of Nick Swisher for a wild pitch.

Bengie Molina and manager Ron Washington argued vehemently, and correctly, that it should have been ruled a hit batsman and a dead ball, but home plate Brian Gorman saw it otherwise. Ironically, it was Swisher who was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in game 4, but the play was missed by then home plate ump Angel Hernandez.

Neftali Feliz retired the side in order in the 9th for Texas, setting off a massive celebration as the Rangers sealed their first trip to the World Series. Much will be made that former Ranger Rodriguez was the final strikeout and third out victim.

Notes

Mariano Rivera threw the 8th and final inning for the Yankees in what will hopefully not be his last time in a Yankees uniform.

Red hot Robinson Cano went ice cold for the first time in the series and went hitless.

The Yankees were completely outplayed, outclassed, out pitched, outhit, and out managed in the series. Their lackluster play began in late August and it never stopped, except for their ALDS series with the Minnesota Twins- a team they could beat with their eyes closed.

At times they looked old- stirring up feelings that were felt when they lost in the 2001 ALCS and the 2003 World Series. They also looked flat at times and appeared to have no fight or desire in their hearts or bellies, especially when they fell behind. They basically embarrassed themselves in the series.

There's some symmetry between the Rangers and the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, who beat the Yankees in a wild World Series. Both teams had financial issues. The Dbacks had trouble making payroll, the Rangers couldn't get a sale to go through. But they stole Cliff Lee out from under the Yankees and their season was put into overdrive. Now they'll face the Giants or Phillies for all the marbles.

Yankees Live to Fight Another Day

CC Sabathia wasn't as sharp as he is capable of being, but he was a lot sharper than he was in game 1 of the ALCS. The Yankees gave him run support just as they did in the series opener and forced a game 6 with a 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers this afternoon.

Unlike the earlier games in the series the Yankees came up with some big hits when they needed them. They also got some help from some sloppy Texas play and C.J. Wilson who wasn't nearly as good as he was in game 1.

Sabathia gave up three hits in the first two innings, but with the help of a double play, the game was scoreless in the bottom of the 2nd inning. That's when Wilson's troubles began. He walked the lead off man Alex Rodriguez and one batter later issued a free pass to Lance Berkman. Jorge Posada singled through the right side to plate Rodriguez, who went in standing just ahead of catcher Matt Treanor's tag.

Curtis Granderson then dropped one in front of Jeff Francoeur in right to score Berkman and Posada followed when Francoeur's throw ricocheted off the outstretched glove of third baseman Michael Young. Wilson backed up the play and had a shot at Posada at the plate, but threw over the head of Treanor for a 3-0 Yankees lead.

The Yankees brought out the big guns an inning later; Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano hit back to back home runs for a comfortable 5-0 lead. It was Cano's fourth home run of the series, tying him with Hamilton for the LCS high.

Sabathia bent, but never broke. He gave up a solo home run to Treanor in the 5th and ran into trouble in the 6th when he gave up three straight singles. But after Treanor's ground out produced a second run, Sabathia froze Mitch Moreland with a strike three breaking pitch to end the inning.

The Yankees got one of the runs back on a sac fly by Berkman in the 5th and added another in the 8th on a Granderson solo home run.

Joe Girardi, highly criticized here earlier today, didn't have to make too many decisions in this one. The lineup worked out for the most part, he had his ace on the mound and then he went to a Kerry Wood-Mariano Rivera duo for the 7th through 9th innings. It was just a matter of determining who would get how many outs.

As it turned out Woods was the two inning man, pitching a very effective 7th and 8th innings. His work included picking Elvis Andrus off of second base to quash any possible rally in the 7th inning. Rivera, working for the first time since game 1, allowed a two out single to Moreland, but retired Andrus on a foul out to earn his second save of the series.

On to Texas for a Phil Hughes-Colby Lewis rematch on Friday night.

Notes

As expected, Mark Teixeira was removed from the roster with a badly strained hamstring. Infielder Eduardo Nunez took his place. Should the Yankees advance to the World Series, Teixeira would not be eligible to play even if he miraculously recovered.

The Yankees nearly lost another first baseman when Berkman slipped on the warning track chasing a foul ball. His feet went out from under and he slammed down hard on the firm surface. He got the wind knocked out of him and stayed down for several minutes. Though he's sure to be sore on Thursday he was able to continue for the rest of the game...with a better pair of shoes.

Girardi Managing To Lose

I've talked all year about my discontent with Joe Girardi's in-game moves. He got away with many of them last year, no more so than in the 2009 ALCS. But this year Girardi's moves are coming back to bite him on the behind.

Down two games to one, Girardi opted to stand by his decision to start A.J. Burnett in game four rather than bring back CC Sabathia (93 pitches in game one) on three days rest. His reasoning did make some sense. He didn't want to push Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte to pitch on three days rest. But! and it's a but as large as Prince Fielder's. You have to get the momentum to swing back in your favor.

The Yankees have had trouble hitting in the clutch for well over a month. Translation- you need your pitcher to keep the opponent down. Andy Pettitte did that on Monday, but unfortunately was up against Cliff Lee. You go Sabathia game four and if need be, Burnett (or Dustin Moseley or whomever) in game five.

But, surprise of surprise, Burnett went out and gave Girardi a solid five innings and had a 3-2 lead. And then Girardi got greedy. Burnett hadn't started a game since September 27, but as his pitch count rose, Girardi stuck by him...and got burned.

Vladimir Guerrero led off with a single. Nelson Cruz hit into a force out, but Ian Kinsler just missed getting a hold of one, flying out to deep center. That should have been signal for the hook right there, but Girardi remained in the dugout. Yankee killer David Murphy was up and with a base open, Girardi called for an intentional walk, preferring to pitch to Bengie Molina. Burnett nearly threw a wild pitch in the process. Another signal to Girardi, but still no movement.

Burnett had misfired on a pitch to Molina earlier in the game and hit the bulky catcher in the back. This time Burnett's misfire was much more costly. With Francisco Cervelli set up outside, Burnett's pitch sailed right into Molina's wheelhouse. The result was a crushing three run home run and a 5-3 Rangers lead. Finally after six, Girardi went to the pen. But his mistakes weren't over yet.

David Robertson came out of the pen firing in the 7th. He dominated right-handed hitters Elvis Andrus and Michael Young. But Girardi and his friendly neighborhood binder said Boone Logan should pitch to Josh Hamilton. The leading contender for AL MVP smashed Logan's pitch into the seats for a 6-3 lead and things just got worse from there until it was an embarassing 10-3 final.

Yes, you have to give credit to the other team. As expected the Yankees hit Tommy Hunter well, but didn't break the game open. They've been unable to do that for months. Derek Holland then came out of the pen and pitched up to the potential we've all heard about him. And the Yankees were dead in game four and probably dead for the series.

When you're out managed by Ron Washington, you know you've screwed up. Joe Girardi will manage to find a way not to win.


Notes

As if things weren't bad enough, Mark Teixeira was forced to leave the game early with a strained hamstring and is probably done for the year whether or not the Yankees continue on. Though he was hitless in the ALCS his glove was invaluable.

Game 3: Critical, But Not Deadly

With both the ALCS and NLCS tied at a game apiece, I decided to do a little research, which will probably be available by Elias tomorrow (if it's not already tonight).

I looked back at all of the World Series plus all League Championship Series since 1985 (when the format went from five to seven games). Prior to this year's post-season there were 79 series that were tied at 1-1 after two games.

52 of those series occurred during the World Series. 16 teams came back from a 2-1 deficit to win the championship. They included the 1923, 1951, and 1952 Yankees.

There have been 13 ALCS that were tied after the first two games, with five teams going to the World Series after dropping game 3. They included the 1998 and 2003 Yankees.

Of the 14 NLCS series involved, four teams moved on to play in the World Series after dropping the third game of the playoff series.

So what does it all mean? While it's difficult to come back from a 2-1 deficit it is not impossible. Especially if you have games four and five at home.

68.3% winner of game 3 takes it all.

A Start 23 Years in the Making

Phil Hughes will take the ball this afternoon for the New York Yankees in the second game of the ALCS. Two years ago there were many who could not have envisioned that scenario. Luckily for Hughes, none of those people mattered to his future.

It’s fortunate that athletes don’t generally read fan message boards or Twitter or blogs. Some of what they read in the mainstream media maybe damaging enough to their egos and confidence. They don’t need to be exposed to the rantings and ravings of the average fan. Phil Hughes is one of those athletes who has hopefully never googled himself on the web. Had he done so, he would have seen “thoughts” back in 2008 ranging from “This kid will never amount to anything” to “He’s another Carl Pavano in the making.” (Yes, I really did see someone state that back then.)

Read the rest of my story for free at BaseballDigest.com.

Yankees Win Bigger Than Texas

CC Sabathia has picked up his teammates up many times with outstanding starts. Friday night it was his teammates turn to pick up the top Cy Young contender with a come from behind, 6-5 victory in game 1 of the ALCS.

Bolstered by a 5-0 lead, C.J. Wilson dominated the Yankees through six innings before Robinson Cano finally put the Yankees on the board with a solo home run. An inning later the Yankees took advantage of a shaky Rangers bullpen.

Brett Gardner started things off with pure hustle on a tapper to first baseman Jorge Cantu. Gardner flew down the line and slid head first to beat Wilson to the first base bag. Derek Jeter followed with a double into the left field corner and Gardner scored as the ball kicked around in the corner. Ron Washington pulled Wilson and opted for left-hander Darren Wilson to keep Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira batting from the right side.

The move didn't matter though when Oliver, who faced the Yankees in the post-season as a member of the Rangers in 1996, walked both hitters to load the bases. Washington went to right-hander Darren O'Day to face Alex Rodriguez, but the Yankees third baseman ripped a 2-run single through his counterpart Michael Young to cut the lead to 5-4.

Washington's moves continued to backfire when he brought in lefty Clay Rapada to face Cano. The Yankees MVP candidate lined a single to center field that Josh Hamilton mishandled to allow Teixeira to score the tying run. Cue another pitching change.

This time Washington went with another left-hander, Derek Holland, but Marcus Thames singled home A-Rod to put the Yankees on top for the first time, 6-5.

Sabathia appeared to be rusty after not having pitched since October 6. His lack of command affected him immediately as he walked lead off man Elvis Andrus in the 1st inning. Young followed with a single and Josh Hamilton hit a 2-strike frozen rope into the right field seats for a 3-0 lead.

The Rangers would eventually load the bases and could have broken the game open early, but Posada fielded Sabathia's wild pitch and threw out Nelson Cruz racing home from third. Replays showed that Sabathia got the tag on Cruz's shoulder just before the Rangers outfielder crossed home plate. Sabathia appeared to settle down somewhat, but the Rangers staged a two out rally in the 4th inning that culminated with a Young 2-run double for the 5-0 advantage.

The Yankees bullpen combo of Joba Chamberlain and Dustin Moseley plugged up the leak and enabled the comeback. Moseley picked up the first post-season win of his career after Mariano Rivera escaped a jam in the 9th. Pinch-hitter Mitch Moreland led off the inning with a single and was sacrificed to second by Andrus. But Rivera won a long duel with Young with a strikeout and got Hamilton to ground out to end the game.

Notes

The Rangers relievers were most responsible for the loss, but Ian Kinsler has some goat horns as well. After drawing a lead off walk against Kerry Wood in the 8th, Kinsler was picked off for a huge out.

Cano's home run was the first by a left-hander off of Wilson since June, '08.

And Then C.J. Wilson Said....

Every major league team has a player or two to break up the monotony that builds up over a 162 game season. There’s the guy (Kenny Rogers) who gives the hot foot in the dugout. The quirky left-hander (Sparky Lyle) who ceremoniously sits naked in the birthday cakes. The player (Roger McDowell) who puts on a wig and dresses in disguises. And then there’s the Texas Rangers starter who lets his mouth and fingers do the talking. Sometimes entertaining, sometimes controversial, but never boring- that’s C.J. Wilson.

Read the rest of my story for free on BaseballDigest.com.

Good Things Happen To Those Who Don't Watch

I admit it. I shut off the TV last night when the 6th Texas run crossed home plate last night. Down 6-1 against Cliff Lee there was no way the Yankees were coming back.

Only they did.

Now while I messed around on Facebook and played Spider Spolitaire and considered going to bed early, I also kept checking the score on Yahoo Sports.

A wild pitch, a Lance Berkman ribbie double. Brett Gardner finally gets a hit..hmm, 6-4.

Resisting urge to turn the game back on; they're doing fine without me.

Marcus Thames homers off Frank Francisco in the 8th to cut the lead to 6-5. Will NOT put the game on.

The game is tied and two are on...CLICK...we now return you to your normal programming day. Just in time to see Marcus Thames single through the left side to put the Yankees on top 7-6.

But this isn't over yet. Elvus Andrus triples off Mariano Rivera to start the bottom of the 9th. Perhaps I should have left the game off.

But Mo would make Houdini proud.

Michael Young bloops one to right for a sure game tying single. But wait. Austin Kearns shoe top catch saves the day for a moment. Even Mo said "Oh God" to himself when Kearns caught it.

Next Mo gets the league's leading hitter Josh Hamilton to hit a comebacker for the 2nd out. That leaves it up to the dangerous Nelson Cruz, but the big outfielder grounds out to A-Rod. Yankees win. THeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees win!

Notes

Kerry Wood picked up his first win as a Yankee. Though he's walked too many hitters, he's allowed just one earned run and struck out nine in six innings pitched.

Jorge Posada was back behind the dish after sitting out all of Tuesday's game with a sore shoulder.

George King of the NY Post reported that Andy Pettitte was scratched from a simulated start today. No reason was given.

Curtis Granderson has had his swing revamped by Kevin Long in hopes of turning his season around. Granderson will unveil the new look tonight in Kansas City.

Javier Vazquez's last three starts have not been good - 6.1 - 5.1 - 4.1 innings pitched. He's allowed 13 earned runs in the 15 innings with 22 hits and 7 walks.

Rangers Walkoff Cuts Bombers Lead To 1/2 Game

These nights are going to happen; when Mariano Rivera will be human. You just wish they wouldn't happen on nights when the Yankees offense was short handed and short on big hits. On nights when the Yankees have won only 3 of 7 coming in. But they do and tonight was one of them. Texas used three singles, none of them hit hard, and an intentional walk to beat the Yankees 4-3 in 10 innings.

Alex Rodriguez had forced the extra frame with his 601st career home run in the 8th, but the Yankees failed to take the lead despite opportunities in two of the final three innings.

Michael Young beat Derek Jeter's throw to first for an infield single to start the 10th and Josh Hamilton followed with a bouncer through the right side to put two men aboard.

A-Rod temporarily saved the day when he made a diving stop of a Vlad Guerrero ground out and threw out the big DH at 1st base. Rivera intentionally walked Nelson Cruz to load the bases and quickly fell behind David Murphy 3-0. The Yankees closer came back to get the count full, but then left a cutter up in the zone that Murphy laced to right for the game winning RBI.

A.J. Burnett bounced back from his rough outing against Toronto last week and back spams that pushed his start back three days, but gave up a go ahead 2-run blast to Murphy in the 6th.

The Yankees had pushed two runs across the board in 5.1 innings against Rangers starter C.J. Wilson, but it took Rodriguez's 18th home run of the year off of Frank Francisco to even things up. The Yankees, with a starting lineup missing Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano, had a chance to do further damage in the inning when Austin Kearns drew a walk and pinch-runner Curtis Granderson advanced to 2nd base on a wild pitch.

Granderson moved to 3rd on Lance Berkman's fly out, but Francisco Cervelli lined out softly to 1st and Brett Gardner grounded out to short.

The Yankees also had a chance in the 9th against Rangers closer Neftali Feliz. Robinson Cano, who entered the game in the 6th as a pinch-hitter, led off the inning with a single. That's when the Yankees luck ran out. With the hit and run on, Derek Jeter bounced a ball to the right side that Cano had to hold up on to avoid being out for interference. He might as well have been as the bouncer turned into a back breaking 4-6-3 double play.

Notes

Mark Teixeira will miss the conclusion of the series on Wednesday as well. He was with his wife Leigh for the birth of their third child, William Charles.

Robinson Cano sat out the start of the game with a bad cold.

Home plate ump Mike Estabrook was a thorn in the Yankees side all night. He reversed a safe call on Lance Berkman in the early going and had a moving strike zone, especially when Brett Gardner was up. Joe Girardi was so incensed after the call reversal (even though it was the right call), that bench coach Tony Pena came out to usher him off the field.

Guess it's over, call it a day

Guess it's over, call it a day
Sorry that it had to end this way
No reason to pretend
We knew it had to end some day, this way.


We never got the chance to comment about Monday night's debacle as we were in the the city that never sleeps all day yesterday. The only comments we'll make regarding Monday's loss are: 1) Why the hell did Joe Girardi leave Damaso Marte in after he loaded the bases with walks, and 2) If the ball really hit Ian Kinsler, then it hit him out of the box, not in, and he should have been out. Crappy umpiring is, unfortunately, something we've become accustomed to.

As for last night, Andy Pettitte let his teammates down for the second straight start. He got tagged for a 2-run home run by Josh Hamilton in the first inning and a 3-run double by Chris Davis in the 7th.

The Yankees offense was lifeless against rookie left-hander Matt Harrison, before finally coming up with a Richie Sexson grand slam in the 8th that made for an interesting finish. But after Derek Jeter lead off the 9th with a walk against Eddie Guardado, Bobby Abreu went down on strikes and Alex Rodriguez hit into a game-ending double play.

The bullpen imploded again as well. Dave Robertson, who started out so well, had his third straight bad game, and Brian Bruney showed that he doesn't look ready to pitch at the major league level yet.

The Yankees also dropped another game back in the East (6.5) and the Wild Card (3.0).

On the injury front, Joba Chamberlain is headed to see Dr. James Andrews to see what's wrong with his shoulder. This can't be good. Ian Kennedy will reportedly take his next start.

Guess it's over, call it a day

Guess it's over, call it a day
Sorry that it had to end this way
No reason to pretend
We knew it had to end some day, this way.


We never got the chance to comment about Monday night's debacle as we were in the the city that never sleeps all day yesterday. The only comments we'll make regarding Monday's loss are: 1) Why the hell did Joe Girardi leave Damaso Marte in after he loaded the bases with walks, and 2) If the ball really hit Ian Kinsler, then it hit him out of the box, not in, and he should have been out. Crappy umpiring is, unfortunately, something we've become accustomed to.

As for last night, Andy Pettitte let his teammates down for the second straight start. He got tagged for a 2-run home run by Josh Hamilton in the first inning and a 3-run double by Chris Davis in the 7th.

The Yankees offense was lifeless against rookie left-hander Matt Harrison, before finally coming up with a Richie Sexson grand slam in the 8th that made for an interesting finish. But after Derek Jeter lead off the 9th with a walk against Eddie Guardado, Bobby Abreu went down on strikes and Alex Rodriguez hit into a game-ending double play.

The bullpen imploded again as well. Dave Robertson, who started out so well, had his third straight bad game, and Brian Bruney showed that he doesn't look ready to pitch at the major league level yet.

The Yankees also dropped another game back in the East (6.5) and the Wild Card (3.0).

On the injury front, Joba Chamberlain is headed to see Dr. James Andrews to see what's wrong with his shoulder. This can't be good. Ian Kennedy will reportedly take his next start.

Bumbles Bounce!

Yankees bumble their way through

For the 2nd time this week, the Yankees didn't show up for the final game of a series. First there was Monday night's debacle, with the help of ump Gerry Davis, against the M's, and then there was today's flat showing.

Day games after night games are tough, but considering the Texas Rangers lost the first two games of this three game series, you would expect them to be playing back on their heels.

No such luck. The Rangers pounded the Yankees, 14-2.

Chien-Ming Wang was coming off a spectacular performance against the Mariners last Saturday, but looked very ordinary today. A run down in the 5th inning exemplified today's play. Gerald Laird broke off of third on a ground ball in the infield. Jorge Posada threw the ball too quickly to A-Rod, then A-Rod didn't bother throwing the ball to Wang covering home, and lost the foot race to the plate. Instead of the 2nd out, it paved the way to a 3 run inning.

Wang gave up 2 more in the 7th and then Joe Torre turned things over to the bullpen to completely screw things up. Luis Vizcaino and Sean Henn, who is looking very ordinary again, combined to allow 7 more runs before it was all over.

Mike Myers pitched a scoreless 9th and is now, frighteningly, one of the only consistent guys out of the pen.

Brandon McCarthy has struggled all years, but made the Yankees lineup (again without Jason Giambi) look very vanilla. The Yankees fared no better against the pen.

~~~

Melky Cabrera hit his 1st HR of the year. The last one he hit was also against Brandon McCarthy.

Derek Jeter went 2-3 with a walk to raise his league leading average to .368.

Bumbles Bounce!

Yankees bumble their way through

For the 2nd time this week, the Yankees didn't show up for the final game of a series. First there was Monday night's debacle, with the help of ump Gerry Davis, against the M's, and then there was today's flat showing.

Day games after night games are tough, but considering the Texas Rangers lost the first two games of this three game series, you would expect them to be playing back on their heels.

No such luck. The Rangers pounded the Yankees, 14-2.

Chien-Ming Wang was coming off a spectacular performance against the Mariners last Saturday, but looked very ordinary today. A run down in the 5th inning exemplified today's play. Gerald Laird broke off of third on a ground ball in the infield. Jorge Posada threw the ball too quickly to A-Rod, then A-Rod didn't bother throwing the ball to Wang covering home, and lost the foot race to the plate. Instead of the 2nd out, it paved the way to a 3 run inning.

Wang gave up 2 more in the 7th and then Joe Torre turned things over to the bullpen to completely screw things up. Luis Vizcaino and Sean Henn, who is looking very ordinary again, combined to allow 7 more runs before it was all over.

Mike Myers pitched a scoreless 9th and is now, frighteningly, one of the only consistent guys out of the pen.

Brandon McCarthy has struggled all years, but made the Yankees lineup (again without Jason Giambi) look very vanilla. The Yankees fared no better against the pen.

~~~

Melky Cabrera hit his 1st HR of the year. The last one he hit was also against Brandon McCarthy.

Derek Jeter went 2-3 with a walk to raise his league leading average to .368.

Baseball Daze

Yankees vs. Rangers, 1:00

Though I can't (make that won't since I'm not paying for mlb.tv) watch the game at work, listening to it certainly makes the day go faster.

Here are today's lineups:

Brandon McCarthy vs. Chien-Ming Wang

Texas

Lofton CF
Wilkerson LF
Teixeira 1B
Sosa DH
Blalock 3B
Kinsler 2B
Kata SS
Cruz RF
Laird C


Yankees

Damon CF
Abreu RF
Jeter SS
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B
Cabrera LF

No Giambi again today. He was going to a specialist this morning to check out the bone spur in his ankle.

Baseball Daze

Yankees vs. Rangers, 1:00

Though I can't (make that won't since I'm not paying for mlb.tv) watch the game at work, listening to it certainly makes the day go faster.

Here are today's lineups:

Brandon McCarthy vs. Chien-Ming Wang

Texas

Lofton CF
Wilkerson LF
Teixeira 1B
Sosa DH
Blalock 3B
Kinsler 2B
Kata SS
Cruz RF
Laird C


Yankees

Damon CF
Abreu RF
Jeter SS
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B
Cabrera LF

No Giambi again today. He was going to a specialist this morning to check out the bone spur in his ankle.

Even Steven

Back to .500

The way this season has progressed, the Yankees have to very thankful for the existence of the Texas Rangers. With one more game set for tomorrow afternoon, the Yankees are 5-0 vs. the Rangers, after tonight's 6-2 win, and 11-16 against the rest of the league. Mike Mussina dominated the Rangers for the 2nd week in a row, and lo' and behold, Will Nieves got off the schneid.

Moose was on an 85 pitch count and hit that number exactly in his 6 innings of work. Despite the quality start, Joe Torre "managed" to overwork the bullpen again. But let's get to the positives first - starting pitching. The Yankee's starting rotation has allowed only 5 runs in 33.2 innings (1.34 ERA) over the last 5 games. They've gone 4-1 in those games.

Derek Jeter had a pair of hits, 3 RBI (5 in the 1st 2 games of the series), and stole a base. Jeter is now hitting .362. He and Alex Rodriguez were the only 2 hitters in the lineup hitting above .263.

One of the guys hitting .000 coming into this one was Wil Nieves, the backup catcher. But after grounding out hard to 3rd, and laying down a successful sacrifice bunt, Nieves finally ripped a base hit into left field in the 6th. The Yankee's dugout burst into laughter when Nieves was promptly gunned by Brad Wilkerson trying to stretch it into a double.

Now back to the negative. As we all know the bullpen has been overworked due to the rash of injuries and ineffective appearances by the Yankee's rotation. Well tonight Torre basically ran the entire pen out there despite a 6-2 lead and 6 very effective innings from his starter. This all with a day game tomorrow!

Brian Bruney was the 1st to enter the fray, giving up a lead off single to Sammy Sosa, and issuing a 1-out walk to Ian Kinsler. As his want, Torre immediately panicked and went to the pen.

Mike Myers came in and retired Wilkerson on a pop up to 3rd and was promptly pulled. Torre then went to Scott Proctor, who struck out Nelson Cruz to end the inning.

Now here's the issue. Why pull Proctor after 1 batter? Why not let him pitch the 8th and then go to Farnsworth or Rivera in the 9th, rather using them both (which what he did in the 8th and 9th). It would be one thing if these guys needed the work, but they don't need to be in every damn game. Proctor threw just 4 pitches. Why get these guys into the game for such a short appearance? Torre will never learn.

Even Steven

Back to .500

The way this season has progressed, the Yankees have to very thankful for the existence of the Texas Rangers. With one more game set for tomorrow afternoon, the Yankees are 5-0 vs. the Rangers, after tonight's 6-2 win, and 11-16 against the rest of the league. Mike Mussina dominated the Rangers for the 2nd week in a row, and lo' and behold, Will Nieves got off the schneid.

Moose was on an 85 pitch count and hit that number exactly in his 6 innings of work. Despite the quality start, Joe Torre "managed" to overwork the bullpen again. But let's get to the positives first - starting pitching. The Yankee's starting rotation has allowed only 5 runs in 33.2 innings (1.34 ERA) over the last 5 games. They've gone 4-1 in those games.

Derek Jeter had a pair of hits, 3 RBI (5 in the 1st 2 games of the series), and stole a base. Jeter is now hitting .362. He and Alex Rodriguez were the only 2 hitters in the lineup hitting above .263.

One of the guys hitting .000 coming into this one was Wil Nieves, the backup catcher. But after grounding out hard to 3rd, and laying down a successful sacrifice bunt, Nieves finally ripped a base hit into left field in the 6th. The Yankee's dugout burst into laughter when Nieves was promptly gunned by Brad Wilkerson trying to stretch it into a double.

Now back to the negative. As we all know the bullpen has been overworked due to the rash of injuries and ineffective appearances by the Yankee's rotation. Well tonight Torre basically ran the entire pen out there despite a 6-2 lead and 6 very effective innings from his starter. This all with a day game tomorrow!

Brian Bruney was the 1st to enter the fray, giving up a lead off single to Sammy Sosa, and issuing a 1-out walk to Ian Kinsler. As his want, Torre immediately panicked and went to the pen.

Mike Myers came in and retired Wilkerson on a pop up to 3rd and was promptly pulled. Torre then went to Scott Proctor, who struck out Nelson Cruz to end the inning.

Now here's the issue. Why pull Proctor after 1 batter? Why not let him pitch the 8th and then go to Farnsworth or Rivera in the 9th, rather using them both (which what he did in the 8th and 9th). It would be one thing if these guys needed the work, but they don't need to be in every damn game. Proctor threw just 4 pitches. Why get these guys into the game for such a short appearance? Torre will never learn.

No Giambi, No Posada and Another New Lineup

Tonight's starting lineup

Damon DH
Abreu RF
Jeter SS
Roddriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Mientkiewicz 1B
Nieves C

Interesting putting Abreu in the 2-hole ahead of Jeter. Actually makes sense with 2 big bats out of the lineup. The walking injury known as Jason Giambi has been diagnosed with a bone spur in his left foot. This is causing plantar fasciitis, an extremely painful condition that will make Giambi even slower (if that is somehow possible).

Jorge Posada gets a day off, which I can't stand. Not that he doesn't need rest from behind the plate, but have him DH. Yes, I know with 2 catchers you run the risk of having to move Posada behind the plate and lose the DH spot. But what are the odds of it happening? With Giambi already out of the lineup, the Yanks could use Jorgie in there.

Which will come first?

Roger Clemens' first game back as a Yankee or Will Nieves' first hit of the season? Toss up for sure.

No Giambi, No Posada and Another New Lineup

Tonight's starting lineup

Damon DH
Abreu RF
Jeter SS
Roddriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Mientkiewicz 1B
Nieves C

Interesting putting Abreu in the 2-hole ahead of Jeter. Actually makes sense with 2 big bats out of the lineup. The walking injury known as Jason Giambi has been diagnosed with a bone spur in his left foot. This is causing plantar fasciitis, an extremely painful condition that will make Giambi even slower (if that is somehow possible).

Jorge Posada gets a day off, which I can't stand. Not that he doesn't need rest from behind the plate, but have him DH. Yes, I know with 2 catchers you run the risk of having to move Posada behind the plate and lose the DH spot. But what are the odds of it happening? With Giambi already out of the lineup, the Yanks could use Jorgie in there.

Which will come first?

Roger Clemens' first game back as a Yankee or Will Nieves' first hit of the season? Toss up for sure.