Win Despite Slugger's 7 RBI
Bernie Williams went 5-5 and the Yankees rallied from three deficits to top Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies 9-7. The Yankees won the game, but Howard was the talk of the game. The 2nd year slugger belted two home runs and drove in a career high 7 runs - accounting for all the Phillies runs. Mariano Rivera faced Howard in one final showdown with the tying runs on base and two out in the bottom of the 9th. Howard could only manage a weak grounder to Miguel Cairo at 2nd for the final out of the game. The anticipated showdown only took one pitch - a cutter of course.
Arthur Rhodes came in to start the eighth for the Phillies, which probably brought a smile to the Yankees faces. Any Yankee fan over the age of 4 remembers David Justice's ALCS bomb off of Rhodes in 2000. That's just one of the many successes the Yankees have had against the lefty. Bernie Williams hit one in the hole on the left side that went off of third baseman David Bell's glove. It was originally scored an error, but was later changed to Bernie's 4th hit of the night. Rhodes then proceeded to walk Cairo, who had replaced Robinson Cano in a double-switch, to put the tying runs on base. Melky Cabrera mired in a June swoon at the plate, delivered with an RBI single between Howard and the first base line to shave the lead to 7-6. Rhodes then got ahead of Johnny Damon 1-2, before Damon hit a shot to deep center for a two-run triple and an 8-7 Yankees lead. Charlie Manuel finally gave Rhodes the hook, but Derek Jeter provided an insurance run with an RBI single off of Ryan Franklin. Joe Torre wasn't going to mess with his pen any longer and brought in Rivera for a six-out save.
Mike Mussina quickly found out how much power Howard has in the first inning. With one on and two out, Mussina's 3-1 pitch was clearly a strike to Pat Burrell. But home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom clearly missed it. It led to a quick exchange of words between the two. Howard then crushed a Mussina offering into the upper deck in left-center, some 416 feet away. It was the first ball hit in the upper deck in the brief history of Citizens Bank Park.
The Yankees got one run back in the 2nd on Williams first hit of the night. It scored Robinson Cano who had doubled to break an 0-8 slide. Jason Giambi belted his 20th home run to start the 4th and Kevin Reese later singled in a run to briefly tie the game at 3-3. It was brief because in the bottom of the inning Howard took Mussina deep again. This time a 2-run shot that put him one behind the league leader Albert Pujols with 25.
Jorge Posada hit his 10th home run of the season in the 6th to cut the margin to one and the Yankees tied it up in the 7th when Alex Rodriguez singled through the right side to score Johnny Damon from 2nd.
The lead was short-lived again though as the Phillies took the lead right back in the bottom half of the inning. Once again Howard delivered the big blow. Ron Villone hit Chase Utley with a one-out pitch, but bounced back to strike out Bobby Abreu for the 2nd out. Joe Torre sent for Scott Proctor to face Pat Burell, but Proctor failed to do his job, walking Burrell on 4 pitches. Torre then sent for lefty specialist Mike Myers to face Howard. Howard roped a pitch into the right field corner that results in a two-run triple and a 7-5 lead. Torre quickly exited the dugout and brought in rookie T.J. Beam to face Aaron Rowand. Though it's starting to look like Bernie Williams needs a golf cart to get to balls int the far reaches of the outfield, he made a sliding catching on Rowand's blooper to save another run from scoring.
Notes
Derek Jeter was hit just above the left knee by a Corey Lidle pitch and was noticeably hobbling. Of course Jeter said he expects to play tonight.
Jorge Posada's home run gave him 185 for his career. It tied him with Paul O'Neill for 13th on the all time Yankee list.
Bernie Williams's double in the 9th gave him a perfect 5-5 evening. It was the 5th five hit game of his career and his first since 2002.
Mariano Rivera batted for the first time in a regular season game. He had previously come up to hit three times in the post-season. Rivera took strike one from Franklin and then took two weak swing and misses. If Mo had been standing any further away from the plate he would have been sitting in the stands. It provided a good laugh for the whole team though.
Outfielder Kevin Reese was recalled before the game and contributed immediately with an RBI single. Jose Veras was sent back to Columbus after a one game recall in which he did not make an appearance.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Myers, Phils Edge Yankees 4-2
Burrell Loves New York
Pat Burrell showed last night that he likes to feast on all New York pitching not just that of the Mets. Burrell's 2-run double was the key hit in the Phillies 4-2 win over the slumping Yankees. Randy Johnson pitched an effective 7 innings for the visitors, allowing 3 runs and limiting the Phillies to 5 hits. But despite some control problems, Brett Myers (5-3) out performed the Unit, striking out 11 in a 6 innings stint to pick up the victory. Tom Gordon stuck it to his old teammates by retiring the side in order. Gordon punctuated the inning by firing a 95 mph high fastball past Jason Giambi to close it out. The loss was the Yankees third in a row and eighth in the last eleven games played.
The Yankees held the lead briefly when Giambi blasted his 19th home run into the upper deck in right field to lead off the 4th inning. The Yankees had a chance for more when Alex Rodriguez followed with a double and Myers issued one of his six walks to Jorge Posada. But Myers bounced back, striking out Robinson Cano, Bubba Crosby, and Johnson to escape the threat.
Johnson (8-6) faced the minimum 10 hitters (Aaron Rowand reached on a single, but was caught stealing) through the first 3 innings, but the Phillies answered right back at him in the bottom of the 4th. Shane Victorino's one-out bouncer up the middle was thrown wide of first by Cano. The play was generously scored a hit and an error with Victorino reaching second. Chase Utley followed with a walk to bring up Burrell who has made quite a reputation for himself against the Mets (35 career HRs). Burrell came in hitting just .192 (5-26) against the Yankees, but ripped a Johnson pitch into the right field corner. Burrell cruised into 2nd with a stand up double as both runners scored to put the Phillies on top 2-1.
The Yankees tried to get one back in the top of the sixth, but the Phillies middle infield defense began saving the night. 2nd Baseman Abraham Nunez made a diving stop on a ball hit up the middle by Johnson, robbing the Unit of an RBI single. The Phillies took advantage of their sixth inning opportunity. Aaron Rowand built up a reputation last season as a Yankee killer with his glove when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox. Rowand showed that he swings a pretty good bat as well when he doubled in Victorino with two out in the 6th to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Yankees had a chance to pull even in the 7th when they loaded the bases with two down. Johnny Damon led off with a single and Myers issued back-to-back two-out walks to Giambi and A-Rod to earn a trip to the showers. Phillie's manager Charlie Manuel sent for veteran Rheal Cormier to have the switch-hitting Posada turn around to the right side. This time it was shortstop Jimmy Rollins's turn to come up big. Posada hit a hard grounder in the hole between short and third, but a diving Rollins stopped it. Though he had no play on a runner and Damon scored, it prevented the tying run from coming home. Cormier than retired Cano on a ground out to preserve the lead.
The Phillies added an insurance run in the eighth after loading the bases against the erratic Kyle Farnsworth. Farnsworth struck out David Bell for what would have been the third out, but the ball skipped under Jorge Posada to score Rollins from third and keep the inning going. Tom Gordon (20th Save) came on in the 9th and the game was over in a flash.
Last night marked the first time that Tom Gordon faced the Yankees since September 22, 2003. Gordon was the winning pitcher that day in a 6-3, 10 inning victory by the White Sox. Bartolo Colon was the starter for Chicago with David Wells going for the Yankees. Magglio Ordonez hit a game winning 3-run shot off of Jeff Weaver. Sometimes it's not good to look back.
Whether or not it was a result of off days for his bad back, Kyle Farnsworth appeared to have no clue where his pitches were going. Come to think of it, it's usually that way when his back feels fine.
Jorge Posada had trouble all night getting on the same page with Randy Johnson and it continued with Farnsworth.
Robinson Cano has quickly cooled off, going hitless in his last 8 at-bats.
Pat Burrell showed last night that he likes to feast on all New York pitching not just that of the Mets. Burrell's 2-run double was the key hit in the Phillies 4-2 win over the slumping Yankees. Randy Johnson pitched an effective 7 innings for the visitors, allowing 3 runs and limiting the Phillies to 5 hits. But despite some control problems, Brett Myers (5-3) out performed the Unit, striking out 11 in a 6 innings stint to pick up the victory. Tom Gordon stuck it to his old teammates by retiring the side in order. Gordon punctuated the inning by firing a 95 mph high fastball past Jason Giambi to close it out. The loss was the Yankees third in a row and eighth in the last eleven games played.
The Yankees held the lead briefly when Giambi blasted his 19th home run into the upper deck in right field to lead off the 4th inning. The Yankees had a chance for more when Alex Rodriguez followed with a double and Myers issued one of his six walks to Jorge Posada. But Myers bounced back, striking out Robinson Cano, Bubba Crosby, and Johnson to escape the threat.
Johnson (8-6) faced the minimum 10 hitters (Aaron Rowand reached on a single, but was caught stealing) through the first 3 innings, but the Phillies answered right back at him in the bottom of the 4th. Shane Victorino's one-out bouncer up the middle was thrown wide of first by Cano. The play was generously scored a hit and an error with Victorino reaching second. Chase Utley followed with a walk to bring up Burrell who has made quite a reputation for himself against the Mets (35 career HRs). Burrell came in hitting just .192 (5-26) against the Yankees, but ripped a Johnson pitch into the right field corner. Burrell cruised into 2nd with a stand up double as both runners scored to put the Phillies on top 2-1.
The Yankees tried to get one back in the top of the sixth, but the Phillies middle infield defense began saving the night. 2nd Baseman Abraham Nunez made a diving stop on a ball hit up the middle by Johnson, robbing the Unit of an RBI single. The Phillies took advantage of their sixth inning opportunity. Aaron Rowand built up a reputation last season as a Yankee killer with his glove when he was a member of the Chicago White Sox. Rowand showed that he swings a pretty good bat as well when he doubled in Victorino with two out in the 6th to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Yankees had a chance to pull even in the 7th when they loaded the bases with two down. Johnny Damon led off with a single and Myers issued back-to-back two-out walks to Giambi and A-Rod to earn a trip to the showers. Phillie's manager Charlie Manuel sent for veteran Rheal Cormier to have the switch-hitting Posada turn around to the right side. This time it was shortstop Jimmy Rollins's turn to come up big. Posada hit a hard grounder in the hole between short and third, but a diving Rollins stopped it. Though he had no play on a runner and Damon scored, it prevented the tying run from coming home. Cormier than retired Cano on a ground out to preserve the lead.
The Phillies added an insurance run in the eighth after loading the bases against the erratic Kyle Farnsworth. Farnsworth struck out David Bell for what would have been the third out, but the ball skipped under Jorge Posada to score Rollins from third and keep the inning going. Tom Gordon (20th Save) came on in the 9th and the game was over in a flash.
Last night marked the first time that Tom Gordon faced the Yankees since September 22, 2003. Gordon was the winning pitcher that day in a 6-3, 10 inning victory by the White Sox. Bartolo Colon was the starter for Chicago with David Wells going for the Yankees. Magglio Ordonez hit a game winning 3-run shot off of Jeff Weaver. Sometimes it's not good to look back.
Whether or not it was a result of off days for his bad back, Kyle Farnsworth appeared to have no clue where his pitches were going. Come to think of it, it's usually that way when his back feels fine.
Jorge Posada had trouble all night getting on the same page with Randy Johnson and it continued with Farnsworth.
Robinson Cano has quickly cooled off, going hitless in his last 8 at-bats.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Major League Monday
Can some explain the Oakland A's to me? Year after year we see the same thing. Mediocre or worse baseball through May and then a June explosion. The term "June Swoon" has often been heard for teams for the Chicago Cubs, but a new phrase has to be coined for the A's. The A's had compiled a very mediocre 24-29 mark through May 31st of this season. Since then they have gone 14-2 and are in the midst of a 10 game winning streak. They are now 38-31 overall and in first place, 1/2 game ahead of the Texas Rangers.
So much for the young pitching studs in baseball. 41-year old Kenny Rogers and 40-year old Tommy Glavine have become the first 10 game winners in the American and National Leagues. Rogers is 10-3 overall with a 3.17 ERA. That's practically miniscule in the hitter heavy AL. The league is hitting just .236 against him as he leads the resurgent Detroit Tigers. Rogers last victory was also the 200th of his career.
Glavine has struggled a bit of late, but has been the most consistent Mets pitcher all year. Glavine's 10-2, 3.48 mark will have him headed towards the All-Star game. The NL is hitting just .247 against him. With 285 career wins he has a good shot at winning his 300th next season.
Several rookies are enjoying outstanding seasons including two hard throwing AL'ers. Francisco Liriano was supposed to spend the season in the bullpen for the Minnesota Twins. The plan was to bring him along slowly as they had done with Johann Santana. But outside of Santana the entire rotation was struggling and the Twins weren't winning. Time to go to Plan 'B'. Liriano joined the rotation on May 19 and has produced staggering numbers as his innings pitched have increased. He's 6-1 in his 7 starts, allowing just 20 hits in 36 innings pitched. He's walked 13, struck out 35, and has allowed just 1 home run while compiling a 1.50 ERA. For the season Liriano 6-1, 2.16 and one save. If the Twins can get some more bats and a solid #3 next season (or Brad Radke turns it around), the AL Central better look out.
Justin Verlander came to the Detroit Tigers this season with high expectations and he has exceeded most expectations. His fastball has read triple digits on the radar gun and he's struck out 53 in 89-plus innings. Verlander has gone at least 5 innings in all but one of his 14 starts and has compiled an 8-4 mark with a 3.21 ERA. Over a three start stretch in May he put 20 consecutive scoreless innings, walked just 2 and struck out 12. He'll have to continue to dominate if Detroit is to be in the Central Division and wild card races in September.
Roger Clemens will make his 2006 Major League debut on Thursday as the Astros host the Minnesota Twins. He'll be opposed by the aforementioned Liriano.
Former Yankee closer John Wetteland was fired last week as bullpen coach of the Washington Nationals. Manager Frank Robinson had warned Wetteland to cut down the hijinx and concentrate more on pitching. When Wetteland didn't comply he was shown the door.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit .386 in May and is hitting a scorching .441 for June. He raised his average from April 30 from .319 to .380. Mauer has also treated pitchers equally, hitting .373 against left-handers and .383 against righties. The Reds Ernie Lombardi ('42) was the last catcher to win a batting title. No AL catcher has ever won it.
Update 5:00
Veterans J.T. Snow and Tony Batista have been designated for assignment by the Red Sox and Twins respectively.
So much for the young pitching studs in baseball. 41-year old Kenny Rogers and 40-year old Tommy Glavine have become the first 10 game winners in the American and National Leagues. Rogers is 10-3 overall with a 3.17 ERA. That's practically miniscule in the hitter heavy AL. The league is hitting just .236 against him as he leads the resurgent Detroit Tigers. Rogers last victory was also the 200th of his career.
Glavine has struggled a bit of late, but has been the most consistent Mets pitcher all year. Glavine's 10-2, 3.48 mark will have him headed towards the All-Star game. The NL is hitting just .247 against him. With 285 career wins he has a good shot at winning his 300th next season.
Several rookies are enjoying outstanding seasons including two hard throwing AL'ers. Francisco Liriano was supposed to spend the season in the bullpen for the Minnesota Twins. The plan was to bring him along slowly as they had done with Johann Santana. But outside of Santana the entire rotation was struggling and the Twins weren't winning. Time to go to Plan 'B'. Liriano joined the rotation on May 19 and has produced staggering numbers as his innings pitched have increased. He's 6-1 in his 7 starts, allowing just 20 hits in 36 innings pitched. He's walked 13, struck out 35, and has allowed just 1 home run while compiling a 1.50 ERA. For the season Liriano 6-1, 2.16 and one save. If the Twins can get some more bats and a solid #3 next season (or Brad Radke turns it around), the AL Central better look out.
Justin Verlander came to the Detroit Tigers this season with high expectations and he has exceeded most expectations. His fastball has read triple digits on the radar gun and he's struck out 53 in 89-plus innings. Verlander has gone at least 5 innings in all but one of his 14 starts and has compiled an 8-4 mark with a 3.21 ERA. Over a three start stretch in May he put 20 consecutive scoreless innings, walked just 2 and struck out 12. He'll have to continue to dominate if Detroit is to be in the Central Division and wild card races in September.
Roger Clemens will make his 2006 Major League debut on Thursday as the Astros host the Minnesota Twins. He'll be opposed by the aforementioned Liriano.
Former Yankee closer John Wetteland was fired last week as bullpen coach of the Washington Nationals. Manager Frank Robinson had warned Wetteland to cut down the hijinx and concentrate more on pitching. When Wetteland didn't comply he was shown the door.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit .386 in May and is hitting a scorching .441 for June. He raised his average from April 30 from .319 to .380. Mauer has also treated pitchers equally, hitting .373 against left-handers and .383 against righties. The Reds Ernie Lombardi ('42) was the last catcher to win a batting title. No AL catcher has ever won it.
Update 5:00
Veterans J.T. Snow and Tony Batista have been designated for assignment by the Red Sox and Twins respectively.
Nationals Walk Off With Series 3-2
Zimmerman Blast Ruins Wang Effort
After Saturday's debacle and burning the bullpen on back-to-back days, the Yankees got exactly what they needed from Chien-Ming Wang yesterday. Joe Torre knew Wang needed to give him innings with a lack of fresh arms to bring in. Wang pitched beautifully until he hung his final pitch of the game to Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The stand-out rookie drilled it over the left field fence with a man aboard to give the Nats a 3-2 come-from-behind-win. It capped off a madcap weekend in the Nation's capital that saw the Yankees drop back into second place. The Bombers have now dropped 7 of their last 10 games.
Nationals rookie left-hander Mike O'Connor matched Wang's effectiveness for most of the game. O'Connor had two ingredients the Yankees struggle with. A pitcher they've never faced before who's repertoire does not include hard stuff. Derek Jeter helped the Yankees finally touch O'Connor up in the 6th when he led off with a double and advance to third on a wild pitch. Jorge Posada's sacrifice fly brought Jeter in to tie the game at one apiece.
Meanwhile Wang was cruising along, allowing just 3 hits through the first 7 innings. He'd wind up with 17 ground ball outs on the day. The Yankees gave him the lead in the 8th when Melky Cabrera worked a lead off walk against reliever Gary Majewski and came around on Alex Rodriguez's double in the gap in left-center.
Wang started to tire in the 8th as his pitch count rose and the temperature remained scorchingly hot. He issued his first two walks of the day to Brendan Harris and Alfonso Soriano to set up a two on, two out situation for Jose Vidro. Vidro hit a gapper to left-center, but Cabrera made a fine running back-handed grab to preserve the lead. If only Mariano Rivera had been available to protect that lead in the 9th.
Notes
Kyle Farnsworth threw a bullpen session on Sunday and felt good afterwards. He hopes to be available for tonight's game with the Phillies.
Octavio Dotel is expected to be recalled within 10 days. The way the pen has been overworked, it may be sooner rather than later.
Shawn Chacon and Jaret Wright are going to be separated in the rotation due to their inability to pitch deep into games. Joe Torre feels this is the only way to rest up his beleagured pen.
Robinson Cano went 0-4 on Sunday, ending his 15 game hitting streak. Cano was 28-62 (.451) during the streak, raising his average from .293 to .332.
The Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Atlanta Braves to move 1 game ahead of the Yankees. The Toronto Blue Jays got swept by the Florida Marlins and fell to 2 games back.
After Saturday's debacle and burning the bullpen on back-to-back days, the Yankees got exactly what they needed from Chien-Ming Wang yesterday. Joe Torre knew Wang needed to give him innings with a lack of fresh arms to bring in. Wang pitched beautifully until he hung his final pitch of the game to Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The stand-out rookie drilled it over the left field fence with a man aboard to give the Nats a 3-2 come-from-behind-win. It capped off a madcap weekend in the Nation's capital that saw the Yankees drop back into second place. The Bombers have now dropped 7 of their last 10 games.
Nationals rookie left-hander Mike O'Connor matched Wang's effectiveness for most of the game. O'Connor had two ingredients the Yankees struggle with. A pitcher they've never faced before who's repertoire does not include hard stuff. Derek Jeter helped the Yankees finally touch O'Connor up in the 6th when he led off with a double and advance to third on a wild pitch. Jorge Posada's sacrifice fly brought Jeter in to tie the game at one apiece.
Meanwhile Wang was cruising along, allowing just 3 hits through the first 7 innings. He'd wind up with 17 ground ball outs on the day. The Yankees gave him the lead in the 8th when Melky Cabrera worked a lead off walk against reliever Gary Majewski and came around on Alex Rodriguez's double in the gap in left-center.
Wang started to tire in the 8th as his pitch count rose and the temperature remained scorchingly hot. He issued his first two walks of the day to Brendan Harris and Alfonso Soriano to set up a two on, two out situation for Jose Vidro. Vidro hit a gapper to left-center, but Cabrera made a fine running back-handed grab to preserve the lead. If only Mariano Rivera had been available to protect that lead in the 9th.
Notes
Kyle Farnsworth threw a bullpen session on Sunday and felt good afterwards. He hopes to be available for tonight's game with the Phillies.
Octavio Dotel is expected to be recalled within 10 days. The way the pen has been overworked, it may be sooner rather than later.
Shawn Chacon and Jaret Wright are going to be separated in the rotation due to their inability to pitch deep into games. Joe Torre feels this is the only way to rest up his beleagured pen.
Robinson Cano went 0-4 on Sunday, ending his 15 game hitting streak. Cano was 28-62 (.451) during the streak, raising his average from .293 to .332.
The Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Atlanta Braves to move 1 game ahead of the Yankees. The Toronto Blue Jays got swept by the Florida Marlins and fell to 2 games back.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Turn-Back-The-Clock Bernie Topples Nats 7-5
Game Winning HR Caps 4 Hit Night
Bernie Williams knows that his days in a Yankees uniform grow shorter and shorter, but for now he's going to make the most of it. Williams hit the game winning home run Friday night as the Yankees rallied from a 5-3 deficit to top the Washington Nationals 7-5. Playing in RFK Stadium for the first time since September 30, 1971. Ironically, the Washington Senators led that game 7-5 before fans stormed the field, resulting in a forfeit.
This time the Nationals led 5-3 in the 8th when Williams led off with a single off of reliever Gary Majewski. Singles by Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon loaded the bases with one out with the heart of the Yankees order coming up. Melky Cabrera, who earlier in the game was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, came through with a line single to left that cut the margin to 5-4. The ball went past the oustretched dive of shortstop Royce Clayton who had to leave the game with a bruised shoulder.
Derek Jeter then worked a seven pitch walk to force home the tying run. Former Yankee Mike Stanton came on to get Jason Giambi on a pop-up and closer Chad Cordero struck out Alex Rodriguez as the Yankees stranded three.
In the 9th, Bernie Williams continued his hot streak turning on a Cordero (2-2) fastball and driving it over the 380 ft. sign in right-center. Yankees fans filled out a large portion of the 44,000-plus in attendance and serenaded the game with chants of "Bernie, Bernie". Williams has gone 9-15 over the last four games to raise his average from .260 to .286. The hits have included 2 home runs and 4 doubles.
Johnny Damon's sacrifice fly gave the Yankees an insurance run and Mariano Rivera (4-3), who came on with one out in the 8th after Kyle Farnsworth was forced to exit with back spasms, easily retired the side in order in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the win.
Yankees starter Jaret Wright struggled throughout the night and was pulled after walking lead off hitter Nick Johnson in the 6th. Johnson came around to score on rookie Ryan Zimmerman's hit and run double off of Scott Proctor. Proctor retired the next 6 men he faced to keep the Bombers in the game. Wright earlier allowed Alfonso Soriano's 24th home run of the season, a 2-run shot well over the 410-ft sign in center field.
The National started rookie right hander Shawn Hill who appeared to be ready to exit the ball game in the 4th after hitting Cabrera. But Hill bounced back and got Jeter to bounce into an innnig ending double play. Hill was in position to win the game after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings.
Notes
Bernie Williams has 4 of his 6 home runs in June. The warm weather and increased playing time seem to agree with him.
Alex Rodriguez struck out twice more in big situations, slamming his bat down in frustration when he left the bases loaded in the 8th. Hitting coach Don Mattingly believes he has found a mechanical flaw in Rodriguez's swing that has caused him to shift his weight forward too quickly. This has resulted in a decrease in bat speed.
Kyle Farnsworth fielded Jose Vidro's eighth inning grounder, threw to first for the out, and immediately doubled over with back spasms. His back completely locked up on him and he's expected to miss the remaining games in the series. In need of an extra arm, the Yankees are expected to recall T.J. Beam from Triple-A Columbus. Beam started the season at Trenton before being promoted. Kevin Thompson will be demoted to make room on the roster.
Octavio Dotel threw 1 1-3 innings at Columbus last night as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Dotel threw 32 pitches, 21 for strikes, while allowing 2 hits and striking out 3.
Bernie Williams knows that his days in a Yankees uniform grow shorter and shorter, but for now he's going to make the most of it. Williams hit the game winning home run Friday night as the Yankees rallied from a 5-3 deficit to top the Washington Nationals 7-5. Playing in RFK Stadium for the first time since September 30, 1971. Ironically, the Washington Senators led that game 7-5 before fans stormed the field, resulting in a forfeit.
This time the Nationals led 5-3 in the 8th when Williams led off with a single off of reliever Gary Majewski. Singles by Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon loaded the bases with one out with the heart of the Yankees order coming up. Melky Cabrera, who earlier in the game was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, came through with a line single to left that cut the margin to 5-4. The ball went past the oustretched dive of shortstop Royce Clayton who had to leave the game with a bruised shoulder.
Derek Jeter then worked a seven pitch walk to force home the tying run. Former Yankee Mike Stanton came on to get Jason Giambi on a pop-up and closer Chad Cordero struck out Alex Rodriguez as the Yankees stranded three.
In the 9th, Bernie Williams continued his hot streak turning on a Cordero (2-2) fastball and driving it over the 380 ft. sign in right-center. Yankees fans filled out a large portion of the 44,000-plus in attendance and serenaded the game with chants of "Bernie, Bernie". Williams has gone 9-15 over the last four games to raise his average from .260 to .286. The hits have included 2 home runs and 4 doubles.
Johnny Damon's sacrifice fly gave the Yankees an insurance run and Mariano Rivera (4-3), who came on with one out in the 8th after Kyle Farnsworth was forced to exit with back spasms, easily retired the side in order in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the win.
Yankees starter Jaret Wright struggled throughout the night and was pulled after walking lead off hitter Nick Johnson in the 6th. Johnson came around to score on rookie Ryan Zimmerman's hit and run double off of Scott Proctor. Proctor retired the next 6 men he faced to keep the Bombers in the game. Wright earlier allowed Alfonso Soriano's 24th home run of the season, a 2-run shot well over the 410-ft sign in center field.
The National started rookie right hander Shawn Hill who appeared to be ready to exit the ball game in the 4th after hitting Cabrera. But Hill bounced back and got Jeter to bounce into an innnig ending double play. Hill was in position to win the game after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings.
Notes
Bernie Williams has 4 of his 6 home runs in June. The warm weather and increased playing time seem to agree with him.
Alex Rodriguez struck out twice more in big situations, slamming his bat down in frustration when he left the bases loaded in the 8th. Hitting coach Don Mattingly believes he has found a mechanical flaw in Rodriguez's swing that has caused him to shift his weight forward too quickly. This has resulted in a decrease in bat speed.
Kyle Farnsworth fielded Jose Vidro's eighth inning grounder, threw to first for the out, and immediately doubled over with back spasms. His back completely locked up on him and he's expected to miss the remaining games in the series. In need of an extra arm, the Yankees are expected to recall T.J. Beam from Triple-A Columbus. Beam started the season at Trenton before being promoted. Kevin Thompson will be demoted to make room on the roster.
Octavio Dotel threw 1 1-3 innings at Columbus last night as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Dotel threw 32 pitches, 21 for strikes, while allowing 2 hits and striking out 3.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Yankees Win Battle of Johnson & Johnson, 6-1
Hard Nosed Effort Pays Off
You could see the difference in Randy Johnson's demeanor right from the start of last night's Yankees-Cleveland Indians game and it paid off in the end. Johnson breezed through 6 plus innings before being ejected for throwing a retaliatory pitch at Eduardo Perez. Johnny Damon and Andy Phillips each homered as the Yankees rolled over the Indians 6-1. Mike Mussina will face off against Cliff Lee this afternoon as the Yankees try to complete a three game sweep.
Johnson displayed some of the form that made him a perennial All-Star before coming to New York. His fastball was often in the 95-97 mph range and he had a hard biting slider to go along with it. He threw 84 pitches, 55 of them for strikes, allowed just 4 hits while walking none and striking out 6. At one point he retired 11 straight hitters. Overall it was a huge improvement from everything we've seen in over a month. Maybe more importantly he stood up for his teammates, something Yankee pitchers under Joe Torre have been reluctant to do.
Tempers started flaring when Jorge Posada took exception to being hit by a Jason Johnson pitch on his right elbow. Posada held onto his bat and slowly made his way to first, barking at Johnson as he did so. Johnson shot back by basically telling Posada to shut up and go to first base. Home Plate umpire Chris Guccione immediately warned both teams.
With one out in the top of the 7th, Randy Johnson decided to even the score as well as send a message to Perez. Perez was 4-8 with 3 home runs off Johnson in 2005 as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Johnson's brush back avoided Perez, but his intent was clear and he was immediately ejected as well as Yankees manager Joe Torre. Both benches emptied as Perez jawed a silent Johnson. The remainder of the game went without incident.
The Yankees jumped in front in the third after Derek Jeter singled and Jason Giambi doubled to start the inning. With the infield playing back to concede the run, Alex Rodriguez picked up an RBI on a ground out to short. A-Rod also reached as 1st Baseman Ben Broussard dropped the high throw. Robinson Cano quickly extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an RBI single to left. Cano went 3-4 to raise his average to .329 and is 23-49 (.469) during the streak.
The Indians scored their only run in the 5th to have the lead, but Johnny Damon immediately got back in the bottom of the inning with his 9th home run of the season. The Yankees put the game out of reach one inning later on an RBI double by Bernie Williams and a 2-run homer by Andy Phillips. It was Phillips's 5th home run of the season.
Phillips also provided the defensive gem of the game when he recorded the final out by diving into the seats to catch a foul pop off the bat of Victor Martinez. Phillips strained his back on the play, but is hoping to play today.
Jorge Posada's elbow stiffened up late in the game and he was replaced by Kelly Stinnett. It's not likely Posada would have caught this afternoon anyway since it is a day game after night game. Many felt that Posada actually precipitated last night's incident by not immediately going to first after being hit. It didn't appear that Jason Johnson was throwing at him.
Octavio Dotel threw for the 2nd straight night for Columbus. Dotel faced three batters, striking out two of them.
You could see the difference in Randy Johnson's demeanor right from the start of last night's Yankees-Cleveland Indians game and it paid off in the end. Johnson breezed through 6 plus innings before being ejected for throwing a retaliatory pitch at Eduardo Perez. Johnny Damon and Andy Phillips each homered as the Yankees rolled over the Indians 6-1. Mike Mussina will face off against Cliff Lee this afternoon as the Yankees try to complete a three game sweep.
Johnson displayed some of the form that made him a perennial All-Star before coming to New York. His fastball was often in the 95-97 mph range and he had a hard biting slider to go along with it. He threw 84 pitches, 55 of them for strikes, allowed just 4 hits while walking none and striking out 6. At one point he retired 11 straight hitters. Overall it was a huge improvement from everything we've seen in over a month. Maybe more importantly he stood up for his teammates, something Yankee pitchers under Joe Torre have been reluctant to do.
Tempers started flaring when Jorge Posada took exception to being hit by a Jason Johnson pitch on his right elbow. Posada held onto his bat and slowly made his way to first, barking at Johnson as he did so. Johnson shot back by basically telling Posada to shut up and go to first base. Home Plate umpire Chris Guccione immediately warned both teams.
With one out in the top of the 7th, Randy Johnson decided to even the score as well as send a message to Perez. Perez was 4-8 with 3 home runs off Johnson in 2005 as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Johnson's brush back avoided Perez, but his intent was clear and he was immediately ejected as well as Yankees manager Joe Torre. Both benches emptied as Perez jawed a silent Johnson. The remainder of the game went without incident.
The Yankees jumped in front in the third after Derek Jeter singled and Jason Giambi doubled to start the inning. With the infield playing back to concede the run, Alex Rodriguez picked up an RBI on a ground out to short. A-Rod also reached as 1st Baseman Ben Broussard dropped the high throw. Robinson Cano quickly extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an RBI single to left. Cano went 3-4 to raise his average to .329 and is 23-49 (.469) during the streak.
The Indians scored their only run in the 5th to have the lead, but Johnny Damon immediately got back in the bottom of the inning with his 9th home run of the season. The Yankees put the game out of reach one inning later on an RBI double by Bernie Williams and a 2-run homer by Andy Phillips. It was Phillips's 5th home run of the season.
Phillips also provided the defensive gem of the game when he recorded the final out by diving into the seats to catch a foul pop off the bat of Victor Martinez. Phillips strained his back on the play, but is hoping to play today.
Jorge Posada's elbow stiffened up late in the game and he was replaced by Kelly Stinnett. It's not likely Posada would have caught this afternoon anyway since it is a day game after night game. Many felt that Posada actually precipitated last night's incident by not immediately going to first after being hit. It didn't appear that Jason Johnson was throwing at him.
Octavio Dotel threw for the 2nd straight night for Columbus. Dotel faced three batters, striking out two of them.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Wang, 'D' Edge Tribe 1-0
Indians Well Grounded
Chien-Ming Wang pitched a master 7 1-3 innings and Melky Cabrera and Kevin Thompson made key defensive plays as the Yankees topped Cleveland 1-0 to snap their 4 game losing streak. Wang fired a hard sinker all night that resulted in 14 ground ball outs and 3 strike outs. Two of the 5 outs were recorded on a nice defensive plays by the Yankees kid corner outfield. Robinson Cano supplied the only offense with his 4th home run of the season. With the Red Sox loss to the Twins, the Yankees moved back into a share of first place in the AL East.
Melky Cabrera was shaded towards center with heavy hitter Travis Hafner up, but Hafner lofted one towards the left field line. Running full out, Cabrera caught the ball and slammed into the thinly padded wall in foul territory. He was noticeably wincing and grabbing his side after the play, but stayed in the ball game.
The Indians best threat came after Grady Sizemore led off the sixth with a double. Casey Blake then drove one to deep right that Kevin Thompson racing towards the warning track. Glove outstretched, Thompson caught the ball before putting his hands up to brace himself against the right field wall. Sizemore tagged up and went to third on the play. That brought the dangerous Hafner to the plate with one down. After Wang fell behind in the count, 2-0, the Yankees opted to intentionally walk Hafner and take their chances with Victor Martinez. It paid off as Martinez grounded to Robinson Cano for the start of an inning ending 4-6-3 double play.
The Yankee hitters were having no better luck with soft tossing Paul Byrd. Mixing speeds, Byrd kept the Yankee hitters off balance all night, especially Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod normally feasts on pitchers like Byrd, but struck out three times and popped out weakly. As has become the norm of late, the fans showered the 2005 AL MVP with boos. A-Rod wasn't the only Yankee not coming through the clutch though. The Bombers had their lead off man on in each of the first 5 innings, but failed to score. Robinson Cano finally solved Byrd in the 6th, when he hit a hanging breaking pitch into the right field seats to break the scoreless tie.
Cleveland had one final scoring chance in the 8th, but the Yankees pen came through. After Aaron Boone led off with a single and was sacrificed to second by Ramon Vazquez, Torre opted to pull Wang after 90 pitches to set up a lefty-lefty match up against Sizemore. Mike Myers did his job by getting Sizemore to fly out to Johnny Damon in center. Kyle Farnsworth then came on to retire Blake on a ground out to Cano.
An Andy Phillips error on Hafner's lead off grounder in the 9th gave the Indians one more base runner, but Mariano Rivera shut the door. Victor Martinez flied to center and then Rivera struck out Eduardo Perez and Ronnie Belliard to record his 13th save.
Notes
Derek Jeter returned to shortstop and played a flawless game despite being in obvious pain. The only time it showed is when he was jammed in his final time at-bat and shook his hand in pain.
Jason Giambi sat out again with his bruised finger after he was unable to comfortably hold a bat during batting practice. He hopes to return tonight.
Gary Sheffield underwent successful surgery on his wrist yesterday. He is still expected to miss 12 weeks.
Octavio Dotel began his rehab stint at Triple-A Columbus last night. Dotel allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and struck out 1 in 1 inning of work. He threw 19 pitches, 14 of them for strikes. Sean Henn also came off the DL to start the game for Columbus and was ineffective, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks in 4 innings pitched.
Number one prospect Phil Hughes threw a gem last night as Double-A Trenton shut out New Hampshire 3-0. Hughes allowed just 1 hit over 7 innings while walking 3 and striking out 8. He's now 3-3, 3.80 for the Thunder.
Chien-Ming Wang pitched a master 7 1-3 innings and Melky Cabrera and Kevin Thompson made key defensive plays as the Yankees topped Cleveland 1-0 to snap their 4 game losing streak. Wang fired a hard sinker all night that resulted in 14 ground ball outs and 3 strike outs. Two of the 5 outs were recorded on a nice defensive plays by the Yankees kid corner outfield. Robinson Cano supplied the only offense with his 4th home run of the season. With the Red Sox loss to the Twins, the Yankees moved back into a share of first place in the AL East.
Melky Cabrera was shaded towards center with heavy hitter Travis Hafner up, but Hafner lofted one towards the left field line. Running full out, Cabrera caught the ball and slammed into the thinly padded wall in foul territory. He was noticeably wincing and grabbing his side after the play, but stayed in the ball game.
The Indians best threat came after Grady Sizemore led off the sixth with a double. Casey Blake then drove one to deep right that Kevin Thompson racing towards the warning track. Glove outstretched, Thompson caught the ball before putting his hands up to brace himself against the right field wall. Sizemore tagged up and went to third on the play. That brought the dangerous Hafner to the plate with one down. After Wang fell behind in the count, 2-0, the Yankees opted to intentionally walk Hafner and take their chances with Victor Martinez. It paid off as Martinez grounded to Robinson Cano for the start of an inning ending 4-6-3 double play.
The Yankee hitters were having no better luck with soft tossing Paul Byrd. Mixing speeds, Byrd kept the Yankee hitters off balance all night, especially Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod normally feasts on pitchers like Byrd, but struck out three times and popped out weakly. As has become the norm of late, the fans showered the 2005 AL MVP with boos. A-Rod wasn't the only Yankee not coming through the clutch though. The Bombers had their lead off man on in each of the first 5 innings, but failed to score. Robinson Cano finally solved Byrd in the 6th, when he hit a hanging breaking pitch into the right field seats to break the scoreless tie.
Cleveland had one final scoring chance in the 8th, but the Yankees pen came through. After Aaron Boone led off with a single and was sacrificed to second by Ramon Vazquez, Torre opted to pull Wang after 90 pitches to set up a lefty-lefty match up against Sizemore. Mike Myers did his job by getting Sizemore to fly out to Johnny Damon in center. Kyle Farnsworth then came on to retire Blake on a ground out to Cano.
An Andy Phillips error on Hafner's lead off grounder in the 9th gave the Indians one more base runner, but Mariano Rivera shut the door. Victor Martinez flied to center and then Rivera struck out Eduardo Perez and Ronnie Belliard to record his 13th save.
Notes
Derek Jeter returned to shortstop and played a flawless game despite being in obvious pain. The only time it showed is when he was jammed in his final time at-bat and shook his hand in pain.
Jason Giambi sat out again with his bruised finger after he was unable to comfortably hold a bat during batting practice. He hopes to return tonight.
Gary Sheffield underwent successful surgery on his wrist yesterday. He is still expected to miss 12 weeks.
Octavio Dotel began his rehab stint at Triple-A Columbus last night. Dotel allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and struck out 1 in 1 inning of work. He threw 19 pitches, 14 of them for strikes. Sean Henn also came off the DL to start the game for Columbus and was ineffective, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks in 4 innings pitched.
Number one prospect Phil Hughes threw a gem last night as Double-A Trenton shut out New Hampshire 3-0. Hughes allowed just 1 hit over 7 innings while walking 3 and striking out 8. He's now 3-3, 3.80 for the Thunder.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Different Year, Different Tribe
The Yankees will try to put an end to their 4 game skid tonight when they face the Cleveland Indians in the first of a three game set. Derek Jeter is likely to be back at shortstop tonight and the Yankees are hoping Jason Giambi can DH.
This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams this season and the last series before the Yankees take on the NL East.
Pitching Match ups
Tonight - Chien-Ming Wang vs Paul Byrd
Wednesday - Randy Johnson vs Jason Johnson
Thursdsay - Mike Mussina vs Cliff Lee
The Indians narrowly missed making the playoffs last season, winning 9? games. 2006 has not been as kind to the Tribe as they've played mediocre ball all season. They are just 4-6 in June and 30-32 overall. It's left them 10 games behind 1st place Detroit and 8.5 behind the second place White Sox in the wild card race.
Given their off-season moves it came as no surprise that the Indians would take a step back this season. And even though there's a lot of baseball left to play things have to change soon or the Indians will be watching the post-season from their homes once again.
Losing Kevin Millwood to free agency was the biggest blow to the team's make up. C.C. Sabathia is a 5-2, 2.62 in 9 starts and 1 trip to the DL. Jake Westbrook has the next lowest ERA at 4.77. Cliff Lee went 18-5, 3.79 last season, but has struggled for most of this year. He's 4-5, with a beefy 5.12 ERA. The league is also hitting .283 against him and he's allowed 11 home runs. Paul Byrd was brought in as one of the replacements for Millwood, but his ERA is nearly a full point higher than his 4.28 career mark. Another free agent signee was Jason Johnson who has pitched better of late, but still has a 5.70 ERA.
The Indians still know how to score runs. Lead off man Grady Sizemore is blossoming into a star. Travis Hafner is on his way to another 30 HR, 100 RBI season. About the only disappointment offensively is Jhonny Peralta who had a break out 2005 with .292-24-78. This season he's at .225-5-26 and has already struck out 67 times in 240 at-bats.
The bullpen gave the Indians trouble last year and they are still having problems finding arms to get them to closer Bob Wickman. Guillermo Mota was brought in via a deal with Boston, but has been a huge disappointment. His 7.82 ERA is the worst on the staff. The remainder of the pen is pretty much interchangeable with not much success.
With the way the Yankees are playing right now this series is up for grabs.
This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams this season and the last series before the Yankees take on the NL East.
Pitching Match ups
Tonight - Chien-Ming Wang vs Paul Byrd
Wednesday - Randy Johnson vs Jason Johnson
Thursdsay - Mike Mussina vs Cliff Lee
The Indians narrowly missed making the playoffs last season, winning 9? games. 2006 has not been as kind to the Tribe as they've played mediocre ball all season. They are just 4-6 in June and 30-32 overall. It's left them 10 games behind 1st place Detroit and 8.5 behind the second place White Sox in the wild card race.
Given their off-season moves it came as no surprise that the Indians would take a step back this season. And even though there's a lot of baseball left to play things have to change soon or the Indians will be watching the post-season from their homes once again.
Losing Kevin Millwood to free agency was the biggest blow to the team's make up. C.C. Sabathia is a 5-2, 2.62 in 9 starts and 1 trip to the DL. Jake Westbrook has the next lowest ERA at 4.77. Cliff Lee went 18-5, 3.79 last season, but has struggled for most of this year. He's 4-5, with a beefy 5.12 ERA. The league is also hitting .283 against him and he's allowed 11 home runs. Paul Byrd was brought in as one of the replacements for Millwood, but his ERA is nearly a full point higher than his 4.28 career mark. Another free agent signee was Jason Johnson who has pitched better of late, but still has a 5.70 ERA.
The Indians still know how to score runs. Lead off man Grady Sizemore is blossoming into a star. Travis Hafner is on his way to another 30 HR, 100 RBI season. About the only disappointment offensively is Jhonny Peralta who had a break out 2005 with .292-24-78. This season he's at .225-5-26 and has already struck out 67 times in 240 at-bats.
The bullpen gave the Indians trouble last year and they are still having problems finding arms to get them to closer Bob Wickman. Guillermo Mota was brought in via a deal with Boston, but has been a huge disappointment. His 7.82 ERA is the worst on the staff. The remainder of the pen is pretty much interchangeable with not much success.
With the way the Yankees are playing right now this series is up for grabs.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Pitching a Fit, Fielding for Sh......
Still basking in the glow of Melky Cabrera's catch last Tuesday night, I sat down Wednesday to write about the game and other things. Only blogger had other things in mind. For the next several days it wouldn't save anything I was doing, except for when I inadvertently erased an end font that turned everything green.
So here I am back - and pissed off. After that beautiful 2-1 win, the Yankees got rained out and then proceeded to lose 4 in a row. Really 4 games can be summed up with poor starting pitching, poor relief pitching, and porous defense.
The Yankees looked like they were headed to a three game sweep of the Red Sox on Thursday night. Johnny Damon, Bernie Williams, and Robinson Cano all took Curt Schilling deep to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead after 5. Then Jaret Wright reverted to the Jaret Wright we have witnessed too many times over the past two seasons. With some help from a meek attempt at third by Alex Rodriguez (it was scored an error and later changed to a hit), the Sox went ahead 4-3 in the 6th. Scott Proctor, who has also reverted back to normal, then gave up a 3-run bomb to Jason Varitek to put the game out of reach. Just for the heck though, Scott Erickson gave up two more for a 9-3 final. Thankfully, Erickson got his walking papers yesterday.
Oakland came into town on Friday to start a three game set. Obviously Randy Johnson was not buoyed by his recent starts as he went out and threw like garbage. He yelled at the umpire, he yelled at himself...if only he would yell at his agent to convince him to retire. It's getting to the point where I don't even want to turn the game on when this huge jerk is on the mound. Antonio Perez was still only hitting .056 after the game, but belted a 2-run homer off of him. A 1 1/2 hour rain delay apparently woke up the Yankee hitters as they got the A's bullpen after managing 1 run against Danny Haren. Jason Giambi belted a 3-run homer and Robinson Cano tripled in a run to cut the lead to 6-5 in the 7th, but Cano was stranded. Kiko Calero and Huston Street dominated the Yankees over the final two innings and dominated the rest of the series. Aaron Small was the bright spot with his first effective outing all year - 3 scoreless innings to keep the Yanks in the game.
Mike Mussina looked to put an end to the skids on Saturday, but wasn't at his best and Cano and Giambi made costly errors. The hitters wasted opportunities against Kirk Saarloos and the A's won 5-2. The Yankees went down meekly to Street in the 9th again.
Sunday was no better, especially since my wife and I were there. Giambi sat out with a bruised finger, the result of being hit by a pitch on Saturday. Jeter was still stuck at DH because of his finger problems. And the Yankees played sloppy. Melky Cabrera nearly took Johnny Damon's head off in a collision that turned into a Nick Swisher inside-the-park-home-run. Scott Proctor's poor throw on a potential inning ending double play allowed the tying run to score, and Alex Rodriguez made yet another throwing error. His 11 errors are 1 shy of his entire total last year. A-Rod also stunk at the plate. He was very good at being boo'ed though. If you haven't read it already, read Joel Sherman's piece in the NY Post on A-Rod. Sums him up pretty well, and it's not a pretty picture.
Back to Sunday's game, Shawn Chacon was not very sharp in his 1st start back from the DL. The Yankees need this guy to pitch like he did last year. Him and Wang both, or they will deader than they already look. Kyle Farnsworth spit the bit again as well. I don't give a rat's ass how many times this guy can hit 99 mph on the radar gun. Between the walks and home runs, he's stunk out the joint. Dan Johnson took him the opposite way for the game winner on Sunday. Calero and Street made easy work in the late innings again to close it out.
It's not going to get any easier after today's much needed off-day. The Indians are coming to town and they are a lot hungrier team than this sad bunch.
We need a starting pitcher, bullpen help, and a corner outfielder. It's nice having the kids in the lineup, but their cooling off. Hey, Brian Cashman, get on the phone - NOW!
So here I am back - and pissed off. After that beautiful 2-1 win, the Yankees got rained out and then proceeded to lose 4 in a row. Really 4 games can be summed up with poor starting pitching, poor relief pitching, and porous defense.
The Yankees looked like they were headed to a three game sweep of the Red Sox on Thursday night. Johnny Damon, Bernie Williams, and Robinson Cano all took Curt Schilling deep to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead after 5. Then Jaret Wright reverted to the Jaret Wright we have witnessed too many times over the past two seasons. With some help from a meek attempt at third by Alex Rodriguez (it was scored an error and later changed to a hit), the Sox went ahead 4-3 in the 6th. Scott Proctor, who has also reverted back to normal, then gave up a 3-run bomb to Jason Varitek to put the game out of reach. Just for the heck though, Scott Erickson gave up two more for a 9-3 final. Thankfully, Erickson got his walking papers yesterday.
Oakland came into town on Friday to start a three game set. Obviously Randy Johnson was not buoyed by his recent starts as he went out and threw like garbage. He yelled at the umpire, he yelled at himself...if only he would yell at his agent to convince him to retire. It's getting to the point where I don't even want to turn the game on when this huge jerk is on the mound. Antonio Perez was still only hitting .056 after the game, but belted a 2-run homer off of him. A 1 1/2 hour rain delay apparently woke up the Yankee hitters as they got the A's bullpen after managing 1 run against Danny Haren. Jason Giambi belted a 3-run homer and Robinson Cano tripled in a run to cut the lead to 6-5 in the 7th, but Cano was stranded. Kiko Calero and Huston Street dominated the Yankees over the final two innings and dominated the rest of the series. Aaron Small was the bright spot with his first effective outing all year - 3 scoreless innings to keep the Yanks in the game.
Mike Mussina looked to put an end to the skids on Saturday, but wasn't at his best and Cano and Giambi made costly errors. The hitters wasted opportunities against Kirk Saarloos and the A's won 5-2. The Yankees went down meekly to Street in the 9th again.
Sunday was no better, especially since my wife and I were there. Giambi sat out with a bruised finger, the result of being hit by a pitch on Saturday. Jeter was still stuck at DH because of his finger problems. And the Yankees played sloppy. Melky Cabrera nearly took Johnny Damon's head off in a collision that turned into a Nick Swisher inside-the-park-home-run. Scott Proctor's poor throw on a potential inning ending double play allowed the tying run to score, and Alex Rodriguez made yet another throwing error. His 11 errors are 1 shy of his entire total last year. A-Rod also stunk at the plate. He was very good at being boo'ed though. If you haven't read it already, read Joel Sherman's piece in the NY Post on A-Rod. Sums him up pretty well, and it's not a pretty picture.
Back to Sunday's game, Shawn Chacon was not very sharp in his 1st start back from the DL. The Yankees need this guy to pitch like he did last year. Him and Wang both, or they will deader than they already look. Kyle Farnsworth spit the bit again as well. I don't give a rat's ass how many times this guy can hit 99 mph on the radar gun. Between the walks and home runs, he's stunk out the joint. Dan Johnson took him the opposite way for the game winner on Sunday. Calero and Street made easy work in the late innings again to close it out.
It's not going to get any easier after today's much needed off-day. The Indians are coming to town and they are a lot hungrier team than this sad bunch.
We need a starting pitcher, bullpen help, and a corner outfielder. It's nice having the kids in the lineup, but their cooling off. Hey, Brian Cashman, get on the phone - NOW!
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Phillips, Giambi Slug Beckett and Sox 13-5
7 Run Outburst Keys Victory
Mike Mussina has picked up his teammates almost every time he's stepped on the mound this season. Last night the Yankees offense decided to give him a break. Andy Phillips and Jason Giambi smacked 3-run home runs in a 7 run second inning and the Yankees rolled over the Red Sox 13-5 to capture the first of the four game series. Red Sox starter Josh Beckett got yanked after 1 1-3 innings, his shortest stint since an arm injury forced him out of a 2003 Marlins game.
The tone of the ball game was set in the first inning. Coco Crisp led off with a double, but Mussina struck out Mark Loretta, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez to escape unscathed. The Yankees lineup has had to rely less on power and more on aggressive play, and that's what produced the first run of the game. After reaching on a fielder's choice, Melky Cabrera broke for second when Beckett's pitch eluded catcher Jason Varitek. Varitek's throw to second sailed into center field and Cabrera broke for third. Beckett and Varitek both broke for third base to cover/back up. Third base coach Larry Bowa held up the stop sign, but Cabrera seeing any empty home plate ran through it. He outraced Varitek to the plate as relay man Kevin Youkilis throw eluded the moving target. Cabrera scored, igniting both his teammates and the fans.
Mussina allowed 3 straight singles including an RBI hit to Mike Lowell to tie the game at one in the top of the second. Jason Varitek's double play grounder pushed ahead the go ahead run, but killed any chance of a bigger rally. The Yankees jumped all over Beckett in the bottom of the 2nd and sent him to an early shower. After singles by Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano, Phillips blasted a 3-run shot to left for a 4-2 lead. Singles by Bernie Williams, Miguel Cairo, and Johnny Damon followed for a 5th run before a single out had been recorded. Beckett finally retired Cabrera on a fielder's choice, but Giambi blasted a 3-run shot, his 16th home run of the season, off the facing of the upper deck to break the game open. A walk to Alex Rodriguez finally convinced Terry Francona to pull Beckett from the game.
The Yankees scored 5 more runs of the Sox pen in the 3rd as Cabrera and Cano both delivered 2-run doubles, and Posada was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Mussina labored for the rest of the night allowing 5 runs, 4 earned in 6 innings. But he pitched to the scoreboard and picked up his 8th win in 9 tries.
Notes
Mussina picked up his 2,478th strikeout, tying him with Jack Morris for 9th on the all-time list. He came into the game with an AL best 2.48 ERA, but his worst outing of the season pumped it up to 2.67.
Derek Jeter originally thought he'd been in the starting lineup last night after being hit on the hand in Sunday's game, but was unable to grip a ball to throw it and sat out. He's out for tonight's game and could be out longer.
The Yankees set a club record by producing double figures in hits for the 12th straight game. The previous record was held by the 1937 team that included a 22-year old Joe DiMaggio.
Shawn Chacon felt good one day after his rehab stint in Trenton and said he's ready to face the A's on Friday night. That will of course be a decision for Joe Torre. Aaron Small's ineffectiveness will most definitely play a part in the decision making process.
The Yankees have the 21st in today's amateur draft and are expected to take a pitcher.
Mike Mussina has picked up his teammates almost every time he's stepped on the mound this season. Last night the Yankees offense decided to give him a break. Andy Phillips and Jason Giambi smacked 3-run home runs in a 7 run second inning and the Yankees rolled over the Red Sox 13-5 to capture the first of the four game series. Red Sox starter Josh Beckett got yanked after 1 1-3 innings, his shortest stint since an arm injury forced him out of a 2003 Marlins game.
The tone of the ball game was set in the first inning. Coco Crisp led off with a double, but Mussina struck out Mark Loretta, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez to escape unscathed. The Yankees lineup has had to rely less on power and more on aggressive play, and that's what produced the first run of the game. After reaching on a fielder's choice, Melky Cabrera broke for second when Beckett's pitch eluded catcher Jason Varitek. Varitek's throw to second sailed into center field and Cabrera broke for third. Beckett and Varitek both broke for third base to cover/back up. Third base coach Larry Bowa held up the stop sign, but Cabrera seeing any empty home plate ran through it. He outraced Varitek to the plate as relay man Kevin Youkilis throw eluded the moving target. Cabrera scored, igniting both his teammates and the fans.
Mussina allowed 3 straight singles including an RBI hit to Mike Lowell to tie the game at one in the top of the second. Jason Varitek's double play grounder pushed ahead the go ahead run, but killed any chance of a bigger rally. The Yankees jumped all over Beckett in the bottom of the 2nd and sent him to an early shower. After singles by Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano, Phillips blasted a 3-run shot to left for a 4-2 lead. Singles by Bernie Williams, Miguel Cairo, and Johnny Damon followed for a 5th run before a single out had been recorded. Beckett finally retired Cabrera on a fielder's choice, but Giambi blasted a 3-run shot, his 16th home run of the season, off the facing of the upper deck to break the game open. A walk to Alex Rodriguez finally convinced Terry Francona to pull Beckett from the game.
The Yankees scored 5 more runs of the Sox pen in the 3rd as Cabrera and Cano both delivered 2-run doubles, and Posada was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Mussina labored for the rest of the night allowing 5 runs, 4 earned in 6 innings. But he pitched to the scoreboard and picked up his 8th win in 9 tries.
Notes
Mussina picked up his 2,478th strikeout, tying him with Jack Morris for 9th on the all-time list. He came into the game with an AL best 2.48 ERA, but his worst outing of the season pumped it up to 2.67.
Derek Jeter originally thought he'd been in the starting lineup last night after being hit on the hand in Sunday's game, but was unable to grip a ball to throw it and sat out. He's out for tonight's game and could be out longer.
The Yankees set a club record by producing double figures in hits for the 12th straight game. The previous record was held by the 1937 team that included a 22-year old Joe DiMaggio.
Shawn Chacon felt good one day after his rehab stint in Trenton and said he's ready to face the A's on Friday night. That will of course be a decision for Joe Torre. Aaron Small's ineffectiveness will most definitely play a part in the decision making process.
The Yankees have the 21st in today's amateur draft and are expected to take a pitcher.
Monday, June 5, 2006
Here They Come Again
Timing is everything and the time couldn't be worse for the Yankees to be facing the Boston Red Sox in a four game series. Thankfully the meeting is taking place at Yankee Stadium and not up in Fenway. The Yankees took 2 of 3 in Boston in late May without the services of Hideki Matsui and with the services of a less than 100% Gary Sheffield. Now in addition two both Matsui and Sheffield possibly out for the season the lineup may be further shorthanded due to stomach ailments that have beset Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi. Both are hopeful of playing tonight, but only their stomachs know for sure. A-Rod played in Sunday's finale in Baltimore and wished he hadn't.
On top of the bug that A-Rod and Giambi caught, Derek Jeter caught a Rodrigo Lopez fastball on his right thumb yesterday. He left the game immediately and was taken for x-rays which turned out to be negative. Though Joe Torre may feel otherwise, Jeter definitely wants in tonight's lineup.
Timing was also bad for A-Rod's illness. He had been red hot when the shit almost really did hit the fan. Prior to the last two games, he had gone 16-46 (.348) w/4 HR, 14 RBI and 11 runs scored.
"A must win" is probably too strong a phrase for tonight's game, but it's as close to describing the need for winner the first of this four game set. The Yankees need Mike Mussina to do what he has done all season, throw a quality start and give the bullpen some rest. One bit of good news is that Mariano Rivera expects to be ready in case the Yankees need to protect a lead late.
The Yankee killers, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, come into this series having both homered on Sunday. Ortiz has to be ecstatic about facing the Yankees since he is having a less than Ortiz-like season. He's hitting just .261 though he does have 16 HR and 50 RBI. Against the Yankees Ortiz is hitting .333-2-10. Against the rest of the American League Ortiz is batting just .249.
Ramirez destroyed the Yankees during the recent trip to Fenway and showed them up in the process with a very elongated home run trot (more like a walk). Ramirez is hitting .297 with 14 home runs, but has put up a sub par 37 RBI. Considering he had 4 HR and 10 RBI in that series in Fenway, it really shows you just how sub par his production has been. Overall, Manny is hitting .500-5-13 against the Bombers and just .263-9-24 against the rest of the American League.
Josh Beckett gets the nod for the Sox tonight. Beckett worked 7 innings in the Sox 14-3 victory of the Yankees on May 9. He followed that up with another 3 wins in a row, allowing just 7 earned runs in 30 innings. Vernon Wells and the Blue Jays hammered him in his last start. The Jays hit 4 home runs and put 7 runs on Beckett in 4-plus innings. He's now allowed 14 home runs in his last 8 starts.
Pitching Match Ups for the Rest of the Series
Tuesday - Chien-Ming Wang tries to bounce back from his shaky outing against the Tigers. He did come up big by saving Saturday's game in Baltimore. The Red Sox send 22-year old David Pauley to the hill. A pitching shortage forced the Sox to recall Pauley from Double-A to face the Blue Jays last Wednesday. The Sox won 8-6, but Pauley didn't figure in the decision after giving up 6 runs in 4 1-3 innings.
Wednesday - Joe Torre hopes that Jaret Wright can continue to step it up when he takes the mound on Wednesday. In his last 6 starts, Wright has gone 3-1, 3.21. Wright has not pitched past the 6th inning in any of those starts which puts more pressure on Wang to go longer in Tuesday's game in order to save the bullpen.
Everyone's favorite asshole (well it's head-to-head with Barry Bonds) Curt Schilling goes for the Red Sox. The Yankees battered Schilling around in a 7-3 win at home on May 10, but Schilling dominated them over 8 innings in a 9-5 win at Fenway on May 22nd. Schilling was 2-0, 1.61 after his 1st two starts of the season. He's 6-2 since then, but his ERA is 4.41 over that time.
Thursday - Randy Johnson vs Tim Wakefield. This is the one match up that's hard to figure. The Yankees don't know what they are going to get out of Johnson. Will this be one of those times where they batter Wakefield or he dominates them. Johnson was on the wrong end of that 14-3 defeat to Beckett in early May, never making it out of the 4th inning. He was dominant against Boston last year, but was pitching with much more confidence. Basically it's a roll of the dice.
Wakefield has already faced the Yankees three times. He was a win, a loss, and a no-decision to show for it. The win and the no-decision came in his first two times out, both quality starts. Maybe the 3rd time was the charm as the Yankees hammered for 7 runs, 6 earned, in 6-plus innings. Alex Rodriguez punctuated the night with a 3-run homer.
As they have in the series against Detroit and Baltimore, the Yankees are going to need Melky Cabrera, Kevin Thompson, Andy Phillips and whoever else might be in there to step it up big time.
On top of the bug that A-Rod and Giambi caught, Derek Jeter caught a Rodrigo Lopez fastball on his right thumb yesterday. He left the game immediately and was taken for x-rays which turned out to be negative. Though Joe Torre may feel otherwise, Jeter definitely wants in tonight's lineup.
Timing was also bad for A-Rod's illness. He had been red hot when the shit almost really did hit the fan. Prior to the last two games, he had gone 16-46 (.348) w/4 HR, 14 RBI and 11 runs scored.
"A must win" is probably too strong a phrase for tonight's game, but it's as close to describing the need for winner the first of this four game set. The Yankees need Mike Mussina to do what he has done all season, throw a quality start and give the bullpen some rest. One bit of good news is that Mariano Rivera expects to be ready in case the Yankees need to protect a lead late.
The Yankee killers, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, come into this series having both homered on Sunday. Ortiz has to be ecstatic about facing the Yankees since he is having a less than Ortiz-like season. He's hitting just .261 though he does have 16 HR and 50 RBI. Against the Yankees Ortiz is hitting .333-2-10. Against the rest of the American League Ortiz is batting just .249.
Ramirez destroyed the Yankees during the recent trip to Fenway and showed them up in the process with a very elongated home run trot (more like a walk). Ramirez is hitting .297 with 14 home runs, but has put up a sub par 37 RBI. Considering he had 4 HR and 10 RBI in that series in Fenway, it really shows you just how sub par his production has been. Overall, Manny is hitting .500-5-13 against the Bombers and just .263-9-24 against the rest of the American League.
Josh Beckett gets the nod for the Sox tonight. Beckett worked 7 innings in the Sox 14-3 victory of the Yankees on May 9. He followed that up with another 3 wins in a row, allowing just 7 earned runs in 30 innings. Vernon Wells and the Blue Jays hammered him in his last start. The Jays hit 4 home runs and put 7 runs on Beckett in 4-plus innings. He's now allowed 14 home runs in his last 8 starts.
Pitching Match Ups for the Rest of the Series
Tuesday - Chien-Ming Wang tries to bounce back from his shaky outing against the Tigers. He did come up big by saving Saturday's game in Baltimore. The Red Sox send 22-year old David Pauley to the hill. A pitching shortage forced the Sox to recall Pauley from Double-A to face the Blue Jays last Wednesday. The Sox won 8-6, but Pauley didn't figure in the decision after giving up 6 runs in 4 1-3 innings.
Wednesday - Joe Torre hopes that Jaret Wright can continue to step it up when he takes the mound on Wednesday. In his last 6 starts, Wright has gone 3-1, 3.21. Wright has not pitched past the 6th inning in any of those starts which puts more pressure on Wang to go longer in Tuesday's game in order to save the bullpen.
Everyone's favorite asshole (well it's head-to-head with Barry Bonds) Curt Schilling goes for the Red Sox. The Yankees battered Schilling around in a 7-3 win at home on May 10, but Schilling dominated them over 8 innings in a 9-5 win at Fenway on May 22nd. Schilling was 2-0, 1.61 after his 1st two starts of the season. He's 6-2 since then, but his ERA is 4.41 over that time.
Thursday - Randy Johnson vs Tim Wakefield. This is the one match up that's hard to figure. The Yankees don't know what they are going to get out of Johnson. Will this be one of those times where they batter Wakefield or he dominates them. Johnson was on the wrong end of that 14-3 defeat to Beckett in early May, never making it out of the 4th inning. He was dominant against Boston last year, but was pitching with much more confidence. Basically it's a roll of the dice.
Wakefield has already faced the Yankees three times. He was a win, a loss, and a no-decision to show for it. The win and the no-decision came in his first two times out, both quality starts. Maybe the 3rd time was the charm as the Yankees hammered for 7 runs, 6 earned, in 6-plus innings. Alex Rodriguez punctuated the night with a 3-run homer.
As they have in the series against Detroit and Baltimore, the Yankees are going to need Melky Cabrera, Kevin Thompson, Andy Phillips and whoever else might be in there to step it up big time.
Band-aids Take 2 of 3 From O's
Injury, Illness, Shoddy Bullpen Mark Series
The Yankees were beset by stomach viruses, injuries, poor relief pitching, and poor starting pitching, but still managed to take 2 of 3 from the more hapless Baltimore Orioles this weekend. Probably one of the biggest things helping the Yankees was their hometown crowd. Well, to be more succinct, it was the enormous number of Yankee fans that took over Camden Yards this weekend. Peter Angelos' poor ownership is a story for another day though.
Friday Night
The Yankees learned early on that Alex Rodriguez would not be available for Friday or Saturday's game due to a stomach virus. Joe Torre was tipped off when A-Rod could barely keep from nodding off in the team meetings.
Jaret Wright pitched an effective 6 innings on Friday, leaving with a 3-3 tie. His own error contributed to the tying run scoring. The Yankees went ahead 5-3 in the top of the 7th on an RBI single by Derek Jeter and a wild pitch, and turned things over to the bullpen.
Ron Villone worked a scoreless 7th and struck out Corey Patterson to start the 8th. With right-hander Jeff Conine announced as a pinch-hitter for lefty Nick Markakis, Joe Torre once again overmanaged and pulled Villone. Now it would be one thing to pull Villone in favor of a solid right-hander, but Torre signaled for Scott Erickson. This guy can't be dispatched from the team fast enough. The move really made no sense since righties are only hitting .224 against Villone. Erickson promptly hit Conine with a pitch and gave up an RBI double to Luis Matos. The O's cut the lead to 1 and had the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Erickson intentionally walked Brian Roberts and was pulled in favor of the overworked Kyle Farnsworth.
Farnsworth was making his 8th appearance in the last 11 days and was coming off of Thursday's nightmare in Detroit. Farnsworth got what he wanted, a double play grounder by Melvin Mora, but the hard shot ate up Miguel Cairo, filling for A-Rod at third, and the tying run came across as Cairo forced Roberts at 2nd. Farnsworth intentionally walked Miguel Tejada before getting Ramon Hernandez to fly out for the final out of the inning.
Derek Jeter leads the Yankees in hitting with RISP and came through again in the top of the 9th with a little help from Brian Roberts. Johnny Damon attempted to steal 2nd with 2 outs, but was gunned down by Hernandez - well, he initially was. 2nd Base ump Lance Barksdale signaled out, but Roberts dropped the ball as he brought his glove up to show Barksdale. Damon was called safe as O's manager Sam Perlozzo argued to no avail. Jeter took advantage by singling through the right side to score Damon and give the Yankees the lead back at 6-5. Farnsworth retired the side in order in the bottom of the inning and the Yankees had pulled out the first game of the series.
Saturday was more of the same. Joining A-Rod on the sidelines with a stomach bug was Jason Giambi. Rookie Kevin Thompson got his first big league start in right field. Randy Johnson was given a 1-0 lead in the first, but has so often been the case this year, he gave it right back and then some. It looked like it was going to be a long day for the long lefty as the O's touched him up for 3 runs. Ramon Hernandez capped it off with a 2-run homer. But Johnson settled down after the first and pretty much cruised along until the eighth.
Meanwhile the Yankee bats took over. The Yankees told a 4-3 lead in the 5th off rookie starter Adam Loewen on an RBI double by Jeter and a sac fly by Bernie Williams, his 3rd RBI of the day. Red hot Andy Phillips tacked one on in the 7th with his 3rd home run of the season. But then the Yankees had to go to their overworked pen. Mariano Rivera was still out with back spasms and Farnsworth was unavailable (probably couldn't lift his arm).
Johnson issued a one-out walk to Brian Roberts in the 8th. The pitch was his 114th and with the heart of the O's order coming up, Torre called on Mr. Everydayman, Scott Proctor. Proctor has been getting lit up since mid-May and Saturday was no different. After Melvin Mora flied out, Roberts stole 2nd and came home on Miguel Tejada's double. Tejada was 8-14 in the 3 game set. The O's got some help from the umps with Ramon Hernandez up. Hernandez clearly went around trying to check his swing on a 2 strike pitch. But neither home plate ump Mike Winters or Barksdale, now down at 1st, saw it. Hernandez took advantage stroking a game tying RBI double. Hernandez went 7-12 on the weekend.
The teams went to the 10th where Johnny Damon drilled a line drive home run over the center field wall off of O's closer Chris Ray. Damon thought it was the best swing he ever had. It certainly was the best anyone had on that day. With a worn out pen, Torre turned to starter Chien-Ming Wang to close it out. Wang quickly retired the first two hitters, before Tejada and Hernandez bounced singles through the right side. I admittedly held my breath as Javy Lopez hit a deep drive to right and was able to peacefully exhale as Thompson closed his glove around the ball to close out the win.
Sunday was a complete disaster. A-Rod sleep-walked his way through the game as DH. Jeter got nailed on his right thumb by a pitch and had to leave the game. Jorge Posada moved to 1st base for the first time since 2001. Giambi still had his head in the toilet. And Aaron Small got lit up like a Christmas tree.
Small didn't make it out of the 3rd, giving up home runs to Lopez, Kevin Millar, and Bill Fahey. The Yankees were down 7-0 before they barely had time to take their kaopectate. Matt Smith provided some nice relief, throwing 1 1-3 scoreless innings. But then Erickson came out on the mound again. Lopez smacked a second homer with a couple of men aboard and Erickson got torched for another 4 runs. He's got a lovely 13.50 ERA in his last 3 appearances. GET HIM OFF MY TEAM...NOW!
About the only bright spot on the day was the first 3 RBI of Kevin Thompson's career. It came one day after he got his 1st Major League hit. Thompson cleared the loaded bases in the 7th with a double.
All in all 2 out of 3 is good. Good thing it was Baltimore.
The Yankees were beset by stomach viruses, injuries, poor relief pitching, and poor starting pitching, but still managed to take 2 of 3 from the more hapless Baltimore Orioles this weekend. Probably one of the biggest things helping the Yankees was their hometown crowd. Well, to be more succinct, it was the enormous number of Yankee fans that took over Camden Yards this weekend. Peter Angelos' poor ownership is a story for another day though.
Friday Night
The Yankees learned early on that Alex Rodriguez would not be available for Friday or Saturday's game due to a stomach virus. Joe Torre was tipped off when A-Rod could barely keep from nodding off in the team meetings.
Jaret Wright pitched an effective 6 innings on Friday, leaving with a 3-3 tie. His own error contributed to the tying run scoring. The Yankees went ahead 5-3 in the top of the 7th on an RBI single by Derek Jeter and a wild pitch, and turned things over to the bullpen.
Ron Villone worked a scoreless 7th and struck out Corey Patterson to start the 8th. With right-hander Jeff Conine announced as a pinch-hitter for lefty Nick Markakis, Joe Torre once again overmanaged and pulled Villone. Now it would be one thing to pull Villone in favor of a solid right-hander, but Torre signaled for Scott Erickson. This guy can't be dispatched from the team fast enough. The move really made no sense since righties are only hitting .224 against Villone. Erickson promptly hit Conine with a pitch and gave up an RBI double to Luis Matos. The O's cut the lead to 1 and had the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Erickson intentionally walked Brian Roberts and was pulled in favor of the overworked Kyle Farnsworth.
Farnsworth was making his 8th appearance in the last 11 days and was coming off of Thursday's nightmare in Detroit. Farnsworth got what he wanted, a double play grounder by Melvin Mora, but the hard shot ate up Miguel Cairo, filling for A-Rod at third, and the tying run came across as Cairo forced Roberts at 2nd. Farnsworth intentionally walked Miguel Tejada before getting Ramon Hernandez to fly out for the final out of the inning.
Derek Jeter leads the Yankees in hitting with RISP and came through again in the top of the 9th with a little help from Brian Roberts. Johnny Damon attempted to steal 2nd with 2 outs, but was gunned down by Hernandez - well, he initially was. 2nd Base ump Lance Barksdale signaled out, but Roberts dropped the ball as he brought his glove up to show Barksdale. Damon was called safe as O's manager Sam Perlozzo argued to no avail. Jeter took advantage by singling through the right side to score Damon and give the Yankees the lead back at 6-5. Farnsworth retired the side in order in the bottom of the inning and the Yankees had pulled out the first game of the series.
Saturday was more of the same. Joining A-Rod on the sidelines with a stomach bug was Jason Giambi. Rookie Kevin Thompson got his first big league start in right field. Randy Johnson was given a 1-0 lead in the first, but has so often been the case this year, he gave it right back and then some. It looked like it was going to be a long day for the long lefty as the O's touched him up for 3 runs. Ramon Hernandez capped it off with a 2-run homer. But Johnson settled down after the first and pretty much cruised along until the eighth.
Meanwhile the Yankee bats took over. The Yankees told a 4-3 lead in the 5th off rookie starter Adam Loewen on an RBI double by Jeter and a sac fly by Bernie Williams, his 3rd RBI of the day. Red hot Andy Phillips tacked one on in the 7th with his 3rd home run of the season. But then the Yankees had to go to their overworked pen. Mariano Rivera was still out with back spasms and Farnsworth was unavailable (probably couldn't lift his arm).
Johnson issued a one-out walk to Brian Roberts in the 8th. The pitch was his 114th and with the heart of the O's order coming up, Torre called on Mr. Everydayman, Scott Proctor. Proctor has been getting lit up since mid-May and Saturday was no different. After Melvin Mora flied out, Roberts stole 2nd and came home on Miguel Tejada's double. Tejada was 8-14 in the 3 game set. The O's got some help from the umps with Ramon Hernandez up. Hernandez clearly went around trying to check his swing on a 2 strike pitch. But neither home plate ump Mike Winters or Barksdale, now down at 1st, saw it. Hernandez took advantage stroking a game tying RBI double. Hernandez went 7-12 on the weekend.
The teams went to the 10th where Johnny Damon drilled a line drive home run over the center field wall off of O's closer Chris Ray. Damon thought it was the best swing he ever had. It certainly was the best anyone had on that day. With a worn out pen, Torre turned to starter Chien-Ming Wang to close it out. Wang quickly retired the first two hitters, before Tejada and Hernandez bounced singles through the right side. I admittedly held my breath as Javy Lopez hit a deep drive to right and was able to peacefully exhale as Thompson closed his glove around the ball to close out the win.
Sunday was a complete disaster. A-Rod sleep-walked his way through the game as DH. Jeter got nailed on his right thumb by a pitch and had to leave the game. Jorge Posada moved to 1st base for the first time since 2001. Giambi still had his head in the toilet. And Aaron Small got lit up like a Christmas tree.
Small didn't make it out of the 3rd, giving up home runs to Lopez, Kevin Millar, and Bill Fahey. The Yankees were down 7-0 before they barely had time to take their kaopectate. Matt Smith provided some nice relief, throwing 1 1-3 scoreless innings. But then Erickson came out on the mound again. Lopez smacked a second homer with a couple of men aboard and Erickson got torched for another 4 runs. He's got a lovely 13.50 ERA in his last 3 appearances. GET HIM OFF MY TEAM...NOW!
About the only bright spot on the day was the first 3 RBI of Kevin Thompson's career. It came one day after he got his 1st Major League hit. Thompson cleared the loaded bases in the 7th with a double.
All in all 2 out of 3 is good. Good thing it was Baltimore.
Friday, June 2, 2006
No Mo, No Win
Farnsworth blows sweep, Tigers prevail 7-6
Mariano Rivera once again proved to the Yankees just how vital he is to their success. Rivera was out of commission for yesterday's game, and possibly the entire weekend series in Baltimore, after hurting his back while changing his shoes. With Rivera sitting out with back spasms, the task of closing out a 6-5 lead against the Detroit Tigers last night fell on the arm of Kyle Farnsworth. And Farnsworth failed miserably. The Tigers completed a comeback from a 5-0 deficit with a pair of runs off of Farnsworth in the 9th to salvage the final game of the four game series.
As is often the case with Farnsworth (1-3), a walk got him into trouble. This time it was former Yankee Marcus Thames receiving the free pass with one out in the 9th. Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez followed with singles to tie the game and put the winning run in scoring position on 2nd base. Carlos Guillen then singled thru the right side and Terrence Long's balloon throw home wasn't close or nearly in time.
Hard throwing rookie right-hander Justin Verlander had started the game for the Tigers and had to battle through a blister problem. The Yankees knocked him around to the tune of 6 runs in the first 5 innings. But has often been the case this season, Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang struggled with the lead. Leading 5-0, Wang issued a bases loaded walk to Ordonez and RBI singles to Guillen and Omar Infante to cut the lead to 5-3 after 4.
Jason Giambi got one of those runs back in the 5th with his 14th home run of the season, but Wang couldn't make it out of the bottom of the 5th to earn a win. A walk to Curtis Granderson and consecutive singles by Thames and Rodriguez loaded the bases with none out. Joe Torre had seen enough and brought in rookie right-hander Darrell Rasner who had just been recalled from Columbus. Rasner gave up a two-run single to Ordonez to cut the margin to 1 run before retiring the next 3 hitters.
Without the tenure to tell Torre to get back in the dugout as Mike Mussina did the previous night, Rasner could only walk off the field when Torre pulled him after an inning and two-thirds to set up a lefty-lefty match up between Mike Myers and Curtis Granderson. It typified Torre's tendency to overmanage in these situations. Why use your lefty specialist in the 6th inning? Myers made matters worse by walking Granderson. Scott Proctor came on and was back to his form of early May, striking out four in 2 1-3 scoreless innings.
The Yankees jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second when Robinson Cano doubled, his first of four hits, and scored on a double by the hot hitting Andy Phillips. In the third the Yankees blew it open, or so they thought, when Jorge Posada cleared the loaded bases with a double to right and came home on a sacrifice fly by Phillips. Three Tiger relievers blanked the Yankees over the final 4 innings as their hitters chipped away at the lead. Farnsworth then gave up a chunk.
Notes
Derek Jeter sat out a second straight game with a sore right wrist, but insisted that it was merely Joe Torre being cautious.
As expected, Gary Sheffield was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Results of an MRI showed a torn tendon in his wrist. Kevin Thompson was recalled from Columbus to take his spot on the roster. He's expected to be used off the bench and to start against tough left-handers.
Shawn Chacon is scheduled to make a rehab start at Double-A Trenton on Sunday.
Mariano Rivera once again proved to the Yankees just how vital he is to their success. Rivera was out of commission for yesterday's game, and possibly the entire weekend series in Baltimore, after hurting his back while changing his shoes. With Rivera sitting out with back spasms, the task of closing out a 6-5 lead against the Detroit Tigers last night fell on the arm of Kyle Farnsworth. And Farnsworth failed miserably. The Tigers completed a comeback from a 5-0 deficit with a pair of runs off of Farnsworth in the 9th to salvage the final game of the four game series.
As is often the case with Farnsworth (1-3), a walk got him into trouble. This time it was former Yankee Marcus Thames receiving the free pass with one out in the 9th. Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez followed with singles to tie the game and put the winning run in scoring position on 2nd base. Carlos Guillen then singled thru the right side and Terrence Long's balloon throw home wasn't close or nearly in time.
Hard throwing rookie right-hander Justin Verlander had started the game for the Tigers and had to battle through a blister problem. The Yankees knocked him around to the tune of 6 runs in the first 5 innings. But has often been the case this season, Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang struggled with the lead. Leading 5-0, Wang issued a bases loaded walk to Ordonez and RBI singles to Guillen and Omar Infante to cut the lead to 5-3 after 4.
Jason Giambi got one of those runs back in the 5th with his 14th home run of the season, but Wang couldn't make it out of the bottom of the 5th to earn a win. A walk to Curtis Granderson and consecutive singles by Thames and Rodriguez loaded the bases with none out. Joe Torre had seen enough and brought in rookie right-hander Darrell Rasner who had just been recalled from Columbus. Rasner gave up a two-run single to Ordonez to cut the margin to 1 run before retiring the next 3 hitters.
Without the tenure to tell Torre to get back in the dugout as Mike Mussina did the previous night, Rasner could only walk off the field when Torre pulled him after an inning and two-thirds to set up a lefty-lefty match up between Mike Myers and Curtis Granderson. It typified Torre's tendency to overmanage in these situations. Why use your lefty specialist in the 6th inning? Myers made matters worse by walking Granderson. Scott Proctor came on and was back to his form of early May, striking out four in 2 1-3 scoreless innings.
The Yankees jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second when Robinson Cano doubled, his first of four hits, and scored on a double by the hot hitting Andy Phillips. In the third the Yankees blew it open, or so they thought, when Jorge Posada cleared the loaded bases with a double to right and came home on a sacrifice fly by Phillips. Three Tiger relievers blanked the Yankees over the final 4 innings as their hitters chipped away at the lead. Farnsworth then gave up a chunk.
Notes
Derek Jeter sat out a second straight game with a sore right wrist, but insisted that it was merely Joe Torre being cautious.
As expected, Gary Sheffield was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Results of an MRI showed a torn tendon in his wrist. Kevin Thompson was recalled from Columbus to take his spot on the roster. He's expected to be used off the bench and to start against tough left-handers.
Shawn Chacon is scheduled to make a rehab start at Double-A Trenton on Sunday.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Mussina Dominates Tigers 6-1
Ace Demands Complete Game
Mike Mussina has done everything the Yankees have asked of him this season. Last night, they returned the favor. Leading 6-1 with 2 out in the 9th, Mussina barked at Joe Torre to stay in the dugout. Torre had already made one trip to the mound and was ascending the dugout stairs to pull Mussina from the ball game. It appeared that Mussina was on his way to a complete game shutout, but Alex Rodriguez's errant throw on a Placido Polanco grounder kept the inning and game going. Magglio Ordonez singled in Polanco to break up the shutout and prompted Torre to make a pitching change. But Mussina spotted Torre before he could get out of the dugout and demanded, "No! Get back in there!". Torre threw his arms out and said, "Okay, okay", before breaking into laughter. Mussina responded by striking out Carlos Guillen to end the game and give the bullpen a much needed night off.
Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, and Gary Sheffield were all missing from the lineup, but Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi had 3 hits each and combined for 3 RBI. Jeter sat out due to soreness in the right wrist he injured sliding into second base on Monday. Damon sat out with soreness in the broken bone in his foot and Sheffield was back in New York having tests done on his beat up left wrist.
The Yankees gave Mussina a lead to work with right off the bat with a two-out rally against Tigers starter Nate Robertson in the first inning. Consecutive singles by Giambi, A-Rod, and Jorge Posada pushed the first run of the game across home plate.
Both pitchers locked into a good duel before the Yankees added another run in the 5th. With the bases loaded and two out, Rodriguez singled hard threw the left side to score Andy Phillips and the bags remained juiced. Robertson (5-3) escaped further trouble by getting Posada to fly out to center for the final out of the inning.
Giambi led off the eighth with a ground rule double into the left field corner and scored on Rodriguez's third hit of the ball game, a triple over the head of Curtis Granderson . It seems like ever since Giambi hit into a game ending double play last Friday night he has made more of a concerted effort to hit the ball to the opposite field. A-Rod beat Chris Shelton's throw home on Robinson Cano's soft tapper to boost the lead to 4-0.
The Yankees managed another two-out rally in the 9th when Melky Cabrera singled, stole second, and came home on Miguel Cairo's single. Cairo's single finally drove Robertson from the game and set up a lefty-lefty match up between Jamie Walker and Giambi. Giambi won out, driving a double to the gap in right-center that scored Cairo with the Yankees final run.
All that was left was for Mussina to close it out and he was going to make damn sure it was he who did just that. Manager be damned.
Notes
Derek Jeter is expected to be back in the lineup for tonight's series finale.
The results of Gary Sheffield's MRI and additional testing should be known today. Another trip to the DL is the most likely scenario.
Joe Torre has not ruled out a stint on the DL for Johnny Damon either. Damon's foot will be an on-going nuisance since rest and anti-inflammatory medication is the only way for the broken bone to heal.
Prior to the game, the Yankees designated third string catcher Koyie Hill for assignment and bolstered the pen with the addition of Darrell Rasner. Rasner was picked up off waivers from the Washington Nationals during Spring Training. The 25-year old right-hander posted an impressive 4-0 record with a 2.56 ERA as a starter for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers.
Yankees Top 10 prospect Steve White continued his fine season for Double-A Trenton by pitching a 7-inning complete game shut out. White, who struggled last season, is 4-1, 2.11 in 11 starts.
Mike Mussina has done everything the Yankees have asked of him this season. Last night, they returned the favor. Leading 6-1 with 2 out in the 9th, Mussina barked at Joe Torre to stay in the dugout. Torre had already made one trip to the mound and was ascending the dugout stairs to pull Mussina from the ball game. It appeared that Mussina was on his way to a complete game shutout, but Alex Rodriguez's errant throw on a Placido Polanco grounder kept the inning and game going. Magglio Ordonez singled in Polanco to break up the shutout and prompted Torre to make a pitching change. But Mussina spotted Torre before he could get out of the dugout and demanded, "No! Get back in there!". Torre threw his arms out and said, "Okay, okay", before breaking into laughter. Mussina responded by striking out Carlos Guillen to end the game and give the bullpen a much needed night off.
Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, and Gary Sheffield were all missing from the lineup, but Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi had 3 hits each and combined for 3 RBI. Jeter sat out due to soreness in the right wrist he injured sliding into second base on Monday. Damon sat out with soreness in the broken bone in his foot and Sheffield was back in New York having tests done on his beat up left wrist.
The Yankees gave Mussina a lead to work with right off the bat with a two-out rally against Tigers starter Nate Robertson in the first inning. Consecutive singles by Giambi, A-Rod, and Jorge Posada pushed the first run of the game across home plate.
Both pitchers locked into a good duel before the Yankees added another run in the 5th. With the bases loaded and two out, Rodriguez singled hard threw the left side to score Andy Phillips and the bags remained juiced. Robertson (5-3) escaped further trouble by getting Posada to fly out to center for the final out of the inning.
Giambi led off the eighth with a ground rule double into the left field corner and scored on Rodriguez's third hit of the ball game, a triple over the head of Curtis Granderson . It seems like ever since Giambi hit into a game ending double play last Friday night he has made more of a concerted effort to hit the ball to the opposite field. A-Rod beat Chris Shelton's throw home on Robinson Cano's soft tapper to boost the lead to 4-0.
The Yankees managed another two-out rally in the 9th when Melky Cabrera singled, stole second, and came home on Miguel Cairo's single. Cairo's single finally drove Robertson from the game and set up a lefty-lefty match up between Jamie Walker and Giambi. Giambi won out, driving a double to the gap in right-center that scored Cairo with the Yankees final run.
All that was left was for Mussina to close it out and he was going to make damn sure it was he who did just that. Manager be damned.
Notes
Derek Jeter is expected to be back in the lineup for tonight's series finale.
The results of Gary Sheffield's MRI and additional testing should be known today. Another trip to the DL is the most likely scenario.
Joe Torre has not ruled out a stint on the DL for Johnny Damon either. Damon's foot will be an on-going nuisance since rest and anti-inflammatory medication is the only way for the broken bone to heal.
Prior to the game, the Yankees designated third string catcher Koyie Hill for assignment and bolstered the pen with the addition of Darrell Rasner. Rasner was picked up off waivers from the Washington Nationals during Spring Training. The 25-year old right-hander posted an impressive 4-0 record with a 2.56 ERA as a starter for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers.
Yankees Top 10 prospect Steve White continued his fine season for Double-A Trenton by pitching a 7-inning complete game shut out. White, who struggled last season, is 4-1, 2.11 in 11 starts.
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