Johnson leads series split
Randy Johnson tossed 4 innings of perfect baseball en route to a 7-plus inning performance and Jason Giambi homered to propel the Yankees to a 10-4 romp of the Cleveland Indians. After getting whacked 19-1 on Tuesday, the Yankees responded the last night two nights, winning both games by a combined score of 21-7.
Johnson (10-6) did not allow a base runner until Travis Hafner's lead off single in the 5th. Hafner was quickly erased though as Victor Martinez bounced into a double play. By then the Yankees had a built up a 5-0 lead, thanks in part to the Indians shoddy defense.
Jason Giambi broke a scoreless tie in the 4th by following Derek Jeter's lead off double with his 26th home run of the season. Aaron Guiel picked up his first hit as a Yankee with one out in the sixth and came around to score on consecutive errors by right fielder Franklin Gutierrez and Jhonny Peralta. The Yankees took advantage of Cleveland starter Cliff Lee (6-8) as Jeter's 2nd of 3 hits drove in another run and Giambi's sacrifice fly to deep center field pushed the score to 5-0.
In the sixth the Yankees added a couple more as Bernie Williams and Andy Phillips singled to start the inning. With one out Miguel Cairo brought home Williams with a single and Jeter delivered a two-out RBI single of his own.
Johnson started to show some wear and tear in the 7th as Jason Michaels reached him for a solo home run to get the Indians on the board. Trailing 10-1 in the 8th the Tribe knocked Johnson out of the game with a 3 run outburst. Three straight singles loaded the bases before a Gutierrez force out brought one home. Jorge Posada's passed ball allowed a 2nd run to score before Kelly Shoppach drove in the final run with a single. Joe Torre allowed Johnson to face lefty Grady Sizemore before turning the game over to righty T.J. Beam for the final 4 outs.
Notes
Derek Jeter went 3-4 to raise his average to .348 and drove in 3 runs giving him 51 RBI in 78 games played. Jeter is just 19 RBI short of last season's total.
Matt Smith worked 12 scoreless innings, but was sent down to make room on the roster for Aaron Guiel. With Kris Wilson scheduled to start Sunday's game in Tampa, the Yankees needed to makes some roster adjustments.
Shawn Chacon has been the subject of rumors and none of them are good. Sources have the Yankees brass discussing designating him for assignment while there is also talk of a swap with the Seattle Mariners for their struggling right-hander Joel Pineiro. Chacon has already lost his spot in the starting rotation.
Randy Johnson's win was the 273rd of his career and the 10 wins this season tie him with Mike Mussina for the team lead. Hard to believe considering how much better Mussina has been this year.
Friday, July 7, 2006
Thursday, July 6, 2006
Yankee Go To Bat For Moose
Cabrera Slam Ignites 11-3 Win
Mike Mussina recorded an AL best 15th consecutive season with 10 or more wins as the Yankees bounced back from Tuesday night's trouncing with a convincing 11-3 victory of their won. The Yankees ended the first 81 games of the season on the wrong end of a 19-1 loss the prior night. That led George Steinbrenner to issue a statement through spokesman Howard Rubinstein that said GM Brian Cashman was working hard to "fix" the team and that the ball was in his court. Joe Torre also held a team meeting to go over where the Yankees have been and where they are headed. Whether or not any of it had an immediate impact remains to be seen, but the Yankees hitters responded last night.
With the game tied 1-1, the Yankees exploded for 8 runs in the 4th inning. They also had an 8 run innings against the Mets on Sunday. The Yankees loaded the bases with one out on a single by Jorge Posada, a double by Bernie Williams, and an error by Aaron Boone on an Andy Phillips grounder. That brought up the resurgent Melky Cabrera, who had seen his average dip to .244 before hitting in 10 of his last 11 games. Indians starter Paul Byrd threw one in Cabrera's hitting zone and Melky responded by belting his first grand slam through a strong wind and into the right-center field bleachers.
Miguel Cairo reached on another error by Boone and stole one of the six bases the Yankees swept against catcher Victor Martinez. Bubba Crosby brought Cairo home with a bloop single to center. RBI singles by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez increased the lead to 7-1 and then the two pulled off a double steal. That lead to a two run double by Jorge Posada to complete the scoring and finally push Byrd (6-6) out of the game.
Mussina (10-3) became the first American League pitcher to win double figures in games for 15 consecutive seasons by throwing a very effective 6 innings before his sore groin tightened up. With the All-Star break coming up, Moose should have plenty of rest before his next start. He worked 6 innings, allowing a solo home run to Todd Hollandsworth and a 2-run shot to Ben Broussard. Kris Wilson, recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Columbus, worked a pair of scoreless innings before giving way to Mariano Rivera who needed to get some work in.
The Yankees picked up their final two runs in the 8th on an RBI triple by Cairo and Jeter's sacrifice fly.
Notes
Melky Cabrera singled and doubled in addition to his home run and drove in a career high 5 runs. He's raised his average from .244 to .272 by going 18-51 (.353)
Mike Mussina recorded an AL best 15th consecutive season with 10 or more wins as the Yankees bounced back from Tuesday night's trouncing with a convincing 11-3 victory of their won. The Yankees ended the first 81 games of the season on the wrong end of a 19-1 loss the prior night. That led George Steinbrenner to issue a statement through spokesman Howard Rubinstein that said GM Brian Cashman was working hard to "fix" the team and that the ball was in his court. Joe Torre also held a team meeting to go over where the Yankees have been and where they are headed. Whether or not any of it had an immediate impact remains to be seen, but the Yankees hitters responded last night.
With the game tied 1-1, the Yankees exploded for 8 runs in the 4th inning. They also had an 8 run innings against the Mets on Sunday. The Yankees loaded the bases with one out on a single by Jorge Posada, a double by Bernie Williams, and an error by Aaron Boone on an Andy Phillips grounder. That brought up the resurgent Melky Cabrera, who had seen his average dip to .244 before hitting in 10 of his last 11 games. Indians starter Paul Byrd threw one in Cabrera's hitting zone and Melky responded by belting his first grand slam through a strong wind and into the right-center field bleachers.
Miguel Cairo reached on another error by Boone and stole one of the six bases the Yankees swept against catcher Victor Martinez. Bubba Crosby brought Cairo home with a bloop single to center. RBI singles by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez increased the lead to 7-1 and then the two pulled off a double steal. That lead to a two run double by Jorge Posada to complete the scoring and finally push Byrd (6-6) out of the game.
Mussina (10-3) became the first American League pitcher to win double figures in games for 15 consecutive seasons by throwing a very effective 6 innings before his sore groin tightened up. With the All-Star break coming up, Moose should have plenty of rest before his next start. He worked 6 innings, allowing a solo home run to Todd Hollandsworth and a 2-run shot to Ben Broussard. Kris Wilson, recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Columbus, worked a pair of scoreless innings before giving way to Mariano Rivera who needed to get some work in.
The Yankees picked up their final two runs in the 8th on an RBI triple by Cairo and Jeter's sacrifice fly.
Notes
Melky Cabrera singled and doubled in addition to his home run and drove in a career high 5 runs. He's raised his average from .244 to .272 by going 18-51 (.353)
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Indians Stomp Yankees 19-1
Pitchers get lit up like the 4th of July
George Steinbrenner has probably had better birthday's than his 76th yesterday. Though he wasn't at the Yankees-Indians game he couldn't have been happy with the outcome. Starter Shawn Chacon and 5 relievers were torched for 19 runs and 21 hits. Chacon was the worst of all. Due to rain and ineffective pitching, the Yankees hadn't had a starter go more than 6 innings since Chien-Ming Wang's effort on June 28 versus Atlanta. Wang extended the poor performances since that start with only a 5+ inning out on Monday. Chacon (4-3) was a Godsend last season after being acquired from Colorado, but he's been anything but that since. Last night he allowed 7 runs in just 1 1-3 innings. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez each belted 2-run home runs in the 1st inning and Travis Hafner added a 3-run blast in the 3rd. Both Peralta and Hafner would add 2nd home runs later on and Ronnie Bellard also hit a long ball to give the Indians 6 on the night.
Just as he did on Sunday against the Mets, Ron Villone came in and stopped the bleeding with 2 2-3 scoreless innings of relief. But unlike Sunday night, the Yankees bats did nothing against Jake Westbrook and the Yankees bullpen was nothing next to awful. Rookie T.J. Beam had his worst outing in the bigs, allowing 6 runs in just 2-3 of an inning. Mike Myers and Scott Proctor also got knocked around before Kyle Farnsworth mercifully pitched a scoreless 9th.
Martinez led the Tribe with a 5-hit night and Belliard and Hafner drove in 4 runs each. Westbrook (7-4) sailed through 7 innings, allowing just 4 hits and a 1st inning run that came home on Jason Giambi's double play grounder.
Notes
The Yankees recalled Kris Wilson from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday to help the tired bullpen. Wilson had been used in a starting role. Kevin Reese was sent down to make room on the roster.
The Yankees also claimed outfielder Aaron Guiel off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. The 33-year old will provided another left-handed bat off the bench.
George Steinbrenner has probably had better birthday's than his 76th yesterday. Though he wasn't at the Yankees-Indians game he couldn't have been happy with the outcome. Starter Shawn Chacon and 5 relievers were torched for 19 runs and 21 hits. Chacon was the worst of all. Due to rain and ineffective pitching, the Yankees hadn't had a starter go more than 6 innings since Chien-Ming Wang's effort on June 28 versus Atlanta. Wang extended the poor performances since that start with only a 5+ inning out on Monday. Chacon (4-3) was a Godsend last season after being acquired from Colorado, but he's been anything but that since. Last night he allowed 7 runs in just 1 1-3 innings. Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez each belted 2-run home runs in the 1st inning and Travis Hafner added a 3-run blast in the 3rd. Both Peralta and Hafner would add 2nd home runs later on and Ronnie Bellard also hit a long ball to give the Indians 6 on the night.
Just as he did on Sunday against the Mets, Ron Villone came in and stopped the bleeding with 2 2-3 scoreless innings of relief. But unlike Sunday night, the Yankees bats did nothing against Jake Westbrook and the Yankees bullpen was nothing next to awful. Rookie T.J. Beam had his worst outing in the bigs, allowing 6 runs in just 2-3 of an inning. Mike Myers and Scott Proctor also got knocked around before Kyle Farnsworth mercifully pitched a scoreless 9th.
Martinez led the Tribe with a 5-hit night and Belliard and Hafner drove in 4 runs each. Westbrook (7-4) sailed through 7 innings, allowing just 4 hits and a 1st inning run that came home on Jason Giambi's double play grounder.
Notes
The Yankees recalled Kris Wilson from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday to help the tired bullpen. Wilson had been used in a starting role. Kevin Reese was sent down to make room on the roster.
The Yankees also claimed outfielder Aaron Guiel off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. The 33-year old will provided another left-handed bat off the bench.
A-Rod Slams Door on Mets
Grand Slams Ignites 16-7 Win
The Yankees took 2 of 3 from their cross-town rivals the New York Mets with a 16-7 rout on Sunday night. Having lost Saturday's ball game 8-3 as Randy Johnson spit the bit once again, the Bombers looked like they were going to lose Sunday night as well. Jaret Wright was as ineffective as his taller, southpaw teammate, allowing 4 runs in just 1 2-3 innings. That's when Joe Torre decided he could take no more and brought in Ron Villone to stop the bleeding. And that's exactly what Villone did. He would allow 1 run in 3 innings, keeping the Yankees in the game long enough for them to bust out against Mets starter Alay Soler.
Jorge Posada chipped away with a solo home run, his 11th, in the second inning. Then the Yankees brought out the big guns in the 3rd. Nick Green, starting in place of Miguel Cairo, walked and stole 2nd to start the inning. After a Johnny Damon walk, Derek Jeter singled home green to halve the lead. Jason Giambi's ground ball was misplayed twice, but he still managed to be credited with an infield single. First baseman Julio Franco bobbled the grounder as he tried to quickly to get the force at 2nd. When he turned to throw to first, he found Soler late covering the bag. The bases were loaded with no one out for Alex Rodriguez. Not a situation a rookie wants to be facing. A-Rod made sure he remembered it, lining a pitch into the right field seats for a grand slam and a 6-4 Yankees lead.
A Melky Cabrera RBI double later in the inning increased the lead to 7-4 and Mets manager Willie Randolph finally pulled the overmatched Solar. Randolph left the rookie in longer than normal, because he knew the Mets would be without Pedro Martinez for Monday's game and it didn't want to burn the bullpen. Reliever Heath Bell was greeted just as rudely as Green completed the 8-run inning with a 2-run home run, his first of the season.
The Yankees added on an inning later when Xavier Nady misplayed Andy Phillips fly to right to allow two runs to score. Another pair came home on Cabrera's double for a 13-4 lead. The Mets got one back in the 5h, but A-Rod blasted a shot to deep center off the facing of the black bleachers for a 3-run shot and a 16-4 lead. It was Rodriguez's 19th home run and gave him 7 RBI on the night.
Carlos Beltran finished the Mets scoring with a pair of solo home runs, his 23rd and 24th. He hit a monster shot into the upper deck off of T.J. Beam in the 6th and then cranked one off of Scott Proctor in the 9th.
Notes
The Yankees finished interleague play with a 10-8 record. That included going 3-3 against the Mets.
The Yankees took 2 of 3 from their cross-town rivals the New York Mets with a 16-7 rout on Sunday night. Having lost Saturday's ball game 8-3 as Randy Johnson spit the bit once again, the Bombers looked like they were going to lose Sunday night as well. Jaret Wright was as ineffective as his taller, southpaw teammate, allowing 4 runs in just 1 2-3 innings. That's when Joe Torre decided he could take no more and brought in Ron Villone to stop the bleeding. And that's exactly what Villone did. He would allow 1 run in 3 innings, keeping the Yankees in the game long enough for them to bust out against Mets starter Alay Soler.
Jorge Posada chipped away with a solo home run, his 11th, in the second inning. Then the Yankees brought out the big guns in the 3rd. Nick Green, starting in place of Miguel Cairo, walked and stole 2nd to start the inning. After a Johnny Damon walk, Derek Jeter singled home green to halve the lead. Jason Giambi's ground ball was misplayed twice, but he still managed to be credited with an infield single. First baseman Julio Franco bobbled the grounder as he tried to quickly to get the force at 2nd. When he turned to throw to first, he found Soler late covering the bag. The bases were loaded with no one out for Alex Rodriguez. Not a situation a rookie wants to be facing. A-Rod made sure he remembered it, lining a pitch into the right field seats for a grand slam and a 6-4 Yankees lead.
A Melky Cabrera RBI double later in the inning increased the lead to 7-4 and Mets manager Willie Randolph finally pulled the overmatched Solar. Randolph left the rookie in longer than normal, because he knew the Mets would be without Pedro Martinez for Monday's game and it didn't want to burn the bullpen. Reliever Heath Bell was greeted just as rudely as Green completed the 8-run inning with a 2-run home run, his first of the season.
The Yankees added on an inning later when Xavier Nady misplayed Andy Phillips fly to right to allow two runs to score. Another pair came home on Cabrera's double for a 13-4 lead. The Mets got one back in the 5h, but A-Rod blasted a shot to deep center off the facing of the black bleachers for a 3-run shot and a 16-4 lead. It was Rodriguez's 19th home run and gave him 7 RBI on the night.
Carlos Beltran finished the Mets scoring with a pair of solo home runs, his 23rd and 24th. He hit a monster shot into the upper deck off of T.J. Beam in the 6th and then cranked one off of Scott Proctor in the 9th.
Notes
The Yankees finished interleague play with a 10-8 record. That included going 3-3 against the Mets.
Saturday, July 1, 2006
Yankees Outduel Duque 2-0
Pen Records 15 Outs in 1-Hitter
Bad weather and a bad groin kept Mike Mussina from continuing his 4 inning no-hit bid, but the Yankees pen picked up where he left off in a 2-0 Yankees victory. Mussina strained his right groin in the first inning, but was able to stay in the ball game. However, a one hour-3 minute rain delay forced him from the game. He stated after the game that he expects to make his next start. That left it up to the Yankees bullpen to record the final 15 outs of the game and they did just that convincingly.
As expected Mets starter Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez received a warm reception from his former fans. Jason Giambi wasn't so nice. The Giambino smacked a Duque hanger in the 1st into the Yankees old bullpen in right-center for a 1-0 lead. It was Giambi's AL second best 24th home run of the season and his 150th as a Yankee.
Mussina meanwhile breezed through the Mets lineup, facing just one batter over the minimum in 4 innings. Miguel Cairo's 1st inning error provided the Mets with their only base runner against Moose. The Yankees padded their lead in the 4th, though it took over an hour to do so. Bernie Williams blooped a two-out single just out of the reach of Mets third baseman David Wright and promptly stole second. With a 1-2 count on Andy Phillips the rain, which had been coming down steadily, increased significantly as did the wind. Crew chief Tim McLelland waited as long as he could before ordering the tarp onto the field.
When play resumed, El Duque (4-8) returned to the mound, but Ron Villone was warming in the Yankees pen. It wasn't known until after the game that Mussina had strained his right groin in the first inning, but was able to continue after having it wrapped. With the long delay Joe Torre was taking no chances on putting his best starter back out there. Andy Phillips resume his at-bat and singled through the left side to score Williams ahead of Cliff Floyd's poor throw.
With a 2-0 lead to protect, Torre used a full arsenal of relievers to get the job done. Villone (2-1)tossed two scoreless innings, allowing a lead off single to Endy Chavez in the 6th. Chavez was erased one batter later when Villone picked him off of first base. Scott Proctor and Kyle Farnsworth retired all 3 men they faced in the 7th and 8th innings before Mariano Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 9th to earn his 18th save.
Notes
The Yankees pitching effort overshadowed another poor offensive night for the Yankees lineup. 3 men were left in scoring position including Derek Jeter who led off the 8th with a double, but go no further.
David Wright's night epitomized the Mets frustration. He struck out all 3 times up.
Ron Villone has won the last 2 Yankee games. He picked up the victory on Wednesday after pitching to just 1 Florida Marlin. A-Rod's walk-off home run gave him the win.
Derek Jeter went to 2-4 to raise his average to .333 and increase his interleague best hit total to 222.
Bernie Williams 4th inning stolen base his 1st of the season.
Bad weather and a bad groin kept Mike Mussina from continuing his 4 inning no-hit bid, but the Yankees pen picked up where he left off in a 2-0 Yankees victory. Mussina strained his right groin in the first inning, but was able to stay in the ball game. However, a one hour-3 minute rain delay forced him from the game. He stated after the game that he expects to make his next start. That left it up to the Yankees bullpen to record the final 15 outs of the game and they did just that convincingly.
As expected Mets starter Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez received a warm reception from his former fans. Jason Giambi wasn't so nice. The Giambino smacked a Duque hanger in the 1st into the Yankees old bullpen in right-center for a 1-0 lead. It was Giambi's AL second best 24th home run of the season and his 150th as a Yankee.
Mussina meanwhile breezed through the Mets lineup, facing just one batter over the minimum in 4 innings. Miguel Cairo's 1st inning error provided the Mets with their only base runner against Moose. The Yankees padded their lead in the 4th, though it took over an hour to do so. Bernie Williams blooped a two-out single just out of the reach of Mets third baseman David Wright and promptly stole second. With a 1-2 count on Andy Phillips the rain, which had been coming down steadily, increased significantly as did the wind. Crew chief Tim McLelland waited as long as he could before ordering the tarp onto the field.
When play resumed, El Duque (4-8) returned to the mound, but Ron Villone was warming in the Yankees pen. It wasn't known until after the game that Mussina had strained his right groin in the first inning, but was able to continue after having it wrapped. With the long delay Joe Torre was taking no chances on putting his best starter back out there. Andy Phillips resume his at-bat and singled through the left side to score Williams ahead of Cliff Floyd's poor throw.
With a 2-0 lead to protect, Torre used a full arsenal of relievers to get the job done. Villone (2-1)tossed two scoreless innings, allowing a lead off single to Endy Chavez in the 6th. Chavez was erased one batter later when Villone picked him off of first base. Scott Proctor and Kyle Farnsworth retired all 3 men they faced in the 7th and 8th innings before Mariano Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 9th to earn his 18th save.
Notes
The Yankees pitching effort overshadowed another poor offensive night for the Yankees lineup. 3 men were left in scoring position including Derek Jeter who led off the 8th with a double, but go no further.
David Wright's night epitomized the Mets frustration. He struck out all 3 times up.
Ron Villone has won the last 2 Yankee games. He picked up the victory on Wednesday after pitching to just 1 Florida Marlin. A-Rod's walk-off home run gave him the win.
Derek Jeter went to 2-4 to raise his average to .333 and increase his interleague best hit total to 222.
Bernie Williams 4th inning stolen base his 1st of the season.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Around the Horn - 6/29
Pedro Martinez had already received a loud ovation and a video tribute from the Fenway faithful on Tuesday night. Last night he received another loud ovation as he took the mound to face his former team. Pedro returned the favor in kind - he got raked for 8 runs in 3 innings. Pedros' lack of focus was clear in the 1st inning. With two men and none out, David Ortiz hit a comebacker that Martinez fielded cleanly - then froze as he went to throw to 3rd - then froze as he went to second. He finally settled for getting Ortiz at 1st.
It's been well documented that left field in Fenway Park is extremely difficult to play. So why did Mets Manager Willie Randolph put inexperienced rookie Lastings Milledge out there? Milledge misplayed a ball into an extra base hit on Tuesday and dropped a fly ball last night.
Joe Mauer's torrid streak continues. The Twins catcher went 2-3 yesterday, plus a walk, and is 11 for his last 13. He's now hitting .392.
Lou Piniella may not be managing right now, but he still has an influence on some players. Piniella stopped by Yankee Stadium Tuesday night to speak with his former shortstop Alex Rodriguez. Piniella was a father figure to A-Rod in their days in Seattle and they ended up talking until 3 in the morning. A-Rod then proceeded to hit his walk-off game winner yesterday.
The Cincinnati Reds rewarded manager Jerry Narron with a 2 year extension and picked up the option for the 2008 season for GM Wayne Krivsky. The surprising reds are 6 games over .500 and only 1.5 games behind 1st place St. Louis in the NL Central.
It's been well documented that left field in Fenway Park is extremely difficult to play. So why did Mets Manager Willie Randolph put inexperienced rookie Lastings Milledge out there? Milledge misplayed a ball into an extra base hit on Tuesday and dropped a fly ball last night.
Joe Mauer's torrid streak continues. The Twins catcher went 2-3 yesterday, plus a walk, and is 11 for his last 13. He's now hitting .392.
Lou Piniella may not be managing right now, but he still has an influence on some players. Piniella stopped by Yankee Stadium Tuesday night to speak with his former shortstop Alex Rodriguez. Piniella was a father figure to A-Rod in their days in Seattle and they ended up talking until 3 in the morning. A-Rod then proceeded to hit his walk-off game winner yesterday.
The Cincinnati Reds rewarded manager Jerry Narron with a 2 year extension and picked up the option for the 2008 season for GM Wayne Krivsky. The surprising reds are 6 games over .500 and only 1.5 games behind 1st place St. Louis in the NL Central.
A-Rod Walks Off the Hero
12th Inning Home Run Tops Braves 4-3
Alex Rodriguez has been hearing boos for weeks, so when it came time to hear some cheers, Rodriguez didn't acknowledge them. And who could blame them. The Yankees trailed the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in the 12th inning yesterday afternoon when Jason Giambi drew a one-out walk from reliever Jorge Sosa (2-10). That brought the much maligned A-Rod to the plate. Moments later the remainder of the crowd of 54,186 were on their feet cheering wildly as A-Rod crushed a Sosa fastball. The ball cleared the Yankees bullpen in left-center to give the Yankees a come from behind 4-3 victory.
The same fans who had been booing earlier in the game were now on their feet chanting for a curtain call. A-Rod ignored it, bolting for the clubhouse as soon as he was done being mobbed by his teammates. How it affects his relationship with the fans remains to be seen, but no one could blame Rodriguez for not placating the fans. He also realizes it was just one game, just one at-bat. It was his 16th home run of the season and the 445th of his career.
The win made sure that starter Chien-Ming Wang's efforts were not in vein. Wang gave the bullpen much needed rest as he went 8 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, walked 1 and struck out 2. 19 of the 24 outs he recorded were on the grounder, a stat that leads in the AL. He needed just 91 pitches to complete his day.
The Yankee hitters couldn't muster anything against Braves start John Smoltz who left with a lead for the 6th time this season, only to end up with a no-decision. The Yankees put two on with two out in the 2nd, on a Derek Jeter double and a Giambi walk, but Rodriguez lined hard to center. It was the only real trouble Smoltz got into other than the 6th when he gave up a lead off single to Melky Cabrera, who advanced to third on Giambi's one-out single. A-Rod hit a comebacker off of Smoltz that resulted in an RBI ground out that cut the Braves lead in half at 2-1.
Kenny Ray relieved Smoltz to start the 8th and one batter later allowed Giambi's 23rd home run of the season. The high shot hit the foul pole in right to tie the game at 2-2. Mariano Rivera pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Wang before Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Myers, and Scott Proctor walked the tight rope into the 12th. That's when Marcus Giles took advantage of a 95-mph fastball that Proctor left up in the zone and smacked it out for his 5th home run of the season. Ron Villone (1-1) picked up the final out in the 12th and ended up earning his first win as a Yankee.
The Braves had scored single runs in the 4th (doubles by Edgar Renteria and Andruw Jones) and the 6th (Brian McCann RBI single). Smoltz made the lead hold up, but nothing could hold A-Rod's hit in the ball park.
Notes
Derek Jeter doubled in the 2nd inning to give 220 career interleague hits, tops among all players.
Chien-Ming Wang has become the Yankees #2 man behind Mike Mussina. Wang has gone 7 or more innings in 5 straight starts.
Melky Cabrera has a modest 5 game hitting streak that has seen his average rise from .248 to .261.
Yankees top prospect Phillip Hughes tossed 5 innings of 1-hit, shutout ball against New Hampshire yesterday as the Trenton Thunder picked up the win. It marked the 3rd time in June that Hughes had a no-hitter going into the 5th.
Alex Rodriguez has been hearing boos for weeks, so when it came time to hear some cheers, Rodriguez didn't acknowledge them. And who could blame them. The Yankees trailed the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in the 12th inning yesterday afternoon when Jason Giambi drew a one-out walk from reliever Jorge Sosa (2-10). That brought the much maligned A-Rod to the plate. Moments later the remainder of the crowd of 54,186 were on their feet cheering wildly as A-Rod crushed a Sosa fastball. The ball cleared the Yankees bullpen in left-center to give the Yankees a come from behind 4-3 victory.
The same fans who had been booing earlier in the game were now on their feet chanting for a curtain call. A-Rod ignored it, bolting for the clubhouse as soon as he was done being mobbed by his teammates. How it affects his relationship with the fans remains to be seen, but no one could blame Rodriguez for not placating the fans. He also realizes it was just one game, just one at-bat. It was his 16th home run of the season and the 445th of his career.
The win made sure that starter Chien-Ming Wang's efforts were not in vein. Wang gave the bullpen much needed rest as he went 8 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, walked 1 and struck out 2. 19 of the 24 outs he recorded were on the grounder, a stat that leads in the AL. He needed just 91 pitches to complete his day.
The Yankee hitters couldn't muster anything against Braves start John Smoltz who left with a lead for the 6th time this season, only to end up with a no-decision. The Yankees put two on with two out in the 2nd, on a Derek Jeter double and a Giambi walk, but Rodriguez lined hard to center. It was the only real trouble Smoltz got into other than the 6th when he gave up a lead off single to Melky Cabrera, who advanced to third on Giambi's one-out single. A-Rod hit a comebacker off of Smoltz that resulted in an RBI ground out that cut the Braves lead in half at 2-1.
Kenny Ray relieved Smoltz to start the 8th and one batter later allowed Giambi's 23rd home run of the season. The high shot hit the foul pole in right to tie the game at 2-2. Mariano Rivera pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Wang before Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Myers, and Scott Proctor walked the tight rope into the 12th. That's when Marcus Giles took advantage of a 95-mph fastball that Proctor left up in the zone and smacked it out for his 5th home run of the season. Ron Villone (1-1) picked up the final out in the 12th and ended up earning his first win as a Yankee.
The Braves had scored single runs in the 4th (doubles by Edgar Renteria and Andruw Jones) and the 6th (Brian McCann RBI single). Smoltz made the lead hold up, but nothing could hold A-Rod's hit in the ball park.
Notes
Derek Jeter doubled in the 2nd inning to give 220 career interleague hits, tops among all players.
Chien-Ming Wang has become the Yankees #2 man behind Mike Mussina. Wang has gone 7 or more innings in 5 straight starts.
Melky Cabrera has a modest 5 game hitting streak that has seen his average rise from .248 to .261.
Yankees top prospect Phillip Hughes tossed 5 innings of 1-hit, shutout ball against New Hampshire yesterday as the Trenton Thunder picked up the win. It marked the 3rd time in June that Hughes had a no-hitter going into the 5th.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Around the Horn - 6/28
ESPN Analyst and Baseball Hall of Fame member Peter Gammons suffered an aneurysm at his Cape Cod home yesterday. The 61-year old Gammons underwent surgery and is expected to remain in intensive care for 10-12 days. Our prayers go out to him and his family.
Pedro Martinez may have been worried about the reception he would receive upon his return to Boston this week, but his fears were quickly alleviated. At the end of the first inning in last night's game, the Red Sox played a tribute video in honor of Pedro's 7 year career in Boston. The Fenway faithful went crazy and gave Martinez a standing ovation. Just who will the fans be rooting for tonight when Pedro tries to snap the Sox 10 game winning streak.
To say that Joe Mauer has come into his own this season would be an understatement. The only thing missing from his game is power and that is sure to come. He's gone 9-10 in the first two games of his Twins series against the LA Dodgers to raise his average to a Major League best .389. After hitting "just" .319 in April, Mauer has hit .389 in May and .448 so far in June. He has 100 hits in the 68 games he has played.
With just a little over a month to go before the non-waiver trade deadline, rumors are heating up. One rumor that was vehemently denied yesterday by Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos. Angelos said under no circumstances will Miguel Tejada be dealt.
One trade was made yesterday with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays swapping pitchers and catchers. The Dodgers sent catcher Dionner Navarro, pitcher Jae Seo, and a player to be named later for catcher Toby Hall and left-handed starter Mark Hendrickson.
Pedro Martinez may have been worried about the reception he would receive upon his return to Boston this week, but his fears were quickly alleviated. At the end of the first inning in last night's game, the Red Sox played a tribute video in honor of Pedro's 7 year career in Boston. The Fenway faithful went crazy and gave Martinez a standing ovation. Just who will the fans be rooting for tonight when Pedro tries to snap the Sox 10 game winning streak.
To say that Joe Mauer has come into his own this season would be an understatement. The only thing missing from his game is power and that is sure to come. He's gone 9-10 in the first two games of his Twins series against the LA Dodgers to raise his average to a Major League best .389. After hitting "just" .319 in April, Mauer has hit .389 in May and .448 so far in June. He has 100 hits in the 68 games he has played.
With just a little over a month to go before the non-waiver trade deadline, rumors are heating up. One rumor that was vehemently denied yesterday by Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos. Angelos said under no circumstances will Miguel Tejada be dealt.
One trade was made yesterday with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays swapping pitchers and catchers. The Dodgers sent catcher Dionner Navarro, pitcher Jae Seo, and a player to be named later for catcher Toby Hall and left-handed starter Mark Hendrickson.
Lackluster Yankees Fall to Braves 5-2
No-show bats waste Wright effort
The Atlanta Braves entered last night's game with the Yankees just 4-20 in the month of June. That record was mainly the product of a 10 game losing streak. None of that mattered last night as the Braves beat an undermanned, uninspired Yankees team 5-2. Left-hander Horacio Ramirez scattered 8 hits over 8 innings and allowed just 1 run. The Yankees did their part, going 1-6 with runners in scoring position (the one hit could have been scored an error).
The loss came at the expense of Jaret Wright who had one of his better outings this season. Facing his former team, Wright gave up a run on 5 hits in 6 innings, while walking 2 and striking out 4. Wright through just 90 pitches, but Joe Torre went to his overworked bullpen anyway. The move blew up in his face. Adam Laroche led off the 7th against Ron Villone and promptly belted his 12th home run of the season.
The Yankees halved the lead in the bottom of the 7th when Jorge Posada singled, moved to third on a pair of ground outs and scored on Melky Cabrera's infield single that was misplayed by Chipper Jones at third. The Yankees gave the run right back though in the 8th when Edgar Renteria led off with a single and came around on an RBI single by Jeff Francoeur off of T.J. Beam.
The Braves put the game away in the 9th scoring two more off of the completely ineffective Kyle Farnsworth. Farnsworth's ERA rose to high 4.98 after pitching 2/3 of an inning. Since May 3 when his ERA stood at 2.53, Farnsworth has pitched 23 2-3 innings, allowing 27 hits, 16 earned runs (6.08 ERA), walked 17, blown 4 saves and lost 4 games. He's managed one win (which came after a blown save) and one save. Clearly he's lost out on the mound right now. Though he downplayed it after the game he also seemed to have issues with Jorge Posada last night as well.
At this rate it's going to be a very long summer in the Bronx.
Melky Cabrera was one of the few bright spots for the Yankees last night. He drove in both runs, including hitting his 2nd Major League home run in the 9th. He also had a chance to pick up another assist, but his throw home on a base hit by Wilson Betemit could not be handled by Posada.
An MRI on the Robinson Cano's left hamstring revealed a small tear and Cano was placed on the DL retroactive to Monday. The training staff is confident that Cano should be able to return when he is eligible.
Jorge Posada had an up and down night. He went 2-4 at the plate, hitting the ball solidly each time up and was robbed of a third hit on a leaping grab by 2nd baseman Pete Orr. Behind the plate Posada had a passed ball and would have had a 2nd one if Adam Laroche had not thought he had fouled a third strike.
Chien-Ming Wang faces John Smoltz in the rubber game of the series this afternoon (1:05 on YES).
The Atlanta Braves entered last night's game with the Yankees just 4-20 in the month of June. That record was mainly the product of a 10 game losing streak. None of that mattered last night as the Braves beat an undermanned, uninspired Yankees team 5-2. Left-hander Horacio Ramirez scattered 8 hits over 8 innings and allowed just 1 run. The Yankees did their part, going 1-6 with runners in scoring position (the one hit could have been scored an error).
The loss came at the expense of Jaret Wright who had one of his better outings this season. Facing his former team, Wright gave up a run on 5 hits in 6 innings, while walking 2 and striking out 4. Wright through just 90 pitches, but Joe Torre went to his overworked bullpen anyway. The move blew up in his face. Adam Laroche led off the 7th against Ron Villone and promptly belted his 12th home run of the season.
The Yankees halved the lead in the bottom of the 7th when Jorge Posada singled, moved to third on a pair of ground outs and scored on Melky Cabrera's infield single that was misplayed by Chipper Jones at third. The Yankees gave the run right back though in the 8th when Edgar Renteria led off with a single and came around on an RBI single by Jeff Francoeur off of T.J. Beam.
The Braves put the game away in the 9th scoring two more off of the completely ineffective Kyle Farnsworth. Farnsworth's ERA rose to high 4.98 after pitching 2/3 of an inning. Since May 3 when his ERA stood at 2.53, Farnsworth has pitched 23 2-3 innings, allowing 27 hits, 16 earned runs (6.08 ERA), walked 17, blown 4 saves and lost 4 games. He's managed one win (which came after a blown save) and one save. Clearly he's lost out on the mound right now. Though he downplayed it after the game he also seemed to have issues with Jorge Posada last night as well.
At this rate it's going to be a very long summer in the Bronx.
Melky Cabrera was one of the few bright spots for the Yankees last night. He drove in both runs, including hitting his 2nd Major League home run in the 9th. He also had a chance to pick up another assist, but his throw home on a base hit by Wilson Betemit could not be handled by Posada.
An MRI on the Robinson Cano's left hamstring revealed a small tear and Cano was placed on the DL retroactive to Monday. The training staff is confident that Cano should be able to return when he is eligible.
Jorge Posada had an up and down night. He went 2-4 at the plate, hitting the ball solidly each time up and was robbed of a third hit on a leaping grab by 2nd baseman Pete Orr. Behind the plate Posada had a passed ball and would have had a 2nd one if Adam Laroche had not thought he had fouled a third strike.
Chien-Ming Wang faces John Smoltz in the rubber game of the series this afternoon (1:05 on YES).
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Around the Horn
It's been 20 years since the New York beat the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series and Bill Buckner's life was ruined by what seemed like a harmless grounder. Tonight the Mets and Red Sox meet at Fenway Park in interleague action. And tonight the Red Sox faithful will salute the the team that nearly ended the curse and broke their hearts. Unfortunately Bill Buckner won't be there so that the fans can somewhat make it up to him for treating like garbage over the years. Buckner was one of the better offensive and defensive players during his career, but he's only remembered because of that fateful misplay of Mookie Wilson's grounder in game 6. Buckner has a prior commitment with his son and said he would have loved to have been there. You wonder if that's true. As many pundits have pointed out, this salute probably would not have been possible without the Red Sox winning it all in 2004. Winning heals a lot of old wounds.
One of the most amazing things is that the game 6 starter, Rogers Clemens, will be on the mound tonight when the Houston Astros face the Detroit Tigers. Manager John McNamara will also be missing the festivities due to failing health. Rich Gedman and Bob Stanley are both coaches in other organizations and won't be able to attend.
After tonight's match up of rookies Alay Soler and Jon Lester, the veterans go at it. Pedro Martinez makes his return to Fenway against Josh Beckett tomorrow night. The series ends with a great match up Thursday night with Tom Glavine, who grew up a Red Sox fan, going against Curt Schilling.
A couple of milestones were reached over the weekend. Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 549th career home run to pass Mike Schmidt for 11th place on the all-time list. Considering that he is only 36, one can only imagine how many more Jr. would have had by now if not for injuries. He needs 14 more to catch Reggie Jackson.
Mike Mussina picked up his 2500th career strikeout against Florida to become the 28th pitcher to reach that plateau.
One of the most amazing things is that the game 6 starter, Rogers Clemens, will be on the mound tonight when the Houston Astros face the Detroit Tigers. Manager John McNamara will also be missing the festivities due to failing health. Rich Gedman and Bob Stanley are both coaches in other organizations and won't be able to attend.
After tonight's match up of rookies Alay Soler and Jon Lester, the veterans go at it. Pedro Martinez makes his return to Fenway against Josh Beckett tomorrow night. The series ends with a great match up Thursday night with Tom Glavine, who grew up a Red Sox fan, going against Curt Schilling.
A couple of milestones were reached over the weekend. Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 549th career home run to pass Mike Schmidt for 11th place on the all-time list. Considering that he is only 36, one can only imagine how many more Jr. would have had by now if not for injuries. He needs 14 more to catch Reggie Jackson.
Mike Mussina picked up his 2500th career strikeout against Florida to become the 28th pitcher to reach that plateau.
Unit Fires Yankees Past Braves 5-2
Johnson Brings His 'A' Game
Randy Johnson was as intense as he has ever been as a Yankee last night in a dominating performance over the Atlanta Braves. Johnson struck out 9 in a 7 inning performance and Jason Giambi provided all the offense with a pair of home runs as the Yankees beat the Braves 5-2. Johnson was throwing on an extra day's rest after serving a 5 game suspension for throwing at the Indians Eduardo Perez. He limited the Braves to 4 hits and did not walk a batter in throwing 106 pitches. Over his last 6 starts, Johnson is 4-2, 3.10 (his ERA is 2.14 without his 4 inning, 5 run performance versus the A's on June 9).
Jason Giambi gave Johnson an immediate lead when he jumped on a Tim Hudson splitter in the first inning and hit into the right-center field bleachers. With Derek Jeter aboard with a single, it gave the Yankees a 2-0 advantage. One inning later Giambi struck again. The Yankees put two aboard on a Johnny Damon double and walk to Jeter who was celebrating his 32nd birthday. Hudson (6-7) left another pitch up in the zone and Giambi made him pay again, smacking another shot to right-center for a 5-0 Yankee lead. Giambi leads the team with 22 HRs and 61 RBI. It would be all the runs the Yankees would need and it was a good thing since they couldn't muster any offense the rest of the night.
The only real trouble Johnson (9-6) got into was in the 6th, when after striking out Todd Pratt and Marcus Giles, he allowed singles to Edgar Renteria and Chipper Jones. But Johnson struck out Andruw Jones to end the inning. Johnson triumphantly pumped his fist as he walked off the mound.
As has been the case most of this season the Yankees bullpen made the game interesting. After pitching a scoreless eighth, Scott Proctor gave up a 2-run homer to Chipper Jones with no one out in the 9th. Torre stuck with Proctor as he struck out Andruw Jones, but a single by Jeff Francoeur sent Torre to the mound to call on Mariano Rivera. Rivera struck out Matt Diaz for the 2nd out, but then walked Wilson Betemit to put the tying run at the plate. Rivera bounced back though, striking out Adam LaRoche looking to pick up his 17th save.
Notes
The Yankees are holding off on placing Robinson Cano on the disabled list with a pulled hamstring. Cano said it felt a little better and the team will wait a day or two to make a decision. It's most likely that Nick Green would be recalled if Cano is DL'ed.
Aaron Small passed through waivers and accepted an assignment to Columbus. Small could still return this season if he can turn his season around.
In addition to Derek Jeter, Mike Myers also celebrated a birthday yesterday, his 37th.
Randy Johnson's win was the 272nd of his career and his 9 strike outs pushed his career total to 4,457.
Randy Johnson was as intense as he has ever been as a Yankee last night in a dominating performance over the Atlanta Braves. Johnson struck out 9 in a 7 inning performance and Jason Giambi provided all the offense with a pair of home runs as the Yankees beat the Braves 5-2. Johnson was throwing on an extra day's rest after serving a 5 game suspension for throwing at the Indians Eduardo Perez. He limited the Braves to 4 hits and did not walk a batter in throwing 106 pitches. Over his last 6 starts, Johnson is 4-2, 3.10 (his ERA is 2.14 without his 4 inning, 5 run performance versus the A's on June 9).
Jason Giambi gave Johnson an immediate lead when he jumped on a Tim Hudson splitter in the first inning and hit into the right-center field bleachers. With Derek Jeter aboard with a single, it gave the Yankees a 2-0 advantage. One inning later Giambi struck again. The Yankees put two aboard on a Johnny Damon double and walk to Jeter who was celebrating his 32nd birthday. Hudson (6-7) left another pitch up in the zone and Giambi made him pay again, smacking another shot to right-center for a 5-0 Yankee lead. Giambi leads the team with 22 HRs and 61 RBI. It would be all the runs the Yankees would need and it was a good thing since they couldn't muster any offense the rest of the night.
The only real trouble Johnson (9-6) got into was in the 6th, when after striking out Todd Pratt and Marcus Giles, he allowed singles to Edgar Renteria and Chipper Jones. But Johnson struck out Andruw Jones to end the inning. Johnson triumphantly pumped his fist as he walked off the mound.
As has been the case most of this season the Yankees bullpen made the game interesting. After pitching a scoreless eighth, Scott Proctor gave up a 2-run homer to Chipper Jones with no one out in the 9th. Torre stuck with Proctor as he struck out Andruw Jones, but a single by Jeff Francoeur sent Torre to the mound to call on Mariano Rivera. Rivera struck out Matt Diaz for the 2nd out, but then walked Wilson Betemit to put the tying run at the plate. Rivera bounced back though, striking out Adam LaRoche looking to pick up his 17th save.
Notes
The Yankees are holding off on placing Robinson Cano on the disabled list with a pulled hamstring. Cano said it felt a little better and the team will wait a day or two to make a decision. It's most likely that Nick Green would be recalled if Cano is DL'ed.
Aaron Small passed through waivers and accepted an assignment to Columbus. Small could still return this season if he can turn his season around.
In addition to Derek Jeter, Mike Myers also celebrated a birthday yesterday, his 37th.
Randy Johnson's win was the 272nd of his career and his 9 strike outs pushed his career total to 4,457.
Monday, June 26, 2006
A Brave New World
Weather permitting, the Yankees will open a three game series with the Atlanta Braves tonight at Yankee Stadium. The average fan won't recognize most of the faces on this Atlanta though. The Braves are a far cry from the pennant winning teams of the late to mid 1990s and are about to have their amazing streak of 14 consecutive NL East division titles snapped. A handful of names remain the same- Andruw and Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Bobby Cox- but this team is made up of mostly inexperienced youngsters. The the Braves winning the division in 2005 said more about the weakness of their opposition rather than the strength of the Braves. With strong offenses in New York and Philadelphia, and a scrappy team in Florida, the Braves weaknesses have become very exposed.
The Braves recently endured a ten game losing streak and are currently 32-44. They sit in the cellar of the NL East, 15.5 games behind the 1st place Mets. Smoltz is the only holdover from the big 3 that included fellow Cy Young winners Greg Maddux (Cubs) and Tom Glavine (Mets). He's aided in the rotation by All-Star Tim Hudson, but after that it's slim pickings. The bullpen is a disaster area where the roles rotate every week.
The lineup still has some pop in though with center fielder Andruw Jones coming off of a 51 HR, 128 RBI campaign. His home runs are down a bit, but he's on pace to top his RBI mark. Chipper Jones has struggled through injuries the last few years and its taken a toll on his bat speed and power. He managed 21 HR and 72 RBI in 109 games last year, but so far is at just .275-7-35 in 61 games this season. He's also suffering defensively having already made 11 errors.
Edgar Renteria was acquired in the off-season from Boston and is excelling as a replacement for Rafael Furcal (signed with the Dodgers as a free agent). Renteria is back in the league he feels comfortable in and also is playing on an infield that is 1000% better than Fenway Park- of course it wouldn't take much to be better than the infield at Fenway. In addition to a .302 average and and .831 OPS, Renteria has committed just 8 errors in 64 games after committing a career 30 last season. Renteria also had a 23 game hitting streak to start the season (he hit in 10 consecutive games after the streak was stopped).
Renteria's double play partner Marcus Giles had his 2nd best offensive season in 2005, but has struggled mightily this year. He's scored 41 runs, but is hitting just. 239-4-24 and has an awful OPS of .673.
The Braves infusion of youth last season was instrumental in pulling out another division. No addition was bigger than that of Jeff Francoeur who splashed on the scene hitting .300-14-45 in just 257 at-bats. Francoeur got off to a slow start this season, but is hitting .250-15-55. 1st Baseman Adam LaRoche enjoyed a fine second season as well belting 20 homers to go along with 78 RBI. He's on a pace to match both those numbers this season.
2nd year catcher Brian McCann could be headed to the All-Star game with a .352 average. He's already matched his home run total, 5, from last year and is just 1 RBI shy of last year's total as well.
There's no doubt that these Braves have seen the last of the good times for a while, but with GM John Schuerholz and manager Bobby Cox at the helm, Atlanta will be contending again in no time.
The Braves recently endured a ten game losing streak and are currently 32-44. They sit in the cellar of the NL East, 15.5 games behind the 1st place Mets. Smoltz is the only holdover from the big 3 that included fellow Cy Young winners Greg Maddux (Cubs) and Tom Glavine (Mets). He's aided in the rotation by All-Star Tim Hudson, but after that it's slim pickings. The bullpen is a disaster area where the roles rotate every week.
The lineup still has some pop in though with center fielder Andruw Jones coming off of a 51 HR, 128 RBI campaign. His home runs are down a bit, but he's on pace to top his RBI mark. Chipper Jones has struggled through injuries the last few years and its taken a toll on his bat speed and power. He managed 21 HR and 72 RBI in 109 games last year, but so far is at just .275-7-35 in 61 games this season. He's also suffering defensively having already made 11 errors.
Edgar Renteria was acquired in the off-season from Boston and is excelling as a replacement for Rafael Furcal (signed with the Dodgers as a free agent). Renteria is back in the league he feels comfortable in and also is playing on an infield that is 1000% better than Fenway Park- of course it wouldn't take much to be better than the infield at Fenway. In addition to a .302 average and and .831 OPS, Renteria has committed just 8 errors in 64 games after committing a career 30 last season. Renteria also had a 23 game hitting streak to start the season (he hit in 10 consecutive games after the streak was stopped).
Renteria's double play partner Marcus Giles had his 2nd best offensive season in 2005, but has struggled mightily this year. He's scored 41 runs, but is hitting just. 239-4-24 and has an awful OPS of .673.
The Braves infusion of youth last season was instrumental in pulling out another division. No addition was bigger than that of Jeff Francoeur who splashed on the scene hitting .300-14-45 in just 257 at-bats. Francoeur got off to a slow start this season, but is hitting .250-15-55. 1st Baseman Adam LaRoche enjoyed a fine second season as well belting 20 homers to go along with 78 RBI. He's on a pace to match both those numbers this season.
2nd year catcher Brian McCann could be headed to the All-Star game with a .352 average. He's already matched his home run total, 5, from last year and is just 1 RBI shy of last year's total as well.
There's no doubt that these Braves have seen the last of the good times for a while, but with GM John Schuerholz and manager Bobby Cox at the helm, Atlanta will be contending again in no time.
Yankee Effort Like Night and Day
Split Doubleheader as Offense is a No Show
You can expect the Yankees or any other team to have trouble scoring runs off of a red-hot Dontrelle Willis, but as usual, the Yankees couldn't solve a soft-tossing rookie as they split yesterday's day-night doubleheader at The Stadium. Mike Mussina out dueled Willis (4-7) in the opener 2-1 as Johnny Damon provided all of the offense. With the game tied 1-1 in the 7th Damon drove a Willis hanger into the upper deck for his 11th home run of the season and a 2-1 lead.
Mussina (9-3) exited after 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits, walked 2 and struck out 6. Included in the strike outs was career strike out number 2,500 - the Marlins Cody Ross was the victim. Mussina became the 28th pitcher to reach the 2,500 plateau and is 2 strike outs behind Christy Mathewson for 27th on the all-time list. It was also career victory number 233.
Before Mussina could pick up the victory Kyle Farnsworth had to perform is usual tightrope act. Singles by Mike Treanor and Hanley Ramirez, plus a stolen base by Ramirez, put the tying and go ahead runs in scoring position with just one out. Farnsworth bounced back, striking out Mike Jacobs for the 2nd out. An intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera loaded the bases, but Farnsworth got Josh Willingham to fly out to Melky Cabrera in deep left to get out of the jam. Mariano Rivera retired the Marlins in order in the 9th for his 16th save.
The nightcap was played before a sparse crowd of just over 6,800 that had to sit through rain and a flat performance by the Yankees. It probably felt like a home game for the attendance challenged Marlins. Yankees starter Shawn Chacon was his mediocre self, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings as the Yankees were shut out for the first time this season, 5-0. Chacon was the starter in Saturday's game that was postponed in the 1st inning. Chacon (4-2) threw 16 pitches, but felt strong enough on Sunday to start again.
The Yankees hitters apparently did not get notified there was another game. They looked sickly against Anibal Sanchez who was making his Major League debut. The 22-year old was part of the trade that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Boston Red Sox. He kept the Yankee hitters off-balance with a low 90s fastball mixed with breaking pitches. Sanchez scattered 7 hits over 5 2-3 innings, didn't walk a batter and struck out two.
The Marlins jumped on Chacon in the 1st inning, just as they had in the rainout on Saturday. After Chacon retired the first two hitters, Miguel Cabrera, Willingham, and Jeremy Hermidia stroked consecutive singles for a 1-0 lead. The Yankees had a chance to come right back in the bottom half of the inning when Derek Jeter reached 2nd on a single and an error, but Alex Rodriguez popped out to end the inning.
In the third Cabrera crushed a ball well over 400 feet for his 11th home run of the season and a 2-0 Marlins lead. Again the Yankees had a chance to strike right back in the bottom of the 3rd. Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter stroked 1-out singles, but Jason Giambi struck out looking and Rodriguez grounded out.
The Marlins added another run in the 5th when the Yankees looked like the inexperienced team rather than their opponents. With Reggie Abercrombie on first and one out Alfredo Amezaga hit a bouncer to Giambi at first. Giambi fielded it cleanly, but was afraid of throwing the ball away in attempt to get the force. He should have just eaten the ball - instead he spun and picked up an error as his low throw couldn't be handled by Chacon. The speedy Abercrombie raced to third to put runners on the corners and set up the next sloppy play.
All little league catchers are taught to check the runner at third when there is a threat of a steal or squeeze play. Evidently Yankees catcher Kelly Stinnett forgot that. Amezaga broke for 2nd on the front end of a double steal. Abercrombie started to break for home and then held up- but as soon as Stinnett- who never looked him back to third, fired to 2nd, Abercrombie was off again, easily beating the throw home from Robinson Cano for a 3-0 lead.
Marlins first baseman Wes Helms robbed the Yankees of their last real scoring attempt in the bottom of the 6th. Jason Giambi led off with a single before being forced by A-Rod. Derek Jeter then doubled in the gap to put runners in scoring position with just one out. That's when Helms ended the Yankees hopes. Bernie Williams ripping a hanging fastball to the right side, but Helms dove and snared it for the 2nd out instead of a 2-run single. Hard throwing Randy Messenger replaced Sanchez (1-0) and retired Melky Cabrera on a pop-out to 2nd to end the inning.
The Marlins added a couple more unearned runs off of Ron Villone as Giambi committed his 2nd throwing error of the game. Giambi missed the first game with back spasms and probably should have sat out the 2nd too. The Yankees rolled over and played dead in their final 3 at-bats and slunk off into the night.
Notes
Robinson Cano pulled up lame after doubling in the nightcap and appeared to have a badly strained left hamstring. He'll be re-evaluated today. The Yankees certainly cannot afford to lose another productive bat. Cano had gotten a hit in 20 of his last 22 games.
Johnny Damon DH'ed the 2nd game to rest his various ailments and extended his hitting streak to 6 games. Over that stretch Damon is hitting .409 (9-22) with 5 walks, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases.
You can expect the Yankees or any other team to have trouble scoring runs off of a red-hot Dontrelle Willis, but as usual, the Yankees couldn't solve a soft-tossing rookie as they split yesterday's day-night doubleheader at The Stadium. Mike Mussina out dueled Willis (4-7) in the opener 2-1 as Johnny Damon provided all of the offense. With the game tied 1-1 in the 7th Damon drove a Willis hanger into the upper deck for his 11th home run of the season and a 2-1 lead.
Mussina (9-3) exited after 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits, walked 2 and struck out 6. Included in the strike outs was career strike out number 2,500 - the Marlins Cody Ross was the victim. Mussina became the 28th pitcher to reach the 2,500 plateau and is 2 strike outs behind Christy Mathewson for 27th on the all-time list. It was also career victory number 233.
Before Mussina could pick up the victory Kyle Farnsworth had to perform is usual tightrope act. Singles by Mike Treanor and Hanley Ramirez, plus a stolen base by Ramirez, put the tying and go ahead runs in scoring position with just one out. Farnsworth bounced back, striking out Mike Jacobs for the 2nd out. An intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera loaded the bases, but Farnsworth got Josh Willingham to fly out to Melky Cabrera in deep left to get out of the jam. Mariano Rivera retired the Marlins in order in the 9th for his 16th save.
The nightcap was played before a sparse crowd of just over 6,800 that had to sit through rain and a flat performance by the Yankees. It probably felt like a home game for the attendance challenged Marlins. Yankees starter Shawn Chacon was his mediocre self, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings as the Yankees were shut out for the first time this season, 5-0. Chacon was the starter in Saturday's game that was postponed in the 1st inning. Chacon (4-2) threw 16 pitches, but felt strong enough on Sunday to start again.
The Yankees hitters apparently did not get notified there was another game. They looked sickly against Anibal Sanchez who was making his Major League debut. The 22-year old was part of the trade that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Boston Red Sox. He kept the Yankee hitters off-balance with a low 90s fastball mixed with breaking pitches. Sanchez scattered 7 hits over 5 2-3 innings, didn't walk a batter and struck out two.
The Marlins jumped on Chacon in the 1st inning, just as they had in the rainout on Saturday. After Chacon retired the first two hitters, Miguel Cabrera, Willingham, and Jeremy Hermidia stroked consecutive singles for a 1-0 lead. The Yankees had a chance to come right back in the bottom half of the inning when Derek Jeter reached 2nd on a single and an error, but Alex Rodriguez popped out to end the inning.
In the third Cabrera crushed a ball well over 400 feet for his 11th home run of the season and a 2-0 Marlins lead. Again the Yankees had a chance to strike right back in the bottom of the 3rd. Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter stroked 1-out singles, but Jason Giambi struck out looking and Rodriguez grounded out.
The Marlins added another run in the 5th when the Yankees looked like the inexperienced team rather than their opponents. With Reggie Abercrombie on first and one out Alfredo Amezaga hit a bouncer to Giambi at first. Giambi fielded it cleanly, but was afraid of throwing the ball away in attempt to get the force. He should have just eaten the ball - instead he spun and picked up an error as his low throw couldn't be handled by Chacon. The speedy Abercrombie raced to third to put runners on the corners and set up the next sloppy play.
All little league catchers are taught to check the runner at third when there is a threat of a steal or squeeze play. Evidently Yankees catcher Kelly Stinnett forgot that. Amezaga broke for 2nd on the front end of a double steal. Abercrombie started to break for home and then held up- but as soon as Stinnett- who never looked him back to third, fired to 2nd, Abercrombie was off again, easily beating the throw home from Robinson Cano for a 3-0 lead.
Marlins first baseman Wes Helms robbed the Yankees of their last real scoring attempt in the bottom of the 6th. Jason Giambi led off with a single before being forced by A-Rod. Derek Jeter then doubled in the gap to put runners in scoring position with just one out. That's when Helms ended the Yankees hopes. Bernie Williams ripping a hanging fastball to the right side, but Helms dove and snared it for the 2nd out instead of a 2-run single. Hard throwing Randy Messenger replaced Sanchez (1-0) and retired Melky Cabrera on a pop-out to 2nd to end the inning.
The Marlins added a couple more unearned runs off of Ron Villone as Giambi committed his 2nd throwing error of the game. Giambi missed the first game with back spasms and probably should have sat out the 2nd too. The Yankees rolled over and played dead in their final 3 at-bats and slunk off into the night.
Notes
Robinson Cano pulled up lame after doubling in the nightcap and appeared to have a badly strained left hamstring. He'll be re-evaluated today. The Yankees certainly cannot afford to lose another productive bat. Cano had gotten a hit in 20 of his last 22 games.
Johnny Damon DH'ed the 2nd game to rest his various ailments and extended his hitting streak to 6 games. Over that stretch Damon is hitting .409 (9-22) with 5 walks, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases.
Friday, June 23, 2006
The Fish Will Rise to the Top
Okay, that's not how the saying really goes, but these are definitely not your Father's Florida Marlins, or your brother's, or anyone else's. The Marlins were completely dismantled in the off-season, leaving Joe Girardi with a team that most outsiders looked on as a bunch of little leaguers. And the season certainly started out that way. But since May 22 the Marlins have gone a league best 19-7 to raise their record to 30-38 and ahead of Washington and Atlanta in the NL East. At the moment the Marlins look like the Braves and the Braves look like the Marlins, having lost 10 in a row.
The Marlins had their 9 game winning streak snapped by Baltimore on Wednesday, but rallied last night in the 9th to tie the game against Chris Ray, who hadn't blown a save all season, and won in extra innings. The team has done it with just 2 stars, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera, and a plethora of rookies. 19 first year players have donned Marlins uniforms this season.
One of the main reasons the Marlins are winning is their good young pitching. Willis was the runner up in last year's NL Cy Young voting, but got off to a very rocky start this season. Many blamed his appearance in the World Baseball Classic for his problems. Perhaps it was because he was in a funk knowing the team around him was not built to win in the near future. Whatever the reason, the "real" Willis has re-appeared. After three straight horrendous outings to start the month of May, Willis was 1-4 with a 6.22 ERA. In his seven starts since then, he's gone 3-2 with a 2.47 ERA and has gone 7 more innings in all but one start.
The 24-yr old Willis is joined in the rotation by 22-yr old rookies Josh Johnson (6-4, 2.01) and Scott Olsen (6-3, 4.60), 24-yr old rookie Ricky Nolasco (5-4, 3.15), and 10-year veteran Brian Moehler (5-5, 6.29). Veteran Joe Borowski, one of only 4 30+ year old players, is the team's closer. The Marlins also have Sergio Mitre on the 60 day DL with shoulder inflammation. The 25-yr old right hander, acquired from the Cubs, has a tremendous up-side.
Miguel Cabrera is just 23, but is already in his 3rd full season in the majors. Of course Cabrera is no ordinary player. As a 20-yr old rookie Cabrera was a key to the Marlins 2003 World Series championship, hitting .262-12-68 in 87 regular season games. He's average 33 home runs and 114 RBI over the last 2 seasons and has a lifetime .306 average in 474 big league games. The team became very concerned with Cabrera's attitude and work ethic last season, but that may have had more to do with Jack McKeon running the show. Under Girardi, there have no such complaints about Cabrera thus far this season.
Around the Horn
First Baseman Mike Jacobs was acquired from the Mets as part of the Carlos Delgado deal. The 25-yr old splashed onto the New York scene last season with 11 home runs in 100 big league at-bats. After a slow start in 2006, Jacobs is hitting a respectable .269 with 10 HRs and 39 RBI.
25-year old second baseman Dan Uggla was selected by the Marlins in this past Winter's Rule V draft from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The first year player has made the jump from Double-A to the bigs and has excelled. Though he may miss the Yankees series because of a bad hamstring, Uggla is .313-13-43 in 67 games and has an .899 OPS.
Shortstop Hanley Ramirez had been one of the highest touted prospects for some time as he played in the Boston Red Sox organization. For the Marlins he was the key to the deal that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston. The deal probably would have fallen through had Ramirez not been included. The 22-yr old hit better than .300 for the first two months of the season, but has experienced major growing pain in June - with just 9 hits in 72 at-bats thus far. The slump has dropped his average 52 points to .262. The Marlins sparkplug is still tied for 7th in the NL in runs scored and is 4th in stolen bases with 20 in 24 attempts. His slick fielding has been a big reason for the Marlins success as well.
Cabrera rounds out the infield at third - he's played just once in left field this season.
The Outfield
25-yr (is everyone on this team 25?) old rookie center fielder Reggie Abercrombie was picked up on waivers in April, 2005 from Arizona. Abercrombie has some pop and stole 198 bases in 657 minor league games, but is struggling to adapt to big league pitching. He's hitting .223-3-14 in 59 games and has struck out 61 times in just 175 at-bats. He probably will earn a ticket back to the minors before long.
The Marlins have another prized prospect in 22-yr old right fielder Jeremy Hermida. Hermida was one of the players that other team's GMs always ask about and the answer is always no. Hermida earned a big league call up last year after hitting .293-18-63 with 23 steals at Double-A Carolina. He also walked a staggering 111 times (compared to 89 Ks) to compile a gaudy .975 OPS. Hermida missed half of the season with a hip injury, but has still managed an .814 OPS and is hitting .286-2-8 in 105 at-bats (he had a career high 4 hits last night).
Josh Willingham was thought to be the Marlins catcher of the future, but he has played all but 2 of his games in left field. The elderly (he's 27) Willingham has a good mix of power and speed - he hit 43 home runs in his last 557 minor league at-bats and stole 71 bases in 89 minor league career attempts. In 54 games, he's hitting .268-9-35 and has drawn 22 walks.
The Tools of Ignorance
27-yr old catcher Miguel Olivo was once of the prize prospects in the Chicago White Sox organization, but is now with his 5th team in the last 5 years. He's hitting a decent .276-5-22, but has a propensity to strike out and not draw walks. Teams would like to see him on base more because he's got good speed and could be a base stealing threat. Defensively Oliva is very good at throwing out runners, but has struggled in the rest of his game.
Pitching matchups
Tonight - Brian Moehler vs Chien-Ming Wang
Saturday - Shawn Chacon vs Josh Johnson
Sunday - Dontrelle Willis vs Mike Mussina
The Marlins had their 9 game winning streak snapped by Baltimore on Wednesday, but rallied last night in the 9th to tie the game against Chris Ray, who hadn't blown a save all season, and won in extra innings. The team has done it with just 2 stars, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera, and a plethora of rookies. 19 first year players have donned Marlins uniforms this season.
One of the main reasons the Marlins are winning is their good young pitching. Willis was the runner up in last year's NL Cy Young voting, but got off to a very rocky start this season. Many blamed his appearance in the World Baseball Classic for his problems. Perhaps it was because he was in a funk knowing the team around him was not built to win in the near future. Whatever the reason, the "real" Willis has re-appeared. After three straight horrendous outings to start the month of May, Willis was 1-4 with a 6.22 ERA. In his seven starts since then, he's gone 3-2 with a 2.47 ERA and has gone 7 more innings in all but one start.
The 24-yr old Willis is joined in the rotation by 22-yr old rookies Josh Johnson (6-4, 2.01) and Scott Olsen (6-3, 4.60), 24-yr old rookie Ricky Nolasco (5-4, 3.15), and 10-year veteran Brian Moehler (5-5, 6.29). Veteran Joe Borowski, one of only 4 30+ year old players, is the team's closer. The Marlins also have Sergio Mitre on the 60 day DL with shoulder inflammation. The 25-yr old right hander, acquired from the Cubs, has a tremendous up-side.
Miguel Cabrera is just 23, but is already in his 3rd full season in the majors. Of course Cabrera is no ordinary player. As a 20-yr old rookie Cabrera was a key to the Marlins 2003 World Series championship, hitting .262-12-68 in 87 regular season games. He's average 33 home runs and 114 RBI over the last 2 seasons and has a lifetime .306 average in 474 big league games. The team became very concerned with Cabrera's attitude and work ethic last season, but that may have had more to do with Jack McKeon running the show. Under Girardi, there have no such complaints about Cabrera thus far this season.
Around the Horn
First Baseman Mike Jacobs was acquired from the Mets as part of the Carlos Delgado deal. The 25-yr old splashed onto the New York scene last season with 11 home runs in 100 big league at-bats. After a slow start in 2006, Jacobs is hitting a respectable .269 with 10 HRs and 39 RBI.
25-year old second baseman Dan Uggla was selected by the Marlins in this past Winter's Rule V draft from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The first year player has made the jump from Double-A to the bigs and has excelled. Though he may miss the Yankees series because of a bad hamstring, Uggla is .313-13-43 in 67 games and has an .899 OPS.
Shortstop Hanley Ramirez had been one of the highest touted prospects for some time as he played in the Boston Red Sox organization. For the Marlins he was the key to the deal that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston. The deal probably would have fallen through had Ramirez not been included. The 22-yr old hit better than .300 for the first two months of the season, but has experienced major growing pain in June - with just 9 hits in 72 at-bats thus far. The slump has dropped his average 52 points to .262. The Marlins sparkplug is still tied for 7th in the NL in runs scored and is 4th in stolen bases with 20 in 24 attempts. His slick fielding has been a big reason for the Marlins success as well.
Cabrera rounds out the infield at third - he's played just once in left field this season.
The Outfield
25-yr (is everyone on this team 25?) old rookie center fielder Reggie Abercrombie was picked up on waivers in April, 2005 from Arizona. Abercrombie has some pop and stole 198 bases in 657 minor league games, but is struggling to adapt to big league pitching. He's hitting .223-3-14 in 59 games and has struck out 61 times in just 175 at-bats. He probably will earn a ticket back to the minors before long.
The Marlins have another prized prospect in 22-yr old right fielder Jeremy Hermida. Hermida was one of the players that other team's GMs always ask about and the answer is always no. Hermida earned a big league call up last year after hitting .293-18-63 with 23 steals at Double-A Carolina. He also walked a staggering 111 times (compared to 89 Ks) to compile a gaudy .975 OPS. Hermida missed half of the season with a hip injury, but has still managed an .814 OPS and is hitting .286-2-8 in 105 at-bats (he had a career high 4 hits last night).
Josh Willingham was thought to be the Marlins catcher of the future, but he has played all but 2 of his games in left field. The elderly (he's 27) Willingham has a good mix of power and speed - he hit 43 home runs in his last 557 minor league at-bats and stole 71 bases in 89 minor league career attempts. In 54 games, he's hitting .268-9-35 and has drawn 22 walks.
The Tools of Ignorance
27-yr old catcher Miguel Olivo was once of the prize prospects in the Chicago White Sox organization, but is now with his 5th team in the last 5 years. He's hitting a decent .276-5-22, but has a propensity to strike out and not draw walks. Teams would like to see him on base more because he's got good speed and could be a base stealing threat. Defensively Oliva is very good at throwing out runners, but has struggled in the rest of his game.
Pitching matchups
Tonight - Brian Moehler vs Chien-Ming Wang
Saturday - Shawn Chacon vs Josh Johnson
Sunday - Dontrelle Willis vs Mike Mussina
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