26 runs gains sweep
It took 26 runs, 8 hours and 41 minutes, 20 pitchers, and 783 pitches for the Yankees to complete a huge sweep of their day-night doubleheader with the Boston Red Sox yesterday in Fenway Park. After blasting the Red Sox 12-4 in the 1:10 afternoon start, the Yankees and Sox battled for a 9 inning record time of 4:45 before the Yankees prevailed 14-11.
Unlike previous trips to Fenway Park, Johnny Damon shrugged off the boos and destroyed his former teammates. Damon homered in both games, and drove in 7 runs on a 6-12. His 2nd HR of the night was his 20th of the season, matching his career high set in 2004. Bobby Abreu was 6-9 as the Yankees had 17 hits in each game.
Chien-Ming Wang (14-5) struggled in and out of jams in game 1, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings, but held the Sox hitless in 10 at-bats with runners in scoring position. He also put the collar on David Ortiz, who ended up 0-4. The Yankees held a 4-3 lead when they blew things open with 4 runs in the 7th. They added 4 more runs in the 9th. Jason Johnson (3-12) managed his own little Houdini act before it finally caught up with him in the 3 run 5th that gave the Yankees the lead for good. Johnson was designated for assignment after the game.
The nightcap saw two starting pitchers that didn't have much of everything. Underachiever Sidney Ponson started for the Yankees, in what one can only hope will be his last appearance in pinstripes. Rookie Jon Lester went for the Sox. Trailing 1-0 in the 2nd, the Yankees jumped on Lester for 5 runs. Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, and Damon each drove in a run before Abreu delivered a 2-run double. But Ponson gave most of it right back as the Sox scored 3 runs on doubles by Kevin Youkilis and Mark Loretta. The Sox tied the game in the 3rd when Craig Wilson made like Bill Buckner, letting Coco Crisp's grounder skip through his legs. Manny Ramirez came home with the tying run.
The Yankees came right back at Lester to take the lead on Damon's 2-run shot. His 3rd straight game with a home run. But Joe Torre, hoping to save his bullpen, let Ponson go back out to start the 4th. 3 straight singles to start the inning finally convinced Torre to go to the pen for Ron Villone. Ortiz hit into a fielder's choice to drive in one run and then Ramirez singled to tie the game once again at 7-7.
A clearly overworked Villone couldn't keep the game tied one inning later. Alex Cora singled in the go-ahead run and Mark Loretta delivered a 2-run single off of Bob Bruney for a 10-7 lead. Neither team actually scored in the 6th, but the Yankees took advantage of a weakened Sox pen in the 7th.
Youngster Craig Hansen retired Cano to start the inning, but the Yankees then loaded the bases on a walk to Jason Giambi and singles by Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada. Terry Francona went to veteran Mike Timlin who has struggled since coming off the DL. His struggles would continue. Melky Cabrera, who is quickly establishing himself as a very good 2-strike hitters, quickly fell behind in the count 1-2. But after working the count full, Cabrera lined a single to run to cut the lead to 10-8. Damon flied to shallow left for the 2nd out, but Derek Jeter ripped a 2-strike pitch into the right field corner. Williams and Posada scored easily and when rightfielder Wily Mo Pena bobbled the ball, 3rd base coach Larry Bowa sent Cabrera home as well. Melky easily beat the relay for an 11-10 Yankees lead.
The Yankees weren't done either. The Sox opted to walk Abreu to pitch to the struggling Alex Rodriguez, but A-Rod came thru with an RBI double. Cano, who started the inning, kept it going with a 2-run single for a 14-10 lead. Giambi finally made the final out, but the damage was done.
The Yankees had hoped not to use Scott Proctor after he threw in the first game, but Pena lined a shot off the knee of Kyle Farnsworth. Remarkably, Farnsworth was able to recover to throw Pena out at first, but had to leave the game. X-rays were negative, but the big righthander is expected to be out a few days. Proctor finished his good day by tossing 1 1-3 scoreless innings - giving him 3 scoreless on the day. Ortiz got the Sox final run in the 9th when he hit his major league leading 43rd home run off Mariano Rivera. Another A-Rod error on a Ramirez ball kept the inning going, but Mo shut it down and the Yankees could get a very good night's sleep.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
The Captain Comes Up Small
A lot has been made by the media, Mike Francesca in particular, that Derek Jeter needs to step up, defend A-Rod, and tell the fans to simma'. I haven't taken a particularly strong stance about this until now. Yesterday, Derek Jeter, the Captain, the leader of the team, the man with the 4 rings, looked very small.
The play should have been an innocuous one. The Yankees were already getting crushed; the game was all but over. The Yankees were trailing 9-2 in the 6th when Jay Gibbons hit a harmless pop-up. Alex Rodriguez was settled under it. Derek Jeter was moving to his right and calling for the ball. The ball started to settle in A-Rod's glove and Jeter bumped into him, causing the ball to pop out. Jeter was charged with an error for impeding the play.
Jeter was quoted as saying "he said you got it? I thought he was kidding. I started to run off the field". Jeter did in fact start to run off, which at the time made me think WTF? Why isn't he picking up the ball? He also had an icy glare on his face as he looked back at A-Rod. A run came in and then Fernando Tatis, who only seems to homer against the Yankees, bashed one out to finish the scoring.
Jeter was shocked to learn he had been charged with the error. He sloughed it off to reporters, but then was seen in the hallway campaigning the official scorer to change the ruling. Now we know that A-Rod made comments to Esquire magazine several years ago downplaying Jeter's importance to the Yankees. And we know that A-Rod has a tendency to say too much to the press and to make too many excuses (or excuses that aren't excuses - "I was hurt, but I'm not going to tell you what it was").
All that being said it's time for Jeter to step up. If the Yankees are to not just win the division, but have any chance of making the playoffs, the Yankees need the real A-Rod. Not the robotic, average looking guy that has been here for most of this year. Jeter needs to put his own feelings aside and do what's best for the ball club. If he doesn't the team will suffer and so will his well preserved reputation.
The play should have been an innocuous one. The Yankees were already getting crushed; the game was all but over. The Yankees were trailing 9-2 in the 6th when Jay Gibbons hit a harmless pop-up. Alex Rodriguez was settled under it. Derek Jeter was moving to his right and calling for the ball. The ball started to settle in A-Rod's glove and Jeter bumped into him, causing the ball to pop out. Jeter was charged with an error for impeding the play.
Jeter was quoted as saying "he said you got it? I thought he was kidding. I started to run off the field". Jeter did in fact start to run off, which at the time made me think WTF? Why isn't he picking up the ball? He also had an icy glare on his face as he looked back at A-Rod. A run came in and then Fernando Tatis, who only seems to homer against the Yankees, bashed one out to finish the scoring.
Jeter was shocked to learn he had been charged with the error. He sloughed it off to reporters, but then was seen in the hallway campaigning the official scorer to change the ruling. Now we know that A-Rod made comments to Esquire magazine several years ago downplaying Jeter's importance to the Yankees. And we know that A-Rod has a tendency to say too much to the press and to make too many excuses (or excuses that aren't excuses - "I was hurt, but I'm not going to tell you what it was").
All that being said it's time for Jeter to step up. If the Yankees are to not just win the division, but have any chance of making the playoffs, the Yankees need the real A-Rod. Not the robotic, average looking guy that has been here for most of this year. Jeter needs to put his own feelings aside and do what's best for the ball club. If he doesn't the team will suffer and so will his well preserved reputation.
Wright All Wrong
Wright walks the park, Yankees crushed 12-2
I had the distinct displeasure of witnessing yesterday's Yankees-Orioles game first hand. Things started out oddly enough when I saw the backhoes digging up the site for the new stadium. Holy slap in the face Batman.
Wright was awful - no two ways about it. Maybe he was overthrowing. The Stadium radar had him consistantly in the mid 90s. He struck Miguel Tejada out with a 97 mph fastball. That is about the only one he threw for a strike. Nothing is more annoying then seeing a guy not find the strike zone and Wright couldn't have found it if it were right in front of his fat, chaw-chewing face.
The game started out all right - home runs by Johnny Damon and Robinson Cano (whose warm up shirt I had on) gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead after 2. It was all downhill from there. There's no real reason to go into details of the game. I would rather than not relive it.
Needless to say it's one that has to be tossed out the window with the big 5 game series with the Sox starting today.
I had the distinct displeasure of witnessing yesterday's Yankees-Orioles game first hand. Things started out oddly enough when I saw the backhoes digging up the site for the new stadium. Holy slap in the face Batman.
Wright was awful - no two ways about it. Maybe he was overthrowing. The Stadium radar had him consistantly in the mid 90s. He struck Miguel Tejada out with a 97 mph fastball. That is about the only one he threw for a strike. Nothing is more annoying then seeing a guy not find the strike zone and Wright couldn't have found it if it were right in front of his fat, chaw-chewing face.
The game started out all right - home runs by Johnny Damon and Robinson Cano (whose warm up shirt I had on) gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead after 2. It was all downhill from there. There's no real reason to go into details of the game. I would rather than not relive it.
Needless to say it's one that has to be tossed out the window with the big 5 game series with the Sox starting today.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Octavio Dotel Joins the Big Club
The Yankees hopefully strengthened their bullpen today when Octavio Dotel was recalled from his minor league rehab stint. Jose Veras was sent down to make room on the roster. Dotel was expected to be recalled by September 1, but the Yankees had been hesitant to commit to a date. I guess a big series with Boston will makes those decisions.
Around the Horn - 8/16
4 games in 2 - MLB witnessed some unusual history last night. Not one, but two games went 18 innings before a winner was decided. Roger Clemens wasn't at his best last, but finally got some run support and departed after 6 innings with a 6-5 lead. But the Cubbie's Matt Murton took Brad Lidge deep in the 9th to tie the game. And the goose eggs started. The Cubs used all 25 men on their roster for the first time in 20 years. Their 10th pitcher, Rich Hill, picked up the victory when Murton came through again in the 18th with a 2-run single. The game has a lasting effect as the Cubs had to call a player up from the minors to start today's game. The game took 5:36 and poor Willie Taveras went 1-9.
The 2nd double-game occurred between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The Rocks tied the game up in the 5th and that's the way it would stay for 13 more innings. Luis Gonzalez finally singled in the go-ahead run in the 18th off Ramon Ramirez. The game was ended in 5:21 and Jamey Carroll had the big oh-fer in 8 at-bats.
The Detroit Tigers run for the pennant took a serious blow last night when 2nd baseman Placido Polanco separated his left shoulder making a diving catch in the Tigers game with the Red Sox. Polanco could miss the remainder of the season. The Tigers substitution was an unexpected one - Ivan Rodriguez.
Pedro Astacio has been on the disabled list more than the pitcher's mound in recent years. But last night Astacio got up off the scrap heap for the Washington Nationals and threw a complete game shut out against Atlanta. Making it even remarkable was the fact that he threw just 89 pitches. The game only took 2:01 to play.
Apparently the Toronto Blue Jays are conceding the playoff race. Today they dealt left-hander Scott Schoenweis to the Cincy Reds for a player to be named and cash. It must be the Reds hope to acquire every reliever in MLB by the end of the year.
The 2nd double-game occurred between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The Rocks tied the game up in the 5th and that's the way it would stay for 13 more innings. Luis Gonzalez finally singled in the go-ahead run in the 18th off Ramon Ramirez. The game was ended in 5:21 and Jamey Carroll had the big oh-fer in 8 at-bats.
The Detroit Tigers run for the pennant took a serious blow last night when 2nd baseman Placido Polanco separated his left shoulder making a diving catch in the Tigers game with the Red Sox. Polanco could miss the remainder of the season. The Tigers substitution was an unexpected one - Ivan Rodriguez.
Pedro Astacio has been on the disabled list more than the pitcher's mound in recent years. But last night Astacio got up off the scrap heap for the Washington Nationals and threw a complete game shut out against Atlanta. Making it even remarkable was the fact that he threw just 89 pitches. The game only took 2:01 to play.
Apparently the Toronto Blue Jays are conceding the playoff race. Today they dealt left-hander Scott Schoenweis to the Cincy Reds for a player to be named and cash. It must be the Reds hope to acquire every reliever in MLB by the end of the year.
Damon Pulls Yankees to Victory
HR, Triple Rallies Bombers to 6-3 Win
The first 6 innings of baseball last night at Yankees Stadium looked like a bad 'B' movie. Another A-Rod error, hitters 1-7 with runners in scoring position, Mike Mussina battling through jams and the Yankees trailing 3-1. While it was playing out as less than star grade movie, the Yankees 'A' list stars turned things around as the Yankees rallied for a 6-3 win. The victory moved the Yankees 3 games ahead of Boston, which lost to Detroit 3-2.
Oriole’s starter Erik Bedard had held the Yankees to a run on 5 hits in 6 innings of work, but the patient Yankee hitters made Bedard work for it. Manager Sam Perlozzo had no choice but to go to the bullpen after Bedard tossed 106 pitches. The Yankees immediately pounced on the opportunity. Melky Cabrera led off the 7th with a single off of reliever LaTroy Hawkins. That brought up Johnny Damon who was 10-24 with 3 home runs against Hawkins. Damon made it 11 hits and 4 home runs when he ripped his 16th home run of the season into the rightfield seats to tie the game. The Yankees weren't done either.
Bobby Abreu lined a one-out Hawkins delivery to the gap in right-center. What should have been a double, turned into more when the ball skipped through the legs of rightfielder Nick Markakis, allowing Abreu to reach 3rd. Jason Giambi was intentionally walked to set up the double play with Alex Rodriguez coming up. A-Rod avoided the DP, but didn't know show much more when he fouled out for the 2nd out. Having already made a costly error in the game, he was serenaded with boos, despite the fact he had also driven in the Yankees 1st run. Robinson Cano picked A-Rod up though when he took an outside pitch from lefty Tim Byrdak and lined it to left for an RBI double and a 4-3 Yankees lead.
The Yankees got insurance in the 8th when Cabrera delivered a one-out single and came home on Damon's triple into the rightfield corner. The ball stayed in the corner rather than kicking out, so 3rd base coach Larry Bowa waved Cabrera all the way. In fact Bowa practically raced Cabrera to the plate as Melky scored ahead of a high relay throw. Derek Jeter's sacrifice fly brought home Damon with the final run. Then it was up to Mariano Rivera, who allowed a 2-out single to Brian Roberts before notching his 31st save.
The game was scoreless until the 5th when Yankees nemesis Kevin Millar hit a Mussina delivery into the leftfield seats for his 10th home run. Roberts led off the 6th with a double and advanced to 3rd on Melvin Mora's single. Miguel Tejada flied to shallow right, but Mussina left a pitch up in the zone to Jay Gibbons and Gibbons responded with a line single to right for a 2-0 lead. Mora raced to third and came home moments later when A-Rod booted a potential double play ball off the bat of Jeff Conine. Rodriguez could have still gotten the out at first, but his throw pulled Craig Wilson off the bag. Mussina retired Corey Patterson and Millar to get out of further trouble.
The Yankees got a run back in the bottom of the 6th when they loaded the bases with no one out. Derek Jeter led off with a single and Abreu and Giambi drew walks. Rodriguez dunked a single into left to cut the score to 3-1 and the bases remained loaded. But Bedard got out of the jam without any further trouble thanks to defensive help from his third baseman Mora. After Cano struck out, Jorge Posada lined a pitch that had 2-run single written all over it. But Mora leapt with glove extended and snared it for the 2nd out. Mora caught the ball in the heel of his glove and had to leave with a sprained thumb. X-rays were negative. Bedard got Craig Wilson to hit into a force out to end the threat.
Notes
Carl Pavano threw 56 pitches in a rehab start for Tampa yesterday. In 4 scoreless innings he allowed 1 hit, walked 1, and struck out 5.
Joe Torre said that Octavio Dotel is getting close to coming off the DL.
Veteran 1st BasemanCarlos Pena was released by Columbus yesterday. The move is most likely to allow Pena to try to hook up with a major league team when the rosters expand.
The Yankees are finally expected to officially sign their 2006 1st round draft pick Ian Kennedy.
The first 6 innings of baseball last night at Yankees Stadium looked like a bad 'B' movie. Another A-Rod error, hitters 1-7 with runners in scoring position, Mike Mussina battling through jams and the Yankees trailing 3-1. While it was playing out as less than star grade movie, the Yankees 'A' list stars turned things around as the Yankees rallied for a 6-3 win. The victory moved the Yankees 3 games ahead of Boston, which lost to Detroit 3-2.
Oriole’s starter Erik Bedard had held the Yankees to a run on 5 hits in 6 innings of work, but the patient Yankee hitters made Bedard work for it. Manager Sam Perlozzo had no choice but to go to the bullpen after Bedard tossed 106 pitches. The Yankees immediately pounced on the opportunity. Melky Cabrera led off the 7th with a single off of reliever LaTroy Hawkins. That brought up Johnny Damon who was 10-24 with 3 home runs against Hawkins. Damon made it 11 hits and 4 home runs when he ripped his 16th home run of the season into the rightfield seats to tie the game. The Yankees weren't done either.
Bobby Abreu lined a one-out Hawkins delivery to the gap in right-center. What should have been a double, turned into more when the ball skipped through the legs of rightfielder Nick Markakis, allowing Abreu to reach 3rd. Jason Giambi was intentionally walked to set up the double play with Alex Rodriguez coming up. A-Rod avoided the DP, but didn't know show much more when he fouled out for the 2nd out. Having already made a costly error in the game, he was serenaded with boos, despite the fact he had also driven in the Yankees 1st run. Robinson Cano picked A-Rod up though when he took an outside pitch from lefty Tim Byrdak and lined it to left for an RBI double and a 4-3 Yankees lead.
The Yankees got insurance in the 8th when Cabrera delivered a one-out single and came home on Damon's triple into the rightfield corner. The ball stayed in the corner rather than kicking out, so 3rd base coach Larry Bowa waved Cabrera all the way. In fact Bowa practically raced Cabrera to the plate as Melky scored ahead of a high relay throw. Derek Jeter's sacrifice fly brought home Damon with the final run. Then it was up to Mariano Rivera, who allowed a 2-out single to Brian Roberts before notching his 31st save.
The game was scoreless until the 5th when Yankees nemesis Kevin Millar hit a Mussina delivery into the leftfield seats for his 10th home run. Roberts led off the 6th with a double and advanced to 3rd on Melvin Mora's single. Miguel Tejada flied to shallow right, but Mussina left a pitch up in the zone to Jay Gibbons and Gibbons responded with a line single to right for a 2-0 lead. Mora raced to third and came home moments later when A-Rod booted a potential double play ball off the bat of Jeff Conine. Rodriguez could have still gotten the out at first, but his throw pulled Craig Wilson off the bag. Mussina retired Corey Patterson and Millar to get out of further trouble.
The Yankees got a run back in the bottom of the 6th when they loaded the bases with no one out. Derek Jeter led off with a single and Abreu and Giambi drew walks. Rodriguez dunked a single into left to cut the score to 3-1 and the bases remained loaded. But Bedard got out of the jam without any further trouble thanks to defensive help from his third baseman Mora. After Cano struck out, Jorge Posada lined a pitch that had 2-run single written all over it. But Mora leapt with glove extended and snared it for the 2nd out. Mora caught the ball in the heel of his glove and had to leave with a sprained thumb. X-rays were negative. Bedard got Craig Wilson to hit into a force out to end the threat.
Notes
Carl Pavano threw 56 pitches in a rehab start for Tampa yesterday. In 4 scoreless innings he allowed 1 hit, walked 1, and struck out 5.
Joe Torre said that Octavio Dotel is getting close to coming off the DL.
Veteran 1st BasemanCarlos Pena was released by Columbus yesterday. The move is most likely to allow Pena to try to hook up with a major league team when the rosters expand.
The Yankees are finally expected to officially sign their 2006 1st round draft pick Ian Kennedy.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Around the Horn - 8/15
Chipper Jones had played 1,733 major league games over parts of 13 seasons and had hit 346 career home runs. But it took until game 1,734 for Jones to join an elite group - players with 3 home runs in one game. Jones tattooed Ramon Ortiz, Ryan Wagner, and Travis Hughes of the Washington Nationals for his hat trick night.
Jones's teammate Matt Diaz did he one better...well actually 7 better. Diaz had hits his first 4 times up against the Nats to reach base safely in 10 straight at-bats - all hits. Diaz streak was finally ended when he grounded out to short his final time up.
The Mets have to be worried about the health of their ace Pedro Martinez. Martinez got smacked around for 6 runs in 1 inning against the Phillies last night and had to leave in the 2nd with a strained calf.
The Mets continue their talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks about Shawn Green. Green reportedly said he would waive his no-trade clause to come to the Big Apple.
Getting closer to 500 - Frank Thomas hit his 473rd home run last night, and Alex Rodriguez hit number 454 on Sunday. Nice to see high, steroid-free totals.
The LA Dodgers beat Dontrelle Willis and Florida last night and are now 13-1 in August. In doing so they've opened up a 2 1/2 game lead on 2nd place San Diego.
Jones's teammate Matt Diaz did he one better...well actually 7 better. Diaz had hits his first 4 times up against the Nats to reach base safely in 10 straight at-bats - all hits. Diaz streak was finally ended when he grounded out to short his final time up.
The Mets have to be worried about the health of their ace Pedro Martinez. Martinez got smacked around for 6 runs in 1 inning against the Phillies last night and had to leave in the 2nd with a strained calf.
The Mets continue their talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks about Shawn Green. Green reportedly said he would waive his no-trade clause to come to the Big Apple.
Getting closer to 500 - Frank Thomas hit his 473rd home run last night, and Alex Rodriguez hit number 454 on Sunday. Nice to see high, steroid-free totals.
The LA Dodgers beat Dontrelle Willis and Florida last night and are now 13-1 in August. In doing so they've opened up a 2 1/2 game lead on 2nd place San Diego.
Johnson Comes Up Big to Earn Split
Pitches Solid 7 in 7-2 Win
On paper at least Randy Johnson is the ace of the New York Yankees pitching staff. In his first season and 3/4 he has usually been far from it. Last night was a definite exception. Having lost 4 of 6 to the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees needed their starting pitcher to stop the bleeding. Johnson (13-9) did just that. The Big Unit was sharp for 7 innings, running into a bit of a wall in that final inning when his arm dropped down, causing him not to get on top of his slider and fastball. But he scattered 8 hits, walked just 1, and struck out to earn the victory. When he struck out Tim Salmon in the 4th inning he became only the 3rd player, joining Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, in baseball history to record 4,500 career strikeouts.
The Yankees bats broke it open late after the Angels had tied the score at 2-2 in the 7th. Johnny Damon led off with a single off of Angels starter John Lackey (10-9) and Derek Jeter beat out a bunt for an infield single. Bobby Abreu then did something he hadn't done successfully in 9 years. As a matter of fact he had to look at 3rd base coach Larry Bowa more than once to be sure he was really seeing the correct sign. Abreu laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position for Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez. Angels manager Mike Scioscia elected to walk Giambi to set up the force at any base. With the crowd ready to do their usual obnoxious booing, A-Rod delivered with a sacrifice fly to the wall in right, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead.
After Kyle Farnsworth tossed a 1-2-3 eighth, topping 100 mph on the radar gun several times, the Yankees padded their lead. Brendan Donnelley relieved Lackey and Jorge Posada, who earlier snapped out of an 0-25 skid with 2 hits, lined his 15th home run into the lower deck in right for a 4-2 lead. Craig Wilson followed with his 2nd hit of the night and Melky Cabrera laid down a sac bunt that turned into an infield single when Chone Figgins throw was not in time. Figgins looked to get the force at 2nd, but no one was covering allowing Cabrera to reach safely. Damon fouled off a bunt attempt before working a walk to load the bases. With the infield in Jeter bounced a grounder to shortstop Orlando Cabrera for an easy force at home. But reliever J.C. Romero was tagged by Bobby Abreu (RBI single), Jason Giambi (sac fly) and Alex Rodriguez (RBI infield single) as the Yankees opened up the lead to 7-2. Mariano Rivera was already warming in anticipation of a save situation so Joe Torre brought him in anyway to close it out in the 9th.
Notes
Derek Jeter's 2-run HR in the 3rd inning was his 10th of the season. He's now reached double figure in home runs in all 11 seasons he's played. Jeter also added a single and double on the night.
Alex Rodriguez got a gift RBI single in the 8th. Even he was amazed at the official scoring. His grounder to Orlando Cabrera took a bad hop, but Cabrera also let the ball play him. What's more amazing is that it was revealed that in Sunday's post game, A-Rod mentioned that he had not been 100% healthy until recently. However, he would not explain what had been bothering him. He just keeps digging the hole deeper and deeper.
Octavio Dotel pitched a 1-2-3 inning for Triple-A Columbus last night as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. The Yankees hope to recall him prior to September 1st.
Sidney Ponson has been announced as one of the starters of a day-night doubleheader this weekend when the Yankees and Red Sox play a 5 game series in 4 days. Ponson really should have been held out until Monday when he would have faced off against fellow weight challenged hurler David Wells. It could have been touted as the heavyweight title bout with Don King as home plate umpire.
On paper at least Randy Johnson is the ace of the New York Yankees pitching staff. In his first season and 3/4 he has usually been far from it. Last night was a definite exception. Having lost 4 of 6 to the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees needed their starting pitcher to stop the bleeding. Johnson (13-9) did just that. The Big Unit was sharp for 7 innings, running into a bit of a wall in that final inning when his arm dropped down, causing him not to get on top of his slider and fastball. But he scattered 8 hits, walked just 1, and struck out to earn the victory. When he struck out Tim Salmon in the 4th inning he became only the 3rd player, joining Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, in baseball history to record 4,500 career strikeouts.
The Yankees bats broke it open late after the Angels had tied the score at 2-2 in the 7th. Johnny Damon led off with a single off of Angels starter John Lackey (10-9) and Derek Jeter beat out a bunt for an infield single. Bobby Abreu then did something he hadn't done successfully in 9 years. As a matter of fact he had to look at 3rd base coach Larry Bowa more than once to be sure he was really seeing the correct sign. Abreu laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position for Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez. Angels manager Mike Scioscia elected to walk Giambi to set up the force at any base. With the crowd ready to do their usual obnoxious booing, A-Rod delivered with a sacrifice fly to the wall in right, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead.
After Kyle Farnsworth tossed a 1-2-3 eighth, topping 100 mph on the radar gun several times, the Yankees padded their lead. Brendan Donnelley relieved Lackey and Jorge Posada, who earlier snapped out of an 0-25 skid with 2 hits, lined his 15th home run into the lower deck in right for a 4-2 lead. Craig Wilson followed with his 2nd hit of the night and Melky Cabrera laid down a sac bunt that turned into an infield single when Chone Figgins throw was not in time. Figgins looked to get the force at 2nd, but no one was covering allowing Cabrera to reach safely. Damon fouled off a bunt attempt before working a walk to load the bases. With the infield in Jeter bounced a grounder to shortstop Orlando Cabrera for an easy force at home. But reliever J.C. Romero was tagged by Bobby Abreu (RBI single), Jason Giambi (sac fly) and Alex Rodriguez (RBI infield single) as the Yankees opened up the lead to 7-2. Mariano Rivera was already warming in anticipation of a save situation so Joe Torre brought him in anyway to close it out in the 9th.
Notes
Derek Jeter's 2-run HR in the 3rd inning was his 10th of the season. He's now reached double figure in home runs in all 11 seasons he's played. Jeter also added a single and double on the night.
Alex Rodriguez got a gift RBI single in the 8th. Even he was amazed at the official scoring. His grounder to Orlando Cabrera took a bad hop, but Cabrera also let the ball play him. What's more amazing is that it was revealed that in Sunday's post game, A-Rod mentioned that he had not been 100% healthy until recently. However, he would not explain what had been bothering him. He just keeps digging the hole deeper and deeper.
Octavio Dotel pitched a 1-2-3 inning for Triple-A Columbus last night as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. The Yankees hope to recall him prior to September 1st.
Sidney Ponson has been announced as one of the starters of a day-night doubleheader this weekend when the Yankees and Red Sox play a 5 game series in 4 days. Ponson really should have been held out until Monday when he would have faced off against fellow weight challenged hurler David Wells. It could have been touted as the heavyweight title bout with Don King as home plate umpire.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Around the Horn - 8/14
Cleveland's Travis Hafner tied the MLB record for grand slams in a season when he his 6th yesterday against Kansas City. The mark is shared by Don Mattingly who accomplished the feat in 1987. They were the only grand slams of Donnie Baseball's career.
The vintage version of Greg Maddux was on the hill last night for the LA Dodgers. Maddux needed just 68 pitches to throw 8 innings of 2-hit ball before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in a scoreless ball game. Jason Schmidt tossed an impressive 8 innings himself, but the Dodgers won in extra innings on a walk off home run by Russ Martin.
It still has to be considered an outside shot, but Alfonso Soriano once again has a shot at a 40-40 season. Soriano smacked his 38th home run against the Mets on Sunday. He has 28 steals to go along with it. As a member of the Yankees in 2002, Sori fell just short with 39 HRs and 41 steals.
Preston Wilson was designated for assignment over the weekend by the Houston Astros. Wilson has slowed with the bat and in the field, but supposedly the Colorado Rockies have an interest in their former outfielder.
The vintage version of Greg Maddux was on the hill last night for the LA Dodgers. Maddux needed just 68 pitches to throw 8 innings of 2-hit ball before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in a scoreless ball game. Jason Schmidt tossed an impressive 8 innings himself, but the Dodgers won in extra innings on a walk off home run by Russ Martin.
It still has to be considered an outside shot, but Alfonso Soriano once again has a shot at a 40-40 season. Soriano smacked his 38th home run against the Mets on Sunday. He has 28 steals to go along with it. As a member of the Yankees in 2002, Sori fell just short with 39 HRs and 41 steals.
Preston Wilson was designated for assignment over the weekend by the Houston Astros. Wilson has slowed with the bat and in the field, but supposedly the Colorado Rockies have an interest in their former outfielder.
Visit from Angels not Heavenly
Figgins, K-Rod help take 2 of 1st 3 at Stadium
The weekend started and ended ugly for the Yankees in their 4 games series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The series finale is this evening with Randy Johnson looking to salvage a split of the series. John Lackey gets the nod for the Angels.
The games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon were similar and followed a trend that has haunted the Yankee teams of recent years. Throw a kid out there, especially one that doesn't throw hard, and the Yankees won't touch him. Friday night's Yankee tamer was Joe Saunders who was making just his 6th big league start. Corey Lidle, battling a stomach virus, was as shaky as his insides. He surrendered a solo shot to Garret Anderson in the 2nd and a 2-run blast to Maicer Itzuris in the 3rd.
Lidle was pulled after 4 innings and replaced by the man who is literally weighing down the bullpen, Sidney Ponson. Trailing 3-1, Ponson threw some fuel on the fire, probably to start a barbecue, and within moments the Yankees trailed 6-1. Bringing in Ponson was Joe Torre's 1st mistake. His 2nd was letting Nick Green hit for himself after Sal Fasano's 2-run double cut the lead in half in the 7th. It was fine to give Robinson Cano a day off with a day game on Saturday, but since he pinch-hit in the 9th there was no reason he couldn't pinch-hit in the 7th. Green hit into a double play with help from the slow-footed Fasano and the Yankees were done for the night as Francisco Rodriguez picked up the final 4 outs. Yankee killer Chone Figgins - 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 stolen base.
Saturday's game was a lot brighter as was the sunshine. Jaret Wright did his usual Houdini act for 5+ innings and came out to protect his sore back. The Yankees only scored in one inning, but it was enough as the bullpen did the job. Robinson Cano smacked a 3-run home run deep into the right-center bleachers in the 2nd. Later in the inning Johnny Damon belted his 16th with a man aboard for a 5-1 lead. Four Yankee pitchers held the Angels to 4 hits with Mariano Rivera picking up his 30th save. Figgins - 0-3 with a walk and run scored. A-Rod also managed to pick up his 20th error.
The start of Sunday's game was a portend of things to come. Chone Figgins led off the ball game with a solo home run off of Chien-Ming Wang. The Wanger struggled for the 2nd straight start. E-Rod helped out though. Howie Kendrick followed Figgins home run with a bouncer to the left side between short and third. Rodriguez got there, but misplayed it. It was generously scored a hit and the Angels took advantage as Juan Rivera and Adam Kennedy singled in runs for a 3-0 1st inning lead.
Jered Weaver worked his rookie magic against the Yankees - though he came with a stud rep just as Florida's Anibel Sanchez had. Weaver limited the Yankees to hit 3 hits over 6 innings, struck out 8, and improved to 8-0 with a 2.14 ERA.
Craig Wilson's solo home run cut the lead to 3-1, but Rivera and Kendrick added RBI singles for a 5-1 lead. Rodriguez and Jason Giambi hit back-to-back 2-out home runs in the 9th to cut the margin to 5-3, but K-Rod retired Jorge Posada on a fly to left for his 30th save. Figgins - 3-4 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, 1 stolen base.
With the Red Sox sweep of the Orioles, the Yankees lead in the AL East is down to 1 game.
Notes
Jorge Posada's collar on Sunday left him in an 0-23 skid. His average has dropped from .289 to .262.
Octavio Dotel threw a scoreless inning of relief for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday as he continues his rehab. Hideki Matsui was told by doctors on Friday to shut it down for 10 days to rest his surgically repaired left wrist. Gary Sheffield worked out at 1st base on Sunday with assistance from gold glover Don Mattingly.
Philip Hughes tossed 5 more shut out innings on Sunday as he continues to progress as the system's stud prospect.
The weekend started and ended ugly for the Yankees in their 4 games series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The series finale is this evening with Randy Johnson looking to salvage a split of the series. John Lackey gets the nod for the Angels.
The games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon were similar and followed a trend that has haunted the Yankee teams of recent years. Throw a kid out there, especially one that doesn't throw hard, and the Yankees won't touch him. Friday night's Yankee tamer was Joe Saunders who was making just his 6th big league start. Corey Lidle, battling a stomach virus, was as shaky as his insides. He surrendered a solo shot to Garret Anderson in the 2nd and a 2-run blast to Maicer Itzuris in the 3rd.
Lidle was pulled after 4 innings and replaced by the man who is literally weighing down the bullpen, Sidney Ponson. Trailing 3-1, Ponson threw some fuel on the fire, probably to start a barbecue, and within moments the Yankees trailed 6-1. Bringing in Ponson was Joe Torre's 1st mistake. His 2nd was letting Nick Green hit for himself after Sal Fasano's 2-run double cut the lead in half in the 7th. It was fine to give Robinson Cano a day off with a day game on Saturday, but since he pinch-hit in the 9th there was no reason he couldn't pinch-hit in the 7th. Green hit into a double play with help from the slow-footed Fasano and the Yankees were done for the night as Francisco Rodriguez picked up the final 4 outs. Yankee killer Chone Figgins - 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 stolen base.
Saturday's game was a lot brighter as was the sunshine. Jaret Wright did his usual Houdini act for 5+ innings and came out to protect his sore back. The Yankees only scored in one inning, but it was enough as the bullpen did the job. Robinson Cano smacked a 3-run home run deep into the right-center bleachers in the 2nd. Later in the inning Johnny Damon belted his 16th with a man aboard for a 5-1 lead. Four Yankee pitchers held the Angels to 4 hits with Mariano Rivera picking up his 30th save. Figgins - 0-3 with a walk and run scored. A-Rod also managed to pick up his 20th error.
The start of Sunday's game was a portend of things to come. Chone Figgins led off the ball game with a solo home run off of Chien-Ming Wang. The Wanger struggled for the 2nd straight start. E-Rod helped out though. Howie Kendrick followed Figgins home run with a bouncer to the left side between short and third. Rodriguez got there, but misplayed it. It was generously scored a hit and the Angels took advantage as Juan Rivera and Adam Kennedy singled in runs for a 3-0 1st inning lead.
Jered Weaver worked his rookie magic against the Yankees - though he came with a stud rep just as Florida's Anibel Sanchez had. Weaver limited the Yankees to hit 3 hits over 6 innings, struck out 8, and improved to 8-0 with a 2.14 ERA.
Craig Wilson's solo home run cut the lead to 3-1, but Rivera and Kendrick added RBI singles for a 5-1 lead. Rodriguez and Jason Giambi hit back-to-back 2-out home runs in the 9th to cut the margin to 5-3, but K-Rod retired Jorge Posada on a fly to left for his 30th save. Figgins - 3-4 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, 1 stolen base.
With the Red Sox sweep of the Orioles, the Yankees lead in the AL East is down to 1 game.
Notes
Jorge Posada's collar on Sunday left him in an 0-23 skid. His average has dropped from .289 to .262.
Octavio Dotel threw a scoreless inning of relief for Triple-A Columbus on Sunday as he continues his rehab. Hideki Matsui was told by doctors on Friday to shut it down for 10 days to rest his surgically repaired left wrist. Gary Sheffield worked out at 1st base on Sunday with assistance from gold glover Don Mattingly.
Philip Hughes tossed 5 more shut out innings on Sunday as he continues to progress as the system's stud prospect.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Around The Horn - 8/11
The Boston Red Sox have lost 5 straight games. That's hard enough to believe, but even tougher to swallow is that it has come at the hands of the two teams with the worst records in the AL. The Sox dropped the last 2 of a series with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and then were swept by the woeful KC Royals. It was KC's first sweep of Boston in a decade. Overall the Sox have lost 10 of their last 14 games, going from a 3 game lead over the Yankees to a 3 game deficit.
The Minnesota Twins are very worried about Francisco Liriano. Doctors are not optimistic he'll pitch again in 2006. Tests showed a "mild chronic strain of his ulnar collateral ligament, and a clinical exam revealed weakness and stiffness in his shoulder that is causing the soreness in his forearm near his elbow".
Mike Piazza had a nice return to Shea Stadium with the San Diego Padres this past week. Piazza received numerous ovations on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The crowd got even louder when Piazza hit a pair of home runs, including one off of Pedro Martinez.
Ervin Santana only lasted 2 batters in his start against the Indians on Thursday night. The Tribe's Jason Michaels lined a pitch off of Santana's left knee, forcing him from the game. X-rays were negative and Santana is listed as day-to-day.
Roger Clemens' victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday was the 345th of his career.
The Minnesota Twins are very worried about Francisco Liriano. Doctors are not optimistic he'll pitch again in 2006. Tests showed a "mild chronic strain of his ulnar collateral ligament, and a clinical exam revealed weakness and stiffness in his shoulder that is causing the soreness in his forearm near his elbow".
Mike Piazza had a nice return to Shea Stadium with the San Diego Padres this past week. Piazza received numerous ovations on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The crowd got even louder when Piazza hit a pair of home runs, including one off of Pedro Martinez.
Ervin Santana only lasted 2 batters in his start against the Indians on Thursday night. The Tribe's Jason Michaels lined a pitch off of Santana's left knee, forcing him from the game. X-rays were negative and Santana is listed as day-to-day.
Roger Clemens' victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday was the 345th of his career.
Rain Delays Yankees 5-4 Loss
Bats can't overcome early errors
The rubber game of the Yankees-Chicago White Sox series was delayed for nearly 90 minutes due to heavy rains. For those on the east coast who stayed up until 1 a.m. to watch the entire game it would have been better if it had just been rained out. Misplays by Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera helped the White Sox score 4 runs in the 2nd inning and a shaky Javier Vazquez and the White Sox pen held on for a 5-4 win. All 3 games in the series were decided by one run, with the White Sox taking 2 of 3. Remarkably, the Yankees still gained a game in the AL East lead thanks to the KC Royals sweeping the Boston Red Sox.
Mike Mussina hit Jermaine Dye with a pitch to start the 2nd and A.J. Pierzynski followed with a single to right. Mussina looked like he was going to end the threat quickly when he induced a potential double play grounder by Joe Crede. Rodriguez fielded the ball cleanly at 3rd, but threw the ball into right field, well out of the reach of 2nd baseman Robinson Cano. Alex Cintron followed with an RBI single to left. When Melky Cabrera mishandled the ball, Crede came around to score as well. Mussina struck out Brian Anderson to finally record the first out of the inning, but Scott Podsednik singled in the 4th run of the inning.
The Yankees immediately put Vazquez in a jam in the first when Johnny Damon led off the game with a double and Derek Jeter followed with an infield single. Both runners advanced on Bobby Abreu's deep fly out, but A-Rod struck out for the 2nd out. Jason Giambi drew a walk, but Vazquez bounced back by getting Jorge Posada to line out to end the inning. Vazquez (11-6) escaped with men in scoring position in the first 4 innings of the game.
The Yankees did cut the lead in half in the 3rd when Giambi smacked his 33rd home run of the season with a man aboard. Giambi has now hit 55 HRs and driven in 145 runs in his last 171 games since the 2005 All-Star break.
Mussina (13-5) settled down after the 2nd, but the White Sox picked up a big insurance run off of him in the 6th. Mussina retired the first 2 hitters, but Brian Anderson doubled and Podsednik followed with an RBI single. The run proved to be huge as Melky Cabrera smacked a 2-run shot, his 7th, off of Brandon McCarthy in the 8th. The Yankees had one more chance in the 9th against closer Bobby Jenks, but again failed to get the big hit with runners in scoring position. Bernie Williams and Cabrera singled after there were two away, but Johnny Damon grounded out to Paul Konerko at first to end the game.
Notes
Robinson Cano is 7-14 with 4 doubles and a home run since being activated from the DL.
Octavio Dotel threw a 1-2-3 6th inning for the Double-A Trenton Thunder last night. He retired the side on a strikeout, ground out, and a fly out. Prospect Eric Duncan has missed time recently at Trenton due to a bad back.
Manager Joe Torre said yesterday that he expects to have Hideki Matsui back before Gary Sheffield. The timetable for both is iffy, especially with the minor league season winding down which could eliminate rehab games.
The rubber game of the Yankees-Chicago White Sox series was delayed for nearly 90 minutes due to heavy rains. For those on the east coast who stayed up until 1 a.m. to watch the entire game it would have been better if it had just been rained out. Misplays by Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera helped the White Sox score 4 runs in the 2nd inning and a shaky Javier Vazquez and the White Sox pen held on for a 5-4 win. All 3 games in the series were decided by one run, with the White Sox taking 2 of 3. Remarkably, the Yankees still gained a game in the AL East lead thanks to the KC Royals sweeping the Boston Red Sox.
Mike Mussina hit Jermaine Dye with a pitch to start the 2nd and A.J. Pierzynski followed with a single to right. Mussina looked like he was going to end the threat quickly when he induced a potential double play grounder by Joe Crede. Rodriguez fielded the ball cleanly at 3rd, but threw the ball into right field, well out of the reach of 2nd baseman Robinson Cano. Alex Cintron followed with an RBI single to left. When Melky Cabrera mishandled the ball, Crede came around to score as well. Mussina struck out Brian Anderson to finally record the first out of the inning, but Scott Podsednik singled in the 4th run of the inning.
The Yankees immediately put Vazquez in a jam in the first when Johnny Damon led off the game with a double and Derek Jeter followed with an infield single. Both runners advanced on Bobby Abreu's deep fly out, but A-Rod struck out for the 2nd out. Jason Giambi drew a walk, but Vazquez bounced back by getting Jorge Posada to line out to end the inning. Vazquez (11-6) escaped with men in scoring position in the first 4 innings of the game.
The Yankees did cut the lead in half in the 3rd when Giambi smacked his 33rd home run of the season with a man aboard. Giambi has now hit 55 HRs and driven in 145 runs in his last 171 games since the 2005 All-Star break.
Mussina (13-5) settled down after the 2nd, but the White Sox picked up a big insurance run off of him in the 6th. Mussina retired the first 2 hitters, but Brian Anderson doubled and Podsednik followed with an RBI single. The run proved to be huge as Melky Cabrera smacked a 2-run shot, his 7th, off of Brandon McCarthy in the 8th. The Yankees had one more chance in the 9th against closer Bobby Jenks, but again failed to get the big hit with runners in scoring position. Bernie Williams and Cabrera singled after there were two away, but Johnny Damon grounded out to Paul Konerko at first to end the game.
Notes
Robinson Cano is 7-14 with 4 doubles and a home run since being activated from the DL.
Octavio Dotel threw a 1-2-3 6th inning for the Double-A Trenton Thunder last night. He retired the side on a strikeout, ground out, and a fly out. Prospect Eric Duncan has missed time recently at Trenton due to a bad back.
Manager Joe Torre said yesterday that he expects to have Hideki Matsui back before Gary Sheffield. The timetable for both is iffy, especially with the minor league season winding down which could eliminate rehab games.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Around the Horn - 8/10
Don't hand that AL MVP award over to David Ortiz just yet. Justin Morneau may have a thing or two to say about it. Morneau became the first members of the Twins in 19 years to hit 30 home runs when he belted the game winner off of the Tigers Joel Zumaya yesterday. Morneau has 101 RBI to go along with a .322 average.
The LA Dodgers winning streak finally came to an end at 11 games last night when the Colorado Rockies scored twice in the 9th to snap a 1-1 tie. The 2nd run of the inning scored when Brad Hawpe stole home.
Can someone please shut Mad Dog Russo the hell up? I know it's a difficult task, but how many more days is he going to go on with his high and mighty speech about how the Mets Duaner Sanchez shouldn't have been out so late when he was involved in a season ending car accident.
A life thrown away to drugs. That's the story of Marlins former #1 pick Jeff Allison. Allison overdosed on heroin in 2004 and did again last night, having to be revived by the police.
The LA Dodgers winning streak finally came to an end at 11 games last night when the Colorado Rockies scored twice in the 9th to snap a 1-1 tie. The 2nd run of the inning scored when Brad Hawpe stole home.
Can someone please shut Mad Dog Russo the hell up? I know it's a difficult task, but how many more days is he going to go on with his high and mighty speech about how the Mets Duaner Sanchez shouldn't have been out so late when he was involved in a season ending car accident.
A life thrown away to drugs. That's the story of Marlins former #1 pick Jeff Allison. Allison overdosed on heroin in 2004 and did again last night, having to be revived by the police.
Yankees Hold on for 7-6 Win
Nearly blow 7-0 lead and Johnson effort
The Yankees knew they needed to bounce back from Tuesday's night tough extra-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox and they did just that. Then they nearly revisited Tuesday's game again. Leading 7-0 the Yankee saw their lead cut to 7-6 before Mariano Rivera escaped a 2-on, 2-out jam in the 9th to preserve the win.
The game looked like it was going to be a laugher. Randy Johnson was dominant, throwing 6 innings of no-hit ball before Tadahito Iguchi led off the 7th with a single. The Yankees jumped on John Garland in the 1st when Johnny Damon led off the game with a triple and came home on a Bobby Abreu single for 1-0 lead. The Yankees had a chance for more, but Alex Rodriguez bounced into a double play and Jorge Posada popped out.
The Yankees then turned to home run derby. Melky Cabrera led off the 5th with his 5th home run of the season. Later in the inning Abreu hit his first Yankee home run with a man aboard for a 4-0 lead. Robinson Cano extended the gap to 5-0 with his 5th home run leading off the 6th. Cano also had a double and is 5-9 in his 2 games back from the DL.
Garland (12-4) was finally knocked from the box in the 7th after allowing a lead off double to Andy Phillips. Phillips entered the game in the 4th as Damon left with a tightened groin. David Riske walked Derek Jeter after a passed ball allowed Phillips to reach third. Jeter then stole his 25th base to put two runners in scoring position. Both came home on a single by A-Rod and a ground out by Posada. The Yankees led 7-0 and the White Sox didn't even have a hit yet.
Johnson (12-9) hadn't struck out a batter in his last 2 starts, but had 5 on the night. He returned to starting his windup with his hands in front of his face. It was the first time he had done so since his start on May 24. After Iguchi broke up the no-no, Johnson walked Jim Thome and gave up back-to-back doubles to Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. Just like that it was a 7-2 game and Johnson was done for the night. Ron Villone walked Joe Crede to load the bases, but 2 pop ups and fly out later, he got out of the jam.
The 8th inning again showed what an enigma Kyle Farnsworth is. He can be totally dominant one moment and look like a guy who belongs in the Pioneer League in the next. After striking out Scott Podsednik to start the frame, he hung a slider to Iguchi that the 2nd year player hit into the seats to cut the lead to 7-3. Farnsworth struck out Jim Thome for the 2nd out, but then things got really interesting. Paul Konerko drew a walk and Jermaine Dye followed with a single. Joe Crede then knocked Farnsworth out of the box with a 411-ft, 3-run shot to cut the gap to just one run. Mariano Rivera retired A.J. Pierzynski on a comebacker to finally end the inning.
The White Sox had one more chance against Rivera in the 9th after Mo hit Brian Anderson with one out. Podsednik k'ed again, but Iguchi, who came into the game on a 3-24 skid, picked up his 3rd hit of the night chasing Anderson to 3rd. The blooper to center may have been caught by Damon had he still been in the game, but Bernie Williams, who started the game as the DH, didn't come close. Rivera finally put the game to rest, getting Thome to bounce out harmlessly to Cano to pick up his 29th save and send everyone to bed happy.
Notes
The victory by Randy Johnson was the 275th of his career. John Garland's loss snapped an 8 game winning streak.
Bobby Abreu's home run snapped a homerless streak of 163 at-bats, the longest of his career.
Octavio Dotel will continue his rehab from Tommy John surgery at Double-A Trenton. Carl Pavano will make an appearance for Single-A Tampa today as he attempts, yet again, to return to the big club.
The Yankees knew they needed to bounce back from Tuesday's night tough extra-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox and they did just that. Then they nearly revisited Tuesday's game again. Leading 7-0 the Yankee saw their lead cut to 7-6 before Mariano Rivera escaped a 2-on, 2-out jam in the 9th to preserve the win.
The game looked like it was going to be a laugher. Randy Johnson was dominant, throwing 6 innings of no-hit ball before Tadahito Iguchi led off the 7th with a single. The Yankees jumped on John Garland in the 1st when Johnny Damon led off the game with a triple and came home on a Bobby Abreu single for 1-0 lead. The Yankees had a chance for more, but Alex Rodriguez bounced into a double play and Jorge Posada popped out.
The Yankees then turned to home run derby. Melky Cabrera led off the 5th with his 5th home run of the season. Later in the inning Abreu hit his first Yankee home run with a man aboard for a 4-0 lead. Robinson Cano extended the gap to 5-0 with his 5th home run leading off the 6th. Cano also had a double and is 5-9 in his 2 games back from the DL.
Garland (12-4) was finally knocked from the box in the 7th after allowing a lead off double to Andy Phillips. Phillips entered the game in the 4th as Damon left with a tightened groin. David Riske walked Derek Jeter after a passed ball allowed Phillips to reach third. Jeter then stole his 25th base to put two runners in scoring position. Both came home on a single by A-Rod and a ground out by Posada. The Yankees led 7-0 and the White Sox didn't even have a hit yet.
Johnson (12-9) hadn't struck out a batter in his last 2 starts, but had 5 on the night. He returned to starting his windup with his hands in front of his face. It was the first time he had done so since his start on May 24. After Iguchi broke up the no-no, Johnson walked Jim Thome and gave up back-to-back doubles to Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. Just like that it was a 7-2 game and Johnson was done for the night. Ron Villone walked Joe Crede to load the bases, but 2 pop ups and fly out later, he got out of the jam.
The 8th inning again showed what an enigma Kyle Farnsworth is. He can be totally dominant one moment and look like a guy who belongs in the Pioneer League in the next. After striking out Scott Podsednik to start the frame, he hung a slider to Iguchi that the 2nd year player hit into the seats to cut the lead to 7-3. Farnsworth struck out Jim Thome for the 2nd out, but then things got really interesting. Paul Konerko drew a walk and Jermaine Dye followed with a single. Joe Crede then knocked Farnsworth out of the box with a 411-ft, 3-run shot to cut the gap to just one run. Mariano Rivera retired A.J. Pierzynski on a comebacker to finally end the inning.
The White Sox had one more chance against Rivera in the 9th after Mo hit Brian Anderson with one out. Podsednik k'ed again, but Iguchi, who came into the game on a 3-24 skid, picked up his 3rd hit of the night chasing Anderson to 3rd. The blooper to center may have been caught by Damon had he still been in the game, but Bernie Williams, who started the game as the DH, didn't come close. Rivera finally put the game to rest, getting Thome to bounce out harmlessly to Cano to pick up his 29th save and send everyone to bed happy.
Notes
The victory by Randy Johnson was the 275th of his career. John Garland's loss snapped an 8 game winning streak.
Bobby Abreu's home run snapped a homerless streak of 163 at-bats, the longest of his career.
Octavio Dotel will continue his rehab from Tommy John surgery at Double-A Trenton. Carl Pavano will make an appearance for Single-A Tampa today as he attempts, yet again, to return to the big club.
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