Posted by: Patrick
Welp, it's all tied now in the AL East. The Yankees wasted good pitching and lost by the score of 5-3.
Wang was good, allowing 3 earned runs through 6 and 2/3. The bottom of the 6th was the big inning for the Sox, as they scored 3 runs. Wang induced a bases loaded ground ball to Jason Giambi. With Ortiz running home, he had time to throw. But, he threw it wild, bouncing it to Posada. This was followed by a sac fly that would have ended the inning - if Giambi had made the play - instead, it lead to another run being scored. Leiter would face Ortiz, walking him and Proctor would pitch the final 1 and 1/3 scoreless. All told, the Red Sox scored 5 runs on 4 hits and 7 walks.
The Yankees got 7 hits and 2 walks, led by Hideki Matsui's 3 for 4 day. He had 1 RBI. Jeter was 1 for 5 with a 2 run shot in the 7th. Cano was 2 for 4 with a run while Giambi had 1 hit and A-Rod scored a run. Sheffield, Posada, Sierra and Bernie were all hitless. Besides the Giambi error, the other thing that sticks out to me is Jorge Posada coming up with a man on third and 1 out two seperate times and failing to deliver 1 RBI. If Giambi makes the play and Posada gets 1 guy in - we win. Unfortunately, as I said... we wasted good pitching and now find ourselves tied for the division as a result. I can't say that I cared much for the home plate umpire, either.
If we're going to win, we're going to need to win 2 out of the next 3 games (including playoff). We win 2, we win division. We lose 2, we lose division. It's Randy and Wakefield (16-11, 3.96) tomorrow at 1:15 PM Eastern in what we have to look at as a must win. Deep breath, folks.
Wang was good, allowing 3 earned runs through 6 and 2/3. The bottom of the 6th was the big inning for the Sox, as they scored 3 runs. Wang induced a bases loaded ground ball to Jason Giambi. With Ortiz running home, he had time to throw. But, he threw it wild, bouncing it to Posada. This was followed by a sac fly that would have ended the inning - if Giambi had made the play - instead, it lead to another run being scored. Leiter would face Ortiz, walking him and Proctor would pitch the final 1 and 1/3 scoreless. All told, the Red Sox scored 5 runs on 4 hits and 7 walks.
The Yankees got 7 hits and 2 walks, led by Hideki Matsui's 3 for 4 day. He had 1 RBI. Jeter was 1 for 5 with a 2 run shot in the 7th. Cano was 2 for 4 with a run while Giambi had 1 hit and A-Rod scored a run. Sheffield, Posada, Sierra and Bernie were all hitless. Besides the Giambi error, the other thing that sticks out to me is Jorge Posada coming up with a man on third and 1 out two seperate times and failing to deliver 1 RBI. If Giambi makes the play and Posada gets 1 guy in - we win. Unfortunately, as I said... we wasted good pitching and now find ourselves tied for the division as a result. I can't say that I cared much for the home plate umpire, either.
If we're going to win, we're going to need to win 2 out of the next 3 games (including playoff). We win 2, we win division. We lose 2, we lose division. It's Randy and Wakefield (16-11, 3.96) tomorrow at 1:15 PM Eastern in what we have to look at as a must win. Deep breath, folks.
09/30: "Embree eager to beat Sox"
Posted by: Patrick
Posted by: Patrick
In Tuesday's game, Bernie collected hits number 2,214 and 2,215. This moved him into 4th all time on the Yankees hit list, behind Lou Gehrig (2,721), Babe Ruth (2,518) and Mickey Mantle (2,415). He is now right above Joe DiMaggio. Impressive. I can see him getting ahead of Mantle, if he manages to play two more years, which I don't believe to be impossible. I don't think it's likely, but it's possible. I don't see him reaching Babe, though.
Via Brian MacMillan.
Via Brian MacMillan.
The media are calling Small "Cinderella" now. I believe we know why that name is so fitting.
The Yankees lead the Red Sox by one game in the AL East. They lead the Indians by one game in the AL Wild Card. We are heading into the last weekend of the regular season with the Red Sox on the horizon. I would assume that none of us saw just how much Aaron Small would mean to the team right now, when he took the mound in July. I mean, if it wasn't Small last night, it would have been Wright. Think about it.
Aaron Small improved to 10-0 last night pitching a very effective game lasting 6 2/3 innings and giving up 2 runs on 4 hits.
He was helped along the way as Jason Giambi hit his 32nd Home Run of the season in the first to put the Yankees on top 3-0. The offense did a great job putting men in scoring position, with A-Rod stealing twice last night to raise his season total to 20.
Sturtze came into the game and promptly gave up 2 runs. Torre then had to use Gordon to finish off the eighth, then brought in Scott Proctor to finish the ninth.
I have some reservations about this upcoming series. I'll fill you in on them now.
Obi-Wang pitches tonight to start the series against the Sox. Then Randy Johnson pitches tomorrow verses Wakefield. Who does that leave for Sunday? Mussina. Oh boy. I see game seven of the ALCS all over again. Let's hope Moose can last longer than his last start going 1 2/3 innings. I don't want to see our post season hopes lying in the hands of a patchwork bullpen consisting of Wright, Leiter, Wayne Franklin..... yes, it gets that ugly.
Shawn Chacon goes on Monday at Yankee Stadium if there is a playoff game. If there is one bright spot about the rotation, then I guess that is it.
It's going to be a great series. Tonight Obi-Wang (8-4, 4.02 ERA) goes against David Wells (14-7, 4.47 ERA). Game time is 7:05pm ET on ESPN at Fenway.
The Yankees lead the Red Sox by one game in the AL East. They lead the Indians by one game in the AL Wild Card. We are heading into the last weekend of the regular season with the Red Sox on the horizon. I would assume that none of us saw just how much Aaron Small would mean to the team right now, when he took the mound in July. I mean, if it wasn't Small last night, it would have been Wright. Think about it.
Aaron Small improved to 10-0 last night pitching a very effective game lasting 6 2/3 innings and giving up 2 runs on 4 hits.
He was helped along the way as Jason Giambi hit his 32nd Home Run of the season in the first to put the Yankees on top 3-0. The offense did a great job putting men in scoring position, with A-Rod stealing twice last night to raise his season total to 20.
Sturtze came into the game and promptly gave up 2 runs. Torre then had to use Gordon to finish off the eighth, then brought in Scott Proctor to finish the ninth.
I have some reservations about this upcoming series. I'll fill you in on them now.
Obi-Wang pitches tonight to start the series against the Sox. Then Randy Johnson pitches tomorrow verses Wakefield. Who does that leave for Sunday? Mussina. Oh boy. I see game seven of the ALCS all over again. Let's hope Moose can last longer than his last start going 1 2/3 innings. I don't want to see our post season hopes lying in the hands of a patchwork bullpen consisting of Wright, Leiter, Wayne Franklin..... yes, it gets that ugly.
Shawn Chacon goes on Monday at Yankee Stadium if there is a playoff game. If there is one bright spot about the rotation, then I guess that is it.
It's going to be a great series. Tonight Obi-Wang (8-4, 4.02 ERA) goes against David Wells (14-7, 4.47 ERA). Game time is 7:05pm ET on ESPN at Fenway.
Posted by: Patrick
The Red Sox traded two bodies for Mike Stanton. He can pitch in the final 4 games of the season, but not in the postseason.
According to Jim Bowden, they are "two young pitchers with good arms." Let's assume that's half true - how is Stanton's 4 game value that high?
Via Steve Lombardi.
According to Jim Bowden, they are "two young pitchers with good arms." Let's assume that's half true - how is Stanton's 4 game value that high?
Via Steve Lombardi.
Posted by: Patrick
In a comment over at WasWatching.com, Jen brought it to attention that Mo was leading the Cy Young Predictor at ESPN.com.
Take a look. Neat. He's got a bit of a lead over Colon. It was right last year. Could it be right this year? We'll see.
Take a look. Neat. He's got a bit of a lead over Colon. It was right last year. Could it be right this year? We'll see.
The Yankees are in command now in both the A.L. East and wild card races as they moved a game ahead of both the Red Sox and Indians after defeating the Orioles 2-1 at Camden Yards. Shawn Chacon pitched another gem as he gave up a run on only four hits in 6 and 2/3 innings. The Birds got off to an early lead after Javy Lopez launched a solo shot to left field in the 2nd inning. The Yankees tied the score in the 6th with A-Rod's 47th home run of the season. Derek Jeter put the Yankees on top in the 7th with a base hit that scored Jorge Posada. Mariano Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning to record his 43rd save.
Of course as is always the case in late Septemper and early October, the stars have aligned themselves in a way in which the Yankees could move ahead via the Red Sox getting destroyed at home by the long-since-done Toronto Blue Jays and the Indians losing a 1-0 game at home against the Devil Rays, who have one of the most horrid pitching staffs in baseball. Somehow I feel like even if every Yankee player went blind for the last week of the season, we'd still find a way to prevail in the end.
This win is significant because as I mentioned to Patrick, if the Yankees win just 2 of their remaining games, the Sox and Indians would both have to sweep the remainder of their schedules to knock us out of the postseason before Monday. Patrick pointed out that would be impossible since if we won 2 games, that would mean that the Red Sox would have to lose one because of the head-to-head this weekend. So 2-2 the rest of the way and the worst that we can do is have to play a tiebraker game. Also, last night's win guarantees we won't be trailing the Red Sox going into that final series at Fenway Park.
Tonight Aaron Small will try to become the first 10-0 pitcher in Yankees history and the Yankees will try to hold on to their lead in both the A.L. East and wild card races. Erik Bedard will be on the mound for the O's.
Of course as is always the case in late Septemper and early October, the stars have aligned themselves in a way in which the Yankees could move ahead via the Red Sox getting destroyed at home by the long-since-done Toronto Blue Jays and the Indians losing a 1-0 game at home against the Devil Rays, who have one of the most horrid pitching staffs in baseball. Somehow I feel like even if every Yankee player went blind for the last week of the season, we'd still find a way to prevail in the end.
This win is significant because as I mentioned to Patrick, if the Yankees win just 2 of their remaining games, the Sox and Indians would both have to sweep the remainder of their schedules to knock us out of the postseason before Monday. Patrick pointed out that would be impossible since if we won 2 games, that would mean that the Red Sox would have to lose one because of the head-to-head this weekend. So 2-2 the rest of the way and the worst that we can do is have to play a tiebraker game. Also, last night's win guarantees we won't be trailing the Red Sox going into that final series at Fenway Park.
Tonight Aaron Small will try to become the first 10-0 pitcher in Yankees history and the Yankees will try to hold on to their lead in both the A.L. East and wild card races. Erik Bedard will be on the mound for the O's.
09/29: Congrats to A-Rod
Posted by: Patrick
With his home run last night, A-Rod set the record for most home runs in a year by a right hander. From the article at MLB.com:
"... almost like a cartoon character." Not sure how people will take that one. But, I'm sure he meant nothing bad.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if anyone deserved/deserves that contract, it was/it's A-Rod. Consistent performance. Looking at his numbers this year, if his batting average finishes where it is now (.319), that'll be his highest batting average in a season. Same for his OBA (.421). His OPS (1.031) would be his second highest. Last year was great, this year is incredible. He has delivered and then some.
"Joe DiMaggio is such an icon, he's almost like a cartoon character," Rodriguez said. "I have so much respect for him. When it's all said and done, it's something you can look back on and say that you're proud to be mentioned in the same sentence as Joe." ...
Back in the late 1990s, Rodriguez belonged to the same Miami Beach club as DiMaggio. One week, A-Rod spotted DiMaggio on five consecutive days, though he never introduced himself to the Hall of Famer.
"I kept trying to build up the courage to walk up to him, but I never did," Rodriguez said. "He was always in a suit, he looked very serious. It's one of my biggest regrets. I'm Joe D.'s biggest fan."
Back in the late 1990s, Rodriguez belonged to the same Miami Beach club as DiMaggio. One week, A-Rod spotted DiMaggio on five consecutive days, though he never introduced himself to the Hall of Famer.
"I kept trying to build up the courage to walk up to him, but I never did," Rodriguez said. "He was always in a suit, he looked very serious. It's one of my biggest regrets. I'm Joe D.'s biggest fan."
"... almost like a cartoon character." Not sure how people will take that one. But, I'm sure he meant nothing bad.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if anyone deserved/deserves that contract, it was/it's A-Rod. Consistent performance. Looking at his numbers this year, if his batting average finishes where it is now (.319), that'll be his highest batting average in a season. Same for his OBA (.421). His OPS (1.031) would be his second highest. Last year was great, this year is incredible. He has delivered and then some.
Posted by: Patrick
From Tom Verducci's mail bag:
The recent breakdown of Boston reliever Keith Foulke, and the breakdowns in the past of closers who have had extensive work in the postseason (John Smoltz, Robb Nen, Trevor Hoffman and Mark Wohlers, etc.) further illustrates the brilliance of Mariano Rivera. This guy has been the best in baseball for over a decade and every year he pitches every day for an extra month longer than anyone else. He has essentially pitched for two full extra seasons over the past 10 years, not to mention coming on in the eighth inning in pressure games more often than not. You can argue that there has been no more valuable player in baseball, including Bonds, over the last 10 years than Rivera. -- Seth, New York City
Interesting take. Your argument gains strength when you consider he's been a huge factor on world championship teams; Bonds has not. Everyday players influence more games in more ways, but in no way can I diminish the importance of "the ultimate weapon," Rivera. What makes him so unique among closers is his year-to-year reliability, his workload (as you mentioned, pitching an extra month every year), and his efficiency with pitches and outs, which enables him to shut down games in the eighth inning as well as the ninth when the Yankees need it. On top of all that, Rivera, the man and the player, is as respected by his peers as anybody who wears a uniform. You certainly can't say that about Bonds.
Interesting take. Your argument gains strength when you consider he's been a huge factor on world championship teams; Bonds has not. Everyday players influence more games in more ways, but in no way can I diminish the importance of "the ultimate weapon," Rivera. What makes him so unique among closers is his year-to-year reliability, his workload (as you mentioned, pitching an extra month every year), and his efficiency with pitches and outs, which enables him to shut down games in the eighth inning as well as the ninth when the Yankees need it. On top of all that, Rivera, the man and the player, is as respected by his peers as anybody who wears a uniform. You certainly can't say that about Bonds.
Perhaps you've noticed this. Bernie is hitting .251, as we all know. Not very good. But, he's hitting .297 with a .370 OBA when there are runners on. He's hitting .305 with a .385 OBA with runners in scoring position. He's hitting .339 with a .464 OBA with runners in scoring position and 2 outs. Men on, 2 outs? .300 with a .422 OBA. Bases loaded? .333. Man on third, less than 2 outs? .304. 30 of his 64 RBI have come with men on and 2 outs.
On the flip side, he's hitting .222 with no one on and no one out and .196 with no one on and 1 or 2 outs. He's hitting .206 with the bases empty.
It's funny (and quite odd to me) that he can be that bad when no one is on, yet that good when people are on. One thing is clear: you don't want to pitch around people to get to Bernie. He gets it done with people on base.
On the flip side, he's hitting .222 with no one on and no one out and .196 with no one on and 1 or 2 outs. He's hitting .206 with the bases empty.
It's funny (and quite odd to me) that he can be that bad when no one is on, yet that good when people are on. One thing is clear: you don't want to pitch around people to get to Bernie. He gets it done with people on base.
09/27: The Chosen 25
Posted by: Patrick
If the Yankees end up making the playoffs, here is what I would like the postseason roster (25 man) to consist of.
Posted by: Michael
The Yanks continued to do their victory dance on the doormats of the AL East, the Baltimore Orioles, in winning 11-3. It took until the fourth inning before the Yankee bats put six runs on the board. They tacked on another five in the sixth.
Leading the way offensively was A-Rod and Jason Giambi. A-Rod was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and 2 walks. Giambi connected on his 31st Home Run of the year and scored 3 RBIs of his own.
Randy Johnson tallied his 16th win of the year. He pitched six innings of shutout, before handing the ball over to Proctor, Felix Rodriguez, then Alan Embree pitched the last inning and gave up four hits and three runs.
Embree was kicked to the curb earlier this year by Boston, and quickly picked up by the Yankees. During his time with the Yankees he has sported a 8.31 ERA. In 13 innings pitched for the Yankees, he has given up 14 runs. That is just plain embarassing when the runs you give up are more than the innings you pitch.
Tonight the visiting Yankees play their 15th straight game. Mike "The Moose" Mussina (13-8, 4.20 ERA) takes the mound against Bruce Chen (12-10, 3.60 ERA). Game time is 7:05pm ET at Camden Yards.
Leading the way offensively was A-Rod and Jason Giambi. A-Rod was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and 2 walks. Giambi connected on his 31st Home Run of the year and scored 3 RBIs of his own.
Randy Johnson tallied his 16th win of the year. He pitched six innings of shutout, before handing the ball over to Proctor, Felix Rodriguez, then Alan Embree pitched the last inning and gave up four hits and three runs.
Embree was kicked to the curb earlier this year by Boston, and quickly picked up by the Yankees. During his time with the Yankees he has sported a 8.31 ERA. In 13 innings pitched for the Yankees, he has given up 14 runs. That is just plain embarassing when the runs you give up are more than the innings you pitch.
Tonight the visiting Yankees play their 15th straight game. Mike "The Moose" Mussina (13-8, 4.20 ERA) takes the mound against Bruce Chen (12-10, 3.60 ERA). Game time is 7:05pm ET at Camden Yards.
Derek Jeter received exactly what he decribed as a "stupid letter."
It was detailed that the letter came from the Cleveland area from back in April.
I'm glad this story made it out. For one it makes everyone realize that there are crazy lunatics out there who write death threats for the most stupid things.
Second, baseball players are human too with real emotions. While they are on the field we can enjoy them for what they do on the field. We can see every action, and yes, we as Yankee fans can cheer and boo with the best of them of their onfield actions. But their lives off the field are private. And sadly, in New York, this is hardly ever the case. In the history of the Yankees many of the player's off field actions have made the front page. Some for the good and some for the bad.
Jeter is the measuring bar for class. He is our Captain. It wouldn't take a mountain of stupid letters to diminish what he has accomplished and will continue to for him, for us, and for baseball.
New York Yankees star Derek Jeter received a threatening letter that reportedly warned he'd be "shot or set on fire" if he didn't stop dating white women.
It was detailed that the letter came from the Cleveland area from back in April.
"It wasn't like, 'I'm going to do this to you. I'm going to do that to you,'" Jeter said. "It was just a stupid letter. I've gotten stupid letters before. That's basically it. Now, for some reason, it's on the front page and it's some big, huge story."
I'm glad this story made it out. For one it makes everyone realize that there are crazy lunatics out there who write death threats for the most stupid things.
Second, baseball players are human too with real emotions. While they are on the field we can enjoy them for what they do on the field. We can see every action, and yes, we as Yankee fans can cheer and boo with the best of them of their onfield actions. But their lives off the field are private. And sadly, in New York, this is hardly ever the case. In the history of the Yankees many of the player's off field actions have made the front page. Some for the good and some for the bad.
Jeter is the measuring bar for class. He is our Captain. It wouldn't take a mountain of stupid letters to diminish what he has accomplished and will continue to for him, for us, and for baseball.
Posted by: Patrick
Jen over at NoSenseWorrying.com has posted some quick videos of various crowd chants, etc. that the fans did for Bernie. One more year.
Steve Lombardi posted some pictures from yearly Yankee rookie... hazing or whatever you want to call it ritual. This year? Cheerleaders. Good stuff.
Steve Lombardi posted some pictures from yearly Yankee rookie... hazing or whatever you want to call it ritual. This year? Cheerleaders. Good stuff.
Posted by: Michael
The Yankees and Red Sox entered the day tied for first place in the American League East. And in my mind, one of them needs to take the AL East title to continue play in the post season. It's as simple as this: Who wants it bad enough?
It will take a total team effort. And this was more evident today than it was Saturday. Robinson Cano's 2-Run Homer in the seventh sent the Yanks well on their way for the victory. Gary Sheffield put the game further out of reach for the Blue Jays with his 3-Run blast in the eighth. The Yanks finished their final home stand with a 6-1 record.
Obi-Wang had a no hitter going into the fifth inning when he came apart. Eric Hinske hit a 2-Run homer to give the Blue Jays the lead. Aaron Hill provided further damage in hitting an RBI double in the same inning to give the Blue Jays a 3-1 lead. Derek Jeter came back with an RBI single in the fifth to close the gap, but A-Rod struck out to end the inning.
I watched today's game with my Dad and we both agreed on one particular point. We love Cano's bat, but anytime he touches the ball on defense we are scared silly. He's a rookie, and hopefully he will continue to mature and cut back on his errors. He's a dynamo at the plate when production is needed.
Another thing I wanted to point out was a glaring mistake by Luis Sojo waving around Cano in the fifth. It was considered a base running error on Cano's part, but in replays I could clearly see Sojo's arm waving him around. In the replay, he adruptly stopped when Cano was caught trying to stretch it to third.
Boston beat the stuffing out of the Orioles today to keep the AL East battle tied. I'm not surprised to see Baltimore lying on their back playing dead. It is beyond me why they let Lee Mazzilli go. Oh well, I'm glad they faded and are no longer an issue.
For the Yankees the battle continues tomorrow as Randy Johnson (15-8, 3.90 ERA) takes the mound on the road against the "playing dead" Baltimore Orioles. Rodrigo Lopez (14-11, 4.79 ERA) is the opposing pitcher, and I consider him the best pitcher on their staff right now. Game time is 7:05pm ET at Cameden Yards.
It will take a total team effort. And this was more evident today than it was Saturday. Robinson Cano's 2-Run Homer in the seventh sent the Yanks well on their way for the victory. Gary Sheffield put the game further out of reach for the Blue Jays with his 3-Run blast in the eighth. The Yanks finished their final home stand with a 6-1 record.
Obi-Wang had a no hitter going into the fifth inning when he came apart. Eric Hinske hit a 2-Run homer to give the Blue Jays the lead. Aaron Hill provided further damage in hitting an RBI double in the same inning to give the Blue Jays a 3-1 lead. Derek Jeter came back with an RBI single in the fifth to close the gap, but A-Rod struck out to end the inning.
I watched today's game with my Dad and we both agreed on one particular point. We love Cano's bat, but anytime he touches the ball on defense we are scared silly. He's a rookie, and hopefully he will continue to mature and cut back on his errors. He's a dynamo at the plate when production is needed.
Another thing I wanted to point out was a glaring mistake by Luis Sojo waving around Cano in the fifth. It was considered a base running error on Cano's part, but in replays I could clearly see Sojo's arm waving him around. In the replay, he adruptly stopped when Cano was caught trying to stretch it to third.
Boston beat the stuffing out of the Orioles today to keep the AL East battle tied. I'm not surprised to see Baltimore lying on their back playing dead. It is beyond me why they let Lee Mazzilli go. Oh well, I'm glad they faded and are no longer an issue.
For the Yankees the battle continues tomorrow as Randy Johnson (15-8, 3.90 ERA) takes the mound on the road against the "playing dead" Baltimore Orioles. Rodrigo Lopez (14-11, 4.79 ERA) is the opposing pitcher, and I consider him the best pitcher on their staff right now. Game time is 7:05pm ET at Cameden Yards.
Posted by: Patrick
Just wanted to remind anyone who wanted to enter that the deadline to enter our giveaway is tomorrow (September 26, 2005) at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. Good luck.
Posted by: Patrick
Yanks' attendance surpasses 4 million:
Pretty cool.
Sheppard instead thanked the crowd on behalf of the Yankees organization. After attracting a crowd of 53,911 for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, the Yankees' home attendance surpassed 4 million for the season.
They are the second American League team to draw 4 million fans -- the Blue Jays are the other -- and third in the Majors. Toronto and Colorado each surpassed the mark in 1993; the Blue Jays had done so in 1992 as well. ...
This is the eighth straight year the Yankees have set a new season-high in attendance, and the seventh consecutive year they have welcomed at least 3 million fans through the Stadium gates. ...
Gary Sheffield cited that fan support as the reason he came to play in New York. He said he was swayed while sitting in the stands during a playoff game while his uncle, Dwight Gooden, pitched for the Yankees.
They are the second American League team to draw 4 million fans -- the Blue Jays are the other -- and third in the Majors. Toronto and Colorado each surpassed the mark in 1993; the Blue Jays had done so in 1992 as well. ...
This is the eighth straight year the Yankees have set a new season-high in attendance, and the seventh consecutive year they have welcomed at least 3 million fans through the Stadium gates. ...
Gary Sheffield cited that fan support as the reason he came to play in New York. He said he was swayed while sitting in the stands during a playoff game while his uncle, Dwight Gooden, pitched for the Yankees.
Pretty cool.
Posted by: Patrick
Updating what was previously written, it appears that Sheffield will be heading back out to right.
Manager Joe Torre said Sheffield would be back in right field in the next day or two, as his leg has shown improvement on a daily basis while he works out in the outfield.
"He's been working every day," Torre said. "He's moving back, moving laterally a lot better."
"It's getting better," Sheffield said. "It's just a matter of going out there and not worrying about taking the first step. I have to get past that, because when the ball is hit, you don't have time to think about that."
"He's been working every day," Torre said. "He's moving back, moving laterally a lot better."
"It's getting better," Sheffield said. "It's just a matter of going out there and not worrying about taking the first step. I have to get past that, because when the ball is hit, you don't have time to think about that."
Posted by: Patrick
For the second consecutive time, Jaret Wright exited early and the Yankees lost. In his last 2 starts, Wright has pitched 3 and 1/3 innings, allowing 6 earned runs on 11 hits and 2 walks. In this game, he'd only last 1 inning before being pulled in favor of Aaron Small. He managed to injure himself in the first, but remained into the second where he started off the inning by allowing 2 straight singles followed by a walk to load the bases with no outs. This brought Small in. He managed to get Vernon Wells to foul out before a Robinson Cano error lead to 2 runners scoring. A sacrifice fly scored another. And then it was over. All told, the Blue Jays scored 7 runs in the first 2 innings. And that is all they would score. And all they would need.
Wright not withstanding, the Yankee pitching was very good with Small (6 and 2/3) and Sturtze (1 and 1/3) combining for 8 innings of 0 earned run ball (4 hits in those 8 innings).
The Yankee offense just wasn't up to the task today. After scoring 2 in the 1st, thanks to an A-Rod home run (his 46th of the year, tying him with David Ortiz) that scored Jeter. A-Rod drove in another run in the second, scoring Bubba on a double. All quiet until the 6th where Jeter singled in Bernie to make it 7-4. And that's how it would end. Shame.
A-Rod lead the offense by going 2 for 3 with 2 walks and the aforementioned dinger and 3 RBIs (124 on the year). Jeter (1 for 2, 1 walk, 1 run, 1 RBI, 2 HBPs), Bubba (1 for 2, 1 run) and Bernie (1 for 4, 1 run) contributed, as well. Sheffield, Matsui and Sierra collected a hit apiece. Giambi, Posada and Cano were hitless.
Losing streaks aren't something that we can really afford right now, so hopefully Obi Wang (7-4, 4.03) can get us back on track. He'll go against Josh Towers (12-11, 3.78). Hopefully the offense can give him more than 4 runs.
Wright not withstanding, the Yankee pitching was very good with Small (6 and 2/3) and Sturtze (1 and 1/3) combining for 8 innings of 0 earned run ball (4 hits in those 8 innings).
The Yankee offense just wasn't up to the task today. After scoring 2 in the 1st, thanks to an A-Rod home run (his 46th of the year, tying him with David Ortiz) that scored Jeter. A-Rod drove in another run in the second, scoring Bubba on a double. All quiet until the 6th where Jeter singled in Bernie to make it 7-4. And that's how it would end. Shame.
A-Rod lead the offense by going 2 for 3 with 2 walks and the aforementioned dinger and 3 RBIs (124 on the year). Jeter (1 for 2, 1 walk, 1 run, 1 RBI, 2 HBPs), Bubba (1 for 2, 1 run) and Bernie (1 for 4, 1 run) contributed, as well. Sheffield, Matsui and Sierra collected a hit apiece. Giambi, Posada and Cano were hitless.
Losing streaks aren't something that we can really afford right now, so hopefully Obi Wang (7-4, 4.03) can get us back on track. He'll go against Josh Towers (12-11, 3.78). Hopefully the offense can give him more than 4 runs.
09/23: He's Chacon and He's OK
Posted by: Patrick
Another Shawn Chacon start, another 8 innings of shutout baseball. This is the third - count it - third time he's thrown 8 innings scoreless in a start with the Yankees (11 starts total). With a 5 run lead, Torre decided that 111 pitches was enough for Chacon and Scott Proctor pitched a scoreless ninth to conclude the game.
The Yankee offense got going in a hurry, starting the bottom of the 1st inning with back to back jacks, care of D. Jeter and Robinson Cano. 2 hits and 2 walks later, it was 4-0 at the end of 1. The Yankees would add 1 more in the 7th, bringing the total up to 5 and that is where it would end, 5-0 Yankees.
Jeter was 1 for 2 (3 walks, HR), Cano was 2 for 5 (HR), A-Rod was 1 for 2 (2 walks, 2 runs), Matsui was 1 for 3 (2B, 1 run, 1 RBI), Posada was 2 for 3 (1 walk) and Tino was 1 for 4 (1 RBI). Matsui's double was number 43 on the year, a high for him in a season as a Yankee. Sheff, Bernie and Bubba all went 0 for 4.
Boston won and Cleveland is leading, so it looks like the Yankees will maintain pace. 1 game lead in the division, back half a game in the wild card. 9 games left. We'll get Jaret Wright against Scott Downs (3-3, 4.32) tomorrow at 1:05 Eastern.
The Yankee offense got going in a hurry, starting the bottom of the 1st inning with back to back jacks, care of D. Jeter and Robinson Cano. 2 hits and 2 walks later, it was 4-0 at the end of 1. The Yankees would add 1 more in the 7th, bringing the total up to 5 and that is where it would end, 5-0 Yankees.
Jeter was 1 for 2 (3 walks, HR), Cano was 2 for 5 (HR), A-Rod was 1 for 2 (2 walks, 2 runs), Matsui was 1 for 3 (2B, 1 run, 1 RBI), Posada was 2 for 3 (1 walk) and Tino was 1 for 4 (1 RBI). Matsui's double was number 43 on the year, a high for him in a season as a Yankee. Sheff, Bernie and Bubba all went 0 for 4.
Boston won and Cleveland is leading, so it looks like the Yankees will maintain pace. 1 game lead in the division, back half a game in the wild card. 9 games left. We'll get Jaret Wright against Scott Downs (3-3, 4.32) tomorrow at 1:05 Eastern.
Continuing what I posted yesterday, Bob Herzog at Newsday.com and Jack Curry at The New York Times start making the case for Mo. From the Curry article:
Mo has pitched 75 innings so far. With 10 games remaining, I'd expect him to reach 80 with a good possibility of him pitching more. So, let's say he reaches 81 and doesn't allow an earned run in any of those innings. That knocks his ERA down to 1.22. Let's say he reaches 45 saves and gets another win. 8-4, 45 saves, 81 innings, 1.22 ERA. I just did a quick check, so I may be wrong... but the three pitchers who have won the Cy Young with the least innings pitched are:
1. Rollie Ringers - 78 (1978) - 6-3, 1.04 ERA, 28 Saves
2. Dennis Eckersley - 80 (1992) - 7-1, 1.91 ERA, 51 Saves
3. Eric Gagne - 82 (2003) - 2-3, 1.20 ERA, 55 Saves
Mariano Rivera - 81 (2004) - 8-4, 1.22 ERA, 45 Saves
Via Pride of the Yankees.
"I think he's got a good chance only because he's really been clutch and there's not anyone else, except probably Colón," said Dennis Eckersley, who won the Most Valuable Player award and Cy Young for the Oakland Athletics in 1992. ...
For a closer to win the award these days, he usually has to be almost perfect and it has to be a lean year for starters. Rollie Fingers, who won the Most Valuable Player award and the Cy Young with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981, said that modern-day closers simply did not pitch enough to win those awards. Fingers tossed 78 innings in 1981, a strike year in which 38 percent of the schedule was lost.
"Sportswriters aren't stupid," Fingers said. "It's tough to give a guy who pitched 50 innings a Cy Young."
Jorge Posada, the Yankees' catcher, dismissed that argument. "You go for the best pitcher," he said. "He's been the best pitcher."
Eckersley agreed with Posada. "There was more pressure on him than anybody," Eckersley said. "Every game he pitched, they needed. The guy is ice."
For a closer to win the award these days, he usually has to be almost perfect and it has to be a lean year for starters. Rollie Fingers, who won the Most Valuable Player award and the Cy Young with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981, said that modern-day closers simply did not pitch enough to win those awards. Fingers tossed 78 innings in 1981, a strike year in which 38 percent of the schedule was lost.
"Sportswriters aren't stupid," Fingers said. "It's tough to give a guy who pitched 50 innings a Cy Young."
Jorge Posada, the Yankees' catcher, dismissed that argument. "You go for the best pitcher," he said. "He's been the best pitcher."
Eckersley agreed with Posada. "There was more pressure on him than anybody," Eckersley said. "Every game he pitched, they needed. The guy is ice."
Mo has pitched 75 innings so far. With 10 games remaining, I'd expect him to reach 80 with a good possibility of him pitching more. So, let's say he reaches 81 and doesn't allow an earned run in any of those innings. That knocks his ERA down to 1.22. Let's say he reaches 45 saves and gets another win. 8-4, 45 saves, 81 innings, 1.22 ERA. I just did a quick check, so I may be wrong... but the three pitchers who have won the Cy Young with the least innings pitched are:
1. Rollie Ringers - 78 (1978) - 6-3, 1.04 ERA, 28 Saves
2. Dennis Eckersley - 80 (1992) - 7-1, 1.91 ERA, 51 Saves
3. Eric Gagne - 82 (2003) - 2-3, 1.20 ERA, 55 Saves
Mariano Rivera - 81 (2004) - 8-4, 1.22 ERA, 45 Saves
Via Pride of the Yankees.
09/22: The MVP Race
Now, I am of two minds here. If we're talking David Ortiz and A-Rod, it's A-Rod. I just read an article that beautifully summed up my thoughts on the Ortiz vs. A-Rod argument. It was by none other than Conan the Barbarian at noMaas.org. Check it out.
But, I have another name to throw out there. Dreaming? Perhaps, perhaps. Mariano Rivera. I left a comment on an entry at WasWatching.com and got 3 positive responses. Basically, the thought here, as laid out by Jason O. over there... if the award is really relative value to the team, Rivera is ahead of A-Rod and Ortiz. If he finishes out the season strong, get's his ERA below 1.20, perhaps gets either 45 saves or a win or 2 more, what do you think? Let's see here...
Let's imagine that God is going to strike 5 random players with injuries - right now. They will be injured for the rest of the year, but be back next year and will be fine. You can pick 1 player that will be "safe". Who do you pick? Good arguments can be made for A-Rod, Jeter, Mariano. But, when you think about it, Mariano. Mariano is the reason we have a slight grasp on 1st place. Mariano is the difference maker with the Red Sox. He's the reason we're in the playoff hunt. Now, don't get me wrong. Without A-Rod? We could be out. Without Giambi's turnaround? Yep, could be. But, without Mariano? We're totally, totally screwed. (Edit: Rereading this, I'm kind of torn between Jeter and Mariano just because Jeter means so much, but the point stands). If fate had blessed the Red Sox with Mariano and us with Foulke, not only would we be out of the playoffs a bit ago, but last year wouldn't have been the first Red Sox World Series championship since 1918.
How important is Mo right now? Seriously. We have to throw him virtually every night. If we didn't have him now, forget about it. That's the MVP. He deserves serious consideration. He probably won't get it as there is a natural bias against pitchers - especially relief pitchers, that will keep him from getting it. But, Cy Young is more likely. He deserves even stronger consideration for that award. I mean, let's think about it. If you could trade Mo for this season for any starting pitcher in the AL that we don't already have - would you do it? I guess there are certainly arguments to make, but... for me, no. Mo's the guy.
Remember, ANYONE who can hit can "play" DH adequately. Those who can hit as good as or better than Ortiz, all while playing stellar defense at the hot corner, are few and far between. There are other players in the majors who would be a better DH than Ortiz is right now. There's not one player in the majors that would be a better all-around 3B than A-Rod. If you were to ask A-Rod to DH he could do it. Could you ask Ortiz to play 3B? Well you could, and just hope that Ortiz' family stampedes over the runner whenever a ball is hit in his direction.
But, I have another name to throw out there. Dreaming? Perhaps, perhaps. Mariano Rivera. I left a comment on an entry at WasWatching.com and got 3 positive responses. Basically, the thought here, as laid out by Jason O. over there... if the award is really relative value to the team, Rivera is ahead of A-Rod and Ortiz. If he finishes out the season strong, get's his ERA below 1.20, perhaps gets either 45 saves or a win or 2 more, what do you think? Let's see here...
Let's imagine that God is going to strike 5 random players with injuries - right now. They will be injured for the rest of the year, but be back next year and will be fine. You can pick 1 player that will be "safe". Who do you pick? Good arguments can be made for A-Rod, Jeter, Mariano. But, when you think about it, Mariano. Mariano is the reason we have a slight grasp on 1st place. Mariano is the difference maker with the Red Sox. He's the reason we're in the playoff hunt. Now, don't get me wrong. Without A-Rod? We could be out. Without Giambi's turnaround? Yep, could be. But, without Mariano? We're totally, totally screwed. (Edit: Rereading this, I'm kind of torn between Jeter and Mariano just because Jeter means so much, but the point stands). If fate had blessed the Red Sox with Mariano and us with Foulke, not only would we be out of the playoffs a bit ago, but last year wouldn't have been the first Red Sox World Series championship since 1918.
How important is Mo right now? Seriously. We have to throw him virtually every night. If we didn't have him now, forget about it. That's the MVP. He deserves serious consideration. He probably won't get it as there is a natural bias against pitchers - especially relief pitchers, that will keep him from getting it. But, Cy Young is more likely. He deserves even stronger consideration for that award. I mean, let's think about it. If you could trade Mo for this season for any starting pitcher in the AL that we don't already have - would you do it? I guess there are certainly arguments to make, but... for me, no. Mo's the guy.
Posted by: Seamus
Red Sox fans everywhere are falling back to Earth as their loss coupled with a 2-1 Yankee victory over the Orioles moved the Yankees into first place for the first time since mid-July with just 11 games to go. Matt Lawton's 2-run shot to right in the 2nd was the difference as Randy Johnson pitched a great game in front of some great defense, most noticeably by Alex Rodriguez, who made quite a few diving grabs at 3rd. The Unit gave us 8 big innings and allowed only one run on three hits. Mariano Rivera entered the game in the 9th and struggled a bit, but he recovered and was helped by some good defense as well as he recorded his 41st save of the season.
The Yankees moved into first place courtesy of a huge 8th inning collapse by Mike Timlin as the Red Sox blew a 4-2 lead and lost 7-4. Both the Yankees and the Red Sox have the same teams remaining on their schedules (Blue Jays and Orioles), as well as three games against each other.
The Indians, who are still of some significance to the Yankees since they only led the Red Sox by a half game, defeated the White Sox and remain a half game better than the Bombers. The Yankees stand a half game behind them and 3 behind the White Sox for home field throughout the playoffs.
Mike Mussina will make his return tonight after an injury to his elbow. His opponent will be Orioles' lefty Bruce Chen. Mussina hasn't pitched since August 29 and will only have two starts at most to get in shape for the postseason if the Yankees make it. However, the Yankees need him to pitch well tonight as every game counts dow
The Yankees moved into first place courtesy of a huge 8th inning collapse by Mike Timlin as the Red Sox blew a 4-2 lead and lost 7-4. Both the Yankees and the Red Sox have the same teams remaining on their schedules (Blue Jays and Orioles), as well as three games against each other.
The Indians, who are still of some significance to the Yankees since they only led the Red Sox by a half game, defeated the White Sox and remain a half game better than the Bombers. The Yankees stand a half game behind them and 3 behind the White Sox for home field throughout the playoffs.
Mike Mussina will make his return tonight after an injury to his elbow. His opponent will be Orioles' lefty Bruce Chen. Mussina hasn't pitched since August 29 and will only have two starts at most to get in shape for the postseason if the Yankees make it. However, the Yankees need him to pitch well tonight as every game counts dow