05/31: "A-Rod, you fool...
... you sicken us all."
Don't get annoyed just yet, that's just the teaser on ESPN's main page for this article on A-Rod's clutchosity by DJ Gallo. It's actually a pretty humorous satire on some of the arguments made against Rodriguez and worth the minute a lot of the
My favorite part:
What can I say, I'm easy to please.
Don't get annoyed just yet, that's just the teaser on ESPN's main page for this article on A-Rod's clutchosity by DJ Gallo. It's actually a pretty humorous satire on some of the arguments made against Rodriguez and worth the minute a lot of the
My favorite part:
His blast would prove to be the game winner because the Red Sox stormed back to make the final score 7-5, but A-Rod hitting a home run when his team already has the lead? Classic A-Rod. Or should I say A-Fraud. (Get it? I changed the Rod part to Fraud. It rhymes and everything.)
Thursday, no game: A scheduled off day. Typical A-Fraud -- the Yankees manage to win back-to-back games against the Red Sox and he needs a day off. Pathetic.
Thursday, no game: A scheduled off day. Typical A-Fraud -- the Yankees manage to win back-to-back games against the Red Sox and he needs a day off. Pathetic.
What can I say, I'm easy to please.
05/31: Gooden In Jail
Posted by: James
For Mets fans, Yankees fans and just people who have rooted for Doc, this interview in Newsday with Gooden is just sad to read.
He spent 10 days in that one-man cell, never permitted to go outside. He had no contact with his family. He would tell time only by when he was fed.
"I still haven't recovered from that," Gooden said. "That was torture. It was like you're an animal. It was horrible." ...
Gooden was transferred to Gainesville on April 27, not a country club but more humane. The campus of one-story, red and white cement buildings does not look like the penitentiaries portrayed in movies other than the high barbed-wire fences surrounding it. In an unbelievable twist, it is the same prison that once housed Darryl Strawberry, Gooden's longtime teammate. ...
Gooden could be released as early as November. He is unsure what he will do when he gets out. His first priority is reconnecting with his children and repairing some of the damage he's done. Before his relapse, George Steinbrenner had spoken with Gooden about returning to his role as a special assistant with the Yankees once his probation officer said it was OK. After his latest embarrassment, Gooden said he would not even ask Steinbrenner for a job.
"I respect him too much to go back to him and ask for a job after all this stuff has gone on," he said.
"I still haven't recovered from that," Gooden said. "That was torture. It was like you're an animal. It was horrible." ...
Gooden was transferred to Gainesville on April 27, not a country club but more humane. The campus of one-story, red and white cement buildings does not look like the penitentiaries portrayed in movies other than the high barbed-wire fences surrounding it. In an unbelievable twist, it is the same prison that once housed Darryl Strawberry, Gooden's longtime teammate. ...
Gooden could be released as early as November. He is unsure what he will do when he gets out. His first priority is reconnecting with his children and repairing some of the damage he's done. Before his relapse, George Steinbrenner had spoken with Gooden about returning to his role as a special assistant with the Yankees once his probation officer said it was OK. After his latest embarrassment, Gooden said he would not even ask Steinbrenner for a job.
"I respect him too much to go back to him and ask for a job after all this stuff has gone on," he said.
05/31: SI.com Interview With Cano
Posted by: Patrick
SI.com has an interview with Robinson Cano:
Via Steve.
On Derek Jeter's impact
My first experience was when I did [a TV] interview with my shades on. Jeter told me, "Next time don't do that. People will think you're cocky." This year he told me to remember that no one is secure in this game. He said, "I have to keep working too. Nothing is certain."
On his nicknames
They call me Ray Charles because they say I've got a big smile like him. And Jeter doesn't call me Canó; he calls me Canoe.
My first experience was when I did [a TV] interview with my shades on. Jeter told me, "Next time don't do that. People will think you're cocky." This year he told me to remember that no one is secure in this game. He said, "I have to keep working too. Nothing is certain."
On his nicknames
They call me Ray Charles because they say I've got a big smile like him. And Jeter doesn't call me Canó; he calls me Canoe.
Via Steve.
05/31: Sheff's Feeling Strange
Yankees shut down Sheffield:
That doesn't sound too good.
"I don't know what's going on," Sheffield said. "I felt like it was getting better, but it's in a different spot now. It's right on the wrist, right on the bone. It's really painful. ...
"I thought it was nothing, but as soon as I came back today, I couldn't even swing a bat," Sheffield said. "I just played in the game. I don't know what's going on. I don't know what to tell you."
"I thought it was nothing, but as soon as I came back today, I couldn't even swing a bat," Sheffield said. "I just played in the game. I don't know what's going on. I don't know what to tell you."
That doesn't sound too good.
05/30: Yankees 4, Tigers 0
Posted by: Jason
"You didn't get me down, Ray."
-Robert De Niro, "Raging Bull"
In his last start, Randy Johnson showed his first signs of life in more than a month by striking out 8 and battling through 5 complete innings against Boston.
In today's matinee start, he took a substantial step toward restoring the confidence of the Yankee universe. RJ was a only few degrees short of perfection as the veteran southpaw dominated a good Detroit lineup. His fastball was improved (recall Ivan Rodriguez blown away swinging in the 4th) and the trademark slider cruelly sliced down-and-in on righties like, well, a Randy Johnson slider!!
Yankees offensive highlights included 2 runs in the 3rd on hits by Robinson, Melky and John Damon. In the 5th, Alex plated Sheffield with a characteristically non-clutch line drive with 2 outs. Did you catch his little bat flip as he left the box? MVP swagger in the face of unjustified criticism...I applaud it and I demand more, Alex. Posada followed with a broken bat RBI to finish the scoring at 4-0.
(Joe Torre lineup criticism du jour: The decision to DH Terrence Long was mind-boggling).
The bullpen was excellent: Torre inserted Villone in the 7th and he shut down the Tigers for 2 innings. In the 9th, Farnsworth did what he does best, that is, push hitters around with his fastball.
The overarching story of this game was the resurgence of RJ. His no-hit bid was unfortunately halted by Pudge Rodriguez (or perhaps Rodriguez's little brother?) in the 6th. One more hit in the 7th ended his stellar outing.
Clearly, major questions hang over Johnson. A warning: Remember that as a boxer gets older, his knockout power remains intact. Underestimate him and the doctor will be breaking the smelling salts under your nose.
-Robert De Niro, "Raging Bull"
In his last start, Randy Johnson showed his first signs of life in more than a month by striking out 8 and battling through 5 complete innings against Boston.
In today's matinee start, he took a substantial step toward restoring the confidence of the Yankee universe. RJ was a only few degrees short of perfection as the veteran southpaw dominated a good Detroit lineup. His fastball was improved (recall Ivan Rodriguez blown away swinging in the 4th) and the trademark slider cruelly sliced down-and-in on righties like, well, a Randy Johnson slider!!
Yankees offensive highlights included 2 runs in the 3rd on hits by Robinson, Melky and John Damon. In the 5th, Alex plated Sheffield with a characteristically non-clutch line drive with 2 outs. Did you catch his little bat flip as he left the box? MVP swagger in the face of unjustified criticism...I applaud it and I demand more, Alex. Posada followed with a broken bat RBI to finish the scoring at 4-0.
(Joe Torre lineup criticism du jour: The decision to DH Terrence Long was mind-boggling).
The bullpen was excellent: Torre inserted Villone in the 7th and he shut down the Tigers for 2 innings. In the 9th, Farnsworth did what he does best, that is, push hitters around with his fastball.
The overarching story of this game was the resurgence of RJ. His no-hit bid was unfortunately halted by Pudge Rodriguez (or perhaps Rodriguez's little brother?) in the 6th. One more hit in the 7th ended his stellar outing.
Clearly, major questions hang over Johnson. A warning: Remember that as a boxer gets older, his knockout power remains intact. Underestimate him and the doctor will be breaking the smelling salts under your nose.
05/29: Mo: Countdown to 400 Saves
Posted by: Patrick
Over at our sister site, MarianoRivera.com, we've added a box in the homepage that will be dedicated to counting down until Mo reaches the magical number of 400 saves. If he continues on the pace he's on now, he'll end up with 37 saves this year, which will give him 416 career saves.
The Yankees got off to a great start by scoring five runs in the first inning. Johnny Damon led off with a home run off Runelvys Hernandez. The Yankees kept on their hitting shoes and scored four more in the inning highlighted by a two run single from A-Rod. The last run of the inning was the result of great baserunning by Melky Cabrera and a great send from third base coach Larry Bowa. Cabrera was on first when Terrence Long hit a drive to right which bounced off the fence. Cabrera picked up Bowa as he headed to third and since the throw came into second and not the cut off man at first Bowa sent Cabrera and he scored for the fifth run of the inning.
The Yankees added a single run in the second to take a commanding 6-0 lead. However, the KC bullpen pitched great and only faced the minimum amount of batters the rest of the way. They got back into the game as Wright tired and left with the Yankees leading 6-3. Scott Proctor entered and is still not right - he gave up two runs, one scoring when Farnsworth relieved him and gave up a run scoring single to Emil Brown on a hanging slider.
Farnsworth gathered himself in the eighth and pitched a perfect inning. It all led up to Rivera who had a chance for his 390th career save. He entered in the ninth and did not disappoint the sellout crowd. He retired KC in order and preserved the victory for Jaret Wright and the Yankees.
The Yankees now head to Detroit who currently has the best record in MLB. Tomorrow afternoon on Memorial Day, Randy Johnson goes against Jeremy Bonderman in a 1 pm start. Johnson was a little better last outing but still can't get past five innings and at least five runs.
The Yankees added a single run in the second to take a commanding 6-0 lead. However, the KC bullpen pitched great and only faced the minimum amount of batters the rest of the way. They got back into the game as Wright tired and left with the Yankees leading 6-3. Scott Proctor entered and is still not right - he gave up two runs, one scoring when Farnsworth relieved him and gave up a run scoring single to Emil Brown on a hanging slider.
Farnsworth gathered himself in the eighth and pitched a perfect inning. It all led up to Rivera who had a chance for his 390th career save. He entered in the ninth and did not disappoint the sellout crowd. He retired KC in order and preserved the victory for Jaret Wright and the Yankees.
The Yankees now head to Detroit who currently has the best record in MLB. Tomorrow afternoon on Memorial Day, Randy Johnson goes against Jeremy Bonderman in a 1 pm start. Johnson was a little better last outing but still can't get past five innings and at least five runs.
Posted by: Patrick
Amazon.com's toy section (Toys 'R Us.com) is having some clearance deals including some on current Yankee figurines, for those interested:
MLB Series 12 Figure: Mike Mussina #35 New York Yankees Pitcher Grey Jersey - $5.29 plus tax.
MLB Boxed 3 Pack Toys 'R Us Exclusive - Yankees - $9.98 plus tax.
Shipping is free.
The second pack - a 3 pack - includes Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Hideki Matsui. I actually have the Moose figure as I just bought it recently because they ran this promotion awhile back. It's pretty neat although his eyes are a little funky. :)
If you were a big Alfonso Soriano, then you might want MLB Series 8 Figure: Alfonso Soriano with Gray Yankees Jersey, which is $5.29 plus tax shipped.
Via SlickDeals.net.
MLB Series 12 Figure: Mike Mussina #35 New York Yankees Pitcher Grey Jersey - $5.29 plus tax.
MLB Boxed 3 Pack Toys 'R Us Exclusive - Yankees - $9.98 plus tax.
Shipping is free.
The second pack - a 3 pack - includes Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Hideki Matsui. I actually have the Moose figure as I just bought it recently because they ran this promotion awhile back. It's pretty neat although his eyes are a little funky. :)
If you were a big Alfonso Soriano, then you might want MLB Series 8 Figure: Alfonso Soriano with Gray Yankees Jersey, which is $5.29 plus tax shipped.
Via SlickDeals.net.
The Yankees bounced back from Friday's poor bullpen showing yesterday as the Yankees defeated the Royals by a score of 15-4 thanks to some solid hitting all around the lineup and a good performance from Chien-Ming Wang although he did eventually allow four runs in 7 innings. Ron Villone and Scott Erickson each pitched a scoreless inning. Kelly Stinnett's bat finally woke up, going 3-4 with a double, a home run and 4 RBI. The win keeps the Yankees within two games of the Red Sox for the A.L. East lead.
Alex Rodriguez was 2-3 with two walks and two homers. He's now got 13 home runs (7th in the A.L.), 39 RBI (6th in the A.L.), and he has raised his average to a respectable .291. However, yesterday's home runs don't count because they were hit against the Royals with the Yankees way ahead. Ugh, why can't he just hit 50 "clutch" home runs, all against first place teams like every other great player does!?
On another note, what usually gets lost in blowout games like these where the winning team scores a lot of runs is the performance of the pitching staff. Wang gave up four runs, but he pitched 5 shutout innings before he started to have to wait a half hour between innings and allowed two runs each in the 5th and 6th. Ron Villone was great again, striking out two in the 8th and lowering his E.R.A. to 1.83.
Today the Yankees will send Jaret Wright to the mound to face Runelvys Hernandez. Wright comes in with a record of 2-3 but has pitched well lately. Hopefully the Yankees can take two of three in this series before heading into Detroit for a tough four-game set.
Alex Rodriguez was 2-3 with two walks and two homers. He's now got 13 home runs (7th in the A.L.), 39 RBI (6th in the A.L.), and he has raised his average to a respectable .291. However, yesterday's home runs don't count because they were hit against the Royals with the Yankees way ahead. Ugh, why can't he just hit 50 "clutch" home runs, all against first place teams like every other great player does!?
On another note, what usually gets lost in blowout games like these where the winning team scores a lot of runs is the performance of the pitching staff. Wang gave up four runs, but he pitched 5 shutout innings before he started to have to wait a half hour between innings and allowed two runs each in the 5th and 6th. Ron Villone was great again, striking out two in the 8th and lowering his E.R.A. to 1.83.
Today the Yankees will send Jaret Wright to the mound to face Runelvys Hernandez. Wright comes in with a record of 2-3 but has pitched well lately. Hopefully the Yankees can take two of three in this series before heading into Detroit for a tough four-game set.
Posted by: Patrick
Sheffield plans to play two more years:
Personally, I love Sheff. Love watching him. Great player. He has a certain swagger. As Seamus once said, "he's like somebody who will pummel someone into the ground for you." Plus, if Alex says you're the Yankee he'd want up when you are backed into a corner, that has to mean something. :)
He's getting up there in years, but I don't really have any problems with him being a full time player for the next two years with the Yankees. We could do a lot worse. That should be just about the time he needs to get to 500 homers, as well. He's a decent defender and I'd look for him to get more DH time in 2008. Not too much time, though, because we'll still have Giambi (what is likely to be the final year of his contract). But, in the end, I'm all for him finishing up his career with the Yankees. Plus, there will be less controversy around him if we all know when he's going to hang them up. i.e., in 2008, there won't be contract issues because everyone knows that it is his last year. Unless, of course, he changes his mind. Which is a possibility. :)
Veteran Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield said on Saturday he plans to play two more seasons after this one and then retire from baseball. ...
"I'm playing for the love of the game now and I need two years to do that. I feel like I never really looked around and paid attention to things on my right or my left. And now it's time to pay attention to things I never paid attention to." ...
"Getting closer to the fans, letting people in a little bit more," said Sheffield, who gave a big wave and wide smile to a small group of fans who had gathered outside Yankee Stadium at about noon on Saturday. "I can't sit there as Mr. Laugh on the field because I don't feel I can smile too much on the baseball field and get the job done. That's just not my personality."
"I'm playing for the love of the game now and I need two years to do that. I feel like I never really looked around and paid attention to things on my right or my left. And now it's time to pay attention to things I never paid attention to." ...
"Getting closer to the fans, letting people in a little bit more," said Sheffield, who gave a big wave and wide smile to a small group of fans who had gathered outside Yankee Stadium at about noon on Saturday. "I can't sit there as Mr. Laugh on the field because I don't feel I can smile too much on the baseball field and get the job done. That's just not my personality."
Personally, I love Sheff. Love watching him. Great player. He has a certain swagger. As Seamus once said, "he's like somebody who will pummel someone into the ground for you." Plus, if Alex says you're the Yankee he'd want up when you are backed into a corner, that has to mean something. :)
He's getting up there in years, but I don't really have any problems with him being a full time player for the next two years with the Yankees. We could do a lot worse. That should be just about the time he needs to get to 500 homers, as well. He's a decent defender and I'd look for him to get more DH time in 2008. Not too much time, though, because we'll still have Giambi (what is likely to be the final year of his contract). But, in the end, I'm all for him finishing up his career with the Yankees. Plus, there will be less controversy around him if we all know when he's going to hang them up. i.e., in 2008, there won't be contract issues because everyone knows that it is his last year. Unless, of course, he changes his mind. Which is a possibility. :)
05/28: Hughes, Thompson & Rasner
Posted by: James
Oh my!
Phil Hughes had a pretty effective start last night against Binghampton Mets. He went six very strong innings before faltering a little bit in the seventh. He left the game with two runners on base and having given up 1 earned run in 6 innings. T.J. Beam allowed both runners to score bringing Hughes' final line to 8 hits, 3 ER, 1 BB and 7 Ks in 6.3 innings. I'm very happy to see the walks come down and the strikeouts rack back up and the K:BB ratio is down to 25:10 (for the season - 29.3 innings),
Over In Columbus, Darrell Rasner continued his string of good starts, getting the win last night by going 6.6 strong innings. He's putting up very good numbers at AAA using his Tiger Wang style, i.e. lots of groundballs and the occasional strikeout. In other news, Kevin Thompson is back in the lineup and he's responded well, hitting a home run and knocking in two. Give the man a couple of days to get back in the swing of things and get him up here for Terrence Long. I say this because a Thompson usually takes two shots to succeed at a level. Let's get him his first shot now or this year and next year, he'll be ready to go as a great option for an outfield spot. While we're doing that, why not call Rasner up and let him take Erickson or Small's place soon? Let's really get this Columbus shuttle going because right now, they offer the best bang for those roster spots.
Phil Hughes had a pretty effective start last night against Binghampton Mets. He went six very strong innings before faltering a little bit in the seventh. He left the game with two runners on base and having given up 1 earned run in 6 innings. T.J. Beam allowed both runners to score bringing Hughes' final line to 8 hits, 3 ER, 1 BB and 7 Ks in 6.3 innings. I'm very happy to see the walks come down and the strikeouts rack back up and the K:BB ratio is down to 25:10 (for the season - 29.3 innings),
Over In Columbus, Darrell Rasner continued his string of good starts, getting the win last night by going 6.6 strong innings. He's putting up very good numbers at AAA using his Tiger Wang style, i.e. lots of groundballs and the occasional strikeout. In other news, Kevin Thompson is back in the lineup and he's responded well, hitting a home run and knocking in two. Give the man a couple of days to get back in the swing of things and get him up here for Terrence Long. I say this because a Thompson usually takes two shots to succeed at a level. Let's get him his first shot now or this year and next year, he'll be ready to go as a great option for an outfield spot. While we're doing that, why not call Rasner up and let him take Erickson or Small's place soon? Let's really get this Columbus shuttle going because right now, they offer the best bang for those roster spots.
05/27: Fun for Hours
Posted by: James
Not really Yankees related but hey, you can have alllll kinds of fun with this one (and if you look at the other ones people have already done, lots of people def. have!).
Posted by: David
After beating the Red Sox two out of three in Boston, the Yankees returned to the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium against the worst team in the majors and possibly the worst team ever and couldn't get it done. They came back from a 3-0 deficit to take a 4-3 lead but Scott Proctor gave it right back in the seventh.
The real goat however was Kyle Farnsworth who gave up a two out three run homer to Angel Berroa on a hanging slider to give the Royals a three run lead at 7-4. The Yankees fought back in the eighth when Giambi and A-Rod got on to lead off the inning but the Yankees were only able to score one run. Giambi singled hard to right and A-Rod double up the gap in right center to put runners on second and third with no outs. Robinson Cano then swung at the first pitched and popped up. Bernie Williams grounded out to score Giambi but then Melky Cabrera was retired to end the inning.
After the top of the ninth was played in a downpour, the tarp was put on and an almost two hour delay ensued. In the bottom of the ninth, pinch hitter Terrence Long singled, Johnny Damon flew out for the first out before Derek Jeter walked. Sheffield then singled to center to score Long and push Jeter to third. However, Andrew Sisco got Giambi to ground into a game ending double play.
The Yankees really should be embarrassed to play so poorly against an awful team like KC. The Royals ended a current thirteen game losing streak and had also lost their last fourteen games at the stadium. The game was highlighted by Derek Jeter getting his 2,000th career hit in the fourth when he hit a swinging bunt down the third base line which catcher Paul Bako fielded but threw wildly into the stands. Jeter was credited with a single and took second on the throwing error.
It appears that the confidence of Scott Proctor is really shot. After his terrible performance in Boston, he has become very hittable and his control is suspect. The series resumes this afternoon with Chien Ming-Wang taking the mound for the Yankees.
The real goat however was Kyle Farnsworth who gave up a two out three run homer to Angel Berroa on a hanging slider to give the Royals a three run lead at 7-4. The Yankees fought back in the eighth when Giambi and A-Rod got on to lead off the inning but the Yankees were only able to score one run. Giambi singled hard to right and A-Rod double up the gap in right center to put runners on second and third with no outs. Robinson Cano then swung at the first pitched and popped up. Bernie Williams grounded out to score Giambi but then Melky Cabrera was retired to end the inning.
After the top of the ninth was played in a downpour, the tarp was put on and an almost two hour delay ensued. In the bottom of the ninth, pinch hitter Terrence Long singled, Johnny Damon flew out for the first out before Derek Jeter walked. Sheffield then singled to center to score Long and push Jeter to third. However, Andrew Sisco got Giambi to ground into a game ending double play.
The Yankees really should be embarrassed to play so poorly against an awful team like KC. The Royals ended a current thirteen game losing streak and had also lost their last fourteen games at the stadium. The game was highlighted by Derek Jeter getting his 2,000th career hit in the fourth when he hit a swinging bunt down the third base line which catcher Paul Bako fielded but threw wildly into the stands. Jeter was credited with a single and took second on the throwing error.
It appears that the confidence of Scott Proctor is really shot. After his terrible performance in Boston, he has become very hittable and his control is suspect. The series resumes this afternoon with Chien Ming-Wang taking the mound for the Yankees.
05/26: Posada Has a Torn Tendon
Posted by: James
That'll put a damper on any good feelings, right? It turns out that Posada's knee problems are a result of a torn tendon in his hamstring.
Did someone on the team kick a black cat? I mean, I know it's a old team...but come on, this is getting ridiculous! Posada is vital part of this team and not having any sort of suitable replacement exacerbates the situation. Hopefully, this turns out not to be a lingering problem but when I hear the words torn and tendon, it nevers seems like an easy injury to recover from.
Update: The NY Post has a more detailed story about the tendon. Here's the highlight:
Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has a torn hamstring tendon in his left knee and will be sidelined at least a few days.
Posada wasn't placed on the disabled list following his MRI exam that revealed the injury, but the club said Thursday that it planned to call up a catcher from the minor leagues on Friday. Posada is scheduled to be evaluated in the next few days.
Posada wasn't placed on the disabled list following his MRI exam that revealed the injury, but the club said Thursday that it planned to call up a catcher from the minor leagues on Friday. Posada is scheduled to be evaluated in the next few days.
Did someone on the team kick a black cat? I mean, I know it's a old team...but come on, this is getting ridiculous! Posada is vital part of this team and not having any sort of suitable replacement exacerbates the situation. Hopefully, this turns out not to be a lingering problem but when I hear the words torn and tendon, it nevers seems like an easy injury to recover from.
Update: The NY Post has a more detailed story about the tendon. Here's the highlight:
"Hopefully, we can avoid the DL," Cashman said. "We'll see in the next few days. Jorge said he felt better [yesterday] than he did [Wednesday]. If the swelling and pain don't dissipate, it could be a DL. I can only tell you what I have been told, and it's short term, but I can't define short term."
Working in the Yankees' favor is the tendon isn't a big part of the knee's function.
"It's the one they use for transplants," Cashman said. "It's one you don't need. It's an unusual injury."
Working in the Yankees' favor is the tendon isn't a big part of the knee's function.
"It's the one they use for transplants," Cashman said. "It's one you don't need. It's an unusual injury."
05/25: Teammates Talk About A-Rod
Posted by: Patrick
Just some quotes that I felt were worth repeating.
On some level, the continual need to defend A-Rod gets tiring, doesn't it? I've done it, other bloggers here at YB have, several other bloggers at other sites have. To me, it's all kind of funny. A-Rod is a clean cut professional who plays everyday, produces and is terrific at every aspect of the game, on and off the field.
I think that one thing that we, as fans, should not delve into is defending A-Rod at the cost of other Yankees. For instance, I have heard people say "A-Rod did this, but Jeter did this - why didn't Jeter get criticized?" You don't need to slam Jeter to boost A-Rod, that defeats the purpose. Jeter is a New York legend and rightfully so. So, I think we can safely stay away from that. Back on subject, I've always thought that most of the criticism I have heard of A-Rod was kind of fickle. Make no mistake, we're lucky to have him. There is a reason the Rangers offered him that contract, there is a reason the Red Sox wanted him, there is a reason we wanted him. He's great. Rare great. I mean, don't kid yourself, the Red Sox would be loving - loving - him if they had him. He won the MVP last year for pete sake! Personally, I want him to be a Yankee for life. Give me Jeter and A-Rod on that side of the infield for the rest of their careers and I will be a happy man.
Another funny thing, as I was writing this, I went to look up A-Rod's numbers with RISP, etc. He's hitting .273 with a .397 OBA with RISP. He's hitting .280 with a .455 OBA with RISP and 2 outs. This is what all the hullabaloo (I used that word - nice) is about? So, in other words, with RISP and 2 outs, he only makes an out a bit over half the time. OH MY GOSH, HE'S TERRIBLE! lol. Last year, hit .290 with a .410 with RISP and .302 with a .429 with RISP and 2 outs. That's excellent. So, I'm still looking for numbers I'd truly consider bad. I finally found them, in 2004. He hit .248 with a .346 OBA with RISP and .206 with a .308 with RISP and 2 outs. There we go. But that was 2 years ago. So, I don't know, but I just don't see it.
"People who care about the Yankees should be thinking about wins or losses, not just Alex, not one guy," Derek Jeter said. "Alex is a great player; there are lot of great players on this team. For some reason in my 10 years here, we've all gotten booed, myself and Mo and Bernie included." ...
"The thing about Alex is that he believes he should drive in every run, which is unrealistic," Sheffield said. "In a way, he brings it on himself. But the fans who get on him should be thankful they have a player who's that driven. Not many guys care as much as he does."
"The thing about Alex is that he believes he should drive in every run, which is unrealistic," Sheffield said. "In a way, he brings it on himself. But the fans who get on him should be thankful they have a player who's that driven. Not many guys care as much as he does."
On some level, the continual need to defend A-Rod gets tiring, doesn't it? I've done it, other bloggers here at YB have, several other bloggers at other sites have. To me, it's all kind of funny. A-Rod is a clean cut professional who plays everyday, produces and is terrific at every aspect of the game, on and off the field.
I think that one thing that we, as fans, should not delve into is defending A-Rod at the cost of other Yankees. For instance, I have heard people say "A-Rod did this, but Jeter did this - why didn't Jeter get criticized?" You don't need to slam Jeter to boost A-Rod, that defeats the purpose. Jeter is a New York legend and rightfully so. So, I think we can safely stay away from that. Back on subject, I've always thought that most of the criticism I have heard of A-Rod was kind of fickle. Make no mistake, we're lucky to have him. There is a reason the Rangers offered him that contract, there is a reason the Red Sox wanted him, there is a reason we wanted him. He's great. Rare great. I mean, don't kid yourself, the Red Sox would be loving - loving - him if they had him. He won the MVP last year for pete sake! Personally, I want him to be a Yankee for life. Give me Jeter and A-Rod on that side of the infield for the rest of their careers and I will be a happy man.
Another funny thing, as I was writing this, I went to look up A-Rod's numbers with RISP, etc. He's hitting .273 with a .397 OBA with RISP. He's hitting .280 with a .455 OBA with RISP and 2 outs. This is what all the hullabaloo (I used that word - nice) is about? So, in other words, with RISP and 2 outs, he only makes an out a bit over half the time. OH MY GOSH, HE'S TERRIBLE! lol. Last year, hit .290 with a .410 with RISP and .302 with a .429 with RISP and 2 outs. That's excellent. So, I'm still looking for numbers I'd truly consider bad. I finally found them, in 2004. He hit .248 with a .346 OBA with RISP and .206 with a .308 with RISP and 2 outs. There we go. But that was 2 years ago. So, I don't know, but I just don't see it.
Posted by: Patrick
Now, I imagine most know that Derek's next hit will be number 2,000. He'll be the 8th Yankee to do so. But, another one to watch for is Mariano's next save, which will be number 390, placing him in a tie for 4th all time in saves with Dennis Eckersley (thanks David).
Looking at their career numbers is a joy - the level of consistency that these two have demonstrated is incredible.
Looking at their career numbers is a joy - the level of consistency that these two have demonstrated is incredible.
05/25: The Yankees Bullpen
Posted by: James
While they weren't tremendous for the entire series, the Yankees bullpen has, for the most part, performed very well. So when in his latest article, Bill Simmons said mentioned the Yankees pen somewhat disparagingly, I couldn't just let it go at that.
Oh, you mean Mike Myers of the 0.93 ERA who struck out David Ortiz last night (.200 BAA), Scott Erickson & Colter Bean - pass - Bean's gone and Erickson soon will be, Ron Villone - 2.04 ERA (.206 BAA), Scott Proctor - 3.16 ERA (.211 BAA), Kyle Farnsworth - 3.66 ERA (.224 BAA). The Yankees relievers have done a better job than most of the pens in the league (3.83 ERA and .711 OPS allowed) and this is with Farnsworth rounding into form and without Octavio Dotel.
Surely you can't be chuckling at the state of the Yankees pen when the current Red Sox bridge to Papelbon reads like this; Keith Foulke (4.62 ERA and .253 BAA), Julian Tavarez (4.26 ERA and .301 BAA), Rudy Seanez (5.82 ERA and .269 BAA) and Mike Timlin (0.96 ERA and .221 BAA). Oh and by the way, every one of those guys outside of Timlin has a SLG allowed of .500 and over. The Red Sox reliever corps has an 3.84 ERA and .762 OPS allowed and that's only due to Papelbon's 23 innings of 0.39 ERA and .345 OPS allowed.
Mike Myers, Scott Erickson, Ron Villone, Colter Bean, Scott Proctor and Kyle Farnsworth.
(I don't even have a joke to add. Just thought I'd list the set-up guys for Mariano Rivera right now.)
(I don't even have a joke to add. Just thought I'd list the set-up guys for Mariano Rivera right now.)
Oh, you mean Mike Myers of the 0.93 ERA who struck out David Ortiz last night (.200 BAA), Scott Erickson & Colter Bean - pass - Bean's gone and Erickson soon will be, Ron Villone - 2.04 ERA (.206 BAA), Scott Proctor - 3.16 ERA (.211 BAA), Kyle Farnsworth - 3.66 ERA (.224 BAA). The Yankees relievers have done a better job than most of the pens in the league (3.83 ERA and .711 OPS allowed) and this is with Farnsworth rounding into form and without Octavio Dotel.
Surely you can't be chuckling at the state of the Yankees pen when the current Red Sox bridge to Papelbon reads like this; Keith Foulke (4.62 ERA and .253 BAA), Julian Tavarez (4.26 ERA and .301 BAA), Rudy Seanez (5.82 ERA and .269 BAA) and Mike Timlin (0.96 ERA and .221 BAA). Oh and by the way, every one of those guys outside of Timlin has a SLG allowed of .500 and over. The Red Sox reliever corps has an 3.84 ERA and .762 OPS allowed and that's only due to Papelbon's 23 innings of 0.39 ERA and .345 OPS allowed.
05/25: Yankees 8, Red Sox 6
It is a pleasure to write this recap for YB.com. Add another game to the list of memorable tilts between these AL East powerhouses. That the Yankees took 2 of 3 given their depleted condition is gratifying. In the immortal words of WW: Let's go to the videotape!!!
Top 2: Cano walked and Bernie hit a liner off of Clement. I mean literally off of his leg. Canadian comedy duo Terrence (and Phillip) Long drew a walk(!!) and Kelly took one in the arm to cut the Sox lead to 2-1. Melky pulled an inside pitch to drive in Long and Bernie. "The deuce" (DJ) then drove Kelly in with a wall ball and the Yankees led 4-2.
Bottom 2: Randy Johnson was again disturbingly erratic in the early innings, surrendering a homer to Youkilis to tie the game 4-4. Even though he would surrender one more run, this outing was different for the towering lefty: RJ decided to fight. He made a few strong pitches in the 3rd, 4th and 5th, and clawed his way through 5 complete. Like Jake LaMotta, if RJ must go down this season, he showed us tonight he will go down swinging.
Top 5: After Alex and Robinson both singled, Bernie's single tied the game at 5-5. Terrence (and Phillip) Long's single give the Yanks the lead 6-5. After a wild pitch, Melky's single gave the Yankees the lead (for good) at 8-5.
Just a moment: Melky leading off? Bernie and Terrence Long as back to back offensive machines? Scott Erickson shuts Boston down in the 6th??!?!? Torre is a genius with his lineup and bullpen moves.
(I apologize to my YB.com colleagues, all Yankees fans and other Yankees blogs for that offensive joke, forgive me Sensei Kreese.)
Bottom 7: Myers was at his LOOGY best, fanning Ortiz. Scott Proctor threw a little batting practice to Ramirez, 8-6. Thankfully, he regained his composure and erased Varitek and Lowell, thanks to a superior catch in right by Melky.
Bottom 8: Farnsworth on the hill. A breathtaking turn of events beginning with the hit that wasn't. Pena's foul ball did not touch Kelly before shooting foul. The home plate umpire missed the call. Nixon impeaches himself with a popup. Alex Gonzales loops a single on a curve ball: Kyle throws plasma fastballs and he's throwing a curve to a weak hitter? Youkilis K'd and then Loretta drew a patient walk.
Bases loaded for Ortiz. Given that KF had walked Loretta with a ball that was 64 feet high of the strike zone, I was worried. After several fastballs, a Medusa curve turned Ortiz to marble for strike 3. One hopes that delivering under that pressure will strengthen Kyle for the future. Overall, this is why baseball is the best spectator sport.
Bottom 9: Mariano knows that when a hitter is in a groove, some uncomfortable smoke can upset that groove. Result: Ramirez flies harmlessly to Bernie. DJ ended the game with a marvelous, Brett Favre jump throw to first.
Resume breathing. 26 wins, 19 losses.
Top 2: Cano walked and Bernie hit a liner off of Clement. I mean literally off of his leg. Canadian comedy duo Terrence (and Phillip) Long drew a walk(!!) and Kelly took one in the arm to cut the Sox lead to 2-1. Melky pulled an inside pitch to drive in Long and Bernie. "The deuce" (DJ) then drove Kelly in with a wall ball and the Yankees led 4-2.
Bottom 2: Randy Johnson was again disturbingly erratic in the early innings, surrendering a homer to Youkilis to tie the game 4-4. Even though he would surrender one more run, this outing was different for the towering lefty: RJ decided to fight. He made a few strong pitches in the 3rd, 4th and 5th, and clawed his way through 5 complete. Like Jake LaMotta, if RJ must go down this season, he showed us tonight he will go down swinging.
Top 5: After Alex and Robinson both singled, Bernie's single tied the game at 5-5. Terrence (and Phillip) Long's single give the Yanks the lead 6-5. After a wild pitch, Melky's single gave the Yankees the lead (for good) at 8-5.
Just a moment: Melky leading off? Bernie and Terrence Long as back to back offensive machines? Scott Erickson shuts Boston down in the 6th??!?!? Torre is a genius with his lineup and bullpen moves.
(I apologize to my YB.com colleagues, all Yankees fans and other Yankees blogs for that offensive joke, forgive me Sensei Kreese.)
Bottom 7: Myers was at his LOOGY best, fanning Ortiz. Scott Proctor threw a little batting practice to Ramirez, 8-6. Thankfully, he regained his composure and erased Varitek and Lowell, thanks to a superior catch in right by Melky.
Bottom 8: Farnsworth on the hill. A breathtaking turn of events beginning with the hit that wasn't. Pena's foul ball did not touch Kelly before shooting foul. The home plate umpire missed the call. Nixon impeaches himself with a popup. Alex Gonzales loops a single on a curve ball: Kyle throws plasma fastballs and he's throwing a curve to a weak hitter? Youkilis K'd and then Loretta drew a patient walk.
Bases loaded for Ortiz. Given that KF had walked Loretta with a ball that was 64 feet high of the strike zone, I was worried. After several fastballs, a Medusa curve turned Ortiz to marble for strike 3. One hopes that delivering under that pressure will strengthen Kyle for the future. Overall, this is why baseball is the best spectator sport.
Bottom 9: Mariano knows that when a hitter is in a groove, some uncomfortable smoke can upset that groove. Result: Ramirez flies harmlessly to Bernie. DJ ended the game with a marvelous, Brett Favre jump throw to first.
Resume breathing. 26 wins, 19 losses.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees tied this three game series at a game apiece last night, although it turned out to be closer than it should've been, as they defeated the Red Sox by a score of 7-5. The victory brings the Yankees to within a game and a half of Boston for first place. The game was somewhat closer than was probably expected after A-Rod's three run homer that made the score 7-1 in the top of the 7th, but the Red Sox scored three runs in the 7th and one in the 8th to cut the defecit to 7-5. Mariano Rivera was brought in with one out in the 8th and did a superb job, recording five outs to record his 9th save of the season.
Jaret Wright pitched 5 solid scoreless innings, allowing four hits before being pulled after 5 with a "tweak in his groin." Most of the damage done by the Red Sox was at the expense of Scott Proctor, who allowed four runs in an inning and a third, including a monster home run to center by Manny Ramirez. The other run was given up by Kyle Farnsworth, who struggled by walking 3 in an inning pitched.
Manny's showboating in the 7th is a good example of why I cannot stand him.
It was good to see A-Rod's three-run shot become the difference on a day the papers and ESPN were especially destroying him about only hitting when the game doesn't matter anymore. Is it his fault alone that the Yankees were down 8 runs in the 9th last night? It was also good to see Damon wrap one around the Pesky Pole to lead off the game after he's struggled so much in his first few games at his former home.
Randy Johnson and the Yankees will try to take the rubber game of this series tonight as they will face Matt Clement at 7:05 ET. Johnson has struggled lately, but has a good track record as a Yankee against the Red Sox. Let's hope the latter holds up.
Jaret Wright pitched 5 solid scoreless innings, allowing four hits before being pulled after 5 with a "tweak in his groin." Most of the damage done by the Red Sox was at the expense of Scott Proctor, who allowed four runs in an inning and a third, including a monster home run to center by Manny Ramirez. The other run was given up by Kyle Farnsworth, who struggled by walking 3 in an inning pitched.
Manny's showboating in the 7th is a good example of why I cannot stand him.
It was good to see A-Rod's three-run shot become the difference on a day the papers and ESPN were especially destroying him about only hitting when the game doesn't matter anymore. Is it his fault alone that the Yankees were down 8 runs in the 9th last night? It was also good to see Damon wrap one around the Pesky Pole to lead off the game after he's struggled so much in his first few games at his former home.
Randy Johnson and the Yankees will try to take the rubber game of this series tonight as they will face Matt Clement at 7:05 ET. Johnson has struggled lately, but has a good track record as a Yankee against the Red Sox. Let's hope the latter holds up.
05/24: Quick Hits
Posted by: James
Just wanted to throw some things out there and don't have nearly enough time to make a more coherent post, so here goes.
First, John Sickels over at MinorLeagueBall.com posted a Prospect Smackdown recently comparing two of the best pitching prospects in the minors, Mike Pelfrey of the Mets vs. Phillip Hughes of the Yankees. No new information but it's interesting to see that John's got them very evenly matched even though Hughes is 2 years younger. Both pitchers have dominated A ball this year and have scuffled a little bit in AA (Pelfrey more than Hughes so far). Still, a Mets-Yankees arms race would certainly be fun to watch (probably would have been even more interesting had a certain power lefty not been traded...not to address old wounds but OUCH).
John has also posted a prospect retrospective on Mr. Bernabe Williams Figueroa. I thought it was worth a read just to go back and remember where our borderline HOFer came from. It was certainly interesting to read how much he progressed and how long it was before he finally broke out (at the age of 26 in 1995).
Peter Abraham over at the LoHud Yankees Blog mentioned the following:
First off, Amen to the waving bye-bye to Terrence Long. Secondly, the Post is speculating that Matt Smith will be called up rather than Mendoza. Honestly, I don't mind either of the two at this point. I like Smith - he's young (27 in a couple of weeks), he's a lefty, this is his second year of performing well and he can get the K every now and again. With Mendoza, it's not just the nostalgia talking - he's been very good in the minors so far and has even started the last two games (12 IP, 10 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 Ks). I'd love to see what he can do back in the majors again. If he can still pitch, great. If not, what have you really wasted other than innings that would have gone to Scott Erickson or Aaron Small. Heck, it'd be great to see Erickson sent down and Ramiro take that role and if Small continues to struggle, there looks to be a young (25) and seemingly more than serviceable option in AAA just waiting for a shot.
First, John Sickels over at MinorLeagueBall.com posted a Prospect Smackdown recently comparing two of the best pitching prospects in the minors, Mike Pelfrey of the Mets vs. Phillip Hughes of the Yankees. No new information but it's interesting to see that John's got them very evenly matched even though Hughes is 2 years younger. Both pitchers have dominated A ball this year and have scuffled a little bit in AA (Pelfrey more than Hughes so far). Still, a Mets-Yankees arms race would certainly be fun to watch (probably would have been even more interesting had a certain power lefty not been traded...not to address old wounds but OUCH).
John has also posted a prospect retrospective on Mr. Bernabe Williams Figueroa. I thought it was worth a read just to go back and remember where our borderline HOFer came from. It was certainly interesting to read how much he progressed and how long it was before he finally broke out (at the age of 26 in 1995).
Peter Abraham over at the LoHud Yankees Blog mentioned the following:
Joe Torre said they would bring up a pitcher for the last game of the series. I suspect it will be Ramiro Mendoza, who has pitched well for Columbus. Best of luck, Kevin Reese. They should dump Terrence Long (0 for 8, two balls out of the infield), however.
First off, Amen to the waving bye-bye to Terrence Long. Secondly, the Post is speculating that Matt Smith will be called up rather than Mendoza. Honestly, I don't mind either of the two at this point. I like Smith - he's young (27 in a couple of weeks), he's a lefty, this is his second year of performing well and he can get the K every now and again. With Mendoza, it's not just the nostalgia talking - he's been very good in the minors so far and has even started the last two games (12 IP, 10 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 Ks). I'd love to see what he can do back in the majors again. If he can still pitch, great. If not, what have you really wasted other than innings that would have gone to Scott Erickson or Aaron Small. Heck, it'd be great to see Erickson sent down and Ramiro take that role and if Small continues to struggle, there looks to be a young (25) and seemingly more than serviceable option in AAA just waiting for a shot.
05/24: To: Octavio Dotel
Posted by: Jason
Dear Octavio,
Did you watch the game last night?
How's the elbow?
Are you feeling pitbull nasty?
Did you watch the game last night?
How's the elbow?
Are you feeling pitbull nasty?
Posted by: Patrick
YanksBlog.com reader Christopher Pesce is our winner. Congratulations to him. He will receive a copy of Birth of a Dynasty by Joel Sherman. Thank you to everyone who entered.
Posted by: James
The following is just a simple before and after of what each batter has done before and after Matsui's injury (5/11/06). I'll be the first to say that this means very little. It's only been a 2 weeks worth of games and everyone goes through their slumps during the season but I thought I'd throw it out there as an illustration of who's been picking up the slack. I gave Damon & Sheffield passes because of the injuries but I'll include them when I revisit this again in a couple of weeks or so. In any case, make of the following whatever you will.
Jeter: Before: .349/.450/.524/.973 with 3 HRs, 27 Runs and 24 RBIs (32 GS and 126 ABs).
Jeter: Before: .349/.450/.524/.973 with 3 HRs, 27 Runs and 24 RBIs (32 GS and 126 ABs).