The Yankees lost the rubber game of the series vs. the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, 7-4.
The Red Sox jumped out early when Yankee killer David Ortiz deposited a Wang pitch into the upper deck in right field for a 1-0 lead. The Red Sox would add another run later to push ahead at 2-0.
The Yankees fought back to take the lead thanks to two consecutive walks and a three run homer from Doug Mientkiewicz. However, the lead was short lived as Alex Cora hit a two run homer to the bleachers in right center to give the Red Sox a 4-3 lead. They would add another and then put the game out of reach when Manny Ramirez hit a two run homer to right to extend the lead to 7-3.
The Yankees would score one run but couldn't stage a rally in the eighth when A-Rod grounded into a double play and then in the ninth when Jon Papelbon shut them down for his eighth save.
The Yankees are off tomorrow and finish April with a record of 9-14, 6 1/2 games behind the Bosox and in last place in the AL East. They go on the road on Tuesday to Texas for a three game series before returning home on Friday to face the Mariners.
The Red Sox jumped out early when Yankee killer David Ortiz deposited a Wang pitch into the upper deck in right field for a 1-0 lead. The Red Sox would add another run later to push ahead at 2-0.
The Yankees fought back to take the lead thanks to two consecutive walks and a three run homer from Doug Mientkiewicz. However, the lead was short lived as Alex Cora hit a two run homer to the bleachers in right center to give the Red Sox a 4-3 lead. They would add another and then put the game out of reach when Manny Ramirez hit a two run homer to right to extend the lead to 7-3.
The Yankees would score one run but couldn't stage a rally in the eighth when A-Rod grounded into a double play and then in the ninth when Jon Papelbon shut them down for his eighth save.
The Yankees are off tomorrow and finish April with a record of 9-14, 6 1/2 games behind the Bosox and in last place in the AL East. They go on the road on Tuesday to Texas for a three game series before returning home on Friday to face the Mariners.
Several Yankees were massively clutch on Saturday, helping the team break the losing streak at 7 and set up a possible momentum building game on Sunday.
We now know that Jeff Karstens's leg was broken after taking a Lugo leadoff line drive in the 1st. He bravely continued, pitching through what must have been significant pain. After surrendering a single to Youkilis, Karstens's day was over and the recently demoted Igawa faced David Ortiz with men on first and second, no outs. I was convinced that at least a 2-0 Red Sox lead was a certanity.
The Kei Igawa who could not keep his pitches down...The Kei Igawa who the Yankees Universe had relegated to Scranton...got the fearsome Ortiz to ground into a double play. He walked Ramirez and then struck out Drew to end the top 1st. Thus began a thrilling, improbable pitching performance in which Igawa dominated a powerful lineup. 0 runs, 2 hits, 6 strikeouts.
Igawa told us through an interpreter that he pitched exclusively from the stretch because it improves his control...it also improved his velocity, as he was 90-92 on the fastball.
The Yankees offense was by and large stymied by the familiar Wakefield knuckle ball. Stymied, that is, until Jorge centered a knuckler that hung for a moment as if it was on a tee: Gone, plating Jorge and Hideki, 2-0. Bottom 6: With Jorge on 2nd, Cabrera's seeing eye bloop hit a few inches fair and jumped into the stands, a ground rule 2b. 3-0 for the home team.
The Yankees much maligned bullpen came alive. With 2 men on in the 7th, Bruney relieved Igawa and overpowered Mirabelli, Hinske and Lugo. Farnsworth gave up a run in the 8th but settled down to minimize the damage, including a great series of pitches to strike out Ramirez.
Rivera returned to 9th inning form, allowing a bloop single by Varitek then shutting down the next three batters. Count me among those who don't worry about Rivera.
I found an interesting postgame quote by David Ortiz, which slighted Igawa's performance:
"...Nothing special. He (Igawa) was throwing a lot of hittable pitches, but we were just not hitting it."
Wow, that rare display of frustration indicates that they really wanted that game. With Wang facing Tavarez Sunday, I understand why.
We now know that Jeff Karstens's leg was broken after taking a Lugo leadoff line drive in the 1st. He bravely continued, pitching through what must have been significant pain. After surrendering a single to Youkilis, Karstens's day was over and the recently demoted Igawa faced David Ortiz with men on first and second, no outs. I was convinced that at least a 2-0 Red Sox lead was a certanity.
The Kei Igawa who could not keep his pitches down...The Kei Igawa who the Yankees Universe had relegated to Scranton...got the fearsome Ortiz to ground into a double play. He walked Ramirez and then struck out Drew to end the top 1st. Thus began a thrilling, improbable pitching performance in which Igawa dominated a powerful lineup. 0 runs, 2 hits, 6 strikeouts.
Igawa told us through an interpreter that he pitched exclusively from the stretch because it improves his control...it also improved his velocity, as he was 90-92 on the fastball.
The Yankees offense was by and large stymied by the familiar Wakefield knuckle ball. Stymied, that is, until Jorge centered a knuckler that hung for a moment as if it was on a tee: Gone, plating Jorge and Hideki, 2-0. Bottom 6: With Jorge on 2nd, Cabrera's seeing eye bloop hit a few inches fair and jumped into the stands, a ground rule 2b. 3-0 for the home team.
The Yankees much maligned bullpen came alive. With 2 men on in the 7th, Bruney relieved Igawa and overpowered Mirabelli, Hinske and Lugo. Farnsworth gave up a run in the 8th but settled down to minimize the damage, including a great series of pitches to strike out Ramirez.
Rivera returned to 9th inning form, allowing a bloop single by Varitek then shutting down the next three batters. Count me among those who don't worry about Rivera.
I found an interesting postgame quote by David Ortiz, which slighted Igawa's performance:
"...Nothing special. He (Igawa) was throwing a lot of hittable pitches, but we were just not hitting it."
Wow, that rare display of frustration indicates that they really wanted that game. With Wang facing Tavarez Sunday, I understand why.
Posted by: Patrick
From SI.com:
Everything else aside, I don't know if we want someone who tried to buy the Red Sox to own the Yankees.
Via PSD via nj.com.
With age creeping up on George Steinbrenner and his team's succession plans seeming unsettled, it was only a matter of time before someone surfaced with interest in buying the Yankees. And the first new name to be heard in quite awhile is an old name: the Dolans, owners of Madison Square Garden, the Knicks, Rangers and cable-TV behemoth Cablevision.
Industry insiders say the Dolan family, which nearly closed a deal on baseball's most historic team nine years ago, has made periodic runs at the franchise since then. Those same insiders say the Dolans are again showing signs they'd like to be first in line should the Yankees come up for sale. The Dolans retain interest in expanding their sporting empire in a big way, and the Yankees are not only in their backyard, but also right up their alley.
Industry insiders say the Dolan family, which nearly closed a deal on baseball's most historic team nine years ago, has made periodic runs at the franchise since then. Those same insiders say the Dolans are again showing signs they'd like to be first in line should the Yankees come up for sale. The Dolans retain interest in expanding their sporting empire in a big way, and the Yankees are not only in their backyard, but also right up their alley.
Everything else aside, I don't know if we want someone who tried to buy the Red Sox to own the Yankees.
Via PSD via nj.com.
The Yankees looked flat and arguably lackluster on Friday night as they lost their seventh straight 11-4 in the opener of the weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox took an early 2-0 lead thanks to a Kevin Youkilis homer off of Andy Pettitte. The Yankees rallied for four runs to take the lead at 4-2 but then Pettitte gave it right back the next inning with runs scoring on a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch.
The Red Sox added two more to take a 7-4 lead and Mariano Rivera (who needs work) was called to pitch in the bottom of the eight inning with the Yankees losing. He wasn't any better, allowing four runs and getting only one out. With Boston extending the lead to 8-4 and Rivera loading the bases, Torre pulled Mo after 21 pitches and brought on Mike Myers. Myers allowed all the inherited runners to score and Boston eventually won 11-4.
Julio Lugo killed the Yankees last night with four hits including a home run and David Ortiz chipped in as well.
Today the series resumes with a FOX nationally televised game of the week with Karstens facing off against knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.
From my perspective the Yankees really need to be read the riot act, because their performance has been simply awful.
The Red Sox took an early 2-0 lead thanks to a Kevin Youkilis homer off of Andy Pettitte. The Yankees rallied for four runs to take the lead at 4-2 but then Pettitte gave it right back the next inning with runs scoring on a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch.
The Red Sox added two more to take a 7-4 lead and Mariano Rivera (who needs work) was called to pitch in the bottom of the eight inning with the Yankees losing. He wasn't any better, allowing four runs and getting only one out. With Boston extending the lead to 8-4 and Rivera loading the bases, Torre pulled Mo after 21 pitches and brought on Mike Myers. Myers allowed all the inherited runners to score and Boston eventually won 11-4.
Julio Lugo killed the Yankees last night with four hits including a home run and David Ortiz chipped in as well.
Today the series resumes with a FOX nationally televised game of the week with Karstens facing off against knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.
From my perspective the Yankees really need to be read the riot act, because their performance has been simply awful.
04/27: Where's That Panic Button?
Posted by: James
I'm just kidding. Seriously...quit looking for the button. I hid it.
Actually, before the recap, I just want to throw some numbers at you: .163/.250/.256. That's who was put in the line-up in the #2 hole tonight. If you have an answer as to why this makes sense, please let me know and I'll send you a box of green tea.
The big story was obviously Phil Hughes' first start so let's begin there. Hughes was in trouble in the first inning, giving up a single to Alex Rios (went to second on a SB), a double to Vernon Wells and a single to Frank Thomas. 2-0 Toronto. He settled in from that point on until the fifth. At that point, Hughes gave up an infield single (should have been an out) and after another SB, a ground ball up the middle brought that run home. He gave up a single to Vernon Wells (3-for-3 off Hughes) before leaving the game and Wells came home on a sac fly by the Big Hurt. 4-0 Blue Jays. The final line was for Phil was 4.3 IP, 7 hits, 4 ER, 1 BB and 5 Ks with 91 pitches thrown.
The Jays scored the rest of their runs off the Yankees pen while A.J. Burnett simply shut down the Yankees lineup for 7 innings before the Jays pen closed the door. Toronto scored their last 2 runs off the Yankees pen in the 7th when they walked the bases loaded (2 from Henn, 1 from Proctor). One run scored on a sac fly from the Lyle Overbay and another on a wild pitch by Proctor. 6-0 Toronto.
Honestly, for his first major league start, and accounting for jitters (and looking at the glass half-full), I thought Hughes was all right. He certainly showed far more promise than any of the other potential #5 starters that the Yankees have tried out this season and looked pretty effective against most of the Toronto lineup. However, he struggled against the really good hitters (Rios, Wells, Thomas) in the Blue Jays lineup. Still, since this was his first start, I'm basically giving Hughes a pass but I'm certainly very interested in how he does against a pretty decent Texas line-up next time around.
In any case, with yesterday's loss. the Yankees losing streak has hit 6 and they are now in the cellar of the AL East and possess the third worst record in the majors through 20 games. That means that to get to 95 wins (let's just set that as the generally accepted cutoff for the playoffs), they'll have to play .613 ball the rest of the way. That's 87-55 for those scoring at home. They went 86-56 both last year and in 2005 for those who think that such a pace would be unsustainable. Personally, I'm not panicking and while I understand why people might be, I still think that I will be proven right in the end. The turnaround is coming. The first steps will begin this weekend (weather permitting) when they take at least two of three from the Red Sox.
Actually, before the recap, I just want to throw some numbers at you: .163/.250/.256. That's who was put in the line-up in the #2 hole tonight. If you have an answer as to why this makes sense, please let me know and I'll send you a box of green tea.
The big story was obviously Phil Hughes' first start so let's begin there. Hughes was in trouble in the first inning, giving up a single to Alex Rios (went to second on a SB), a double to Vernon Wells and a single to Frank Thomas. 2-0 Toronto. He settled in from that point on until the fifth. At that point, Hughes gave up an infield single (should have been an out) and after another SB, a ground ball up the middle brought that run home. He gave up a single to Vernon Wells (3-for-3 off Hughes) before leaving the game and Wells came home on a sac fly by the Big Hurt. 4-0 Blue Jays. The final line was for Phil was 4.3 IP, 7 hits, 4 ER, 1 BB and 5 Ks with 91 pitches thrown.
The Jays scored the rest of their runs off the Yankees pen while A.J. Burnett simply shut down the Yankees lineup for 7 innings before the Jays pen closed the door. Toronto scored their last 2 runs off the Yankees pen in the 7th when they walked the bases loaded (2 from Henn, 1 from Proctor). One run scored on a sac fly from the Lyle Overbay and another on a wild pitch by Proctor. 6-0 Toronto.
Honestly, for his first major league start, and accounting for jitters (and looking at the glass half-full), I thought Hughes was all right. He certainly showed far more promise than any of the other potential #5 starters that the Yankees have tried out this season and looked pretty effective against most of the Toronto lineup. However, he struggled against the really good hitters (Rios, Wells, Thomas) in the Blue Jays lineup. Still, since this was his first start, I'm basically giving Hughes a pass but I'm certainly very interested in how he does against a pretty decent Texas line-up next time around.
In any case, with yesterday's loss. the Yankees losing streak has hit 6 and they are now in the cellar of the AL East and possess the third worst record in the majors through 20 games. That means that to get to 95 wins (let's just set that as the generally accepted cutoff for the playoffs), they'll have to play .613 ball the rest of the way. That's 87-55 for those scoring at home. They went 86-56 both last year and in 2005 for those who think that such a pace would be unsustainable. Personally, I'm not panicking and while I understand why people might be, I still think that I will be proven right in the end. The turnaround is coming. The first steps will begin this weekend (weather permitting) when they take at least two of three from the Red Sox.
04/26: A-Rod's Swing Analyzed
Posted by: James
If you're into swing mechanics, Jeff Albert of SwingTraining.net makes a guest spot over at the Baseball Analysts and details the changes in A-Rod's set-up and swing.
Jeff had looked at A-Rod's swing before so here are his thoughts from prior seasons.
My first search for some insight into what mechanical changes were being addressed turned up a simple comment that A-Rod's mechanics were "firmer" and that new hitting coach Kevin Long had helped right the ship that is A-Rod's leg kick. According to a recent NY Times article, Long believed that a lower leg kick and faster hip rotation would help A-Rod quicken up his swing. After looking at the upcoming side-by-side that I will show, I have to extend a pat on the back to Mr. Long. Nicely done and way to earn your welcome to the Bronx!
Jeff had looked at A-Rod's swing before so here are his thoughts from prior seasons.
04/26: It's April
Posted by: Seamus
At this moment the Yankees lead the Majors in runs scored (120). They have outscored the opposition for the season by 20 runs. That is the 4th best run differential in baseball and second in the AL only to the Red Sox, yet they currently sit in last place. Generally teams that outscore their opposition by 20% for the season don't end up at the bottom of the standings.
What does a stat like that tell us? It's only April.
What does a stat like that tell us? It's only April.
Posted by: Seamus
Figures the good weather spell we've had in New York ends as soon as the Yankees come into town.
No makeup date has been announced. Likely date will be September 20 or 24, as both teams have off days at both ends of a scheduled series at Yankee Stadium.
No makeup date has been announced. Likely date will be September 20 or 24, as both teams have off days at both ends of a scheduled series at Yankee Stadium.
04/25: Abraham's Wild Wednesday
Peter Abraham reports that Kevin Thompson was sent down to make room for Wang. Torre said that they didn't consider Melky. In the piece, he also mentioned that Phil Hughues will wear number 65 when he makes his start on Thursday.
Mr. Abraham also has this from A-Rod:
Finally, he says that Jeter expects to play today after being hit in last night's game.
Mr. Abraham also has this from A-Rod:
Would he remain with the Yankees without an extension being offered?
"I want to stay in New York," Rodriguez said yesterday. "No matter what."
In his strongest statement yet about his future, Rodriguez said his family has grown to love New York and that the Yankees are the best team for him.
"I want to stay in New York," Rodriguez said yesterday. "No matter what."
In his strongest statement yet about his future, Rodriguez said his family has grown to love New York and that the Yankees are the best team for him.
Finally, he says that Jeter expects to play today after being hit in last night's game.
Posted by: Jason
Last evening saw the Yankees lose their fifth straight game and slide to last place in the division. However, as with most things in life, last night's loss was not without positive developments:
Matsui drilled a Kazmir fastball into the deep right field seats for his first HR of 2007. He appears to have his timing back after the DL stint.
Chien-Ming Wang projects to be fine this year based on last night's performance. Wang's velocity (Disclaimer: on the TV radar gun) was consistently mid 90's on the fastball, low 90's on the sinker. His "bowling ball" sinker created multiple ground ball outs and he was able to control innings that could have exploded, most notably Tampa Bay's half of the 4th: They had 1st and 3rd with no outs. Their two runs scored that inning could have easily been more.
The Yankees fought back in the top 7th. Scott Kazmir's lazy throw on a Matsui grounder got by 1B Pena. Posada made Kazmir regret the mistake with a solid double that tied the score. Phelps's hit plated Posada and the Yankees had the lead 3-2.
At this point, I must ask parents to have their children leave the room, because the following paragraph is gruesome:
After two quick hits in the bottom of the 7th, Vizcaino replaced Wang and got a quick out. Baldelli got an IBB to load the bases. Myers entered to face Crawford who somehow got his bat on a very good pitch (quite a bit down and in) and golfed the ball into the stands for a 6-3 TB lead. The Yankees scratched out another run but it ended in a 6-4 defeat.
Injury Report: Jeter took a fastball to the leg in his 1st AB and was moving (delicately) under his own power before Cairo replaced him...no word yet on his short term status.
Losing 5 in a row is of course disappointing, but you'd rather do it:
1) In April, and
2) when the division leader obliges you by losing 2 straight and you're still only 4 games out of first place.
The team also has an opportunity to right the ship in the next 5 games...4 wins between now and this Sunday would do the trick.
Matsui drilled a Kazmir fastball into the deep right field seats for his first HR of 2007. He appears to have his timing back after the DL stint.
Chien-Ming Wang projects to be fine this year based on last night's performance. Wang's velocity (Disclaimer: on the TV radar gun) was consistently mid 90's on the fastball, low 90's on the sinker. His "bowling ball" sinker created multiple ground ball outs and he was able to control innings that could have exploded, most notably Tampa Bay's half of the 4th: They had 1st and 3rd with no outs. Their two runs scored that inning could have easily been more.
The Yankees fought back in the top 7th. Scott Kazmir's lazy throw on a Matsui grounder got by 1B Pena. Posada made Kazmir regret the mistake with a solid double that tied the score. Phelps's hit plated Posada and the Yankees had the lead 3-2.
At this point, I must ask parents to have their children leave the room, because the following paragraph is gruesome:
After two quick hits in the bottom of the 7th, Vizcaino replaced Wang and got a quick out. Baldelli got an IBB to load the bases. Myers entered to face Crawford who somehow got his bat on a very good pitch (quite a bit down and in) and golfed the ball into the stands for a 6-3 TB lead. The Yankees scratched out another run but it ended in a 6-4 defeat.
Injury Report: Jeter took a fastball to the leg in his 1st AB and was moving (delicately) under his own power before Cairo replaced him...no word yet on his short term status.
Losing 5 in a row is of course disappointing, but you'd rather do it:
1) In April, and
2) when the division leader obliges you by losing 2 straight and you're still only 4 games out of first place.
The team also has an opportunity to right the ship in the next 5 games...4 wins between now and this Sunday would do the trick.
04/24: Wright Demoted; Who's Next?
Posted by: Patrick
To make room for Godzilla, Chase Wright as demoted. With Wang coming back tonight, someone else will need to be. It could be Kevin Thompson, but some are saying it should be Melky.
Posted by: Patrick
The Yankees offense put up 8 runs (with Giambi, Jeter and A-Rod extending their hitting streaks of 10, 14 and 23 games, respectively), but the Yankees pitching staff allowed 10.
Kei Igawa was the biggest offender, allowing 7 ER in 4 and 1/3 innings. Bruney also allowed 3 ER in 1/3 of an inning's work... but he's been otherwise hot and has been pitching a lot, so that's not a big shock. Mo closed out the game (or, at least, the Devil Rays batters side of it) with a scoreless 8th.
A-Rod continued his amazing run with a 4 for 5, 2 HR, 4 R, 3 RBI performance that brings his batting average up to .400. Cano hit his first homer of the season and went 2 for 3. Abreu scored 2 runs while Jeter, Giambi, Matsui (welcome back) and Phelps each had 1 RBI of their own.
With his 2 home runs, A-Rod became the first player in the history of baseball to hit 14 home runs in the first 18 games of the season. We're witnessing the hottest start of all hot starts. He tied Albert Pujols record of 14 home runs in the month of April. He's tied for the AL lead in average, he's got 7 more home runs than anyone else and he's got 17 more home runs than anyone else. In those last two categories, he has double the number of the guy in 2nd place (Ian Kinsler in homers, Giambi and Ortiz in RBI). Wow.
Tonight, Wang (good timing) returns to face Scott Kazmir (1-1, 5.25 ERA), the man who is on all of my fantasy teams.
Kei Igawa was the biggest offender, allowing 7 ER in 4 and 1/3 innings. Bruney also allowed 3 ER in 1/3 of an inning's work... but he's been otherwise hot and has been pitching a lot, so that's not a big shock. Mo closed out the game (or, at least, the Devil Rays batters side of it) with a scoreless 8th.
A-Rod continued his amazing run with a 4 for 5, 2 HR, 4 R, 3 RBI performance that brings his batting average up to .400. Cano hit his first homer of the season and went 2 for 3. Abreu scored 2 runs while Jeter, Giambi, Matsui (welcome back) and Phelps each had 1 RBI of their own.
With his 2 home runs, A-Rod became the first player in the history of baseball to hit 14 home runs in the first 18 games of the season. We're witnessing the hottest start of all hot starts. He tied Albert Pujols record of 14 home runs in the month of April. He's tied for the AL lead in average, he's got 7 more home runs than anyone else and he's got 17 more home runs than anyone else. In those last two categories, he has double the number of the guy in 2nd place (Ian Kinsler in homers, Giambi and Ortiz in RBI). Wow.
Tonight, Wang (good timing) returns to face Scott Kazmir (1-1, 5.25 ERA), the man who is on all of my fantasy teams.
04/23: Hughes Starting Thursday
Posted by: Patrick
Edit: Thursday, not Tuesday. My mind was elsewhere.
Phil Hughes will start on Thursday.
Via Joseph via Tyler Kepner.
Phil Hughes will start on Thursday.
The Yankees' rotation has taken some blows early on this season, with Mike Mussina on the disabled list with a sore hamstring, Carl Pavano watching from the dugout with tightness in his right forearm and Chien-Mine Wang out with a strained hamstring. Torre said he wasn't sure what would happen with Hughes, or how long the youngster would stay up, but he said the team would take it "a start at a time."
Via Joseph via Tyler Kepner.
04/23: The Four Home Run Connection
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham points out a couple of interesting tie ins to Chase Wright's four consecutive home runs allowed.
Wright was only the second pitcher to ever allow such a thing. The other was Paul Foytack, an Angels pitcher. On the day he did it, one of the home runs was hit by Tito Francona, Terry's father. And the first team to hit four consecutive home runs was the Braves in 1961. The person who broke the home run streak? Joe Torre.
Wright was only the second pitcher to ever allow such a thing. The other was Paul Foytack, an Angels pitcher. On the day he did it, one of the home runs was hit by Tito Francona, Terry's father. And the first team to hit four consecutive home runs was the Braves in 1961. The person who broke the home run streak? Joe Torre.
Posted by: Patrick
This is my weekly recap of the performance of the YanksBlog.com teams in the Yankees Bloggers Fantasy Baseball League.
Last Week
I defeated the 1st place (and still 1st place) Mike (River Ave. Blues) in a dogfight, 5-4. We tied in runs and with most other categories being pretty close. I won 3 out of 5 offensive categories and he won 3 out of 5 pitching categories. All I can say is thank goodness for Alex. His 9 runs, 5 home runs, 13 RBIs and .370 average led my offense, although Abreu and Thome both hitting over .400 didn't hurt, either. Jose Reyes was the dominant performer on Mike's side, scoring 8 runs, hitting a homer, driving in 5 and swiping 4 bases while hitting .464. On the pitching side, Mike's combination of Joe Nathan (3 saves), Francisco Rodriguez (2) and Jason Frasor (1) led to him taking the saves category. Led by 17 K's by a Red Sox pitcher and 15 K's by Cole Hamels, he also took strikeouts in addition to WHIP. On my side, Barry Zito rebounded in a big way, being the only 2 win player on either side and having an ERA of 0.00 on top of that. Verlander, Igawa and Freddy Garcia each had a win of their own, giving me just enough wins to take that category.
Seamus was victorious over Dave (Pride of the Yankees) by the score of 6-4. Despite hitting just 2 home runs, Seamus' team was able to take 4 out of 5 offensive categories. They racked up 11 stolen bases, led by the 6 run, 7 RBI, 2 SB, .524 AVG performance of Joe Mauer. Hanley Ramírez was probably the biggest star on Dave's side, scoring 7, hitting 2 home runs, driving in 3, stealing 1 and hitting .357. Seamus' pitching staff only had 1 win (Ervin Santana) and 1 save (Todd Jones) the entire week (compared to 3 and 8 for Dave), but they did manage to squeak out the ERA and WHIP categories. Meanwhile, Dave had 5 pitchers with saves: Al Reyes, Armando Benitez and Solomon Torres each had 2 while Jason Isringhausen and Akinori Otsuka picked up 1 a piece. Isringhausen, Haren and Glavine each had a win.
Finally, in the most lopsided game (final score wise) of the week, James topped Aziz (Pride of the Yankees), 8-2. The pitching and hitting from both teams was excellent with a number of categories being narrowly taken. On James offense, Michael Barrett scored 5 runs, hit 4 homers, drove in 10 and had a .381 AVG. Travis Hafner led Aziz's offense with 5 runs, 3 home runs, 8 RBI and a .545 AVG. Peavy, Penny and Cain (11 K's, 0.56 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) had 1 win a piece for James with Bobby Jenks having a 3 save week (Jose Valverde also had 1). Aziz's only win came from Ben Sheets while he received a 3 save week of his own from Francisco Cordero with Tom Gordon and Takashi Saito having 1 to give him the saves category.
It was a good week for the YanksBlog.com teams as it was the first one where we won all 3 games (also the first one where we won at least 2 out of 3, hehe). We have a team at .500 (James)! Yay!
Top 3 teams in the league:
1. Mike (20-9-1)
2. Ben (River Ave. Blues) (19-10-1)
3. EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes) (17-11-2)
This Week
Patrick (6th, 13-14-3) vs. Dave (10th, 10-19-1).
James (5th, 14-14-2) vs. Seamus (7th, 12-17-1). Nooooooooooooo...
Last Week
I defeated the 1st place (and still 1st place) Mike (River Ave. Blues) in a dogfight, 5-4. We tied in runs and with most other categories being pretty close. I won 3 out of 5 offensive categories and he won 3 out of 5 pitching categories. All I can say is thank goodness for Alex. His 9 runs, 5 home runs, 13 RBIs and .370 average led my offense, although Abreu and Thome both hitting over .400 didn't hurt, either. Jose Reyes was the dominant performer on Mike's side, scoring 8 runs, hitting a homer, driving in 5 and swiping 4 bases while hitting .464. On the pitching side, Mike's combination of Joe Nathan (3 saves), Francisco Rodriguez (2) and Jason Frasor (1) led to him taking the saves category. Led by 17 K's by a Red Sox pitcher and 15 K's by Cole Hamels, he also took strikeouts in addition to WHIP. On my side, Barry Zito rebounded in a big way, being the only 2 win player on either side and having an ERA of 0.00 on top of that. Verlander, Igawa and Freddy Garcia each had a win of their own, giving me just enough wins to take that category.
Seamus was victorious over Dave (Pride of the Yankees) by the score of 6-4. Despite hitting just 2 home runs, Seamus' team was able to take 4 out of 5 offensive categories. They racked up 11 stolen bases, led by the 6 run, 7 RBI, 2 SB, .524 AVG performance of Joe Mauer. Hanley Ramírez was probably the biggest star on Dave's side, scoring 7, hitting 2 home runs, driving in 3, stealing 1 and hitting .357. Seamus' pitching staff only had 1 win (Ervin Santana) and 1 save (Todd Jones) the entire week (compared to 3 and 8 for Dave), but they did manage to squeak out the ERA and WHIP categories. Meanwhile, Dave had 5 pitchers with saves: Al Reyes, Armando Benitez and Solomon Torres each had 2 while Jason Isringhausen and Akinori Otsuka picked up 1 a piece. Isringhausen, Haren and Glavine each had a win.
Finally, in the most lopsided game (final score wise) of the week, James topped Aziz (Pride of the Yankees), 8-2. The pitching and hitting from both teams was excellent with a number of categories being narrowly taken. On James offense, Michael Barrett scored 5 runs, hit 4 homers, drove in 10 and had a .381 AVG. Travis Hafner led Aziz's offense with 5 runs, 3 home runs, 8 RBI and a .545 AVG. Peavy, Penny and Cain (11 K's, 0.56 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) had 1 win a piece for James with Bobby Jenks having a 3 save week (Jose Valverde also had 1). Aziz's only win came from Ben Sheets while he received a 3 save week of his own from Francisco Cordero with Tom Gordon and Takashi Saito having 1 to give him the saves category.
It was a good week for the YanksBlog.com teams as it was the first one where we won all 3 games (also the first one where we won at least 2 out of 3, hehe). We have a team at .500 (James)! Yay!
Top 3 teams in the league:
1. Mike (20-9-1)
2. Ben (River Ave. Blues) (19-10-1)
3. EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes) (17-11-2)
This Week
Patrick (6th, 13-14-3) vs. Dave (10th, 10-19-1).
James (5th, 14-14-2) vs. Seamus (7th, 12-17-1). Nooooooooooooo...
Chase Wright had the "Right Stuff" until the third inning. With the Yankees ahead 3-0, Wright got the first two outs before facing Manny Ramirez. Ramirez hit the first of four consecutive home runs to give Boston the lead at 4-3. He was followed by J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek.
The Yankees scored two in the first on a double from Jason Giambi which scored Abreu and A-Rod. Giambi later singled over the dive of the second basemen to extend the Yankees lead to 3-0.
After the third inning fireworks from the Red Sox, the Yankees were able to take the lead at 5-4 with a homer from Derek Jeter and a double play ball scoring the go ahead run.
The lead lasted until the seventh inning when overused Scott Proctor gave up three consecutive hits to Ramirez, Drew and Lowell, the last being Mike Lowell's second homer of the game to give the Red Sox the lead at 7-5.
The Yankees pulled to within one at 7-6 in the eighth but Dustin Pedroia's diving grab of pinch hitter's Josh Phelps' liner up the middle prevented the tying run from scoring.
Papelbon saved the game for Boston by ending the night by getting A-Rod to ground to third, having Abreu forced at second.
It was the first time the Red Sox had swept the Yankees in Beantown since the 70's.
The Yankees now head to Tampa Bay with Kei Igawa on the hill tonight followed by the return of Chien Ming-Wang on Tuesday.
The Yankees scored two in the first on a double from Jason Giambi which scored Abreu and A-Rod. Giambi later singled over the dive of the second basemen to extend the Yankees lead to 3-0.
After the third inning fireworks from the Red Sox, the Yankees were able to take the lead at 5-4 with a homer from Derek Jeter and a double play ball scoring the go ahead run.
The lead lasted until the seventh inning when overused Scott Proctor gave up three consecutive hits to Ramirez, Drew and Lowell, the last being Mike Lowell's second homer of the game to give the Red Sox the lead at 7-5.
The Yankees pulled to within one at 7-6 in the eighth but Dustin Pedroia's diving grab of pinch hitter's Josh Phelps' liner up the middle prevented the tying run from scoring.
Papelbon saved the game for Boston by ending the night by getting A-Rod to ground to third, having Abreu forced at second.
It was the first time the Red Sox had swept the Yankees in Beantown since the 70's.
The Yankees now head to Tampa Bay with Kei Igawa on the hill tonight followed by the return of Chien Ming-Wang on Tuesday.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham also mentions that the last Yankee to have as good a month as Alex is having was Roger Maris in July of '61. Maris had 13 home runs and 32 RBI. A-Rod has 12 and 30. His 21 game hit streak is the longest of his career.
Abraham also points to something I hadn't heard about, yet... Jeter has hit safely in 51 of his last 53 games (starting August 20, 2006). Not bad.
Abraham also points to something I hadn't heard about, yet... Jeter has hit safely in 51 of his last 53 games (starting August 20, 2006). Not bad.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that Wang has been cleared to start on Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Could we have our original 5 man rotation back together by May 1?
04/21: ESPN "Betrayal" Commercial
Posted by: Patrick
Have you seen the ESPN commercial with Jorge Posada and David Ortiz? You can watch it here. Hilarious. My favorite part is when Wally (the Green Monster) drops what he's carrying. I watched that part on replay like 20 times last night. Good stuff.
While you're there, you can also check out the next commercial, "Hip Hip Jorge" - another one staring Posada.
Via noMaas.org.
While you're there, you can also check out the next commercial, "Hip Hip Jorge" - another one staring Posada.
Via noMaas.org.
Posted by: Patrick
Jorge left last night's game in the 4th with a bruised thumb. He'll miss a couple of days.
Also, Colter Bean was promoted yesterday with Darrell Rasner receiving a demotion.
Also, Colter Bean was promoted yesterday with Darrell Rasner receiving a demotion.
Mariano Rivera simply does not have command yet and as a result he allowed two inherited runners to score and two that he let on to score as well and the Yankees lost 7-6 to the Red Sox on Friday night.
A-Rod connected for two more homers off Curt Schilling a bases empty shot early and a two run shot the very next inning. He also scored the sixth run of the game after doubling down the line.
Luis Vizcaino started the eighth and allowed one run and left with runners on first and third and only one out. Torre had specifically mentioned all of spring training that Rivera would not be used except for the ninth inning. That changed on Friday night as he was summoned and he simply let pitches get too much of the plate and got hurt.
He gave up a single to Varitek to make it 6-4 and then Coco Crisp bounced a ball down the line in right which tied the score and left him at third with a triple. Joey Cora blooped a single over a drawn in infield and the Red Sox had the lead at 7-6.
The Yankees has a chance in the ninth since Jonathan Papelbon was not available but could not tie the score and lost 7-6.
The series resumes tomorrow afternoon with Jeff Karstens vs. Josh Beckett and Sunday night Chase Wright faces off vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka.
A-Rod connected for two more homers off Curt Schilling a bases empty shot early and a two run shot the very next inning. He also scored the sixth run of the game after doubling down the line.
Luis Vizcaino started the eighth and allowed one run and left with runners on first and third and only one out. Torre had specifically mentioned all of spring training that Rivera would not be used except for the ninth inning. That changed on Friday night as he was summoned and he simply let pitches get too much of the plate and got hurt.
He gave up a single to Varitek to make it 6-4 and then Coco Crisp bounced a ball down the line in right which tied the score and left him at third with a triple. Joey Cora blooped a single over a drawn in infield and the Red Sox had the lead at 7-6.
The Yankees has a chance in the ninth since Jonathan Papelbon was not available but could not tie the score and lost 7-6.
The series resumes tomorrow afternoon with Jeff Karstens vs. Josh Beckett and Sunday night Chase Wright faces off vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka.
04/20: Congrats Alex and Emily!
Posted by: Patrick
I know that James mentioned it, but I just wanted to offer congratulations, from everyone at YanksBlog.com, to Alex and Emily, who tied the knot Thursday. We wish them both a long, happy life together.
04/19: Down Goes Sanchez!
Posted by: James
Well, this is pretty much the book on Humberto Sanchez. The kid, who was the headliner in the Gary Sheffield trade, just can't stay healthy. Humberto had elbow ligament-replacement surgery Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season. As Mike A. points out, Sanchez is the fourth in a line of VERY talented Yankees arms to go down this season (Mark Melancon, Christian Garcia and JB Cox are the others).
I wonder if Cashman kept the receipt - maybe he can get an exchange.
Cashman said Dr. James Andrews operated Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala. While three scans didn't show ligament damage, Cashman said the need for ligament replacement became clear when Andrews operated Wednesday.
I wonder if Cashman kept the receipt - maybe he can get an exchange.
04/19: April 19th vs. The Indians
Posted by: James