Posted by: Patrick
We got behind in a hurry in this one, thanks to a for run first inning by the Twins offense. Their quick lead was aided by some poor defense and only two of those runs were earned. Hideki Matsui drove in Bobby Abreu in the top of the first. Exiting the inning, the Yankees were down 4-1.
At this point, some are thinking "here we go, we'll be lucky if Moose pitches 4." But, as he has done often this year, Mussina came through, pitching six solid innings. Those four runs would be all he would allow and he would throw a total of 109 pitches - 73 for strikes. After that rocky first, he allowed two hits in the final five, while walking no one and striking out three.
The Yankees chipped away at the deficit bit by bit. A-Rod drove in Abreu in the third to cut the Twins' lead to two. In the fourth, Melky hit a two RBI single, scoring Cano and Duncan, to tie it up. And then the team took the lead back when A-Rod doubled in Bobby Abreu to make the score 5-4, Yankees.
An insurance run was added in the seventh when Hideki Matsui singled in - who else? - Bobby Abreu for his fourth run of the day.
Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez worked together to clear the seven inning, holding the Twins scoreless. Kyle Farnsworth entered to start the eighth, looking to protect a two run lead. He allowed a homer and it was 6-5, Yankees, by the time he was done.
Mariano came in, in the ninth, to pitch his fourth inning in as many days. Mike Lamb grounded out and Brendan Harris walked. Carlos Gomez and Craig Monroe struck out, back to back, to end the game. It was Mariano's 13 save and his ERA is now down to 0.38 - and he's 38 years old!
Offensively, the Yankees were raining hits down on the Twins, but struggled to get anyone to score. The Yankees had 16 hits, 3 walks and one batter hit by a pitch. The Twins had 7 hits and 3 walks. And, yet, the Yankees managed to only score one more run than them. Wilson Betemit and Jason Giambi each left six runners on base.
Every lineup starter collected a hit in this one, except for Derek Jeter (0 for 5) and Shelley Duncan (0 for 1, 1 run, 1 walk - pinch hit for by Wilson Betemit in the fifth). Four Yankees collected three hits each. They were Bobby Abreu (3 for 4, two triples, 4 runs, 1 walk, 1 stolen base), Alex Rodriguez (3 for 4, two doubles, two RBIs), Hideki Matsui (3 for 4, 2 RBIs, 1 walk) and Melky Cabrera (3 for 4, 2 RBIs).
The other Yankee starters were Jason Giambi (1 for 5), Robinson Cano (1 for 4, 1 run) and Jose Molina (2 for 3).
Tonight at 7:10 PM ET, the series continues with Chien-Ming Wang (6-2, 3.82) going against Boof Bonser (2-6, 6.16). From those numbers, this could be a good chance to get above .500.
At this point, some are thinking "here we go, we'll be lucky if Moose pitches 4." But, as he has done often this year, Mussina came through, pitching six solid innings. Those four runs would be all he would allow and he would throw a total of 109 pitches - 73 for strikes. After that rocky first, he allowed two hits in the final five, while walking no one and striking out three.
The Yankees chipped away at the deficit bit by bit. A-Rod drove in Abreu in the third to cut the Twins' lead to two. In the fourth, Melky hit a two RBI single, scoring Cano and Duncan, to tie it up. And then the team took the lead back when A-Rod doubled in Bobby Abreu to make the score 5-4, Yankees.
An insurance run was added in the seventh when Hideki Matsui singled in - who else? - Bobby Abreu for his fourth run of the day.
Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez worked together to clear the seven inning, holding the Twins scoreless. Kyle Farnsworth entered to start the eighth, looking to protect a two run lead. He allowed a homer and it was 6-5, Yankees, by the time he was done.
Mariano came in, in the ninth, to pitch his fourth inning in as many days. Mike Lamb grounded out and Brendan Harris walked. Carlos Gomez and Craig Monroe struck out, back to back, to end the game. It was Mariano's 13 save and his ERA is now down to 0.38 - and he's 38 years old!
Offensively, the Yankees were raining hits down on the Twins, but struggled to get anyone to score. The Yankees had 16 hits, 3 walks and one batter hit by a pitch. The Twins had 7 hits and 3 walks. And, yet, the Yankees managed to only score one more run than them. Wilson Betemit and Jason Giambi each left six runners on base.
Every lineup starter collected a hit in this one, except for Derek Jeter (0 for 5) and Shelley Duncan (0 for 1, 1 run, 1 walk - pinch hit for by Wilson Betemit in the fifth). Four Yankees collected three hits each. They were Bobby Abreu (3 for 4, two triples, 4 runs, 1 walk, 1 stolen base), Alex Rodriguez (3 for 4, two doubles, two RBIs), Hideki Matsui (3 for 4, 2 RBIs, 1 walk) and Melky Cabrera (3 for 4, 2 RBIs).
The other Yankee starters were Jason Giambi (1 for 5), Robinson Cano (1 for 4, 1 run) and Jose Molina (2 for 3).
Tonight at 7:10 PM ET, the series continues with Chien-Ming Wang (6-2, 3.82) going against Boof Bonser (2-6, 6.16). From those numbers, this could be a good chance to get above .500.
Posted by: Patrick
For this year's MLB draft, in honor of the Negro Leagues, each team will draft a Negro Leagues player who did not have the opportunity to play in the Majors. The Yankees will select Emilio "Millito" Navarro. From the official site:
As part of the recognition of the Negro Leagues' history, the Yankees plan to "draft" Emilio "Millito" Navarro, a slick-fielding infielder who was considered an excellent hitter and was the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that Joba will start on Tuesday - the first game at Yankee Stadium that I am going to in about 13 years and the second one ever. Wow. Talk about luck! Pettitte will now start Monday and the rotation will be Wang, Rasner, Pettitte, Joba and Moose.
05/30: Tabata in Trouble Again
Posted by: Patrick
John Nalbone reports:
The story has more details, but they wouldn't say what happened. Manager Tony Franklin left the door open to further discipline.
Thunder right fielder Jose Tabata was yanked from tonight's game against visiting New Hampshire in the fifth inning for unspecified disciplinary reasons.
The story has more details, but they wouldn't say what happened. Manager Tony Franklin left the door open to further discipline.
05/30: Igawa Wanted to go Home?
Posted by: Patrick
From Jayson Stark:
Via Brent Nycz.
The Kei Market: Kei Igawa isn't quite as buried on that Yankees' depth chart as Carl Pavano, but it's close. And he's already homesick. We've heard from two different baseball men recently that Igawa asked the Yankees over the winter if there was any way he could return to Japan. The Yankees quietly explored their options, got nowhere and gave up. They're still on the hook for nearly $11 million to Igawa through the 2010 season.
Via Brent Nycz.
Posted by: Seamus
If you can't win a game when your three pitchers are Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera, then you're in big trouble. The Yankees were able to salvage the final game of their three-game set with the Orioles with a 4-2 victory in what was in all likelihood the last game you'll ever see that combination of pitchers being used in one game. The Yankees remain 6 games behind the Rays for the division lead, as Tampa Bay won over Texas, and a loss by the Red Sox pulled the Yanks to within 4.5 games of the wild card.
This one differed greatly from the 9-homer slugfest we saw the night before, as there were only two home runs hit in this one, including Jason Giambi's 11th. The game was back and forth until the Yankees went ahead for good in the 5th via a sac fly by Derek Jeter that brought in Melky Cabrera. The Yankees added an insurance run in the 8th with an infield single by Johnny Damon.
Andy Pettitte gave a pretty impressive outing, as he allowed just two runs in 6 and 2/3 innings. He did allow eight hits, but at least he avoided his 4th inning collapse, which has become the norm for him over the last month or so. After losing four consecutive decisions, he's now won his last two.
Joe Girardi was hoping to get Joba Chamberlain into this game for three or maybe even four innings and have him throw somewhere between 55 and 60 pitches in what could have been his last relief appearance. However, because of Pettitte's good outing and because the game was still too close for comfort heading into the 9th, he got only an inning and a third and just 28 pitches. The Yankees brought Mariano Rivera into the game to close the game out, and Joba got in the rest of his work in the bullpen.
The Yankees have the day off today and will head to Minnesota to begin a four-game series with the Twins tomorrow night. Mike Mussina will take the mound for the Yankees and will face Glen Perkins, who has been pretty impressive in the four games he's started for the Twins this season (2-1, 2.77). The game will start at 8:10 E.T. and will be carried on My9 here in New York.
This one differed greatly from the 9-homer slugfest we saw the night before, as there were only two home runs hit in this one, including Jason Giambi's 11th. The game was back and forth until the Yankees went ahead for good in the 5th via a sac fly by Derek Jeter that brought in Melky Cabrera. The Yankees added an insurance run in the 8th with an infield single by Johnny Damon.
Andy Pettitte gave a pretty impressive outing, as he allowed just two runs in 6 and 2/3 innings. He did allow eight hits, but at least he avoided his 4th inning collapse, which has become the norm for him over the last month or so. After losing four consecutive decisions, he's now won his last two.
Joe Girardi was hoping to get Joba Chamberlain into this game for three or maybe even four innings and have him throw somewhere between 55 and 60 pitches in what could have been his last relief appearance. However, because of Pettitte's good outing and because the game was still too close for comfort heading into the 9th, he got only an inning and a third and just 28 pitches. The Yankees brought Mariano Rivera into the game to close the game out, and Joba got in the rest of his work in the bullpen.
The Yankees have the day off today and will head to Minnesota to begin a four-game series with the Twins tomorrow night. Mike Mussina will take the mound for the Yankees and will face Glen Perkins, who has been pretty impressive in the four games he's started for the Twins this season (2-1, 2.77). The game will start at 8:10 E.T. and will be carried on My9 here in New York.
Posted by: Patrick
BustedHalo.com has a great interview with Bob Sheppard.
Via Peter Abraham.
BS: ... he put me in the hospital where they gave me special treatment and surgery and since that time I went from 103 to 127 and a half as of last week. So I was gaining about 2 pounds a week under this doctor and his recommendation about a diet. According to the doctor, when I reach, “my fighting weight” about 145-150, he will allow me to go back to Yankee Stadium and finish the season. So my target date to be back is July 1. There is an All Star Game to be played at Yankee Stadium on July 15th and one of my goals is to be there and announce it. I did one years and years ago at Yankee Stadium but I can’t recall it. So now this would be something to remember. I do want to be there next year when we open a new Stadium. And I’d like to be the one who says, “Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen…Welcome to the NEW…Yankee Stadium.”
Via Peter Abraham.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that Chris Britton is back again, stepping in for the injured Ian Kennedy. How long will he stay?
Posted by: Patrick
On Tuesday night (and into Wednesday morning), the Yankees and Orioles had a slug fest that featured nine home runs, where the Yankees gained - and subsequently lost - the lead at three different points of the game.
The first time came in the second inning, where the Yankees scored 4 runs to make it 4-0, Bombers. All four runs came on homers - a solo shot by Jason Giambi and a three run home run by Johnny Damon, scoring Wilson Betemit and Robinson Cano.
But, the Orioles answered right back in the bottom half of the second, off of starter Ian Kennedy. They took him deep twice for three of the runs. The fourth was unearned, thanks to a throwing error by A-Rod.
The Yankees grabbed the lead again in the fourth, thanks to another four spot. An RBI single by Jeter, scored Damon. And then back to back jacks by Bobby Abreu and A-Rod scored three more, including Jeter. 8-4, Yankees.
Kennedy pitched a scoreless third inning, but was removing after completing it, due to a strained right lat muscle. He'll be heading to the DL.
Replacing Kennedy was Ross Ohlendorf. After a scoreless fourth, Ross gave all four runs right back to the Orioles on three homers in the bottom of the fifth. Melvin Mora, Luke Scott and Kevin Millar connected to tie it up at 8.
After retiring the first batter in the sixth, Edwar Ramirez relieved Ohlendorf. Though he allowed 3 hits over his 1 and 1/3 innings, he walked no one and kept the game tied, giving way to Kyle Farnsworth with two outs in the seventh. With Kevin Millar at second, Ramon Hernandez singled to right. Abreu gunned Millar down at the plate, though it looked like he may have been safe. Farnsworth navigated his way through a scoreless eighth.
With rain pouring down in the top of the 9th, 2 out and Jonnny Damon on second, the O's intentionally walked A-Rod. He and Damon proceeded to steal both of the bases ahead of them, leaving runners at second and third with Hideki Matsui. Joe Girardi came out and plead with the umps to stop the game, but they declined. Matsui lined out to end the threat.
The umps did delay the game after Matsui was out, however, for 67 minutes. When the game returned (and after I went to bed), Mariano entered to pitch the bottom of the ninth. He made quick work of the heart of the Orioles' order, retiring Nick Markakis, Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, to send the game into extras.
After the Yankees offense logged their sixth consecutive scoreless frame, Mo came back out to pitch the bottom of the tenth. He got into a little more trouble this time around, but came through unscathed: ground out, double, strike out, walk, fly out.
Finally, in the top of the eleventh, we have a break through. Johnny Damon walked and Jeter reached on a bunt single. Both Damon and Jeter advanced a base thanks to a throwing error by Melvin Mora. Bobby Abreu was intentionally walked to load the bases for A-Rod. Sounds good, right? Uh... say hello to the worst possible outcome (outside of a triple play, of course).
A-Rod manages to hit into a 4-2-5 double play. Brian Roberts fields A-Rod's ground ball, throws home to catcher Guillermo Quiroz, who forces out Damon, and then throws over to Melvin Mora at third base to force Jeter. We go from bases loaded, no outs with our clean up hitter up - to first and second, 2 outs and no runs scored. Ouch.
Hideki Matsui would get another chance with a runner in scoring position and two outs. He came through - singling in Abreu to give the Yankees the lead.
Heading into the bottom of the 11th, Mariano had thrown 31 pitches and was no relieved by LaTroy Hawkins. Starters and Joba withheld, the only other option was Jose Veras. Hawkins would only retire one batter. It went like this: single, fly out, run scoring double with runner advancing to third on throw, intentional walk, intentional walk to load bases and, finally, walk off single. Hawkins gets tagged with both a blown save and a loss and his ERA moves up to 6.75.
Every Yankee, except for Jose Molina, got a hit in this game with Johnny Damon leading the way, going 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, a home run, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, a walk and stolen base. Jeter was 2 for 5 with a run, 2 RBI and a stolen base. Abreu was 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and 2 walks. A-Rod was 1 for 5 with a home run, run, RBI and stolen base. Matsui was 1 for 6 with an RBI. Giambi was 2 for 6 with a double, home run, run and RBI. Betemit was 2 for 5 with a run. Cano was 1 for 5 with 1 run. Finally, Molina was 0 for 5.
Tonight, at 7:05 PM ET, we'll have Andy Pettitte (4-5, 4.27) going against Jeremy Guthrie (2-5, 3.62).
The first time came in the second inning, where the Yankees scored 4 runs to make it 4-0, Bombers. All four runs came on homers - a solo shot by Jason Giambi and a three run home run by Johnny Damon, scoring Wilson Betemit and Robinson Cano.
But, the Orioles answered right back in the bottom half of the second, off of starter Ian Kennedy. They took him deep twice for three of the runs. The fourth was unearned, thanks to a throwing error by A-Rod.
The Yankees grabbed the lead again in the fourth, thanks to another four spot. An RBI single by Jeter, scored Damon. And then back to back jacks by Bobby Abreu and A-Rod scored three more, including Jeter. 8-4, Yankees.
Kennedy pitched a scoreless third inning, but was removing after completing it, due to a strained right lat muscle. He'll be heading to the DL.
Replacing Kennedy was Ross Ohlendorf. After a scoreless fourth, Ross gave all four runs right back to the Orioles on three homers in the bottom of the fifth. Melvin Mora, Luke Scott and Kevin Millar connected to tie it up at 8.
After retiring the first batter in the sixth, Edwar Ramirez relieved Ohlendorf. Though he allowed 3 hits over his 1 and 1/3 innings, he walked no one and kept the game tied, giving way to Kyle Farnsworth with two outs in the seventh. With Kevin Millar at second, Ramon Hernandez singled to right. Abreu gunned Millar down at the plate, though it looked like he may have been safe. Farnsworth navigated his way through a scoreless eighth.
With rain pouring down in the top of the 9th, 2 out and Jonnny Damon on second, the O's intentionally walked A-Rod. He and Damon proceeded to steal both of the bases ahead of them, leaving runners at second and third with Hideki Matsui. Joe Girardi came out and plead with the umps to stop the game, but they declined. Matsui lined out to end the threat.
The umps did delay the game after Matsui was out, however, for 67 minutes. When the game returned (and after I went to bed), Mariano entered to pitch the bottom of the ninth. He made quick work of the heart of the Orioles' order, retiring Nick Markakis, Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, to send the game into extras.
After the Yankees offense logged their sixth consecutive scoreless frame, Mo came back out to pitch the bottom of the tenth. He got into a little more trouble this time around, but came through unscathed: ground out, double, strike out, walk, fly out.
Finally, in the top of the eleventh, we have a break through. Johnny Damon walked and Jeter reached on a bunt single. Both Damon and Jeter advanced a base thanks to a throwing error by Melvin Mora. Bobby Abreu was intentionally walked to load the bases for A-Rod. Sounds good, right? Uh... say hello to the worst possible outcome (outside of a triple play, of course).
A-Rod manages to hit into a 4-2-5 double play. Brian Roberts fields A-Rod's ground ball, throws home to catcher Guillermo Quiroz, who forces out Damon, and then throws over to Melvin Mora at third base to force Jeter. We go from bases loaded, no outs with our clean up hitter up - to first and second, 2 outs and no runs scored. Ouch.
Hideki Matsui would get another chance with a runner in scoring position and two outs. He came through - singling in Abreu to give the Yankees the lead.
Heading into the bottom of the 11th, Mariano had thrown 31 pitches and was no relieved by LaTroy Hawkins. Starters and Joba withheld, the only other option was Jose Veras. Hawkins would only retire one batter. It went like this: single, fly out, run scoring double with runner advancing to third on throw, intentional walk, intentional walk to load bases and, finally, walk off single. Hawkins gets tagged with both a blown save and a loss and his ERA moves up to 6.75.
Every Yankee, except for Jose Molina, got a hit in this game with Johnny Damon leading the way, going 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, a home run, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, a walk and stolen base. Jeter was 2 for 5 with a run, 2 RBI and a stolen base. Abreu was 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and 2 walks. A-Rod was 1 for 5 with a home run, run, RBI and stolen base. Matsui was 1 for 6 with an RBI. Giambi was 2 for 6 with a double, home run, run and RBI. Betemit was 2 for 5 with a run. Cano was 1 for 5 with 1 run. Finally, Molina was 0 for 5.
Tonight, at 7:05 PM ET, we'll have Andy Pettitte (4-5, 4.27) going against Jeremy Guthrie (2-5, 3.62).
Posted by: Patrick
Chad Jennings reports that the Yankees have signed Ben Broussard to a minor league deal.
Broussard, who has spent most of his career at first base, is a life time .263/.324/.450 hitter. This year, for Texas, he's struggled big time - hitting .159 with a .225 OBA and .268 SLG.
Broussard, who has spent most of his career at first base, is a life time .263/.324/.450 hitter. This year, for Texas, he's struggled big time - hitting .159 with a .225 OBA and .268 SLG.
Posted by: James
Given this team's offense (yes, I know they beat up on the Mariners...but come on, it was the Mariners!), something has to be done about the Duncan/Ensberg situation. They are redundant. Duncan has options, so I guess you send him down if you really want to keep Ensberg on the roster.
Still, Duncan's also looked better at the plate lately (at the very least better than Ensberg lately; .161/.257/.161/.418 in May ain't cutting it) so it's an interesting decision to make. Still, it has to be made because I really think that adding Brett Gardner to this team isn't a bad idea. The kid can run, play defense and hopefully spark this team...plus it could give the heavily slumping Melky some time off to get his head together.
Update: Ha! Looks liked Greg already beat me to this question!
Still, Duncan's also looked better at the plate lately (at the very least better than Ensberg lately; .161/.257/.161/.418 in May ain't cutting it) so it's an interesting decision to make. Still, it has to be made because I really think that adding Brett Gardner to this team isn't a bad idea. The kid can run, play defense and hopefully spark this team...plus it could give the heavily slumping Melky some time off to get his head together.
Update: Ha! Looks liked Greg already beat me to this question!
Posted by: Patrick
Bryan Hoch reports that the Yankees hope to pitch Joba on Wednesday. They'll be looking for him to throw 50-55 pitches. Pettitte has the start, but his time won't be cut short to get Joba in the game. So, that means that Joba may not pitch Wednesday. It all depends on how Pettitte does.
Posted by: Patrick
Wilson Betemit is back with the club and, to make room, Alberto Gonzalez has been optioned back down to the minors, where he'll be able to play every day.
05/26: On Memorial Day
A heart-felt thank you to all the men and women of our Armed Forces. It's not just a 3-day weekend; it's a time for us to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country. Thank you. We are eternally grateful.
Posted by: James
Heck of a game yesterday...Of course, without the furious rally in the bottom of the 8th, I would be in a far worse mood this morning.
Anyway, quick recap before I get to grilling! Chien-Ming Wang clearly did not have his good stuff going yesterday (or as the TBS announcers called it, his strikeout stuff...though I don't remember getting the memo that Wanger had became a strikeout pitcher...). Wang gave up a solo shot to Ichiro (who really looks like he would like to be somewhere else) in the third, 2 more runs in the fourth and finally 2 more in the 7th before he left the game in the 7th. Edwar Ramirez came on and you have to give the kid credit. One man on, one out and he gets Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre to fly out to end the inning and staunch the damage. He then came back out for the 8th and pitched around a couple of singles to keep the Mariners at 5. At the time, it didn't seem like much but it set the stage for the Yankees to be able to rally.
The Yankees had scored runs in the third and fifth to go into the bottom of the eighth down 5-2. They did have some chances earlier in the game but some very good defense on the part of Adrian Beltre saved a run or at least longer innings. Still, with the score 5-2, the Yankees lead off with a Derek Jeter walk. Arthur Rhodes came in and promptly gave up a RBI double to Bobby Abreu before giving way to J.J. Putz (I love this guy's name). Putz walked A-Rod to put men on first and second before striking out the mustachioed Jason Giambi. Godzilla came up as a pinch hitter and hit a squibber that Putz had to came off the mound to field and in doing so, lost his footing, did a face plant and ended up tossing the ball pretty much into the dugout. On that play, Abreu scored (5-4) and A-Rod moved to third. Robbie Cano stepped up to the plate and golfed a low pitch out to deep center to score A-Rod with the winning run and on a very heads-up play, allowed Matsui to tag and head to second. Up stepped the much maligned (for his hitting this year) Jose Molina who DRILLED the first pitch he saw to deep right center. When I was watching it, I really thought that ball should have been caught...but Ichiro and Balentin didn't track it very well and it fell in for a double and Matsui scored the go-ahead run.
At that point, Enter Sandman...(which is tough on Rock Band...but I always pretend I'm playing it at the Stadium) and a goround and 2Ks later, the game was over and the Yankees had hit .500 again.
Of course, while the Yankees were sweeping the Mariners, the Rays moved ahead of the Red Sox Sunday with a sweep of the Orioles while Boston was being swept by Oakland. Ladies and gentlemen, your first place Rays...wow.
Anyway, quick recap before I get to grilling! Chien-Ming Wang clearly did not have his good stuff going yesterday (or as the TBS announcers called it, his strikeout stuff...though I don't remember getting the memo that Wanger had became a strikeout pitcher...). Wang gave up a solo shot to Ichiro (who really looks like he would like to be somewhere else) in the third, 2 more runs in the fourth and finally 2 more in the 7th before he left the game in the 7th. Edwar Ramirez came on and you have to give the kid credit. One man on, one out and he gets Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre to fly out to end the inning and staunch the damage. He then came back out for the 8th and pitched around a couple of singles to keep the Mariners at 5. At the time, it didn't seem like much but it set the stage for the Yankees to be able to rally.
The Yankees had scored runs in the third and fifth to go into the bottom of the eighth down 5-2. They did have some chances earlier in the game but some very good defense on the part of Adrian Beltre saved a run or at least longer innings. Still, with the score 5-2, the Yankees lead off with a Derek Jeter walk. Arthur Rhodes came in and promptly gave up a RBI double to Bobby Abreu before giving way to J.J. Putz (I love this guy's name). Putz walked A-Rod to put men on first and second before striking out the mustachioed Jason Giambi. Godzilla came up as a pinch hitter and hit a squibber that Putz had to came off the mound to field and in doing so, lost his footing, did a face plant and ended up tossing the ball pretty much into the dugout. On that play, Abreu scored (5-4) and A-Rod moved to third. Robbie Cano stepped up to the plate and golfed a low pitch out to deep center to score A-Rod with the winning run and on a very heads-up play, allowed Matsui to tag and head to second. Up stepped the much maligned (for his hitting this year) Jose Molina who DRILLED the first pitch he saw to deep right center. When I was watching it, I really thought that ball should have been caught...but Ichiro and Balentin didn't track it very well and it fell in for a double and Matsui scored the go-ahead run.
At that point, Enter Sandman...(which is tough on Rock Band...but I always pretend I'm playing it at the Stadium) and a goround and 2Ks later, the game was over and the Yankees had hit .500 again.
Of course, while the Yankees were sweeping the Mariners, the Rays moved ahead of the Red Sox Sunday with a sweep of the Orioles while Boston was being swept by Oakland. Ladies and gentlemen, your first place Rays...wow.
Posted by: Patrick
I've only been to Yankee Stadium once in my life. July 17, 1995. I was 10 and it was great. But, I've never had the opportunity to get back again.
With this being the final season at the current park, my family and I are making the trip up and will be attending the June 3 game against the Blue Jays. I'm definitely excited and looking forward to it. The only thing that is a little disappointing is that Posada is out and it looked like he was going to miss that game.
But, now comes reports that he's hoping to return for that day. That'd be great. I don't want him to rush and hurt himself further just so he plays on that day, but if that's when he ends up coming back, it would be cool.
With this being the final season at the current park, my family and I are making the trip up and will be attending the June 3 game against the Blue Jays. I'm definitely excited and looking forward to it. The only thing that is a little disappointing is that Posada is out and it looked like he was going to miss that game.
But, now comes reports that he's hoping to return for that day. That'd be great. I don't want him to rush and hurt himself further just so he plays on that day, but if that's when he ends up coming back, it would be cool.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees won their 4th straight contest Saturday as the offense continued to demolish Mariners pitching. The Yanks won by a score of 12-6 and after scoring just 22 runs between May 10 and May 20, the Yankees have now scored 25 runs in two games, and 35 runs in their last four games. A near perfect game by Justin Duchscherer against the Red Sox brought the Yankees to within 5.5 of the division lead.
The Yankees jumped ahead in the bottom of the 2nd with a three-run homer by Jason Giambi. Giambi raised his average to .234 with a 3-4 afternoon. A base hit by Melky Cabrera that scored Robinson Cano later in the 2nd put the Yanks up by a score of 4-0.
Mike Mussina gave it right back in the 3rd, however, as Jose Vidro put one out with 2 runners on to bring the Mariners within a run, and Adrian Beltre tied it just two batters later with a home run of his own. Mussina settled down, though, and aside from that one inning, pitched a pretty decent game. He did leave the game after 5 innings, but it was enough to grab the win as he left with his team ahead 5-4. Mussina to this date is the only Yankee starter with a decision in every game he's pitched this season.
Joba Chamberlain entered the game in the 6th inning as part of his "inning stretching process" en route to him eventually moving into the rotation. Joe Girardi planned to have him throw 50 pitches and ideally would have had him pitch three innings, but a long 7th inning on the offensive side caused Girardi to call it a day on Chamberlain after two innings and 40 pitches. Chamberlain got out of both innings without any damage.
Bobby Abreu homered in the 6th to put the Yankees up 7-4 and the game was blown open in the 7th with a 5-run inning, highlighted by a bases-loaded, ground rule double by Abreu over the centerfield wall.
Kyle Farnsworth struggled a bit in the 8th as he gave up two runs, but Jose Veras closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.
The Yanks and Mariners will close out this series this afternoon, as the Yankees go for the sweep and try go go 6-0 against Seattle this season. Chien-Ming Wang will take the mound for the Yankees and will face Jarod Washburn, who has struggled quite a bit this season (2-6, 6.99). Game starts at 1:05 E.T.
The Yankees jumped ahead in the bottom of the 2nd with a three-run homer by Jason Giambi. Giambi raised his average to .234 with a 3-4 afternoon. A base hit by Melky Cabrera that scored Robinson Cano later in the 2nd put the Yanks up by a score of 4-0.
Mike Mussina gave it right back in the 3rd, however, as Jose Vidro put one out with 2 runners on to bring the Mariners within a run, and Adrian Beltre tied it just two batters later with a home run of his own. Mussina settled down, though, and aside from that one inning, pitched a pretty decent game. He did leave the game after 5 innings, but it was enough to grab the win as he left with his team ahead 5-4. Mussina to this date is the only Yankee starter with a decision in every game he's pitched this season.
Joba Chamberlain entered the game in the 6th inning as part of his "inning stretching process" en route to him eventually moving into the rotation. Joe Girardi planned to have him throw 50 pitches and ideally would have had him pitch three innings, but a long 7th inning on the offensive side caused Girardi to call it a day on Chamberlain after two innings and 40 pitches. Chamberlain got out of both innings without any damage.
Bobby Abreu homered in the 6th to put the Yankees up 7-4 and the game was blown open in the 7th with a 5-run inning, highlighted by a bases-loaded, ground rule double by Abreu over the centerfield wall.
Kyle Farnsworth struggled a bit in the 8th as he gave up two runs, but Jose Veras closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.
The Yanks and Mariners will close out this series this afternoon, as the Yankees go for the sweep and try go go 6-0 against Seattle this season. Chien-Ming Wang will take the mound for the Yankees and will face Jarod Washburn, who has struggled quite a bit this season (2-6, 6.99). Game starts at 1:05 E.T.
Posted by: Patrick
The pitching match up featured two solid lefties, Andy Pettitte (3-5, 4.42 ERA) and Erik Bedard (3-2, 3.24), but it ended up being a pretty lopsided affair: Yankees 13, Mariners 2.
The Mariners managed to score first, thanks to a Yuniesky Betancourt RBI single in the top of the second. But, the Yankees struck right back, with Shelley Duncan homering for the first time this season. It was a three run shot that scored Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui.
The Mariners picked another run up in the top of the third. And the Yankees scored two more of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Those runs were both driven in by a suddenly hot Robinson Cano, who doubled in the same duo that scored earlier - Giambi and Matsui. After four, the score was 5-2, Yankees leading.
The fifth inning would be the last time either team scored, but the Yankees definitely made it count, putting up an 8 spot on Bedard, Sean Green and R.A. Dickey. Let's run through the play by play.
Derek Jeter is hit by a pitch. Bobby Abreu singles, moving Jeter to third. A-Rod grounds into fielder's choice, Jeter is thrown out at home for the first out, Rodriguez moves to second and Abreu moves to third. Matsui singles, scoring A-Rod (first run) and Matsui (second). Giambi singles, moving Matsui to second. Green enters the game for the Mariners.
Shelley Duncan strikes out for the second out. Here's where it gets fun. Cano single, scoring Matsui and moving Giambi to third. Cano advances on the throw in. Chad Moeller singles, scoring Giambi and Cano. Melky singles, moving Moeller to second. Jeter walks to load the bases. Abreu singles, scoring Moeller and Cabrera and moving Jeter to third. Dickey enters for the Mariners.
A-Rod singles, scoring Jeter and moving Abreu to second. Finally, Matsui grounds into a fielder's choice with Abreu being thrown out at third. Stats for the fifth: 13 plate appearances, 8 hits (all singles), 1 walk, 1 hit batsmen and 8 runs.
After that explosion, both teams managed to combine for 2 hits over the final 3 and 1/2 innings. For the Yanks, Pettitte went six innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 8 hits, 9 strikeouts and 0 walks. LaTroy Hawkins pitched 2 scoreless innings, with 1 hit and 1 strikeout. Don't look now, but Hawkins ERA is nearing respectable levels. At 11.17 on April 23, it's now down to a season low of 5.09. Finally, Edwar Ramirez closed the game out - with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in the ninth.
The Yankees offense finished with 13 runs, 13 hits, 5 walks and 1 hit batsmen. Jeter was 0 for 2 with 1 walks and 1 run, Abreu was 2 for 5 with 1 run and 2 RBIs, A-Rod was 1 for 4 with 1 run and 1 RBI, Matsui was 3 for 5 with 3 runs and 2 RBIs, Giambi was 2 for 3 with a double, 3 runs, 2 RBIs and 2 walks, Duncan was 1 for 4 with 1 home run, 3 RBIs and 1 walk, Cano was 2 for 4 with a double, 1 run, 3 RBIs and 1 walk, Moeller was 1 for 5 with 1 run and 2 RBIs and Melky was 1 for 4 with 1 run.
Tomorrow we'll have Moose (6-4, 4.11 ERA) on short rest against Carlos Silva (3-3, 4.91) at 1:05 ET.
The Mariners managed to score first, thanks to a Yuniesky Betancourt RBI single in the top of the second. But, the Yankees struck right back, with Shelley Duncan homering for the first time this season. It was a three run shot that scored Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui.
The Mariners picked another run up in the top of the third. And the Yankees scored two more of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Those runs were both driven in by a suddenly hot Robinson Cano, who doubled in the same duo that scored earlier - Giambi and Matsui. After four, the score was 5-2, Yankees leading.
The fifth inning would be the last time either team scored, but the Yankees definitely made it count, putting up an 8 spot on Bedard, Sean Green and R.A. Dickey. Let's run through the play by play.
Derek Jeter is hit by a pitch. Bobby Abreu singles, moving Jeter to third. A-Rod grounds into fielder's choice, Jeter is thrown out at home for the first out, Rodriguez moves to second and Abreu moves to third. Matsui singles, scoring A-Rod (first run) and Matsui (second). Giambi singles, moving Matsui to second. Green enters the game for the Mariners.
Shelley Duncan strikes out for the second out. Here's where it gets fun. Cano single, scoring Matsui and moving Giambi to third. Cano advances on the throw in. Chad Moeller singles, scoring Giambi and Cano. Melky singles, moving Moeller to second. Jeter walks to load the bases. Abreu singles, scoring Moeller and Cabrera and moving Jeter to third. Dickey enters for the Mariners.
A-Rod singles, scoring Jeter and moving Abreu to second. Finally, Matsui grounds into a fielder's choice with Abreu being thrown out at third. Stats for the fifth: 13 plate appearances, 8 hits (all singles), 1 walk, 1 hit batsmen and 8 runs.
After that explosion, both teams managed to combine for 2 hits over the final 3 and 1/2 innings. For the Yanks, Pettitte went six innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 8 hits, 9 strikeouts and 0 walks. LaTroy Hawkins pitched 2 scoreless innings, with 1 hit and 1 strikeout. Don't look now, but Hawkins ERA is nearing respectable levels. At 11.17 on April 23, it's now down to a season low of 5.09. Finally, Edwar Ramirez closed the game out - with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in the ninth.
The Yankees offense finished with 13 runs, 13 hits, 5 walks and 1 hit batsmen. Jeter was 0 for 2 with 1 walks and 1 run, Abreu was 2 for 5 with 1 run and 2 RBIs, A-Rod was 1 for 4 with 1 run and 1 RBI, Matsui was 3 for 5 with 3 runs and 2 RBIs, Giambi was 2 for 3 with a double, 3 runs, 2 RBIs and 2 walks, Duncan was 1 for 4 with 1 home run, 3 RBIs and 1 walk, Cano was 2 for 4 with a double, 1 run, 3 RBIs and 1 walk, Moeller was 1 for 5 with 1 run and 2 RBIs and Melky was 1 for 4 with 1 run.
Tomorrow we'll have Moose (6-4, 4.11 ERA) on short rest against Carlos Silva (3-3, 4.91) at 1:05 ET.
Posted by: Patrick
From Jack Curry:
Ortiz will have the opportunity to be like Babe because of a Call Your Shot promotion that is part of the home run derby. The fan who wins the online contest will choose a spot where he believes Ortiz can smash a homer. Then Ortiz has one swing, one dramatic swing, to do it.
But the Yankees do not seem as if they want Ortiz to take that swing. The Yankees were upset about the plans involving Ortiz and said they were unaware of the promotion until a reporter contacted them Thursday night. The Yankees were discussing the matter internally and planning to contact Major League Baseball for an explanation.
But the Yankees do not seem as if they want Ortiz to take that swing. The Yankees were upset about the plans involving Ortiz and said they were unaware of the promotion until a reporter contacted them Thursday night. The Yankees were discussing the matter internally and planning to contact Major League Baseball for an explanation.
05/23: Girardi Suspended One Game
Posted by: Patrick
Girardi has been suspended for one game due to last night's fireworks. He will serve immediately and will miss tonight's game.
"I think if you feel there's an extenuating circumstance you can appeal it, but because of cameras and photos, the dirt clearly goes on his shoe. But that was not my intent," Girardi said. "You're not allowed to make contact with them, so maybe that's considered contact."
"I think the culture of life has changed. You know, I think respect has always been a huge thing in our world, but I think people tend to think that other people are disrespecting them more than it really happens, and I think that has become a big part of our society," he said.
"I think the culture of life has changed. You know, I think respect has always been a huge thing in our world, but I think people tend to think that other people are disrespecting them more than it really happens, and I think that has become a big part of our society," he said.
Posted by: Patrick
Updating a previous story, the Post reports that Wang will be pushed back a day, from Saturday to Sunday, thanks to his calf. Moose will pitch on three days rest after only throwing 41 pitches in his last start.
Posted by: Patrick
LaTroy Hawkins has been suspended for three games for throwing up and in on Tuesday. As expected, he has appealed.
05/23: Yankees vs. Orioles; 5/23/08