Posted by: James
The Yankees started off the second half of the season with a win...and not to sound too desperate but boy do they need a lot of those just to make it into contention.
In any case, James Shields took the hill against the Andy Pettitte and the Yankees. Shield had been having a nice little season until June hit and since then, he's been quite a bit more hittable. The Yanks started off the scoring in the second when Bobby Abreu hit a two-out double (good sign for the second half?) to score A-Rod who had started off the inning by getting on base via error. 1-0 Yankees.
Andy gave that right back in the bottom of the third when Johnny Gomes led off with a single and Josh Wilson doubled him home. Not to worry, the Yankees took the lead for good in the fourth when Shields apparently just lost it. He gave up three solo home-runs in the inning including back-to-back jobs from Jeter and A-Rod (who stands at 495 now...and who MLB has deemed worthy of a special page - did Frank the Tank have one of these - will Thome or Manny?). The last solo shot came from Bobby Abreu, who raked in the seventh slot again...and is now hitting .381 with five homers, 43 runs scored and 35 RBI in wins. In addition, with a run of .333/.421/.543/.964 in his last 35 games and 129 ABs, Abreu's finally got himself up to a 100 OPS+, which is certainly not great coming from a $16MM man, but seemed impossible not that long ago.
Andy seemed to be about ready to lose it himself in the bottom of the fourth when he loaded the bases with no one out but thanks to a strikeout, sac fly, strikeout, he was able to work out of it having only given up one run. The Yankees tacked on three insurance runs in the 5th, 6th and 8th to put the game away but it sure seemed like the Rays were done after their inability to score more than one run in the 4th. Andy gave up another run in the 6th on two singles and a sac fly before giving way to Luis Vizcaino. Obviously, it wasn't the best Andy Pettitte performance that we've seen this year but it was enough for the win. Still, as a Yankee fan, you have to be very concerned about what we've seen from Pettitte over the last 8 starts (a 6.99 ERA and a .332/.366/.476/.842 BAA allowed).
In any case, James Shields took the hill against the Andy Pettitte and the Yankees. Shield had been having a nice little season until June hit and since then, he's been quite a bit more hittable. The Yanks started off the scoring in the second when Bobby Abreu hit a two-out double (good sign for the second half?) to score A-Rod who had started off the inning by getting on base via error. 1-0 Yankees.
Andy gave that right back in the bottom of the third when Johnny Gomes led off with a single and Josh Wilson doubled him home. Not to worry, the Yankees took the lead for good in the fourth when Shields apparently just lost it. He gave up three solo home-runs in the inning including back-to-back jobs from Jeter and A-Rod (who stands at 495 now...and who MLB has deemed worthy of a special page - did Frank the Tank have one of these - will Thome or Manny?). The last solo shot came from Bobby Abreu, who raked in the seventh slot again...and is now hitting .381 with five homers, 43 runs scored and 35 RBI in wins. In addition, with a run of .333/.421/.543/.964 in his last 35 games and 129 ABs, Abreu's finally got himself up to a 100 OPS+, which is certainly not great coming from a $16MM man, but seemed impossible not that long ago.
Andy seemed to be about ready to lose it himself in the bottom of the fourth when he loaded the bases with no one out but thanks to a strikeout, sac fly, strikeout, he was able to work out of it having only given up one run. The Yankees tacked on three insurance runs in the 5th, 6th and 8th to put the game away but it sure seemed like the Rays were done after their inability to score more than one run in the 4th. Andy gave up another run in the 6th on two singles and a sac fly before giving way to Luis Vizcaino. Obviously, it wasn't the best Andy Pettitte performance that we've seen this year but it was enough for the win. Still, as a Yankee fan, you have to be very concerned about what we've seen from Pettitte over the last 8 starts (a 6.99 ERA and a .332/.366/.476/.842 BAA allowed).
Posted by: Patrick
Well, even if the Yankees are willing to negotiate, Scott Boras says that A-Rod won't be listening:
Update: He also says that A-Rod will "assuredly" become the first $30 million dollar player in the game.
"We are not going to be negotiating during the season," Boras told the Post. "This is Alex's decision. This has been his policy, and I fully expect this to continue to be his policy."
Update: He also says that A-Rod will "assuredly" become the first $30 million dollar player in the game.
Posted by: Patrick
From ESPN:
The article also notes that the sticking point for the Yankees is that A-Rod keep his current contract and work with them to add an extension to it. This is important because the Rangers are helping to pay for the rest of A-Rod's current contract.
The Yankees have changed their traditional stance and are now willing to negotiate during the season with their star third baseman on a contract extension, MLB sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
The article also notes that the sticking point for the Yankees is that A-Rod keep his current contract and work with them to add an extension to it. This is important because the Rangers are helping to pay for the rest of A-Rod's current contract.
Posted by: Patrick
Ben points to a nice, quick interview with Mickey Rivers. He talks about the comparison of A-Rod to Reggie.
Is A-Rod the new Reggie Jackson?
No, A-Rod don’t want to be the straw that stirs the drink. He want to be known as a fair guy who goes out and help a team to win a pennant. He’s a great guy. I work with him. Going on twenty years I’ve seen A-Rod getting better in different programs. He’s one of the hardest-working guys there.
No, A-Rod don’t want to be the straw that stirs the drink. He want to be known as a fair guy who goes out and help a team to win a pennant. He’s a great guy. I work with him. Going on twenty years I’ve seen A-Rod getting better in different programs. He’s one of the hardest-working guys there.
07/11: Yankees at the All-Star Game
Posted by: Patrick
The American League escaped with a victory last night with Francisco Rodriguez, after walking his first 2 guys to walk the bases loaded, getting Aaron Roward to fly out to end it.
Jeter, A-Rod and Posada all saw significant playing time with all 3 recording 3 official at bats. The only other American League player to do that was Ichiro Suzuki. All 3 of them went 1 for 3, as well, with no runs or RBIs and one left one base each. Posada's hit was a double and he had a passed ball while A-Rod had a stolen base.
A-Rod was thrown out at the plate in the top of the 4th to end the inning. None of the Yankees hits came in innings when the A.L. scored. But, hey, we've got home field when we make it to the World Series. (I'm kidding. But, I haven't given up, either).
Jeter, A-Rod and Posada all saw significant playing time with all 3 recording 3 official at bats. The only other American League player to do that was Ichiro Suzuki. All 3 of them went 1 for 3, as well, with no runs or RBIs and one left one base each. Posada's hit was a double and he had a passed ball while A-Rod had a stolen base.
A-Rod was thrown out at the plate in the top of the 4th to end the inning. None of the Yankees hits came in innings when the A.L. scored. But, hey, we've got home field when we make it to the World Series. (I'm kidding. But, I haven't given up, either).
Posted by: Patrick
So, I'm sick. I've been sick since 3 nights ago and, while I'm getting better, I wasn't feeling all that great last night. So, I thought I'd watch The Bronx is Burning at 10 and get to bed at 11 (even that was kinda stretching it). Oh, wait. The Home Run Derby is on. It delayed the show a full hour, unfortunately. But, I stayed up and watched it.
I enjoyed it. I'm not going to take it as gospel, certainly, more as entertainment. Jason Giambi in the cab was funny. I look forward to watching the other episodes. I'm not much of a critic when it comes to TV and movies, to be honest.
Did anyone here watch it? Thoughts?
If you'd like to read more of a review, Jim Johnson has one.
I enjoyed it. I'm not going to take it as gospel, certainly, more as entertainment. Jason Giambi in the cab was funny. I look forward to watching the other episodes. I'm not much of a critic when it comes to TV and movies, to be honest.
Did anyone here watch it? Thoughts?
If you'd like to read more of a review, Jim Johnson has one.
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
All of the games this week were fairly close with no one winning more than 6 categories.
I defeated James, 6-4. Even though my offense couldn't make contact to save their lives (.243), I managed to take runs (by 1), home runs and runs batted in with James taking stolen bases and average. My offense was led by Godzilla, who scored 4 runs, hit 3 home runs, drove in 7, stole 1 base and hit .333. James side was led by Garrett Atkins (6 R, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .385 AVG) and Brandon Phillips (9 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB, .357 AVG).
Similarly, on the pitching side, even though my guys had poor or average ERAs and WHIPs, I was able to take wins, saves and strikeouts to take 3 out of 5 on that side, as well. Saves was a close one with it being decided by a difference of 1. Somehow, Octavio Dotel managed to get 2 wins. I'll take it. I also had wins from Mark Buehrle, Justin Verlander and Matt Cain. Cain gets a win and Dotel gets 2. Weird week. Mo, Borowski and Embree were responsible for my 3 saves with Scott Kazmir pitching in 10 K's. I'm glad he's good for that because he hasn't been helping me with much else. Ted Lilly gave James 2 victories and 11 strikeouts. Kelvim Escobar had his other win while Billy Wagner and Bobby Jenks picked up saves.
Seamus topped EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes), 6-4. It marks Seamus' first victory since week 5. His offense is what did it as it swept the side comfortably. EJ's team hit .213 for the week. Gary Sheffield continued to tear it up for Seamus, hitting .458 with 3 homers, 9 runs, 6 runs batted in and a stolen base. EJ's offensive leader would have to be Mike Lowell with 6 runs, 2 home runs, 8 runs batted in and a .333 average.
On the pitching side, EJ took 4 out of 5 categories. Seamus managed to win strikeouts by a single strikeout. Other than that, he failed to record a pitching victory and had a team ERA of 7.38. Ervin Santana, with an ERA of 14.04, chipped in 13 strikeouts while Brandon Webb had 12. Seamus' 2 saves both came from Todd Jones. EJ's victories came from the great Johan, Ian Snell and Javier Vazquez. Eric Gagne had 2 saves while J.J. Putz had 1. Bonderman struck out 9.
Top 3 teams in the league:
1. Mike (River Ave. Blues) (82-53-5)
2. Dave (Pride of the Yankees) (73-59-8)
3. James (71-61-8)
This Week
James (3rd, 71-61-8) vs. Ben (River Ave. Blues) (4th, 73-64-3)
Patrick (7th, 64-70-6) vs. EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes) (6th, 62-67-11)
Seamus (10th, 53-78-9) vs. Aziz (Pride of the Yankees) (8th, 64-73-3)
Last Week
All of the games this week were fairly close with no one winning more than 6 categories.
I defeated James, 6-4. Even though my offense couldn't make contact to save their lives (.243), I managed to take runs (by 1), home runs and runs batted in with James taking stolen bases and average. My offense was led by Godzilla, who scored 4 runs, hit 3 home runs, drove in 7, stole 1 base and hit .333. James side was led by Garrett Atkins (6 R, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .385 AVG) and Brandon Phillips (9 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB, .357 AVG).
Similarly, on the pitching side, even though my guys had poor or average ERAs and WHIPs, I was able to take wins, saves and strikeouts to take 3 out of 5 on that side, as well. Saves was a close one with it being decided by a difference of 1. Somehow, Octavio Dotel managed to get 2 wins. I'll take it. I also had wins from Mark Buehrle, Justin Verlander and Matt Cain. Cain gets a win and Dotel gets 2. Weird week. Mo, Borowski and Embree were responsible for my 3 saves with Scott Kazmir pitching in 10 K's. I'm glad he's good for that because he hasn't been helping me with much else. Ted Lilly gave James 2 victories and 11 strikeouts. Kelvim Escobar had his other win while Billy Wagner and Bobby Jenks picked up saves.
Seamus topped EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes), 6-4. It marks Seamus' first victory since week 5. His offense is what did it as it swept the side comfortably. EJ's team hit .213 for the week. Gary Sheffield continued to tear it up for Seamus, hitting .458 with 3 homers, 9 runs, 6 runs batted in and a stolen base. EJ's offensive leader would have to be Mike Lowell with 6 runs, 2 home runs, 8 runs batted in and a .333 average.
On the pitching side, EJ took 4 out of 5 categories. Seamus managed to win strikeouts by a single strikeout. Other than that, he failed to record a pitching victory and had a team ERA of 7.38. Ervin Santana, with an ERA of 14.04, chipped in 13 strikeouts while Brandon Webb had 12. Seamus' 2 saves both came from Todd Jones. EJ's victories came from the great Johan, Ian Snell and Javier Vazquez. Eric Gagne had 2 saves while J.J. Putz had 1. Bonderman struck out 9.
Top 3 teams in the league:
1. Mike (River Ave. Blues) (82-53-5)
2. Dave (Pride of the Yankees) (73-59-8)
3. James (71-61-8)
This Week
James (3rd, 71-61-8) vs. Ben (River Ave. Blues) (4th, 73-64-3)
Patrick (7th, 64-70-6) vs. EJ (Pinstripe Potentials and Pending Pinstripes) (6th, 62-67-11)
Seamus (10th, 53-78-9) vs. Aziz (Pride of the Yankees) (8th, 64-73-3)
Posted by: James
Just like the title says, Phil Hughes made his first rehab start for High-A Tampa and went two innings and gave up an unearned run while walking two and striking out 3. This is just the first step on the comeback tour so we'll see how quickly or slowly the organization moves his back to the majors. Unfortunately, the guy who took over for Phil, George Kontos, didn't have nearly as good of a night but hey, everyone has a bad night now and then, right? One bad start doesn't take too much away from what has been a very good season for Kontos so far.
Still, for me, the story of the night wasn't Phil, it was Austin Jackson continuing his hot hitting. A-Jax is just putting on a show at Tampa. He put up a solid line of .260/.336/.374/.710 in Low-A Charleston (it would have been a better line if not for his slump right before his promotion) but this is just ridiculous. .426/.474/.662/1.135 with 8 XBHs in 68 ABs and 6 walks compared to 12 Ks. He's thrown in 3 SBs to boot as well and best of all, he seems to have gotten Jose Tabata to turn it on as well. Tabata has got his line up to .317/.384/.401/.785 and is now knocking on AA Trenton's door. Not bad at all for a kid that doesn't turn 19 for a month, huh?
Still, for me, the story of the night wasn't Phil, it was Austin Jackson continuing his hot hitting. A-Jax is just putting on a show at Tampa. He put up a solid line of .260/.336/.374/.710 in Low-A Charleston (it would have been a better line if not for his slump right before his promotion) but this is just ridiculous. .426/.474/.662/1.135 with 8 XBHs in 68 ABs and 6 walks compared to 12 Ks. He's thrown in 3 SBs to boot as well and best of all, he seems to have gotten Jose Tabata to turn it on as well. Tabata has got his line up to .317/.384/.401/.785 and is now knocking on AA Trenton's door. Not bad at all for a kid that doesn't turn 19 for a month, huh?
07/09: The Pitching Rich
Posted by: Patrick
Tyler Kepner has a great article about the top pitchers in the Yankees farm system.
Via Pinstripe Alley.
Every team knows the importance of pitching. But under General Manager Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ strategy of taking risks on amateur pitchers and exceeding industry standards for bonuses seems to be working. It suggests that the Yankees may not be down for long, and other teams have noticed.
“He recognized a few years ago the need to fortify his system and has taken advantage of every opportunity possible to infuse talent into it,” Cleveland Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said.
“The system is now one of the stronger ones in the minor leagues, and at some point, as those players become major-league-ready, the Yankees will have the most deadly combination of depth of young talent combined with elite payroll resources at the major league level.”
“He recognized a few years ago the need to fortify his system and has taken advantage of every opportunity possible to infuse talent into it,” Cleveland Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said.
“The system is now one of the stronger ones in the minor leagues, and at some point, as those players become major-league-ready, the Yankees will have the most deadly combination of depth of young talent combined with elite payroll resources at the major league level.”
Via Pinstripe Alley.
07/09: Durazo Not Signed
Posted by: Patrick
Updating a previous story, Cashman has said that Erubiel Durazo has not been signed:
Via PSD.
General manager Brian Cashman wouldn't comment about the rumblings that the Yankees are after current Mexican League and former Arizona and Oakland first baseman Erubiel Durazo, except to say that they haven't signed him.
Via PSD.
