07/21: Yankees vs. The A's; 7/20/08
Posted by: James
Well, the Yankees offense was not very useful yesterday...but I guess when you are facing the guy with the best ERA in the league, you can claim that as an excuse. Also, they were facing the A's who are the third worst offense in the league (1-Seattle, 2-Toronto) so maybe they thought they could leave the lumber in the clubhouse.
In any case, they scored just enough runs to win as Andy Pettitte backed up his call for the Yankees to play better by pitching a great game. Andy went eight innings and only gave up four hits with no walks (with 6 "1-2-3 innings"). His lone earned run came in the sixth when Jack Hannahan (who did not bring in his animals...) doubled to start off the inning and came around to score on a Ryan Sweeney single.
The Yankees score their first run in the third when Derek Jeter doubled with one out, took third on a Abreu single and came around to score on a A-Rod sac fly. They scored the go-ahead (and only other) run in the bottom of the sixth when Jason Giambi got enough of an inside fastball to get it over the RF wall.
With a 2-1 lead going into the ninth, Mo came in...and things got a little wacky. With one out, Ryan Sweeney singled and was on first when Bobby Crosby hit what looked to be a routine fly ball to right. Unfortunately, Bobby Abreu lost the ball in the sun and flubbed it. However, Sweeney was already heading back to first and say what you will about Bobby's defense, he still has a strong arm...though not an accurate one as his throw overshot 2nd (and a leaping Jeter). However, A-Rod was backing up Jeter and snared the errant throw underhanded it over to Derek who JUST beat Sweeney to the bag. 2 outs. At that point, the A's put in Rajai Davis as a pinch runner for Bobby Crosby and after waiting out a pickoff and one pitch, Davis took off for second. Clearly, Davis didn't know who was behind the plate (and picked the wrong pitch to run on, a 93 mph fastball that got to home plate very quickly) as Jose Molina nailed him for the last out of the game (and upped his CS rate to 49% in the process).
Great win for the Yankees as they swept the A's while the Red Sox were getting swept and TB was losing 2 of 3. They've put themselves back into the conversation for major contenders for a playoff spot...and now they just have to keep it up. They've got a very important 3 game set with Minnesota, who leads them in the Wild Card race, coming up. 2 out of 3 against Minny would be very helpful (and impressive as the Ponson/Rasner combo has been far more lucky than good) as Boston takes on Seattle (who are putting up their best pitchers so it could be tougher than you think).
In any case, they scored just enough runs to win as Andy Pettitte backed up his call for the Yankees to play better by pitching a great game. Andy went eight innings and only gave up four hits with no walks (with 6 "1-2-3 innings"). His lone earned run came in the sixth when Jack Hannahan (who did not bring in his animals...) doubled to start off the inning and came around to score on a Ryan Sweeney single.
The Yankees score their first run in the third when Derek Jeter doubled with one out, took third on a Abreu single and came around to score on a A-Rod sac fly. They scored the go-ahead (and only other) run in the bottom of the sixth when Jason Giambi got enough of an inside fastball to get it over the RF wall.
With a 2-1 lead going into the ninth, Mo came in...and things got a little wacky. With one out, Ryan Sweeney singled and was on first when Bobby Crosby hit what looked to be a routine fly ball to right. Unfortunately, Bobby Abreu lost the ball in the sun and flubbed it. However, Sweeney was already heading back to first and say what you will about Bobby's defense, he still has a strong arm...though not an accurate one as his throw overshot 2nd (and a leaping Jeter). However, A-Rod was backing up Jeter and snared the errant throw underhanded it over to Derek who JUST beat Sweeney to the bag. 2 outs. At that point, the A's put in Rajai Davis as a pinch runner for Bobby Crosby and after waiting out a pickoff and one pitch, Davis took off for second. Clearly, Davis didn't know who was behind the plate (and picked the wrong pitch to run on, a 93 mph fastball that got to home plate very quickly) as Jose Molina nailed him for the last out of the game (and upped his CS rate to 49% in the process).
Great win for the Yankees as they swept the A's while the Red Sox were getting swept and TB was losing 2 of 3. They've put themselves back into the conversation for major contenders for a playoff spot...and now they just have to keep it up. They've got a very important 3 game set with Minnesota, who leads them in the Wild Card race, coming up. 2 out of 3 against Minny would be very helpful (and impressive as the Ponson/Rasner combo has been far more lucky than good) as Boston takes on Seattle (who are putting up their best pitchers so it could be tougher than you think).
Posted by: Patrick
The Yankees opted not to take Johnny Damon off the DL today, writes MLB.com's Willie Bans.
"I'm pretty upset right now," Damon told Bans. "This could just be a today thing. I wish I had more answers. Lots of things are just going back and forth in mind, saying, 'When's the day I'm going to actually start playing?' I have no idea."
Nonetheless, the Yankees are being cautious. Cashman says he may go on a rehab assignment.
"I'm pretty upset right now," Damon told Bans. "This could just be a today thing. I wish I had more answers. Lots of things are just going back and forth in mind, saying, 'When's the day I'm going to actually start playing?' I have no idea."
Nonetheless, the Yankees are being cautious. Cashman says he may go on a rehab assignment.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees are now off to a 2-0 start since the All-Star break, and if they can escape with victories in games like the one they took on Saturday they'll be in pretty good shape. Neither team really brought their "A" game and gave the other plenty of opportunities, but it was the Yankees who came out on top in the end after Jose Molina was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 12th for a 4-3 victory. The Yanks remain 5.5 games behind Tampa Bay for the A.L. East lead, but pulled to within four games of Boston for the wild card, who lost in Anaheim.
The Yankees jumped ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the 2nd and it looked like they would roll, as Joba Chamberlain was dealing once again. Joba struck out eight in six innings of work, with the only run allowed being off a sacrifice fly by Ryan Sweeney.
The A's were able to tie the game in the 7th, though, and Jose Veras got an undeserved smattering of boos after a rough inning in which he allowed the tying run on a wild pitch. What was frustrating about it, though, was that he would have gotten out of the inning unscathed if it weren't for that wild pitch, as the other two men on base were left on.
The game remained tied until the top of the 9th, as the A's deviated from Billy Beane's style a little bit and manufactured a run off of Mariano Rivera. After a leadoff single by Jack Hanahan, Rajai Davis pinch ran and stole second base. Ryan Sweeney then brought Davis in with a scorching single to left.
Now here's the part where both teams begged to lose this game. Jason Giambi leads off the bottom of the 9th with a walk, who is subsequently pinch ran for by Justian Christian. With Jorge Posada at the plate, Christian attempts to steal second and trips and falls halfway there and is tagged out before Posada grounds out to first. After Robinson Cano doubled to left, it looked like the Yankees had by all accounts given this game to the A's, as not only did Christian blow it by tripping over himself, but he probably could have scored from first on Cano's double. Fortunately for the Yankees, Huston Street didn't want to put this game away either. On an 0-2 count, he served an outside breaking ball to Wilson Betemit, which was promptly served back into left centerfield, scoring Cano to tie the game.
The Yankees blew opportunities again to score in the 10th and 11th innings, but the A's didn't even give the Yankees a chance to screw up in the 12th, as Jose Molina was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to end the game.
Not the prettiest win for the Yanks, but it was a win nonetheless and a win they needed. Coming into this series, there were three teams ahead of them in the wild card standings and the Yankees are playing them all consecutively, so this is a potentially huge 9-game stretch. The Yanks will try to start off that stretch with a sweep this afternoon as Andy Pettitte will face all-star Justin Duchscherer in a battle of 10-game winners. Game starts at 1:05 E.T. and will also be carried on TBS for those of you outside the New York area.
The Yankees jumped ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the 2nd and it looked like they would roll, as Joba Chamberlain was dealing once again. Joba struck out eight in six innings of work, with the only run allowed being off a sacrifice fly by Ryan Sweeney.
The A's were able to tie the game in the 7th, though, and Jose Veras got an undeserved smattering of boos after a rough inning in which he allowed the tying run on a wild pitch. What was frustrating about it, though, was that he would have gotten out of the inning unscathed if it weren't for that wild pitch, as the other two men on base were left on.
The game remained tied until the top of the 9th, as the A's deviated from Billy Beane's style a little bit and manufactured a run off of Mariano Rivera. After a leadoff single by Jack Hanahan, Rajai Davis pinch ran and stole second base. Ryan Sweeney then brought Davis in with a scorching single to left.
Now here's the part where both teams begged to lose this game. Jason Giambi leads off the bottom of the 9th with a walk, who is subsequently pinch ran for by Justian Christian. With Jorge Posada at the plate, Christian attempts to steal second and trips and falls halfway there and is tagged out before Posada grounds out to first. After Robinson Cano doubled to left, it looked like the Yankees had by all accounts given this game to the A's, as not only did Christian blow it by tripping over himself, but he probably could have scored from first on Cano's double. Fortunately for the Yankees, Huston Street didn't want to put this game away either. On an 0-2 count, he served an outside breaking ball to Wilson Betemit, which was promptly served back into left centerfield, scoring Cano to tie the game.
The Yankees blew opportunities again to score in the 10th and 11th innings, but the A's didn't even give the Yankees a chance to screw up in the 12th, as Jose Molina was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to end the game.
Not the prettiest win for the Yanks, but it was a win nonetheless and a win they needed. Coming into this series, there were three teams ahead of them in the wild card standings and the Yankees are playing them all consecutively, so this is a potentially huge 9-game stretch. The Yanks will try to start off that stretch with a sweep this afternoon as Andy Pettitte will face all-star Justin Duchscherer in a battle of 10-game winners. Game starts at 1:05 E.T. and will also be carried on TBS for those of you outside the New York area.
Posted by: Patrick
Billy Traber was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Richie Sexson, prior to yesterday's game, reports Chad Jennings.
Posted by: Patrick
On Friday night, the Yankees picked up a win in their frst game back from the All-Star break, beating the Athletics, 7-1.
New Yankee Richie Sexson contributed in his very first at bat, sending an RBI single to center, scoring Abreu for the Yankees first run, tying the game in the bottom of the first.
Mike Mussina started and, after allowing 1 run in the first inning, was marvelous once again. He threw 6 innings, allowing 9 hits with no walks and striking out 6. He collected his 12th win of the season and knocked his ERA down to 3.49.
The Yankees bullpen was a model of perfection, throwing 3 scoreless innings, failing to allow a single runner to reach base and striking out 6. David Robertson, Edwar Ramirez and LaTroy Hawkins each threw an inning, with Robertson striking out the side in his. Edwar picked up 2 Ks and Hawkins had 1.
Cano was 2 for 4 with a three run home run. For his career, after the break, he is a .334 average/.366 on base percentage/.540 slugging percentage hitter. This season, coming into today, he was .246/.285/.358. If this game and his history are any indication, we're in for a serious rebound.
A-Rod also homered and collected a pair of singles, going 3 for 4 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs. Bobby Abreu was 2 for 5 with a double, 2 runs and 1 RBI. Melky collected 2 hits, as well.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Yankees will send Joba (2-3, 2.62) to face Scott Gallagher (4-4, 4.25) in his second start since being acquired in the Rich Harden deal. Game time is 1:05 ET.
New Yankee Richie Sexson contributed in his very first at bat, sending an RBI single to center, scoring Abreu for the Yankees first run, tying the game in the bottom of the first.
Mike Mussina started and, after allowing 1 run in the first inning, was marvelous once again. He threw 6 innings, allowing 9 hits with no walks and striking out 6. He collected his 12th win of the season and knocked his ERA down to 3.49.
The Yankees bullpen was a model of perfection, throwing 3 scoreless innings, failing to allow a single runner to reach base and striking out 6. David Robertson, Edwar Ramirez and LaTroy Hawkins each threw an inning, with Robertson striking out the side in his. Edwar picked up 2 Ks and Hawkins had 1.
Cano was 2 for 4 with a three run home run. For his career, after the break, he is a .334 average/.366 on base percentage/.540 slugging percentage hitter. This season, coming into today, he was .246/.285/.358. If this game and his history are any indication, we're in for a serious rebound.
A-Rod also homered and collected a pair of singles, going 3 for 4 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs. Bobby Abreu was 2 for 5 with a double, 2 runs and 1 RBI. Melky collected 2 hits, as well.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Yankees will send Joba (2-3, 2.62) to face Scott Gallagher (4-4, 4.25) in his second start since being acquired in the Rich Harden deal. Game time is 1:05 ET.
07/17: Yankees Sign Sexson
Posted by: Seamus
Richie Sexson has reached a deal with the Yankees, according to ESPN. Sexson hit .218 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI in 74 games this season for the Mariners.
Sexson has hit for some pretty crazy numbers against lefties (.344/.423/.623) this season, but has been dreadful against right-handed pitching (.178/.281/.304), so it's likely he'll be seeing some limited playing time as he finishes out this season in pinstripes.
Not sure this move really does anything for me...he's basically just Shelley Duncan with a bigger name and smaller forehead.
Sexson has hit for some pretty crazy numbers against lefties (.344/.423/.623) this season, but has been dreadful against right-handed pitching (.178/.281/.304), so it's likely he'll be seeing some limited playing time as he finishes out this season in pinstripes.
Not sure this move really does anything for me...he's basically just Shelley Duncan with a bigger name and smaller forehead.
Posted by: Patrick
From Ed Price:
Damon sprained his left shoulder July 4 running into the left-field wall at Yankee Stadium. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, and still hopes he can do so, but that seems unlikely since he has yet to hit off a tee.
"I'm trying to shoot for Sunday," Damon, who has been getting treatment at the Yankees' facility in Tampa, Fla., said by phone. "I would love to be back on Sunday. But we'll just have to see. I think definitely in a week."
"I'm trying to shoot for Sunday," Damon, who has been getting treatment at the Yankees' facility in Tampa, Fla., said by phone. "I would love to be back on Sunday. But we'll just have to see. I think definitely in a week."
Posted by: Patrick
CNBC's Darren Rovell floats an idea I've heard before: that the Yankees could record Bob Sheppard's voice with the idea of having him announcing the players indefinitely.
I'm of two minds on this. I love Bob Sheppard, as most Yankees fans do, I'm sure. His voice has been an integral part of the Yankee Stadium experience for a long time. He's a legend.
At the same time, change is a part of life and nothing lasts forever, even if we want it to. Is a digital Bob Sheppard an adequate representation of the man himself? One day, hopefully not soon, Mr. Sheppard will pass away. What we are talking about is having the voice of a man who is no longer with us, "reading" the names of players who were born after he was already gone.
Is there not something about this that is a little creepy? Mr. Sheppard is a member of the Yankees fan family, if you want to call it that: Yankees fans, as a whole, love the guy. So, consider it like you might consider a member of your own family that has passed away. If you heard their voice mentioning a new song or movie that was just released, how would you find that experience?
It's an interesting question. I'm going back and forth on it, really. If it was limited to just the lineups and pitching changes, etc., then it might be neat. But, will it still be eerie?
What do you think?
Via Ben.
I'm of two minds on this. I love Bob Sheppard, as most Yankees fans do, I'm sure. His voice has been an integral part of the Yankee Stadium experience for a long time. He's a legend.
At the same time, change is a part of life and nothing lasts forever, even if we want it to. Is a digital Bob Sheppard an adequate representation of the man himself? One day, hopefully not soon, Mr. Sheppard will pass away. What we are talking about is having the voice of a man who is no longer with us, "reading" the names of players who were born after he was already gone.
Is there not something about this that is a little creepy? Mr. Sheppard is a member of the Yankees fan family, if you want to call it that: Yankees fans, as a whole, love the guy. So, consider it like you might consider a member of your own family that has passed away. If you heard their voice mentioning a new song or movie that was just released, how would you find that experience?
It's an interesting question. I'm going back and forth on it, really. If it was limited to just the lineups and pitching changes, etc., then it might be neat. But, will it still be eerie?
What do you think?
Via Ben.
Posted by: Seamus
Pardon the delayed recap...I wanted to make sure this game was actually over first. Last night's/this morning's MLB All-Star Game was one that won't soon be forgotten, as the 15-inning marathon at Yankee Stadium was the longest All-Star Game of all-time, and tied the 1967 game for the most innings played in an All-Star contest.
Posted by: Patrick
The AP has the story. Ed Price says that it is now "more likely than ever" that Matsui will require season ending surgery.
