07/22: See The Ball, Hit The Ball
Posted by: James
My God - I knew they were going to win but that was just one heck of a drubbing. 3 games: 45-12. Here are the totals over three games and 24 innings: 45 runs, 53 hits, 15 walks, 12 doubles, one triple (Cano finished a double short of the cycle on Sunday), 10 HRs and a LOT of high fives.
To put the Rays pitching into perspective...James Shields had a game score of -3.
Of course, 3 games does not a playoff spot make...but it sure helps in the momentum department (and losses by Minnesota, Detroit and Seattle...and hopefully Cleveland...didn't hurt any).
To put the Rays pitching into perspective...James Shields had a game score of -3.
Of course, 3 games does not a playoff spot make...but it sure helps in the momentum department (and losses by Minnesota, Detroit and Seattle...and hopefully Cleveland...didn't hurt any).
07/22: Greinke
Posted by: Patrick
From KansasCity.com:
Via PSD.
Interest is also spiking in reliever Zack Greinke, although that appears driven in part by erroneous views concerning his current role as a setup reliever. Club officials say other teams seem to believe Greinke can be obtained for little in return.
The Braves, Yankees and Cubs are among those believed to be interested in Greinke.
The Braves, Yankees and Cubs are among those believed to be interested in Greinke.
Via PSD.
Posted by: Patrick
The first game of the doubleheader saw Kei Igawa taking on Jason Hammel in his first start of the season. Hammel had pitched in 10 other games - all in relief - coming into this one. Igawa allowed one run in each of the first two innings on (what else?) two home runs. B.J. Upton was good for one while Ty Wigginton was good for the other.
The Yankees waited until the 4th to score, when A-Rod walked with 1 out and Matsui followed with a homer to right to tie up the game. The Yankees would bust it wide open with a 5 run 6th, led by a great two run rally. Abreu singled to start it off and A-Rod was hit by a pitch to make it first and second with no out. But, Matsui and Posada both struck out and it looked like the Rays might get out of the jam.
But, the bottom of the lineup went on a run with two outs. First, Cano singled, scoring Abreu and putting runners on 2nd and 3rd for Andy Phillips, who followed with a single of his own, scoring both men. Newcomer Shelley Duncan, hitting 9th, took Jae Kuk Ryu deep for a 2 run home run - the first Major League home run of his career. Congrats to him. It was a great moment (watch it here).
Vizcaino had pitched a scoreless top of the 6th, so he ended up with the win. Kyle Farnsworth pitched a scoreless 7th, allowing just a walk. Proctor came out to start the 8th, retiring the first two batters, but then allowing a solo home run to Raul Casanova and a triple to Josh Wilson. But, that would be all as he retired the next banner and was out of the inning.
The Yankees waited until the 4th to score, when A-Rod walked with 1 out and Matsui followed with a homer to right to tie up the game. The Yankees would bust it wide open with a 5 run 6th, led by a great two run rally. Abreu singled to start it off and A-Rod was hit by a pitch to make it first and second with no out. But, Matsui and Posada both struck out and it looked like the Rays might get out of the jam.
But, the bottom of the lineup went on a run with two outs. First, Cano singled, scoring Abreu and putting runners on 2nd and 3rd for Andy Phillips, who followed with a single of his own, scoring both men. Newcomer Shelley Duncan, hitting 9th, took Jae Kuk Ryu deep for a 2 run home run - the first Major League home run of his career. Congrats to him. It was a great moment (watch it here).
Vizcaino had pitched a scoreless top of the 6th, so he ended up with the win. Kyle Farnsworth pitched a scoreless 7th, allowing just a walk. Proctor came out to start the 8th, retiring the first two batters, but then allowing a solo home run to Raul Casanova and a triple to Josh Wilson. But, that would be all as he retired the next banner and was out of the inning.
07/21: Yanks Acquire Jose Molina
Posted by: Seamus
YES has reported during tonight's game that the Angels have sent catcher Jose Molina to the Yankees in exchange for AA pitcher Jeff Kennard. Molina batted .228 with 2 home runs and 10 RBI in 39 games for the Angels this season.
The Yanks addressed one of their biggest needs tonight but it's a shame it had to come on one of the few good nights Wil Nieves had this season.
Oh well.
The Yanks addressed one of their biggest needs tonight but it's a shame it had to come on one of the few good nights Wil Nieves had this season.
Oh well.
07/21: It's Gotta Be The Green Tea
Posted by: James
Johnny Damon leading off this year: .232/.339/.318/.657
Where's he in the line-up for this second part of the twin bill? Batting lead-off, of course.
Of course, I'd be ecstatic if both Joe and Damon can prove me wrong starting tonight...but at this point where every single game and win is at a premium - I don't see how you can justify batting Damon leadoff, especially in a game where Wil Nieves is playing and hitting 9th. That's two automatic outs in the line-up and would certainly give most pitchers a nice little break in the line-up.
Finally, I saw these numbers at the top of the splits page and I think I threw up in my mouth a little.
Last seven days: .083/.313/.083/.396 (32 ABs)
Last fourteen days: .103/.321/.103/.424 (53 ABs)
Last twenty-eight days: .190/.337/.241/.578 (98 ABs)
Ugh.
Where's he in the line-up for this second part of the twin bill? Batting lead-off, of course.
Of course, I'd be ecstatic if both Joe and Damon can prove me wrong starting tonight...but at this point where every single game and win is at a premium - I don't see how you can justify batting Damon leadoff, especially in a game where Wil Nieves is playing and hitting 9th. That's two automatic outs in the line-up and would certainly give most pitchers a nice little break in the line-up.
Finally, I saw these numbers at the top of the splits page and I think I threw up in my mouth a little.
Last seven days: .083/.313/.083/.396 (32 ABs)
Last fourteen days: .103/.321/.103/.424 (53 ABs)
Last twenty-eight days: .190/.337/.241/.578 (98 ABs)
Ugh.
07/21: Fearless Prediction
Posted by: James
Both Igawa and DeSalvo go 6 and the Yankees find a way to sweep the double-header. Oh, and Boston loses tonight too...as well as Cleveland, Seattle and Minnesota.
All right - I predicted it...Yankees bats, go get your part done.
All right - I predicted it...Yankees bats, go get your part done.
07/21: Trade Rumors (7/21/07)
Posted by: Patrick
Adam Dunn:
Ty Wigginton:
Kyle Farnsworth:
Via Yahoo! Sports and PSD.
The Reds have tried to get the Yankees interested in Adam Dunn, but so far the Yankees have balked at parting with top talent in return for Dunn because Andy Phillips is playing well at first base, and they might still get Jason Giambi and Doug Mientkiewicz back before the end of the year. Also, if traded, Dunn can opt for free agency at the end of this season, and he's a hardcore Texan who's not a real good bet to sign long-term with a New York team. Radio reports out of Milwaukee yesterday indicated Dunn could be headed to the Brewers.
Ty Wigginton:
Earlier this week the Devil Rays believed it would take more than Scott Proctor for the Yankees to pry utility man Ty Wigginton away from them. Now, according to multiple sources, the Devil Rays would make the trade. And though it's not clear if the Yankees have made an offer, they have been talking to the Devil Rays and have discussed converting stud prospect Joba Chamberlain from Double-A starter to big-league reliever to take Proctor's place.
Kyle Farnsworth:
The Rockies have shown some interest in Yankees right-hander Kyle Farnsworth, but the Yankees would have to pick up a major portion of his $5.5 million salary in 2008.
Via Yahoo! Sports and PSD.
Posted by: Patrick
Don Burke has some thoughts from Willie Randolph on The Bronx is Burning.
Via Steve.
A key member of that team team, Randolph said the film was "not realistic'' and he took exception to the way he was portrayed in a scene in which the actor playing Randolph ignored the actor who was cast as Reggie Jackson.
Via Steve.
07/20: They're Bringing Up Shelley!
Posted by: James
Pete A. reports that the Yanks have called up Shelley Duncan and all I can think is that IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Duncan's numbers in the minors this year and his apparent progression at the plate are hard to ignore and at this point, you might as well give him a shot. I don't care if he goes 0-for-whatever - with what Damon provided (or didn't provide), they should have given this a shot a while ago. Still, I do hope he starts hitting immediately though...or he won't make it into Joe's circle of trust.
Duncan's numbers in the minors this year and his apparent progression at the plate are hard to ignore and at this point, you might as well give him a shot. I don't care if he goes 0-for-whatever - with what Damon provided (or didn't provide), they should have given this a shot a while ago. Still, I do hope he starts hitting immediately though...or he won't make it into Joe's circle of trust.
07/20: Joba the Reliever?
Posted by: Patrick
From Zac Boyer:
Just rumors, but it's interesting to think about, anyway.
With Thunder pitcher Joba Chamberlain having thrown so well in his first month with the team, rumors have begun to circulate that he might be ready for a promotion.
But rather than simply moving up to Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Chamberlain may head directly to New York to take a role as a set-up pitcher for closer Mariano Rivera.
But rather than simply moving up to Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Chamberlain may head directly to New York to take a role as a set-up pitcher for closer Mariano Rivera.
Just rumors, but it's interesting to think about, anyway.
