Posted by: Michael
Randy Johnson started the game a little off. His first pitch was hit for a double by Grady Sizemore. But it wasn't long into the game before he settled down and powered the Yankees to another win.
Jason Giambi hit his 5th home run this week, and raised his average to .278. Gary Sheffield put the game away with his three-run shot in the eighth. And Hideki Matsui hit successfully in his eleventh game with three hits today.
In the last seven days, Giambi has an .556 BA with an .619 OBP. These are the numbers that Yankee fans are expecting of our first baseman.
The Unit picked up his 9th win, and gave up three runs in nine hits over six innings.
We are now at mid-season with the All-Star break coming up. Let's hope the Yanks continue to build on their momentum, get Brown and Pavano back healthy, then they should be set to face some stiff competition in the Red Sox, Rangers and Angels, all of which starts this Thursday.
Enjoy the Break!
Jason Giambi hit his 5th home run this week, and raised his average to .278. Gary Sheffield put the game away with his three-run shot in the eighth. And Hideki Matsui hit successfully in his eleventh game with three hits today.
In the last seven days, Giambi has an .556 BA with an .619 OBP. These are the numbers that Yankee fans are expecting of our first baseman.
The Unit picked up his 9th win, and gave up three runs in nine hits over six innings.
We are now at mid-season with the All-Star break coming up. Let's hope the Yanks continue to build on their momentum, get Brown and Pavano back healthy, then they should be set to face some stiff competition in the Red Sox, Rangers and Angels, all of which starts this Thursday.
Enjoy the Break!
Posted by: Patrick
The Yankees 6 game winning streak comes to an end as they lost 8-7 to the Indians. Other than losing and Darrell May, it really wasn't that bad of a game (yeah, I know that sounds kind of stupid).
But, May in his first game as a Yankee, allowed 7 earned runs over 4 and 1/3. After that, the Yankee pitching was pretty solid with Scott Proctor (2 and 2/3 IP, 0 ER) and Sturtze (2 IP, 1 ER) combining to allow only 1 in the final 4 and 2/3.
The Yankees were able to score a run off of each pitcher they faced (Elarton, Howry, Rhodes, Wickman). Things were looking good in the ninth, as Ruben lead off with a homer to bring us within one, followed by a Bernie Williams single and a Derek Jeter bunt single. Unfortunately, Cano grounded into a double play with Womack (in for Bernie) advancing to third. Sheff walked and A-Rod grounded out to end it. So close.
The Yankees put together 11 hits, including a 3 for 4 day by Ruben Sierra (2 R, 1 RBI) who is now batting .283 (when did that happen?!). He was batting .205 through June 26, but a 6 game hit streak has him at .283. Cano was the only other Yankee with more than 1 hit and Sheffield, Matsui and A-Rod (in addition to Sierra) hit home runs.
The Red Sox lost 9-1 and the Twins are losing 10-6 in the bottom of the 6th as I write this, so hopefully we won't lose any ground.
Randy goes against ex-Yankee Jake Westbrook tomorrow in our final game before the break.
But, May in his first game as a Yankee, allowed 7 earned runs over 4 and 1/3. After that, the Yankee pitching was pretty solid with Scott Proctor (2 and 2/3 IP, 0 ER) and Sturtze (2 IP, 1 ER) combining to allow only 1 in the final 4 and 2/3.
The Yankees were able to score a run off of each pitcher they faced (Elarton, Howry, Rhodes, Wickman). Things were looking good in the ninth, as Ruben lead off with a homer to bring us within one, followed by a Bernie Williams single and a Derek Jeter bunt single. Unfortunately, Cano grounded into a double play with Womack (in for Bernie) advancing to third. Sheff walked and A-Rod grounded out to end it. So close.
The Yankees put together 11 hits, including a 3 for 4 day by Ruben Sierra (2 R, 1 RBI) who is now batting .283 (when did that happen?!). He was batting .205 through June 26, but a 6 game hit streak has him at .283. Cano was the only other Yankee with more than 1 hit and Sheffield, Matsui and A-Rod (in addition to Sierra) hit home runs.
The Red Sox lost 9-1 and the Twins are losing 10-6 in the bottom of the 6th as I write this, so hopefully we won't lose any ground.
Randy goes against ex-Yankee Jake Westbrook tomorrow in our final game before the break.
Posted by: Michael
It didn't take long for the Yankees to establish themselves last night at the plate. By the third inning the Yanks were leading 3-1.
Alex Rodriguez started the offense in the first by hitting a two-run blast. It also allowed him to tie Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira for the most in the american league at 22. Jason Giambi hit his 9th homer of the year in the second, a solo shot, that was almost robbed by the Indian's right fielder Casey Blake.
It was also the first game for twenty year old Melky Cabrera in center who went 1-4 at the plate and played a solid center field.
Mike "Moose" Mussina pitched a solid 7 innings and gave up two runs on six hits and struck out five.
A bit of bad news as Tom "Flash" Gordon left the game after striking out two in the eighth. He will have an MRI on his arm today due to shoulder tightness. It was his first game since last Sunday, but the MRI will be precautionary. Gordon told Torre he might have slept on it wrong, and doesn't feel like there is something "major" wrong with it.
The Yankees just won their 5th straight. The momentum is high, and they are within striking distance of Boston being 3 1/2 games out. Hopefully we can pull close before the All-Star break, get our pitching staff healthy, and keep rolling in the second half of the season.
Alex Rodriguez started the offense in the first by hitting a two-run blast. It also allowed him to tie Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira for the most in the american league at 22. Jason Giambi hit his 9th homer of the year in the second, a solo shot, that was almost robbed by the Indian's right fielder Casey Blake.
It was also the first game for twenty year old Melky Cabrera in center who went 1-4 at the plate and played a solid center field.
Mike "Moose" Mussina pitched a solid 7 innings and gave up two runs on six hits and struck out five.
A bit of bad news as Tom "Flash" Gordon left the game after striking out two in the eighth. He will have an MRI on his arm today due to shoulder tightness. It was his first game since last Sunday, but the MRI will be precautionary. Gordon told Torre he might have slept on it wrong, and doesn't feel like there is something "major" wrong with it.
The Yankees just won their 5th straight. The momentum is high, and they are within striking distance of Boston being 3 1/2 games out. Hopefully we can pull close before the All-Star break, get our pitching staff healthy, and keep rolling in the second half of the season.
07/07: Pavano on DL - MRI Negative
Posted by: Michael
Update: Carl Pavano was placed on the 15-day disabled list today.
The MRI turned out to be negative on Carl Pavano's shoulder. It is still questionable when he will pitch again. For now the team is taking it day by day.
Carl Pavano missed his last start due to discomfort in his pitching shoulder. Reliever Tanyon Sturtze took his place in the rotation. Torre doesn't seem to think that Sturtze will be starting again for Pavano.
One possible replacement would be new Yankee Darrell May who was aquired in the Paul Quantrill trade last week. May has a 5.61 ERA and a record of 1-3 for the Padres. May did pitch 7 solid innings for Columbus on Monday.
The MRI turned out to be negative on Carl Pavano's shoulder. It is still questionable when he will pitch again. For now the team is taking it day by day.
Carl Pavano missed his last start due to discomfort in his pitching shoulder. Reliever Tanyon Sturtze took his place in the rotation. Torre doesn't seem to think that Sturtze will be starting again for Pavano.
One possible replacement would be new Yankee Darrell May who was aquired in the Paul Quantrill trade last week. May has a 5.61 ERA and a record of 1-3 for the Padres. May did pitch 7 solid innings for Columbus on Monday.
Posted by: Patrick
I mentioned it briefly a few days ago and now it looks like Melky Cabrera will get a shot at the majors as he'll be starting tonight.
Good luck, Melky.
Via Alex Belth via Steve Lombardi.
Good luck, Melky.
Via Alex Belth via Steve Lombardi.
Posted by: Patrick
The White Sox Scott Podsednik edged out D. Jeter to take the final spot on the AL All Star team.
This stinks.
For me, one of Jeter or Matsui really should be on this team, at least. Cliff Corcoran over at Bronx Banter put together a team I'd much rather see.
This stinks.
For me, one of Jeter or Matsui really should be on this team, at least. Cliff Corcoran over at Bronx Banter put together a team I'd much rather see.
Posted by: Patrick
There is an article today in The Journal News detailing the work of a clubhouse manager, including stuff like player/manager requests, the various amenities they have, food they prepare and the like.
Sounds like they eat pretty well, anyway.
Via Pro Sports Daily
In the visiting clubhouse at Yankee Stadium, Lou Cucuzza stocks a full deli with hot dogs and hamburgers, grilled chicken, fruit-and-veggie trays and pizza.
When the Yankees were in St. Louis in mid-June, there was an omelettes station for the Sunday game. But the pantry is always stocked with 10 varieties of cold cereal and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. ...
Hideki Matsui was thrilled that Genzale and Thalblum had sushi for him on the West Coast.
But most places serve food indigenous to that city: barbecue in Kansas City and Texas; salmon in Seattle; clam chowder and lobster in Boston; deep dish pizza in Chicago; Asian food on the West Coast; bratwurst in Milwaukee.
"Philadelphia is probably the best one," Mets third baseman David Wright said. "They have cheese steaks or they'll make whatever you want. They have good ice cream, too."
The postgame spread is usually two or three entrees, with vegetables, salad and a starch such as potatoes or rice.
"We cater Mexican from a local restaurant," Thalblum said. "The biggest thing going to Oakland is the Mexican."
Genzale will always serve fish. "When you come to Seattle, you're going to get salmon," he said.
At Fenway, half the clubhouse seems to be taken up by Tom McLaughlin's spread, beginning with pizza and submarine sandwiches pregame and steak, pasta, lobster and shrimp postgame.
When the Yankees were in St. Louis in mid-June, there was an omelettes station for the Sunday game. But the pantry is always stocked with 10 varieties of cold cereal and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. ...
Hideki Matsui was thrilled that Genzale and Thalblum had sushi for him on the West Coast.
But most places serve food indigenous to that city: barbecue in Kansas City and Texas; salmon in Seattle; clam chowder and lobster in Boston; deep dish pizza in Chicago; Asian food on the West Coast; bratwurst in Milwaukee.
"Philadelphia is probably the best one," Mets third baseman David Wright said. "They have cheese steaks or they'll make whatever you want. They have good ice cream, too."
The postgame spread is usually two or three entrees, with vegetables, salad and a starch such as potatoes or rice.
"We cater Mexican from a local restaurant," Thalblum said. "The biggest thing going to Oakland is the Mexican."
Genzale will always serve fish. "When you come to Seattle, you're going to get salmon," he said.
At Fenway, half the clubhouse seems to be taken up by Tom McLaughlin's spread, beginning with pizza and submarine sandwiches pregame and steak, pasta, lobster and shrimp postgame.
Sounds like they eat pretty well, anyway.
Via Pro Sports Daily
Posted by: Seamus
Yankee hitters certainly got the memo Tuesday about how Randy Johnson was pitching on only three days rest. The lineup did all they could to help him, but it turned out he didn't really even need it as he gave up just 2 runs in 7 innings as the Yankees blew out the Orioles 12-3. Yesterday's start by Johnson was the first regular season start in which he pitched on only three days rest since a tie-braker game with the Mariners against the Angels for the AL West title in 1995.
Orioles' pitcher Rodrigo Lopez also went on just three days rest but wasn't nearly as effective. The Yankees rocked him for 10 runs on 11 hits in just three full innings pitched. Jeter, Matsui, and Jason Giambi each had three hits, including a home run each for Matsui and Giambi. Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez also homered. The only Yankee starter without a hit was John Flaherty, who really isn't put out there for his offense anyway.
Jason Giambi followed what was probably his best performance in two years with perhaps an even better performance as he went 3-4 with a home run and two doubles. Giambi has hit 3 home runs in the last two days and has raised his average to .268. It's quite an accomplishment considering he was on the interstate before that series in Oakland when Joe Torre started putting him in the lineup more consistently. He is probably just a 1-3 or a 2-4 away from pushing his average up to .270 and his .420 OBP would be good enough for 2nd in the American League, although he does not have enough plate appearances to be eligible (at least the ESPN.com leader board doesn't show him on there). I reckon those numbers would at least put him on par with most other 1B in the A.L., considering the general lack of 1B who have performed well in the A.L. so far this season.
Hideki Matsui's 3-hit game brought his average up to .317. He is now only one point behind A-Rod for the best batting average on the team and is 7th in the American League. He is tied for 4th with 65 RBI. It's really unfortunate because he does deserve to be on the All-Star team with those numbers. Unfortunately though, Matsui's numbers weren't that high throughout most of the voting period and he's gotten so hot over such a short period of time that it's kind of hard to grab everyone else's attention.
The Yankees' victory kept them just 4 games back of the A.L. East leading Red Sox. The Yankees have the day off today before starting a four-game series against Cleveland at the Stadium to finish out the first half.
Orioles' pitcher Rodrigo Lopez also went on just three days rest but wasn't nearly as effective. The Yankees rocked him for 10 runs on 11 hits in just three full innings pitched. Jeter, Matsui, and Jason Giambi each had three hits, including a home run each for Matsui and Giambi. Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez also homered. The only Yankee starter without a hit was John Flaherty, who really isn't put out there for his offense anyway.
Jason Giambi followed what was probably his best performance in two years with perhaps an even better performance as he went 3-4 with a home run and two doubles. Giambi has hit 3 home runs in the last two days and has raised his average to .268. It's quite an accomplishment considering he was on the interstate before that series in Oakland when Joe Torre started putting him in the lineup more consistently. He is probably just a 1-3 or a 2-4 away from pushing his average up to .270 and his .420 OBP would be good enough for 2nd in the American League, although he does not have enough plate appearances to be eligible (at least the ESPN.com leader board doesn't show him on there). I reckon those numbers would at least put him on par with most other 1B in the A.L., considering the general lack of 1B who have performed well in the A.L. so far this season.
Hideki Matsui's 3-hit game brought his average up to .317. He is now only one point behind A-Rod for the best batting average on the team and is 7th in the American League. He is tied for 4th with 65 RBI. It's really unfortunate because he does deserve to be on the All-Star team with those numbers. Unfortunately though, Matsui's numbers weren't that high throughout most of the voting period and he's gotten so hot over such a short period of time that it's kind of hard to grab everyone else's attention.
The Yankees' victory kept them just 4 games back of the A.L. East leading Red Sox. The Yankees have the day off today before starting a four-game series against Cleveland at the Stadium to finish out the first half.
07/05: "Will you fight for me?"
Posted by: Patrick
Reconstructing Jason Giambi:
Giambi has rebounded from an early season slump. Since June 1, he is hitting .304 (21 for 69) with 3 home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs and a .467 OBA in 24 games. If he can continue to hit in that area and get on base like that, he'll be fine.
In January, Jason Giambi sat down at a long conference table in the midtown law office of Yankee president Randy Levine, alongside his agent, Arn Tellem, and the team's general manager, Brian Cashman.
They all stared at a speakerphone.
"Will you fight for me?" came the voice on the other end.
"I'm with you," Giambi answered.
And with that, all talk of the Yankees trying to sue Giambi for breach of contract, of trying to shuffle him out of New York, ended: George Steinbrenner had spoken.
They all stared at a speakerphone.
"Will you fight for me?" came the voice on the other end.
"I'm with you," Giambi answered.
And with that, all talk of the Yankees trying to sue Giambi for breach of contract, of trying to shuffle him out of New York, ended: George Steinbrenner had spoken.
Giambi has rebounded from an early season slump. Since June 1, he is hitting .304 (21 for 69) with 3 home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs and a .467 OBA in 24 games. If he can continue to hit in that area and get on base like that, he'll be fine.
Posted by: Michael
By using an seven-run 8th inning, the New York Yankees came from behind to defeat the Baltimore Orioles.
Tanyon Sturtze, the most reliable Yankee middle reliever this season, was used as a spot starter today in place of injured Kevin Brown. He pitched effective until the 4th inning when he started missing his spots.
Surprisingly Bruce Chen of the Orioles lasted only 1 1/3 innings as the Yankees hammered him for 6 runs. Last May he had a complete game against the Yankees and was very commanding. Not this time. The Yankees seemed to put the ball anywhere they wanted, and he was quickly pulled.
But the Orioles clawed back into it to take the lead in 7th going up 8-6.
The Yanks started the 8th with Giambi hitting his 7th HR of the year. Ruben Sierra pinched hit for Tony Womack and blooped a single into right field. That was enough for the Orioles to excuse their current pitcher Steve Kline. B.J. Ryan entered the game and things didn't get much better from there. The Yanks then went on to score 7 runs and take a 13-8 lead. Mo came in and closed out the game.
There were four batters HBP today, with no warnings to the pitchers given. Sheffield took a nasty pop to his hand by Todd Williams, but it appears Sheff is ok. He continued and played the rest of the game.
This makes 3 straight wins for the Yankees. Look for them to come out strong tomorrow against the Orioles who used most of their bullpen today in relief of Chen. Tomorrow Randy Johnson (7-6) 4.24 ERA goes against Rodrigo Lopez (7-4) 4.43 ERA. Both pitchers are going on 3 days rest.
Game time at 1:05pm on ESPN.
Tanyon Sturtze, the most reliable Yankee middle reliever this season, was used as a spot starter today in place of injured Kevin Brown. He pitched effective until the 4th inning when he started missing his spots.
Surprisingly Bruce Chen of the Orioles lasted only 1 1/3 innings as the Yankees hammered him for 6 runs. Last May he had a complete game against the Yankees and was very commanding. Not this time. The Yankees seemed to put the ball anywhere they wanted, and he was quickly pulled.
But the Orioles clawed back into it to take the lead in 7th going up 8-6.
The Yanks started the 8th with Giambi hitting his 7th HR of the year. Ruben Sierra pinched hit for Tony Womack and blooped a single into right field. That was enough for the Orioles to excuse their current pitcher Steve Kline. B.J. Ryan entered the game and things didn't get much better from there. The Yanks then went on to score 7 runs and take a 13-8 lead. Mo came in and closed out the game.
There were four batters HBP today, with no warnings to the pitchers given. Sheffield took a nasty pop to his hand by Todd Williams, but it appears Sheff is ok. He continued and played the rest of the game.
This makes 3 straight wins for the Yankees. Look for them to come out strong tomorrow against the Orioles who used most of their bullpen today in relief of Chen. Tomorrow Randy Johnson (7-6) 4.24 ERA goes against Rodrigo Lopez (7-4) 4.43 ERA. Both pitchers are going on 3 days rest.
Game time at 1:05pm on ESPN.
