Posted by: Seamus
According to ESPN, an exam with Dr. James Andrews revealed that Posada's shoulder injury is likely not season-ending. It mentions (again) that if it is just a strained shoulder, he will not need surgery.
Either way, I'd be very cautious about this. This seems like the same thing that was being said a couple weeks ago when they started DH'ing him. There's obviously something wrong with his shoulder if it's been this much of a problem already. Better safe than sorry.
Either way, I'd be very cautious about this. This seems like the same thing that was being said a couple weeks ago when they started DH'ing him. There's obviously something wrong with his shoulder if it's been this much of a problem already. Better safe than sorry.
Posted by: Seamus
Fans saw some great pitching on Sunday when Chien-Ming Wang outdueled C.C. Sabathia in a 1-0 Yankee victory, but after four scoreless innings for both teams Monday night, it was starting to get downright boring. The Yankees did win though, by a score of 5-2, thanks mostly to a four-run 6th in which the Yankees caught a few breaks. With the win, the Yankees moved back above the .500 mark and finished their 10-game road trip with a record of 5-5.
Neither team could get anything going early, partly due to some good pitching by Mike Mussina and Aaron Laffey, and also partly because of a lack of timely hitting. The Yankees failed to score in the 1st after having runners on first and third with one out. The Indians couldn't get anything against Mike Mussina until the 5th, when he struggled a bit and allowed two runs. Overall, though, it was another decent start for Mussina, who allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings of work.
The Yankees didn't even record a hit until Melky Cabrera and Derek Jeter led off the 6th with back-to-back infield singles. Abreu singled to load the bases, and Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to walk in a run. Rodriguez promptly left the game after apparently reinjuring his quad. Jason Giambi then tied the game with an RBI groundout, Matsui put the Yanks ahead with an RBI groundout of his own, and an infield single by Morgan Ensberg gave the Yankees an insurance run. So, basically the Yankees scored four runs on a bunch of little dribblers that all could have easily been outs aside from the base hit by Abreu.
The Yankees bullpen was a rock in this one, as Albaladejo, Farnsworth, Joba Chamberlain, and Mariano Rivera threw a combined four scoreless innings. Rivera recorded his 8th save of the season and has still not allowed a run or a walk in 11 innings of work this season.
Well, when you look at the schedule this month and you see 9 home games played to this point as opposed to 18 road games, and 18 of the last 20 games away from Yankee Stadium, 14-13 really doesn't look all that bad, especially when that puts them only a game out of first place. If the Yankees string together a good homestand here, they could be really good shape.
That homestand starts tonight in the Bronx against the Tigers, who have played better baseball of late after a 2-9 start. Phil Hughes will be going up against 74-year old Kenny Rogers in the opener. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
Neither team could get anything going early, partly due to some good pitching by Mike Mussina and Aaron Laffey, and also partly because of a lack of timely hitting. The Yankees failed to score in the 1st after having runners on first and third with one out. The Indians couldn't get anything against Mike Mussina until the 5th, when he struggled a bit and allowed two runs. Overall, though, it was another decent start for Mussina, who allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings of work.
The Yankees didn't even record a hit until Melky Cabrera and Derek Jeter led off the 6th with back-to-back infield singles. Abreu singled to load the bases, and Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to walk in a run. Rodriguez promptly left the game after apparently reinjuring his quad. Jason Giambi then tied the game with an RBI groundout, Matsui put the Yanks ahead with an RBI groundout of his own, and an infield single by Morgan Ensberg gave the Yankees an insurance run. So, basically the Yankees scored four runs on a bunch of little dribblers that all could have easily been outs aside from the base hit by Abreu.
The Yankees bullpen was a rock in this one, as Albaladejo, Farnsworth, Joba Chamberlain, and Mariano Rivera threw a combined four scoreless innings. Rivera recorded his 8th save of the season and has still not allowed a run or a walk in 11 innings of work this season.
Well, when you look at the schedule this month and you see 9 home games played to this point as opposed to 18 road games, and 18 of the last 20 games away from Yankee Stadium, 14-13 really doesn't look all that bad, especially when that puts them only a game out of first place. If the Yankees string together a good homestand here, they could be really good shape.
That homestand starts tonight in the Bronx against the Tigers, who have played better baseball of late after a 2-9 start. Phil Hughes will be going up against 74-year old Kenny Rogers in the opener. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
Posted by: Patrick
A-Rod has reinjured his quad and will miss some time, according to Bryan Hoch. Kat O'Brien reports that he expects to miss a couple of games at the minimum.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that catcher Chris Stewart will be promoted to backup Jose Molina, in light of the injury to Jorge Posada.
04/27: Yankees @ Indians; 4/27/08
Posted by: James
This was an easy game to recap. All you gotta know was that Chien-Ming Wang had his good stuff going today. The Yankees stopper outpitched Indians ace C.C. Sabathia en route to his 5th win,, going 5-0 in April. Obi-Wang gave up four hits and walked two and struck out nine(!).
The Yankee offense couldn't muster much offense themselves but it was enough. Melky's solo HR in the 5th (his 5th - tied for the Yankee lead again - at this rate, he will have more HRs than last year by May) was all the Yanks would need. Wang went a strong 7 and Joba came in for the eighth and looked like he was doing just fine with two strikeouts. Mo closed the door in the ninth for the 450th save of his unbelievable career.
It was a great game for the Yankees...if not for the horrible news about Jorge.
The Yankee offense couldn't muster much offense themselves but it was enough. Melky's solo HR in the 5th (his 5th - tied for the Yankee lead again - at this rate, he will have more HRs than last year by May) was all the Yanks would need. Wang went a strong 7 and Joba came in for the eighth and looked like he was doing just fine with two strikeouts. Mo closed the door in the ninth for the 450th save of his unbelievable career.
It was a great game for the Yankees...if not for the horrible news about Jorge.
04/27: Posada Hits the DL
Posted by: Patrick
From Mike Bauman:
Doesn't sound good. Peter Abraham reports that, with Chad Moeller DFA'ed, Chris Stewart is likely to receive a promotion to back up Molina.
... [Posada] said that on Saturday, after throwing well during the course of the game, he felt some pain on a throw to third base after a strikeout. Arriving at Progressive Field on Sunday, Posada attempted to warm up, but he could not throw without considerable pain.
Earlier tests indicated that there was no structural damage to his right shoulder. But Sunday's experience made Posada wonder about that.
"The MRI showed a strained muscle," Posada said. "I think it's more than that."
Earlier tests indicated that there was no structural damage to his right shoulder. But Sunday's experience made Posada wonder about that.
"The MRI showed a strained muscle," Posada said. "I think it's more than that."
Doesn't sound good. Peter Abraham reports that, with Chad Moeller DFA'ed, Chris Stewart is likely to receive a promotion to back up Molina.
04/27: Tangled Webs
Posted by: Patrick
Here's the thing: I don't necessarily mind if the Yankees want to withhold some injury information or anything to do with strategy. There are good reasons for doing that, sometimes, I think. But, when you are creatively answering questions to keep information private, you have to ensure that people are on the same page. Because, when the manager says one thing, the player says another and reporters discover yet another thing, it's embarrassing.
Case in point. Joba Chamberlain did not pitch last night. According to Bryan Hoch, Joe Girardi said that the reason Joba sat out was because of a heavy workload - the Yankees wanted to give him a break. Hoch also says that, before the game, Joba said that he was available and that he had no injury. So far, we're OK. Great players often consider themselves "available", when the team wants to protect them.
But then, we have this: Johnny Damon told Hoch that he knew before the game that Joba was unavailable. And then, apparently, Damon discussed the injury problems that the Yankees have been having this season, not specifically discussing or suggesting Joba. So, how does Damon know Joba is unavailable, but Joba doesn't? I guess they could have been interviewed at different times? Yeah, let's go with that.
To add to the confusion, Peter Abraham reports that Joba has actually been receiving treatment for two days for a mild hamstring strain. Tyler Kepner has a similar report. Abraham says that both Joba and Girardi wouldn't give an answer when asked about it.
Kepner relays a recent story which had Joe Girardi denying that their was any "structural damage" to Brian Bruney's foot even though, Kepner alleges, it was already known that Bruney had torn ligaments in the foot.
When this sort of thing happens, it's a problem for everyone (the organization, manager, players, reporters and fans) and it's embarrassing. Strategically answering questions isn't always a bad thing, but you just can't have conflicting stories that lead to suspicion.
Case in point. Joba Chamberlain did not pitch last night. According to Bryan Hoch, Joe Girardi said that the reason Joba sat out was because of a heavy workload - the Yankees wanted to give him a break. Hoch also says that, before the game, Joba said that he was available and that he had no injury. So far, we're OK. Great players often consider themselves "available", when the team wants to protect them.
But then, we have this: Johnny Damon told Hoch that he knew before the game that Joba was unavailable. And then, apparently, Damon discussed the injury problems that the Yankees have been having this season, not specifically discussing or suggesting Joba. So, how does Damon know Joba is unavailable, but Joba doesn't? I guess they could have been interviewed at different times? Yeah, let's go with that.
To add to the confusion, Peter Abraham reports that Joba has actually been receiving treatment for two days for a mild hamstring strain. Tyler Kepner has a similar report. Abraham says that both Joba and Girardi wouldn't give an answer when asked about it.
Kepner relays a recent story which had Joe Girardi denying that their was any "structural damage" to Brian Bruney's foot even though, Kepner alleges, it was already known that Bruney had torn ligaments in the foot.
When this sort of thing happens, it's a problem for everyone (the organization, manager, players, reporters and fans) and it's embarrassing. Strategically answering questions isn't always a bad thing, but you just can't have conflicting stories that lead to suspicion.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees lost their third straight game and second straight in Cleveland as the Indians beat the Yankees 4-3 after a walkoff, bases loaded single by Victor Martinez. Both starting pitchers were okay for the most part, but the Yankees' linep struggled with Joe Girardi benching five of his starters.
Ian Kennedy really wasn't all that bad except for the third inning in which he allowed three runs, one coming via walk. He finished with a line of three runs on four hits in five innings, which in itself is not too terrible if you look at the four hits, but he also walked four.
The Yankees couldn't get any offense going until a bases loaded triple by Jorge Posada tied the game at 3 apiece in the 6th. Damon, Jeter and Rodriguez had nine hits between the three of them but couldn't get anything timely as the team went 2-13 with RISP (one of the hits was an infield single by Jeter).
The Yankees brought in Ross Ohlendorf in the 9th, with the game tied 3-3, in a move that Joe Girardi will get some questioning for, as Joba and Rivera both didn't pitch the night before. Ohlendorf allowed three singles in the inning, with the final blow being a bases loaded walkoff hit by Victor Martinez.
Uyy, win 3 in a row, lose 3 in a row, win 3 in a row, lose 3 in a row. Can this team just give us some consistency for once? The Yankees are now in danger of having their third sub-.500 April in four seasons. Time to get things rolling, although I do understand that the schedule this month has been brutally road-heavy.
The Yankees and Indians will resume this series at the newly named Progressive Field today at 1:05 E.T. in a battle of aces, as Chien-Ming Wang will take his 4-0 record to the mound to face reigning Cy Young Award winner, C.C. Sabathia.
Ian Kennedy really wasn't all that bad except for the third inning in which he allowed three runs, one coming via walk. He finished with a line of three runs on four hits in five innings, which in itself is not too terrible if you look at the four hits, but he also walked four.
The Yankees couldn't get any offense going until a bases loaded triple by Jorge Posada tied the game at 3 apiece in the 6th. Damon, Jeter and Rodriguez had nine hits between the three of them but couldn't get anything timely as the team went 2-13 with RISP (one of the hits was an infield single by Jeter).
The Yankees brought in Ross Ohlendorf in the 9th, with the game tied 3-3, in a move that Joe Girardi will get some questioning for, as Joba and Rivera both didn't pitch the night before. Ohlendorf allowed three singles in the inning, with the final blow being a bases loaded walkoff hit by Victor Martinez.
Uyy, win 3 in a row, lose 3 in a row, win 3 in a row, lose 3 in a row. Can this team just give us some consistency for once? The Yankees are now in danger of having their third sub-.500 April in four seasons. Time to get things rolling, although I do understand that the schedule this month has been brutally road-heavy.
The Yankees and Indians will resume this series at the newly named Progressive Field today at 1:05 E.T. in a battle of aces, as Chien-Ming Wang will take his 4-0 record to the mound to face reigning Cy Young Award winner, C.C. Sabathia.
04/26: Duncan Back; Traber Demoted
Posted by: Patrick
Shelley Duncan is back with the MLB Yankees. To make room, lefty Billy Traber was demoted. Traber had pitched 8 innings in 11 games, going 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA.
Posted by: Patrick
Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup and Andy Pettitte turned in his worst start in this young season, as the Yankees fell to the Indians, 6-4.
Pettitte allowed 5 runs, 4 earned, on 8 hits in 5 innings pitched, while striking out 3 and walking 3. Going into the fifth, he had held the Indians to 1 unearned run, but after retiring the first 2 hitters, it unraveled. This was thanks to back to back singles, followed by back to back homers. After the dust settled, the Indians held a 5-4 lead. Pettitte got the final out, but that would be all, as he was relieved at 99 pitches.
Paul Byrd was the Indians starter and he lasted 5 and 2/3 innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits with 0 strikeouts, no walks and 3 homers allowed. All of the Yankees runs in this one came on those 3 home runs, 2 off the bat of Giambi and 1 from Matsui. The Yankees walked just once (Robinson Cano, of all batters) in this entire game, while the Indians walked 6 times.
Byrd was yanked after the Matsui homer with 2 outs in the sixth and relieved by Rafael Perez. The final 3 and 1/3 innings were ugly for Yankees fans. 0 hits and 1 walk was all that the offense could muster against the combo of Perez and Rafael Betancourt.
Meanwhile, Billy Traber allowed a run in a long sixth that featured two stolen bases and two walks. Jonathan Albaladejo looked good in the seventh and eighth innings, walking just one batter and failing to allow a hit. In 3 games and 7.2 innings so far this season, Albaladejo is sporting a 2.35 ERA.
Jason Giambi was the other big bright spot in this one. With the two homers, he was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Of course, he also made an error. But, he was hitting .161 coming into this game. Last night, he went 2 for 4 with 2 runs and a double. So, in the last 2 games, he is 4 for 7 with a double, 4 runs and 3 RBIs. Could he be heating up? We can only hope.
A-Rod struggled in his return, going 0 for 4. Jeter was 0 for 4, as well. Damon, Abreu, Matsui and Posada each collected a hit. Cano continues his slump, now at .156 after an 0 for 2 day.
Tomorrow, Ian Kennedy (err... do I have to say this? Ok... 0-2, 9.64 ERA) will face Jeremy (I almost said Josh) Sowers, who will be making his 2008 debut.
Pettitte allowed 5 runs, 4 earned, on 8 hits in 5 innings pitched, while striking out 3 and walking 3. Going into the fifth, he had held the Indians to 1 unearned run, but after retiring the first 2 hitters, it unraveled. This was thanks to back to back singles, followed by back to back homers. After the dust settled, the Indians held a 5-4 lead. Pettitte got the final out, but that would be all, as he was relieved at 99 pitches.
Paul Byrd was the Indians starter and he lasted 5 and 2/3 innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits with 0 strikeouts, no walks and 3 homers allowed. All of the Yankees runs in this one came on those 3 home runs, 2 off the bat of Giambi and 1 from Matsui. The Yankees walked just once (Robinson Cano, of all batters) in this entire game, while the Indians walked 6 times.
Byrd was yanked after the Matsui homer with 2 outs in the sixth and relieved by Rafael Perez. The final 3 and 1/3 innings were ugly for Yankees fans. 0 hits and 1 walk was all that the offense could muster against the combo of Perez and Rafael Betancourt.
Meanwhile, Billy Traber allowed a run in a long sixth that featured two stolen bases and two walks. Jonathan Albaladejo looked good in the seventh and eighth innings, walking just one batter and failing to allow a hit. In 3 games and 7.2 innings so far this season, Albaladejo is sporting a 2.35 ERA.
Jason Giambi was the other big bright spot in this one. With the two homers, he was 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Of course, he also made an error. But, he was hitting .161 coming into this game. Last night, he went 2 for 4 with 2 runs and a double. So, in the last 2 games, he is 4 for 7 with a double, 4 runs and 3 RBIs. Could he be heating up? We can only hope.
A-Rod struggled in his return, going 0 for 4. Jeter was 0 for 4, as well. Damon, Abreu, Matsui and Posada each collected a hit. Cano continues his slump, now at .156 after an 0 for 2 day.
Tomorrow, Ian Kennedy (err... do I have to say this? Ok... 0-2, 9.64 ERA) will face Jeremy (I almost said Josh) Sowers, who will be making his 2008 debut.
