Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees' pitching staff got knocked around last night as the Red Sox teed off on Randy Johnson, Aaron Small and Tanyon Sturtze en route to a 14-3 victory over the Yankees. The Big Unit was pretty ineffective, giving up 7 runs (only 2 earned, however) and walking five batters in only 3 and 2/3. Aaron Small accounted for 4 runs allowed and Sturtze for the other 3 in the 9th inning. The loss puts the Yankees a game back of the Red Sox for first in the A.L. East.
The only positives for the Yanks last night were Giambi launching his 11th home run of the season and Melky Cabrera going 2-3 with an RBI single in his 2006 Yankees debut. I've got nothing but love for Tanyon Sturtze and Aaron Small, and I've wanted to defend them from the people who say that Torre plays the loyalty cards too much or just uses them too much, but they certainly didn't make it easy for me last night. I guess my best argument for now would be something like "Hey, well wouldn't it be nice to have guys like this around who can eat up meaningless innings?" Still though, I'd give Small a chance as he's just come back from injury and he hasn't gotten enough reps in yet to make that judgement about him (extended spring training doesn't cut it).
Tonight's matchup should hopefully feature better pitching (at least on our side) as Mike Mussina will take the mound against Curt Schilling in a battle of 5-1 pitchers.
The only positives for the Yanks last night were Giambi launching his 11th home run of the season and Melky Cabrera going 2-3 with an RBI single in his 2006 Yankees debut. I've got nothing but love for Tanyon Sturtze and Aaron Small, and I've wanted to defend them from the people who say that Torre plays the loyalty cards too much or just uses them too much, but they certainly didn't make it easy for me last night. I guess my best argument for now would be something like "Hey, well wouldn't it be nice to have guys like this around who can eat up meaningless innings?" Still though, I'd give Small a chance as he's just come back from injury and he hasn't gotten enough reps in yet to make that judgement about him (extended spring training doesn't cut it).
Tonight's matchup should hopefully feature better pitching (at least on our side) as Mike Mussina will take the mound against Curt Schilling in a battle of 5-1 pitchers.
05/09: Melky's Back Up
Posted by: James
Update: It looks like he'll be starting in RF tonight. Not that it's news to anyone at this point but the Yankees have placed Gary Sheffield on the DL and called up Melky Cabrera. Sheffield's transaction was retroactive to May 6.
Part of me was hoping that the club would call up Kevin Thompson instead. (Actually, I wouldn't have minded Kevin & Melky while sending down Bubba as I doubt there are any teams that would claim Crosby). I would rather have had Melky continue to work on his game at AAA without having to deal with the NY & Colombus transition. Also, not knowing how Torre will use the new guy, I just want to see Melky get solid playing time until a later call up. Yes, I'm aware of how Torre said he would use the call-up but what is said and what will happen might not be the same thing. I still think there might be a chance that Torre will just end up trotting Bubba or Bernie out there. Also, I'm a little worried about the expectations that the general Yankee fan might be placing on Melky due to both his blistering start at AAA. Still, suffice it to say that I wish Cabrera nothing but the best in his latest stint with the big club. Hopefully he sticks this time and the graduation of the younger players from the system becomes a consistent theme for the Yankees.
(Speaking of prospects, Phil Hughes starts tonight for Trenton followed tomorrow by another one of my favorite prospects, Tyler Clippard.)
Part of me was hoping that the club would call up Kevin Thompson instead. (Actually, I wouldn't have minded Kevin & Melky while sending down Bubba as I doubt there are any teams that would claim Crosby). I would rather have had Melky continue to work on his game at AAA without having to deal with the NY & Colombus transition. Also, not knowing how Torre will use the new guy, I just want to see Melky get solid playing time until a later call up. Yes, I'm aware of how Torre said he would use the call-up but what is said and what will happen might not be the same thing. I still think there might be a chance that Torre will just end up trotting Bubba or Bernie out there. Also, I'm a little worried about the expectations that the general Yankee fan might be placing on Melky due to both his blistering start at AAA. Still, suffice it to say that I wish Cabrera nothing but the best in his latest stint with the big club. Hopefully he sticks this time and the graduation of the younger players from the system becomes a consistent theme for the Yankees.
(Speaking of prospects, Phil Hughes starts tonight for Trenton followed tomorrow by another one of my favorite prospects, Tyler Clippard.)
05/09: Randy Johnson's status
Posted by: Jason
Most of you heard Al Leiter's bottom line comments on YES during RJ's last start, (I'm paraphrasing) that he can be an effective, but not dominating, pitcher until he wins 300 and hangs up the cleats.
When RJ has been on this year (i.e., last start v. Baltimore) he reminds me of Andy Pettite circa 2000: Murderous on LHB and effective vs. RHB. Ca$hmoney would no doubt gladly accept RJ to settle down and pitch like this from now through October.
And yet: We all recall that start in Fenway late last season, when he did dominate. Remember that he threw a perfect game less than 2 years ago. Did he lose the ability to dominate that quickly, or has time forced him to pick his spots?
I can't escape the feeling that tonight's game will tell us if Clemens is a "nice to have and let's prevent BOS from getting him," or an "absolute must-have."
When RJ has been on this year (i.e., last start v. Baltimore) he reminds me of Andy Pettite circa 2000: Murderous on LHB and effective vs. RHB. Ca$hmoney would no doubt gladly accept RJ to settle down and pitch like this from now through October.
And yet: We all recall that start in Fenway late last season, when he did dominate. Remember that he threw a perfect game less than 2 years ago. Did he lose the ability to dominate that quickly, or has time forced him to pick his spots?
I can't escape the feeling that tonight's game will tell us if Clemens is a "nice to have and let's prevent BOS from getting him," or an "absolute must-have."
05/09: 714 or 715?
Posted by: Patrick
Not of any real importance, but interesting anyway:
On July 8, 1918, while playing left field for the Red Sox, Ruth hit a ball into the Fenway stands with Amos (Lightning) Strunk on first in the bottom of the 10th inning against Cleveland. Under baseball's rules at the time, once Strunk scored from first the game was over, the Red Sox won 1-0, and Ruth was credited with a triple. The rule was changed in 1920 so that a home run is a home run no matter when you hit it (unless Todd Pratt tackles you and prevents you from rounding the bases, a la Robin Ventura's "grand single" in 1999).
05/08: Quick Hits in the Minors
Posted by: James
Melky Cabrera continues to open eyes in AAA where he was awarded International League Batter-of-the-Week for May 1-7.
C.J. Henry has been placed back on the RiverDogs active roster. He had been on the DL since April 17 for precautionary reasons, due to leg tightness.
The outfield trio of Brett Gardner (22 years old, A) Austin Jackson (19, Low A) and Jose Tabata (17, Low A) continue to rake.
Marcos Vechionacci's (19, A) struggles at bat this year have apparently been due to the coaches working to fix some issues with his stance & swing. He's hit a little better recently so this bears watching as the season progresses.
Finally, T.J. Beam (25, AA) & J.B. Cox (21, AA) have been lights out in Trenton so far this season. Beam looks to be experiencing a little bit of good luck as his hits allowed are way down even while his K rate has dropped off quite a bit. Cox's stat line looks just about right based on the numbers he put up in college. The manager also looks to be stretching their arms out a little bit as both have averaged a a little over 2 innings per appearance.
Columbus outfielder Melky Cabrera entered this past week hitting .355, and actually managed to raise his average by over 20 points thanks to a stellar six-game stretch. For the week of May 1-7, Cabrera led the International League in hits (11), home runs (3), RBI (8), and slugging percentage (.833), and finished second in batting average (.458). His best effort came Sunday afternoon at Cooper Stadium, going 2-3 with a home run and 3 RBI in a 4-1 Columbus victory. It marked the 14th time this season Cabrera has collected multiple hits in the same game, a major reason why he is second in the IL with a .376 batting average. Melky finds himself at or near the top of the IL in several other offensive categories, including hits (1st, 44), RBI (T-1st, 24), slugging percentage (4th, .564), and on-base percentage (5th, .423).
C.J. Henry has been placed back on the RiverDogs active roster. He had been on the DL since April 17 for precautionary reasons, due to leg tightness.
The outfield trio of Brett Gardner (22 years old, A) Austin Jackson (19, Low A) and Jose Tabata (17, Low A) continue to rake.
Marcos Vechionacci's (19, A) struggles at bat this year have apparently been due to the coaches working to fix some issues with his stance & swing. He's hit a little better recently so this bears watching as the season progresses.
Finally, T.J. Beam (25, AA) & J.B. Cox (21, AA) have been lights out in Trenton so far this season. Beam looks to be experiencing a little bit of good luck as his hits allowed are way down even while his K rate has dropped off quite a bit. Cox's stat line looks just about right based on the numbers he put up in college. The manager also looks to be stretching their arms out a little bit as both have averaged a a little over 2 innings per appearance.
Posted by: Patrick
With Sunday's win, Joe Torre has reached 1,000 wins as manager of the Yankees. He sits fourth on the all time list, behind Miller Huggins (1,067), Casey Stengel (1,149) and Joe McCarthy (1,460).
I met Mr. Torre before the 1996 season (along with Derek Jeter, Jim Leyritz and either Jim "Catfish" Hunter or Ron Guidry, I forget which one) at Yankee Day at the Florida State Fair. He signed a ball for me. I was just 11 at the time and I don't really remember what, if anything, I said. Other than, perhaps "thank you." The only thing I really knew about him was that he had managed the Cardinals and that his career record wasn't that great. I didn't know what to expect. Would he be any good?
Manager's a tough spot. All managers are criticized heavily, even the best of them, even the ones that win the most. That's what being a decision maker buys you and Torre is no exception. But, as I think back through the last 11 years or so, I really would not have wanted any other person. I'm glad we had him and I'll take 4 in the hand over 10 in the bush. Congrats Mr. Torre! And thank you.
Benjamin Kabak, Mark Feinsand and Pride of the Yankees weigh in.
I met Mr. Torre before the 1996 season (along with Derek Jeter, Jim Leyritz and either Jim "Catfish" Hunter or Ron Guidry, I forget which one) at Yankee Day at the Florida State Fair. He signed a ball for me. I was just 11 at the time and I don't really remember what, if anything, I said. Other than, perhaps "thank you." The only thing I really knew about him was that he had managed the Cardinals and that his career record wasn't that great. I didn't know what to expect. Would he be any good?
Manager's a tough spot. All managers are criticized heavily, even the best of them, even the ones that win the most. That's what being a decision maker buys you and Torre is no exception. But, as I think back through the last 11 years or so, I really would not have wanted any other person. I'm glad we had him and I'll take 4 in the hand over 10 in the bush. Congrats Mr. Torre! And thank you.
Benjamin Kabak, Mark Feinsand and Pride of the Yankees weigh in.
05/08: Free The Bean
Posted by: James
I know that it won't happen...but in light of the ongoing (and amazingly frustrating) Torre-Sturtze lovefest/man-crush/whatever it is, I find myself drawn again to Colter Bean and those tantalizing numbers that he keeps putting up at AAA. I'm certainly not alone on the Bean bandwagon and it turns out there is actually a FreeColterBean.com! Props to Mike Plugh from Canyon of Heroes for finding that one. (apparently, Tanyon Sturtze has a fan site as well!) Oh, and if you look at the latest post at the site, it looks like Mr. Bean is grateful for the support.
Way to go, Colter. Keep the great work (0.46 ERA, 19.2 Innings, 12 H, 9 BB & 24 Ks so far this year) and hopefully, you'll get your shot here with the Yankees. However, I think that unless Cashman actually takes away Torre's toy, we won't even see this being considered. Despite several rough (and I'm being kind) outings dating all the way back to last year, Joe simply can't quit Sturtze. Tanyon will probably stay on the roster until Dotel is ready and by then, the Bean window will have closed.
Looking back, if there was ever a year to have given Bean a legit shot to see if he could handle the bigs, last year was the year. With the Yankees pitching situation being what it is this year, it really doesn't look like he'll have an opportunity this year - there's just too much depth. In fact, Scott Erickson or Ramiro Mendoza will probably get a shot before Bean gets another sniff of the major leagues.
Canyon of Heroes summarizes the point nicely.
I refuse to believe that in a league where there are a number of teams in need of bullpen pitching, you can't get something for this guy, if only to reward him for his service to the Clippers and to give him a shot at the show. Free Colter Bean.
Well The Big Righty from 'Bama had some really nice words for yours truly and of course all of the Beaners out there:
"I can now walk away from the game a happy man knowing there are people out there that care. I appreciate everyone who writes in and is supportive. Maybe one of these days I will get a chance (emphasis mine) but if not this website has made all worthwhile."
He added:
"Just tell them I appreciate everything and keep writing and posting stuff."
"I can now walk away from the game a happy man knowing there are people out there that care. I appreciate everyone who writes in and is supportive. Maybe one of these days I will get a chance (emphasis mine) but if not this website has made all worthwhile."
He added:
"Just tell them I appreciate everything and keep writing and posting stuff."
Way to go, Colter. Keep the great work (0.46 ERA, 19.2 Innings, 12 H, 9 BB & 24 Ks so far this year) and hopefully, you'll get your shot here with the Yankees. However, I think that unless Cashman actually takes away Torre's toy, we won't even see this being considered. Despite several rough (and I'm being kind) outings dating all the way back to last year, Joe simply can't quit Sturtze. Tanyon will probably stay on the roster until Dotel is ready and by then, the Bean window will have closed.
Looking back, if there was ever a year to have given Bean a legit shot to see if he could handle the bigs, last year was the year. With the Yankees pitching situation being what it is this year, it really doesn't look like he'll have an opportunity this year - there's just too much depth. In fact, Scott Erickson or Ramiro Mendoza will probably get a shot before Bean gets another sniff of the major leagues.
Canyon of Heroes summarizes the point nicely.
This is Colter's 4th year in Columbus. He's appeared in a whopping 243 innings in 180 games for the Clippers in 3+ seasons...Bean is 19 and 12 with a 2.53 ERA, and 284 K's. His WHIP is 1.174 during that run of minor league service and, at 29, NEEDS to be in the Majors, either with the Yankees or in some kind of trade for a veteran Major League player.
I refuse to believe that in a league where there are a number of teams in need of bullpen pitching, you can't get something for this guy, if only to reward him for his service to the Clippers and to give him a shot at the show. Free Colter Bean.
05/08: To: All 5/9 Ticketholders
Posted by: Jason
Bottom 1st: Give John an ovation that he deserves. Make him step out of the box and acknowledge you. Salute the grand slam. Salute that he is on this team.
Posted by: David
The Yankees made a sweep of it in Arlington on Sunday afternoon by registering an 8-5 victory over the Texas Rangers. The win for Joe Torre is the 1,000th of his Yankee managerial career and now he is only behind Miller Huggins, Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy for number of career wins as a Yankee manager.
Bernie Williams started off the scoring by hitting an RBI groundout to score the first run. The Yankees added five in the 4th inning highlighted by a three run homer from Hideki Matsui. Kelly Stinnett added a two run single. Bernie Williams also chipped in with two RBI on the day for the Yankees.
Chien Ming-Wang pitched in and out of trouble but left after six innings. Tanyon Sturtze continued to have trouble coming in for the seventh but not being able to retire a single batter. He gave way to Scott Proctor who got the Yankees out of the jam. Texas was able to add another run to make it 8-4 entering the ninth inning.
Even though it was not a save situation Torre didn't want to take any chances and called on Rivera to close the door. He surrendered a leadoff single to Mark DeRosa but he was eliminated on the bases when the next batter, Gerald Laird hit into a double play. Adrian Brown should have been the last out, but Andy Phillips booted his bouncer and he reached first and then eventually second. Michael Young bounced a single up he middle to score an unearned run. Mo got Teixeira to bounce to second to end the game.
With the Red Sox winning the Yankees stay in first place just percentages points ahead of the Red Sox who come to the Bronx starting on Tuesday night for a three game series. Randy Johnson will take the mound for the Yankees against Josh Beckett for Boston.
Bernie Williams started off the scoring by hitting an RBI groundout to score the first run. The Yankees added five in the 4th inning highlighted by a three run homer from Hideki Matsui. Kelly Stinnett added a two run single. Bernie Williams also chipped in with two RBI on the day for the Yankees.
Chien Ming-Wang pitched in and out of trouble but left after six innings. Tanyon Sturtze continued to have trouble coming in for the seventh but not being able to retire a single batter. He gave way to Scott Proctor who got the Yankees out of the jam. Texas was able to add another run to make it 8-4 entering the ninth inning.
Even though it was not a save situation Torre didn't want to take any chances and called on Rivera to close the door. He surrendered a leadoff single to Mark DeRosa but he was eliminated on the bases when the next batter, Gerald Laird hit into a double play. Adrian Brown should have been the last out, but Andy Phillips booted his bouncer and he reached first and then eventually second. Michael Young bounced a single up he middle to score an unearned run. Mo got Teixeira to bounce to second to end the game.
With the Red Sox winning the Yankees stay in first place just percentages points ahead of the Red Sox who come to the Bronx starting on Tuesday night for a three game series. Randy Johnson will take the mound for the Yankees against Josh Beckett for Boston.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees extended their winning streak to four games last night as Shawn Chacon, with some pretty defense from Johnny Damon behind him, pitched a solid 6 and 1/3 as the Yankees defeated the Rangers by a score of 6-1. Jason Giambi hit his 10th homer of the season in the first inning, and Alex Rodriguez blew the door open with a 3-run shot to center in the 6th inning for his 6th homer of the season. Robinson Cano also had two hits as the Yankees kept pace with Boston. The Yankees are currently percentage points ahead in the A.L. East.
Chacon, who is now 4-1, finally got his E.R.A. below 4 but only with some help from Damon, who made a great catch in the 1st inning after losing sight of the ball, which left Phil Nevin and Michael Young stranded to end the inning. Damon made another good catch in the 5th to keep the score tied at 1 before the Yankees lit up the scoreboard for 5 in the 6th. Derek Jeter knocked in Damon with a single and A-Rod went deep after a walk by Giambi to make it 5-1. Bubby Crosby singled in Jorge Posada to cap off a 5-run 6th. The bullpen got the job done last night after a debacle the previous night as Tanyon Sturtze and Scott Proctor combined for 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings. Proctor has allowed only 3 runs so far in 19 and 1/3 innings pitched this season.
The Yankees and Rangers will finish this three game set today at 2 p.m. ET before coming home for a three game series with Boston starting on Tuesday. Chien-Ming Wang will take the mound later today against the Rangers' Robinson Tejeda.
Chacon, who is now 4-1, finally got his E.R.A. below 4 but only with some help from Damon, who made a great catch in the 1st inning after losing sight of the ball, which left Phil Nevin and Michael Young stranded to end the inning. Damon made another good catch in the 5th to keep the score tied at 1 before the Yankees lit up the scoreboard for 5 in the 6th. Derek Jeter knocked in Damon with a single and A-Rod went deep after a walk by Giambi to make it 5-1. Bubby Crosby singled in Jorge Posada to cap off a 5-run 6th. The bullpen got the job done last night after a debacle the previous night as Tanyon Sturtze and Scott Proctor combined for 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings. Proctor has allowed only 3 runs so far in 19 and 1/3 innings pitched this season.
The Yankees and Rangers will finish this three game set today at 2 p.m. ET before coming home for a three game series with Boston starting on Tuesday. Chien-Ming Wang will take the mound later today against the Rangers' Robinson Tejeda.
