08/11: The Yankee First Basemen
Posted by: James
Well, since the Yankees now have 3 first basemen on the team, I thought it would be interesting to see how each of them have been doing lately, starting with the newest Yankee, Craig Wilson.
Well, suffice it to say that Wilson is something of a streaky hitter and right now, he's in a funk (and what a funk it is). Since the beginning of July, Wilson hasn't hit a lick. In that time, his line so far is .239/.250/.388/.638 in 67 ABs with 4 2Bs, 2 HRs and 9 RBI. He's only walked once while striking out 25 times. 25 Ks in 67 ABs is a 37.3% K ratio, just in case you were wondering. However, keep in mind that this includes his time with the Pirates and while I'm no psychologist, constant trade rumors and inconsistent playing time could certainly be a partial cause of this. He has started to turn it around of late and since the beginning of his tenure with the Yankees, he has hit .276/.276/.483/.759 in 29 ABs with 3 2Bs and 1 HR (interesting that 4 of the 6 XBHs he's had in the last month and a half have come as a Yankee). He still hasn't drawn his first walk as a Yank but he has struck out 10 times (34.5% K ratio) and at least once in each of the 7 games he's played in. As I said before, Wilson has a bit of a reputation as a streaky hitter so hopefully last night's 2-for-4 performance was the start of a hot streak.
For you Andy Phillips supporters out there (I like the guy myself but not over Wilson), he hasn't played well either. Over the same course of time (beg. of July until now), he's actually had quite a few more at-bats than Wilson and has performed even worse with a total line of .177/.218/.292/.509 in 96 ABs with 5 2Bs, 2 HRs and 10 RBI. He's walked 5 times and K'd 17 times. Eeep. Were it not for the Cairo injury and the Yankees need for an infielder to replace him, Phillips might have been on the DFA train back to Columbus or parts unknown.
Our last first-baseman (and I use the term loosely) is Jason Giambi, who is starting to heat up again. So far this year, he's been on a pretty regular monthly cycle in terms of power and production. Don't take that as any sort of insinuation - it is simply a statement of the facts. He had been sporting a decidedly weak(-er) bat during the whole month of July but that seems to have changed as the calendar shifted into August. Including last night, his numbers for the month are pretty impressive. In only 20 ABs, he's hitting .350/.536/.900/1.436 with 2 2Bs and 3 HRs (8 BBs and 3 Ks). Honestly, I have no idea why his numbers have been on a roller-coaster ride for the whole season but if it works out according to plan, the Giambino should have a killer August and hopefully carry the Yankees through the rest of this gauntlet. (Oh, and the cycle puts him on pace to have a good October...knock on wood.)
Finally, and this is something that I had meant to do a little earlier in the year, but it's better late than never. I've maintained that Giambi began his turnaround on 6/14/2005 vs. the Pirates. from that point, Giambi reached the 162 game mark on July 1, 2006. I just wanted to showcase the numbers that he was able to put up in that time. The final tally is: .280/.450/.630/1.081 with 23 2Bs, 52 HRs, 135 RBI and one SB just for good measure. That works out to be a HR every 9.83 ABs. Throw in these other stats, 139 BB, 5 IBB and 22 HBP! (against 127 Ks), and that's one heck of a way to come back from injury (physical and psychological)/disease/PEDs/etc. etc.
As an aside, the first-baseman of the future should be returning to action soon as Eric Duncan will return to the AA Trenton line-up in an upcoming road trip to New Hampshire.
Well, suffice it to say that Wilson is something of a streaky hitter and right now, he's in a funk (and what a funk it is). Since the beginning of July, Wilson hasn't hit a lick. In that time, his line so far is .239/.250/.388/.638 in 67 ABs with 4 2Bs, 2 HRs and 9 RBI. He's only walked once while striking out 25 times. 25 Ks in 67 ABs is a 37.3% K ratio, just in case you were wondering. However, keep in mind that this includes his time with the Pirates and while I'm no psychologist, constant trade rumors and inconsistent playing time could certainly be a partial cause of this. He has started to turn it around of late and since the beginning of his tenure with the Yankees, he has hit .276/.276/.483/.759 in 29 ABs with 3 2Bs and 1 HR (interesting that 4 of the 6 XBHs he's had in the last month and a half have come as a Yankee). He still hasn't drawn his first walk as a Yank but he has struck out 10 times (34.5% K ratio) and at least once in each of the 7 games he's played in. As I said before, Wilson has a bit of a reputation as a streaky hitter so hopefully last night's 2-for-4 performance was the start of a hot streak.
For you Andy Phillips supporters out there (I like the guy myself but not over Wilson), he hasn't played well either. Over the same course of time (beg. of July until now), he's actually had quite a few more at-bats than Wilson and has performed even worse with a total line of .177/.218/.292/.509 in 96 ABs with 5 2Bs, 2 HRs and 10 RBI. He's walked 5 times and K'd 17 times. Eeep. Were it not for the Cairo injury and the Yankees need for an infielder to replace him, Phillips might have been on the DFA train back to Columbus or parts unknown.
Our last first-baseman (and I use the term loosely) is Jason Giambi, who is starting to heat up again. So far this year, he's been on a pretty regular monthly cycle in terms of power and production. Don't take that as any sort of insinuation - it is simply a statement of the facts. He had been sporting a decidedly weak(-er) bat during the whole month of July but that seems to have changed as the calendar shifted into August. Including last night, his numbers for the month are pretty impressive. In only 20 ABs, he's hitting .350/.536/.900/1.436 with 2 2Bs and 3 HRs (8 BBs and 3 Ks). Honestly, I have no idea why his numbers have been on a roller-coaster ride for the whole season but if it works out according to plan, the Giambino should have a killer August and hopefully carry the Yankees through the rest of this gauntlet. (Oh, and the cycle puts him on pace to have a good October...knock on wood.)
Finally, and this is something that I had meant to do a little earlier in the year, but it's better late than never. I've maintained that Giambi began his turnaround on 6/14/2005 vs. the Pirates. from that point, Giambi reached the 162 game mark on July 1, 2006. I just wanted to showcase the numbers that he was able to put up in that time. The final tally is: .280/.450/.630/1.081 with 23 2Bs, 52 HRs, 135 RBI and one SB just for good measure. That works out to be a HR every 9.83 ABs. Throw in these other stats, 139 BB, 5 IBB and 22 HBP! (against 127 Ks), and that's one heck of a way to come back from injury (physical and psychological)/disease/PEDs/etc. etc.
As an aside, the first-baseman of the future should be returning to action soon as Eric Duncan will return to the AA Trenton line-up in an upcoming road trip to New Hampshire.
08/10: Paging Carl Pavano
Posted by: James
Carl Pavano to the mound, please. Carl Pavano, please report to the mound.
In his first rehab start in a while, Carl Pavano didn't fare too well pitching for the Hi-A Tampa Yankees tonight as he went 2.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 ER (1 BB (intentional), 1K).
Hey, at this point and the way his Yankee career has progressed, I'm just amazed he didn't somehow hurt himself by tripping on his way up the steps or on the way out of the dugout. Hopefully, he can put something (anything!) together to finish out the year on a positive note and possibly help the Yanks recoup their investment next year.
On a more positive note, Octavio Dotel also pitched tonight in his rehab stint and fared quite a bit better. Dotel pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Jason Jones and gave up no hits or walks and struck out one. Hopefully, he feels no pain or soreness tomorrow and he can keep working his way back to the big leagues. There probably aren't that many people left who expect him to help the big club any time but I'm still holding out hope that he can make some sort of impact (preferabbly positive) on the bullpen this year. If nothing else, even a couple of weeks of Dotel could reduce some of the wear on Scott Proctor's arm.
In his first rehab start in a while, Carl Pavano didn't fare too well pitching for the Hi-A Tampa Yankees tonight as he went 2.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 ER (1 BB (intentional), 1K).
Hey, at this point and the way his Yankee career has progressed, I'm just amazed he didn't somehow hurt himself by tripping on his way up the steps or on the way out of the dugout. Hopefully, he can put something (anything!) together to finish out the year on a positive note and possibly help the Yanks recoup their investment next year.
On a more positive note, Octavio Dotel also pitched tonight in his rehab stint and fared quite a bit better. Dotel pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Jason Jones and gave up no hits or walks and struck out one. Hopefully, he feels no pain or soreness tomorrow and he can keep working his way back to the big leagues. There probably aren't that many people left who expect him to help the big club any time but I'm still holding out hope that he can make some sort of impact (preferabbly positive) on the bullpen this year. If nothing else, even a couple of weeks of Dotel could reduce some of the wear on Scott Proctor's arm.
08/10: Breaking Down A-Rod's Swing
Posted by: James
There's an interesting piece over at The Baseball Analysts today by guest blogger Jeff Albert that breaks down the mechanics of A-Rod's swing and how it has changed in the last couple of years. It's a very interesting analysis and is accompanied by swing captures, graphs and video - head on over and check it out.
Jeff Albert is owner and operator of swingtraining.net, which is a site dedicated to baseball training and analysis.
Hat Tip to Mike A. over at Baby Bombers for the link. Also, if you haven't already and want to wish him well, head on over and congratulate Mike on his engagement (and no, he didn't propose to Phil Hughes).
Since I had not heard much detail about any kind of physical changes relating to A-Rod's swing, I put together an initial analysis where I was able to measure and actually quantify some changes from just a year ago. What I intend to do here is provide an excerpt from that video analysis in order to simply and narrow in on what appears to be the culprit to A-Rod's "off" season.
Jeff Albert is owner and operator of swingtraining.net, which is a site dedicated to baseball training and analysis.
Hat Tip to Mike A. over at Baby Bombers for the link. Also, if you haven't already and want to wish him well, head on over and congratulate Mike on his engagement (and no, he didn't propose to Phil Hughes).
08/10: Yankees 7, White Sox 6
Posted by: Jason
Tonight's game was the equivalent of a doubleheader:
Game 1 (The first 6.5 innings) featured Randy Johnson in his best form of the season, except perhaps his start in Detroit. A 93-95mph fastball, slider and great command held the daunting Chicago lineup hitless through 6.
The Unit's first 6 innings were embodied by Thome's K in the 4th. He went down looking on a 95mph fastball that was perfectly placed on the outer part of the plate. I don't think that Thome's subsequent growl at the umpire was a gripe about the 3rd strike call. It seemed to be an expression of frustration that he, such an excellent hitter, was so confused by the towering lefty.
Offensively, the Yankees depleted John Garland with their familiar approach of going into deep counts, getting on base, and hitting for power.
Top 1: Damon's triple was converted into a run by Abreu's single, Yankees 1-0.
Top 5: Melky guessed right on a low change-up and crushed it, 2-0. Then after a Jeter walk, Abreu mashed a change-up over the CF wall, 4-0.
That Abreu trade was a pretty good deal. In the same way that the Louisiana Purchase was a pretty good deal.
Top 6: Welcome back, Robinson. He hit a ball into center that would have cleared the fence of any park in the major leagues. No doubt when it left his bat, 5-0 Yankees.
Top 7: Alex's 1B scored Andy Phillips from 3rd, 6-0. Jorge's ground ball scored Jeter on a FC, 7-0. Shockingly, this turned out to be the winning run.
In Game 2 (the last 2.5 innings) the White Sox came almost all the way back. Randy's no hitter was broken up by Iguchi in the 7th and he was quickly touched for 2 runs. Torre called on Villone, who walked the bases loaded and then got 3 straight outs to keep the score 7-2.
In the bottom 8th, Farnsworth took a step backward after his strong recent performances. Iguchi and Crede combined for 2 home runs and 4 RBIs, Yankees 7-6.
Bottom 9: Mariano issued a walk and a single, but in the end a harmless ground ball insured that the Chicago comeback was "a tale full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
The Red Sox lost their second in a row to the Royals, giving the bombers a 3 game lead in the AL East. Watching the end of the Red Sox game and the hearing the shock of the Boston announcers, I was reminded of when the Yankees were broomed in Kansas City last season and the generally sick, depressed feeling that gripped the Yankees Universe.
That was then, this is now.
Game 1 (The first 6.5 innings) featured Randy Johnson in his best form of the season, except perhaps his start in Detroit. A 93-95mph fastball, slider and great command held the daunting Chicago lineup hitless through 6.
The Unit's first 6 innings were embodied by Thome's K in the 4th. He went down looking on a 95mph fastball that was perfectly placed on the outer part of the plate. I don't think that Thome's subsequent growl at the umpire was a gripe about the 3rd strike call. It seemed to be an expression of frustration that he, such an excellent hitter, was so confused by the towering lefty.
Offensively, the Yankees depleted John Garland with their familiar approach of going into deep counts, getting on base, and hitting for power.
Top 1: Damon's triple was converted into a run by Abreu's single, Yankees 1-0.
Top 5: Melky guessed right on a low change-up and crushed it, 2-0. Then after a Jeter walk, Abreu mashed a change-up over the CF wall, 4-0.
That Abreu trade was a pretty good deal. In the same way that the Louisiana Purchase was a pretty good deal.
Top 6: Welcome back, Robinson. He hit a ball into center that would have cleared the fence of any park in the major leagues. No doubt when it left his bat, 5-0 Yankees.
Top 7: Alex's 1B scored Andy Phillips from 3rd, 6-0. Jorge's ground ball scored Jeter on a FC, 7-0. Shockingly, this turned out to be the winning run.
In Game 2 (the last 2.5 innings) the White Sox came almost all the way back. Randy's no hitter was broken up by Iguchi in the 7th and he was quickly touched for 2 runs. Torre called on Villone, who walked the bases loaded and then got 3 straight outs to keep the score 7-2.
In the bottom 8th, Farnsworth took a step backward after his strong recent performances. Iguchi and Crede combined for 2 home runs and 4 RBIs, Yankees 7-6.
Bottom 9: Mariano issued a walk and a single, but in the end a harmless ground ball insured that the Chicago comeback was "a tale full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
The Red Sox lost their second in a row to the Royals, giving the bombers a 3 game lead in the AL East. Watching the end of the Red Sox game and the hearing the shock of the Boston announcers, I was reminded of when the Yankees were broomed in Kansas City last season and the generally sick, depressed feeling that gripped the Yankees Universe.
That was then, this is now.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yanks dropped a back-and-forth affair in Chicago last night, losing 6-5 to the White Sox in 11 innings. Fortunately for the Bombers, the Red Sox couldn't hold off the Royals, so the Yanks' lead in the A.L. East race remains at 2 games.
The Yankees jumped ahead early with an RBI single by Bobby Abreu in the 1st and a solo shot by Craig Wilson in the 2nd to put the Yankees up 2-0. The White Sox scored three runs in the 2nd, highlighted by a two-run single by Alex Cintron. A-Rod countered in the next inning with a two-run homer to put the Yanks back ahead, only to see Joe Crede tie the game in the 4th with a solo homer of his own. The score would remain tied at 4 until the 8th, when Jason Giambi was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to put New York up by a run. The White Sox tied the game at 5 in the 9th with a home run off the bat of Paul Konerko, slapping Mariano Rivera with his 3rd blown save of the season. Scott Proctor worked an ineffective 11th, recording only one out before allowing a walk-off single to Jermaine Dye.
Chien-Ming Wang struggled throughout the game, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits in only 5 innings. Robinson Cano was great in his return, going 3-5 and making a great relay throw to rob Scott Podsednik of a triple, although Podsednik was probably safe. Bobby Abreu was great yet again, recording another two hits and Craig Wilson hit his first home run as a Yankee. The bullpen was phenominal until the homer off Rivera in the 9th, but hey, he's not going to get 'em every time, just like the Red Sox aren't going to beat the Royals every time.
The Yanks will try to even this series at a game apiece tonight as they'll send out Randy Johnson to face Jon Garland. People want to talk about Johnson's record being masked behind big run support, and Garland's record is 12-3 with an E.R.A. of 4.99 and a BAA of .298. Game starts at 8 E.T. and can be seen on ESPN for those of you not in the NY market.
The Yankees jumped ahead early with an RBI single by Bobby Abreu in the 1st and a solo shot by Craig Wilson in the 2nd to put the Yankees up 2-0. The White Sox scored three runs in the 2nd, highlighted by a two-run single by Alex Cintron. A-Rod countered in the next inning with a two-run homer to put the Yanks back ahead, only to see Joe Crede tie the game in the 4th with a solo homer of his own. The score would remain tied at 4 until the 8th, when Jason Giambi was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to put New York up by a run. The White Sox tied the game at 5 in the 9th with a home run off the bat of Paul Konerko, slapping Mariano Rivera with his 3rd blown save of the season. Scott Proctor worked an ineffective 11th, recording only one out before allowing a walk-off single to Jermaine Dye.
Chien-Ming Wang struggled throughout the game, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits in only 5 innings. Robinson Cano was great in his return, going 3-5 and making a great relay throw to rob Scott Podsednik of a triple, although Podsednik was probably safe. Bobby Abreu was great yet again, recording another two hits and Craig Wilson hit his first home run as a Yankee. The bullpen was phenominal until the homer off Rivera in the 9th, but hey, he's not going to get 'em every time, just like the Red Sox aren't going to beat the Royals every time.
The Yanks will try to even this series at a game apiece tonight as they'll send out Randy Johnson to face Jon Garland. People want to talk about Johnson's record being masked behind big run support, and Garland's record is 12-3 with an E.R.A. of 4.99 and a BAA of .298. Game starts at 8 E.T. and can be seen on ESPN for those of you not in the NY market.
08/09: Another A-Rod Article
Posted by: James
This time from ESPN. It's the front page lead this morning and part of ESPN's e-ticket program.
The article even has it's own poll about A-Rod. The article itself is worth a look if you're not past the point of annoyance with the whole thing. The only thing that really annoyed me was that I wished they would have found some rational Yankees fans than the guys they did use.
But although a ring would put A-Rod in a familiar category, the more interesting, and more likely scenario (the Yankees are an aging, pitching-weak team) is that things continue on the track they're on now. He's only 31, and we've had Bonds and Clemens to concentrate on these past 10 years, but if A-Rod stays healthy and productive in the years to come, it will become increasingly clear that he is hands-down the best player in the game, and is very likely the best all-around player any of us will ever have the privilege to see in person. Even without a title. Even with what we think is a sensitive heart. Even with what we perceive to be a scripted tongue.
The article even has it's own poll about A-Rod. The article itself is worth a look if you're not past the point of annoyance with the whole thing. The only thing that really annoyed me was that I wished they would have found some rational Yankees fans than the guys they did use.
08/08: To Joe Torre: With Apologies
Posted by: Jason
Many Yankees fans (me included) have decried Torre's penchant for tactical small ball in the face of many compelling SABR studies to the contrary. When you add that the Yankees lineup demands an Earl Weaver style approach (i.e., big ball in the 70's, before it was cool) it has been particularly difficult to watch Jeter bunt Damon over in certain situations this year.
However, today's Bob Klapisch column on ESPN.com demonstrates that Torre fully understands the direct relationship between OBP and run creation. An excerpt:
I can definitely live with the random bunt and hit-and-run now that I understand that plate discipline/OBP is a Torre principle.
However, today's Bob Klapisch column on ESPN.com demonstrates that Torre fully understands the direct relationship between OBP and run creation. An excerpt:
And Torre is pleased to see the Yankees becoming more selective.
"[We] have what it takes to go through a pennant race," he said. "You're going to be facing the best pitching. This type of approach will serve you better than waiting for a mistake to hit. I feel very comfortable with this ballclub."
"[We] have what it takes to go through a pennant race," he said. "You're going to be facing the best pitching. This type of approach will serve you better than waiting for a mistake to hit. I feel very comfortable with this ballclub."
I can definitely live with the random bunt and hit-and-run now that I understand that plate discipline/OBP is a Torre principle.
Posted by: David
The Yankees used home runs from Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera and Jason Giambi to beat the Orioles on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore. They also used the first Yankee RBI from Bobby Abreu to add to the score.
Jaret Wright started for the Yankees and as usual put himself into trouble. He put the leadoff runner on in the first four innings. However, he was able to pitch out of early inning jams and give up only one run. With runners on first and third and only one out, Wright was able to strike out Yankees killer Miguel Tejada and then end the inning without giving up any runs. In the second he was in trouble again but struck out Kevin Millar looking with a runner on third and only one out.
Rodrigo Lopez was the starter for the O's and as usual for him he got hurt by the gopher ball. Jeter's shot to right center was in the first inning and was followed by three more home runs during the game. Bobby Abreu also hit a double to deep right to setup another run.
Wright gave way to Scott Proctor in the seventh and he pitched until two outs in the eighth. In the eighth he allowed the first two runners to reach base but then was able to get the next two outs without any runs scoring. Mariano Rivera was then summoned to end the game since he would be entering with the tying run on base and a save situation was at hand.
Mo was Mo as usual and retired all four batters he faced for his 28th save of the season. The Yankees win coupled with another Red Sox loss extended the Yankees lead to two full games in the AL East. Jonathan Papelbon blew his fourth save of the season when he gave up a home run to former Yankee Dioner Navarro to tie the game. Morton hit a walk off homer in the tenth to win the game for Tampa Bay.
The Yankees have tomorrow off and then face the White Sox in Chicago for a three game series starting Tuesday night. The Yankees will throw Wang, Johnson and Mussina vs. Garcia, Garland and Vazquez for the White Sox.
Jaret Wright started for the Yankees and as usual put himself into trouble. He put the leadoff runner on in the first four innings. However, he was able to pitch out of early inning jams and give up only one run. With runners on first and third and only one out, Wright was able to strike out Yankees killer Miguel Tejada and then end the inning without giving up any runs. In the second he was in trouble again but struck out Kevin Millar looking with a runner on third and only one out.
Rodrigo Lopez was the starter for the O's and as usual for him he got hurt by the gopher ball. Jeter's shot to right center was in the first inning and was followed by three more home runs during the game. Bobby Abreu also hit a double to deep right to setup another run.
Wright gave way to Scott Proctor in the seventh and he pitched until two outs in the eighth. In the eighth he allowed the first two runners to reach base but then was able to get the next two outs without any runs scoring. Mariano Rivera was then summoned to end the game since he would be entering with the tying run on base and a save situation was at hand.
Mo was Mo as usual and retired all four batters he faced for his 28th save of the season. The Yankees win coupled with another Red Sox loss extended the Yankees lead to two full games in the AL East. Jonathan Papelbon blew his fourth save of the season when he gave up a home run to former Yankee Dioner Navarro to tie the game. Morton hit a walk off homer in the tenth to win the game for Tampa Bay.
The Yankees have tomorrow off and then face the White Sox in Chicago for a three game series starting Tuesday night. The Yankees will throw Wang, Johnson and Mussina vs. Garcia, Garland and Vazquez for the White Sox.
08/06: Bobby Abreu
Posted by: Patrick
The New York Daily News has a writeup on Bobby Abreu:
Under a warm Caribbean sun, a 19-year-old Bobby Abreu stretches and throws. He is doing what he loves, what he feels he was born to do - getting ready to play baseball.
On this day in 1993 in Caracas, his family sits in the packed ballpark in baseball-crazy Venezuela, eager for the start of a winter league game and to see the best of the four Abreu boys, the one who is only 19 but already spends his springs and summers in the United States, striving for the major leagues.
Miles away, in Cuba, the man who started it all for Bobby and his brothers lies on an operating table. Nelson Abreu, the man who taught Bobby and his brothers to play the game, to love the game, is all alone - the family could not afford to send anyone with him while he has the surgery everyone hopes will help him walk again.
While Bobby warms up, his mind sifting through pitching matchups and reminders to himself to stay patient at the plate, a phone rings with a call from Cuba. Moments later, a crushed Bobby Abreu has to tell his siblings, "Daddy is dead."
On this day in 1993 in Caracas, his family sits in the packed ballpark in baseball-crazy Venezuela, eager for the start of a winter league game and to see the best of the four Abreu boys, the one who is only 19 but already spends his springs and summers in the United States, striving for the major leagues.
Miles away, in Cuba, the man who started it all for Bobby and his brothers lies on an operating table. Nelson Abreu, the man who taught Bobby and his brothers to play the game, to love the game, is all alone - the family could not afford to send anyone with him while he has the surgery everyone hopes will help him walk again.
While Bobby warms up, his mind sifting through pitching matchups and reminders to himself to stay patient at the plate, a phone rings with a call from Cuba. Moments later, a crushed Bobby Abreu has to tell his siblings, "Daddy is dead."
Posted by: David
The Yankees took a 3-0 lead early in the game thanks to a game starting home run from Johnny Damon and a double from Miguel Cairo. Randy Johnson struggled for most of the game and gave back two runs when the bottom of the order got three straight singles and the O's scored two runs before the inning was over.
The O's took the lead later in the game. Fernando Tatis homered off of Johnson and they added another run to take the lead at 4-3. The Yankees battled back when newcomer Craig Wilson hit a double down the right field line with runners on to tie the score.
Johnson was relived by Ron Villone who pitched 1 and 1/3 inning of scorless relief. Scott Proctor was next and struggled before the got an inning ending double play in the eight to keep the score tied at 4.
Jorge Posada homered to deep right in the top of the 9th with the ball landing out on Eutaw Street to give the Yankees the lead at 5-4. Rivera closed out the O's in the ninth to give the Yankees the win.
The O's took the lead later in the game. Fernando Tatis homered off of Johnson and they added another run to take the lead at 4-3. The Yankees battled back when newcomer Craig Wilson hit a double down the right field line with runners on to tie the score.
Johnson was relived by Ron Villone who pitched 1 and 1/3 inning of scorless relief. Scott Proctor was next and struggled before the got an inning ending double play in the eight to keep the score tied at 4.
Jorge Posada homered to deep right in the top of the 9th with the ball landing out on Eutaw Street to give the Yankees the lead at 5-4. Rivera closed out the O's in the ninth to give the Yankees the win.
