Posted by: Patrick
From the official site:
Congrats to him.
Tyler Clippard made history on Thursday, tossing the first no-hitter in team history as the Trenton Thunder blanked the Harrisburg Senators, 9-0, at Commerce Bank Park.
Clippard (10-10) struck out nine and walked four on the way to his seventh straight win.
"Surreal, it didn't settle in at first" were the 21-year-old right-hander's thoughts immediately after Richard Lane took a called third strike to end the game. "It is unbelievable, an unforgettable night, something I will always remember.
Clippard (10-10) struck out nine and walked four on the way to his seventh straight win.
"Surreal, it didn't settle in at first" were the 21-year-old right-hander's thoughts immediately after Richard Lane took a called third strike to end the game. "It is unbelievable, an unforgettable night, something I will always remember.
Congrats to him.
Posted by: Patrick
From RealGM Baseball:
I'd love to see it.
"I would love to pitch in the new Stadium," Rivera said before last night's game against the Orioles at the Stadium. "I could retire after that." ...
"Maybe after the season, we will see what comes up," Rivera said about an extension that would take him through the 2009 season.
"Maybe after the season, we will see what comes up," Rivera said about an extension that would take him through the 2009 season.
I'd love to see it.
08/17: Yankees 2, Orioles 3
Posted by: Jason
I really don't want to dwell on this irritating game for very long, except to point out that:
The Yankees have squandered a game in the AL East race. Now the largest possible lead going in to Friday is 2.5 games. Is one game make-or-break at this point? Probably not, because we know that the Yankees can effectively decide the AL East race if they play to their potential this weekend.
Adam Loewen sparkled again last evening (as he did in his last start vs. NYY), demonstrating that Baltimore has something special in this rookie. His fine location on off-speed pitches was complemented by "sneaky" 91-93 fastballs. With a few exceptions, the Yankees lineup was throttled.
Of course we must applaud and appreciate Bernie's impressive achievement last night, i.e., passing Mattingly on the all time Yankees 2B list. BTW, does anyone else feel strange when someone calls Mattingly "Donnie Baseball?" Donnie? In 7th grade, when I did a statistics project in math class following Mattingly, the term rubbed me the wrong way even back then.
Cory Lidle also deserves mention. After escaping serious jams with only 3 runs allowed (Trust me: It could have been hideous) in the first three innings, his rebound was impressive, stabilizing the deficit at 3 and allowing the offense a chance to come back, which they almost did, thanks to RBIs by Melky and Cano. Torre installed drag parachutes on the lineup last evening by sitting G'bombee (thanks Bronx Banter) and throwing out a sub-optimal 6/7/8 of Bernie, Craig and Sal.
You say that Giambi and Posada needed the rest? Then you're willing to concede a game in the standings for the abstract concept of "being rested for the weekend."
To those who believe Rodriguez is fragile, not mentally tough, et al....Did you witness his 11 pitch walk from down 0-2 in the 6th? Fouling off 5 straight tough pitches? I'm thanking you in advance to cancel that nonsense.
The Yankees have squandered a game in the AL East race. Now the largest possible lead going in to Friday is 2.5 games. Is one game make-or-break at this point? Probably not, because we know that the Yankees can effectively decide the AL East race if they play to their potential this weekend.
Adam Loewen sparkled again last evening (as he did in his last start vs. NYY), demonstrating that Baltimore has something special in this rookie. His fine location on off-speed pitches was complemented by "sneaky" 91-93 fastballs. With a few exceptions, the Yankees lineup was throttled.
Of course we must applaud and appreciate Bernie's impressive achievement last night, i.e., passing Mattingly on the all time Yankees 2B list. BTW, does anyone else feel strange when someone calls Mattingly "Donnie Baseball?" Donnie? In 7th grade, when I did a statistics project in math class following Mattingly, the term rubbed me the wrong way even back then.
Cory Lidle also deserves mention. After escaping serious jams with only 3 runs allowed (Trust me: It could have been hideous) in the first three innings, his rebound was impressive, stabilizing the deficit at 3 and allowing the offense a chance to come back, which they almost did, thanks to RBIs by Melky and Cano. Torre installed drag parachutes on the lineup last evening by sitting G'bombee (thanks Bronx Banter) and throwing out a sub-optimal 6/7/8 of Bernie, Craig and Sal.
You say that Giambi and Posada needed the rest? Then you're willing to concede a game in the standings for the abstract concept of "being rested for the weekend."
To those who believe Rodriguez is fragile, not mentally tough, et al....Did you witness his 11 pitch walk from down 0-2 in the 6th? Fouling off 5 straight tough pitches? I'm thanking you in advance to cancel that nonsense.
08/17: The Dotel Era Begins
Posted by: Patrick
Dotel was activated and got his first Yankee action last night. He started out by striking out Melvin Mora, then allowing a single to Miguel Tejada. He walked Jay Gibbons and was relieved by Scott Proctor, who bailed him out by walking Jeff Conine and then inducing an inning ending double play off the bat of Kevin Millar.
From the official site:
From the official site:
"I feel like it's the first time I got to the big leagues," Dotel said before the game. "The way I feel is it's a big time to come back. It's something where you have to work hard; you've got to earn it to come back after elbow surgery."
To make room for Dotel, the Yankees optioned right-hander Jose Veras to Triple-A Columbus. ...
"I'm happy to be back," said a smiling Dotel, who admitted to being a little too pumped up during the outing. "I know it wasn't a nice day today, but I feel good to be back. Finally, I made it."
"First time," Torre said. "I expect him to be more comfortable after that. His stuff was quality."
To make room for Dotel, the Yankees optioned right-hander Jose Veras to Triple-A Columbus. ...
"I'm happy to be back," said a smiling Dotel, who admitted to being a little too pumped up during the outing. "I know it wasn't a nice day today, but I feel good to be back. Finally, I made it."
"First time," Torre said. "I expect him to be more comfortable after that. His stuff was quality."
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees erased a 3-0 defecit and beat the Orioles 6-3 to increase their A.L. East lead to three games over the Red Sox, who lost at home to Detroit. The win also ties them with the White Sox in the standings, who lost to Kansas City (still too early to overlook the wild card situation).
Mike Mussina wasn't bad, but couldn't get any run support. When Moose was done after the 6th inning, he had left with the Yankees trailing 3-0. Alex Rodriguez brought in a run with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th after making what could've been a costly error, allowing a run to score on what should've been a double play groundout. The Yankees' offense exploded once Orioles' starter Erik Bedard left the game, with Johnny Damon Going deep for a two-run shot to tie the game in the 7th. Robinson Cano scored Bobby Abreu on a double to left to put the Yankees ahead later in that inning. The Yankees added two more insurance runs in the 8th, courtesy of an RBI triple by Damon and a sac fly by Derek Jeter. Mariano worked another 1-2-3 ninth to record his 31st save.
Scott Proctor recorded his 5th win of the season in what was a great performance by the Yankee bullpen, allowing only one baserunner in three scoreless innings. Melky Cabrera and Bobby Abreu also had good nights, recording two and three hits respectively.
The Yankees will send Cory Lidle to the mound tonight and the offense will take another crack at rookie Adam Loewen. Loewen has struggled this year (2-4, 6.41) but pitched 6 and 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed only one hit in the Orioles' shutout victory over the Yanks on August 5. Game starts at 7 E.T.
Mike Mussina wasn't bad, but couldn't get any run support. When Moose was done after the 6th inning, he had left with the Yankees trailing 3-0. Alex Rodriguez brought in a run with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th after making what could've been a costly error, allowing a run to score on what should've been a double play groundout. The Yankees' offense exploded once Orioles' starter Erik Bedard left the game, with Johnny Damon Going deep for a two-run shot to tie the game in the 7th. Robinson Cano scored Bobby Abreu on a double to left to put the Yankees ahead later in that inning. The Yankees added two more insurance runs in the 8th, courtesy of an RBI triple by Damon and a sac fly by Derek Jeter. Mariano worked another 1-2-3 ninth to record his 31st save.
Scott Proctor recorded his 5th win of the season in what was a great performance by the Yankee bullpen, allowing only one baserunner in three scoreless innings. Melky Cabrera and Bobby Abreu also had good nights, recording two and three hits respectively.
The Yankees will send Cory Lidle to the mound tonight and the offense will take another crack at rookie Adam Loewen. Loewen has struggled this year (2-4, 6.41) but pitched 6 and 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed only one hit in the Orioles' shutout victory over the Yanks on August 5. Game starts at 7 E.T.
08/15: Jeter for MVP?
Posted by: Patrick
The official site has an article on Derek Jeter's MVP chances:
In a guest shot at Off the Facade, Dan Benton makes a case:
I would love - love - for Jeter to get an MVP. What other award does he have yet to win, outside of that?
Although the Yankees captain doesn't possess the gaudy power numbers of some of the league's other top candidates, Jeter may find himself in the mix when it comes to this year's American League's Most Valuable Player race.
"I think they have to consider him," Joe Torre said, referring to MVP voters. "I don't see why he shouldn't be able to win it. I think it's how valuable someone is to their team and where that team goes."
"I think they have to consider him," Joe Torre said, referring to MVP voters. "I don't see why he shouldn't be able to win it. I think it's how valuable someone is to their team and where that team goes."
In a guest shot at Off the Facade, Dan Benton makes a case:
In the end, it all depends on what you consider clutch. But I have made my case. As a hitter/slugger there is no comparison. But as an overall player, there is no doubt in my mind who is better.
What you do not see in these stats is that casual ground ball to second base where Jeter is running full speed to the bag – another thing to keep in mind. Not to mention the most important stat of all. Wins. And while that may change by seasons end, as it stands now, just another category where Jeter is slightly out ahead.
What you do not see in these stats is that casual ground ball to second base where Jeter is running full speed to the bag – another thing to keep in mind. Not to mention the most important stat of all. Wins. And while that may change by seasons end, as it stands now, just another category where Jeter is slightly out ahead.
I would love - love - for Jeter to get an MVP. What other award does he have yet to win, outside of that?
Posted by: Jason
Knowledgeable sources in the Yankees Universe warned us of John Lackey, the lanky Texan with an excellent July record. Last evening he was opposed by the towering old bullfighter, who has been nicked (and sometimes gored) by his share of horns this season but has managed to return to good form.
As I read the game previews for last night at other Yankees blogs/media outlets I noticed a sense of collective apprehension about RJ, as if tonight would be a Waterloo that marked the end of his career. Thankfully, that was not the case. In the parlance of the great arenas of Spain and Mexico, Randy "knew his bull" on the mound Monday. The Unit scattered 4 harmless hits through 6 innings before allowing 2 runs (thus tying the game) in the top 7th on three hits to Molina, the relentless Figgins and Kendrick. A weak O. Cabrera grounder back to the mound ended the threat. A huge out.
RJ recorded his 4,500th strikeout last night. Considering that he has been in the majors for a relatively short time (compared to Clemens and Ryan) and his K/BB ratio, this achievement is stunning.
The Yankees began the scoring in the bottom 3rd with a Melky double into the gap, followed by Jeter displaying power by sending the ball over the dead CF wall.
In the bottom 7th, with the game tied 2-2, Damon's single was followed by Jeter's perfect bunt, less than one foot from the foul line and with exactly correct speed for a hit. If he plays golf, I'll bet Jetes has a good short game after showing that kind of touch. Abreu's sac bunt (!!??!??) and Giambi's intentional walk left the bases loaded for Alex. His opposite field fly ball backed Guerrero to the wall but the speedy Damon scored after the tag, 3-2 Yankees. Cano lined out to end the inning.
Then a terrifying, malevolent force emerged from the bullpen. That entity (who we previously knew as the above average but somewhat disappointing Farnsworth) threw the majority of his pitches above 100 mph. Liquid, blazing heat. Farnsworth really should not be allowed to fly commercial as he will set off the explosive detectors. Plus a 90mph slider to add insult to injury...and then as I was becoming really frightened, the carnage was suddenly over, 1-2-3.
Bottom 8: Jorge pulls a crisp line drive over the RF wall, 4-2 Yankees. After Craig Wilson and Melky both reached with singles (Damon also with a walk), Wilson was thrown out at home on Jeter's groundball. Fear not: Abreu's single with the bases loaded made it 5-2. Giambi's sac fly added another, 6-2. I must add here that Vladimir's throw (on a line) from medium-deep right was right on the money and almost in time. That's talent.
Alex plated another run, 7-2. He was responsible for the winning run and also made 2 stellar plays in the field. Do I even need to tell you how Mariano closed out the game? OK: The dangerous Figgins (batting LH) broke his bat on a weak grounder to Cano. We've never seen that before....
BTW, the Tigers beat Boston.
As I read the game previews for last night at other Yankees blogs/media outlets I noticed a sense of collective apprehension about RJ, as if tonight would be a Waterloo that marked the end of his career. Thankfully, that was not the case. In the parlance of the great arenas of Spain and Mexico, Randy "knew his bull" on the mound Monday. The Unit scattered 4 harmless hits through 6 innings before allowing 2 runs (thus tying the game) in the top 7th on three hits to Molina, the relentless Figgins and Kendrick. A weak O. Cabrera grounder back to the mound ended the threat. A huge out.
RJ recorded his 4,500th strikeout last night. Considering that he has been in the majors for a relatively short time (compared to Clemens and Ryan) and his K/BB ratio, this achievement is stunning.
The Yankees began the scoring in the bottom 3rd with a Melky double into the gap, followed by Jeter displaying power by sending the ball over the dead CF wall.
In the bottom 7th, with the game tied 2-2, Damon's single was followed by Jeter's perfect bunt, less than one foot from the foul line and with exactly correct speed for a hit. If he plays golf, I'll bet Jetes has a good short game after showing that kind of touch. Abreu's sac bunt (!!??!??) and Giambi's intentional walk left the bases loaded for Alex. His opposite field fly ball backed Guerrero to the wall but the speedy Damon scored after the tag, 3-2 Yankees. Cano lined out to end the inning.
Then a terrifying, malevolent force emerged from the bullpen. That entity (who we previously knew as the above average but somewhat disappointing Farnsworth) threw the majority of his pitches above 100 mph. Liquid, blazing heat. Farnsworth really should not be allowed to fly commercial as he will set off the explosive detectors. Plus a 90mph slider to add insult to injury...and then as I was becoming really frightened, the carnage was suddenly over, 1-2-3.
Bottom 8: Jorge pulls a crisp line drive over the RF wall, 4-2 Yankees. After Craig Wilson and Melky both reached with singles (Damon also with a walk), Wilson was thrown out at home on Jeter's groundball. Fear not: Abreu's single with the bases loaded made it 5-2. Giambi's sac fly added another, 6-2. I must add here that Vladimir's throw (on a line) from medium-deep right was right on the money and almost in time. That's talent.
Alex plated another run, 7-2. He was responsible for the winning run and also made 2 stellar plays in the field. Do I even need to tell you how Mariano closed out the game? OK: The dangerous Figgins (batting LH) broke his bat on a weak grounder to Cano. We've never seen that before....
BTW, the Tigers beat Boston.
08/14: Around the Minors
Posted by: James
As an aside, if you get a chance, head on over to Off The Facade where they're having a a week of guest bloggers, including yours truly.
I was going to make this a full length post about the starting pitching on all the Yankee minor league levels last night so naturally, Mike A. over at Baby Bomers beats me to the punch. Head over over to read his post but here's the part that I was particularly excited about:
I have something of a prospect crush on Christian Garcia so I'm especially glad that so far he seems to be coming back well from his injury. In other positive news, Octavio Dotel has progressed all the way to the AAA level, pitching another scoreless inning for Columbus in a day game today. He's now made 2 appearances in Columbus (with a day of rest in between) so we'll have to wait for word to hear if he experiences any pain. Hopefully, he won't and can keep progressing to the point where he can join the big club in the near future.
I was going to make this a full length post about the starting pitching on all the Yankee minor league levels last night so naturally, Mike A. over at Baby Bomers beats me to the punch. Head over over to read his post but here's the part that I was particularly excited about:
Christian Garcia is next in line, and he may have been the day's best, twirling 7 innings of 5 H, 1 R, 11 K ball for the Low-A Fightin' Tabata's (he's still out with a hand injury). Eight of the ten outs he recorded that weren't via a punch-out came on the ground. The lone run he gave up was an a fielder's choice, and otherwise he worked perfect innings in the 2nd, 5th and 7th. That's a classic dominating start by the ex-catcher.
...
Last on the list is a guy coming back from injury: Darrell Rasner. In 4 rehab innings for the GCL Yanks, Rasner allowed 3 baserunners (all hits), 1 R, no walks and struck out 3. He's not as flashy as the other guys, but he gets the job done. What more could you want from a number 5 starter?
...
Last on the list is a guy coming back from injury: Darrell Rasner. In 4 rehab innings for the GCL Yanks, Rasner allowed 3 baserunners (all hits), 1 R, no walks and struck out 3. He's not as flashy as the other guys, but he gets the job done. What more could you want from a number 5 starter?
I have something of a prospect crush on Christian Garcia so I'm especially glad that so far he seems to be coming back well from his injury. In other positive news, Octavio Dotel has progressed all the way to the AAA level, pitching another scoreless inning for Columbus in a day game today. He's now made 2 appearances in Columbus (with a day of rest in between) so we'll have to wait for word to hear if he experiences any pain. Hopefully, he won't and can keep progressing to the point where he can join the big club in the near future.
Posted by: David
Rookie sensation Jered Weaver moved his record to 8-0 on Sunday afternoon as he stymied the Yankees by allowing only one run on three hits in six innings. Chien Ming-Wang got off to a bad start and allowed three runs on six hits in the first inning.
The Angels were able to add to more runs during the game. The only Yankee run until the ninth was from a solo home run by Craig Wilson.
The Yankees were behind 5-1 entering the ninth. Scott Shields retired the first two batters before A-Rod and Giambi connected for solo homers to pull the Yankes two within two at 5-3. K-Rod relieved and got Posada to end the game.
With the Red Sox winning 11-9 against Baltimore the Yankee lead was reduced to one game (two on the loss side). The wrap around series continues tonight with the Big Unit facing John Lackey as the Yankees try to even the series.
The Red Sox start a series vs. the Tigers tonight in Boston.
The Angels were able to add to more runs during the game. The only Yankee run until the ninth was from a solo home run by Craig Wilson.
The Yankees were behind 5-1 entering the ninth. Scott Shields retired the first two batters before A-Rod and Giambi connected for solo homers to pull the Yankes two within two at 5-3. K-Rod relieved and got Posada to end the game.
With the Red Sox winning 11-9 against Baltimore the Yankee lead was reduced to one game (two on the loss side). The wrap around series continues tonight with the Big Unit facing John Lackey as the Yankees try to even the series.
The Red Sox start a series vs. the Tigers tonight in Boston.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees evened their weekend series with a 5-2 victory over the Angels. The Bombers remain 2 games ahead of the Red Sox, who defeated the Orioles. And just for the heck of it, I'll throw this out there as they moved to within 6.5 games of the Tigers for the top seed in the American League. The game was pretty entertaining to watch, as it included two Yankee home runs, a couple questionable calls on the bases, Jorge Posada and Jose Molina both picking off runners to end their halves of the 6th inning, a couple questionable calls on the base paths, and a baserunning mistake by Guerrero as he was gunned down at 3rd by Bobby Abreu and some good pitching out of both bullpens.
All Yankee runs came in the 2nd inning, courtesy of a three-run homer by Robinson Cano and a two-run shot by Johnny Damon. Alex Rodriguez hit two doubles into the right-centerfield gap and Bernie Williams recorded two hits as well. The Yankees hit safely in each inning except the 1st and 8th, but failed to score again after the 2nd inning.
Jaret Wright was brilliant for the 5 and 1/3 that he stayed in, giving up a run on only two hits. The bullpen was effective from there on, allowing only one run on a sac fly by Jose Molina off of Scott Proctor in the top of the 7th. Mariano Rivera worked another 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save of the year.
The Yankees will wrap up this three-game set this afternoon at 1 E.T. The pitching matchup should be one of the most interesting that we'll see this season, as it pins rookie phenom Jered Weaver (7-0, 2.20) against a great second-year pitcher who somehow has been able to kind of fly under the radar despite being perhaps the best pitcher in New York this season in Chien-Ming Wang.
EDIT: My mistake, the Yanks and Angels will be finishing up on Monday, not today. Thanks to KAnst for correcting me.
All Yankee runs came in the 2nd inning, courtesy of a three-run homer by Robinson Cano and a two-run shot by Johnny Damon. Alex Rodriguez hit two doubles into the right-centerfield gap and Bernie Williams recorded two hits as well. The Yankees hit safely in each inning except the 1st and 8th, but failed to score again after the 2nd inning.
Jaret Wright was brilliant for the 5 and 1/3 that he stayed in, giving up a run on only two hits. The bullpen was effective from there on, allowing only one run on a sac fly by Jose Molina off of Scott Proctor in the top of the 7th. Mariano Rivera worked another 1-2-3 ninth for his 30th save of the year.
The Yankees will wrap up this three-game set this afternoon at 1 E.T. The pitching matchup should be one of the most interesting that we'll see this season, as it pins rookie phenom Jered Weaver (7-0, 2.20) against a great second-year pitcher who somehow has been able to kind of fly under the radar despite being perhaps the best pitcher in New York this season in Chien-Ming Wang.
EDIT: My mistake, the Yanks and Angels will be finishing up on Monday, not today. Thanks to KAnst for correcting me.
