Posted by: Patrick
One of our own, David Williams was hospitalized on Friday and is headed into surgery. I received an e-mail this morning from his wife, Donna.
She didn't say what was causing it, but that he would hopefully be back in action with us here in late July. I will post updates as I hear things and as appropriate.
Please keep him in your thoughts. Get well soon, David.
She didn't say what was causing it, but that he would hopefully be back in action with us here in late July. I will post updates as I hear things and as appropriate.
Please keep him in your thoughts. Get well soon, David.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees blew a 4-1 lead last night en route to a 5-4 loss to the O's in extra innings. Chien-Ming Wang put up another solid start, but it was wasted as Tom Gordon could not hold the lead this time in the 8th inning. The Yankees failed to put a run across after the 6th inning. Mike Stanton's only pitch in the game was a walkoff home run into the left field seats by Brian Roberts in the 10th (On a side note, can anybody believe what that guy has done this year? The guy's batting .365 and has 13 homers after having 3 all of last season).
The Yankees put up two quick runs in the first but Larry Bigbie quickly closed the gap to 2-1 with his solo shot in the bottom of the inning. Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui hit their 6th and 10th home runs of the season, respectfully. Rafael Palmeiro hit a two-run shot in the 6th and Miguel Tejada singled in the tying run in the 8th. Brian Roberts' homer in the 10th raised Mike Stanton's E.R.A. to 7.05.
I had been thinking that a throwing error by Tom Gordon in the 8th (the error really should've been on Tino) was what ultimately lost the game for us, but in hindsight it didn't really make a difference because Roberts probably would have scored from second on Tejada's single anyway. Larry Bigbie, who reached on the error, did not come around to score.
On a positive note, Hideki Matsui is now batting .305, which is actually a point higher than Derek Jeter. His 59 RBI is currently good for 5th in the American League (one behind Miguel Tejada, who many are considering an MVP candidate this season). He has certainly turned things around. I remember at some point in May he was still batting under .250. Anybody here think that Matsui should be given some consideration for the All-Star game this year?
The Yankees put up two quick runs in the first but Larry Bigbie quickly closed the gap to 2-1 with his solo shot in the bottom of the inning. Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui hit their 6th and 10th home runs of the season, respectfully. Rafael Palmeiro hit a two-run shot in the 6th and Miguel Tejada singled in the tying run in the 8th. Brian Roberts' homer in the 10th raised Mike Stanton's E.R.A. to 7.05.
I had been thinking that a throwing error by Tom Gordon in the 8th (the error really should've been on Tino) was what ultimately lost the game for us, but in hindsight it didn't really make a difference because Roberts probably would have scored from second on Tejada's single anyway. Larry Bigbie, who reached on the error, did not come around to score.
On a positive note, Hideki Matsui is now batting .305, which is actually a point higher than Derek Jeter. His 59 RBI is currently good for 5th in the American League (one behind Miguel Tejada, who many are considering an MVP candidate this season). He has certainly turned things around. I remember at some point in May he was still batting under .250. Anybody here think that Matsui should be given some consideration for the All-Star game this year?
06/29: Sheffield for Cameron?
Posted by: Michael
According to the NY Post, Gary Sheffield might be on his way to the Mets for Mike Cameron.
They are also looking at other players to balance the deal. Some mentioned were Miguel Cairo and a "young Met pitcher."
I'm thrilled that the Yankees are looking to move some of their older veterans. Am I happy that they are looking to move Sheffield? No. But Cashman is trying to un-do some of this yuckiness that they've (the front office) gotten the whole organization into.
The Yanks have identified defense in center field, and a sluggishness/lack of athleticism caused by too many older players, as the their main faults. They feel the club's ERA will drop if more fly balls are caught in center and if fewer baserunners take first-to-third liberties. The Yanks, though, have faced a conundrum how to address their faults. Cashman has recommended stopping the vicious cycle of trading the organization's few prospects for expensive, aging players. George Steinbrenner, though, has rightfully demanded not giving up on this season with $200 million-plus invested in payroll.
The compromise, therefore, is to see if a core veteran can be moved to solve the issues. The three most obvious are Tom Gordon, Jorge Posada and Sheffield because all are without no-trade clauses. The Yanks are hesitant about breaking up the late-game strength of Gordon, Tanyon Sturtze and Mariano Rivera. Posada remains among the majors' most productive offensive catchers, replacing him would be difficult, and he is likely to vest a $12 million option for 2007 that makes him hard to deal. Obviously, moving Sheffield would weaken the offense, but the Yanks feel they can more easily compensate in that area than others.
The compromise, therefore, is to see if a core veteran can be moved to solve the issues. The three most obvious are Tom Gordon, Jorge Posada and Sheffield because all are without no-trade clauses. The Yanks are hesitant about breaking up the late-game strength of Gordon, Tanyon Sturtze and Mariano Rivera. Posada remains among the majors' most productive offensive catchers, replacing him would be difficult, and he is likely to vest a $12 million option for 2007 that makes him hard to deal. Obviously, moving Sheffield would weaken the offense, but the Yanks feel they can more easily compensate in that area than others.
They are also looking at other players to balance the deal. Some mentioned were Miguel Cairo and a "young Met pitcher."
I'm thrilled that the Yankees are looking to move some of their older veterans. Am I happy that they are looking to move Sheffield? No. But Cashman is trying to un-do some of this yuckiness that they've (the front office) gotten the whole organization into.
06/28: SI.com: The Trade Block
Posted by: Patrick
SI.com has this picture feature called The Trade Block. I'll save you from reading it and just tell you what involves the Yankees.
Yankees are in the market for: Roger Clemens, Carl Everett, Todd Helton, Aubrey Huff, Austin Kearns, Joe Kennedy, Mark Kotsay, Lyle Overbay, Wily Mo Pena, Mark Redman, Jason Schmidt and Barry Zito.
Yankees on the block: Tom Gordon (Mets, Braves).
Right now, I'm thinking we go with Giambi (with Tino sometimes) at 1B. So, we skip all the first basemen. I think we need to focus our trades on CF (or LF), then RP, then SP. I think if we get a good CF and add a quality arm to the pen, that'll be a good way to go. If a top SP comes along and we have an opportunity to do something... that's fine, too.
I'd like to keep Flash, though. He's pitched well for us. We need more guys like Flash and not less. The same thing would be said (for me) about Posada and Matsui, who have been rumored in trades. Trading either one would be a step back, I feel.
Yankees are in the market for: Roger Clemens, Carl Everett, Todd Helton, Aubrey Huff, Austin Kearns, Joe Kennedy, Mark Kotsay, Lyle Overbay, Wily Mo Pena, Mark Redman, Jason Schmidt and Barry Zito.
Yankees on the block: Tom Gordon (Mets, Braves).
Right now, I'm thinking we go with Giambi (with Tino sometimes) at 1B. So, we skip all the first basemen. I think we need to focus our trades on CF (or LF), then RP, then SP. I think if we get a good CF and add a quality arm to the pen, that'll be a good way to go. If a top SP comes along and we have an opportunity to do something... that's fine, too.
I'd like to keep Flash, though. He's pitched well for us. We need more guys like Flash and not less. The same thing would be said (for me) about Posada and Matsui, who have been rumored in trades. Trading either one would be a step back, I feel.
Posted by: Patrick
From the Saint Petersburg Times:
"I saw some special on TV last night comparing me and him, and I'm like, "What are these guys doing? Are they serious?""
- J. Brent Cox, Texas reliever on not being as good as Yankees closer Mariano Rivera; the Yankees took Cox in the second round of this month's draft
- J. Brent Cox, Texas reliever on not being as good as Yankees closer Mariano Rivera; the Yankees took Cox in the second round of this month's draft
Posted by: Michael
I still flinch when Jason Giambi comes to the plate. It's something that I can not control, and probably no doctor could fix. But the medicine I need to shake off this disease of seeing a .256 AVG or below player come to the plate was obtained last night.
Jason Giambi drove in the winning runs when he hit a 2-run single off of Braden Looper of the Mets to take the game 5-4.
The quote of the game came from Torre when taking Randy Johnson out of the game after 6 2/3 innings pitched. "He wanted to finish the inning," Torre said. "I said, 'It's the second trip, so I can't do anything about it. I'd love to leave you in, but I can't do it.' I was glad he let the ball go."
Play of the game was of course Jason's 2 run single, followed by Tino working a walk to start off the inning. Torre just replaced Russ Johnson with Tino as a pinch hitter.
An interesting note is that the last 2 games the Yankees have won both come from when Randy Johnson pitched and the Yankees came from behind to take the game.
An important series starts tonight in Baltimore. Carl Pavano (4-6) takes on Daniel Cabrera (5-7) at Camden Yards. Starting time is 7:05pm EDT.
Jason Giambi drove in the winning runs when he hit a 2-run single off of Braden Looper of the Mets to take the game 5-4.
The quote of the game came from Torre when taking Randy Johnson out of the game after 6 2/3 innings pitched. "He wanted to finish the inning," Torre said. "I said, 'It's the second trip, so I can't do anything about it. I'd love to leave you in, but I can't do it.' I was glad he let the ball go."
Play of the game was of course Jason's 2 run single, followed by Tino working a walk to start off the inning. Torre just replaced Russ Johnson with Tino as a pinch hitter.
An interesting note is that the last 2 games the Yankees have won both come from when Randy Johnson pitched and the Yankees came from behind to take the game.
An important series starts tonight in Baltimore. Carl Pavano (4-6) takes on Daniel Cabrera (5-7) at Camden Yards. Starting time is 7:05pm EDT.
06/25: Yankees Fall to Mets, 10-3
Posted by: Patrick
Despite 11 hits and 2 walks, the Yankees just couldn't get the runners home. Robinson Cano knocked in all 3 runs as he went 2 for 3 with a 2B and a HR (his 5th of the year). A-Rod, Matsui and Giambi had 2 hit days, as well.
The only Yankees to go hitless were Sierra and Posada - they were also the 2 batters who left the most runners on base (4 a piece).
The Yankees pitchers walked 6 and allowed 14 hits, which amounted to 10 runs for the Mets. Cliff Floyd was the star of the day, going 2 for 3 with 2 HR, 3 R, 2 BB and 4 RBI. Rookie Sean Henn only lasted 4 and 1/3 (6 ER) before being yanked. Henn is now 0-3 with an 11.12 ERA. I'm not saying he'll never be anything, but I think we've seen enough of him. Let Ruben pitch or bring up another rookie - or something.
Proctor allowed 1 unearned run in 1 and 1/3 innings, Stanton came in and allowed an ER (did not retire a batter), Quantrill pitched 2, allowing 2 runs earned with Groom finishing the game with a scoreless 9th.
All in all a forgettable game. The Unit will look to rebound against Kris Benson tomorrow.
The only Yankees to go hitless were Sierra and Posada - they were also the 2 batters who left the most runners on base (4 a piece).
The Yankees pitchers walked 6 and allowed 14 hits, which amounted to 10 runs for the Mets. Cliff Floyd was the star of the day, going 2 for 3 with 2 HR, 3 R, 2 BB and 4 RBI. Rookie Sean Henn only lasted 4 and 1/3 (6 ER) before being yanked. Henn is now 0-3 with an 11.12 ERA. I'm not saying he'll never be anything, but I think we've seen enough of him. Let Ruben pitch or bring up another rookie - or something.
Proctor allowed 1 unearned run in 1 and 1/3 innings, Stanton came in and allowed an ER (did not retire a batter), Quantrill pitched 2, allowing 2 runs earned with Groom finishing the game with a scoreless 9th.
All in all a forgettable game. The Unit will look to rebound against Kris Benson tomorrow.
Posted by: Patrick
Former Yankee Jay Howell recounted an encounter he had with George Steinbrenner back in 1983 for Murray Chass and the New York Times.
A Close Encounter Stirred a Pitcher's Mind:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
A Close Encounter Stirred a Pitcher's Mind:
As Steinbrenner kept going, Howell remembered a piece of advice offered by two veteran teammates, Rich Gossage and Ron Guidry, that a player must hold his ground with Steinbrenner.
So, Howell said, he stood up and said: "George, I may be 1 and 4, but I go out there and do my best. You've never heard me blame anybody else."
At that point, Howell related, "He leaps across the desk, clasps me around my back and says: 'Thatta boy. You're going to be the next Allie Reynolds.' "
So, Howell said, he stood up and said: "George, I may be 1 and 4, but I go out there and do my best. You've never heard me blame anybody else."
At that point, Howell related, "He leaps across the desk, clasps me around my back and says: 'Thatta boy. You're going to be the next Allie Reynolds.' "
Via Pro Sports Daily.
Posted by: Michael
The Devil Rays have now just won 8 games on the road this season. Before this last series with the Yankees, they've only won 5 on the road. Ugh! This is what makes this a hard pill to swallow.
The Yankees lost to the Devil Rays last night 9-4. The Rays took the series 3 games out of 4. It would have been a sweep only if the Yankees didn't unleash terror with their bats in the 8th inning of game 2 in the series.
Wang was not his usual self last night tossing 6 innings and giving up 6 Runs - 5 ER. Keep in mind that he did pitch one spectacular gem this past Saturday against the Cubs. They took him out to keep him fresh for the start last night. Apparently that didn't work as he gave up 8 hits, and 2 of those were home runs from Jorge Cantu who drove in 4 runs for the night.
The Yankee bats were silenced after scoring 4 runs in the 3rd, they couldn't make anything happen. As A-Rod said, "They pitched well, they played good defense ... and [Hendrickson], it was one of those things where he kind of had us sleeping."
Sleeping? They had a great impersonation of Sleeping Beauty in which the "Beauty" not comes from physical attractiveness, but from the number of digits in their salary.
Jeter asks, "Who do we play next?"
That would be Pedro "The Yanks are my Daddy" Martinez (7-2) against the Moose (8-4), tonight at the Stadium.
The Yankees lost to the Devil Rays last night 9-4. The Rays took the series 3 games out of 4. It would have been a sweep only if the Yankees didn't unleash terror with their bats in the 8th inning of game 2 in the series.
Wang was not his usual self last night tossing 6 innings and giving up 6 Runs - 5 ER. Keep in mind that he did pitch one spectacular gem this past Saturday against the Cubs. They took him out to keep him fresh for the start last night. Apparently that didn't work as he gave up 8 hits, and 2 of those were home runs from Jorge Cantu who drove in 4 runs for the night.
The Yankee bats were silenced after scoring 4 runs in the 3rd, they couldn't make anything happen. As A-Rod said, "They pitched well, they played good defense ... and [Hendrickson], it was one of those things where he kind of had us sleeping."
Sleeping? They had a great impersonation of Sleeping Beauty in which the "Beauty" not comes from physical attractiveness, but from the number of digits in their salary.
Jeter asks, "Who do we play next?"
That would be Pedro "The Yanks are my Daddy" Martinez (7-2) against the Moose (8-4), tonight at the Stadium.
06/23: Deja Vu All Over Again?
Posted by: Patrick
Steve Lombardi gives us this little bit of statistical info:
Yankees Record After 71 Games
2000 (World Series Championship Season) vs. 2004
2000: 37-34 record, 2 GB
2004: 37-34 record, 5 GB
Yankees Record After 71 Games
2000 (World Series Championship Season) vs. 2004
2000: 37-34 record, 2 GB
2004: 37-34 record, 5 GB
