Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees mounted their second comeback in less than a week on Saturday, as they scored 4 runs in the 9th to erase a 4-0 defecit against Billy Wagner. Pedro Martinez shut the Yanks down for 7 innings, striking out 8 in 7 innings while allowing no runs on four hits. He outpitched Mussina, but not by much, as Mussina also went seven and gave up two runs on five hits. Mariano Rivera pitched two scoreless innings to record his second win of the season, while Billy Wagner recorded only one out in the Yankees' four-run 9th inning rally.
Jason Giambi started the rally with a leadoff single. Alex Rodriguez walked, and Robinson Cano brought Giambi home with a base hit to center. Wagner then completely lost control, as he walked the next two batters to bring in another run and then hit Bernie Williams to make it 4-3. The Yankees tied the game against Pedro Feliciano when Johnny Damon beat out a double play ball that allowed Melky Cabrera to score. In the 11th, Andy Phillips came up with the big hit, scoring Miguel Cairo with a single.
The Yankees will send Aaron Small to the mound tonight to face Tom Glavine in the rubber game of this three-game set. Small has struggled so far, going 0-1 with an E.R.A. of 8.71 in 10 innings pitched. Hopefully he is more valuable to the Yankees as a starter as some have said, as he will be making his first start tonight.
Jason Giambi started the rally with a leadoff single. Alex Rodriguez walked, and Robinson Cano brought Giambi home with a base hit to center. Wagner then completely lost control, as he walked the next two batters to bring in another run and then hit Bernie Williams to make it 4-3. The Yankees tied the game against Pedro Feliciano when Johnny Damon beat out a double play ball that allowed Melky Cabrera to score. In the 11th, Andy Phillips came up with the big hit, scoring Miguel Cairo with a single.
The Yankees will send Aaron Small to the mound tonight to face Tom Glavine in the rubber game of this three-game set. Small has struggled so far, going 0-1 with an E.R.A. of 8.71 in 10 innings pitched. Hopefully he is more valuable to the Yankees as a starter as some have said, as he will be making his first start tonight.
Posted by: David
Mariano Rivera was tagged with the loss on Friday night when David Wright hit a ball over the head of Johnny Damon in center with runners on first and second and two outs. The pitch got too much of the plate and it was down where Wright could handle it. As a result the Mets beat the Yankees 7-6 and Rivera falls to 1-3 on the season.
The Yankees started out great in the first inning by scoring four runs off of Mets starter Jeremi Gonzales. However, Randy Johnson was ineffective again and gave back three of those runs in the bottom of the first on a home run to Carlos Beltran. The Yankees extended the lead to 5-3 but the Big Unit gave it up again when Xavier Nady homered to right center with one on to tie the game.
The Yankees fought back and scratched a run against Darren Oliver to take the lead at 6-5, but Johnson couldn't hold it. He got the first two outs in the fifth but then the Mets got a runner to second and Kaz Matsui singled him home to tie the score again.
Aaron Heilman pitched three strong innings for the Mets and had the Yankees fooled with his great changeup. Billy Wagner struck out the side in the top of the ninth and was credited with the win.
Tomorrow afternoon the series resumes on national television with Mike Mussina vs. Pedro Martinez.
The Yankees started out great in the first inning by scoring four runs off of Mets starter Jeremi Gonzales. However, Randy Johnson was ineffective again and gave back three of those runs in the bottom of the first on a home run to Carlos Beltran. The Yankees extended the lead to 5-3 but the Big Unit gave it up again when Xavier Nady homered to right center with one on to tie the game.
The Yankees fought back and scratched a run against Darren Oliver to take the lead at 6-5, but Johnson couldn't hold it. He got the first two outs in the fifth but then the Mets got a runner to second and Kaz Matsui singled him home to tie the score again.
Aaron Heilman pitched three strong innings for the Mets and had the Yankees fooled with his great changeup. Billy Wagner struck out the side in the top of the ninth and was credited with the win.
Tomorrow afternoon the series resumes on national television with Mike Mussina vs. Pedro Martinez.
05/19: Surprise!
Posted by: James
Carl Pavano - out for the year.
Is there any way we can just cut the guy lose and perhaps get some insurance money or perhaps a bag of balls? Seriously...Worst. Signing. Ever.
Oh, and in case that wasn't enough injury news, Jorge Posada left the game tonight after that first 1½ innings with tightness in his upper back (back injuries don't usually heal quickly either). They think this is a result of the collision at home plate with Mark Teixeira the other night.
Hat tip to singledd over at Bronx Banter for the tip.
Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano will need surgery for a bone chip above his right elbow, an injury that could finish his 2006 season before it ever started.
Pavano, who has not pitched in the major leagues since June 27 because of a variety of injuries, left a rehab start for Double-A Trenton after only nine pitches Wednesday because of forearm soreness. Tests Thursday revealed the latest injury, and Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., will operate next week.
Pavano, who has not pitched in the major leagues since June 27 because of a variety of injuries, left a rehab start for Double-A Trenton after only nine pitches Wednesday because of forearm soreness. Tests Thursday revealed the latest injury, and Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., will operate next week.
Is there any way we can just cut the guy lose and perhaps get some insurance money or perhaps a bag of balls? Seriously...Worst. Signing. Ever.
Oh, and in case that wasn't enough injury news, Jorge Posada left the game tonight after that first 1½ innings with tightness in his upper back (back injuries don't usually heal quickly either). They think this is a result of the collision at home plate with Mark Teixeira the other night.
Hat tip to singledd over at Bronx Banter for the tip.
05/19: Bubba Crosby & Mitch Jones
Posted by: James
The Yankees have placed Bubba Crosby on the DL and brought up Mitch Jones as his replacement.
Honestly, my first instinct is to say that this is a mistake, just like bringing up Erickson was a mistake. You're bringing up the wrong player and in both cases, the exact opposite of the player that you need right now.
With Jones, you're bringing up a player (no longer a prospect at age 28) who has mediocre plate discipline and has struggled to even make contact in the minor leagues. In his defense, Jones does drive the ball when he does hit it and over the course of his minor-league career, 50% of the hits he has have been of the extra base variety (48% at AAA). However, do you really think that major league pitchers aren't going to be feasting on this guy? He might get a few XBHs every now and again when he guesses right but other than that, I see a lot of Ks in his future.
Secondly, Steve Lombardi puts it best. 'In the OF, he plays like a 1B." Is that what we need on the team right now? When Damon and Jones share the outfield, he now has to compensate for the range limitations of Jones. Who knows, that added stress might be the straw that busts that hurt foot of Damon. Granted, this is just speculation on my part but I don't think it is very far-fetched. Why even risk it? Mitch Jones just isn't what was needed at this time. Kevin Thompson would have fit the bit quite a bit better. Thompson's speed could have helped him beat out a few grounders, kick up the Yankees running game and also get a few more balls in the outfield. Wouldn't that have made more sense or is that just me?
That being said, I hope Jones can channel Shane Spencer for a week or two.
Credit to Steve L. for the link.
Honestly, my first instinct is to say that this is a mistake, just like bringing up Erickson was a mistake. You're bringing up the wrong player and in both cases, the exact opposite of the player that you need right now.
With Jones, you're bringing up a player (no longer a prospect at age 28) who has mediocre plate discipline and has struggled to even make contact in the minor leagues. In his defense, Jones does drive the ball when he does hit it and over the course of his minor-league career, 50% of the hits he has have been of the extra base variety (48% at AAA). However, do you really think that major league pitchers aren't going to be feasting on this guy? He might get a few XBHs every now and again when he guesses right but other than that, I see a lot of Ks in his future.
Secondly, Steve Lombardi puts it best. 'In the OF, he plays like a 1B." Is that what we need on the team right now? When Damon and Jones share the outfield, he now has to compensate for the range limitations of Jones. Who knows, that added stress might be the straw that busts that hurt foot of Damon. Granted, this is just speculation on my part but I don't think it is very far-fetched. Why even risk it? Mitch Jones just isn't what was needed at this time. Kevin Thompson would have fit the bit quite a bit better. Thompson's speed could have helped him beat out a few grounders, kick up the Yankees running game and also get a few more balls in the outfield. Wouldn't that have made more sense or is that just me?
That being said, I hope Jones can channel Shane Spencer for a week or two.
Credit to Steve L. for the link.
Posted by: Patrick
Our final interview (unless one of the others I e-mailed that hasn't got back to me happens to do so) is with Alex Belth of Bronx Banter. He's also the author of Stepping Up: The Story of All-Star Curt Flood and His Fight for Baseball Players' Rights. Alex was the first Yankees blogger that I recall reading much of. Without further ado...
When you're not blogging about the Yankees, thinking about the Yankees, talking about the Yankees, reading about the Yankees or watching the Yankees, what are you doing?
That doesn't leave too much spare time, does it? This spring I've been consumed with promoting my first book, "Stepping Up," the first ever biography of the late Curt Flood. Other than that, first and foremost, I'm spending time with my girlfriend, who, as fate would have it, watches the games with me and loves the Yankees. Go figure that. I would have never expected something like that to happen. If we're not watching ball games, then we are watching cooking shows (Jacques Pepin and "America's Test Kitchen" being our favorites) or movies. I used to work in the film business so I still get a lot of pleasure from watching movies, but I generally catch up on what's going on during the off-season. I also listen to a lot music, too. I also used to DJ some and although I don't buy records like I used to - that budget has been diverted to the baseball book fund - I still check in with my boys in the record scene to hear what's what these days.
I've found myself going to museums and art galleries regularly this year after a long layoff. I grew up drawing and painting and was very serious about it. Writing about sports has been the bulk of my creative output over the past four years which hasn't left much time for the fine arts. And part of me just doesn't want to even go and look at anything in fear that I'll be so inspired that I'll be depressed ‘cause I'm not drawing or painting right now. But, I'm getting over myself and realize that no matter what I'm doing creatively, it's important to be open to all kinds of creative arts, because they all inform you and keep your mind active.
Mostly though, I spend my downtime cooking, thinking about what I want to cook, reading cook books and shopping around Manhattan for the freshest and cheapest ingredients I can find (and sometimes, I indulge by buying one or seven expensive items, too).
When you're not blogging about the Yankees, thinking about the Yankees, talking about the Yankees, reading about the Yankees or watching the Yankees, what are you doing?
That doesn't leave too much spare time, does it? This spring I've been consumed with promoting my first book, "Stepping Up," the first ever biography of the late Curt Flood. Other than that, first and foremost, I'm spending time with my girlfriend, who, as fate would have it, watches the games with me and loves the Yankees. Go figure that. I would have never expected something like that to happen. If we're not watching ball games, then we are watching cooking shows (Jacques Pepin and "America's Test Kitchen" being our favorites) or movies. I used to work in the film business so I still get a lot of pleasure from watching movies, but I generally catch up on what's going on during the off-season. I also listen to a lot music, too. I also used to DJ some and although I don't buy records like I used to - that budget has been diverted to the baseball book fund - I still check in with my boys in the record scene to hear what's what these days.
I've found myself going to museums and art galleries regularly this year after a long layoff. I grew up drawing and painting and was very serious about it. Writing about sports has been the bulk of my creative output over the past four years which hasn't left much time for the fine arts. And part of me just doesn't want to even go and look at anything in fear that I'll be so inspired that I'll be depressed ‘cause I'm not drawing or painting right now. But, I'm getting over myself and realize that no matter what I'm doing creatively, it's important to be open to all kinds of creative arts, because they all inform you and keep your mind active.
Mostly though, I spend my downtime cooking, thinking about what I want to cook, reading cook books and shopping around Manhattan for the freshest and cheapest ingredients I can find (and sometimes, I indulge by buying one or seven expensive items, too).
05/18: May 18th: Rangers 6, Yanks 2
Posted by: James
I'm at work so I doubt I'll be able to make a long post regarding the game so feel free to chime in on the comments if you see something exciting/annoying/etc.
-I'll start: WHY ON EARTH is Bernie in CF today? I don't have a problem with his being in the lineup - with the Yankees depth being what it is, it's understandable. However, if you're gonna run Bubba Crosby out there as well, why not put Bubba in CF and Bernie in left (or right for that matter - anywhere but center). Bubba is the best fielding outfielder on the roster so why not actually use him where it provides the most leverage!?! This absolutely drives me nuts (of course, having said that, Bernie will make a game saving catch and the local papers will laud Joe for his brilliance :)).
(Top of the third:) What was that I said about Bernie? ;) as he makes a very nice sliding catch.
-Regardless of what Jaret did against the hapless A's, I remain deathly afraid of some sort of implosion whenever he takes the hill.
(Bottom of the fourth:) Well, shut my mouth! He's pitching pretty well so far - 4 IP, 2 H, 40 pitches!
(Bottom of the fifth:) Not too shabby once again as he pitched out of a two on, no out jam - 5 IP, 4 H, 2 K, 58 pitches - get this man some RUNS!
(Bottom of the seventh:) The only guys who hit him all game hit him again - Mench with a single & Wilkerson with a home run, 2-0 Texas. Wright's final line is still encouraging: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 K, 82 pitches (62% strikes) and an ERA under 5 for the first time in a while.
-ARRGGHHH!!! It looks like Bubba is hurt - I can't see the play so if someone has the game on, let me know how bad it looks. Also, if Bubba is out for a while, bring up Kevin Thompson immediately as Kevin Reese is not going to cut it. Vote NO on Terrence Long!
(Top of the sixth:) I bet KT makes that play ;) as Reese misplays a Texiera fly into a 2 base error.
(Top of the seventh:) Still no word on Bubba other than it looks like it could be a groin pull.
-After a Wright HBP, Torre brings on Erickson and I'll start right here by saying I'm not a fan. I can understand Joe wanting to see what he has in Erickson. I just don't like bringing up a washed up veteran when there are other options for the bullpen (ex. Matt Smith). A Cano miscue allows 2 more runs (only one charged to Wright) to score before Erickson gets Young & Nevin out - 4-0 Texas.
-I'll start: WHY ON EARTH is Bernie in CF today? I don't have a problem with his being in the lineup - with the Yankees depth being what it is, it's understandable. However, if you're gonna run Bubba Crosby out there as well, why not put Bubba in CF and Bernie in left (or right for that matter - anywhere but center). Bubba is the best fielding outfielder on the roster so why not actually use him where it provides the most leverage!?! This absolutely drives me nuts (of course, having said that, Bernie will make a game saving catch and the local papers will laud Joe for his brilliance :)).
(Top of the third:) What was that I said about Bernie? ;) as he makes a very nice sliding catch.
-Regardless of what Jaret did against the hapless A's, I remain deathly afraid of some sort of implosion whenever he takes the hill.
(Bottom of the fourth:) Well, shut my mouth! He's pitching pretty well so far - 4 IP, 2 H, 40 pitches!
(Bottom of the fifth:) Not too shabby once again as he pitched out of a two on, no out jam - 5 IP, 4 H, 2 K, 58 pitches - get this man some RUNS!
(Bottom of the seventh:) The only guys who hit him all game hit him again - Mench with a single & Wilkerson with a home run, 2-0 Texas. Wright's final line is still encouraging: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 K, 82 pitches (62% strikes) and an ERA under 5 for the first time in a while.
-ARRGGHHH!!! It looks like Bubba is hurt - I can't see the play so if someone has the game on, let me know how bad it looks. Also, if Bubba is out for a while, bring up Kevin Thompson immediately as Kevin Reese is not going to cut it. Vote NO on Terrence Long!
(Top of the sixth:) I bet KT makes that play ;) as Reese misplays a Texiera fly into a 2 base error.
(Top of the seventh:) Still no word on Bubba other than it looks like it could be a groin pull.
-After a Wright HBP, Torre brings on Erickson and I'll start right here by saying I'm not a fan. I can understand Joe wanting to see what he has in Erickson. I just don't like bringing up a washed up veteran when there are other options for the bullpen (ex. Matt Smith). A Cano miscue allows 2 more runs (only one charged to Wright) to score before Erickson gets Young & Nevin out - 4-0 Texas.
05/18: Quick Facts
Posted by: James
Here are a few things from today's Press Pass that I thought were interesting (any emphasis added is mine). If you haven't checked out these daily Press Passes, you're missing out as they are chock full of interesting information. See Page 2 for the Yankees' winning percentages in various situations (both this year and last) and Page 3 for a HR breakdown for each player as well as all the lineups (both offensive & defensive) used this year.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Tuesday’s 14-13 victory vs. Texas—in which the Yankees tied the franchise record for the largest deficit overcome in a game (nine runs)—was the highest scoring one-run game in Yankee Stadium history.
-The Yankees have now overcome a nine-run deficit four times in their 104-year history (also on 4/18/50 at Boston; 7/25/53 at Detroit; and 6/26/87 vs.Boston).
-Tuesday’s win marked the first time in Major-League history that a team won a game that it trailed by nine or more runs with a walk-off homer.
Since falling to 11-19 on 5/6/05, the Yankees are 107-63 and have the best winning percentage (.627) of any team in the Majors.
Point: The Yankees lead the American League with 13 sacrifice bunts this season...
Counterpoint: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Yankees lead the Major Leagues with 14 home runs with at least two men on base (12 three-run home runs, two grand slams).
The Yankees have made 15 errors in their last 10 games after making only 10 in the first 28 games of the season.
The Yankees are 19-6 this season in games in which their starter pitches at least 6 innings.
-The Yankees have now overcome a nine-run deficit four times in their 104-year history (also on 4/18/50 at Boston; 7/25/53 at Detroit; and 6/26/87 vs.Boston).
-Tuesday’s win marked the first time in Major-League history that a team won a game that it trailed by nine or more runs with a walk-off homer.
Since falling to 11-19 on 5/6/05, the Yankees are 107-63 and have the best winning percentage (.627) of any team in the Majors.
Point: The Yankees lead the American League with 13 sacrifice bunts this season...
Counterpoint: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Yankees lead the Major Leagues with 14 home runs with at least two men on base (12 three-run home runs, two grand slams).
The Yankees have made 15 errors in their last 10 games after making only 10 in the first 28 games of the season.
The Yankees are 19-6 this season in games in which their starter pitches at least 6 innings.
05/18: Yankees 4, Rangers 3
Posted by: Jason
As the YES logo swept across the screen at 7PM, I was a bit worried. Last night seemed:
a) Anticlimactic after Tuesday's victory, and
b) A perfect time for the Yanks to have the "emotional" letdown following a rare, thrilling game like yesterday.
Thankfully, another solidly above average performance by "Tiger" Wang (Sadly, I believe that nickname is taken on these shores) combined with key at-bats allowed the Yanks to gain a share of first place and pull to 8 games over .500 at 23-15.
Interesting points:
The Yanks broke a 1-1 tie open in the 5th, beginning with an opposite field double by Jason Giambi, who like Edmond Dantes, a.k.a. The Count of Monte Cristo, has returned from turmoil that had apparently ended his career to wreak havoc. Don Mattingly (on principle, I will never call him "Donnie") must be delighted to see JG hit the ball the opposite way with authority, as are we all.
JG's hit was followed by Alex reaching on an error, and then three singles by Posada, Cano and the man taking "The Journey Within."
By the way...Posada also drove DJ in for the first run earlier in the game...does anyone recall the "Let's pull the trigger and sign Piazza" crowd last offseason?
Also notable were the 3 errors by Cano (2) and Andy Phillips last night.
We might question Joe's decision to leave Wang in the game after he gave up a 2 run HR to Mathews Jr. that appeared to just glance the top of the wall in right. Wang thankfully remained relaxed, and Mariano made no mistakes in a strong 9th.
The Yanks go for the series win today at 1PM with Jaret Wright, who is showing signs of life.
a) Anticlimactic after Tuesday's victory, and
b) A perfect time for the Yanks to have the "emotional" letdown following a rare, thrilling game like yesterday.
Thankfully, another solidly above average performance by "Tiger" Wang (Sadly, I believe that nickname is taken on these shores) combined with key at-bats allowed the Yanks to gain a share of first place and pull to 8 games over .500 at 23-15.
Interesting points:
The Yanks broke a 1-1 tie open in the 5th, beginning with an opposite field double by Jason Giambi, who like Edmond Dantes, a.k.a. The Count of Monte Cristo, has returned from turmoil that had apparently ended his career to wreak havoc. Don Mattingly (on principle, I will never call him "Donnie") must be delighted to see JG hit the ball the opposite way with authority, as are we all.
JG's hit was followed by Alex reaching on an error, and then three singles by Posada, Cano and the man taking "The Journey Within."
By the way...Posada also drove DJ in for the first run earlier in the game...does anyone recall the "Let's pull the trigger and sign Piazza" crowd last offseason?
Also notable were the 3 errors by Cano (2) and Andy Phillips last night.
We might question Joe's decision to leave Wang in the game after he gave up a 2 run HR to Mathews Jr. that appeared to just glance the top of the wall in right. Wang thankfully remained relaxed, and Mariano made no mistakes in a strong 9th.
The Yanks go for the series win today at 1PM with Jaret Wright, who is showing signs of life.
05/17: Don't Look Now...
Posted by: James
But Carl Pavano only pitched one inning in his rehab stint at Trenton tonight. I don't know the specifics of what happened just yet...but with Pavano, you'll forgive me if I'm just a little pessimistic. Honestly, would anyone be surprised at this point if he slipped on some wet grass on the way to the mound and broke something? I know I wouldn't...
Update: Pavano reported tightness in his right triceps and will be evaluated Thursday at Yankee Stadium by team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon.
Update: Pavano reported tightness in his right triceps and will be evaluated Thursday at Yankee Stadium by team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon.
05/17: Thoughts on Randy
Posted by: James
Not Jackson, mind you.
Tom Verducci has a very interesting look at Randy Johnson and his continuing problems over at SI.com. While somewhat inconsistent with Will Carroll's take (that Randy has a bum knee), Verducci makes some good, reasoned arguments about Johnson and what he is facing.
Mike Celizic over at MSNBC has the same type of story up and reiterates the point that Randy no longer has the same stuff that he once did. That's not to say that he can't become a very good pitcher again (see Mike Mussina/Greg Maddux/Tom Glavine). Of course, Johnson is a completely different animal...and it will interesting (to say the least) to see how he deals with this, the signs of his own mortality (pretty gloomy, huh?).
Tom Verducci has a very interesting look at Randy Johnson and his continuing problems over at SI.com. While somewhat inconsistent with Will Carroll's take (that Randy has a bum knee), Verducci makes some good, reasoned arguments about Johnson and what he is facing.
The Yankees may like to think of that kind of trouble as a mechanical flaw, but it's more related to physiology and age. Johnson knows he has to stay on top of the ball -- just as he knows he has to keep his front shoulder closed and not let it fly open toward third base, as happens often now. It's not a secret. But his body isn't allowing him to do it consistently. Think of a senior golfer. Same basic swing, but because of age, the repeatability of the swing is diminished. The ability to repeat mechanics is the key to a pitcher's command.
This is not a matter of a few bad starts. Johnson and the Yankees are staring at a trend, just as Tom Glavine was last year when he reinvented himself by throwing more curveballs and by throwing his changeup on the inside corner to right-handers. Both developments allowed Glavine to reestablish his money pitches, the sinking fastball and changeup off the outside corner.
This is not a matter of a few bad starts. Johnson and the Yankees are staring at a trend, just as Tom Glavine was last year when he reinvented himself by throwing more curveballs and by throwing his changeup on the inside corner to right-handers. Both developments allowed Glavine to reestablish his money pitches, the sinking fastball and changeup off the outside corner.
Mike Celizic over at MSNBC has the same type of story up and reiterates the point that Randy no longer has the same stuff that he once did. That's not to say that he can't become a very good pitcher again (see Mike Mussina/Greg Maddux/Tom Glavine). Of course, Johnson is a completely different animal...and it will interesting (to say the least) to see how he deals with this, the signs of his own mortality (pretty gloomy, huh?).
