09/29: Thank You
Posted by: Patrick
As the 2008 season is now at a close, I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has read and supported YanksBlog.com this season. It is greatly appreciated.
Thank you, as well, to my fellow bloggers here, James and Seamus, for all of their work and comprehensive coverage of the team this year. It didn't end like we would have wanted (though Moose getting to 20 was pretty sweet), but there was plenty of excitement and story lines that kept us busy and interested throughout the season.
Of course, one of the great things about being a Yankees fan is the offseason because we're almost always in the thick of it. So, things will stay busy here and we hope you'll stay with us.
Once again, thank you for visiting YanksBlog.com.
Thank you, as well, to my fellow bloggers here, James and Seamus, for all of their work and comprehensive coverage of the team this year. It didn't end like we would have wanted (though Moose getting to 20 was pretty sweet), but there was plenty of excitement and story lines that kept us busy and interested throughout the season.
Of course, one of the great things about being a Yankees fan is the offseason because we're almost always in the thick of it. So, things will stay busy here and we hope you'll stay with us.
Once again, thank you for visiting YanksBlog.com.
Posted by: James
Looking to finish the season on a winning note and getting to a nice round 90 in wins, the Yankees looked to sweep the Red Sox in the second game of a double-header. Standing against them was knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (and some would say, their own starter Sidney Ponson).
Well, I guess it's true what they say then. You just can't script baseball...as Sir Sidney went six strong (say that six times fast) innings of one run ball. It probably helped that the Sox trotted out the B lineup (as did the Yankees) but Ponson's only mistake happened in the first when he gave up an inning opening double to Coco Crisp, who later scored on a single. After that, it was smooth(-er) sailing for Sidney.
The Yankees got on the board in the 6th when Cano and Giambi led off the inning with singles, putting men on first and third. A Xavier Nady groundout then plated the tying run.
Another starter that the Yankees had to rely on far too much this season, Darrell Rasner, then took over. After an easy first inning, Rasner walked the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the eighth. After getting a strike-out, Sean Casey then singled up the middle to plate two runs and give the Sox a 3-1 lead.
In the top of the ninth, the Yankees seemed to kick it into gear as the first 3 hitters all got on. Wilson Betemit singled, Damon walked and Melky Cabrera reached on a bunt that turned out to be a hit. So with the bases loaded and none out, Juan Miranda hit a sac fly to plate one run and move the tying run to third base. Brett Gardner then came up and went down on strikes (is he ready for prime-time? Nope, not yet) and it looked the Yankees season would end in a fashion that described the whole season; disappointing. However, Mr. Disappointing himself, Robbie Cano, stepped up to the plate and singled to plate the tying run and into extra innings we went.
The winning run scored in the bottom of the 10th when Jose Veras came in and promptly gave up a triple to Alex Cora. With a man on third and no one out, he struck out Chris Carter and intentionally walked Jeff Bailey and Sean Casey to load up the bases and set up the force at every base. It worked out well at first as Veras got David Ross looking to get the second out. However, the next batter Jonathan Van Every (that's just an odd name) was able to single through the right side to plate the 4th and winning run.
89-73. Third in the AL East (yes, Hank, still the 4th best record in the league) and a looming off-season chock full of questions regarding the direction of this team. Should be a fun one...but that's it for this game, this season and for me. Good night and good luck.
Well, I guess it's true what they say then. You just can't script baseball...as Sir Sidney went six strong (say that six times fast) innings of one run ball. It probably helped that the Sox trotted out the B lineup (as did the Yankees) but Ponson's only mistake happened in the first when he gave up an inning opening double to Coco Crisp, who later scored on a single. After that, it was smooth(-er) sailing for Sidney.
The Yankees got on the board in the 6th when Cano and Giambi led off the inning with singles, putting men on first and third. A Xavier Nady groundout then plated the tying run.
Another starter that the Yankees had to rely on far too much this season, Darrell Rasner, then took over. After an easy first inning, Rasner walked the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the eighth. After getting a strike-out, Sean Casey then singled up the middle to plate two runs and give the Sox a 3-1 lead.
In the top of the ninth, the Yankees seemed to kick it into gear as the first 3 hitters all got on. Wilson Betemit singled, Damon walked and Melky Cabrera reached on a bunt that turned out to be a hit. So with the bases loaded and none out, Juan Miranda hit a sac fly to plate one run and move the tying run to third base. Brett Gardner then came up and went down on strikes (is he ready for prime-time? Nope, not yet) and it looked the Yankees season would end in a fashion that described the whole season; disappointing. However, Mr. Disappointing himself, Robbie Cano, stepped up to the plate and singled to plate the tying run and into extra innings we went.
The winning run scored in the bottom of the 10th when Jose Veras came in and promptly gave up a triple to Alex Cora. With a man on third and no one out, he struck out Chris Carter and intentionally walked Jeff Bailey and Sean Casey to load up the bases and set up the force at every base. It worked out well at first as Veras got David Ross looking to get the second out. However, the next batter Jonathan Van Every (that's just an odd name) was able to single through the right side to plate the 4th and winning run.
89-73. Third in the AL East (yes, Hank, still the 4th best record in the league) and a looming off-season chock full of questions regarding the direction of this team. Should be a fun one...but that's it for this game, this season and for me. Good night and good luck.
Posted by: James
In a season where quite a few players and the team as a whole underperformed expectations, there was one guy who surpassed all expectations and he took the mound today trying for win #20 (and #270 of his career). Suffice it to say that he was every bit as brilliant today as he had been all season and became the oldest first-time 20-game winner in Major League history.
On a rainy, overcast day in Boston, Mike Mussina, in what he admits might have been the final start of his career, was sharp over 6 solid, scoreless innings, walking 2 and striking out 3 in the process. His only real test was in the fourth when with two men on and no one out, he got Kevin Youkilis to fly out before coaxing a double play ball from J.D. Drew to get out of the inning.
The Yankees hitters did their part for Moose, putting him up 3-0 in the fourth when Xavier Nady popped his 25th home run of the season just over the outstretched glove of J.D. Drew. Mussina left the game with that score intact, turning the game over to the Yankee bullpen and while Boston scored twice in the eighth inning off Joba Chamberlain, Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte, the Yanks scored a few insurance runs in the top of the ninth and Mariano was able to come in and slam the door.
Congrats to Moose for a great season and if you decide to keep pitching, know that this Yankee fan would be more than happy to see you in the Yankee clubhouse doing crosswords for a couple more years...
On a rainy, overcast day in Boston, Mike Mussina, in what he admits might have been the final start of his career, was sharp over 6 solid, scoreless innings, walking 2 and striking out 3 in the process. His only real test was in the fourth when with two men on and no one out, he got Kevin Youkilis to fly out before coaxing a double play ball from J.D. Drew to get out of the inning.
The Yankees hitters did their part for Moose, putting him up 3-0 in the fourth when Xavier Nady popped his 25th home run of the season just over the outstretched glove of J.D. Drew. Mussina left the game with that score intact, turning the game over to the Yankee bullpen and while Boston scored twice in the eighth inning off Joba Chamberlain, Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte, the Yanks scored a few insurance runs in the top of the ninth and Mariano was able to come in and slam the door.
Congrats to Moose for a great season and if you decide to keep pitching, know that this Yankee fan would be more than happy to see you in the Yankee clubhouse doing crosswords for a couple more years...
Posted by: Patrick
As part of the Yankees' annual rookie hazing, this year's crop of rookies dressed up as the Village people, reports Peter Abraham. Chad Jennings has pictures.
Posted by: Patrick
From Kat O'Brien:
Of course, as we've come to understand, he doesn't have a choice. But, certainly a compelling case can be made for the Yankees. He pitched the first 10 seasons of his career with Baltimore and the last 8 with the Yankees. With the Orioles, he pitched in 288 games, going 147-81. Meanwhile, in New York, he's pitched in 248 games and is 122-72. The case probably becomes more compelling if his one and only 20 game season came in the Bronx, though.
If Mussina does retire and makes it to the Hall of Fame, he said he'd be leaning towards going in with a Yankees cap and not an Orioles cap.
Of course, as we've come to understand, he doesn't have a choice. But, certainly a compelling case can be made for the Yankees. He pitched the first 10 seasons of his career with Baltimore and the last 8 with the Yankees. With the Orioles, he pitched in 288 games, going 147-81. Meanwhile, in New York, he's pitched in 248 games and is 122-72. The case probably becomes more compelling if his one and only 20 game season came in the Bronx, though.
09/27: Jeter Done
Posted by: Patrick
MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports that Derek Jeter will not play in either of the Yankees final two games against the Red Sox.
"If I could play, obviously I'd play," Jeter said. "But it doesn't really look like it. What it boils down to is that if you can't do it, you can't do it." ...
"I just think there's too much pain there, and I don't think we're expecting it to be a lot better before Sunday," Girardi said.
"I just think there's too much pain there, and I don't think we're expecting it to be a lot better before Sunday," Girardi said.
Posted by: Patrick
From MLB.com's Bryan Hoch:
Cashman said before Friday's game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park that he plans to discuss his status with the Steinbrenner family shortly after the club's season ends this weekend.
"It'll be soon," Cashman said. "It's not going to be today or tomorrow, but I promise you that you're not going to have to worry about it dragging out."
"It'll be soon," Cashman said. "It's not going to be today or tomorrow, but I promise you that you're not going to have to worry about it dragging out."
Posted by: Patrick
Mariano Rivera spoke to the media on Friday, revealing that he has been pitching with shoulder pain all season, but had decided not to tell anyone until Wednesday, when he asked that it be examined. According to Bryan Hoch:
Reportedly, Mo is leaning toward the surgery, which would only require a few weeks of rehab, so he would be fully ready to go back to work in 2009.
Mo will be ready to pitch on Sunday, in support of Mike Mussina's effort to win 20 games in a season for the first time.
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said on Friday that he has been pitching with a right shoulder issue and will consider giving a green light to a minor arthroscopic procedure after the regular season concludes.
Rivera said that results of tests taken in New York on Thursday revealed inflammation and calcification in his pitching shoulder. Surgery is one of two options that could correct the ailment, though Rivera could also alleviate the soreness with a series of continuing cortisone injections.
Rivera said that results of tests taken in New York on Thursday revealed inflammation and calcification in his pitching shoulder. Surgery is one of two options that could correct the ailment, though Rivera could also alleviate the soreness with a series of continuing cortisone injections.
Reportedly, Mo is leaning toward the surgery, which would only require a few weeks of rehab, so he would be fully ready to go back to work in 2009.
Mo will be ready to pitch on Sunday, in support of Mike Mussina's effort to win 20 games in a season for the first time.
Posted by: Patrick
The Yankees first round pick in 2007, Andrew Brackman, will make his pro debut tonight, reports Baseball America:
Via Mike.
Sixteen months since throwing his last pitch and then strengthening his surgically repaired right elbow at the team's Tampa facility, Brackman finally takes aim on scaling the organizational ladder and showing why he commanded a $4.55 million guaranteed major league contract that included a $3.35 million signing bonus.
He'll be thrown into the fire immediately, too, as Brackman is scheduled to pitch in the circuit's opening night Saturday for the Waikiki Beachboys against the Honolulu Sharks, whose roster includes Phillies outfield prospects Michael Taylor and Dominic Brown.
He'll be thrown into the fire immediately, too, as Brackman is scheduled to pitch in the circuit's opening night Saturday for the Waikiki Beachboys against the Honolulu Sharks, whose roster includes Phillies outfield prospects Michael Taylor and Dominic Brown.
Via Mike.
Posted by: Patrick
In a game that was delayed by rain three times, the Yankees offense put on a show, scoring 19 runs and beating the Red Sox by the score of 19-8. The team scored in every inning except for the sixth and every Red Sox pitcher had at least 1 earned run.
Due to the delays, Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was scratched in favor of David Pauley (0-0, 9.31). The Yankees took full advantage of that, knocking him out of the game after just 2 and 2/3 innings, having allowed 7 runs, 6 of which were earned.
As a whole, the Yankees collected 19 hits and 5 walks, including 7 doubles and 3 home runs. (They were hit by a pitch twice, as well). The stars of the explosion were Cody Ransom, Bobby Abreu, Xavier Nady, Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner.
Ransom was 3 for 3 with a double, 2 home runs and 3 runs, Abreu was 1 for 3 with 2 walks, 4 runs and 1 RBI, Nady was 3 for 5 with a double and 4 runs, Cano was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, 1 run and 5 RBIs and Gardner was 2 for 6 with 4 runs.
Pitching wise, Alfredo Aceves started the game and lasted just 4 innings, throwing 77 pitches. He allowed 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks, including two home runs. Phil Coke relieved him and saw his scoreless innings streak end at 11 and 2/3 innings. However, he threw 2 innings and allowed just the one run. His ERA is now 0.66.
David Robertson followed with two innings - scoreless - of his own and collected the victory, improving to 4-0. Finally, Chris Britton came in and gave up 3 innings in just the ninth inning alone. However, he made it through and the game was over.
Derek Jeter started the game, but was removed thanks to his left hand, which continues to bother him. Peter Abraham says that, with two games left, the Captain may be done. Still, it'd be nice to see him on Sunday in support of Moose.
With the victory, the Yankees clinched the division title for the Rays.
The second game of the series is today at 3:55 PM ET on Fox. Sidney Ponson (8-5, 5.21) will make what may be his final start in pinstripes against Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2, 2.80).
Due to the delays, Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was scratched in favor of David Pauley (0-0, 9.31). The Yankees took full advantage of that, knocking him out of the game after just 2 and 2/3 innings, having allowed 7 runs, 6 of which were earned.
As a whole, the Yankees collected 19 hits and 5 walks, including 7 doubles and 3 home runs. (They were hit by a pitch twice, as well). The stars of the explosion were Cody Ransom, Bobby Abreu, Xavier Nady, Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner.
Ransom was 3 for 3 with a double, 2 home runs and 3 runs, Abreu was 1 for 3 with 2 walks, 4 runs and 1 RBI, Nady was 3 for 5 with a double and 4 runs, Cano was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, 1 run and 5 RBIs and Gardner was 2 for 6 with 4 runs.
Pitching wise, Alfredo Aceves started the game and lasted just 4 innings, throwing 77 pitches. He allowed 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks, including two home runs. Phil Coke relieved him and saw his scoreless innings streak end at 11 and 2/3 innings. However, he threw 2 innings and allowed just the one run. His ERA is now 0.66.
David Robertson followed with two innings - scoreless - of his own and collected the victory, improving to 4-0. Finally, Chris Britton came in and gave up 3 innings in just the ninth inning alone. However, he made it through and the game was over.
Derek Jeter started the game, but was removed thanks to his left hand, which continues to bother him. Peter Abraham says that, with two games left, the Captain may be done. Still, it'd be nice to see him on Sunday in support of Moose.
With the victory, the Yankees clinched the division title for the Rays.
The second game of the series is today at 3:55 PM ET on Fox. Sidney Ponson (8-5, 5.21) will make what may be his final start in pinstripes against Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2, 2.80).
