Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees acquired left-handed starter Al Leiter from the Florida Marlins this afternoon for a player to be named. Leiter will start tomorrow's game against the Red Sox. Before the deal was made the Yankees did not have a pitcher on the roster available to start tomorrow's game. The Yankees will pay the rest of Leiter's 2005 salary.
Leiter struggled with the Marlins this season, going 3-7 with a 6.64 E.R.A. in 17 games in his second stint with Florida. His disappointing performance led the Marlins to designate him for assignment on Thursday. Speculation began that the Yankees would look to acquire him as soon as they were forced to place Chien-Ming Wang on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.
We didn't exactly pick up an ace here, but it will do. The Yankees are just looking for someone who can fill the back of the rotation with all these injuries. He's not the pitcher he was in his first stint with the Marlins or with the Mets, but I don't think he's quite as bad as the numbers he's put up so far this year, either. It also helps for us to have another lefty on the staff, which is something we've lacked the last two years aside from Randy Johnson. Better Leiter than Tim Redding, I guess.
Leiter began his career with the Yankees in 1987 where he pitched until '89 when he was dealt to Toronto. His career stops include 7 years with the Blue Jays ('89 to '95), 7 years with the Mets ('98 to 2004), and two short stints with the Florida Marlins ('96 to '97 and 2005).
Leiter struggled with the Marlins this season, going 3-7 with a 6.64 E.R.A. in 17 games in his second stint with Florida. His disappointing performance led the Marlins to designate him for assignment on Thursday. Speculation began that the Yankees would look to acquire him as soon as they were forced to place Chien-Ming Wang on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.
We didn't exactly pick up an ace here, but it will do. The Yankees are just looking for someone who can fill the back of the rotation with all these injuries. He's not the pitcher he was in his first stint with the Marlins or with the Mets, but I don't think he's quite as bad as the numbers he's put up so far this year, either. It also helps for us to have another lefty on the staff, which is something we've lacked the last two years aside from Randy Johnson. Better Leiter than Tim Redding, I guess.
Leiter began his career with the Yankees in 1987 where he pitched until '89 when he was dealt to Toronto. His career stops include 7 years with the Blue Jays ('89 to '95), 7 years with the Mets ('98 to 2004), and two short stints with the Florida Marlins ('96 to '97 and 2005).
Posted by: Seamus
All Joe Torre and Yankee fans could do before last night's game at Fenway Park was hope that Tim Redding could pitch well enough and go deep enough into the game to at least give the Yankees a chance to stay in the ballgame. That didn't happen, though, as David Wells and the Red Sox gave the Yanks a 17-1 pounding to go back to 2.5 games ahead of the Yankees in the standings. Redding only pitched one full inning and came out with the bases loaded and nobody out in the 2nd. He gave up 6 earned runs on four hits. His problem, though, was that he could not throw the ball over the plate as he walked 4 batters. He actually recorded more walks than outs. Darrell May came in for relief and didn't do too much better as he also gave up 6 runs. This was the second time this season the Red Sox beat the Yankees by a margin of 16 runs, with both games ending with the score 17-1.
It was a tough one to swallow, but what could you really expect? I mean I wasn't thinking 17-1, but as soon as I heard we'd be throwing out Tim Redding last night to face David Wells it didn't look good. It looks like we might have to deal with this every 4th and 5th day for at least a week or two before Carl Pavano and Kevin Brown are ready to return.
On another note aside from pitching, it is clear now that Melky Cabrera just isn't ready for the Major League's yet. He made a horrible misjudgement in centerfield that allowed Trot Nixon to go all the way around the bases for an inside the park home run. He's got a rocket for an arm and will usually give us one decent at-bat each game, but he's just not ready yet. We obviously need to give him time. The guy is only 20 years old. I'm hoping that Joe Torre and Brian Cashman don't think that just because they brought up two guys from Columbus earlier this year who came up and surprised everyone they can fill any hole by going into their farm system. Cano and Wang were ready for the big leagues. Cabrera isn't yet.
I guess the only bright spots last night were Robinson Cano and Gary Sheffield, who had two hits each.
Today everyone will get to see the game as Randy Johnson will take on Matt Clement in an afternoon affair on FOX at 1 p.m. We're really going to need this one today and Randy Johnson has to step up because we still don't even have a pitcher for Sunday yet.
On a totally different note, I'd just like to throw in my favorite stat of the day: Former Yankee Mike Stanton balked in the winning run last night in his Nationals' debut before even throwing a pitch. In his last start with the Yankees, Orioles' 2B Brian Roberts put Stanton's first pitch in the stands for a walk off home run. So that means Stanton is now 0-2 with a total of one pitch thrown in his last two appearances.
It was a tough one to swallow, but what could you really expect? I mean I wasn't thinking 17-1, but as soon as I heard we'd be throwing out Tim Redding last night to face David Wells it didn't look good. It looks like we might have to deal with this every 4th and 5th day for at least a week or two before Carl Pavano and Kevin Brown are ready to return.
On another note aside from pitching, it is clear now that Melky Cabrera just isn't ready for the Major League's yet. He made a horrible misjudgement in centerfield that allowed Trot Nixon to go all the way around the bases for an inside the park home run. He's got a rocket for an arm and will usually give us one decent at-bat each game, but he's just not ready yet. We obviously need to give him time. The guy is only 20 years old. I'm hoping that Joe Torre and Brian Cashman don't think that just because they brought up two guys from Columbus earlier this year who came up and surprised everyone they can fill any hole by going into their farm system. Cano and Wang were ready for the big leagues. Cabrera isn't yet.
I guess the only bright spots last night were Robinson Cano and Gary Sheffield, who had two hits each.
Today everyone will get to see the game as Randy Johnson will take on Matt Clement in an afternoon affair on FOX at 1 p.m. We're really going to need this one today and Randy Johnson has to step up because we still don't even have a pitcher for Sunday yet.
On a totally different note, I'd just like to throw in my favorite stat of the day: Former Yankee Mike Stanton balked in the winning run last night in his Nationals' debut before even throwing a pitch. In his last start with the Yankees, Orioles' 2B Brian Roberts put Stanton's first pitch in the stands for a walk off home run. So that means Stanton is now 0-2 with a total of one pitch thrown in his last two appearances.
07/14: Wang goes on the DL
Posted by: Michael
The Yankees today placed their most consistent pitcher this season on the the DL.
On Thursday, the Yankees placed rookie right-hander Chien-Ming Wang on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation and purchased the contract of right-hander Tim Redding from Triple-A Columbus of the International League.
07/14: Mark my words...
Posted by: Michael
The Yankees will win the East.
Tonight starts the second half of the season. For the Yankees who are only 2 1/2 games out of first place will take this weekend's series against Boston. After that, they take the lead and in my opinion never to look back. Some reasons:
1 - Ruben Sierra said so.
2 - Gary Sheffield has A-Rod's back.
3 - Jason Giambi has found his swing at the plate.
4 - The Yankees are hitting their stride. While their rivals in the East are falling like dead weight.
With the "Idiots" in Boston, there is too much team fighting. With the O's its their lack of quality starting pitching. Based on the Yankee bat alone will the Yanks soar past these two teams.
Tonight starts the second half of the season. For the Yankees who are only 2 1/2 games out of first place will take this weekend's series against Boston. After that, they take the lead and in my opinion never to look back. Some reasons:
1 - Ruben Sierra said so.
2 - Gary Sheffield has A-Rod's back.
3 - Jason Giambi has found his swing at the plate.
4 - The Yankees are hitting their stride. While their rivals in the East are falling like dead weight.
With the "Idiots" in Boston, there is too much team fighting. With the O's its their lack of quality starting pitching. Based on the Yankee bat alone will the Yanks soar past these two teams.
Posted by: Michael
A documentary on the life and times of Mickey Mantle will appear on HBO tonight at 9pm edt.
The one-hour HBO Sports special explores the life and career of one of baseball's most enduring icons, Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle. August 13, 2005, marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Mickey Mantle, who lived a life as rich and extraordinary as a Hollywood script. Over the 18 seasons with the Bombers, despite constant nagging injuries, Mantle hit 536 home runs, twice hitting more than 50 in a season. He finished ten seasons with a batting average of .300 or more, and played in seven World Series. Today, "The Mick" remains the greatest switch-hitter in baseball history.
At the height of his career, Mantle was the toast of New York, yet behind his country charm and good looks there was a wayward lifestyle that harmed his marriage, his relationship with his four sons, and his health. In 1995, during a procedure to replace his damaged liver, he was discovered to have inoperable cancer. Mickey Mantle died a little more than two months later in Dallas..
Interviews for the special include Mantle's wife Merlyn, who still resides in Dallas, and their sons David and Danny Mantle; Billy Martin Jr., son of Mantle's teammate and close friend Billy Martin; broadcaster Bob Costas, who delivered the eulogy at Mantle's funeral; Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner; teammates Jim Bouton, Bobby Murcer and Phil Linz; and manager Ralph Houk.
At the height of his career, Mantle was the toast of New York, yet behind his country charm and good looks there was a wayward lifestyle that harmed his marriage, his relationship with his four sons, and his health. In 1995, during a procedure to replace his damaged liver, he was discovered to have inoperable cancer. Mickey Mantle died a little more than two months later in Dallas..
Interviews for the special include Mantle's wife Merlyn, who still resides in Dallas, and their sons David and Danny Mantle; Billy Martin Jr., son of Mantle's teammate and close friend Billy Martin; broadcaster Bob Costas, who delivered the eulogy at Mantle's funeral; Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner; teammates Jim Bouton, Bobby Murcer and Phil Linz; and manager Ralph Houk.
Posted by: Patrick
Yanks, big leaguers see trouble scheduling games for March 3-20:
The idea, in theory, is a good one. But, as a Yankees fan, do I want Mo having to get ready earlier, play a high level of baseball earlier and, as a result, be even more taxed in October? Even though most other great players in the league will also be taxed in the same or a similar way from playing the event - honestly, not really. Cliff Corcoran had a great suggestion - why not hold it in November? They'd have three full months off before Spring Training. Is it too late to change?
"I wouldn't make one step without knowing if Mr. George will allow us to play," closer Mariano Rivera of Panama said before last night's All-Star Game, referring to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. "That's his players. I'm not so sure ."
Gary Sheffield, already on record as saying he would not participate for the United States team, said of The Boss, "If it was me, I wouldn't want my guys playing nine innings in February . That's a lot of baseball." ...
"If you represent your country, you have to be in shape," Rivera said. "I don't play winter ball and I didn't throw ." ...
Rivera wondered what effect it would have on a team like the Yankees, who figure to have numerous players picked for the WBC representing several nations. "How many would we have - everybody?" Rivera joked. "To be away from your team for two weeks in spring training, that's a big deal."
Gary Sheffield, already on record as saying he would not participate for the United States team, said of The Boss, "If it was me, I wouldn't want my guys playing nine innings in February . That's a lot of baseball." ...
"If you represent your country, you have to be in shape," Rivera said. "I don't play winter ball and I didn't throw ." ...
Rivera wondered what effect it would have on a team like the Yankees, who figure to have numerous players picked for the WBC representing several nations. "How many would we have - everybody?" Rivera joked. "To be away from your team for two weeks in spring training, that's a big deal."
The idea, in theory, is a good one. But, as a Yankees fan, do I want Mo having to get ready earlier, play a high level of baseball earlier and, as a result, be even more taxed in October? Even though most other great players in the league will also be taxed in the same or a similar way from playing the event - honestly, not really. Cliff Corcoran had a great suggestion - why not hold it in November? They'd have three full months off before Spring Training. Is it too late to change?
Posted by: Patrick
Sheff:
It's nice to see. I'm pretty sure they already had his back for the most part... it's not like that fight last year was him alone. The Yankees got out there and got into it a bit - Bernie was pretty hyped, as I recall.
Via Bronx Banter.
The truth is that for the first time in his Pinstriped career, Alex Rodriguez can go into the lion's den that is Fenway Park and know in his heart that he is being protected by his Yankee teammates.
As Sheffield promised, "It's going to be different."
As Sheffield promised, "It's going to be different."
It's nice to see. I'm pretty sure they already had his back for the most part... it's not like that fight last year was him alone. The Yankees got out there and got into it a bit - Bernie was pretty hyped, as I recall.
Via Bronx Banter.
Posted by: Seamus
It looked like perhaps not each Yankee selected to this year's All-Star game would get a chance to play as Bob Wickman entered the game to close out the N.L. Stars with a 7-3 lead in the 9th. However, after two runs were given up by both he and Orioles' reliever B.J. Ryan, Mariano Rivera came into the game with a 7-5 lead and two outs. Mo struck out Astros' slugger Morgan Ensberg to record the save.
Alex Rodriguez started the game at third base and went 1-2 with a single and a walk before being pulled in the top of the 5th for Orioles' 3B Melvin Mora. Gary Sheffield entered the game in the 6th inning and grounded into a double play before being replaced in the 9th inning by White Sox OF Scott Podsednik.
Other highlights from the game included a long home run from Miguel Tejada, a home run from Mark Teixeira which was his first this season from the right side of the plate (he has 25 home runs overall this season), a spectacular play at second by Marlins' 2B Luis Castillo, and a nifty double play turned by the Orioles' middle infield combo of Tejada and Brian Roberts. Tejada, who went 1-3 with a solo shot won the game's MVP award.
Overall I'd say it was a fun night. You can say what you want about the idea of the All-Star game deciding home field advantage in the World Series (I'm still not 100% sold on it), but I am certainly glad that if the Yankees do get the opportunity to play in the World Series, they won't have to open up the series in St. Louis or Washington (not saying that one of those teams will win the N.L., but those are two of the toughest places to win on the road).
Hopefully the break served as a good rest for all the Yankees who weren't invited to this year's mid-summer classic. We got a tough stretch coming up with a four game series at Fenway starting Thursday to start an 11-game road trip that also includes stops in Texas and Anaheim.
Alex Rodriguez started the game at third base and went 1-2 with a single and a walk before being pulled in the top of the 5th for Orioles' 3B Melvin Mora. Gary Sheffield entered the game in the 6th inning and grounded into a double play before being replaced in the 9th inning by White Sox OF Scott Podsednik.
Other highlights from the game included a long home run from Miguel Tejada, a home run from Mark Teixeira which was his first this season from the right side of the plate (he has 25 home runs overall this season), a spectacular play at second by Marlins' 2B Luis Castillo, and a nifty double play turned by the Orioles' middle infield combo of Tejada and Brian Roberts. Tejada, who went 1-3 with a solo shot won the game's MVP award.
Overall I'd say it was a fun night. You can say what you want about the idea of the All-Star game deciding home field advantage in the World Series (I'm still not 100% sold on it), but I am certainly glad that if the Yankees do get the opportunity to play in the World Series, they won't have to open up the series in St. Louis or Washington (not saying that one of those teams will win the N.L., but those are two of the toughest places to win on the road).
Hopefully the break served as a good rest for all the Yankees who weren't invited to this year's mid-summer classic. We got a tough stretch coming up with a four game series at Fenway starting Thursday to start an 11-game road trip that also includes stops in Texas and Anaheim.
Posted by: YB Bloggers
By Michael, Patrick and Seamus.
As we're now at the all star break, we thought that we would take a look at the first half performance of each individual Yankee. Certain players that have not had much time with the Yankees or had an opportunity to be with the Yankees for very long have been excluded. These include Jason Anderson, Wayne Franklin, Darrell May, Scott Proctor, Melky Cabrera, Sean Henn, Colter Bean, Andy Phillips and Kevin Reese.
As we're now at the all star break, we thought that we would take a look at the first half performance of each individual Yankee. Certain players that have not had much time with the Yankees or had an opportunity to be with the Yankees for very long have been excluded. These include Jason Anderson, Wayne Franklin, Darrell May, Scott Proctor, Melky Cabrera, Sean Henn, Colter Bean, Andy Phillips and Kevin Reese.
Posted by: Patrick
We have the guy (Alex Rodriguez) who is T5th in the MLB and 2nd in the AL in home runs. And he didn't even get an invite.
The country thing just doesn't appeal to me. I'm hoping that it's only a one year thing in promotion of the World Cup thingy. They may pick up viewers in South Korea and Canada, but they might have lost one here. The top 8 home run hitters (or the top 4 home run hitters from each league) that made the all star game (I guess, if they can only invite people that are there already) should be invited. Of the top 10 home run hitters in the MLB, only 3 are participating. Here is the run down:
Andruw Jones - 27 home runs
Mark Teixeira - 25 home runs
Carlos Lee - 22 home runs
David Ortiz - 21 home runs
Bobby Abreu - 18 home runs
Jason Bay - 16 home runs
Hee-Seop Choi - 13 home runs
Ivan Rodriguez - 6 home runs
How close were Tony Womack and Tino Martinez to making this team?! Seriously?
Baseball is an International game. You don't need to divide the participants of the MLB home run derby into countries. If this were the olympic or world cup home run derby - fine, cool. I'm with you. But, otherwise... this is the MLB home run derby. What they do in the MLB matters. Not just where they are from.
I might not completely skip it (as I boldly predicted to Seamus last night), but... I might. Will I be curious to see who won? Sure. It is fun to see the guys swing for the fences because they're having fun, laughing, etc... no matter who it is. So, I might watch a little bit - or I might just have other things to do.
All told, I'd rather watch the top 8 living career home run leaders. Or Royce Clayton against Tony Womack. (0 home runs between them - how funny would that be?)
The country thing just doesn't appeal to me. I'm hoping that it's only a one year thing in promotion of the World Cup thingy. They may pick up viewers in South Korea and Canada, but they might have lost one here. The top 8 home run hitters (or the top 4 home run hitters from each league) that made the all star game (I guess, if they can only invite people that are there already) should be invited. Of the top 10 home run hitters in the MLB, only 3 are participating. Here is the run down:
Andruw Jones - 27 home runs
Mark Teixeira - 25 home runs
Carlos Lee - 22 home runs
David Ortiz - 21 home runs
Bobby Abreu - 18 home runs
Jason Bay - 16 home runs
Hee-Seop Choi - 13 home runs
Ivan Rodriguez - 6 home runs
How close were Tony Womack and Tino Martinez to making this team?! Seriously?
Baseball is an International game. You don't need to divide the participants of the MLB home run derby into countries. If this were the olympic or world cup home run derby - fine, cool. I'm with you. But, otherwise... this is the MLB home run derby. What they do in the MLB matters. Not just where they are from.
I might not completely skip it (as I boldly predicted to Seamus last night), but... I might. Will I be curious to see who won? Sure. It is fun to see the guys swing for the fences because they're having fun, laughing, etc... no matter who it is. So, I might watch a little bit - or I might just have other things to do.
All told, I'd rather watch the top 8 living career home run leaders. Or Royce Clayton against Tony Womack. (0 home runs between them - how funny would that be?)
