07/01: Yankees Lose Late, 3-2
Posted by: Patrick
Joba lasted only four innings in this one, thanks to a pitch count of 91 (with only 49 strikes). Only 2 runs scored, however, while he allowed 5 hits and walked 4. When he left the game, the Yankees were down 2 to 1, with the lone run coming on a Robinson Cano RBI single, scoring Giambi.
The bulletin was solid in this one. Dan Giese threw a scoreless frame in the fifth. Following Giese, David Robertson threw 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and walking 2 while allowing no hits. Wilson Betemit tied the game up in the 6th, with an RBI single that scored Posada.
Jose Veras threw a scoreless eighth, but the Yankees offense was unable to get anything going. Mariano Rivera entered in the ninth and immediately ran into trouble, allowing a lead off double to Ian Kinsler, who proceeded to steal third. Michael Young singled him home to give the Rangers the lead. After that, Mo retired 3 of the next 4 batters to keep the Yankees within a run.
In the bottom of the 9th, Betemit lead off with a walk and Alberto Gonzalez pinch ran for him. With Jeter on the bench, Girardi allowed number 9 hitter Melky Cabrera to remain at the plate, but didn't call for him to bunt. He swang away and hit into a crushing double play. Jeter got up to pinch hit for Brett Gardner (the 2 hitter) instead - but he never got a chance to hit as Damon grounded out to end it. Frustrating.
Damon, Cano and Posada each collected 2 hits. For Cano, this raised his average to .245 or the best it's been since opening day when he went 1 for 3 and was hitting .333. Brett Gardner remains hitless at 0 for 6 now, but he did collect a sacrifice.
Tomorrow, at 7:05 PM, we'll have Sidney Ponson (5-1, 3.50 ERA on the season. 1-0, 0.00 as a Yankee) against Luis Mendoza (1-2, 5.40). This could actually work out in our favor. Ponson angling for a little "revenge" against his former team?
The bulletin was solid in this one. Dan Giese threw a scoreless frame in the fifth. Following Giese, David Robertson threw 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and walking 2 while allowing no hits. Wilson Betemit tied the game up in the 6th, with an RBI single that scored Posada.
Jose Veras threw a scoreless eighth, but the Yankees offense was unable to get anything going. Mariano Rivera entered in the ninth and immediately ran into trouble, allowing a lead off double to Ian Kinsler, who proceeded to steal third. Michael Young singled him home to give the Rangers the lead. After that, Mo retired 3 of the next 4 batters to keep the Yankees within a run.
In the bottom of the 9th, Betemit lead off with a walk and Alberto Gonzalez pinch ran for him. With Jeter on the bench, Girardi allowed number 9 hitter Melky Cabrera to remain at the plate, but didn't call for him to bunt. He swang away and hit into a crushing double play. Jeter got up to pinch hit for Brett Gardner (the 2 hitter) instead - but he never got a chance to hit as Damon grounded out to end it. Frustrating.
Damon, Cano and Posada each collected 2 hits. For Cano, this raised his average to .245 or the best it's been since opening day when he went 1 for 3 and was hitting .333. Brett Gardner remains hitless at 0 for 6 now, but he did collect a sacrifice.
Tomorrow, at 7:05 PM, we'll have Sidney Ponson (5-1, 3.50 ERA on the season. 1-0, 0.00 as a Yankee) against Luis Mendoza (1-2, 5.40). This could actually work out in our favor. Ponson angling for a little "revenge" against his former team?
07/01: SI.com Interview with Jeter
Posted by: Patrick
SI.com has a cool interview with Jeter where he speaks on relationship rumors and more.
That's really why we don't report that stuff here. One thing I've learned from writing for Bad Boy Blog is that people make up a lot of stuff.
Via Alex.
SI.com: There was also this funny story about something that happened in Miami.
Jeter: The parking? That was all made up, man. All made up.
SI.com: Really? We had a lot of fun with that story.
Jeter: [Laughing] So did my sister. She had a blast with that one.
Jeter: The parking? That was all made up, man. All made up.
SI.com: Really? We had a lot of fun with that story.
Jeter: [Laughing] So did my sister. She had a blast with that one.
That's really why we don't report that stuff here. One thing I've learned from writing for Bad Boy Blog is that people make up a lot of stuff.
Via Alex.
Posted by: Seamus
Mike Mussina was great and the bullpen was solid as well, as the Yanks as a team allowed just two runs on seven hits. Somehow, though, holding the highest scoring team in baseball to two runs was not enough, as the Yankees managed only four hits and one run. The Yankees lost the game 2-1 and fell 6.5 games behind division leading Tampa Bay.
It was kind of a frustrating loss for the Yankees, considering the Rangers lead the Majors in runs scored (458) and still have allowed more runs than they've scored (468). That's compounded by the fact that the Rays and Red Sox are playing against each other, so the Yanks are guaranteed to lose ground on somebody with a loss.
The only offense for the Yankees came in the 4th inning, via a mammoth home run by Alex Rodriguez that bounced in the back of Monument Park and landed up in the left field bleachers. Posada doubled later in the inning but was stranded at 2nd.
Jason Giambi hit a ball off the right centerfield wall in the bottom of the 6th with two outs, and since he ran hard out of the box and the ball took a weird bounce, he was able to get to third without a throw for his first triple of the season. Makes you wonder how many more doubles and triples would be hit in this league if some players weren't such prima donnas.
It's unfortunate that Mussina had to get hit with the loss, because he was on his game last night. Moose threw 103 pitches in 6 innings, striking out 8 and allowing five hits. The Yankees did a good job against most of the Rangers' big hitters, as Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley went a combined 2-12 (Bradley struck out four times). Michael Young went 3-4, but did not score or drive in a run.
The Yankees will try to bounce back tonight as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound and will face Kevin Millwood. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
It was kind of a frustrating loss for the Yankees, considering the Rangers lead the Majors in runs scored (458) and still have allowed more runs than they've scored (468). That's compounded by the fact that the Rays and Red Sox are playing against each other, so the Yanks are guaranteed to lose ground on somebody with a loss.
The only offense for the Yankees came in the 4th inning, via a mammoth home run by Alex Rodriguez that bounced in the back of Monument Park and landed up in the left field bleachers. Posada doubled later in the inning but was stranded at 2nd.
Jason Giambi hit a ball off the right centerfield wall in the bottom of the 6th with two outs, and since he ran hard out of the box and the ball took a weird bounce, he was able to get to third without a throw for his first triple of the season. Makes you wonder how many more doubles and triples would be hit in this league if some players weren't such prima donnas.
It's unfortunate that Mussina had to get hit with the loss, because he was on his game last night. Moose threw 103 pitches in 6 innings, striking out 8 and allowing five hits. The Yankees did a good job against most of the Rangers' big hitters, as Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley went a combined 2-12 (Bradley struck out four times). Michael Young went 3-4, but did not score or drive in a run.
The Yankees will try to bounce back tonight as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound and will face Kevin Millwood. Game starts at 7:05 E.T.
Posted by: Patrick
As we've now entered the month of July, I thought that I would post a standings update on the Yankees Bloggers League. Here's how things look:
Rank Team W-L-T GBAziz has a sizable 12 game lead, thanks to a balanced attack that has him 3rd in runs, 6th in home runs, 8th in RBIs, 7th in stolen bases, 9th in batting average, 4th in wins, 3rd in saves, 7th in strikeouts, 2nd in ERA and 5th in WHIP.
1. Aziz (Pride of the Yankees) 81-43-6 -
2. Dan (Pinstripes, Pa.) 65-51-14 12
3. Steven (The Yankees: Minors to Majors) 67-55-8 13
4. James (YanksBlog.com) 66-56-8 14
5. Patrick (YanksBlog.com) 62-58-10 17
6. Mike (River Ave. Blues) 60-57-13 17.5
7. Greg (Sliding Into Home) 63-60-7 17.5
8. Andrew (Scott Proctor's Arm) 60-59-11 18.5
9. Jason (My Baseball Bias) 60-62-8 20
10. Brent (The Bronx Block) 60-64-6 21
11. Ben (River Ave. Blues) 57-64-9 22.5
12. Emma (Eephus Pitch) 51-68-11 27.5
13. Dave (Pride of the Yankees) 54-72-4 28
14. Joe (River Ave. Blues) 41-78-11 37.5
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that Justin Christian was optioned to make room for Brett Gardner, who is starting tonight in left and hitting leadoff.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham has it:
Bobby Murcer continues to recover from the effects of cancer and shingles, which caused him to cut short his broadcasting work and his book tour earlier this month. He has been under medical care in Oklahoma City.
The cancer treatment over the last 18 months has been intensive and has, as a side effect, somewhat compromised his immune system and made the fight all the more challenging. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.
Bobby remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his broadcasting work down the road, but for now, is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of his fans, and wants them to know that he is aware that he is in their hearts, as they are in his.
The cancer treatment over the last 18 months has been intensive and has, as a side effect, somewhat compromised his immune system and made the fight all the more challenging. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.
Bobby remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his broadcasting work down the road, but for now, is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of his fans, and wants them to know that he is aware that he is in their hearts, as they are in his.
06/30: Inoa Signs...With the A's
Posted by: James
Baseball America with the report that Michel Inoa, the top Dominican Republic pitching prospect of the last decade has signed with the As for $4.25 million.
Here's an interesting, Yankee related portion:
Here's an interesting, Yankee related portion:
The Yankees initially were the leader for Inoa, reportedly coming close to a deal with Inoa on a $2.7 million bonus. However, when other teams indicated they would go beyond that amount, the bidding re-opened, with the Yankees dropping out.
06/30: Yankees @ The Mets; 6/29/08
Posted by: James
Anyone who expected Oliver Perez to throw a gem versus the Yankees, raise their hand. Yes, I have my hand raised. Having had the guy on my fantasy team for seemingly all his bad starts (and benched for his good ones), I just knew he would find a way to burn me again...and he did.
The Yankees were able to muster very little against Oliver Perez yesterday, cranking out only 3 hits and I can remember only one that got out of the infield. That one, a 420 ft BOMB off the bat of Wilson Betemit, accounted for the only run that the Yankees scored. After Perez left the game, Pedro Feliciano came in and pitched a hitless eighth before giving way to Billy Wagner. Wagner gave up a single to Derek Jeter but got A-Rod on a fly-out, Posada on a grounder and Kd Betemit looking to end the game and give the the Mets a Subway Series win for only the second time in the rivalry.
As for the Yankees pitching, Darrell Rasner was in trouble for most of his time out on the mound but somehow wriggled out of trouble and gave up only 2 runs in 5 innings. One on a infield single from Luis Castillo and the other on a LONG home run off the bat of Carlos Delgado. Still, if you are a Yankees fan, you have to be very concerned with how Rasner has been pitching. 8 hits, 3 walks in 5 innings? That's a 2.2 WHIP...and I don't care how lucky you are, that's going to hurt you badly at some point. Clearly, the first 4 starts with a 1.80 ERA weren't indicative of Rasner's talent level...but he's certainly better than what he has shown in his last 6 starts (1-5, 6.47 ERA, .341/.391/.522/.913 line against). It doesn't get better if you narrow that range down to his last 4 starts....1-3, 8.20 ERA and .345/.406/.529/.935 line against. That is some scary stuff...and if the Yankees or their fans expect to win with that kind of production from one of their starters, they will be definitely be disappointed.
The Mets scored their last (and very important insurance run) off of David Robertson who made his first major league appearance.
The Yankees were able to muster very little against Oliver Perez yesterday, cranking out only 3 hits and I can remember only one that got out of the infield. That one, a 420 ft BOMB off the bat of Wilson Betemit, accounted for the only run that the Yankees scored. After Perez left the game, Pedro Feliciano came in and pitched a hitless eighth before giving way to Billy Wagner. Wagner gave up a single to Derek Jeter but got A-Rod on a fly-out, Posada on a grounder and Kd Betemit looking to end the game and give the the Mets a Subway Series win for only the second time in the rivalry.
As for the Yankees pitching, Darrell Rasner was in trouble for most of his time out on the mound but somehow wriggled out of trouble and gave up only 2 runs in 5 innings. One on a infield single from Luis Castillo and the other on a LONG home run off the bat of Carlos Delgado. Still, if you are a Yankees fan, you have to be very concerned with how Rasner has been pitching. 8 hits, 3 walks in 5 innings? That's a 2.2 WHIP...and I don't care how lucky you are, that's going to hurt you badly at some point. Clearly, the first 4 starts with a 1.80 ERA weren't indicative of Rasner's talent level...but he's certainly better than what he has shown in his last 6 starts (1-5, 6.47 ERA, .341/.391/.522/.913 line against). It doesn't get better if you narrow that range down to his last 4 starts....1-3, 8.20 ERA and .345/.406/.529/.935 line against. That is some scary stuff...and if the Yankees or their fans expect to win with that kind of production from one of their starters, they will be definitely be disappointed.
The Mets scored their last (and very important insurance run) off of David Robertson who made his first major league appearance.
06/30: Brett Gardner On His Way
Posted by: Patrick
The Times and Democrat reports that Yankees prospect center fielder Brett Gardner has been promoted to the Major League club.
Via Peter Abraham.
“It really hasn’t set in yet,” Gardner said as his team traveled back from it’s game against Buffalo. “Absolutely, it’s a dream come true. Growing up as a little kid, you get older, and you realize how far away it is. It really hasn’t set in yet, but I think (Monday) when I get there it will definitely happen.”
Gardner is scheduled to drive from Scranton to New York Monday and be in uniform for the Yankees 7:05 p.m. series opener against the Texas Rangers. ...
Gardner is scheduled to drive from Scranton to New York Monday and be in uniform for the Yankees 7:05 p.m. series opener against the Texas Rangers. ...
Via Peter Abraham.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham reports that Ian Kennedy was activated from the DL last Wednesday and promptly demoted to Single-A Tampa. He'll have to work his way back into the Yankees' rotation.
"Right now we’re not really thinking of him," Joe Girardi told Abraham. "We like the way our other [starters] are throwing the ball. I mean, you have to earn your call-up. ... You have to earn your spot back. You have to pitch well to earn your spot back. He has to pitch well. He was optioned out, this is him getting right. This is like the other 175 players in the minor leagues, or however many there are."
Sounds like a good idea to me.
"Right now we’re not really thinking of him," Joe Girardi told Abraham. "We like the way our other [starters] are throwing the ball. I mean, you have to earn your call-up. ... You have to earn your spot back. You have to pitch well to earn your spot back. He has to pitch well. He was optioned out, this is him getting right. This is like the other 175 players in the minor leagues, or however many there are."
Sounds like a good idea to me.
