In his weekly interview on the "Mike and the Maddog" radio program, on WFAN, Joe Girardi said, "the decision has been made, and Joba Chamberlain will make his first start this upcoming Tuesday", in the opening game of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, at Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, New York.

"Joba will throw 65-70 pitches", Girardi, said, "but no more than five innings; maybe, only four innings".

Girardi also said, that the Yankees will continue to increase the number of pitches Chamberlain will throw in each start, with the hope of building up Joba's arm strenght to the point that he will soon be pitching 7 to 8 innings per start.

The atmosphere at the Stadium on Tuesday night will be electric, as the crowd will be treated to an event that will have the feel of a Playoff or World Series game. This first major league start by Joba Chamberlain, will be another historic event to take place at Yankee Stadium, which will be added to the long list of the many other special events, and games, that have taken place in this historic building, throughout the years.

Toronto's ace righthander, Roy Halladay, is the scheduled Blue Jay starter on Tuesday. Halladay is 6-5, with a 2.93 ERA. In his 11 starts this year, he has 5 complete games. [A very rare stat in baseball today: (CG) - the complete game]. So, it's important the Yankee batters get on base, and score some early runs against Halladay which will give them the lead when Joba's 5 innings are finished. Then we hope the "Bridge to Mariano" will a stable "one" in this game, on this very important night. 

Joba Chamberlain's time has arrived, and the pitching mound at Yankee Stadium is the perfect setting for his first start. Joba will take "center stage" in the greatest baseball and sports venue in the history of sports, in the greatest city in the world, New York.

It will be a special night; and, another great moment in "Yankees History". 

In a must win game for the Yankees, after losing two straight games to the Baltimore Orioles, including the disastrous 10-9 extra innings loss on Tuesday, the Yanks played a good crisp game yesterday to salvage the final game of this series by beating the O's, 4-2.

Andy Pettitte pitched a strong 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs, on 8 hits and 1 walk, while striking-out three, during his very solid start. The win evened Andy's record at 5-5 this season.

Even though Pettitte threw 96 pitches, he said, he still felt strong when Joe Girardi replaced him with Joba Chamberlain in the 7th inning. He understood the reason the move was made - to continue the process of getting Joba ready to become part of the starting rotation - but, wasn't totally "okay" with being taken out of a game. Andy continued by saying,"I'm never happy about being taken out of a game, but Joe [Girardi] is the manager, and Joba throws 98 mph"; but, [Pettitte said, half kiddingly], "there would have been a fight on the mound" [for me to stay in the game], if Joba had to pitch 4 innings to throw the planned 50-55 pitches the Yankees had on his work schedule for today's game. 

As it turned out, Joba Chamberlain threw only 28 pitches in 1 1/3 innings. Joba entered the game with two outs in the 7th and struggled with some early control problems. But, he settled down in the 8th, and finished up his brief appearance by giving up no runs while allowing one hit and one walk, and striking-out three.

Joe Girardi was asked after the game why he did not allow Joba Chamberlain to pitch the 9th inning. Girardi said, "In a save situation, Mo pitches"

So, as Mariano Rivera was called into the game to close out the Yankees win [recording his 13th save], Joba Chamberlain headed back to the bullpen to complete his work for the day, throwing an additional 27 pitches, to reach the 55 pitch total the Yankees had planned for him.

The "Joba Plan" calls for Chamberlain to throw about 75 pitches in his next outing, and it is very probable Joba will get his first start when he does pitch again. The Yankees brain trust will decide if that start will be on Monday [June 2nd], in the final game of a four-game "wrap-around" weekend series against the Twins, in Minnesota; or, back in the Bronx, in the opening game of a three game series vs. the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday [June 3rd].

If Joba starts Tuesday, against the Blue Jays, the Yankee Stadium crowd will be electric. The excitement level will take on the atmosphere of a Playoff or World Series game. A lot is riding on Joba's move into the starting rotation, and I think most Yankee fans would want Joba Chamberlain's first start to be at Yankee Stadium. I would, because it would be another historic event, added to the long list of historic events, that have taken place in the most historic sports arena in the history of all sports.

The time for Joba, is now !!!

As the Yankees enjoy an off-day on Thursday, they will head into Minnesota with the hot hitting of Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, and Johnny Damon leading the way.

Damon was 3-5 with a RBI in the final game vs. the Orioles, which raised his batting average to .288.

Matsui had 2 hits in 4 at bats, and scored 2 runs, raising his team leading BA to .330.

And, Jason Giambi continues his power surge, hitting his second long homerun [of the series] out of Camden Yards, over the right-field bleachers onto Eutaw Sreet in the middle of the food court area. The blast [Giambi's 11th this season] traveled over 400 feet, bouncing just in front of the hugh warehouse over-looking the field. This was only the 42nd time this feat has occurred, and the third time Giambi lifted a ball out of Camden Yards. The ball almost landed right into the middle of "Boog's Barbecue Pit".   

Also, it was good to see Melky Cabrera go 2-4 [two doubles], and score one run.

The season continues, Friday, May 30th, as the 26-27 Yankees start a four game series against the Twins in Minnesota. Yesterday's 4-2 win certaintly helped the flight to Minnesota be a little more enjoyable. A great series against the Twins will have the Yankees flying on auto-pilot when they return back to New York early Tuesday morning.  Go Yankees !!!     

Very Simply, yesterday's 10-9, extra innings loss to the Baltimore Orioles, was the worst loss of the year for the New York Yankees !!!

This was a very embarrassing and disgraceful game by the Yankees; especially, the pitching performances by: Ian Kennedy, Ross Ohlendorf, and, [for the second night in-a-row], LaTroy Hawkins.

The Yankees are now, 25-27, in last place in the AL East, six games behind the first place, Tampa Bay Rays.

Enough said !!!

There are many reports, and stories, on this game: in the sports sections of many various newspapers; on the web; on T.V.; on the posts of the many great Yankee blogs, here at MLBlogs, and throughout the internet; and, on all the many Yankee, and baseball, sites, etc... 

So, I leave my Blog "open" for any comments, thoughts, and, or, observations that you may have. Please feel free to offer any opinions about this "disastrous" [ 10-9 ] loss, or any other thoughts you may have about the Yankee season, so far !!!

I end by posing the following questions .....

What are your thoughts on the great Joba Chamberlain debate?

Joba:  Starter?  or,  In the bullen?

What should the Yankees do to improve the bullpen?

Any ideas about the Yankees "bench"?

Who should be brought up from the minors [AAA or AA], now?

Which players should be traded, released, or sent down to the minors?

And, any other questions you may want to bring up?

Have a great day!  I look forward to all your thoughts and comments !!!

Darrell Rasner once again had an excellent start for the Yankees; but, his six quality innings of work was wasted by the bullpen, as LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Veras turned a close [1-0] pitchers duel into a 6-1 Yankees loss to the Orioles, on Memorial Day, in Baltimore.

Rasner who entered this game with a 3-0 record and 1.89 ERA, has been the Yankees most effective starter in recent weeks. He deserved better support from the bullpen; and, also, from the Yankee batters, who looked flat, while collecting only 5 hits off the three Baltimore pitchers who appeared in this game.

Only Hideki Matsui showed some life at the plate as he continued his hot hitting, going 3-4, with a double, raising his batting average to a team leading .331.

Matsui scored the Yankees only run on an RBI single by Chad Moeller in the 9th inning. Moeller also had a good day, getting on base three times with a walk, and hit-by-pitch, in addition to his single.

Johnny Damon was the only other Yankee to get a hit. In the top of the third he singled, moved to second on a walk to Alex Rodriguez, [A-Rod's first of two walks], and almost scored a run when Matsui singled, but was out at the plate on a beautiful throw by rightfielder, Nick Markakis. The ball arrived just before the sliding Damon, as catcher Ramon Hernandez placed the tag on him for the final out of the inning.

That was a big play for the Orioles, because if Damon scored it would have given the Yankees an early 1-0 lead, with runners at second and third, two outs, and Shelley Duncan up next. As it turned out, the play ended a possible Yankee rally, and would be the closest the Yanks would come to scoring again, until the 9th inning, when the "run" they did score was important only because it broke up the Orioles [6-0] shutout. At that point, the way the Yankees were hitting today, the game was basically out of reach.

It was also a key moment for Baltimore's starting pitcher, Garrett Olson. He was knocked out of his last start against the Yankees, when he allowed 6 runs in the third inning of the Yanks 8-0 win against the Orioles, last week in New York. That was Olson's first loss of the season.

Garrett Olson made the proper adjustments, though, and pitched a great game today. He threw 107 pitches, over 7 scoreless innings, giving up only 3 hits, while walking four, and striking out seven, to earn the victory. Olson is now 4-1 this season. 

In a start that Darrell Rasner actually lowered his ERA to 1.80, the weakness and inconsistency of the Yankees bullpen was evident [once again], as Hawkins and Veras failed to "hold" the score at 1-0; and, at least give the Yankee batters a chance to get the go-ahead run up to the plate, take the lead, and then complete the bridge work, so Mariano Rivera could enter the game for the "save".

The Yankees bullpen was terrible.

Hawkins came into the game in the 7th, and only pitched 2/3 of an inning. He gave up 2 hits and a walk, that scored a run to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead. With two runners on base, Jose Veras replaced Hawkins. Nick Markakis greeted Veras by getting a RBI single to make the score, 3-0. Then, still with two outs, Aubrey Huff got hold of a high fastball, and blasted a long three-run homerun which was the most damaging hit of the game. This homerun put the finishing touch on the Orioles scoring, giving the O's a very comfortable 6-0 lead.

It was now time for the Orioles bullpen to enter the game, to preserve the victory. And, on this day, they would show the Yankee middle relievers how to "hold" a lead.

Chad Bradford pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the Orioles; and, Jamie Walker closed out the game, in the 9th, but did give up two hits, and the only Yankees run of the game.

The Orioles won this game on some great pitchng performances; and, also, a great day at the plate by both, Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff.

Makakis was 3-4, with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI's, including a solo homerun off Darrell Rasner in the 6th inning. Markakis now has 9 hits in 11 at bats against Rasner.

Huff hit the big three-run homer in the 7th inning, and, also, had another hit, to go 2-4 in the game, with a run, and three RBI's.

This win brought the Orioles record to the .500 mark, at 25-25, moving them ahead of the Yankees in the AL East, as the Yanks drop below .500, to 25-26, and back into last place in the East.

So, we reach the first bench mark of the baseball season, Memorial Day weekend. With all the other teams in the AL East winning their games yeasterday, the Tampa Bay Rays remain on top in the East, followed by Boston, Toronto, Baltimore, and in last place, the New York Yankees [6 games behind the Rays].

But, as we all look forward to the upcoming hot days of summer, we should remember the importance of Memorial Day; and, always keep in our thoughts and prayers all the men and women who have served in our military, especially, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives, defending this great country of ours. 

It was a nice tribute by Baseball, [at all games during yesterday's Memorial Day], to honor all those who have served in our military with a "moment of silence". These heroes have put their lives on the line, defending this great country of ours, and the freedom that we all enjoy. It's a great thing to remember all these heroes on Memorial Day; but, also, these heroes should be in our hearts and minds throughout the whole year, and we should never forget all the sacrifices they have made for all of us.

May God Always Bless All Those In Our Military, And Their Families ... and,

May God Always Bless This Great Country Of Ours, The United States of America !!!  

The Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners with a dramatic, come from behind, 6-5 win yesterday, to move their record back to the .500 mark, at 25-25.

As the Yankees won their 5th straight game, the Boston Red Sox lost their game vs. the Oakland A's, 6-3, which completed a three-game sweep by the A's over the Sox, on the west coast.

So, with both sweep's, the Red Sox fall out of first place, and the Tampa Bay Rays take over the top spot in the AL East. The Yankees are now in 4th place, five games behind the Rays. 

At the start of play today [Memorial Day], we have reached the first bench mark of the season. The standings in the AL East are very close, as the Yankees are playing great ball right now, and are ready to finally make their move towards first place in the East. The Bronx Bombers hope to extend their five game winning streak in Baltimore today against the Orioles.

Darrell Rasner, 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA, also hopes to continue his winning streak, as he gets the call to pitch the first game in this three-game series vs. the Orioles. The Yankees will face Baltimore lefthanded pitcher, Garrett Olson, who is 3-1 with a 5.19 ERA. Olson's only loss was against the Yankees last week.

As we enjoy the game today, and also the final day of this Memorial Day weekend, may we keep in our thoughts and prayers, all the men and women who have served our country in the military, and especially those who lost their lives defending our great Nation. The freedom we all enjoy is because of the many sacrifices all these "heroes" have made for us. 

May God always bless them, and their families !!!

There will be a special moment of silence during all baseball games today, at 3:00 p.m., in honor of all those who have served in our military. Please take the time to remember and thank all these heroes. And, also, if you are not watching a game at the time, please take a moment of silence from whatever you are doing, and say a little prayer of "thanks" to all our great heroes, who have given so much for us and our great country, the United States of America !!! 

Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day !!!

In the first two games of this three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, the Yankee bats finally exploded, resulting in a 13-2 win Friday night, and a 12-6 victory yesterday. The "Bronx Bombers" now are 24-25, and will be back at .500 if they win today's game. With a four-game winning streak going, it is very likely the Bombers will be using their brooms [with their bats] today, to complete the three game sweep of the Mariners.

Also, since the Boston Red Sox lost their last two games against the Oakland A's, the Yankees are back in the race for the AL East lead, only 5 1/2 games behind the (31-21) Sox. It's important the Yankees stay within 5 games of the Red Sox, and not fall behind as far as they did last year [14.5 games behind]. As long as the Yankees keep hitting, and scoring runs - they will keep winning ballgames. And, then, little by little, will chip away at the Red Sox lead, and rightfully stake their claim at the top of the AL East. The winning streak continues with a sweep of the Seattle Mariners today.

The hitting has been off the charts in the first two games vs. the Mariners, [especially] by four Yankees:

- Bobby Abreu    ...  (4-10); with 6 RBI's; and 2 runs scored - .295 BA [season]

- Hideki Matsui   ...  (5-8); with 3 RBI's; and 6 runs scored -   .317 BA [season]

- Jason Giambi   ...  (5-7); with 3 RBI's; and 5 runs scored -  BA up to - .234

- Robinson Cano ...  (6-8); with 4 RBI's; and 2 runs scored -  BA up to - .232

"Don't you know, Robinson Cano", is finally hitting the ball like we all know he can. At this rate, he will be at the .300 mark very shortly. Cano was 4-4 yesterday, including 3 doubles [he also had a double on Friday].

Jason Giambi is also hot, as his hits included his 7th homerun, and his 7th and 8th doubles.

Bobby Abreu hit his 6th HR; and also, had a double.

And, Shelley  Duncan "dunked" one, hitting a three-run homerun in yesterday's game. 

Andy Pettitte was Friday's winning pitcher, and is now 4-5.

Mike Mussina won yesterday's game, and is 7-4 this season.

The process to move Joba Chamberlain into the starting rotation continued in yesterday's 12-6 Yankees win. Joba threw 40 pitches over two scoreless innings [in the 7th and 8th].

But, the story the last few days has been the Yankees hitting. Hopefully, the hits and runs will keep coming, which will greatly take the pressure off the pitching staff; and, help the winning streak continue.

The game was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the 9th when Robinson Cano delivered his biggest hit of the year, driving home Hideki Matsui from second base, for a walk-off, game winning hit, to give the Yankees a 2-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles.

This was the Yankees first come-from-behind win of the season, as they beat the Orioles for the second night in a row to take the rubber game of this three-game series. The Yanks are still in last place in the AL East, though, as they improved their record to 22-25.

The other exiciting news of the night was the pitching performance by the Yankees starter, Ian Kennedy. The Yankees needed Kennedy to pitch a "big" game, and he did just that, throwing 97 pitches over 6 solid innings, giving up the only run the Orioles scored, on 4 hits, and 4 walks, while striking out 4. Kennedy did not get a decision in this game, but he made the Yankees decision a little bit easier to keep him in the starting rotation. Maybe with Joba moving into the rotation in the near future, Kennedy was more motivated and focused to pitch a great game. The added focus resulted in Ian Kennedy's best outing of the season

The key inning for Kennedy, was the third, when he gave up the Orioles run on an RBI triple by Freddie Bynum. Kennedy then walked Brian Roberts and Jay Payton, to load the bases, with only one out. In previous starts, this is the same type of inning that Kennedy usually self-implodes, and basically lets the flood gate open to allow a wave of runs to score by the other team.

Tonight, though, the Orioles would not make it to the shore line, as Kennedy struck out Nick Markakis, for the second out, and got Aubrey Huff to fly out for the final out of the inning, leaving the bases loaded. This could be the turning point in Ian Kennedy's season, and will certaintly help his confidence as he pitches in future starts.   

After Kennedy left the game, the Yankees bullpen was "lights-out" again. A scoreless 7th by Jose Veras; a 1-2-3, 8th inning, by "new" set-up man, Kyle Farnsworth; and, a 1-2-3, 9th inning by Mariano Rivera, shut down the Orioles the rest of the game, setting the stage for the 9th inning heroics by Cano.

The ninth inning was filled with drama. Matsui lead off the inning with a single, and was followed by Alex Rodriguez, who struck-out. Jason Giambi was up next, and on a two strike pitch, was called-out on a ball that home plate umpire, Chris Guccione, claimed hit the "nub" part of Giambi's bat, for a foul-tip strikeout. [watching the replay, a number of times on the YES Network, in my view, it looked like the ball "did not hit the bat"]...

Joe Girardi came storming out of the dugout, to argue the call, bringing back images of the great Billy Martin. Girardi put on an outstanding show that would have made Martin proud, as he tossed his hat, kicked dirt on the umpire, and was screaming at the top of his lungs.  Finally, the ump ejected Joe Girardi, and he walked back to the dugout, and into the Yankees clubhouse, as the Stadium crowd cheered with their approval. Girardi got the crowd fired-up, and, also, the Yankee players.

The delay in the game, caused by the bad call by the ump, and Joe Girardi's arguing of the call, resulted in the Orioles pitcher, Jim Johnson, walking the next batter, Bobby Abreu, on five pitches. The walk moved Matsui to second base, and Robinson Cano drove him home on a beautiful opposite field hit to left field. Matsui rounded third, and scored the winning run by gracefully sliding home.

This is probably the Yankees best win of the year, and a game that should get them going again. It's definitely a game that Billy Martin would have enjoyed winning.  

Darrell Rasner seems to be getting better each time he goes to the mound for the New York Yankees, as he pitched his best game [last night] since being called up from AAA-SWB to replace the injured Phil Huges in the starting rotation.

Rasner threw 95 pitches, allowing five hits, and one walk, while striking-out six, in seven shutout innings, to earn his third victory, in the Yankees 8-0 win against the Baltimore Orioles. He is now 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA.

The Yankee bats finally woke up, scoring 3-runs in each of the 2nd and 3rd innings, to give Darrell Rasner an early 6-0 lead. This was all he needed as he coasted through the Orioles lineup, looking very much like an "ace" starter. The three wins by Rasner, coupled with the 5 wins by Mike Mussina, represent 8 of the Yankees 21 wins so far this season. Not exactly where the Yankees expected these wins would come from at this point in the season, but a welcome surprise, and constant reminder, that a team can never have enough pitching. Throughout the long baseball season, a team will have to depend on many different pitchers.

Alex Rodriguez provided the power in the Yankees lineup for the second night in a row, hitting his second homerun since his return from the DL, and having another homer taken away from him on a bad call by crew chief umpire, Tom Welke. In the 6th inning, A-Rod hit a shot off the yellow staircase, over the wall, in the right-center field bleachers which should have been called a homerun. But, it was ruled to have just hit the wall, and Rodriguez had to settle for a double.

After the game, Welke watched the replay, and admitted he made a mistake. It did not affect the game, but did deny A-Rod his 7th HR of the season, and 525th of his career. Alex was 3 for 4, including the HR, and two doubles, with 2 RBI's, and 2 runs scored. He is batting .306, and having A-Rod's bat back in the lineup has added the spark plug the Yankees have been missing over the last few weeks he has been injured. The return of Jorge Posada is the next jolt of energy the Yankees are waiting for, and hopefully that will come soon.

The Yankees 8-0 win, Darrell Rasner's great pitching performance, and Alex Rodriguez's great hitting, were big stories, but the "lead story" of the night was buried.

Joba Chamberlain replaced Rasner in the 8th, and pitched two scoreless innings, in the 8th and 9th, to close out the win. Joba was brilliant as usual, striking-out three, while walking two, and giving up one hit, on 35 pitches thrown.

It wasn't until after the game, though, that Manager Joe Girardi announced that Joba's appearance in last night's game was the beginning of the process of moving Joba Chamberlain into the starting rotation.

Joba will stay in the bullpen as he builds up his arm strenght, and innings pitched; then, at some point in "this season" will be moved into the starting rotation.

Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman both said, this is a move that was planned before the season started; and, the plan called for the move to be made at this point in the season. But, the timing of the move clearly looks like it was directed by Hank Steinbrenner behind the scenes. And, that's a good thing, because this is a move that had to be made.

Even though Joba Chamberlain is the Yankees best "bridge to Mariano" as the 8th inning set-up man out of the bullpen, he is much more valuable to the Yankees as a starter. He can be the "ace" and "number one" starter for the Yankees [now], and for many years in the future. So, Joba gets his chance to finally prove how great a starting pitcher he can be.

Hank Steinbrenner firmly believes this is the right decision. Yesterday, he said, "What I've learned over 35 years of all this, from baseball people, is that you can talk all you want about bullpens, but starting pitching is what gets it done". "If you have two great relievers", Hank continued to say, "it doesn't do us any good".

I totally agree with Hank Steinbrenner, as it has [always] been my opinion from the end of last year, that, "Joba is more valuable to the Yankees as a starting pitcher". I would only add that, the Yankees should try to have as many great relievers as possible in the bullpen; but, when you have a great talent [such as Joba], it is a waste to have him exiled in the bullpen when his best value to the team is [as a starter] in the starting rotation.

Joba's time has arrived. 

Joba, Joba, Joba !!!   How sweet that sounds !!!     

After being embarrassed by the New York Mets over this past weekend, losing, 7-4 and 11-2, in the two games they played, the Yankees "embarrassed themselves" [again] in yesterday's 12-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. They have entered the great abyss of losing basball with no end in sight. Their season is starting to parallel all the horses that have been left in the wake of "Big Brown's" awesome wins in this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

Big Brown is two-thirds of the way to becoming horse racings first "Triple Crown" winner since Affirmed won this crown jewel of racing in 1978. It is interesting that in 1977, Seattle Slew was also a Triple Crown winner. These two years are significant because they are also the same seasons that the New York Yankees fielded two of their greatest teams ever. The Yankees won back-to-back World Championships in 1977 and 1978, and one has to wonder if in [this] the last year of the old Yankee Stadium, the Yankees will have enough in them to put together a strong stretch run that will get them to the World Series again.

Maybe, Big Brown's run in the Belmont will start to tell the story of a great Yankees comeback this year. If Big Brown wins the Belmont, and takes home the Triple Crown, will this be a good omen for the Yankees.

Who knows? The 2008 Triple Crown in horse racing may be directly linked to a World Championship for the Yankees in 2008. But, as the 1-5 odds on favorite to win the Belmont Stakes [June 7th], Big Brown [at this point], has a much greater chance of winning the Triple Crown, than the Yankees have of winning the 2008 World Series.

I think Big Brown will do his part, and become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed. Will this be motivation for the Yankees to complete a "triple"/ "triple"??? 

1977 - Yankees, Baseball World Champions  /  Seattle Slew - Triple Crown Winner

1978 - Yankees, Baseball World Champions  /  Affirmed        - Triple Crown Winner

2008 - Yankees, ???                                    /  Big Brown     -  ???

Riders up !!!     Play Ball !!!

Summing up yesterday's disaster in the Bronx, Manager Joe Girardi, said, "I hope this is rock bottom".

Girardi continued, saying, "It was an ulgy loss, and you just got to put this one aside. Every team goes through a couple of these [games] every year. I hope it's our last one. Anyone who thinks that you can just flip a switch, is sadly mistaken, but I expected to see a much better game tonight".

Well, just like Big Brown, who started in the last post in the Kentucky Derby, and ran a beautiful race on the outside most of the race, and then made a solid run down the stretch to win the race [easily] by over five lengths ... Will the Yankees have that same kind of drive in them, to make the same kind of a run, to win the AL East, and then on to a World Championship? 

The Yankees are now 20-25, in last place in the AL East, 7.5 games behind the first place Boston Red Sox.

It's been a long season [so far], and, getting longer, and longer, by the day. Can the Yankees make a strong run down the stretch to win the World Championship this year? Is this a bet worth making? 

We may find out if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown; but, the way the Yankees are playing, at this time, I don't think I would bet on it.

Mets  7,  Yankees  4     (Saturday)  -  May 17, 2008

Mets 11,  Yankees  2     (Sunday)    -  May 18, 2008

The best news of the weekend for the Yankees was:  Friday's game was rained-out.

The Yankees are now, 20-24, in last place in the AL East, 6 games behind the Boston Red Sox.

Enough Said !!!

A note to all of us in the Yankees Universe:  Try to enjoy the off-day on Monday. It's a new day on Tuesday, when, hopefully, the Yankees get back on track in the three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles.

To make some sense of this "disastrous" weekend, and season [so far], we look to the great Yogi Berra for an answer...

"It ain't over, 'till it's over"

It only took three pitches in the bottom of the first inning of Ian Kennedy's return to the Yankees starting rotation to see that he looks very much like the same pitcher before he was sent down to (AAA) - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  Akinori Iwamura set the tone of the game by hitting a lead-off homerun off Kennedy, to give the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays, an early 1-0 lead.

Kennedy settled down after giving up the homerun, but did get into trouble in the third inning. The eight hitter, backup catcher, Shawn Riggans started the inning off with a single. Then the ninth place batter, shortstop, Ben Zobrist, was hit by a pitch. This set-up a second battle in the game between Iwamura and Kennedy.

Iwamura worked the count to 3-2, and on the eight pitch of the battle, Kennedy threw a ball, walking Iwamura, to load the bases, with no outs. It was a very good at bat for the Rays second baseman, and Kennedy was now in the middle of his first pressure situation of the game.

Ian Kennedy had made comments when he was sent down to SWB, saying, "maybe it would be a good thing to play in a place where there was not that much pressure placed on every pitch". Well, Kennedy must know by now that playing for the Yankees there is pressue to win every game. That's not going to change, and will only become more pressure-packed as the season goes on. And, the pressure during the season is nothing compared to the Playoffs and World Seres. To be successful in New York, the players must adjust to the pressure situations, and rise to the occasion.

In Kennedy's first test, to make a good first impression again, he was now facing Carl Crawford, with the bases loaded, and no outs. Crawford hit a sac-fly to left, to drive home the Rays second run of the game. Then, Kennedy got B.J. Upton to ground out to second, a force play, that moved the runners to second and third with two outs.

Carlos Pena was now the batter,and Kennedy threw him mostly high fastballs. On a 2-1 pitch, Pena just missed blasting one of those fastballs, and both Pena and Kennedy knew it. But, the count was now 2-2, and Ian Kennedy showed us that he can deliver a "big" performance, by throwing the next pitch past Pena, for a swinging strike three. Nice pitching by Kennedy, getting out of the jam, stranding two runners, and only giving up one run in the inning.

But, the turning point of the game came in the 4th inning. After getting two outs, Kennedy threw a fastball right down the middle, on a 1-2 pitch to Eric Hinske, who hit the pitch to rightfield for a double. The next pitch by Kennedy was a slider that stayed up in the zone, and Shawn Riggans hit it a mile, a long shot, deep in the leftfield seats, to up the Rays lead to, 4-0.

Basically, the game was over at this point, as the Yankees are just not hitting very well of late. Throughout this 4-game series, the Yankee batters were (26-132), a disgraceful .197 batting average; and, an even worse, (4-25), .160 BA, with runners in scoring position. So, it was very unlikely the Yankees would have scored [at least] the four runs needed to make a comeback.

Kennedy's pitching approach to Hinske and Riggans showed the difference of how a top AAA pitcher would pitch, as opposed to a top rookie, or good major league pitcher. Maybe Ian Kennedy is just not ready to fulfill all the expectations that everyone has for him.

Manager Joe Girardi was very disturbed by Kennedy's performance in the 4th inning. He said, "he thought Kennedy pitched "just okay", up to that point, but, obviously, the pitching approach in the 4th was not very good". 

Girardi, also, said, "we saw better things from Kennedy. He was getting the ball over the plate, throwing fastballs, attacking the batters, and only walked one; but, he was only throwing two pitches tonight; we want him to use all four of his pitches in future starts".

"We'll continue to evaluate him, and let him pitch to work on his pitches", Girardi, said. "But, obviously, this isn't the Ian Kennedy we all saw last year. We need to find a way to get him back".

The final numbers for Ian Kennedy: He threw 77 pitches, over 5 innings pitched, and gave up 5 hits, 5 earned runs, walked one, and struck-out three. Kennedy is now 0-3, with an 8.48 ERA. Hopefully, Kennedy finds his way home soon, or his next address may be, Scranton / Wilkes-Barre, for the rest of this season.

The 5-2 loss to the Rays, dropped the Yankees record to 20-22. They are now in last place in the AL East, 4.5 games behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays, who have a record of 24-17. 

Losing three of four games to the Rays was not a good way to prepare for the up-coming weekend series against the New York Mets, at Yankee Stadium.

But, maybe the Yankees returning back home will be just what they need, to get back on track, and start winning again. If not, a long, losing season [so far], will only get longer.  

Chien-Ming Wang's great pitching effort on Tuesday was wasted, as the Rays won that game, 2-1 in 11 innings.

But, last night, in another 2-1 game, the Yankees were victorious. Starting pitcher, Mike Mussina was excellent as he held the Rays to only one run, on 5 hits, one walk, and 4 strikeouts, in his 6 1/3 innings of work.

Ross Ohlendorf replaced Mussina with one out in the 7th, and allowed the Rays to score their only run, on a hit by Rays catcher, Navarro, who drove home Evan Longoria.  A nice inning ending double-play on a hard hit liner to Derek Jeter, who then flipped the ball to Cano for the final out at second base, preserved Mussina's chance to still get the win in this game.

Joba Chamberlain built a perfect bridge to Mariano Riveria, by pitching a scoreless 8th inning, striking out three batters, while allowing no hits, and one walk. This was Joba's 10th "hold" of the season.

Then, Mariano, who lost Tuesday's game, [by giving up a game winning hit to Gabe Gross, in the 11th inning of that 2-1 Rays win], pitched a scoreless 9th inning, closing out the game for his 11th save of the year, and Mike Mussina's 5th straight win. Mussina is now, 6-3, on the season with a 3.99 ERA.

Robinson Cano was 4-4, with an RBI, raising his batting average to .205. Cano has been hot over the last week, and is hitting .476 in his last six games. Hopefully, Cano has seen the last of his season long slump, and continues this hot hitting as he strives to reach the .300 mark [and beyond] which is in the exclusive high rent district that Cano has shown he belongs.

Hank Steinbrenner attended this game a day after he made comments that he was not happy with the way the Yankees have been playing of late. Steinbrenner said, "it is time the Yankee players start earning their money". He also said, "at this point, we [the Yankees Organization] are concerned with righting the ship".

Joe Girardi showed that he is also [rightfully] concerned, by holding a team meeting before last night's game.

Winning helps to "right the ship", and yesterday's 2-1 win has to be a little encouraging. But, the Yankees are still not hitting, especially with runners in scoring position; and, the injuries to A-Rod and Posada have really hurt this Yankees lineup, as both their bats are greatly missed.

Ian Kennedy gets the start in today's final game of this series. All games are important, but this is a must-win situaion for the Yankees. A big three-game weekend series against the Mets [at Yankee Stadium] starts this Friday. If the Yankees lose that series, Hank Steinbrenner will be out in full force with his comments in Monday's papers. The Yankees "ship" will be sailing in very rough waters next week, if the Yankees are embarrassed by the New York Mets.

It's good news that the Red Sox are also not playing well, and have lost 4-games in a row. The Yankees are only two games behind the Sox in the loss column which gives the Yanks a little room to get back on track. If Boston was playing any better, it would be very interesting to see what kind of comments Hank Steinbrenner would be making then. And, as the owners, Hank [along with George and Hal] have every right to say whatever they want about the team.

Only Winning can calm this storm.           

In the first game of this four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Andy Pettitte did not have a good start, as he pitched very poorly in the Yankees 7-1 loss.

Pettitte lasted only four innings, giving up 5 earned runs, on 8 hits, and 2 walks, while striking out five. Andy's won-loss record dropped below .500 to 3-4, as the Yankees also fell below the .500 mark [again] to 19-20.

After scoring a run in the 2nd, the main damage by the Rays was done in the fourth inning, when they stung Pettite for four runs, knocking him out of the game. Chris Britton gave up a run in the 5th; and, Jose Veras allowed the Rays their final run in the 7th inning. That was basically the ballgame, as the Yankee bats looked flat, and it was the Rays that reeled in the win on this night.

The Rays starter, Matt Garza, was brilliant, allowing the Yankees only 5 hits and one walk over seven solid shutout innings. Garza is now 2-1.

This was the Tampa Bay Rays fifth straight win, and 10th straight win at home, bringing their record to 22-16. They are one-half game behind the AL East leading Boston Red Sox, who after losing 3 of 4 to the Twins, have a season record of 24-17. The Boston loss also resulted in a "draw" on the night for the Yankees as they stay only three-games behind the Red Sox in the loss column.

For the Rays, this is their best start in team history, but so far they are not getting the support of the local baseball fans. Only 13,932 attended the game last night. So, I guess, even with the Yankees as the visiting team, the "Dome" is just not a "fan friendly" place to be.

The best news of the night for the Yankees was the great game that Alberto Gonzalez had. He went 2-3, raising his batting average to .310. Gonzalez is replacing the injured Wilson Betemit, and just as he did earlier in the season, when he was called up to play short when Derek Jeter was on the DL, Alberto has been very impressive.

Even when he made out, it was a very productive at bat. In the top of the 8th inning, Jose Molina doubled, and was moved to third on Gonzalez's groundout to second base, which set-up the Yankees only run of the game.

Alberto Gonzalez has earned a spot on this Yankees team as the backup infielder. He is an excellent fielder, with great speed, and good situational hitting instincts. It is time the Yankees make room for Gonzalez on the big-league roster, as he has proven that he is more valuable to this Yankees team than either Wilson Betemit or Morgan Ensberg.

And, so it goes.

The Yankees continue this series with Chien-Ming Wang pitching in game number two, followed by Mike Mussina in Wednesday's game.

The big news of the day was that the Yankees exiled Kei Igawa to the bullpen, and recalled Ian Kennedy to be the starter in the final game of this series on Thursday. This shift in pitchers, will move Darrell Rasner's next start forward one game, to Friday, as he will now be the Yankees starting pitcher in the opening game of the three-game weekend series against the Mets, at Yankee Stadium.

Ian Kennedy pitched a solid eight shutout innings in two outings at AAA - Scranton/Wilkes Barre, but will now be returning to the pressure-cooker atmosphere of New York. Every game the Yankees play "there is pressure to win". So, to be successful in New York, and be a successful member of the New York Yankees, dealing with the pressure is part of the deal. Hopefully, that is the most important lesson that Ian Kennedy learned in his brief trip to SWB.

The Yankees are depending on all of their "Big Three" [Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy] young pitchers to pitch well. So far, only Joba has lived up to the billing, and has been excellent in his role as 8th-inning set-up man. Ian Kennedy gets a second chance this Thursday to make a good first impression. The only thing in his way, is letting the pressure "get in his way". Mr. Kennedy, welcome back to the Major Leagues.

A final note .....

Belated  "Best Wishes"  to Yogi Berra, as he celebrated his birthday yesterday, May 12th.

Happy Birthday, Yogi !!!    

Darrell Rasner started this game like he did in his first start vs. the Seattle Mariners, by giving up a homerun in the first inning. But, he quickly settled down, allowing only one more run over the next five innings, to earn his second win since being called up from AAA-Scranton/Willes Barre, leading the Yankees to a 5-2 victory against the Detroit Tigers.

Rasner was 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA at SWB, and continues to pitch well here with the "Big-League Club". In a solid six innings of work, he threw 87 pitches, giving up two earned runs, on four hits, and one walk, while striking out one.

Derek Jeter, who got the Yankees off to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first by hitting his first homerun of the season [after 128 at-bats without one], is very impressed by Rasner's pitching approach. Jeter said, "he [Rasner] works quick and throws strikes. He is fun to play behind. It goes to show you how much you can do when you throw strikes".

And, as Manager Joe Girardi said, "when you continue to pitch well, you stay in the rotation". Girardi went on to say, " Rasner has figured out how to use his stuff, and he has been great".

Well, Darrell Rasner understands the importance of his two excellent pitching performances so far, and hopes to ride this winning wave throughout the rest of the season. After the game, Rasner said, "this is a great opportunity, and I am doing my best to run with it".

Kyle Farnsworth entered the game in the 7th, and allowed Rasner's second run to score by giving up an RBI double to Gary Sheffield. But, after that, Joba Chamberlain didn't give up a hit in a scoreless 8th inning of "bridge-work to Mariano"; and, "The Great Mariano" closed the game out in the 9th, recording his 10th save of the year.

This "big win" evened the Yankees record at 19-19, as they look to Andy Pettitte to lead them to their 20th win, and over the .500 mark, in today's rubber game in this three game series against the Tigers.

The Yankees "look" for a "number-four starter" may be over though, as Darrell Rasner may have ended that search with his two solid starts. Hopefully, Rasner will continue his winning ways, as the Yankees continue this current road trip, when they head to Tampa Bay for a four-game series starting tomorrow.

The return of Kei Igawa was a total disaster, as he continued to throw his pitches way too high in the strike zone. The Tigers took full advantage, and looked as if they were taking an extended batting practice, hitting Igawa very hard, in their 6-5 mauling of the Yankees in Detroit last night.

Igawa threw 64 pitches that were mostly all "up in the strike zone" ...flat pitches, without much speed, and obviously easy to hit.     

In only three innings of work, Kei Igawa gave up 11 hits and 6 earned runs which all adds up to an 18.00 ERA. Not exactly a quality start.

He didn't walk or strikeout anyone which was the result of endless "cookies" that Igawa tossed up at the Tiger hitters that must have looked like sweet candy that sparkled in their eyes, as they lit up Mr. Igawa.

Igawa will probably get at least one more start to prove that he belongs in the starting rotation. But, if he continues to pitch like he did in this game against the Tigers, which looked very much like the way he pitched last year [not very effective, getting his pitches up in the zone], then a return trip to AAA-SWB is surely a flight that is only a call away from being scheduled.

At this point, maybe exploring bringing David Wells back to New York is a direction the Yankees should seriously consider. It is worth a shot to see if Wells can still be a big time pitcher. At least we know he can handle the pressure of pitching in New York, and can't be any worse than the pitching performances the Yankees have gotten so far from Hughes, Kennedy, and Igawa. All it will take is a call from Hank Steinbrenner. 

Even though Kei Igawa did not pitch very well last night, he really didn't get much help from the Yankees defense, especially, third baseman, Wilson Betemit.

Betemit proved [last night] that he is not a very good fielding third baseman, and should not play any more games at third for this Yankees team - period. As the Tiger batters tee-off on Igawa, they clearly had Wilson Betemit as a target in their sight, hitting ball after ball in his direction, that Betemit did not [and, could not] make the play on. About five or six balls were either hit passed Betemit down the line, or around him, or through him, or off his glove - a display that is only seen at a local Little League game. His atrocious fielding cost the Yankees at least three runs, and made the Igawa performance look that much more disastrous. But, six runs, in three innings, is still six runs. Just, give some of the blame for this loss [also] to Wilson Betemit.

And, some blame must be given to the Yankees Organization.   

Alberto Gonzalez should not have been sent back down to AAA-SWB to make room for Betemit on this team. In Gonzalez's brief time on the Yankees big league roster [for the injured Derek Jeter], he showed himself to be an excellent fielder, with great speed, and good situational hitting instincts. He earned a spot on this Yankees team, and overall he would be much more valuable to the Yankees than Wilson Betemit.

Certaintly, in last night's game, Alberto Gonzalez would have played much better than Wilson Betemit at third. Gonzalez should be the Yankees backup infielder. 

Injuries have also hurt the New York Yankees. The poor performance by Wilson Betemit at third [and, also, the poor hitting by the Yankees], last night, was a glaring example of how much the Yankees miss not having Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada in their everyday lineup.

The Yankees are now 18-19 on the season. The return of A-Rod and Jorge Posada is greatly needed by the Yankees. Maybe, also, a return by David Wells, and Alberto Gonzalez.        

Johnny Damon lead off the 4th inning with a homerun, and Jason Giambi followed that up by hitting a two-run homerun in the same inning, to get the Yankees off to a 3-0 lead in the third game of their three-game series against the Cleveland Indians.

Up to this point Mike Mussina was pitching a good game, but then struggled in the top of the 5th, allowing the Indians to tie the game at 3-3. Mussina did manage to get the final out of the inning which still gave him a chance to get a win if the Yankees scored in the bottom of the 5th.

And, Johnny Damon did just that, by delivering a nice gift wrapped run for Mussina, driving home what turned out to be the game-winning run by hitting a RBI double, giving the Yankees a 4-3 lead.

The Yankees padded their lead to 6-3, in the bottom of the 7th, on back-to-back homeruns by Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit. For Cano, that was his second hit of the game, as he was 2-3, with two runs scored, and a RBI. The two hits raised Cano's batting average to .172. Maybe this will be the beginning of the end of Robinson Cano's season long slump, and he will continue his hot hitting on the Yankees upcoming road trip.

It was the Yankees bullpen that sealed the deal in this win, though.

Ross Ohlendorf threw two scoreless innings in the 6th and 7th; Joba Chamberlain pitched a solid 1-2-3 inning in the 8th; and, Mariano Rivera, making his 800th career appearance, closed out the game in the 9th, recording his 9th save of the year. Mariano's scoreless inning of work maintained his season-long ERA at 0.00.

But, even with all the homerun power by the Yankees, and the excellent pitching performances by Mussina, Ohlendorf, and Rivera, the real excitement of the game was provided by Joba Chamberlain.

Returning to the pitching mound for the first time since his disastrous performance in game one of this series, [when a dazed Yankee Stadium crowd watched Joba blow a 3-2 Yankee lead, by walking two batters, then giving up a three-run pinch-hit homer to David Dellucci, in the 8th inning of that game, giving the Indians a 5-3 victory], Joba Chamberlain saw yesterday's relief apearance as a chance to redeem himself in front of the home crowd.

As faith would have it, Joba came into the game [in the 8th] to face the same batters he pitched to in Tuesday's shocking loss.

"It's funny how things work out", Joba said. "It was great to face those guys again, and get it out of the way". 

Joe Girardi agreed, saying, "Facing the same batters [who got to him Tuesday] was the ideal situation for Chamberlain. I think it was important to him, since it's tough when you pitch a game like the one Joba pitched in game one of this series. You want to get right back out there and redeem yourself; and, that's exactly what Joba did today". 

It took Joba Chamberlain only 12 pitches to get back on track, and gain redemption.

Grady Sizemore made the first out of the inning, grounding out to short on the third pitch by Joba.

Jamey Carroll flied out to center on the fourth pitch to him by Chamberlain, for the second out of the 8th inning.

Then, the rematch from game one: Joba vs. David Dellucci. The game situation was a little different. It was now two-outs, no runners on, with the Yankees leading the game, 6-3. Dellucci was not pinch-hitting, as he started the game as the DH, and was 0 for 3 so far in the game.

The first pitch by Joba was a 97 mph fastball for strike one. Pitch number two was a ball bringing the count to 1-1. The third pitch was a strike, the count now 1-2. Dellucci managed to foul off Joba's fourth pitch, keeping the count at 1-2. The Yankee Stadium crowd was now on it's feet, cheering loudly for strike number three. Joba was in total command, as he threw a beautiful slider that broke so perfectly towards the ground, right into Jose Molina's glove, as David Dellucci swung, and missed, for "strike three" !!!  Third Out; Inning Over !!!

Redemption is Sweet !!!

Joba Chamberlain was caught-up in the excitement of the moment, and the importance of the strikeout. He leaped up off the ground as he pumped his valuable right arm in front of him, to the delight of the Yankee fans who also were leaping up and down as they celebrated this awesome pitching performance by the great Yankee rookie pitcher.

And make no mistake about Joba's intentions, as he celebrated his great feat, which closed out the 8th inning setting up the bridge to Mariano in the 9th.

After the game, Chamberlain said, "He was celebrating the redemption, not payback". Joba went on to say, "It was no disrespect to the hitter; and, it was no disrespect to the game. It's not like it's the first time I've done it. That's just who I am, and everybody knows that. That's the way it's gonna be".

So, the Yankees are now 18-18, as they start a road trip with a weekend series against the Detroit Tigers.

Hopefully, the Yankees continue the excitement of yesterday's game with a win in tonight's game against the Tigers.    

After Joba Chamberlain gave up the dramatic three-run homerun to pinch-hitter, David Dellucci, in the top of the 8th inning of the first game of this three-game series against the Cleveland Indians, all of us in the "Yankees Universe", were in total shock. 

The heart-dropping homerun turned around a game that the Yankees were winning, 3-2, at the time, into a 5-3 Cleveland lead, and eventual win, as the Yankees could not mount a comeback from this devastating blast.

The sight of Joba Chamberlain, sitting in the Yankees dugout, with a towel over his head, after the inning was finally over, was a view of total disbelief, as we all witnessed something that we never expect to see when Joba enters a game.  

The Yankee Stadium crowd came to a quiet hush, as the faces of those in attendance had dazed expressions as if they all had just been transformed into some sort of a reverse parallell universe.

Joba caused his own trouble, as he walked Grady Sizemore and Jhonny Peralta [both on 3-2 pitches], setting the stage for the David Dellucci blast into the short "friendly rightfield porch".

Also, it seemed as if Joba and catcher Jose Molina were on a different wave-lenght throughout this whole inning. Chamberlain kept shaking Molina off, as the veteran catcher wanted Joba to throw more fastballs; but, the young rookie, Chamberlain, had other ideas, that included throwing a greater assortment of curveballs and sliders. So, this was a learning experience for Joba Chamberlain. Just as there are the "Joba Rules", there also are certain pitching approaches that [maybe at sometimes] the pitcher should trust a veteran catcher [such as Jose Molina], and go with the judgment of the experienced catcher. 

Anyway, as Joe Girardi said, "Joba will learn from this. In the long run, this will make him a better pitcher; and, make him tougher inside. It's all part of Joba's maturing process". 

And, we know this to be true, because of all in the Yankees Universe, Joba took this loss the hardest of everyone. As soon as that ball by Dellucci was hit, Joba knew where it was headed, as he bent down on the mound, with his head towards the ground. "It stinks when something like that happens", Joba said after the game. "But, you understand it is part of the game. The biggest part is that I let my teammates down".

Well, based on what we have seen so far in the very brief career of Joba Chamberlain, he is very mature for his very young age of 22. He will put this game behind him; learn from it; and, not let it affect any future appearances. To Joba, each game is a new day, and he is one pitcher [either as a reliever or starter] that the Yankees will always be able to count on.

In game two of this series, there is only one word to use to describe the winning pitcher, Cliff Lee, for the Cleveland Indians: AWESOME !!! 

What more can be said?  Cliff Lee pitched an awesome game, going 7-innings, striking out 7, walking none, giving up six hits, and no runs, in the 3-0 [shutout] win by the Indians.

Cliff Lee is now 6-0, with a Bob Gibson like 0.81 ERA..

The Yankees lost the first two games of this three-game series against the Cleveland Indians; but, even though the Yankee bats continue to struggle to score runs on a consistent basis, the starters continue to deliver excellent pitching performances. In these losses to the Indians, Andy Pettitte pitched well in the 5-3 first game loss; and, Chien-Ming Wang recorded a solid pitching performance in his seven innings of work in yesterday's 3-0 Cleveland [and, Cliff Lee] win. This was Wang's first loss of the season [he is now 6-1], as the Yankee bats were held in check by Lee, and the Cleveland bullpen.

The Yankees are now 17-18 on the season, "FIVE" games behind the AL East leading Boston Red Sox.

It may be a little early; but, to quote the great Yogi Berra, "It's getting late, a little early, out there". 

I know it's only May 8th, and the Yankees have only played 35 games. But, these games, early in the season, count just as much as any other game on the schedule. Five games behind, are only a short step from being "ten games behind", and, then, "fourteen and a half behind", [like, last year]. Just an observation !!!

But, if the Yankees continue as they are now playing, and they fall 10-14 games behind the Red Sox, will they have enough in them to play the way they did down the stretch last year?

Well, the Yankees were the "Wild Card" playoff team in 2007; and [in my view] if they go 10 to 14 games behind the Red Sox this year, that would be way too much ground for them to make up. 

Hopefully, we can look to Yogi Berra one more time, and say, "It ain't over, 'till it's over" !!!          

The Yankees needed a "Big Game" by starting pitcher, Darrell Rasner; and, he delivered, by pitching six solid innings, giving up 2 earned runs [a 2-run HR], 5 hits, no walks, and striking out 5, to earn his first win of the season in the Yankees 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Darrell Rasner, who was called up from AAA-SWB to replace the injured Phil Hughes in the starting rotation, didn't look like he was going to make it out of the first inning. He gave up a single to Raul Ibanez, and then a two-run homerun to Adrian Beltre for a quick 2-0 lead by the Mariners.

After he got the final out in the first, Rasner settled down over the next 5 innings, pitching shutout ball, and looking more like the 4-0, 0.87 ERA starter he was at (AAA) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year.

Again, just like the first two games of this three-game sweep by the Yankees, the starting pitcher, Darrell Rasner, mirrored the great pitching efforts by Chien-Ming Wang in Friday's 5-1 victory; and, Mike Mussina's beautiful pitching gem in the Yankees 6-1 win on Saturday.

Also, the bullpen was once again "lights out". In today's game, the combination of Ohlenorf, Farnsworth, and Rivera, each pitched a scoreless inning throughout the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, to hold, and close out the Yankees 8-2 victory.

With a day off on Monday, and needing some work, Mariano Rivera was called into this game to close it out, even though it was not a save situation. Mariano made it look easy, throwing only 8 pitches to record a 1-2-3 scoreless 9th inning. The final out of the game was a soft pop-up right over the pitchers mound, which floated so gentlly right into Mariano's glove. It looked like the "Great Mariano" was enjoying a day in the park, playing pitch and catch with a bunch of youngsters. He continues to enjoy one of his best starts of the year as the Yankees closer out of the bullpen. Mariano has still yet to give up an earned run this season, and his 0.00 ERA reaffirms why he is still the greatest closer in the history of the game.

The Yankees scored all their runs in the third and fourth innings, scoring 6 in the 3rd; and 2 in the 4th.

The highlight of the third inning was the back-to-back homeruns by close friends, Melky Cabrera [a 2-run shot], and "don't you know", Robinson Cano. After Cano hit his homer, it looked like Melky was more happy for his friend, than Melky was for himself, after his homerun. Cano is still in the middle of a very long batting slump, so maybe the homerun, and warmer weather will be a spark plug to get Robby to hit like he did in the second half of last year, at, or, around the .400 mark.

The top of the Yankees batting order continues to do most of the damage in the lineup. Damon was 2-5, with 2 runs scored; Jeter had a four hit game, going 4-5 with 2 runs and an RBI; Abreu went 3-4, with a walk, run, and RBI; and, Matsui was 2-4, scoring one run, and driving home two.

There were many stars in this game; but, the "Star of the Game" has to go to Darrell Rasner. With Hughes injured, and Ian Kennedy demoted to AAA-SWB, the Yankees needed Rasner to pitch as effectively as Wang and Mussina did [in the first two games of this series], to complete the three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.

Well, Mr. Rasner did just that. And, "that" is just what the Yankees needed !!!         

Jose Veras threw the final pitch of yesterday's game for strike three, finishing off a 6-1 Yankees win against the Seattle Mariners. As the Yankees were leaving the field, Melky Cabrera was leaping up and down [off the ground] giving high-fives to every Yankee player he approached. Oh, how great it is to be young; to be a Yankee; and, celebrate a Yankees win.

That wonderful enthusiasm Melky brings to this Yankees team, mixed with the tremendous pitching performance by the veteran Mike Mussina, lead the Yanks to their second win in a row vs. the Mariners.

Chien-Ming Wang won the first game of this series, 5-1, also, pitching a gem. Darrell Rasner, called up from AAA-SWB, for the injured Phil Hughes, gets the start today, as the Yankees look to reverse the three game sweep the Detroit Tigers just completed against them in the beginning of the week.

Mike Mussina pitched a beautiful game, throwing 84 pitches over 6 innings, giving up only one earned run, on 7 hits and no walks, while striking out 5.  Mussina ended his day by striking out the side in the top of the 6th. He probably would have pitched one more inning, but the Yankees scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th, to bring the Yankees lead to 6-1. Joe Girardi decided this was a big enough lead for the bullpen to hold; and, also, an opportunity to rest Mussina's arm for the long season ahead.

Girardi's move proved to be the right one, as the bullpen was perfect, with Andy Hawkins, Edwar Ramirez, and Jose Veras all pitching one scoreless inning each, to preserve Mike Mussina's 4th win of the season. He is now 4-3, and has 254 career victories, which moved Mussina past Carl Hubbell, to tie Jack Morris and Red Faber for 39th place on the all-time wins list.

Mike Mussina's performance was a mirror image of Chien-Ming Wang's great effort in the first game of this series. Wang pitched brilliantly in that 5-1 Yankees win. In 6 innings of work, he allowed only one earned run, giving up only 3 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5 batters. Wang threw 90 pitches to stretch his record to 6-0 this season.

The Yankee bats were on fire, providing Mussina with all the support he needed to win the game.

Johnny Damon was 3-5, including, [his 4th] HR of the season, 2 doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's, and a SB.

Derek Jeter was also 3-5, with one run, and one RBI. One of Jeter's hits was a double, his 390th in his career, which moved Jeter past Joe DiMaggio to take over 5th place on the all-time Yankees doubles list. 

Bobby Abreu had 2 hits in 4 at bats, with a walk, and one RBI.

Hideki Matsui went 2-5, with one run and one RBI.

Melky Cabrera was 2-4, with one RBI.  

Jose Molina had a 1-3 day, scoring one run, and drawing a walk.

Overall, a very good day for the Yankees, as this win brings them back to .500 for the season, at 16-16.  This is a perfect time for a "Yankees Sweep".

Go Yankees !!!