Joba Chamberlain delivered another great start for the Yankees yesterday afternoon, as he led the Bombers to a very big victory against the Baltimore Orioles, 13-3, at the Stadium, that ended a three-game Yankee losing streak. This tremendous performance by Chamberlain continues to bring Joba, closer, and closer, to moving into the "high-rent" district of starting pitchers, as the "ace" of the Yankees pitching staff.

Chamberlain was "dealing" once again yesterday, throwing 98 pitches, over a solid six innings, allowing only two runs (one earned), on five hits, no walks, while striking-out six.

Joba's record is now, 4-3, with a 2.24 ERA; but, more importantly, Chamberlain is becoming a true "stopper", as the Yankees have now won [8 of the 11] games that Joba has started. Also, Joba is starting to be more of a "pitcher", mixing up his pitches, throwing more slidrers and change-ups, along with his almost unhittable 98 mph fastball. All this, and his great control - not walking many batters, are descriptions of an "ace" starting pitcher.

The O's jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the 1st, when Roberts led off the game by getting on base on an error by Robinson Cano, on a hard hit ground ball, that looked like Cano should have caught. Two batters later, Huff hit a RBI single that drove Roberts home with the first run of the game. Chamberlain retired the next batter, Mora, on a grounder back to the mound, for the final out, as the Orioles took a, 1-0, lead into the bottom of the first. 

The Yankees came right back in this game, scoring three runs in the first off Baltimore's starting pitcher, Dennis Sarfate, who was making his first major league start.

Sarfate started off good by striking-out leadoff hitter, Johnny Damon; but, maybe the New York native was a little nervous pitching in front of his hometown family, and friends, as he then issued back-to-back walks to, Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu, that brought Alex Rodriguez up to the plate.

A-Rod singled home both runners, with Abreu's run coming on a nice slide at the plate, that at first Bobby thought the home plate umpire, Mark Wegner, had called him out, and was ready to argue the call. But, Abreu was clearly safe, scoring the second run. Rodriguez also scored in the inning, for the 3-1 Yankee lead.

This was the start of a big day for Bobby Abreu, as he had three hits in four at-bats, and a walk, that included, two homeruns, a double, three RBI's, and, scoring four runs. Abreu leads the Yankees in RBI's with 71, and raised is batting average to .288.

In my view, it is very important that the Yankees make every effort to re-sign Abreu to a new three-year contract when the season ends. His bat is just "too valuable" to let walk away after 2008; plus, the fact, that he is a very popular player in the Yankees clubhouse, and a fan favorite. Many will say, "it all depends on how much money it will take to re-sign Abreu". As they say, "follow the money". But, I suggest, "follow the numbers", regarding Bobby Abreu. How will the Yankees replace the consistent "great" numbers that Abreu puts up each year? You just don't let a great player, like Bobby Abreu, leave your team, especially, "only because of money".

In my opinion, the Yankees should never let money be an issue when signing players. Look to the past, [because, it also applies to the present, and future], and take the lead of the great Yankees owner, George M. Steinbrenner. He always knew, it takes money to build a winning team; and, Mr. Steinbrenner never let money be an issue when bringing the best players in the game, here to New York. It will be money "well spent", whatever the cost to re-sign, Bobby Abreu !!!

The Yankees took a 5-2 lead, into the bottom of the 6th, when they exploded for four more runs, on a leadoff double by Abreu; and, then, after A-Rod lined out to left, a RBI single by Jason Giambi; a singe by Cano; a RBI, grounds-rule double by Nady; a walk to Melky Cabrera, that loaded the bases; and, finally, a walk to Damon that forced home the fourth run of the inning, upping the Yanks lead to 9-2.

Joba Chamberlain's day was finished, as manager Joe Girardi turned to the bullpen to hold the lead, and preserve the great pitching performance by Joba.

So, in the top of the 7th, Edwar Ramirez replaced Joba, and created a little drama in this game, by throwing his first pitch over the head of Kevin Millar.

Now, maybe, Ramirez was just trying to pitch inside to Millar [as the Yankees have done all series] because he has hit the Yankees hard - all season. Maybe, it was retaliation for Alex Rodriguez being hit by Orioles starter, Daniel Cabrera, in the second game of this series. Or, maybe, it was just Edwar Ramirez taking the advice of Crash Davis from the movie, "Bull Durham", when he went to the mound in the game that Nuke was pitching great, and Crash told Nuke to "hit the bull". Davis just wanted to put a little fear into the batter at the plate, and it worked, as Nuke did get him out.

Who knows what was on the mind of Ramirez in this situation?  But, in an interview after the game, Edwar did look very sincere in saying he wasn't throwing at Millar, and even offered an apology, for the high throw over Millar's head.

Hopefully, it is over between both these clubs [as well as, the same kind of drama, between the Yankees and Red Sox] because, it is a very "dangerous business", having a 90 mph, plus, fastball, thrown at a batters head.

It is good to see, though, that the Yankee pitchers are much more aggressive this year, protecting the Yankee batters, when they are thrown at by other teams. It's okay to pitch, high, and inside - that's good "old-fashioned" baseball. But, no one wants to see a pitched-ball thrown at someone's head, possibly causing a career ending injury or worse.

Edwar Ramirez was ejected from the game, but no warnings were given, as the Yankees now brought David Robertson in to pitch.

Robertson got hit hard in the first game of this series, so this was a very important outing by the outstanding Yankee rookie.

David walked Millar, then made a great impression, by striking-out the next three hitters, Quiroz, Fahey, and Roberts, to end the top of the 7th.

The Yankees were not finished scoring yet, as they put four more runs up on the board in the bottom of the 7th. Bobby Abreu, led off the inning with his second homerun of the game, number 13 on the year, for Bobby, to make the score, 10-2.

Alex Rodriguez was up next, and, also, hit a homerun. To be honest, I was not very exicited by this homer, as once again, A-Rod hit a homerun in a non-pressure situation, that made the score, 11-2. 

In the second game of this series, A-Rod struck-out, in the 9th inning, with two runners on, no out, the Yankees down, 7-4, in the middle of a major comeback. Giambi followed A-Rod by getting a two-RBI single, to cut the lead to, 7-6. Cano and Betemit also struck-out, stranding the two runners on base, and the Yankees lost, 7-6. But, A-Rod is the cleanup hitter, and is being paid the "most money in baseball" to hit in the clutch. Rodriguez also failed in a similar, clutch situation in the recent Red Sox series. He "struck-out" in that a-bat, also. So, excuse my "lack of excitement" of what I consider, a "tack-on homer", on the career homerun totals of Alex Rodriguez. 

I did get excited, though, when Richie Sexson singled, and Xavier Nady hit a RBI double in the inning, as the Yankees scored two more runs, that put the lucky number 13 on the scoreboard.

David Robertson pitched the top of the 8th, and gave up a homerun to pinch-hitter, Castro, that completed the 13-3 score.

Dan Giese pitched a scoreless 9th inning, to close out this victory or the Yankees.

This was a big win for the Yankees, as it prevented them from being swept by the Orioles.

The Red Sox lost last night, 9-2, that completed a three-game sweep by the Angels over the Sox.

So, with the Yankees win; and, the Red Sox loss, the Yanks are now tied in the loss column with Boston, and remain four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays [63-44] who won their game yesterday.

The Yankees [59-48] now head into a "major" four-game series against the AL WEST leading, L.A. Angels [67-40], at Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, starting tonight, Thursday, July 31th.

The Yankee have "only" 55 games left on the schedule, and the four games against the Angels, are only "four of ten" games the Yankees have remaining with the Angels. The Yanks still have to travel out to the west coast [two times] to play "two" three-game series' against the team with the best record in baseball. So, it goes without saying, "All these games are huge" !!! 

Both the Yankees and Angels are playing very well right now, and this four-game series could be a preview of the 2008 American League Championship.

It should be fun. I look forward to a great series. Go Yankees !!!        

In a big game of interest for the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox [61-47] played the L.A. Angels [66-40] at Fenway Park tonight.

It was a good pitching match-up, Joe Saunders [13-5] of the Angels vs. Josh Beckett [9-7], the Red Sox starter.

Josh Beckett coasted along in the first three innings of this game, giving up only one hit, to Garrett Anderson, in the second inning. But, Beckett ran into trouble in the top of the 4th, as the Angels scored three runs to take the early lead in this very important contest.

Maicer Izturis led off the 4th inning with a double. Beckett then struck-out Mark Teixeira, who was playing his first game for the Angels, to record the first out of the inning.

The next batter, Vladmir Guerrero, hit a RBI single, scoring Izturis for the first Angels run. Tori Hunter followed with a double, setting up a second and third situation, with Garret Anderson up. Anderson then hit a two-RBI single, plating both, Guerrero and Hunter. Beckett retired the next two batters without any further damage, as the game moved into the bottom of the 4th, with the Angels leading, 3-0.

In the 4th, Ortiz and Lowell singled for the Sox, but Saunders got out of the jam by getting J.D. Drew to hit into a force play, for the second out of the innng, and Jed Lowrie on a fly-out to left, for the final out, that stranded two runners.

The Angels tried to put together another rally in the top of the 5th, by getting two runners on base, singles by Figgins and Izturis, with one out. But, Beckett struck-out, Teixeira, for out number two, and ended the inning when Guerrero hit into a force play.

Boston got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th, when Jason Varitek led off the inning with a walk, and scored on a two-run homer by Coco Crisp, cutting the Angels lead to, 3-2.

Josh Beckett was hit hard again in the top of the 6th, when after a lead off walk to Tori Hunter, Garret Anderson hit a two-run homer, around the foul pole, into the short rightfield porch [his third and fourth RBI's of the game], upping the Angels lead to, 5-2. 

The Angels were not finished yet, as they scored three more runs in the inning, on a combination four hits, and three Red Sox errors.

Howie Kendrick singled, advanced to second on a ground out, moved to third on a bad pick-off attempt by Beckett, that went into centerfield, and scored on a double by Jeff Mathis, for run number six.

Figgins then singled, stole second, went to third on a bad throw that went into center, and scored the 7th  Angels' run on a sac fly to left, by Izturis, which was also the second out of the inning.

Josh Beckett's night was finished, as he went 5 2/3 innings, and gave up 8 runs, [6 earned] on 11 hits, one walk, and 8 strkeouts. Manny Delcarmen came in from the bullpen to replace, Beckett.

Mark Teixeira was up next, and reached on an error by first baseman, Kevin Youkilis. Tex scored the 5th run of the inning, on a bloop hit in centerfield, that fell in between three Boston fielders, Crisp, Pedroia, and Lowrie. Hunter made the final out of the inning, with the Angels leading, 8-2. 

Joe Saunders continued to pitch a good game, as he set the Sox down in order in the 6th and 7th innings, and was replaced by Justin Speier in the 8th.

The Angels tacked on an insurance run in the top of the 9th on a line drive homerun into the seats on top of the Green Monster in left, by Tori Hunter, making the score, 9-2. Garret Anderson followed the homer with a double, his fourth hit of the game, but the scoring was finished for the night.

Darren Oliver pitched the 9th inning for the Angels, and gave up a couple of hits before closing out the 9-2 victory, when Dustin Pedroia hit into a game-ending, 6-4-3, double play.

The Angels pounded out 16 hits in this game, and the Red Sox committed four errors, as the Angels swept this three-game series against Boston.

Joe Saunders [14-5] was the winning pitcher for the Angels; and, Josh Beckett [9-8] was the loser.

The Yankees won a big game this afternoon, 13-3, against the Baltimore Orioles; and, get ready to play a huge four-game series against the L.A. Angels, starting tomorrow at Yankee Stadium. It should be a great series, and could be a preview of the 2008 American League Championship Series.  

After two straight games in which Yankee starters got pounded, Darrell Rasner pitched a pretty good game tonight against the Baltimore Orioles, taking a 2-1 lead into the 7th inning.

But, Damaso Marte, who replaced Rasner in the 7th, quickly let things get out of hand, allowing the two runners Darrell Rasner put on base, to score; and, then, also, allowed four more runs of his own, turning a 2-1 Baltimore lead, into what looked like another bashing of the Bronx Bombers, 6-1.

The Yankees did mount a comeback, by scoring two runs in he 8th, to cut the O's lead to, 6-3.

Mariano Rivera hadn't pitched in awhile, so Joe Girardi brought the future Hall of Famer into the game to pitch the top of the 9th. Mariano gave up a solo homer to Aubrey Huff, that looked like a meaningless run in this game, that the O's now led, 7-3.

In the bottom of the 9th, the Yanks tried to put meaning back into the game, by putting together another rally against Orioles closer, George Sherrill.

A single by Johnny Damon, a walk to Derek Jeter, and a RBI double by Bobby Abreu made the game interesting, as the Yankees were now only behind, 7-4, with two runners on, no outs, and the tying run up at the plate, Alex Rodriguez. 

But, A-Rod, who homered earlier in the game, struck-out [swinging] on a high, inside, fastball, making the first out of the inning.

Jaason Giambi [3-for-5, with two RBI's in the game] hit a ball up the middle, that hit the pitcher, and deflected towards the open hole at short, for a two-RBI single, cutting the Orioles lead to only a run, 7-6.

Justin Christian pinch-ran for Giambi, and stole second base, easiely, on the first pitch by Sherrill, with the winning run, Robinson Cano, at the plate; also, there was only one out, and a base hit would tie the game. 

Cano (1-for-5), could not deliver the big hit, as he struck-out on a breaking pitch that was well out of the strike zone. Two outs.

Then, Wilson Betemit, with no hits in four at-bats up to this point, was the batter. The Yankees had right-handed, power hitter, Richie Sexson on the bench, who is batting over .300 against left-handed pitchers, and was brought to New York in big part because of his outstanding hitting against lefty's.

Girardi decided to let Betemit hit, though, in this important, two out, possible game tying, or game winning situation.

Wilson Betemit was totally over-matched by George Sherrill as he struck-out swinging to end the Yankees rally, and watch the Orioles celebrate their, 7-6, victory.

The Yankees have now lost three straight games, and hope to break that losing streak with Joba Chamberlain pitching the final game of this series tomorrow afternoon at Yankee Stadium.       

Well, the best news of the night was the fact that the Boston Red Sox lost to the L.A. Angels, 7-5; and, the Tampa Bay Rays lost to the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-1, for a "draw" in the AL EAST on this day, with the New York Yankees still in third place, [three games behind the Rays, and two games behind the Red Sox], even after their, 13-4, loss to the Baltimore Orioles, at the Stadium last night. 

Mike Mussina, who was, 3-1, with a 1.41 ERA over his last five starts, just didn't have his best stuff tonight, as the Orioles pounded him for eight hits, that scored six runs in Mussina's five innings pitched. The loss dropped his record to, 13-7.

After a good first inning by Mike Mussia, in which he walked lead off batter, Roberts, [the first walk Mussina has allowed in four starts]; struck-out the next batter, Adam Jones; had a run prevented on a beautiful 7-6-2 [Nady-Jeter-Molina] relay, that gunned down Roberts at the plate, trying to score on a double by Nick Markakis; and, finally, getting the last out of the inning by striking-out, Aubrey Huff, the Orioles did most of their damage in the top of the second.

Mussina allowed back-to-back singles to Melvin More and Luke Scott, at the start of the 2nd inning that set the stage for a big three run homer by Kevin Millar, giving the O's a quick, 3-0 lead. Then, the next batter, Ramon Hernandez, also went deep, going back-to-back with Millar, to tack on the Orioles 4th run, and silence the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd.

Baltimore scored two more runs in the top of the 5th, on a lead off double by Roberts, a RBI triple by Jones, and a sac-fly by Huff, to up the Orioles lead to, 6-0. Mussina completed the inning without giving up any more runs, but his night was finished.

David Robertson replaced Mussina in the top of the 6th, and suffered his first real bad outing since being called up from the minors. Robertson only lasted only one-third of an inning, as Baltimore hit him hard.

The O's blasted Robertson for five runs, on four hits, and two walks, including the first homerun he has ever given up in professional ball, a grand slam by Adam Jones. Robertson faced one more batter, Markakis, after the homer, and issued a walk, before he was taken out of the game by manager Joe Girardi, leaving the mound with the Yankees losing, 11-0.  

Baltimore starter, Jeremy Guthrie, (W, 7-8), pitched a good game, throwing 102 pitches over 6 1/3 innings, giving up only one run, on three hits, and two walks, including Xavier Nady's first homerun as a Yankee.

Nady's homer, in the 7th inning, was a long shot over the centerfield wall, which broke up the shutout, and ended Guthrie's night.

The Yanks got three more runs in the 7th, when Johnny Damon hit a three-run homerun off reliever, Lance Cormier, which cut the Orioles lead to, 11-4.

The final runs by the Orioles came in the next inning when Aubrey Huff, hit a long two-run homer off Kyle Farnsworth, to cap off the scoring on the night, and complete the Orioles, 13-4, victory.

Not a good game for the Yanks, but they didn't lose any ground in the AL EAST. So, let's put this loss behind us, and look to the next game to get back on the winning track.     

The Yankees eight game winning streak ended last night in Boston, as the Red Sox avoided a three-game sweep, by pounding out 15 hits in a, 9-2, rout of the Bronx Bombers.

It would only be a tea party for two, as the Yankees still had a very successful visit to Boston this weekend, winning the first two games, 1-0, and, 10-3, to remain in a virtual three-way tie, with the Red Sox and Rays, for first place in the AL EAST.

Sidney Ponson, (L, 6-2),  had nothing tonight, in this his fifth start as a member of the New York Yankees. He delivered 77 pitches to the Sox batters, that resulted in seven runs, on ten hits, and one walk, with only one strikeout, in a very ineffective four innings of work.

It looked like Ponson was throwing batting practice in the first four innings, as the Red Sox quickly put this game of reach, taking a, 7-0, lead into the top of the 5th.

Dustin Pedroia led off the game with a single. He was forced at second on a fielders choice, as the next batter, Kevin Youkilis was safe a first. David Ortiz then singled, to set-up a first and third situation for clean-up hitter, Manny Ramirez.

There has been much controversy surrounding Ramirez over the last few days. But, then again, isn't there always some sort of drama concerning Manny. He didn't play in the first game of this series because of some "knee" problems; and, before this game, he basically told the Red Sox that he wouldn't mind being traded out of Boston. It has been reported that Ramirez is looking for a new four-year deal, at $25 Million per season, as he is not satisfied with the $20 Million he is now making. All of us should have that much disrespect shown in our direction - $20 Million, plus - of disrespect.

It is really amazing to try and figure out how the Red Sox management, players, and fans put up with all of Manny's childish bahavior. It is all "nonsense".

But, they all "do" put up with it, especially, when Manny is hitting, and driving in runs for the Sox. They all cheer, and say, oh well, it's just "Manny being Manny". Oh, well, it's their  problem, not ours.

On the field, though, Manny Ramirez is a great hitter, and he doubled in the first run of the game, scoring Youkilis from third.

Mike Lowell was the next batter up, and he stroked a two-RBI single, that drove home David Ortiz, and, also, Manny Ramirez, who was just being "Manny" again when he ran through the stop sign by third base coach, DeMarlo Hale. The crowd cheered, the Sox players were all happy, giving high-fives in the dugout, and I' m sure the Boston managemaent were all feeling pretty good that Manny's reckless base-running gave the Red Sox a, 3-0 lead.

Just, "Manny being Manny", is all. I guess on a night like this, they can all live with the antics of a very selfish ballplayer. 

The Red Sox scored their fourth run in the 2nd; and, after hitting a one-out double in the bottom of the third, Manny Ramirez, (3-for-5), with two doubles, two runs scored, and two RBI's on the night, scored on a RBI double by Jason Veritek, to move Boton's lead to, 5-0. 

Then, to finish the power surge against Sidney Ponson, Dustin Pedroa hit a double with one out in the 4th, which was followed by a long two-run homerun into the rifgt-field seats, by David Ortiz, after Ponson got Youkilis out on a grounder to short.

After the Ortiz homer, Manny was up [again] for the third time in the game. With two outs, Ramirez hit a long shot, deep into the right-centerfield corner that looked like it would be another double for Manny. But, Melky Cabrera raced far to his left, and back to the wall, where he made another outstanding running catch in this series, robbing Ramirez of the hit. Manny just stood there, somewhere between first and home smiling as he watched Cabrera jog off the field. Ramirez was probably also thinking about the great over-the-wall catch Melky made at the Stadium last year, that robbed Manny of a homerun. All I was thinking was, it was just "Melky being Melky".

That inning ended the night for Sidney Ponson, as Boston now had a very comfortable, 7-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Red Sox starter, Jon Lester, (W, 9-3), was pitching okay over the first four innings, scattering five hits, while striking-out four.

In the top of the 5th, the Yankees had their best chance to make a dent in the, 7-0, Boston lead, and possibly put together a "big" inning that would move the Yankees closer to their goal of sweeping this very important three-game series.

Three straight singles by, Cabrera, Molina, and Damon, loaded the bases with no outs, with Derek Jeter coming up to the plate. Jeter hit a ball the traveled right along the third base line, all the way to third, that stayed fair. Mike Lowell waited until the last second to pick-up the ball, in front of third base, but the slow rolling grounder went for a single, that scored Melky Cabrera to finally put a run up on the board for the Yankees.

With the bases still loaded, Bobby Abreu walked, to force home another run, making the score, 7-2.

This was the key moment of the game for the Yankees, as they now had a chance to break this game wide open, with Alex Rodriguez up at the plate, with the bases loaded, and no outs.

A-Rod hit a "semi-hard" line drive to third, that Lowell easiely caught for the first out in the inning. Then, Xavier Nady, (0-for-4), hit a fly ball to center that was caught by Jacoby Ellsbury, for out number two. On this fly-out, it looked like it was deep enough to score Johnny Damon from third, but for some reason Damon did not want to challenge the weak throwing arm of Ellsbury. Damon may still be hurting from a cramp he got in his leg on his final at-bat in Saturday's game.

The Yanks still had a chance to score a couple of runs in the 5th, as hot-hitting, Robinson Cano was the next batter up. It would not be, though, as Cano, (0-4), hit an easy come-backer to the mound that Lester threw to first to record the final out of the inning.

That was it for the Yankees in this game, as they did not pose another threat to score against Lester, who pitched seven good innings, allowing the two runs, on 9 hits, one walk, while striking-out eight. The Bombers also could not get anything going against the Red Sox bullpen, either, as Manny Delcarmen, [in the 8th], and Mike Timlim, [in the 9th], both pitched scoreless innings, to close out the, 9-2, Boston victory.

Dan Giese replaced Ponson in the bottom of the 5th, and gave the Yankees four solid innings of relief out of the bullpen.

But, the Red Sox did score two more runs in the 6th, off Giese, on a sac fly by David Ortiz, (2-for-4), with two runs scored, and three RBI's, in ths game; and, a RBI single by Manny Ramirez, that completed the scoring in this game.

This was a disappointing loss for the Yankees, as a sweep would have really sent a firm message to the Red Sox, and Rays [who split their four-game weekend series against the K.C. Royals], that the Yankees machine was rolling along at full-speed ahead, with first place clearly in sight. The 9-2 loss slows the Yankee train, just a bit, but it was a great run - an eight game winning streak, including, two wins out of three games vs. Boston - and, overall, a very big weekend for the Yanks.

As Joe Girardi said after the game, "We had a good series, but we could have had a great series". He added, "You put this game behind you; and, talk about winning the first game of a series, and winning series". 

It should be fun watching this pennant race as we head into August and September; and, in the end, it's all about October Baseball which is where the Yankees are on track to travel to.

So, we come to an end of another great series of games in this rivalry, between the Yankees and Red Sox. As I have said before, "it doesn't get any better than this ". 

Yankees vs. Red Sox: "A Season Within A Season" !!!     

The Yankees won their eight straight game; and, second in a row against the Boston Red Sox, 10-3, yesterday afternoon at Fenway Park.

Andy Pettitte, (12-7), was the winning pitcher for the New York Yankees, throwing 110 pitches over six solid innings, giving up three runs [one earned], on five hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts. This performance lowered Pettitte's ERA to 3.76.

This victory moved the Yankees [58-45] a little closer to first place in the AL EAST, as they are now tied with Boston [60-45] in the loss column, and only three games behind the Division leading Tampa Bay Rays [61-42], who won their game against the Royals in Kansas City last night.

After falling behind, 2-0, in the first inning, the Yankees scored one run in the top of the third on a RBI single by Bobby Abreu, that scored Jose Molina, to cut the Red Sox lead in half.

The Yankees took the lead, 3-2, in the 4th, on Robinson Cano's ninth homerun of the year, and a RBI single by Johnny Damon, that drove home Melky Cabrera with the go-ahead run.

Cano continued his hot hitting, going (3-for-4) in this game, with a walk, a run, and three RBI's, to raise his batting average to .270. And, during this eight game winning streak [since the All-Star break], Cano has 18 hits in 35 at-bats, a .514 batting average. With two months still remaining in the season, Robinson Cano has a great chance to reach the .300 mark once again in his career.

In the top of the 6th, the Yankees knocked the knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield, out of the game, by scoring four runs, that upped the Bombers lead to, 7-2.

New Yankee, Xavier Nady, walked; Melky Cabrera hit a double; and Jose Molina was hit-by-a-pitch, to load the bases. Then, Damon grounded into a force play, that scored Nady for the first run, which was followed by a RBI single by Jeter; a RBI double by Abreu; and, a RBI single by Alex Rodriguez, that completed the scoring in the inning. There was still only one out after the A-Rod single, though; but, Jason Giambi grounded into a 3-3-5 double play to end the Yankees rally in the 6th.

After Mike Lowell grounded out to third for the first out in the bottom of the 6th, J.D Drew hit a homerun into the right field seats, to cut the Yankees lead to, 7-3. Andy Pettitte retired the final two batters in the inning, which completed his work on this day.

Jose Veras replaced Pettitte in the 7th, and after striking-out the leadoff hitter, Kevin Cash, he walked, Dustin Pedroia, and gave up a single to Kevin Youkilis. David Ortiz was the next batter up, so this set-up the perfect opportunity for Joe Girardi to bring in newly acquired, left-handed reliever, Damaso Marte, to face the left-handed, power-hitting, Ortiz.

In Marte's first test as the lefty specialist out of the bullpen [really, the only lefty out of the bullpen], Damaso struck-out David Ortiz, swinging, for the second out of the inning. And, that was the only batter Marte would pitch against in his Yankee debut. He done his job, and that's exactly what the Yankees expect to see from Marte in future appearances. Edwar Ramirez then entered the game, and recorded the last out of the 7th, on a fly-out to Melky in center, stranding two Red Sox runners on base.

In the top of the 8th, the Yankees added three more insurance runs, but not without a little drama.

Craig Hansen was the new Boston reliever on the mound, and started the inning by walking the first batter, Jose Molina. Then, Johnny Damon hit a grounder to second that was played into a fielders choice, that allowed Molina to reach second. Derek Jeter was up next, and struck-out; but, Molina advanced to third on a wild pitch by Hansen. With two outs, Bobby Abreu walked, to bring A-Rod up to the plate, with runners on first and third.

Hansen uncorked a high, hard, fastball, that looked very similar to the pitch that Joba Chamberlain threw at Kevin Youkilis in yesterday's game; and, the ball ended up in pretty much the same place - except, the pitch in this game, by Hansen, hit Rodriguez on his left arm. A warning was given by the home plate umpire, and there was no other return action by the Yankees in this game. But, like yesterday, this is probably not over between both clubs, and sometime in a future game this activity will resume again.

The HBP loaded the bases, bringing up Giambi, who walked, which forced home a run. Then, Cano stroked a two-RBI double, that plated Abreu and A-Rod, for the 10-3 Yankees lead. Nady grounded out to end the inning, as the game headed into the bottom of the 8th.

Ramirez pitched a scoreless 8th inning; and, the great Yankee rookie reliever, David Robertson, closed out the game by pitching a scoreless 9th inning, to secure the victory for the New York Yankees.

A great win for the Yankees today, as they get ready for the sweep in tomorrow night's final game of this three-game series.

Playoff baseball in July, Yankees vs. Red Sox.

A Season Within A Season !!! 

It doesn't get any better than this.      

This was a classic matchup, Yankees vs. Red Sox; Joba Chamberlain vs. Josh Beckett, that lived up to its advance billing. A battle for first place in the AL EAST; "Playoff Baseball" in July.

Of course, every - New York Yankees / Boston Red Sox - game is a classic in the making, as these games just continue the great rivalry between these two great baseball and sports franchises.

This game marked the 2,000th time both these teams played in the regular season, with the Yankees holding a [1,089 - 896 - 14] .549 winning advantage, in "A Season Within A Season" series of games between these two great teams from New York and Boston. 

The fact that numbers are such a big part of baseball, makes the number 2,000 a big deal; a very special number that is a milestone, that in the future, we will all look back on to track the progress of this great rivalry.

And, in the history of the great Yankees / Red Sox rivalry, game number 2,000 will always hold a very special meaning for Yankee fans, as this was the game that Joba Chamberlain showed why he is in the Yankees starting rotation, and not wasting away, in exile, in the Yankees bullpen.

Joba Chamberlain's performance tonight, in this epic showdown vs. Josh Beckett, and the Boston Red Sox, proved to all who doubted that he should be a starter; and, also, sent notice to the American League, and all of baseball, that "Joba Has Arrived". If it is still too early to call Joba an "Ace", then, at least, calling Joba an "Ace-In-The-Hole" will have to serve for now, while Joba Chamberlain's "star" continues to rise, until the day when this rising star shines brightly, and out-shines them all.

Chamberlain matched Beckett pitch for pitch, inning by inning; and, in the end, Joba prevailed, with the help of another "Hall-of-Fame" performance by Mariano Rivera, who recorded his 26th save, by getting the final five outs in this game.

Awesome is probably an understatement to descibe Joba's best start of the year [so far], as Chamberlain threw 103 pitches over seven dominant innings of masterful baseball, allowing no runs, on only three hits, one walk, while striking-out nine Sox batters. This "gem" evened Joba's record at, 3-3, and lowered his ERA to 2.30. 

Josh Beckett (L,9-7), was also brilliant in this matchup, giving up the only run of the game, while throwing 110 pitches over seven innings, on 9 hits, one walk, and striking out six.

Chamberlain stated off great, by getting lead off hitter, Jacoby Ellsbuy, to ground out to second for the first out of the game. The next batter, Dustin Pedroia, singled, and stole second, bringing up the first big showdown of the game: Joba vs. David Ortiz [just back from the DL, and in the lineup for the first time since May 31st].

Joba struck-out Ortiz; then, also, struck-out clean-up hitter, Kevin Youkilis, [both swinging], for the final outs of the inning, leaving Pedroia stranded on second. This set the tone of the game, on how Joba would pitch the rest of the way. 

The Yankees had a chance to score in the bottom of the first, when Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu stroked back-to-back singles, after Johnny Damon made the first out of the inning on a very solid ten-pitch at bat. But, Beckett was also dealing in this game, as he struck-out Alex Rodriguez [swinging] for out number two; and, retired the side by getting Jason Giambi out on a called strike-three.

End of first inning, 0-0, as Beckett matched Chamberlain, pitch-for-pitch. 

The Yankees wasted a leadoff single by Robinson Cano in the top of the second, as Josh Beckett set-down the bottom of the Yankees lineup in order, to end the inning.

Then, onto the bottom of the second, which was a key inning in this game, as Boston hit the ball hard, and had their best chance of scoring, and maybe even breaking this game wide open.

Mike Lowell hit a solid line drive off the "Green Monster" in leftfield, but was held to a single as Brett Gardner played the ball perfectly off the wall, and quickly fired the ball into second base, holding Lowell at first.

All-Star MVP, J.D. Drew was the next batter, and he hit a screaming line-drive to right- centerfield, that looked like it was going to travel into the gap between Cabrera and Abreu, and roll all the way to the wall for at least a double, and score a run. But, Melky Cabrera, running at full speed from centerfield, made a spectacular diving catch, flying through the air, that robbed Drew of a hit, and may have saved the game for Joba, and the Yankees.

The Melky catch was definitely the "play of the game", and just one of many reasons why the Yankees should stop entertaining thoughts of trading Cabrera, as he brings much energy to this team, and provides the Yankees with many intangibles, such as making great defensive plays like the one in this game.

That was the first out of the inning, and if Melky gets "five-stars" for his great catch, then Robinson Cano has to get "four-and-a-half stars" for the awesome double play he started, when the next batter up, Jed Lowrie, hit a hard shot up the middle that looked like it was headed for centerfield. Cano glided far to his right to snag the hot hit grounder, made a beautiful flip to Jeter, who stepped on the bag for the second out; and, then, Jeter, threw the ball to first, as he jumped in the air, to complete the very acrobatic, 4-6-3, double play, on a nice scoop at first by Jason Giambi.

The score remained tied at, 0-0, as the Yankees batted in the top of the third.

The first two batters of the third inning were quickly out - Damon on a strikeout and, Jeter on a grounder to the mound - and, it looked like it would be a very easy 1-2-3 inning for Josh Beckett. But, then, Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez hit back-to-back singles, setting-up a possible rally by the Yankees, with Jason Giambi coming up to the plate.

The shift was on, and Beckett delivered a high and outside pitch that Giambi swung at, and hit a slow rolling grounder right towards the open hole [of the shift] at short, for a RBI single, that scored Abreu from third.

This turned out to be the only run for either team, as the Yankees went on win the game, 1-0.

Joba Chamberlain was lights out the remainder of the time he was on the mound in this game, and finished up his great performance by retiring the final ten batters he faced.

The only other drama in this game, other than the shaky pitching by Kyle Farnsworth in the bottom of the 8th, was the action that took place in the bottom of the 7th inning. On a 2-0 pitch to the lead off batter, Kevin Youkilis, Joba threw a "high-hard-inside pitch" that was headed right for Youkilis' head, but hit his bat, and knocked Youkilis to the ground.

Chamberlain ended up striking-out Youkilis, but this is something that may not be over between these two clubs, as this is not the first time Youkilis has complained about Joba pitching too far inside to him.

Like Chamberlain said after the game, [regarding the pitch], "Nobody wants the ball 'in" at 90 mph, plus. But, the score was 1-0, and I'm trying to get the win; and, it's what you have to do. It's a 2-0 count, and the game is 1-0 ... do you think I want to lose the lead and put the lead runner on. No way".

So it goes, just another game, and day, in this great "rivalary".

"A Season Within A Season" 

Yankees vs. Red Sox !!!  

Mike Mussina was near perfect in the Yankees 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins, at the Stadium, in the beautiful Bronx, yesterday afternoon. Moose tossed 8 shutout innings; and, throughout the game looked as if he was conducting a pitching clinic, center-stage, on the Yankee Stadium mound, to the delight of the sold-out crowd, and all who watched this awesome performance.

Mussina was like an artist on the mound, mixing up pitches and changing speeds, using the 105 pitches he threw as if they were strokes of a paint brush. When finished, a beautiful masterpiece of eight "goose-eggs" were displayed on the scoreboard. He allowed the Twins only six hits, while walking none [for the third straight game], and striking out seven. Mike Mussina is now 13-6, and well on his way to his first 20-win season.

The numbers this year are staggering for the possible future Hall of Famer.

Over Mussina's last five starts, he has pitched 32 innings; allowing only 5 runs; 3 walks; 33 hits; while striking-out 31 batters. In these five games, Mike Mussina is 3-1, with a 1.41 ERA.

Overall, Mussina is 12-3 over his last 17 starts; and, this was not only his third straight game without allowing a walk, but, also, the ninth time this season he has not allowed a walk in a game.

Mike Mussina has allowed only 16 walks in 121 1/3 innings pitched this season. As reported in the NY Post, [July 24, 2008], by Mike Vaccaro, only one other pitcher since 1919, Bret Saberhagen, has recorded more wins in a season than walks allowed, while winning a minimum of 10 games. Mussina may not join Saberhagen as part of that unbelievable stat, but with 263 career wins [and counting], this great season by Mussina will surely renew the debate about whether or not he should be considered for selection into baseball's Hall of Fame when his playing days are over.

Seven more victories in 2008 will bring Mussina to 270 career wins. The closer he gets to 300 career wins, the better Mussina's chances of making it into the Hall of Fame. Mussina will need at least two more years on the mound to approach the magic number of 300 wins. In my view, that will be Mussina's ticket into the Hall of Fame. Certaintly, a 20-win season, and at least "one" World Series ring will also move the debate in favor of Mike Mussina being honored with a plaque in Cooperstown, NY. 

If Manager, Joe Girardi, had a vote on selection of Mike Mussina into the Hall of Fame, I think this year would be a big factor on how Girardi would vote.

After the game, Girardi said, "Without Moose, I don't know where we would be. Every start he seems to get better and better. When he uses all his pitches, he's really hard to beat. He [Mussina] is really something [special] to see".

When asked if Mike Mussina is the Yankees MVP this season, Girardi said, "you could make an awfully good case for that".

Over the first four innings, though, it didn't look like Mike Mussina would get a decision in this game. Twins starter, Glen Perkins (7-3) was matching Mussina pitch for pitch, until the bottom of the 5th, when a mental error by Twins second baseman, Alexis Casilla, allowed the inning to continue when he thought there were three outs after a force play at second base. The force was only the second out of the inning, and it would have been an easy double play, if Casilla only threw the ball to first, to double up "slow running" Jose Molina, for the final out of the 5th.  

Perkins was visibly upset at Casilla, and now with runners on first and third, Justin Christian was up at the plate. Christian stroked a beautiful double down the left field line that scored both Cano and Molina, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead.

The Yankees scored three more runs in the bottom of the 6th, when Derek Jeter led off the inning with a double; Bobby Abreu walked; and both were driven home by a two-RBI double by Alex Rodriguez, who advanced to third on the throw to the plate. A-Rod scored the final Yankees run on a sac fly by Richie Sexson.

Glen Perkins finished the inning without any more damage, and his day was complete, giving up 5 runs [all earned, as a mental error does not go up on the scoreboard - as an error], 8 hits, one walk, and striking out two, in his six innings of work.

Mike Mussina continued to paint his masterpiece, and as he walked off the mound after getting the final out of the 8th, the only question remaining was if Joe Girardi would allow Moose to complete the 5-0 shutout.

Mussina has 23 career shutouts, including eight with the Yankees. He last pitched a shutout in 2005, when he actually had "two" that season. Also, Mussina's last complete game was in 2006. So, after throwing 105 pitches in 8 innings - would Joe Girardi send Moose to the mound in the 9th to finish the masterpiece, and title it "Mike Mussina's 24th Career Shutout"?

Well, maybe Girardi would vote for Mussina to enter the Hall of Fame, but he was not going to let him pitch the 9th in this game. Too bad, because going for the shutout would have really excited the crowd, as they would have witnessed two rare events in baseball today: a "COMPLETE GAME", and a "SHUTOUT" !!!  

Mussina said he understood; also, adding, "A shutout isn't important anymore. To try for a shutout after throwing 105 pitches, it could stretch to 118 or 120 pitches; then, you compromise the next start".

Maybe so! But, if under the same circumstances,  Mussina was pitching a "no-hitter" - would Girardi have let him pitch the 9th to complete the game, and record the no-hitter?  I think the answer to that question would be a very big YES !!!

It is very sad to think that we have reached an era in baseball that a "complete game" and "shutout" are just not important aymore. It would have been fun to watch the Stadium crowd cheer every pitch, strike, and out, that Mussina would have recorded in the 9th inning of yesterday's game. But, I guess the "win" is the really the most important thing, and for now, we will all have to live with "the dreaded pitch-count", and "over-use of the bullpen" [at times - way too many times] !!! 

As it turned out, LaTroy Hawkins replaced Mussina in the 9th, and gave up a "RUN" [that broke up the shutout], on three hits, and a wild pitch, while retirng only two batters, including one on a strikeout.

Then, in a game that Mariano Rivera should not had to make an appearance, Rivera closed out the 5-1 victory, striking out the only batter he faced, for his 25th save of the season.

This was an awesome pitching performance by Mike Mussina, and a great win by the Yankees, as they get ready for the big showdown at Fenway Park this weekend against the Boston Red Sox.

Six straight wins, sweeping both three-game series' since the All-Star game, moved the Yankees right back into the mix for first place in the AL EAST.

The New York Yankees vs. The Boston Red Sox ... It doesn't get any better than that !!!

"A Season Within A Season" - Playoff Baseball - In July !!!

I can't wait !!!   Go Yankees !!!     

The Yankees won their fifth straight game last night, which moved them to only 3.5 games behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays, who lost to the Oakland A's, 8-1, yesterday.

The Rays free fall continues, as they have only won 3 of their last 10 games; while the Yankees have won 7 of their last 10 games, gaining four games [and counting] on Tampa Bay. The Boston Red Sox [who won 4-0 last night vs. Seattle] remain in second place in the AL EAST, now only one game behind the Rays, and two games ahead of the Yankees.

The "Pennant Race" in the AL EAST is well underway, as the Yankees have 62 games remaining, and the Red Sox have 61 games left to play. This weekend the race heats up to a high intensity level of "playoff baseball" in July, as the Yankees travel to Boston for a three-game "Showdown" at Fenway Park, in a battle for first place in the AL EAST.

The Tampa Bay Rays (58-41), play a four-game series against the Royals (45-55) in Kansas City this weekend. So, it will be interesting to see how the standings look on Monday, July 28th. The Yankees are on a winning track right now, and riding the express that is scheduled to take them into First Place in the AL EAST - soon !!! 

Yesterday's Yankees victory started out as a pitching duel between Yanks starter, Darrell Rasner, and Twins starting pitcher, Kevin Slowey.

The Yankees scored first, with a run in the second inning, on a RBI single by "red-hot" Robinson Cano, that drove home Alex Rodriguez, who led off the inning with a double.

Cano's (2-for-4), with two RBI's in this game, was his fifth straight multi-hit game, and raised his batting average to .263. He is hitting .522 (12-for-23) since the All-Star break; and, has a .358 batting average in the month of July. As Robinson Cano continues to move his average to the .300 mark, his production will help the whole Yankees lineup hit and score more runs, which will help the Yankees win more ballgames. 

Darrell Rasner was brilliant in the first five innings of this game, allowing only one hit and three walks, but finally had some trouble in the top of the 6th.

Gomez led off the 6th with a double, and scored the Twins first run on a slow hit ball to Cano at second, by Twins rightfielder, Span, that was scored a single; but, on the attempt by Cano to get the out at first, Giambi made an error by letting the ball get past him which allowed Gomez to score.

A single by Casilla, and a walk to Morneau, loaded the bases. Then, Span scored the second run of the inning on a force play with Kubel up at the plate. That was the final batter Darrell Rasner faced in this game. David Robertson replaced Rasner, and threw one pitch to Young, to record the last out of the 6th, on another force play.

Overall, Darrell Rasner pitched 5 2/3 solid innings, allowing only two runs, on four hits, two walks, and two strikeouts.

The Yankees came right back in the bottom of the 6th, scoring three runs, on a two-run homerun by Bobby Abreu, that also scored Johnny Damon who led off the inning with a single; and, another RBI single by Cano, that drove home A-Rod, who singled and advanced to second on a stolen base. The Yanks now had a 4-2 lead in the game.

Twins starter, Kevin Slowey (6-7) was knocked out of the game in the middle of all the damage the Yankee bats caused in the 5th. He ended up throwing 96 pitches in his 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing the Yankees four runs, on five hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.

The Yankee bats were not finished yet, as they exploded for four more runs in the bottom of the 7th off Twins reliever, Crain.

Gardner led off the 7th with a walk; Damon reached first base on an error; and, both scored on a two-strike, two-RBI double by Derek Jeter. Bobby Abreu followed with another double that plated Jeter. Then, Jason Giambi hit a RBI single that drove home the "Captain" which completed the Yankees scoring in this game.

The Yankees bullpen was lights-out once again, with scoreless relief performances by: Robertson [one pitch in the 6th]; Veras [one K in the 7th]; Farnsworth [three strikeouts and a walk in the 8th]; and, Giese closed out the game in the 9th, with one strikeout.

David Robertson (2-0) was the winning pitcher, and lowered  his ERA to 1.59.   

The Yankees are on a roll, winning their fourth straight game, and eight win in their last eleven games, as they pounded out 16 hits last night, at the Stadium, that powered the Bronx Bombers to a 12-4 victory against the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins entered this three game series with a "red-hot" 23-8 record since June13th, and in a virtual tie with the Chicago White Sox for first place in the AL Central. But, the Twins trip to New York came in the middle of some of the hottest days of the year; and, also, in the middle of a Yankees hot streak. The four-day All-Star break clearly has energized the Yankees, and Yankee bats.

Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees an early 2-0 lead, by belting a long two-run homer in the bottom of the first. The homerun was A-Rod's 21st of the season.

Yankees starting pitcher, Sidney Ponson, allowed the Twins to tie it up in the top of the second; but, one of the runs did score on a close play at the plate that catcher, Jose Molina, argued was "out", with home plate umpire, Mike Everitt. The normally calm Molina was adamant that the runner, Brendan Harris, was out; and, was almost thrown out of the game by the ump. But, Joe Girardi arrived on the scene in time to prevent Molina from taking his obviously valid argument too far, and maybe being kicked out of the game.

It was especially important that Jose Molina remain in the game since Jorge Posada was put on the disabled list before this game. And, Molina's role in the Yankees lineup as starting catcher will increase, as it looks like Posada will need surgery on his injured right-shoulder, which will basically end Jorge's season.

The Yankees regained the lead off Twins starter, Nick Blackburn, (7-6), in the bottom of the second by scoring four runs. The Bombers loaded the bases with three straight singles, then Johnny Damon hit a ground ball to second base that scored Melky Cabrera on a bad throw to the plate by Twins second baseman, Alexi Casilla.

Derek Jeter then singled, and Bobby Abreu hit into a fielder's choice to complete the scoring in the inning, and move the Yankees lead to 6-2.

In the bottom of the third, the Yanks scored two more runs, including a long leadoff homerun by Robinson Cano, that landed half way up in the upper deck rightfield seats. For Cano, who was (2-for-5), this was his fourth straight multi-hit game, which raised his season average to .260. Also, Robinson Cano is now (10-for-19), .526, in his last four games. As the weather is heating up, so is Cano. The Yankees can expect much of the same from Cano in the final 63 games of this season.

In the meantime, Sidney Ponson was pitching okay, getting in and out of a few jams, but certaintly pitching well enough to win. He ended up throwing 100 pitches, over 5 2/3 innings, allowing 3 runs, on 9 hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. Ramirez replaced Ponson, and recorded the final out of the 6th inning with a strikeout.

The Yankees added three more runs in the bottom of the 6th, highlighted by Derek Jeter's leadoff homer. Bobby Abreu then scored the second run on a wild pitch; and, a RBI single by Cano, plated A-Rod, giving the Yankees an 11-3 lead.

The Yankees finished their scoring with a run in the bottom of the 8th; and, the Twins scored one more run, off LaTroy Hawkins, in the top of the 9th, before Hawkins closed out the Yankees 12-4 win.

Overall, the Yankees bullpen once again pitched great, especially, David Robertson's scoreless 7th inning of relief, which included a strikeout. Robertson now has an ERA of 1.64; and, little by little is making his presence felt as a very effective and dependable reliever who [in my view] will become the Yankees 8th inning set-up man before the end of this season.

David Robertson is becoming the new Joba in the Yankees bullpen, as the "Bridge To Mariano". It's only a matter of time before Robertson is officially given this very important role. 

Sidney Ponson, is now 2-0 as a Yankee; and, has a 6-1 overall record this season [including his four wins with the Texas Rangers]. Also, the Yankees are 4-0 in all four games that Ponson has started so far for the Yanks.

The Yankees continue to stay right in the mix in the AL EAST, with a 54-45 record, 4.5 games behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays (58-40); and, two games behind the second place Boston Red Sox (58-43), in the loss column.   

A moment of silence was observed in honor of Bobby Murcer before last night's game against the Oakland A's at Yankee Stadium. Bobby passed away last Saturday, July 12th, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was only 62, and will be greatly missed by all. May he rest in peace.

Then, the second half of the 2008 baseball season started, with Mike Mussina pitching for the New York Yankees against Greg Smith of the Oakland A's.

The A's jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first, on a leadoff double by Mark Ellis, a single by Kurt Suzuki, that only advanced Ellis to third, and, then, a fielders choice with Ryan Sweeney up, that scored Ellis. That was the only run Oakland would score on this night.

The Yankees tied the score in the bottom of the first, on a RBI single by newly acquired, Richie Sexson, that scored Bobby Abreu, who singled with one out, and moved to second on a walk to Alex Rodriguez, which set-up Sexson's first Yankee hit and RBI.

In the bottom of the third, "Don't You Know, Robinson Cano" got the big hit of the game for the Yankees. After a single by A-Rod, and walk to Jorge Posada, Cano blasted a three-run homer, that gave the Yankees the lead, 4-1. As it turned out, those were all the runs the Yankees would need, as the A's batters were totally dominated by the Yankee pitchers throughout the game.

Mike Mussina had another solid start for the Yankees, throwing 93 pitches over 6 innings, allowing only the first inning run, on 9 hits, no walks [for the second game in a row], while striking-out six. This was Mussina's 12th win, which is one more than he had all of last year. He is now 12-6.

Mike Mussina's numbers over his last four starts are awesome. He has pitched 24 innings, and has allowed only 5 runs and 3 walks, while giving up 27 hits, and striking-out 24 batters. Mussina's ERA over these four games is 1.88. But, his record is only, 2-1, mainly because of lack of run support by the Yankees. With any luck, and just a few more runs in a couple of his first half starts, Mussina could have 15 wins, and would have been selected to the American League All-Star team. Even so, his numbers [in my view] were good enough to make the team as the AL starting pitcher. Mike Mussina's path continues on the road to his first 20-win season, though. If the Yankees hit the way they did tonight, 20 wins for Mussina looks like it could happen this season.

The Yankees knocked A's starter, Greg Smith (5-8), out of the game in the bottom of the 4th when they scored two more runs, on a RBI double by Bobby Abreu, and a RBI single by A-Rod that increased the Yanks lead to, 6-1

Smith ended up pitching 3 2/3 innings, and gave up 6 earned runs, on 8 hits, 5 walks, and only one strikeout.

The final Yankees run came on a solo homerun by Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 6th inning, which gave the Yankees a 7-1 lead. A-Rod had a big night at the plate, going (3 for 4), with a walk, two RBI's, two runs scored, including his 20th homer of the year.

Cano ended the night with 2 hits in 4 at bats, including his three-run homerun, number 7 for Cano this season. Bobby Abreu was (2 for 5) with two RBI's, and two runs scored; and, Melky Cabrera also had two hits in four times up at the plate.

Once all the scoring was complete, and Mike Mussina finished his 6 innings of work, the Yankees bullpen pitched three perfect innings, to close out this well earned victory by the whole Yankees team.

David Robertson struck-out the side, in his perfect 7th inning of relief; Edwar Ramirez struck-out two in the perfect 8th inning he pitched; and, LaTroy Hawkins closed out the 7-1 Yankees win, by pitching a perfect 9th inning, that included one strikeout.

So, with this win against the A's, the Yankees have gotten off to a great start in the second half of the 2008 baseball season. The season is really more than half over, and with a record of 51-45, the Yankees now have only 66 games remaining to reach first place in the AL EAST. All the Yankees need to do, is win each series they play; and, then, they will be well on their way to the American League Championship, and World Series. 

Bobby Murcer is my all-time favorite "New York Yankees" player, and it was very sad to hear of his passing on Saturady, July 12, 2008. The beloved Yankee legend was 62, and died after a long battle with brain cancer. He passed away peacefully at Oklahoma City Hospital, surrounded by his wife, Kay, his daughter, Tori, and his son, Todd.

Bobby was truly a "Yankee Great", and great Yankee player, who carried on the awesome Yankees tradition with class, grace, and humor, that made it a pleasure to watch him as a player, and listen to him in the broadcast booth.

Also, Bobby Murcer was really a "nice person" who was loved and respected by all -- the Yankees family, by the fans, and throughout baseball.

Bobby, We Will Miss You -- May You Rest In Peace !!!

You will always be [as the title of your book states] "A Yankee For Life".

May Our Lord reserve a special "box seat" for Bobby Murcer in Heaven; and May God always bless him and his family !!!

Bobby, you will always be "number one" in my heart; and, also, "number one" in the hearts of all Yankee fans !!!

The two game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays extended the Yankees winning streak to four games, and moved them to 6.5 games behind the first place Rays in the AL East. Tampa Bay is now 55-35; and, the Yankees, still in third, are 49-42. The Boston Red Sox, after sweeping a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins, remain in second place with a record of 55-39.

This four game winning streak by the Yankees is a statement to the rest of the AL East, that this is a long baseball season, there are still plenty of games remaining, and the Yankees will be in the race until the end, when hopefully, they will finish on top of the AL East.

On a day when the Yankees celebrated the great success Jason Giambi has been having since growing his mustache -- by giving out 20,000 fake mustaches to the fans lucky enough to enter the Stadium first -- Giambi gave the Yankee fans a gift back, by singling home Derek Jeter in the first inning, to give the Yanks a quick, 1-0 lead.

From that point on, it was an old-fashioned pitching duel between Yankees starter, Sidney Ponson; and, Rays starting pitcher, Edwin Jackson.

Ponson pitched shutout ball over the first five innings, until giving up a lead-off homerun to Carlos Pena in the top of the 6th, which tied the score at, 1-1. He finished the inning without allowing any more runs, and would be replaced by Veras in the 7th.

Sidney Ponson's solid effort [again] for the Yanks produced a start in which he threw 87 pitches, over the 6 innings he pitched, allowing only the one run, on 5 hits, 2 walks, 2  HBP's, while striking out four. In his four starts, so far, Ponson has given the Yankees way more than they could have ever expected, and are hopeful his excellent pitching will continue into the second half of the season.

Edwin Jackson, for the Rays, also pitched a good game today, throwing 100 pitches in 6 1/3 innings of work, giving up one run, on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

Both pitchers left the game with the score tied, 1-1, and would not get a decision in this game.

The bullpens for both teams pitched scoreless baseball through the 9th inning, as the game headed into the 10th for extra innings. Mariano Rivera, [4-3], who entered the game in the 9th, pitched another scoreless inning in the top of the 10th, to keep the scored tied at, 1-1, as the Yankees when to plate in the bottom of this very exciting extra innings game.

The Rays reliever, Grant Balfour, [2-1], walked Derek Jeter, with one-out in the bottom of the 10th. Then, Bobby Abreu, on a 1-2 pitch, hit a line-drive double, in the gap in right-center, that scored Jeter all the way from first, for the winning run, in this, 2-1, Yankees victory.

As hard as it may be to believe, that was Bobby Abreu's "first" walk-off hit as a Yankee. [Wow, that is a very surprising stat] ... Maybe, this is what motivated, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera to sneak out of the dugout after the game, and dump a bucket of water over Abreu's head, as he was being interviewed by YES reporter, Kim Jones. Will this [football type] celebration now be the new trend with the Yankees [and, other baseball teams] ???

So, on a day that started with the Yankees handing-out "fake mustaches", and ending with Bobby Abreu getting a celebratory shower, after driving home, Captain Derek Jeter, [who scored both Yankee runs], in the bottom of the 10th, for the 2-1 Yankee win -- the Yankees now head into Pittsburg, to play a one-game, make-up game, of their rain-out, against the Pirates.  

Mike Mussina, who was not selected to the American League All-Star team, will start for the Yankees, and go for his 12th win of the year. In my view, I think it's a shame that Mussina is not on the All-Star team. And, to take it one step further, I think he should be the starter for the American League. But, he is still on a path for his first 20-win season; and, hopefully, that will also be a path that will lead the Yankees right into the playoffs, and World Series !!!    

Andy Pettitte authored a "masterpiece" yesterday, throwing eight-shutout innings against the AL East leading, Tampa Bay Rays, to lead the Yankees to a 5-0 victory. Pettitte (10-6) threw 114 pitches over his 8 innings of work, allowing only 4 hits, no walks, and striking out five.

The Yankees got all the runs they needed in the third, when Derek Jeter stroked a clutch, two-out, two on, two-run RBI double against Rays starter, Scott Kazmir, to give the Yanks an early 2-0 lead.

Up to that point, Kazmir (7-4) had struck out 5 of the first 6 batters he faced. But, Jeter's big hit broke the ice in this game, and Andy Pettitte put the icing on the cake with his brilliant pitching effort.

The Yankees added three more runs in the eight inning on a solo homer by Melky Cabrera; and, a RBI double by Bobby Abreu, and a RBI single by Robinson Cano, to complete the scoring in this game. The question then was:  Would Joe Girardi let Andy Pettitte pitch the 9th inning for the 5-0 complete game shutout?

Well, in this era of "pitch-counts" and "over-worked bullpens", Girardi felt 114 pithes by Pettitte was enough to remove him from the game. To be very honest, of course, I am happy the Yankees won this game, but, I'm always disappointed when the manager does not let a starting pitcher stay in the game to get the complete game; and, especially, the complete game shutout. If Pettitte was pitching a no-hitter, I think Girardi would have let him stay in the game. [I think?]. So, why not keep him in to complete the, 5-0, four-hit shutout.

Just one of those "things" in this great game of baseball that really annoys me, is all !!!

Anyway, this was an awesome win for the Yankees, as they sent a message to the Rays, and the Red Sox, that they are not going away, and will fight to the end, to win the AL East. Hopefully, this win will be the start of a very long winning streak !!!    

After the Yankees, 18-7, win against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, this loss to the Red Sox has to be the most disappointing loss of the season. The game was basically over in the first inning, as the Yankees looked "flat", and the Red Sox starter, Jon Lester, pitched a gem, a five-hit, 7-0, complete game shutout.

The Yankees starting pitcher, Andy Pettitte, began the game by striking-out Jacoby Ellsbury. He then gave up back-to-back singles to Dustin Pedroia and J.D. Drew, as Manny Ramirez was the next batter up. Manny hit what looked like was an easy, inning ending double play ball to Robinson Cano. Cano quickly flipped the ball to Derek Jeter, who made the force at second, but then threw the ball wide at first for an error, that allowed Ramirez to be safe at first, and Pedroia to score Boston's first run. The next batter, Mike Lowell then singled home Manny to give the Sox a 2-0 lead.

As it turned out, in the bottom of the first inning the Yankees would have their only chance to score any runs in this game. 

Lester walked the first two batters he faced, Damon and Jeter, but got out of any possible trouble by getting Bobby Abreu to hit into a force play, and then struck-out Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi to end the inning.

Boston scored two more runs in the second inning on a lead-off single by Coco Crisp, a walk to Jason Varitek, a beautiful sacrifice bunt by Julio Lugo, that advanced both runners to second and third, which set-up a two RBI double by Ellsbury, to give the Red Sox a 4-0 lead.

Boston scored three more times, on a sac-fly by Lugo in the 4th; a sac-fly by Lowell in the 5th; and, a RBI single by Kevin Youkilis in the 8th, to complete the scoring of the Red Sox seven runs.

Meanwhile, Jon Lester (7-3) settled down after the 24 pitches he threw in the first inning. He struck-out eight Yankee batters [all swinging], and gave up 5 hits, and only allowed the two first inning walks in route to his 105 pitch, complete game, 7-0, shutout.

Lester was also helped by the Red Sox defense, as they turned three double plays in the game.

Andy Pettitte (9-6) struggled throughout his 4 2/3 innings of work, giving up 6 runs [5 earned], on 9 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts.

The only good news for the Yankees was the solid relief efforts of Giese and Robertson, who pitched good out of the bullpen. Hawkins was not effective [again] as he gave up one run, on two hits, and a walk, in his one inning of work, in the 8th.

After the game, Manager Joe Girardi had a closed door meeting with the players that lasted for about a half-hour. He would not give any details to the press, as he said it was a private matter between him and the players [which I totally agree with]. But, hopefully, the results of the meeting will produce more consistent play by the whole team. As Yogi Berra once said, "it's getting late, early out there".   

The Yankees put on an early 4th of July fireworks display at the Stadium last night, as they avoided embarrassment of a possible sweep, by smashing the Rangers, 18-7. This "must-win" salvaged the final game of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers, and gave the Bronx Bombers much needed momentum as the Boston Red Sox are their next opponent, starting tonight [Thursday July 3th], in a big four-game Holiday weekend series at Yankee Stadium.

Maybe hearing Hank Steinbrenner's words that the Yankee bats need to start producing some more runs was just the motivation the Yankees needed to break out of their hitting malaise. At any rate, this type of a win, right before an always important Red Sox series, was huge. Especially, even more so, since the Sox were just swept by the AL EAST leading, Tampa Bay Rays.

Jason Giambi was the hitting star for the Yankees, as he belted a grand slam [his 18th homer of the year] in the third inning; and, also, a two-RBI double in the 7th, driving home one-third of the Yankees 18 runs.

Alex Rodriguez also had a big night, going (2 for 3), including his 17th homerun, with two walks, while scoring 4 times, and driving home three runs.

Johnny Damon was (3 for 6), with three runs scored , and two RBI's.

Bobby Abreu went (2 for 5), driving home two, and scoring three.

Robinson Cano, continued his hot hitting, going, (2 for 5), with a run scored, and a RBI, raising his batting average to .248.

Brett Gardner, playing centerfield, got his first major league hit in this game, and also, walked, drove home a run, scored two, and had a stolen base.

Sidney Ponson, released by the Rangers a few weeks ago, was the starting pitcher for the Yanks, and pitched okay for the first five innings. He looked like he was finished after he got the final out of the 5th, and I thought Joe Girardi would go to the bullpen in the next inning. But, with a 6-3 lead, Ponson took the mound to continue his start in the top of the 6th.

It was in this inning that the Rangers would put on a fireworks display of their own, as Ponson allowed two homeruns, both two-run blasts, by Milton Bradley, and Chris Davis, to give the Rangers a 7-6 lead.

The 6th inning disaster finally did end Ponson's night, lighting up his numbers to the tune of 5 innings pitched, 9 hits, 7 earned runs, 3 walks, and only one strikeout.

But, the Yankees "light show" was just about to begin, as the 7th inning rolled around. 

The Yanks sent up 12 batters in the 7th, that produced 9 runs, and a 15-7 lead.

Bobby Abreu led off the inning with a double. Then, A-Rod walked. Both were driven home by an RBI double by Giambi, to move the Yankees back into the lead, 8-7.

Posada doubled home Giambi, plating the Yanks 9th run, and advanced to third on a single by Robinson Cano. Wilson Betemit hit a ground ball for the first out of the inning, which scored Posada to increase the Yankees lead to, 10-7.

Then, Brett Gardner got his first major league hit, driving home Cano; and, Johnny Damon, also, followed, with a RBI single, to bring the Yankees lead to: 12-7.

After Derek Jeter grounded out for the second out of the inning, Bobby Abreu, hitting for the second time in the 7th, walked, which set-up a three-run homer by Alex Rodriguez. Jason Giambi grounded out for the final out of the inning, but the damage was done. The Bronx Bombers unloaded their full arsenal, as they lit up the centerfield scoreboard for 9 runs in the bottom of the 7th, to take a 15-7 lead.

The Yankees put the final icing on this victory with three runs in the bottom of the 8th, highlighted by a two-RBI hit by Bobby Abeu [his team leading 54th and 55th RBI's], and the 18-7 lead.

The bullpen was solid, pitching four scoreless innings. Ramirez, (2-0), the winner, pitched the 6th and the 7th; Farnsworth, the 8th; and, Hawkins closed out the game in the 9th.

So, the Yankees go into the Red Sox series with a record of: 45-40, four games behind the Sox, who, after losing five straight games, are: 50-37.

Tampa Bay is in first place in the AL EAST with a record of: 52-32 [that's 20 games above .500]. Boston is 3.5 games out of first; and, the Yankees, are 7.5 games behind.

July 4th is George Steinbrenner's birthday. A four-game sweep of the Red Sox is the perfect gift for our "Hall of Fame" owner. I think Hank and Hal [and all Yankee fans] would agree !!!   

Well, a week has passed since my last post, as I have been busy with other matters that have limited my blogging time. I have posted a few comments on some other various blogs, but there really hasn't been enough time for me to properly post a new entry over the last 8-10 days. So, please pardon my attempt to offer a quick update of the Yankees last 8 games. Consider this exercise a little house-cleaning on my part, and a way for me to bring my blog up-to-date before the big Holiday weekend series against the Red Sox, at Yankee Stadium.

One thing for sure, though, is that I am happy the "Inter-League" games are finished. I never liked inter-league play, and I never will like these games. I think they are too big of a distraction, and really create an unbalanced schedule, and distort the stats. Also, without the DH in the National League ballparks, the pitchers are being put in great danger of getting injured, [such as the injury to Wang in Houston]; and, the American League teams are also at a great disadvantage regarding the lineups.

So, with that said, the following is a brief description of the Yankees wins and losses over the past week:

My last post detailed the Yankees 4-1 win against the Reds on Sunday, June 22th. With an off-day on Monday, June 23th, the Yanks headed into Pittsburg with a record of 41-35, five games behind the Boston Red Sox, who were in first place at the time, with a record of: 47-31.

To put it mildly, the standings in the AL EAST have certaintly changed over the last week. As "they" say, "that's why the games are played". You can never really predict who will win until after the game is actually over.

Game #77 - Pirates 12, Yankees 5     Tues, 6/24    (41-36) - Yankees Record

Game #78 - Yankees 10, Pirates 0     Wed, 6/25     (42-36)

Game #79 - Yankees / Pittsburg         Thur, 6/26   [Rain-Out]  (42-36)

Start of the weekend series vs. the New York Mets: Friday, June 27, 2008

Day - Night / Two Stadium / Double-Header ...

Game #80 - Mets 15, Yankees 6     [at Yankee Stadium, 2:00 p.m.]   (42-37)

Game #81 - Yankees 9, Mets 0       [at Shea Stadium, 8:00 p.m.]      (43-37)

Game #82 - Yankees 3, Mets 2       Sat. 6/28 - at Shea Stadium        (44-37)

Game #83 -  Mets 3, Yankees 1      Sun. 6/29 - at Shea Stadium       (44-38)

Yankees travel back to the Bronx, for the start of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers ...

Game #84 - Rangers 2, Yankees 1    Mon. 6/30     (44-39)

Game #85 - Rangers 3, Yankees 2    Tues. 7/1      (44-40) 

AL EAST STANDINGS  (as of Wed morning: July 2, 2008)

Tampa Bay     51-32     .614       -

Boston           50-36     .581      2.5 

Yankees         44-40     .524      7.5

Baltimore        42-40     .512      8.5

Toronto           41-43     .488     10.5

The state of the Yankees ???

I welcome all comments, opinions, and observations, regarding the way the Yankees have been playing in recent days; and, also, what do you think the Yankees need to start doing, to put together a winning streak?

An obvious answer is that the Yankees need to score more RUNS !!!

But, it seems like there is more to solving the puzzle than just scoring more runs. Something seems to be missing with this current Yankees team. Maybe someone has that answer. But, more importantly, maybe someone has the solutions, that will help the Yankees start playing "much better" !!!