Yanks Lose "Wild One" To Royals, 4-3

On a day that the Yankees made some drastic roster moves, sending Melky Cabrera down to AAA-SWB, and designating Richie Sexson for assignment, their short "home-coming" did not start off on a good note, as the Bombers lost last night's first game against Kansas City, 4-3, in what was a "must-sweep" three-game series against the Royals in the Bronx.

The Yankees can only hope to win the next two games of this series, as they have now fallen 10.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays, and 7 games behind the Boston Red Sox, in the AL EAST, before they go back on the road, including another trip out west, to play anoher three-game series vs. the L.A. Angels. 

The Yankees free-fall continues, and desperate times call for desperate measures. This must be the reason for all these "September" call-ups, in the middle of a "so-called" pennant race in the middle of August. With all due respect to Brian Cashman, and the fine minor league prospects that were just called up to the "Big-League Club" ... Brett Gardner, Cody Ransom, Justin Christian and Chris Britton, do not inspire Yankee fans with any confidence that they will help the Yankees win many games down the home stretch.

Also, why is Wilson Betemit still on this team ? He should have been on the same path as Sexson, out the door, to clear a roster stop for someone who can actually help the Yankees. Wilson Betemit at first base, also does not inspire any confidence. The last minute deal at the trading deadline, that sent Alberto Gonzelez to the Washington Nationals for a very average minor league pitcher was a move that should not have been made. Gonzalez could help the Yankees much more than Wilson Betemit ever will.

In the early reign of the great Yankees Owner, George M. Steinbrenner, III, the Yankees made "big" moves down the stretch, that brought "quality" "all-star" players to New York for many classic pennant drives. Moves that Mr. Steinbrenner would have made in this "era" of the New York Yankees would have included, paying "whatever the cost was required" [players, and, or, money], to bring Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia to the Yankees, along with Nady and Marte, that would have made a major impact on the Yankees roster.

Bringing up players from the Minors, at this point in the season, just would not interest Mr. Steinbrenner. He always knew, to win, you have go out and get the best players possible, at any cost. Hopefully, Hank Steinrenner will be able to battle through whatever power struggle is going on in the Yankees Organization, to open the "bank vaults" during the off-season to bring the best players available in this year's free agent market, to the New York Yankees -- starting with, Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia.  

In last night's game, it felt more like a wake at Yankee Stadium, then the middle of a pennant race, as the game entered the top of the 9th with the score tied, 3-3.

Mariano Rivera was on the mound for the Yankees, and struck-out the first batter to start off  the inning. Then, Esteban German (2-for-3), with a walk, and two runs scored, hit a double; and, advanced to third on an infield single, by Mitch Maier, to set-up a first and third situation, with one out. 

The next batter up was, Mike Aviles; and, Mariano threw a fastball into the dirt in front of catcher, Jose Molina, that rolled all the way back to the stands behind home plate. The "wild pitch" scored German from third, which was the go-ahead run, that, also, turned out to be the winning run in this very shocking, 4-3, loss to the Royals. 

The Yankees had many opportunities to start a rally, as they got the lead-off hitter on base in the first five inings; and, did have runners on base in 8 of 9 innings in this game. 

But, after the Royals jumped out to a, 3-0, lead, with a run in the second inning, and two runs in the 5th, the Yankees only managed to even the score, 3-3, [scoring one run in the 5th, and two runs in the bottom of the 7th], as the game moved to the top of the 9th.

Andy Pettitte did his job in this game, throwing seven solid innings, allowing only the three runs, on six hits, four walks, and seven strikeouts. Edwar Ramirez held the 3-3 score with a scoreless 8th inning of work. Then, it was Mariano Rivera (4-5) in to pitch the 9th.

Credit has to also be given to K.C. Royals starter, Gil Meche, who pitched six strong innings, holding the Yankees to only one run, on six hits, and two walks, while striking-out eight batters. Royals reliever, Ron Mahay, allowed the other two Yankees runs in the 7th inning.

Down, 4-3, going into the bottom of the 9th, the Yankees had a major chance to win this game. But, once again, the Yankees inefficacy at playing "small-ball", hurt their chances of tying or winning this game.

Wilson Betemit led off the 9th with a pinch-hit single, and Justin Christian was then brought into the game to pinch-run. Next batter up, Johnny Damon, failed at putting down a sac-bunt, so, with Damon still at-bat, Joe Girardi gave the signal for Christian to steal.

Justin Christian took "too big of a lead", and was picked-off, for the first out of the inning. Damon, then hit a ground ball, recording out number two in the bottom of the 9th. 

The Yankees still had hope, though, as Derek Jeter, (3-for-4), stroked a two-out single. Bobby Abreu then walked, and Alex Rodriguez hit a soft infield single, that loaded the bases.

Jason Giambi was the batter, and a base hit could have ended a long night, that included a one-hour and 31 minutes rain delay, before the start of the game, with a Yankees victory.

In the past great glory days, when the great George M. Steinbrenner, III, was looking on from the owners suite behind home plate, the batter up at the plate in this same situation would have hit a solid line-drive somewhere on the field, for a big clutch hit, driving home the winning run. Or, the hitter would have blasted a dramatic "grand-slam" homerun, that would have rocked the Yankee Stadium crowd, as the runners circled the bases and the winning run crossed the plate, to extend the Yankees first place lead in the standings.

Ah, the "good old days" !!!

But, on this night, Friday, August 15, 2008, the batter, Jason Giambi, hit a fly ball to centerfield, for the third out of the inning, to end the rally, end the game, and add another loss to the Yankees season record, which is now, 64-58.

First place is quickly fading out of sight for the New York Yankees, as they are now closer to last place in the AL EAST, then "first place".