The Yankees task became a little bit harder after they made the final out in yesterday's, 2-1, loss to the Blue Jays. Their record fell to (66-59), which is only one game better than the fourth place,Toronto Blue Jays (65-60).
Both the Tampa Bay Rays (77-48) and Boston Red Sox (73-53) won their games last night, to move even further ahead of the Bombers. The Yankees are now six games behind the Red Sox; and, eleven games behind the Rays, who now have the best record in baseball, after beating the L.A. Angels yesterday.
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead, off Blue Jays starting pitcher, A.J. Burnett, on a leadoff walk to Johnny Damon, who scored on a RBI double by Bobby Abreu in the top of the first inning.
That first inning run, would be the only run the Yankees would score this night; and, it was the only run in the game, until Adam Lind hit a solo homerun, off Yankes starter, Darrell Rasner, in the bottom of the 7th inning, to tie the score, 1-1.
It was a pitching duel between Rasner and Burnett throughout the game, as both starting pitchers were brilliant.
In the bottom of the first, Darrell Rasner gave up a one out walk to Marco Scutaro, and it looked like he would record an easy second out when next batter, Alex Rios, hit a fly ball to centerfield. But, Johnny Damon, "dropped the ball", for a two-base error. This set-up a second and third situation, with one out.
Rasner got the next two batters out without allowing a run to score. So, the Damon error was not costly, as the Yankees held onto the 1-0 lead.
After the first inning, Rasner coasted until giving up the 7th inning homer, pitching a solid 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run, on three hits, one walk, and three strikeouts, while throwing 86 pitches.
This was Darrell Rasner's best pitching performance of the season for the Yankees, and surely he deserved to win this game.
But, if this was Rasner's best effort of the year [which it was], then he had the great misfortune to pitch against the Blue Jays, A.J. Burnett in this game.
Burnett, very simply, "pitched a gem" !!!
A.J. Burnett threw 120 pitches [120 pitches !!!], over eight outstanding innings, in which he gave up one run, on 5 hits, and one walk, while striking-out 13 batters. This tremendous display of awesome pitching improved Burnett's record to: 16-9.
Among the 13 strikeouts, Jason Giambi struck-out, 3 times; Alex Rodriguez, 3 times; Johnny Damon, 2 times; Derek Jeter, 2 times; Nady, one time, Matsui, one time, and Ivan Rodriguez, once. Giambi also struck-out one more time [against Ryan], for his fourth strikeout on the night.
The only Yankee batter who had any success off A.J. Burnett was Bobby Abreu, who was 2-for-4, both doubles, with one RBI.
Jose Veras (L,3-2) replaced Rasner, and with the score still tied 1-1, recorded two quick outs in the bottom of the 8th. The next hitter, Joe Inglett, singled, putting the go-ahead run on base, with Marco Scutaro coming up to the plate.
Veras did his job by getting Scutaro to hit a long fly ball to centerfield. Damon drifted back to the wall, and it looked like he had the ball all lined up to make the catch, for the final out of the 8th. But, just like in the first inning, Johnny Damon, "dropped the ball" -- again !!!
Inglett, running on the hit, easily rounded the bases to score the go-ahead run, as Scutaro made it to second for what was scored a double. But, the fly ball was clearly a two-base error, and should have been the third out. The ball was right at Damon, and bounced off the top part of his glove. The ball [just like the dropped ball in the first] should have been caught.
After the game, a very disappointed, and "upset" Johnny Damon, took full responsibility for the two dropped balls. Damon said, " I just missed the balls, plain and simple. I missed two balls tonight, and that's unacceptable".
The Blue Jays closer, B.J. Ryan, entered the game in the top of the 9th inning, to protect the 2-1 Jays lead.
Alex Rodriguez led off the inning with a bloop hit over first base, that scooted into foul territory. A-Rod thought the ball rolled far enough away from the infield, and tried to stretch the hit into a double. Blue Jays' first baseman, Lyle Overbay, very quickly hustled after the ball, slid on his knee, and made a beautiful perfect throw to shortstop, John McDonald, who placed the tag on the sliding Rodriguez, for the first out in the 9th.
It was an aggressive play by A-Rod, that did not work out. But, I think, you really can't fault Rodriguez. The way the Yankees are hitting, he was just trying to get something going, trying to get a runner in scoring position, with no outs. It took a perfect play to get A-Rod out at second; and, I give all the credit to Overbay, for staying with the ball, and making the perfect throw to get the out. So be it !
There are many reasons why the Yankees lost this game, and the A-Rod play was not one of the main reasons. I do think, though, Alex Rodriguez getting thrown out on a perfect throw in the 9th, put an "exclamation mark" on how badly this game was going for the Yanks; and, also, on how badly this season is ending !!!
B.J. Ryan retired the next two batters, to record his 24th save of the season, to close out Toronto's 2-1 victory.
Time is running out for the New York Yankees. October never looked so far away.
]]>But, the Bronx Bombers exploded with a display of power that brought back images of the Bombers of old, as they teed-off on Royals starter, Brian Bannister, scoring six runs in the first, and four in the second, to charge ahead 10-3 in the game.
Bannister faced a total of ten batters in the first, as the Yankees took an extended batting practice. Johnny Damon led off the game with a walk; Derek Jeter singled; and Bobby Abreu lined out to left to start off the inning. Then, on a 0-2 curve ball, Alex Rodriguez tied the game 3-3, by blasting a long three-run homerun into Monument Park.
Jason Giambi grounded to second base, for out number two in the inning, and Bannister had a chance to close out the first with the scored tied.
But, the Yankees were not finished yet. Xavier Nady hit a two-out solo homer, that hit the right field foul pole, to move the Bombers into the 4-3 lead. Then Cano singled, and scored on Jose Molina's double. Brett Gardner, again starting in centerfield for the demoted to AAA-SWB, Melky Cabrera, followed that hit with a RBI triple, that gave the Yanks the 6-3 lead. Damon batting for the second time in the first, flied out to right to end the inning.
The Royals continued to hit Mussina hard in the second inning, as the first two batters got on base by a double and single; but, a fly-out to center, and a double play, ended any threat of a rally by K.C. This was a key moment in the game for Mike Mussina, as he held the Royals from scoring any runs, and settled down very nicely the rest of his time on the mound in this game.
The Yankees finished off Brian Bannister (7-12) in the second inning, on a lead off single by Derek Jeter (4-4); back-to-back walks to Abreu and A-Rod, to load the bases; and, then, a Grand Slam Homerun by Jason Giambi, that put the game out of reach for the Royals, as the Yankees now had a 10-3 lead.
Bannister gave up two more singles before being removed for reliever, Josh Newman, who retired the Yanks on a double play, and fly ball to center. The damage was already done, though.
The Yanks scored another run in the 3rd inning, upping their lead to, 11-3.
After the first two shaky ininngs, Mike Mussina (16-7) was perfect throughout the next four frames, retiring the final 14 batters he faced. Moose threw 97 pitches over his 6 innings of work, allowing only the three first inning runs, on six hits, without walking anyone, and striking-out five. A very solid performance by Mussina, once again.
In the 7th inning, after two outs, the Bombers tacked on another four runs. Jeter was hit by a pitch, and scored on a double by Abreu. Alex Rodriguez (3-3), with two walks, three runs scored; and five RBI's, then singled home Abreu, for the 13-3 lead.
The next batter was, Cody Ransom, who was recently called up from SWB, and entered this game as a replacement for Giambi at first. Boom. Ransom unloaded his first homerun as a Yankee, a two-run shot into the leftfield seats, that capped off the Yankees scoring at 15 runs. His teammates encouraged him to take a curtain call to the delight of the Stadium crowd.
The Royals scored one run off Billy Traber in the 8th; and two runs off Chris Britton, on a walk to Alex Gordon, and a two-run homer by Gload, in the 9th, that completed the 15-6 score in this very important victory by the New York Yankees.
Mike Mussina is now 16-7, and continues on his path to his first 20-win season.
The Bronx Bombers were back in this game. An interesting side note about the four Yankee Homeruns, was the fact, the Yankees had sort off a "Homerun Cycle", a feat I have never seen, and I'm sure hasn't been accomplished many times in the history of baseball.
Jason Giambi blasted a "grand slam" homerun !!!!
Alex Rodriguez hit a long three-run homer !!!
Cody Ransom hit his first homerun as a Yankee, a two-run shot !!
Xavier Nady stroked a solo homer off the rightfield foul pole !
A "baseball rarity" for sure. But, isn't it so, that we always see something we have never seen before, in each new baseball game we watch.
It was also rare [at least in 2008] to see so many runs scored by the Yankees in a game. Hopefully, the sight of many runs by the Yankees in each remaining game of this season, will not become as rare a sight as the first three-quarters of this season.
]]>Again, the Bronx Bombers did not live up to their name, as they hit (2-for-15) with runners in scoring position, including leaving the bases loaded two times; hitting into four double plays; and, stranding 13 runners.
But, another solid effort by Yankees starting pitcher, Sidney Ponson, followed by 6 2/3 shutout innings by six relievers out of the bullpen, created the magic for the Bombers in this game, as the Yankees pitching held the score at, 2-2, until Gardner's heroic game winning hit, off Royals reliever, Jeff Fulchino (0-1), in the 13th.
Ponson allowed only two runs [a solo homerun by Alex Gordon in the 2nd inning; and a sac-fly RBI by Esteban German in the 6th] over his 6 1/3 innings of work. Then, the Yankees bullpen shut down the Royals the rest of the way, including two scoreless innings by Mariano Rivera in the 10th and 11th innings; and, a solid performance by David Robertson, (3-0), who closed out the game by pitching scoreless innings in the 12th and 13th, to earn his third win of the year.
The Yankees tied the score, 2-2, in the bottom of the 7th, when Alex Rodriguez started the inning off by advancing to second base on two errors by Royals third baseman, Alex Gordon. Then, after a walk to Jason Giambi, and Xavier Nady grounding into a double play, Robinson Cano smashed a triple that plated A-Rod; and, then Cano scored the tying run on a wild pitch by Royals starter, Zack Greinke.
This was a tough break for Greinke because up to this point he was pitching a good game; and, without the two errors by Gordon maybe the Yankees would not have scored their two [unearned] runs, and Greinke's shutout would have continued.
But, Zack Greinke's bad fortune, was good luck for the Yankees, as they held on for the "Very Big Victory".
Brett Gardner was (3-for-5) with a walk, and the game winning RBI.
Robinson Cano, also delivered "big" in this game, going (2-for-6), with a RBI, and two runs scored.
The Yanks are now (65-58), and with only 39 games remaining they have to play each game as if it was the last game of the World Series. Winning one game at a time, and putting together a long "winning streak" is the formula for the New York Yankees to make the playoffs this season.
For inspiration, the Yankees can look to the 2007 Colorado Rockies, who won 20 of their final 21 games to get into last year's NL Playoffs. It has been done before, and for the Yankees to make it into the 2008 AL Playoffs, the Bombers are going to have to go at least, 28-11, over their final 39 games. The only way it can be done, is to win one game at a time.
]]>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".
]]>
Ivan Rodriguez followed A-Rod's blast, with a double; and, then, Xavier Nady added some insurance, by hitting his 6th homerun as a Yankee, to cap-off the scoring on this night, 9-6 in favor of the New York Yankees.
Johnny Damon, (3-for-6), led off the game with a homerun, to give the Yankees an early, 1-0 lead. Damon's three hits tonight, upped his league-leading batting average to .325; and, sent a message, that if the Yankees are going to make the playoffs, Johnny Damon has to be in the lineup in all of the Yanks remaining 42 games.
The Twins took the lead, 2-1, in the bottom of the 2nd, on back-to-back sac-flies, by, Brian Buscher and Adam Everett.
Scoring from third, with less than two outs, has been a problem for the Yankees this season, and hopefully, the Yankees took some notes from the Twins on how easy it is to get the runner home from third when the batter just focuses on hitting a long fly-ball to the outfield, as opposed to trying to power the ball into the seats.
Small Ball by the Minnesota Twins has kept them in the pennant race all year.
The Yankees battled back in the 4th inning, when Nady drove home, Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi, on a hard hit double in the left-centerfield gap, for the 3-2 Yankees lead.
The Twins tied the score, 3-3, with a run in the bottom of the 4th; but, a RBI single by Derek Jeter (3-for-5), that drove home Jose Molina in the 5th, regained the lead for the Yankees, 4-3.
The Yankees knocked out Twins starter, Nick Blackburn, in the middle of the 5th inning, after he allowed, 4 runs, on 6 hits, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts.
The Bombers increased their lead to, 5-3, on a force-play RBI by Abreu in the top of the 7th.
Meanwhile, Yankees starter, Mike Mussina, was pitching a good game into the 7th inning, but, this was not one of Mussina's best outings. He still held the Twins to only three runs, on 8 hits, one walk, and 5 strikeouts, through the end of the 7th inning.
In the top of the 8th, the Yanks plated another run to make the score, 6-3.
Then, as the game entered the bottom of the 8th inning, my thoughts were brought back to this past Saturday's game in L.A., the second game of the three-game series that the Angels swept the Yankees.
Dan Giese was pitching a brilliant game throughout 6 innings, allowing the Angels only one run, on 3 hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. The Yankees were leading at the time, 3-1, after scoring one run in the top of the 7th. Dan Giese had only thrown 83 pitches in his 6 innings of work, and was clearly in command of the Angel batters in this game.
But, Joe Girardi elected to go to the bullpen; and, by now, everybody knows what the result was. Jose Veras replaced Giese to start the bottom of the 7th inning, and promptly gave up two runs that tied the score, 3-3, thus depriving Dan Giese of a possible win in this game.
Then, the flood gates opened up "very wide", in the bottom of the 8th, as the Angels scored 8 runs off relivers, Edwar Ramirez and David Robertson, that blew the Yankees away, 11-4, in this very damaging loss.
Once again, it was the "pitch-count" that determined a managers decision, in this case, Joe Girardi of the Yankees, to remove a starting pitcher from the game -- way too soon -- when the pitcher is throwing a great game, and delivering a outstanding pitching performance.
Well, in last night's Yankees vs. Twins game, the dreaded "pitch-count" reared it's ulgy head one more time.
Mike Mussina had thrown 103 pitches after 7 innings [a little over the "mystical" 100-pitch count number]. And, almost as if by rote, the decision was made to take the starter [Mussina] out of the game.
Every time this happens, I keep asking: Why? ... Why? ... Why?
It's good to see that the all-time great pitcher, Nolan Ryan, who is now V.P. of Basball Operations for the Texas Rangers, also agees that the "100-pitch count" is "so-overrated", that he has ordered all managers and coaches throughout the entire Texas Rangers Organization to stop being so strict in regards to pitch-counts.
Ryan wants to build-up the arm strength of the starters by having them pitch longer in games that they start [staying in games 7-8-9 innings], and throwing more in the range of 115-125 pitchers per start. This will also put less pressure on the middle relievers in the bullpen(s), which have been very ineffective throughout all of baseball in recent years.
Good for Nolan Ryan. I hope other teams [including the New York Yankees] follow Mr. Ryan's thought process on the "over-reliance" of pitch-counts.
Anyway, Mike Mussina, who was looking for his 16th win in this game, and had a 6-3 lead through 7 innings, was replaced by Damaso Marte, who started the bottom of the 8th.
In my view, based on the importance of this "must-win" game, and the fact that the Yankees bullpen has not pitched too well over the last few weeks, Girardi should have let Mussina pitch the 8th inning. Mussina earned the right to take the mound in the 8th to protect his start, and possible 16th win of the season. Also, the way Mussina has been pitching as compared to the inconsistency of the bullpen -- I would much rather take my chances with Mussina on the mound.
Marte was hit hard in the 8th inning, giving up two hits while retiring only one batter. This forced Girardi to go to the pen again in this inning, to bring Mariano Rivera into the game for a five-out save.
We can never question Joe Girardi bringing Mariano into a game at any time, but in this case, I think, if Mussina stayed in the game to pitch the 8th, and Rivera entered the 9th for the save, the Yankees would have won this game without going into extra innings.
As it turned out, Mariano gave up a three-run homer to Delmon Young, that tied the score, 6-6. This was Rivera's first blown-save of the year, and the way this game was going -- it looked like it was going to be another tough loss for the Bronx Bombers on this road trip.
It was interesting, also, to watch [on the Yes Network] Mariano Rivera in the dugout after that game-tying inning was over. You could see how "upset" Mariano was with himself, looking up at the ceiling in the dugout, and down to the ground.
Ian Kennedy, take note. The "Great Mariano" was visibly "upset" about his poor performance yesterday.
Mariano Rivera did pitch a scoreless 9th; Jose Veras (3-1), the winning pitcher, pitched scoreless innings in the 10th and 11th; and, after the 12th innng heroics by A-Rod and Nady, Edwar Ramirez closed out the 9-6 Yankees victory, throwing a scoreless bottom of the 12th, for his first "save" of the year.
This was a "Big Win", as they all are, for the Yankees at this time in the season. But, also, it was a little disappointing that Mike Mussina was not allowed to pitch the bottom of the 8th inning, to protect the 6-3 lead at the time, as he was going for his 16th win.
The Dan Giese start against the Angels; and, Mike Mussina's start [yesterday] vs. the Twins, hopefully, will at least start the process of the Yankees re-thinking their approach to the "pitch-count" for starting pitchers in their Organization.
Following the lead of Nolan Ryan, on the "pitch-count" issue, would be a successful approach to take.
Edit: Thursday, August, 14, 2008 -- The New York Yankees lost the final game of the three-game series against the Minnesota Twins, 4-2. This game was also the final game of a very brutal, 10-Game Road Trip for the Bronx Bombers.
The Yankees split the four-game series against the Rangers, (2-2), in Texas. Then, the Yanks were swept by the Angels in all three games they played in L.A.; and, finally, lost two out of three vs. the Minnesota Twins.
So, on a trip that the Yankees really needed to go [at least], 7-3 ... The Bombers, finished the trip with a 3-7 record.
The Yankees have the day off on Thursday, August 14th; and, then return to the Bronx for a three-game weekend series against the K.C. Royals at Yankee Stadium. There are only 41 games remaining in the 2008 season, so these games vs. the Royals are very important [as are all the remaining games the Yankees play]. Time is running out, and the Playoffs are looking further and further away, each day, for the New York Yankees.
AL EAST STANDINGS (as of Thursday, August 14, 2008)
Tampa Bay Rays 72 - 47 .605 ---
Boston Red Sox 70 - 51 .579 3.0
New York Yankees 64 - 57 .529 9.0
]]>"I felt like I made some good pitches and got out of the second inning. 'I am not too upset about it'. You move on, and I have already done that. I am not going to look too much into it". ... Ian Kennedy, after Yankees 10-5 loss to Angels
Well, I'm sure that most Yankee fans have already seen, or heard, the quotes from Ian Kennedy, either after the game on the Yes Network, in his interview with Kim Jones; or, in the many newspaper reports, including the above quote, from George King's article in the New York Post; or, online, on the many Yankee and Baseball web sites; or, on the TV sports programs; or, Sports Talk Radio, etc., etc., etc.
The first thing that came to mind when I heard these quotes, was, "you got to be kidding". Then, I thought, Ian Kennedy should be thankful that the "great" Thurman Munson and the "great" Billy Martin are not here, because they surely would have given this "kid" something to be upset about.
The numbers tell the story; and, if Kennedy takes a closer look, he will realize that he has a lot to be upset about.
Ian Kennedy lasted only two innings, in which he allowed 9 hits; 5 earned runs; one walk; with only one strikeout. All that damage was caused by 61 "very upsetting" pitches.
In 10 games [9 starts] this season, Kennedy's record is now (0-4) with a 8.17 ERA . I would say, "that's a lot to be upset about" !!!
The quotes are very disturbing, Mr. Kennedy, because this is New York, and you play for the New York Yankees. A true Yankee does not react to a "loss" like you did at the end of yesterday's 10-5 loss to the Angels. This is just not the "Yankees Way".
Every player on the Yankees was upset about yesterday's loss. The whole coaching staff was upset. Everyone in the Yankees Organization was upset. All Yankee fans were upset about yesterday's loss. Everyone, in the Yankees Universe is upset. Everyone, except, you, Mr. Kennedy.
Ian Kennedy may be wearing a Yankees uniform, and on the Major League roster, at the moment. But, that doesn't make him a true Yankee, just yet.
When you play for the New York Yankees, you have to show that you "care", and "respect" the great Yankees tradition. By telling the whole world that you are "not upset" after you lose a very important game to the team with the best record in baseball -- you are telling everbody, especially, Yankee fans, that you do not respect "the Yankees"; or, "your teammates"; or, the "Great Yankees Tradition".
The Yankees Organization is learning a very costly lesson, that Ian Kennedy may only be a (AAAA) pitcher, at best. He may be one of those players that is only at a level somewhere between (AAA) and the Major Leagues.
But, also, we are all learning about the character of a very young rookie pitcher, who earlier this year said, maybe it was a good thing that he was being sent down to the minors, because there is "less pressure" down there. And, now we find out, "losing is not upsetting" to this young man.
Well, if that's the case, then, I guess, it wouldn't be upsetting to Mr. Kennedy if he was demoted to (AAA), (AA), or, the Gulf Coast League (A) ball; or, even, the Rookie Leagues. I also wonder, if a trade, or being released from the Yankees, would upset Kennedy.
I know all the above would upset most of us, but it doesn't look like it would upset Ian Kennedy. If a "loss" doesn't upset you, then I can't see what else in baseball could be more upsetting.
Hopefully, this event in Ian Kennedy's baseball life is a "major lesson", that Kennedy will "learn from".
But, this late in the season, in the middle of a pennant race, the Yankees can not afford any "on-the-job-training" session with any player, especially, Ian Kennedy. There is just too much at stake. The 10-5 loss to the Angels, should be Ian Kennedy's last start this year, for the New York Yankees.
It's time for the Yankees to put the training wheels back on Ian Kennedy, and send him back down to (AAA)-SWB, which has a lot less pressue; and, where, hopefully, Mr. Kennedy will learn to respect the "Game of Baseball", and, also, the "importance of winning".
This is all part of the great "Yankees Tradition", where "Losing Is Very Upsetting", no matter what Ian Kennedy may think.
Special Edit: Sunday, August 10, 2008 -- Before the Yankees final game in their three-game series against the L.A. Angels, in Anaheim, CA, the Yankees made a couple of roster moves, including, sending Ian Kennedy back down to (AAA) - Scranton / Wilkes-Barre; and recalling, left-handed reliever, Billy Traber, from SWB.
Sending Ian Kennedy back down to the minors was a great move by the New York Yankees, and a very quick, and necessary, response, to Kennedy's terrible outing in Friday's 10-5 loss to the Angels; and, also, his outrageous comments after the game, saying, he was "not upset about the loss".
It is very clear, Mr. Kennedy has a lot to learn about being a member of the New York Yankees, most notably, how to take responsibility when he does not pitch well. Also, the most important lesson he has to learn, is: The great Yankees Tradition is all about "winning". The goal every year, is to win the World Series. Anything less, is a losing season. Ian Kennedy has to learn to realize that "all losses are very upsetting", to all Yankee fans, and everybody in the Yankees Organization !!!
Final Note: This road trip is not going well, at all. After splitting the four-game series against the Rangers in Texas, the Yankees were swept in their three-game series against the L.A. Angels this weekend. The Bronx Bombers are now, 2-5, on this 10-game road trip, as they head into Minnesota, to play three-games vs. the Twins. Time is running out for the Yankees, as they remain in third place in the AL EAST, 9 games behind the Division Leading, Tampa Bay Rays; and, 4 games behind the second place, Boston Red Sox.
]]>Mussina said after the game, "I didn't have my best stuff", but "kept going with what I had". It was enough stuff, though, to throw 99 pitches over 7 strong scoreless innings, allowing 8 hits, one walk, and striking out six. This win lowered Mussina's ERA to 3.27.
Clearly, the Yankees would be out of the race for first place in the AL EAST, if Mussina was not pitching as well as he is. He was not chosen for the 2008 AL All-Star team, but at the end of this great season, Mike Mussina could be collecting both the Cy Young Award and MVP Award. Mariano Rivera will also be in contention for these two awards, as both Moose and Mo are the MVP's of this Yankees team.
This game was another must-win situation for the Bombers, so they could split the series with Texas, and go into the weekend series with the L.A. Angels on a two-game winning streak.
Mike Mussina, and the Yankees bullpen, including Mariano Rivera, who recorded his 28th save, led the way to victory by shutting-out the Rangers who are the best hitting team in the American League.
Derek Jeter had a big game, going (3-for-4), including a first inning homerun that gave the Yankees a quick 1-0 lead. Johnny Damon (2-for-5) drove home the Yanks second run in the 5th inning. And, Jeter completed the scoring with a RBI single in the 9th, driving home Robinson Cano (3-for-4), who led off the inning with a double, for the third and final run of the game.
It's important that all three, Jeter (.286 BA); Damon (.318); and Cano (.266) continue their hot hitting the rest of the season, and, also, driving home runs in clutch situations. The pitching staff has done their job keeping the Yankees in this pennant race up to this point. The hitters now have to "literally" step up to the plate, and start scoring some runs, to complement the great Yankee pitching so far this season.
The Yankees are now (63-52), six games behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays; and, three games behind the second place Boston Red Sox.
The L.A. Angels (71-43) are next up on the schedule, as the Yankees play three games this weekend against the AL's leading winning team.
It will be Ian Kennedy in (game 1); Dan Giese (game 2); and, Andy Pettitte in (game 3), of yet another important series for the Bronx Bombers.
So, the 10-game road trip continues, as the Yankees are (2-2) going into L.A.
]]>Jeter and Pettitte were the only current Yankee players to attend, representing the rest of the team.
Then, during the afternoon, it was announced that Joba Chamberlain was placed on the 15-game disabled list with rotator cuff tendinitis. Not many more details were given regarding this very devastating injury.
It goes without saying, this is a major loss for the Yankees; and, the way it looks now, there is much uncertainty surrounding this injury. So, it's basically, wait and see, and pray that Joba makes a full recovery.
In the end, though, I think, Joba Chamberlain's role on the Yankees pitching staff should not be compromised. At this point, Joba is a starting pitcher; and, if there is any "doubt" that the injury is more serious than reported, Joba Chamberlain should be shut-down for the remainder of the 2008 season. In my view, a return to the bullpen should not be part of the discussion, and really not be an option, if Joba is not able to continue as a starter this year. Also, whatever happens the rest of this year should not prevent Joba from being in the starting rotation, from spring training, on, in the 2009 season.
All this leads to yesterday's game, which was a "must-win" game for the Yankees, as they lost the first two games of this series to the Texas Rangers, 9-5, and, 8-6. A big victory was needed to get the Bronx Bombers back on a winning track.
Former Texas Ranger, Sidney Ponson, was the Yankees starting pitcher, and the Yanks were hopeful that Ponson would deliver another great effort -- as good as his last start when he shut-down the Boston Red Sox over seven masterful scoreless innings at Fenway last week, in the Yankees 1-0 loss to the Sox. Ponson did not get a decision in that contest, but pitched well enough to earn the victory.
Well, Mr. Ponson did turn in a great performance last night, as he threw 95 pitches, over 6 1/3 solid innings, allowing three runs, on six hits, one walk, and four strikeouts, to earn the win in this game. Sidney now has a (7-2) record this season; and, is (3-1) in his seven starts as a Yankee.
The Rangers took an early 2-0 lead in this game in the second inning, when Ponson loaded the bases, and Chris Davis drove home both runs on a two-RBI single.
The inning ended with a violent collision at the plate between Ivan Rodriguez and David Murphy, when Murphy was trying to score on Ian Kinsler's single. Bobby Abreu fired the ball home, and both the ball and Murphy arrived at the plate at the same time, resulting in David Murphy sliding into I-Rod with his knee, as Rodriuez placed the tag on him. The collision knocked both players down on the ground, but the out was made.
Both Ivan Rodriguez and David Murphy had to leave the game, as the Rangers headed into the top of the third with the 2-0 lead.
The Yankees charged right back, and scored three runs in the third. Singles by Robinson Cano and Jose Molina [who replaced Ivan Rodriguez] started the inning off. Then, a RBI double, by Wilson Betemit, drove home Cano for the first run by the Bombers, followed by a fielders choice RBI grounder by Damon, and a RBI single by Jeter, that moved the Yankees into the lead 3-2.
Jason Giambi led off the 4th inning with his 22nd homer of the year giving the Yanks a 4-2 lead.
In the 5th inning, the Yankees scored again, on a single by Johnny Damon (2-for-5), and a RBI double by Derek Jeter (2-for-4), with two RBI's. The Rangers starter, Hunter (0-1), was replaced by the bullpen in the middlle of this inning, as the Yanks now had a 5-2 lead.
Sidney Ponson settled down after the second inning, and threw scoreless innings in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
Michael Young hit a lead off homerun in the bottom of the 6th, making the score, 5-3, which completed the scoring this night.
The Yankee middle relievers held the lead until Mariano Rivera entered the game in the 9th inning. The "Great Mariano" then closed out this 5-3 win, recording his 27th save.
This was a very important victory for the Yankees, as they go for the split in game 4 of this series, with Mike Mussina pitching for his 15th win this season.
After the game, Derek Jeter was interviewed by Kim Jones of the Yes Network, and when talking about the Memorial Service for Bobby Murcer earlier in the morning, Jeter said, "this game, and win, was dedicated to Bobby Murcer".
So, this game had even more meaning for the Yankees, and it is very fitting that this victory was in the memory of the great Yankee, Bobby Murcer.
]]>After the Yanks lost the first two games, it looked like the Angels could very well sweep this four-game series, which would have been "devastating" for the Yankees.
But, Mike Mussina "dazzled" the sold-out "Old Timer's Day" crowd with his brilliant pitching performance in Saturday's 8-2 victory; and, on Sunday, in this game, it was the Yankee hitters, most notably, Xavier Nady, who put on a show, this time a hitting clinic.
This game could almost be equated to a "Tennis Match", as the scoring by both teams was clearly divided over three "sets". The winner of two of the three sets would get the victory.
The Angels clearly took the first set [the first four innings], 5-0.
The Yankees dominated set number two [innings 5, 6 and 7], 8-0.
And, in a "battle-royal", in the final set [the 8th and 9th innings], the Yankees prevailed, 6-4, to raise the flag of their, 14-9, victory.
Darrell Rasner got belted around in the first four innings, allowing 5 runs, on 7 hits, and 3 walks, which gave the Angels an early 5-0 lead, as the game entered the bottom of the 5th.
The Stadium crowd was so quiet at this point, on a hot summer day in the Bronx, as the Yanks looked very "flat", and uninspired on the field; and, Angels starter, John Lackey, was coasting along without any sign of trouble from the Yankee bats.
The Yankees almost did score a run in the bottom of he 4th, when they loaded the bases with one out. Jeter walked leading off the inning; Abreu singled; A-Rod struck-out; and, Jason Giambi also reached first by a walk. Xavier Nady was the next batter up, and hit a long ball to left that should have been a sac fly, cutting the Angels lead to 5-1. But, that was not the case, as the inning ended on "one the rarest plays in baseball".
Angels left fielder, Garret Anderson, made the catch for out number two. After the catch Derek Jeter raced home easiely, and would have scored. But, Bobby Abreu, on second base, thought the ball was long enough to also advance to third, and tagged up, then headed for third after the catch. The throw from left was to third, and Abreu was out, the third out of the inning.
Jeter crossed the plate, and the Yankees thought, at least, one run scored that inning. But, No! The home plate umpire waved to the press box, that the run did not count because Abreu was out before Jeter touched the plate. A replay on the YES Network clearly showed that the ump made the right call. The play was so embarrassing, that Joe Girardi didn't even bother to come out of the dugout to argue the call.
Baseball 101 - "Never make the first or last out of an inning at third base".
In the second set, [innings 5-6-7], the Yankees started to make their amazing comeback, by scoring a run in the 5th; three runs in the 6th; and, four runs in the 7th, to take a 8-5 lead into the top of the 8th inning.
Ivan Rodriguez (2-for-3) put the Yanks first run of the day on the board, by hitting his first homer as a Yankee, to cut the Angels lead to 5-1.
Then, the Bombers scored three more runs in the 6th, on a two-RBI double by Nady; and, a force play RBI grounder by Wilson Betemit. Angels 5, Yankees 4.
In the 7th inning the Yankees got a break, when with one out, Derek Jeter hit an easy fly ball to centerfield, that was "dropped" by Gary Matthews, Jr, for a two-base error. This opened the flood-gates for the Bombers, as the error was followed by a RBI single by Bobby Abreu (3-for-4), that tied the score, 5-5. Alex Rodriguez then singled to set-up the most dramatic moment of the game for the Yankees.
The "X"-Man, Xavier Nady, was the next batter up, and he formally had his "christening" as an official member of the New York Yankees, when he blasted a long three-run homerun into the left field seats, to move the Yankees into the lead, 8-5.
"X", as his friends call him, was called out of the dugout for a "curtain call" by the Stadium crowd, and Nady, who was (4-for-5), with six RBI's, was happy to step back onto the field, and wave his cap to the cheering fans.
So, the game was tied -- two sets each, with the Yankees holding the 8-5 lead.
This very exciting game entered the final set [8th and 9th innings], and the Angels would not fly away without a fight.
Dan Giese, who replaced Rasner, kept the Yankees in this game, pitching three scoreless innings, giving up only one hit, two walks, and striking-out three. Edwar Ramirez was in to pitch the 8th.
The Angels loaded the bases off Ramirez, after he struck-out the first two batters in the top of the 8th, which brought up Mark Teixeira.
If "X" marked the spot for the Yankees on the Xavier Nady three-run homer; then, "TEX" would mark the spot for the L.A. Angels, as Teixeira rocketed a "grand-slam" homerun into the short-rightfield porch, that hushed the crowd, and put the Angels back into the lead, 9-8.
The Angels now led the final set, but the Bombers were ready to "ace" the win in this game.
Ivan Rodriguez led off the bottom of the 8th with a single, and was replaced by pinch-runner, Justin Christian. The hit-and-run was on with Melky Cabrera up, and the speed by Christian caused the shortstop, Erick Aybar to boot the possible double play ball for an error that allowed both runners to be safe.
With Damon up at the plate, Christian stole third, and scored the tying run when the throw by catcher, Jeff Mathis went into leftfield. Melky stole second base; and Damon walked, as Jeter came up with no outs.
Jeter grounded out, and Abreu walked to load the bases, with one out, and Alex Rodriguez coming up to the plate. A-Rod hit what looked like was a double play grounder to third, but Figgins made an error that allowed the go-ahead run to score. Yankees 10, Angels 9.
The Yankees completed the scoring with a pinch-hit, two-RBI double by Robinson Cano; a RBI single by Nady, his 4th hit of the day; and, a single by Justin Christian that drove home the final run of the game.
Jose Veras pitched a scoreless 9th, to close out the victory.
Point -- Set -- Match ... The Yankees Win, 14-9.
This was a very big win for the Yankees, and one of their best comebacks of the year. They now head out on the road for a very tough 10-game road trip starting in Texas. Joba Chamberlain pitches tonight [Monday, August 4th]. Go Yankees !!!
On a personal note, this entry is Post: "Number 100" on my mlblog "Baseball, The Yankees, and Life" !!!
I started this blog in December, 2007, and I have really enjoyed my experience here at mlb.com. It has been fun, and I look forward to writing many more posts, and continuing to offer my comments, thoughts, and opinions about baseball, and the best team in the history of all sports, the New York Yankees.
I also thank all those who have visited my blog over the past nine months. I appreciate all the many great comments, and kind words of encouragement; and, I look forward to many more of your comments and thoughts in the future.
Thank you for your support, and viewership of "Baseball, The Yankees, and Life".
All are welcome to visit any time !!!
-- Jimmy [27NYY]
]]>
Mussina had a lot of run support in the Yankees 8-2 win over the L.A. Angels, as the Bronx Bombers lived up their name, blasting four homeruns off Angels starter, Jerod Weaver (9-9).
But, along with Mussina, another big star for the Yankees yesterday, was Jose Molina, who had three hits in three at-bats, including his first homer of the year, and three runs scored.
It was not only Molina's hitting, though, that Mike Mussina was impressed with. It was Jose's work behind the plate that Mussina was most appreciative of.
After the game, Mike Mussina talked about the greatness of Jose Molina as a catcher; and, the following quote by Mussina, as reported by Bryan Hoch [mlb.com] in his article "Yankees Pound Halos To Back Moose" (08-02-08) is as much a "gem" in praise of Molina, as the "gem" that Mussina pitched today. Mike Mussina, said:
"I think Molina is a great catcher. He understands what's going on and he makes adjustments, the same way I'm making adjustments. He's a great target with great presentation. He makes every pitch look like it was where I wanted to throw it, even if it was a foot and a half off the target. He's just a natural at catching".
Well, with praise like that, I think we can be certain that Jose Molina will be catching the remainder of Mike Mussina's starts this season, as Moose continues on his quest of recording his first 20-win season.
Hopefully, Molina will catch other games, as well - not only Mussina's starts; and, if he continues to stay hot at the plate, Joe Girardi will have no choice but to play him in more games.
This is no disrespect to Ivan Rodriguez, but since Jorge Posada was forced out of the lineup because of an injury to his shoulder, Jose Molina is the main reason this pitching staff has held together, and remained solid. Molina's calling of games, holding runners on, throwing runners out, and overall outstanding defense, is just as priceless, as runs scored by the Yankees. His great play behind the plate as prevented many runs from scoring by the opposing teams. The Yankees need to have Jose Molina behind the plate in as many games as possible, as the Yanks make their stretch run to the playoffs, and into the World Series.
Mike Mussina made it look easy on the mound, as he effortlessly threw 89 pitches, over seven "almost perfect" innings, allowing only two runs [one earned], on two hits [both in the 2nd ininng], two walks [one each in the 1st and 2nd innings], while striking-out five Angel batters, to bring his record to 14-7, and lower his ERA to 3.44.
After the walk in the first inning, [in the middle of a groundout, and two strikeouts], the only other runners Mussina put on base was in the second inning, when Garret Anderson led off with a single, and was followed by a grounds-rule double by Howie Kendrick. The next batter, Juan Rivera, grounded out, for the first out of the inning. Gary Matthews, Jr then walked, to load the bases with no outs.
Angels catcher, Jeff Mathis was up next, and hit a grounder to third that looked like it would be a double play, as Alex Rodriguez fired the ball to Wilson Betemit [playing in place of Cano - who has a sore hand] for the force at second. Matthews slid hard into second base which caused Betemit to throw the ball into the dirt a first, and Jason Giambi could not come up with the scoop. Anderson already scored on the grounder, but the error by Betemit allowed Kendrick to score as well, giving the Angels an early 2-0 lead.
Mussina struckout Chone Figgins to end the inning, which was the start Mussina's pitching clinic.
Wilson Betemit made up for the error by hitting a two-run homerun in the bottom of the second, after a Nady single, to tie the score, 2-2.
The Bombers scored two more runs in the third, on a leadoff single by Jose Molina, who advanced to third on a single by Johnny Damon. The great hustle by Molina on this play, set up the Yankees third run of the game, as Jose scored when Derek Jeter grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, after the Damon hit. Bobby Abreu then blasted a solo homerun, that gave the Yanks a 4-2 lead.
Molina's second hit of the game, was his first homerun of the year. The homer by Molina hit the foul pole down the left field line, and moved the Yankees lead to 5-2.
Alex Rodriguez blasted a long homer over the left-center wall, leading off the bottom of the 6th, for a 6-2 lead. This was the Bronx Bombers 4th Homerun of the game, all off Weaver.
The Yankees scored their final two runs in the bottom of the 7th, on a RBI single by Jeter, scoring Molina who led off the inning with his third hit; and, a RBI by Abreu, on a force play at second that wasn't a double play because Abreu hustled down the line, allowing Damon to score the Yankees 8th run.
Up to this point in the game, Mike Mussina was "perfect", from the 3rd inning to the end of the 7th inning.
Including the strikeout to Figgins that ended the 2nd inning, Mussina retired the final 16 batters he faced, over five straight 1-2-3 innings. "Perfect Indeed" !!!
Jose Veras replaced Mussina in the 8th, and pitched a scoreless inning, while striking-out three and walking one.
And, Brian Bruney, making his first appearance since April 22nd, when he injured his right foot, closed out the game with a scoreless 9th inning, to preserve the Yanks 8-2 win over the L.A. Angels.
On a day that Yankee Stadium had many star players, and Hall of Famers in attendance, celebrating the great "Yankees Tradition", a possible future Hall of Famer was making his case on why he should also be enshrined in Baseball's Hall of Fame one day.
Many of the same star players and Hall of Famers who witnessed this "gem" by Mike Mussina -- pitched on the day of the final "Old Timer's Day" at the old Yankee Stadium -- will also, be in attendance when Mussina is making his acceptance speech at Cooperstown.
On that day, they will all be thinking about, and talking about, "remember the day back in August of 2008, on Old Timers Day at the Stadium, when Mike Mussina pitched that "gem" of a game".
This was a very special day that all Yankee fans will always remember !!!
]]>
So, as they say, "let's not go there", today, regarding how Mariano pitched in last night's game.
Where were the Yankee bats last night???
The tone was set early, as the Yankees led off the bottom of the first by getting two runners on base, a walk to Johnny Damon and a single by Derek Jeter. But, both were stranded, as Abreu and A-Rod struck-out; and, Jason Giambi popped-out to short. That was it for the "Bronx Bombers" on this night.
The Yankees really did not come close to scoring again, as Angels starter, Ervin Santana (12-5) shut down the Yankees over eight solid innings of work; and, Angels closer, Francisco Rodriguez, saved his 45th game, by pitching an easy, [1-2-3], scoreless 9th inning.
Not only did the Yankees lose 1-0; they also wasted an "awesome" pitching effort by Sidney Ponson.
Ponson didn't give up a hit until the top of the 5th, when leadoff batter, Garret Anderson, singled.
The Angels did draw two walks after the single, to load the bases. But, Ponson got out of his only jam in the game by getting Chone Figgins to pop out to short, and Izturis on a fly out to left, for the final out of the inning.
Sidney Ponson gave up one more hit, a single to Mark Teixeira, in the 6th, but other than that, he pitched his best game since joining the Yankees. Seven Innings pitched, no runs, two hits, four walks, is certaintly good enough to win the game. At, least he got a "no" decision, and not the loss, after his great pitching performance was wasted.
The Yankees made a few great defensive plays in this game, and the outfielders were all over the field, catching 12 fly balls [7 by Bobby Abreu]. But, the Yankee bats were just not hitting.
That's about all that can be said, other than, Damaso Marte pitched a great scoreless 8th inning, striking-out two; and, that this was really a tough loss that the Yankees will look back on at some point in this season, and wished they had scored some runs to win the game. Hopefully, its not a loss that will cost them a playoff berth.
]]>Certaintly, I think the Yankees will win the AL EAST, and in the end, have to play the Angels for the American League Championship. So, it goes without saying, this four-game series in New York is very important for the Yankees to make a statement that they can play tough against the Angels; and, also, send notice that having the best record in baseball during the regular season does not guarantee a Championship.
Last night the Angels continued their winning pace as they totally dominated the Yankees by hitting "three" 3-run homeruns, that was part of an 18-hit attack, that produced a 12-6 victory.
The Angels just completed a three-game sweeep of the Red Sox, at Fenway, by pounding Boston "ace" starter, Josh Beckett, for 8 runs, on 11 hits, in 5 1/3 innings, during their 9-2 route of the Sox, Wednesday night. L.A. had 16 hits in that game, so they arrived in New York "red-hot".
Yankees starter, Andy Pettitte (12-8) suffered the same bashing as Beckett, as he struggled through his 5 1/3 innings of work last night, allowing the Angel batters, 9 runs, on 11 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts, which sky-rocketed Andy's ERA to: 4.18.
The Angels did their most damage in the 3th inning of this game, sending nine batters up to the plate, that rocked Petitte for six hits, including, two 3-run homeruns.
Chone Figgins singled; Erick Aybar grounded out to third; and Mark Teixeira, also, hit a single, to put two runners on, with one out, at the start of the top of the 3th. Pettitte then got clean-up hitter, Vladmir Guerrero, to fly out to left, recording the second out of the inning.
It looked like Pettitte was going to get out of this inning with no runs being scored, but next batter, Tori Hunter, belted the first Angels three-run homer of the night, that put the first runs up on the board in this game. Hunter also homered in the 9th inning of the Angels 9-2 win over Boston, so he continued his power surge here in New York.
The inning was not over yet, as the next two hitters, Garret Anderson, (4-for-5); and, Howie Kendrick, (2-for-4), both singled, setting-up the second three-run homeun of the night by the Angels, as, Juan Rivera, hit a three-run shot, that made the score, 6-0.
Garret Anderson, also, had four hits in five at-bats, including a homerun, in his last game against the Red Sox; so, he comes into this series on a hot hitting streak.
Andy Pettitte struck-out catcher, Jeff Mathis, for the third out, but this shellacking in the 3th inning, basically put this game out of reach for the Yankees, as the Angels lit-up the scoreboard like a Christmas tree, and continued to do so, as this game progressed.
The Yankees did score a run in the bottom of the 4th, off Angels starter, Jon Garland (10-6), on a Bobby Abreu homerun, his third homer in two games; and, they added another run in the 5th, on Johnny Damon's RBI single, that plated Melky Cabrera, (3-for-4), who hit a two-out triple in the inning, after, newly acquired, Ivan Rodriguez, hit into a 6-4-3 double play.
Damon did advance to third on the hit, as the ball took a bad bounce in front of rightfielder, Guerrero, which was called a single, and two-base error. So, with two outs, and Damon on third, Derek Jeter had a chance to drive home another run, and keep the inning going. But, the captain, grounded out to short, for the third out that kept the score at, 6-2.
The Angels exploded again in the top of the 6th, scoring four more runs, upping their lead to 10-2.
In this inning, after getting one out, Mathis doubled, and scored on a RBI single by Chone Figgins (4-for-5), who then advanced to second on a stolen base [one of three SB's for the Angels]. A walk to Aybar put two runners on, and finished the night for Andy Pettitte.
Chris Britton, just called-up from the minors, replaced Pettitte, and got the first batter he faced, [Teixeira], out. Vladmir Guerrero was up next, and blasted a three-run homer [the third of the night for the Angels], that gave the Angels the 10-2 lead at the time.
Xavier Nady led off the bottom of the 7th with a homerun, cutting the lead to 10-3.
Then, I-Rod and Melky hit back-to-back singles, that had the makings of the start of a big inning. Johnny Damon was now up, and hit a come-backer to the mound, that Garland threw to second base for the force. On the play, Ivan Rodriguez, tried to score, and made a beautiful slide, touching the plate before the tag, [which was clearly seen on a freeze-frame replay], but was called out by the home plate umpire. I-Rod was definitely "safe"; but, maybe, it really didn't matter in this game, as the Angels totally out-played the Yankees on this night. Jeter made the final out of the inning as the score remained, 10-3.
The Angels scored two more runs in the top of the 8th; and; the Yankees had a mini-comeback, by scoring three runs in the bottom of the 9th; but, the 12-6 final score was really not even as close as it looked.
Game two of the ten games against the L.A. Angels takes place tonight at the Stadium. Hopefully, the Yankees get back on the winning track by having a "big" game that will send a message to the Angels - not to raise the American League Championship flag, just yet. There are 54 games remaining, and that Championship flag is reserved for Opening Day, 2009, at the new Yankee Stadium.
]]>
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 !!!
]]>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.
]]>
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.
]]>