Instant replay was used for the first time ever last night in the Yankees 8-3 win over the first place Tampa Rays. In the top of the ninth inning, Alex Rodriguez came up to bat and smashed a 2-2 pitched over the foul pole, and then hooking foul behind the pole, but in front of the useless foul pole extension 20 feet behind the legal pole. The umpires initially rules it a home run and Rays cacher Dioner Navarro and manager John Madden argued that the ball was foul. As you will see in the video, there is the legal foul pole in which the ball crossed fair, then about 20 feet behind it, a piece of yellow scrap metal, or what the Rays call a foul pole extension, raises behind it giving the appearance of an extended foul pole. The scrap metal is not a legal pole, only to help the umpirs when they are in a direct line with the legal pole, and the extension. A-Rods home run crossed above the pole but in fair territory, hooked foul behind it, so it appears the ball hooked foul before leaving the field.
Take a look at the video, and give me your ruling.
It's quite obvious that the Yankees will not reach the playoffs for the first time since 1995. I have already made my concession speech, and accepted the fact that October will be a long month. So, as part of my 12-step program to overcome my addiction to post-season glory (I say that with a grain of salt), I will have a small countdown with a few facts until the day of reckoning is upon us.
15... Thurman Munson wore 15 until his tragic death in 1979. He was practicing low flying and touch and go maneuvers in his private plane. The former captain helped lead the Yankees to three successive league pennants, two World Series titles, and was a vital part of the infamous "Bronx Zoo".
15... The amount of away games the Yankees have. 15 combined games at Tampa (1st AL East), Seattle (garbage), Anaheim (damn!), Toronto (eh), and Boston (prevent Boston from October baseball).
15... Home runs for Bobby Abreu, one less than his 2007 totals. Funny, he was a constant 20HR player with Philadelphia, what happened?
15... Seasons in which Alex Rodriguez has played...and still no ring.
15... Years ago, Joba Chamberlain was still in grade school.
15... Players who make over $1,000,000 this season
There is no beating around the bush, no sweet way to say it, nothing. The. Yankees. Flat. Out. Suck. One of the most potent offenses on paper but when it's game time, nothing happens. Poor clutch hitting, hitting with RISP is laughable, and when we have a great start by a pitcher, we give him no run support. The Yankees do not in any way deserve the playoffs and are damn lucky to have a winning season. It's getting to a point in which the Yankees are closer to last place than first. 13 consecutive playoffs appearances, one of the greatest runs of all-time. Six pennants, four World Series titles, ten straight AL East titles, and two wild cards. This, I am glad to have witnessed and been a part of the fans who cheered them on. Now they give me nothing for me to cheer for. I was lucky to see them win 2-1 in my first ever game at Yankee Stadium. Now I have the mis-fortune to watch them die in an embarrassing fashion. Our starting center fielder was sent down to the minors, shortstop and second base looked like players near retirement, and catching was nothing short but a fizzle. Who saw that at one point Melky Cabrera had more home runs than Alex Rodriguez? Ridiculous. Granted the Yankees suffered through some injuries affecting our ace, and a pitcher-friendly catcher, but to see them crumble this bad is unspeakable. The Yankees are officially done. For those who still believe, more power to you. For those of you who are with me, I share your pain. Red Sox fans rejoice, the Yankees are not going to the post season. Lifetime players Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera will have no idea what to do, for they have been playing October baseball their entire career.
Joba Chamberlain was placed on the 15 day disabled list following an exit during his outing against the Texas Rangers. He was sent to Dr. Andrews, a prestigious Tommy John surgeon, who reported the outlook was good. No surgery needed. This does hurt the Yankees playoff hopes with a crippled staff. Wang is already out, and Pettitte has been hit and miss lately.
After the 8-game win streak following the All-Star break, the Yankees fell from 2 games of 1st, to 6 1/2, and remain third in the wild card race.
Yankees sent middle reliever Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ivan Rodriguez. Rodriguez has won 13 gold gloves through out his career with Texas and Detroit and was named to 14 All-Star teams. Granted Pudge is in his 18th season and is older than Posada, he is a veteran, and the Yankees need one especially with the young pitching. His presence in the line up is a boost for the offense which has been known to fail with runners in scoring position, and giving strong outings by pitchers a stingy lead.
Farnsworth on paper has had the best season of his career, but wathcin ghim pitcher day after day, he was nothing lioke his stats claim.
Yankees again rob another team. I love the Evil Empire.
Jorge Posada will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder. Posada, who signed a four year $52.4 million contract before the season began, started the season on the DL, made a short appearance as a DH, 1B, and backstop batting .268 with 3 home runs and 33 RBI in 51 games. His batting, slugging, and on base percentages are well below career average and as a catcher, has thrown out a smidgen over 20% of all base runners, also below league average. His first stint on the DL was due to shoulder discomfort. He was placed in the 15-day DL and went though rehab only to show no definitive results. Posada was placed on the DL again for discomfort and decided to opt for surgery, which is reported to be more intense than the surgery he had back in 2001. Posada's injury consists of damage to the tendons around the labrum, but not a full rotator cuff tear.
Here are the recent DL reports for Posada from ESPN:
Yankees July 22: Placed catcher Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list; activated outfielder Johnny Damon from the 15-day disabled list.
Yankees June 5: Activated catcher Jorge Posada from the 15-day disabled list; optioned pitcher Dan Giese to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the International League (AAA).
Yankees April 29: Placed catcher Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list; purchased the contract of catcher Chris Stewart from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the International League (AAA).
Since the Yankees seem to have a hard time scoring runs, I went ahead and did some fun research. My results:
APRIL 125 runs / 29 games = 4.3 R/G 4-3 in one run games 4-3 in 5+ run games 2-2 in shut outs -4th in AL East 3 GB
-2007 131 runs / 23 games = 5.7 R/G 0-6 in one run games 4-2 in 5+ run games 0-1 in shutouts -5th in AL East 6.5 GB
MAY 124 runs / 26 games = 4.8 R/G 5-3 in one run games 5-3 in 5+ run games 1-1 in shut outs -4th in AL East 5.5 GB
-2007 137 runs / 28 games = 4.9 R/G 1-5 in one run games 8-1 in 5+ run games 1-1 in shutouts -4th in AL East 13.5 GB
JUNE 137 runs / 28 games = 4.9 R/G 5-4 in one run games 4-4 in 5+ run games 4-1 in shut outs -3rd in AL East 6.5 GB
-2007 142 runs / 27 games = 5.3 R/G 3-4 in one run games 6-4 in 5+ run games 0-3 in shutouts -2nd in AL East 10.5 GB
JULY 40 runs / 10 games = 4.0 R/G 3-1 in one run games 2-2 in 5+ run games 1-2 in shut outs -3rd in AL East 6.5 GB
-2007 July 12 (as of) 61 runs / 9 games = 6.8 R/G 1-1 in one run games 3-1 in 5+ run games 2-0 in shutouts -2nd in AL East 9.5 GB
TOTAL 426 runs / 93 games = 4.9 R/G 17-12 in one run games 15-12 in 5+ games 8-6 in shut outs.
-2007 471 runs / 90 games = 5.2 R/G 5-16 in one run games 21-8 in 5+ run games 4-6 in shutouts
LEAGUE AVERAGE 422 runs / 93 games = 4.5 R/G Yankees rank #15 on team runs scored. -93 runs from first place Rangers (519) +80 runs from last place Padres & Nationals (346)
In 2007, Yankees ranked #1 in runs scored, only AL team to score 900+.
After winning nine straight division titles, and making the playoffs every year since 1995, the dynasty known as the Yankees are in a decline. Last season we saw the Yankees stumble out of the gate only to regain their footage, make a run towards the playoffs fitted with young stars who came up and damn near saved the season. Oh, they also had an MVP named Alex Rodriguez.
This season is almost a replica of last year. Poor clutch hitting, bullpen implosions, and another slow start. At least they still have that MVP fella. A rash of injuries have taken playing time away from A-Rod, ace Chein-Ming Wang, pitcher friendly Jorge Posada, two break through seasons from Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon, plus the injuries from Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Brian Bruney (was paid to mention Bruney's name).
The Yankees, in desperate need of relief pitching and a live bat have made headlines.
Joba Chamberlain was removed from the pen to the starting rotation raising questions on who the bridge will be to Rivera. Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins do not have impressive resumes.
Richie Sexson was recently taken from waivers and thrown in the line up and will be used against left-handed pitchers giving more power to the line up who suffer heavily under lefties.
But before I give my two cents, it does amaze me how things just fall in place. Mussina has already matched last seasons win total, Chamberlain has been a very effective starter, and Farnsworth made a turn around providing just enough support to get to Rivera. And speaking of Rivera, 23 for 23 in save opportunities is something to be noticed.
What the Yankees need to do before the July 31 deadline is trade away a bat for an arm. Granted the Yankees are suffering in the once surplussed outfield, I say trade Bobby Abreu for a #2 or #3 starting pitcher. Randy Wolf of the Padres, Paul Byrd of the Indians, and even Bronson Arroyo from the Reds are all possibilities.
The Yankees have plenty of bats, trade one for a pitcher to bolster the rotation, and better yet, the relief corps. Granted, good relievers are hard to come by, but if there is a will, Big Stein will pay.
The offense is still there, only down by about a run per game from last year. Hitting will only improve. If the pitching stays the same, and the Yankees add one arm, whether it be a starter or reliever, the Yankees have a great chance of reaching the playoffs again.
With that, the Yankees can be a contender. But until then, and it pains me to say this, right now they are pretenders.
For everyone who thought Joba moving out of the bullpen was a bad idea, smack yourself in the face. Even me. Joba out-pitched Red Sox "ace" Josh Beckett striking out nine and allowing no runs en rout to a 1-0 victory. Jason Giambi drove in the sole run in the third inning, and Mariano Rivera recorded a five-out save.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have dealt OF Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte to the Yankees for Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Tabata, Jeff Karstens, and Dan McCutchen.
Original reports of the deal included two Yankees Minor League pitchers, Phil Coke and George Kontos, who are no longer included in the trade.
Marte is scouted to be a great pitcher with closer material. A good move for New York with the decline of Rivera. Melky Cabrera may return as a bench player as Nady could be his replacement.
Top 1st Cliff Lee (CLE) pitching Hanley Ramirez batting (FLA): foul, strike looking, ball, strike out swinging Chase Utley batting (PHI): strike looking, foul, ball, strike looking Lance Berman batting (HOU): strike swinging, fly out to right center 0H 0R 0E 0LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 1st Ben Sheets (MIL) pitching Ichiro Suzuki batting (SEA): ball, fly out to right Derek Jeter batting (NYY): strike looking, ball, strike looking, foul, base hit to second Josh Hamilton batting (TEX): strike looking, ball, Jeter steals second, strike out swinging Alex Rodriguez batting (NYY): ball, strike looking, ball, foul out to catcher 1H 0R 0E 2LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Top 2nd Lee pitching Albert Pujols batting (STL): strike looking, ball, ball, strike swinging, ground out third -> first Chipper Jones batting (ATL): base hit to center Matt Holliday batting (COL): ground out first unassisted, Jones to second on force play Ryan Braun batting (MIL): foul, strike swinging, strike out swinging 1H 0R 0E 2LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 2nd Sheets pitching Manny Ramirez batting (BOS): ball, ball, foul, foul, foul, strike out swinging Milton Bradley batting (TEX): ball, ball, strike looking, ball, strike looking, ball four Kevin Youkilis batting (BOS): ball, ball, foul, strike swinging, ball, Bradley steals second, foul, strike out swinging Joe Mauer batting (MIN): ball, ball, foul, ball, strike looking, ball four Dustin Pedroia batting (BOS): strike looking, ball, fly out to center 0H 0R 0E 3LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Top 3rd Joe Saunders (ANA) pitching Kosoke Fukudome batting (CHC): strike looking, ball, foul, ball, ground out first unassisted Geovanny Soto batting (CHC): fly out to center Ramirez batting: ball, ball, strike looking, base hit to right Utley batting: foul, ground out first unassisted 1H 0R 0E 1LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 3rd Carlos Zambrano (CHC) pitching Suzuki batting: ball, ball, base hit to right Jeter batting: check throw to first, ground in double play shortstop -> second -> first Hamilton batting: ball, foul, ground out second -> first 1H 0R 0E 2LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Top 4th Roy Halladay (TOR) pitching Berkman batting: strike looking, ball, strike swinging, strike out swinging Pujols batting: foul, strike looking, foul, base hit to right, out at second right -> shortstop Jones batting: ground out shortstop -> first 0H 0R 0E 0LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Bottom 4th Zambrano pitching Rodriguez batting: strike swinging, foul, ball, strike out swinging Ramirez batting: ball, foul, ball, foul, ground out second -> first Bradley batting: ball, strike swinging, reached by throwing error on shortstop Youkilis batting: ball, Bradley picked off at first 0H 0R 1E 0LOB AL 0 – NL 0
Top 5th Ervin Santana (ANA) pitching Holliday batting: strike looking, ball, strike swinging, foul, foul, ball, foul, home run to right Braun batting: strike looking, ball, foul, ground out second -> first Joe Crede (CHW) replaces Rodriguez at third Fukudome batting: strike looking, strike looking, ball, ball, strike out swinging Soto batting: strike looking, strike swinging, strike out swinging 1H 1R 0E 0LOB AL 0 – NL 1
Bottom 5th Nate McLouth (PIT) replaces Fukudome at center field Russel Martin (ATL) replaces Soto at catcher Dan Haren pitching (ARI) Youkilis batting: strike looking, foul, fly out to center Mauer batting: ball, base hit to shortstop Ian Kinsler (TEX) pinch runs for Mauer Pedroia batting: ball, ball, check throw at first, ball, Kinsler steals second, ball four Suzuki batting: strike looking, ball, check swing strike, strike out swinging Jeter batting: ball, strike looking, strike swinging, ball, foul, ball, ground out pitcher -> first 1H 0R 0E 4LOB AL 0 – NL 1
Top 6th Justin Morneau (MIN) replaces Youkilis at first Kinsler replaces Pedroia at second Hamilton replaces Ramirez in left field Grady Sizemore (CLE) entered in center field Jason Varitek (BOS) replaces Mauer at catcher J. D. Drew (BOS) replaces Suzuki in right field Justin Duchscherer (OAK) pitching Ramirez batting: strike looking, ball, strike swinging, foul, base hit to left Utley batting: ball, foul, check throw to first, ball, ball, base hit to right, Ramirez to third Berkman batting: strike swinging, ball, sac fly to center, Ramirez scores Mike Young (TEX) replaces Jeter Pujols batting: strike looking, base hit up the middle, Utley to second Jones batting: ball, ball, strike looking, strike swinging, strike out swinging Holliday batting: strike looking, pop out to second 3H 1R 0E 5LOB AL 0 – NL 2
Bottom 6th Dan Uggla (FLA) replaces Utley at second Miguel Tejada (HOU) replaces Ramirez at shortstop Corey Hart (MIL) replaces Holliday in left field Adrian Gonzalez (SD) replaces Berkman at first Aramis Ramirez (CHC) replaces Jones at third Haren pitching Hamilton batting: strike looking, ball, base hit to center Crede batting: ball, foul, foul, foul, foul, pop out to second Sizemore batting: ball, Hamilton steals second, strike looking, ball, ball, foul, strike three looking Bradley batting: fly out to center 1H 0R 0E 3LOB AL 0 – NL 2
Top 7th Carlos Quentin (CHW) replaces Hamilton in left Joe Nathan (MIN) pitching Braun batting: strike swinging, foul, check swing strike out McLouth batting: ball, ball, fly out to center Martin batting: ball, fly out to center 0H 0R 0E 0LOB AL 0 – NL 2
Bottom 7th Ryan Ludwick (STL) replaces Braun in left field Edinson Volquez (CIN) pitching Morneau batting: ball, ball, double to right Battery meeting Kinsler batting: ground out to shortstop -> first, Morneau advances to third Dioner Navarro (TB) pinch hitting for Youkilis: ball, strike swinging, foul, ball, foul, strike out looking Drew batting: ball, foul, ball, home run to right, Morneau scores Young batting: strike looking, strike swinging, ball, strike out swinging 2H 2R 0E 2LOB AL 2 – NL 2
Top 8th Navarro stays in the game, replaces Varitek at catcher Jonathan Papelbon (BOS) pitching (boos followed by a “Mariano” chant) Tejada batting: strike looking, base hit to right (more boos) (More “Mariano” chants) Uggla batting: strike swinging, strike looking, ball, (overrated chants), strike out swinging Gonzalez batting: ball, Tejada steals second, advanced to third on throwing error by Navarro, sac fly to center, Tejada scores (more boos) David Wright (NYM) pinch hits for Pujols: strike looking, foul, strike three looking (Bronx cheer) 1H 1R 1E 1LOB AL 2 – NL 3
Bottom 8th Brian Wilson (SFG) pitching Quentin batting: ball, ball, fly out to center Carlos Guillen (CHW) pinch hitting for Crede: ball, foul, strike swinging, foul, foul, ball, foul, ball, strike out looking Billy Wagner (NYM) pitching Sizemore batting: ball, foul, base hit to right Evan Longoria (TB) pinch hitting for Bradley: ball, foul, ball, Sizemore steals second, battery meeting, ground-rule double to left (fan interference), Sizemore scores Morneau batting: ground out pitcher unassisted 2H 1R 0E 1LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 9th Guillen stays in at third Francisco Rodriguez (ANA) pitching A. Ramirez batting: foul, ball, strike swinging, ball, ball, ball four Christian Guzman pinch runs for A. Ramirez Hart batting: strike looking, fly out to right Mariano Rivera (NYY) pitching Ludwick batting: strike looking, ball, (“Let's go Yankees” chant), ball, strike swinging, ball, strike three swinging, Guzman caught stealing second 0H 0R 0E 2LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 9th Guzman stays in at third Ryan Dempster (CHC) pitching Kinsler batting: strike looking, ball, check swing strike, ball, foul, strike three swinging Navarro batting: ball, foul, ball, foul, ball, strike out swinging Drew batting: strike looking, ball, ball, ball, strike looking, strike three looking 0H 0R 0E 0LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 10th Rivera pitching McLouth pitching: ball, strike looking, ball, foul, foul, ball, foul, strike out looking Martin batting: strike swinging, ball, foul, foul, foul, foul, ball, base hit to right Tejada batting: strike looking, base hit up the middle, Martin advances to third Uggla batting: strike looking, ground in double play second -> shortstop -> first, Tejada out at second 2H 0R 0E 2LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 10th Aaron Cook (COL) pitching Young batting: reached base by fielding error on second baseman Quentin batting: reached base by fielding error on second baseman, Young to third Guillen batting: intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball four, Quentin to second Sizemore batting: ball, foul, ground into fielders choice. Young out at home first -> catcher, Quentin to third, Guillen to second. Longoria batting: ball, ground into fielders choice. Quentin out at home second -> catcher, Guillen to third, Sizemore to second Morneau batting: strike looking, ground out shortstop -> first 2H 0R 2E 7LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 11th Joakim Soria (KCR) pitching Gonzalez batting: ball, strike looking, ball, base hit to left field Wright batting: strike looking, strike swinging, ball, strike out swinging Guzman batting: strike looking, strike looking, fly out to right center field Hart batting: ball, ball, strike swinging, strike swinging, fly out to right 1H 0R 0E 3LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 11th Cook pitching Kinsler batting: base hit to center Navarro batting: ball, check throw to first, foul, check throw to first, ball, Kinsler caught stealing second, ball, strike looking, ball four Drew batting: base hit up the middle, Navarro to second Young batting: strike looking, ball, ball, double to center, Navarro out at home center -> catcher, Drew to third Quentin batting: ball, ground out shortstop -> first 3H 0R 0E 2LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 12th Soria pitching Ludwick batting: ball, foul, ball, ball, ball four McLouth: bunt hit, Ludwick to second Martin batting: sac bunt, Ludwick to third, McLouth to second Tejada batting: intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball four (longest All-Star Game in terms of time) Uggla batting: , strike swinging, strike swinging, strike out swinging George Sherrill (BAL) pitching Gonzalez batting: strike looking, strike swinging, strike out swinging 2H 0R 0E 8LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 12th Cook pitching Guillen batting: double to deep left Sizemore batting: force out to second -> first, Guillen to third Longoria batting: strike looking, ball, foul, strike out swinging Morneau batting: intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball, intentional ball four Kinsler batting: ball, Morneau reaches second by fielders indifference, foul, ground out third -> first 1H 0R 0E 4LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 13th Sherrill pitching Wright batting: strike swinging, ball, strike looking, base hit to right-center field Guzman batting: ball, strike looking, sac attempt, Wright forced out at second. Hart batting: foul, foul, strike out looking Ludwick batting: ball, ball, ball, strike looking, pop out to second base 1H 0R 0E 1LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 13th Carlos Marmol (CHC) pitching Navarro batting: strike looking, ground out second -> first Drew batting: strike swinging, ball, ball, ball, strike looking, reached by error on second baseman Young batting: ball, foul, strike looking, ball, ball, strike three looking, Drew steals second Quentin batting: foul, ball, strike looking, strike out looking 0H 0R 1E 2LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 14th Sherrill pitching McLouth batting: fly out to deep right Martin batting: ball, ball, foul, fly out to deep right Tejada batting: foul, ground out shortstop -> first 0H 0R 0E 0LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 14th Brandon Webb (ARI) pitching Guillen batting: ball, line out to shortstop Sizemore batting: strike swinging, ball, ball, strike swinging, foul, strike out swinging Longoria batting: ball, strike looking, ball, strike looking, strike out looking 0H 0R 0E 0LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Top 15th Scott Kazmir (TB) pitching Uggla batting: ball, strike swinging, strike swinging, strike swinging Gonzalez pitching: strike looking, ball, ball, strike swinging, fly out to left Wright batting: ball, ball, ball, ball four Guzman batting: ground out to first unassisted 0H 0R 0E 1LOB AL 3 – NL 3
Bottom 15th Brad Lidge (PHI) pitching Morneau batting: ball, strike swinging, strike swinging, base hit to center Kinsler batting: strike swinging, strike swinging, ball, fly out to left Navarro batting: strike looking, ball, base hit to center, Morneau to second Drew batting: ball, strike swinging, ball, foul, ball, foul, ball four, Morneau to third, Kinsler to second Young batting: Sac fly to right, Morneau scores 2H 1R 0E 1LOB AL 4 – NL 3
Record: 19-19 (T 3rd) Past Week: 3-3 Team Avg: .264 (12th +.006) Team ERA: 4.30 (19th -0.06) Power Rank: 18 (+2)
A happy Mother's Day to all, and now since the Yankees game was postponed, you have more time to spend for yourself. As for the Yankees, the yo-yo continues. Losing two of three to Cleveland, and splitting the series against Detroit. The Yankees have a pure .500 record, meaning they are .500 on both the road (9-9), and at home (10-10).
Who's Hot Darrell Rasner A replacement pitcher for Ian Kennedy, Rasner has gone 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP including 5 strike outs in 12 innings.
Bobby Abreu This past week Abreu has went 8 for 22 with a .500 slugging percentage and a .981 on base plus slugging.
Mariano Rivera 15 innings on the season, no earned runs score. He has recorded two saves in three appearances and only allowed two hits in three innings of relief.
Who's Cold Jose Molina One hit in nine at bats this season. The double's parade that he demonstrated in April has been long forgotten as Molina is now just a defensive replacement.
Kei Igawa Phil Hughes replacement has been just as bad as last season. Igawa went three innings, allowed 11 hits and six earned runs to cross the plate. With today's rain delay, Igawa's next start will be skipped as the rotation is given an extra day.
+ Down for the Count + Wilson Betemit After returning from an injury earlier this week, Betemit suffered a hamstring injury and has been placed back on the disabled list.
Record: 17-16 (4th) Last 7: 4-3 Team Avg: .258 (12th) Team ERA: 4.36 (19th)
It seems the Yankees can't find a way to stay above the .500 mark. After losing three straight from the Detroit Tigers, and then winning three from the Seattle Mariners, it is clear that the baseball gods are yo-yoing with the Yankees.
Who's Hot:
Johnny Damon In his last ten games, Damon went 14 for 37, or batted .378. He has scored 9 runs including five this past weekend and smacked an upper deck home run in Saturday's contest securing the win.
Mike Mussina
Winning three games in a row and bring his record above .500 for the first time this season. After an inconsistent 2007 season, Mussina has already shown a change of pace. He does give up a lot of hits, and occasionally gets into trouble, however, as the verteran pitcher he is, he has been able to get out of innings with little or no damage.
Who's Cold:
Robinson Cano Only four combined hits since last Sunday equaling a poor .160 average. The only upside to this is that two of those hits have been home runs.
Jason Giambi A miserable .055 batting average for the past week. He has been hitting the ball solid, unfortunately he hits into the shift and it becomes difficult to reach base.
Ian Kennedy After suffering yet another bad outing, Kennedy was optioned to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to work on his mechanics.
Down for the count:
Alex Rodriguez 15-day DL for a strained right quad
Jorge Posada After suffering through pain through out the season, the Yankees finally placed Posada on the 15-day DL for a strained right shoulder
Phil Hughes Highly doubtful this is a legitimate injury. First reports of a strained oblique muscle, and now its hairline fractures in his lower ribs. My opinion, no injury, just taken out of the line up for a mental vacation.
A new baseball season dawns on us, and with that comes new games. I had a chance to get a hold of the newest copy of MLB 2008: The Show and I have to say I am quite impressed. MLB 08 The Show for PlayStation delivers the closest experience possible next to actually playing in the Majors.
MLB 08 The Show is the long running officially licensed baseball title available exclusively on all PlayStation platforms: PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 and the portable PSP.
Now with all new games, there are improvements, and things that could have been improved. For example, the game is more realistic in a way that the pitches come at you faster than last years version giving you the feel of actually being up at bat. I remember from last years game that the fastballs took their time getting to the plate, resulting in high scoring games. It also has pitchers adapting to the batters as the game progresses, and the umpire personalities provide interesting quirks as you may find an umpire with a wide strike zone compared to one with a small strike zone.
As for the negatives the commentary stands out the most. It is the same as last year and half the time they still don't know what they are talking about. A couple other gripes I have for this game is that unfortunately you cannot import you Road to the Show career player. This bummed me out a bit since I had progressed very far with my character and would like to have continued his success.
With the above mentioned, MLB 08 The Show is the best-selling and most realistic baseball simulation available, and MLB 08 The Show is available exclusively for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable consoles.
I highly recommend this game to any baseball fan who enjoys video games. I know I will be playing this game through out the season and look forward to next years version.
Get your copy as MLB 08 The Show is available right now wherever video games are available.
You heard it right, comedian Billy Crystal has signed a one-day contract with the Yankees to play Thursday against the Pirates in a spring training game. Crystal will turn 60 this Friday and the Yankees, will wear #60. This once in a lifetime opportunity is a birthday gift from the franchise to the life long Yankees fan.
Commissioner Bud Selig has already approved the contract.
Over the past few years, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have been the center of the baseball universe. The Yankees were making the playoffs every year, and the Red Sox were still looking up. 2004 things changed when the Sox made history by coming back from 0-3 in the American League Championship Series to top the Yankees an advance to the World Series and sweeping St Louis for their first title since 1918. Since then the so called curse has been thrown out the window and a true rivalry formed. Last season the Red Sox pulled ahead of the injured Yankees and held onto the lead for the entire season. The Yankees on the other hand had problems getting to the playoffs. Pitching staff injuries were the main concerns and the Yankees suffered through another losing April and at one time, tied for last in their division. The Yankees after the All-Star break became white hot and shoved their way through the standings and came within 1.5 games of the Red Sox. They did not take the lead, but instead, took home the wild card and proving to their critics that you can not count them out. In the playoffs, the Yankees made yet another quiet first round exit losing to Cleveland in four, as for Boston, they topped the Colorado Rockies in a four-game sweep to take home their second title in four years.
What will 2008 bring us? Will Boston win the East again? Will New York once again prove they are a playoff team? How will the young players perform? Here are my thoughts on the matter and predictions for the upcoming season.
Red Sox pitching: Josh Beckett - ace of the staff, 20 game winner, "robbed" of the Cy Young Dice-K - Japanese import, solid #2 pitcher Tim Wakefield - Knuckler, will turn 44 this year Jon Lester - Rookie pitcher, cancer survivor Clay Bucholtz(?) - Undetermined, threw a no-hitter Curt Schilling - Out for the season
Yankees pitching: Andy Pettitte - Veteran of the staff, more post-season experience than all Boston pitchers combined Chein-Ming Wang - Sinker expert, successive 19-win seasons Joba Chamberlain - 100MPH, biting curve Phil Hughes - Impressive pre-hammy debut Ian Kennedy - #1 draft pick, 2007 MiLB Pitcher of the Year
Red Sox pen: Hideki Okajima - Unorthodox motions, superb set-up man Jonathon Papelbon - A young Mariano, feeds his dog baseballs Mike Timlin - Seeing less outings, certified DOOP pitcher (designated one-out pitcher) Julian Tavarez - Long reliever, allows too many on base
Yankees pen: Kyle Farnsworth - Farns-worthless, one good day = two bad days Mariano Rivera - Still impressive, shows signs of age Mike Mussina - Starter turned bullpen coach/reliever LaTroy Hawkins - Move to AL will impact negatively
Red Sox infield: 1B - Kevin Youkilis - Average hitter, above average fielder 2B - Dustin Pedroia - 2007 Rookie of the Year, still braking in his cleats 3B - Mike Lowell - Career year led to 2007 WS MVP, will not reproduce the same numbers again SS - Julio Lugo - Forgets to bring his bats to games, defense is poor DH - David Ortiz - Still a power threat, still won't win an MVP
Yankees Infield: 1B - Jason Giambi - Today's Dave Kingman, weak hitter, but if he makes contact, bye bye 2B - Robinson Cano - above average hitter for 2B, fielding needs improvement 3B - Alex Rodriguez - 2007 MVP, another 40HR, 120RBI campaign in '08 SS - Derek Jeter - Has a chance to pass Pete Rose in career hits, overrated defense DH - Hideki Matsui - Move to DH will improve offensive production
Red Sox Outfield: LF - Manny Ramirez - Will improve offensive numbers, won't improve fielding numbers CF - Coco Crisp - Still waiting for break out year, improved defense in Fenway RF - J.D. Drew - 2007 numbers below career average, will see slight improvement OF - Jacoby Ellsbury - Promising future, gave me a free taco
Yankees Outfield: RF - Johnny Damon - Maintains a weak arm, defense declining CF - Melky Cabrera - Young hitter has room for improvement LF - Bobby Abreu - Great fielder, just don't hit the ball near the wall, will have improved offensive numbers OF - Shelly Duncan - Impressive MLB debut, unimpressive finish
Red Sox Bench: Alex Cora - Below average hitter, could replace Lugo Sean Casey - Should have stayed with the Reds, lack of playing time will impact numbers
Yankees Bench: Wilson Betemit - Multiple positions will give him plenty of playing time and allow starters to rest more often Jose Molina - Will not come close to matching Posada's career averages
Red Sox Manager: Terry Francona - Ended 86-year drought, ended Yankees 9-year AL East run
Yankees Manager Joe Girardi - 2006 NL Manager of the Year, big shoes to fill after Torre's departure
FINAL PREDICTION Red Sox will win the East by three games, Yankees will once again make it to the playoffs winning the Wild Card.
Joe Girardi made it official today when he signed a 3-year $7.5 million deal to become the 32nd manager of the Yankees and the 17th former Yankees to take the helms. OK, we have a manager now, that don't impress me much. (Neither did my Shania Twain impersonation.) Joe Torre has left the Yankees with some luggage. Don Mattingly. Both of whom may end up together with the Los Angeles Dodgers by year's end. This opens the bench coach slot that may be filled with wither Tony Pena or base coach Larry Bowa.
In addition to that, four Yankees have filed for free agency. Closer Mariano Rivera, catcher Jorge Posada, reliever Luis Vizcaino, and first baseman Doug Meintkvkcizkcwhateverthehell. Andy Pettitte still hasn't decided to use his option for 2008 and the Yankees still haven't picked up the team option for outfielder Bobby Abreu. The worst case scenario is upon us Yankees fans.
If Pettitte goes and Clemens retires for the fourth time, the most expierenced pitcher will be Chein-Ming Wang, who last season was a rookie. Jose Molina would be the everyday catcher. Wilson Betimit will be the staring third baseman. Joba Chamberlain may very well be our new closer. This off-season will be a busy one as the free agent market has exploded with talent. Aside from the five Yankees that filed for free agency, Andruw Jones, Johan Santana, Bartolo Colon, and Eric Gagne are projected to file.
The Yankees have enough to fill the position slots, but are in short hand of pitching and catching.
In my opinion: Sign one veteran pitcher that can mentor the younglings, and sign Posada, no matter what deal he asks for. A veteran battery is key to growth and success.
Best case scenario 2008 line-up:
C- Jorge Posada 1B- Doug Meintkvchzivfdh 2B- Robinson Cano 3B- Wilson Betimit SS- Derek Jeter RF- Johnny Damon CF- Melky Cabrera LF- Hideki Matsui DH- Bobby Abreu SP- Chein-Ming Wang SP- Andy Pettitte SP- Phil Hughes SP- Joba Chamberlain SP- Ian Kennedy RP- Kyle Farnsworth CL- Mariano Rivera
Worst case scenario 2008 line-up:
C- Chris Molina 1B- Wilson Betemit 2B- Robinson Cano 3B- Eric Duncan (AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees) SS- Derek Jeter RF- Shelly Duncan CF- Melky Cabrera LF- Hideki Matsui DH- Johnny Damon SP- Random big-name pitcher SP- Chien-Ming Wang SP- Phil Hughes SP- Ian Kennedy SP- Kei Igawa RP- Kyle Farnsworth CL- Joba Chamberlain
The Yankees interviewed Joe Girardi, Don Mattingly, and Tony Pena during the past week to find out who is best suited to replace Joe Torre as manager. Mattingly is still the front runner as he was a coach for the Yankees since November of 2003 and has learned the trade from Torre. Girardi won the 2006 Manager of the Year in his one-year stint with the Marlins and has a possible job offer from the Los Angeles Angels. Tony Pena, who also won Manager of the Year with the Kansas City Royals, was a last minute selection and may replace Mattingly as bench coach if Mattingly is selected.
Game seven of the World Series is November 1 (if necessary), after which, the Yankees will make their announcement.
Alfred Manuel "Billy" Martin (May 16, 1928 – December 25, 1989) was an American second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball who was best known as the manager of the New York Yankees five different times. He won two American League championships and the 1977 World Series as their manager, and led four different AL teams to division championships.
Martin was known for his ability to win with any team, and for arguing animatedly with umpires, including a widely parodied routine in which he kicked dust on their feet, but he was criticized for not getting along with veteran players, burning out young pitchers, and drinking too much.
Derek Sanderson Jeter (born June 26, 1974) is an American Major League Baseball player. Jeter is a seven-time All-Star shortstop and the current captain of the New York Yankees.
Jeter has spent his whole career with the New York Yankees, starting in 1995 when he was 21 years old. He has won the American League Rookie of the Year Award, the All-Star Game MVP Award , the World Series MVP Award, a Silver Slugger Award and three Gold Glove Awards. His .317 career batting average through the 2006 season ranks him with the 6th highest lifetime batting average of all active baseball players. He has been in the top seven in the American League in both hits and runs scored for nine of the past ten years. So far in the 2000s he is second in the major leagues in hits (927), sixth in runs (551), and fifteenth in batting average (.311).
George Herman "Babe" Ruth was an American original, baseball's first great slugger and the most celebrated athlete of his time. The southpaw hurler debuted with the Red Sox, winning 89 games in six years while setting the World Series record for consecutive scoreless innings. "The Sultan of Swat" converted to the outfield full-time after his sale to the Yankees in 1920 and led New York to seven American League pennants and four World Series titles. He finished with 714 home runs, leading the league 12 times, including a remarkable 60 round-trippers in 1927.
Lou Gehrig teamed with Babe Ruth to form baseball's most devastating hitting tandem ever. "The Iron Horse" had 13 consecutive seasons with both 100 runs scored and 100 RBI, averaging 139 runs and 148 RBI; set an American League mark with 184 RBI in 1931; hit a record 23 grand slams; and won the 1934 Triple Crown. His .361 batting average in seven World Series led the Yankees to six titles. A true gentleman and a tragic figure, Gehrig's consecutive games played streak ended at 2,130 when he was felled by a disease that later carried his own name.
Joe DiMaggio is remembered as one of the game's most graceful athletes - a "picture player" both at bat and in center field. Many rate his 56-consecutive-game hitting streak in 1941 as the top baseball feat of all time. "The Yankee Clipper" used an unusually wide stance in winning two batting championships and three MVP awards. In 13 seasons he amassed 361 homers, averaged 118 RBI annually and compiled a .325 lifetime batting mark. At baseball's 1969 Centennial Celebration, he was named the game's greatest living player.
Torre was named manager of the Yankees on November 2, 1995. Though he had never played or managed in the American League, and the New York City press greeted him with headlines such as "Clueless Joe", it was with the Yankees that he enjoyed the greatest success of his managerial career, leading the "Bronx Bombers" to the playoffs in each of his eleven seasons (1996-2006) with the club. In 1996, Torre, building on the Yankees' Wild Card berth in 1995, made his first-ever trip to the Fall Classic, leading the Yankees to their first World Series since 1981, defeating the Braves. After losing to the Cleveland Indians in the AL playoffs in 1997, the team won three straight World Series titles from 1998-2000, and additional American League pennants in 2001 and 2003. On May 12, 2003, he won his 1,500th game.
Mickey Mantle was a star from the start, parlaying a talent for the game and boyish good looks into iconic status. In spite of a series of devastating injuries, Mantle accumulated a long list of impressive accomplishments, finishing his 18-year career with 536 home runs and a .298 batting average. The switch-hitting "Commerce Comet" won three MVP awards (1956, ’57, ’62) and a Triple Crown (1956). He contributed to 12 pennants and seven World Series titles in his first 14 seasons, while establishing numerous World Series records, including most home runs (18).
Perhaps one of the most popular players in major league history, Yogi Berra was also a brilliant catcher and dominant hitter during his 19-year career with the New York Yankees. Berra was named to the American League All-Star team every year from 1948 to 1962. He topped the 100-RBI mark four years in a row and became a three-time American League MVP in a career that featured 14 league pennants and 10 World Series championships. Known for his “Yogi-isms,” Berra has always been a fan favorite. Following his playing career, Yogi continued in baseball as a manager and coach for several teams.
As famed sportswriter Dan Daniel once said, "Bill Dickey isn't just a catcher, he's a ball club." A key performer for the Yankees on eight American League pennant-winners and seven World Series champions, the expert handler of pitchers with the deadly accurate throwing-arm was also a clutch hitter, batting over .300 in 10 of his first 11 full seasons. Known for his durability, he set an American League record by catching 100 or more games 13 years in a row. He finished his 17-year career with a .313 batting average.
Broke Babe Ruth's single-season home run record with 61 in 1961, a record which stood until 1998…Won the AL MVP Award in 1960 and 1961…Holds Al record for most home runs in a season (61 in 1961...Holds or shares AL records for most intentional walks in a game (4) and most homers in a doubleheader (4)…In addition to his 1961 HR title, led the AL in runs, RBI and total bases that year, and, in slugging and RBI in 1960…A four-time All-Star…Won a Gold Glove in the outfield in 1960…Played in seven World Series, winning three rings.
Phil Rizzuto overcame his diminutive size to anchor a Yankees dynasty, helping them win seven of nine World Series during his 13 seasons, not counting three years lost to World War II. "The Scooter" was a durable and deft shortstop, skilled bunter and enthusiastic base runner who compiled a .273 lifetime batting average. A five-time All-Star, Rizzuto was named the American League's MVP in 1950 when he excelled with a .324 average, 200 hits and .439 slugging percentage. Upon retirement, he spent 40 years as a popular Yankees broadcaster.
1970 AL Rookie of the Year…1976 AL MVP, seventh in balloting in '75 and '77… Three Gold Gloves…Seven-time All-Star…Played in the World Series, 1976-78…Hit .529 in the 1976 WS, setting a WS record with six straight hits…Overall, hit .357 with three HR and 22 RBI in 30 post season games… Drove in 100 runs three times and hit .300 five times.
An outstanding fielder, Munson made only one error while behind the plate in 1971 (he was knocked unconscious by a runner, dislodging the ball), and went on to win three straight Gold Glove Awards starting in 1973. A seven-time All-Star, Munson hit 113 home runs, batted in 701 runners, and had a career batting average of .292 over his 10-year career. He was also the first captain named by the Yankees since Lou Gehrig. Munson helped lead his team to three consecutive World Series (1976–78), where he batted a remarkable .373 overall (.339 in the American League Championship Series. From 1975-77, Munson hit .300 or better with 100 or more RBI each year, becoming the first catcher to accomplish the feat in three consecutive years since Yankee Hall of Famer Bill Dickey did it four straight seasons from 1936-39. Since Munson's run, Mike Piazza has also accomplished it (1996-98).
Edward "Whitey" Ford was the big-game pitcher on the great Yankees teams of the 1950s and early '60s, earning him the moniker "Chairman of the Board." The wily southpaw's lifetime record of 236-106 gives him the best winning percentage (.690) of any 20th century pitcher. He paced the American League in victories three times, and in ERA and shutouts twice. The 1961 Cy Young Award winner still holds many World Series records, including 10 wins and 94 strikeouts, once pitching 33 consecutive scoreless innings in the Fall Classic.
Donald Arthur Mattingly (nicknamed "Donnie Baseball" and "The Hit Man") (born April 20, 1961) is a retired first baseman who played for the New York Yankees of the American League from 1982-1995. He is currently Joe Torre's bench coach for the Yankees.
Mattingly grew up in Evansville, Indiana and was one of the nation's top prospects as a high school player at Reitz Memorial High School in 1979, earning a brief write-up in Sports Illustrated magazine. However, most Major League Baseball teams avoided drafting Mattingly, expecting him to attend college before entering professional baseball. Taking a chance, the New York Yankees drafted Mattingly in the 19th round of the 1979 amateur draft and subsequently signed him.
14 seasons (1955-68) primarily as a catcher for the Yankees… Nine consecutive All-Star selections… MVP in 1963, first African American in AL to win it… Hit 20-plus doubles four times, 20-plus homers three times and topped .300 three times…Played 54 games in 10 World Series with five HR and 19 RBI…Won WS MVP in 1958…Two-time Gold Glove winner…Invented the "doughnut" bat weight.
Casey Stengel's distinguished 54-year professional career spanned the era from Christy Mathewson to Mickey Mantle. He batted .284 over 14 seasons in the majors and accounted for both Giant victories in the 1923 World Series by hitting home runs. It was as a colorful and successful manager, though, that he earned Hall of Fame recognition. His feat of guiding the Yankees to 10 pennants and seven world titles in a 12-year span ranks as one of the most remarkable managerial accomplishments of all time.
Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969 in Panama City, Panama) is a relief pitcher for Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. He has the 4th most regular season career saves in Major League history, is the American League career leader, and has won 4 World Series titles with the Yankees. He is the all-time Major League postseason leader in saves and ERA. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera is frequently referred to as the greatest postseason relief pitcher of all time, and is often considered to be the greatest closer in baseball history.
Reggie Jackson earned the nickname "Mr. October" for his World Series heroics with both the A's and Yankees. In 27 Fall Classic games, he amassed 10 home runs - including four in consecutive at-bats - 24 RBI and a .357 batting average. As one of the game's premier power hitters, he blasted 563 career round-trippers. A terrific player in the clutch and an intimidating cleanup hitter, Jackson compiled a lifetime slugging percentage of .490 and earned American League MVP honors in 1973.
Although Guidry won over 20 games three times in his career, he is remembered for having one of the greatest single seasons ever. He was 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA in 1978, won the Cy Young Award unanimously, and finished second to Boston's Jim Rice in AL MVP voting. Guidry set club records that year in strikeouts (248) and consecutive wins at the start of a season (13). He called his Yankee-record 18 strikeouts against California on June 17 of that season "perhaps my greatest single thrill." He started the AL East playoff game on October 2, 1978 against Boston and won 5-4 in what was "probably the most tension-packed game I ever played in." Guidry was named TSN Player of the Year and Man of the Year and the Associated Press 's Male Athlete of the Year, and he made every all-star team. His nine shutouts tied Babe Ruth's AL record for a lefthander.
During the 1970s, Yankee management made a policy of acquiring pitchers through trades and free agent signings. As a result, Guidry did not find a regular place in the Yankee rotation until 1977, when he was 26 years old. Even then, there were those who felt that the 5'11" 160-lb lefty was too small to pitch effectively and last in the major leagues. Guidry dispelled the notion by going 16-7 that year and perfecting the wicked slider that became his bread and butter pitch. He went on to lead the majors in victories from 1977 through 1987 with 168, posting records of 18-8 (1979), 21-9 (1983), and 22-6 (1985). He is fourth on the all-time Yankee victory list (170), second in strikeouts (1,778), sixth in games and innings, and tied for sixth in shutouts (26). Guidry compiled a 5-2 postseason record, 3-1 in World Series play.
Bernabé "Bernie" Williams Figueroa (born September 13, 1968, in San Juan, Puerto Rico) is an outfielder for the New York Yankees and a guitar-playing jazz recording artist.
A switch hitter, Williams has played his entire career (1991-present) with the New York Yankees.
As of December 2006, he is 9th of all active players lifetime in doubles (449), and 10th in runs scored (1,366), singles (1,545), and times on base (3,444). He is Major League Baseball's all-time leader in postseason home runs (22) and runs batted in (80). He trails only Lou Gehrig's 534 for lifetime doubles as a Yankee. His batting average through 2006 is 16 points higher against lefties than against righties.
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Posted by Steve Kenul at 8:33 PM
4 Heckles
Jorge Posada will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder.
For everyone who thought Joba moving out of the bullpen was a bad idea, smack yourself in the face. Even me.
A new baseball season dawns on us, and with that comes new games.
Kokoyaku
