Thursday, April 30, 2009

A-Rod new allegations and return expected May 10

A-Rod went 1-6 with a home run and two walks in his first rehab game since March 9th. He also ran the bases at half speed and reported no setbacks. He is ahead of schedule and the Yankees expect he back before May 15 most likely the 10 th. There is also new allegations in a book being released on May 12th by Selna Roberts. Roberts is the one who broke the story about A-Rod failing a drug test in 2003. A-Rod in January admit to taking steroids with Texas but not since he joined the Yankees. The new concerns are A-Rod was taking steroids in high school according to a former teammate. There are also two sources within the Yankees, claiming he was taking something. The weird one was A-Rod tipping signals to the opposing team in blow out games. None of these sources are confirmed and are only clips out of the book "A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez" .

Joba strong in yankees 8-6 win over Tigers

Joba Chamberlin was impressive last night in his outing against the detroit Tigers. Joba tossed over seven innings giving up one run and stiking out 6. "I just decided to trust my stuff" Cahmberlin said. He also hit 96 a the radar gun and was around 92 93 all night long. This was by far his most impressive outing this year. This win should make the Yankees fell good about ending the road trip stong after a dismal start. They are starting to put big innings together, as they did tonight and last night.

The youth movement is finally starting to show us something with Hughes, Mark Melancon and Joba Chamberlin pitching well. But before everyone gets excited, consistency needs to be seen. One constant lately his been Nick Swisher who homered from both sides of the plate and has three homers in the last two games.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Hughes impressive in Yankees win

Phil Hughes did it exactly what the Yankees had hoped Tuesday night. Hughes was impressive going 6 innings of 2 hit ball walking 2 and striking out 6. Hughes would have probably would have pitched the 7th if the Yankees hadn't put a ten spot in the top of the 7th. The knock on Hughes last year was his inability to get movement on his fastball, which was not the case Tuesday night. The Yankees finally got back in the win column winning 11-0 with a much needed win. The Yankees could have an interesting problem in the near future if Phil Hughes continues to pitch well and the Yankees figure out Wang issues. If Wang returns the Yankees might consider moving Joba Chamberlin back to the bullpen. But time will tell with this scenario.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

C.C. tosses complete game, still not enough

C.C. Sabithia turned in his best outing so far this year, but it still wasn't enough. Jason Verlander was even better beating the Yankees 4-2. C.C. struck out seven and only threw 99 pitches a far cry from his previous four starts. The story of this game was Jason Verlander who was the best that several Yankees had seen him. Bottom line is the Yankees have now lost four in a row.

Phil Hughes will look to right the ship making his first start of the year in place of Chien-Ming Wang. Hughes has been impressive in Scranton with a record of 3-0 and 1.86 era. Hughes has a lot to prove since struggling last year and his chance comes tonight.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Yankees swept by Boston

The Yankees went into Boston Friday thinking they were playing good baseball , they left Boston shaking their heads. The frustrations peaked Sunday night when Jacob Ellsbury straight out stole home in the the fifth inning. "There's no doubt its frustrating" Pettite said. The Yankees couldn't do anything right either holding leads or getting key hits. This is the second time someone has stole home on Pettite. The last time was back in was by Toronto May 29, 2007 where Aaron Hill did it. Pettite went into his windup and Jacoby took of with a running lead and just beat the throw.

Robinson Cano extended his hitting steak to 13 games, and Mark Melancon made his major league debut throwing two scoreless innings. The only bright spot was that Melancon was able to get out of bases loaded jam with no one out and did not allow a run.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Yankees blow lead three times losing 16-11

It started out good up 6-0 going into the bottom of the fourth with A.J. Burnett throwing strikes. But the Red Sox were able to do something that the Yankees could not do, that was drive in runs with runners in scoring position. Jason Varitek hit a grand slam in the fourth to make it 6-5 and the Boston tacked on three more in the next inning to make it 8-6. Mike Lowell hit a three run homer just inside the left field foul pole. The Yankee bullpen could simply not get a big out when they needed to. The bullpen is toast right know and they need a huge game from Andy Pettite Sunday night. Robinson Cano had a good game hitting two homers and Johnny Damon homered for the Yankees.

In other Yankees news Phil Hughes will get the start Tuesday night in Detroit in place of Chien-Ming Wang who is currently on the disabled list. Brain Bruney is also on the 15 DL with an elbow soreness. Cody Ransom was put on the 60- day DL with a quad injury. Every team goes through injuries each season as the Yankees have seen a lot so far this season.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Youklis Boom Lifts Sox in 11th 5-4

It had never should have got to this point. Joba Cahamberlin grinded out 5 plus innings with low velocity on his fast fastball only hitting 90-91. He was able to turn 4 double plays to get him and
Yankees out of trouble and kept the Yankees in the game leaveing with the game tied 2-2. The Yankees batters went 4-19 with runners in scoring position this was the main reason for lose.
Joe Giradi decide to do something he said he would not do this season use Mariano for more than one inning. With Brian Bruney going back to New York to have his elbow checked out because of soreness. We all know that Mo is the best but he is never as good as he is when he pitches the first inning and something happens in the second inning. Tonight was no exception Jason Bay hit a game tying 2 run homer with 2 out to tie the game at 4-4. You knew the Yankees would be in trouble after loading the bases in the top of 9th with none out and didn't score. Damaso Matre looked the best he has since the Yankees picked him up . He was showing a lot more intensity and made one bad pitch to Kevin Youklis who deposited it on Landsown street.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Yankees and Red Sox set to clash again

Here we go a again, They haven't even got into town already and there is a controversy. Big Papi has already stuck his foot in his mouth regarding Joba Chamberlin. His comment was that Joba should not think about throwing inside and high because it will hurt his reputation around the league as being a bad guy. Big Papi why don't you be quiet and worry about getting swing back on track. The Red Sox have out numbered the Yankees 3-1 in hitting batters. So we will see how this drama plays out tonight when Joba faces John Lester at Fenway. I will be curious to see what happens if the Yankees are up late in the game. There is another story line here regarding Mark Teixeira. Boston had highly pursued him until the Yankees stepped in out of no where and stole him from the Red Sox. " I expect to be boo loudly" Teixeira said . Look for the Yankees and Red Sox to play high intensity baseball 19 times starting. Let the games begin.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Melky's walk off carries Yankees

It took 14 innings and 9 runs, but the Yankees got the job done beating the Oakland A's 9-7.
They have won 3 in a row, improve to 9-6 and now hit the road for Boston. Melky Cabrera with a 2 run homer in the bottom of the 14 inning gave the Yankees the win. It was a game the Yankees should have deserved to lose the game when they loaded bases in the bottom of the 7th with none out and didn't score. Sabathia struggled throughout pitching 6.1 innings and only 2 so , 7 runs , 6 earned runs. The bullpen really did there jobs today, especially Jose Veras who tossed three scoreless innings for the win.

The long ball was at it again today with Jeter going deep to center, Matsi deep to right, and Melky's first of two homers into the Yankee Bullpen. Melky Cabrera got the start today in place of Brett Gardner and had a big day hitting 2 homers and 3 RBI'S.

The Yankees now move on to Boston for a three game series starting on Friday. Joba Chamberlin will get the start against John Lester at 7:05 pm.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Gardner and Damon carry Yanks to 5-3 win

Brett Gardner set the tone early with a spectacular catch off the Jason Gamibi that ultimately saved a run. The Gardner took it to the plate with a drawn in infield single to right scoring Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead. Johnny Damon then singled to center scoring Bret Gardner to make it 3-0. Jeter to third on the play. Damon out while trying to strecth it out to second. Mark Teixeira singles to left on a shattered bat to make it 4-0. In the sixth inning Damon hit a solo homer to the second deck in right to make it 5-2.

Andy Pettite wasn't great and had to grind it out ongoing 7 innings, 9 hits, 2 runs, o so and bb. The Yankees made some defensive plays that really helped Pettite out. Brain Bruney worked the 7th inning giving up a run on two hits. Mariano Rivera entered the game in the 9th with a 5-3 lead and gave a up a hit and recorded his 4th save. The Yankees have know won 2 in a row and climb to 8-6.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Yankees review after 13 games

Well they have played 13 games and they are 7-6, ther have been some really ugly games and some good ones. These Yankees are better then a 1 game above .500 record. So with last nights rainout, lets take a look at the good the bad and the ugly.

Lets start with the starting pitching. The Bright spot has been A.j. Burnett and Andy Pettite. There is big concern with Chein-Ming Wang and his 34.50 era. They will skip his next start in Boston on Friday and with yesterdays rain out will not effect the rotation until next week. Look for him to work out his problems soon or you'll be seeing Phil Hughes.

The bullpen has been good and bad at times. The bright spots have been Brain Brunney, Jonthan Albaladejo, Marino Rivera. The bad have been Jose veras, Damaso Marte these two have been the main ignitors of bullpen explosions. Look for fill Coke to be t he go to left handed specialist.

The lineup has O.K. considering injuries to Nady, A-rod, and Matsui. The Yankees will miss Nady's bat and depth in the outfield. They also need to hope A-rod will come fully recovered from hip surgery. There also needs to be some decisions made on Matsui on his cranky knee. Bret Gardner is a work in progress and Cody Ransom has struggled at the plate. Look for Nick Swisher to cool off like he has started to do. If hit could hit around .290 I think they'll take it.
Also expect Cano to have a big year which he setting up to have.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Yankees concerned with Wang, Marte and the ballpark.

Maybe its the 3 month plus layoff last year that has contributed to Chien-Ming Wang poor start this year. Could it be arm strength maybe ? Expect the Yankees to some way put Wang on the DL for some reason. They'll send him down to the minors and work out the issues. Look for the Yankees to call up Phil Hughes to start for the big club.

Another big problem is Damaso Marte has been horrible, he was brought back to get left handed hitters out which has not happen. The knock on Marte from around the league is great stuff, but cant handle the pressure. This could be another Cashman mistake with the bullpen.

The next problem is why there have been so many home runs in the new stadium. There have been 2o home runs in the last 4 games 14 of them to right field. This is something the Yankees do not want, they want authentic baseball not a circus.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Yankees bounce back 7-3 over Indians

It was shaping up to be another bad day for the Yankees. Carl Pavano of all people just had pitched 6 good innings against his former team and left the game with a 2 run lead. In the 7th inning Matsui singled and Robinson Cano scored to make it 3-2, Jorge Posada pinching hitting for Jose Molina homers to right with Cody Ransom on base on a conversely call that was reviewed. The Ball was touched by a fan than hit the top of wall then bounced back in field of play. The ruling was based on the trajectory of the ball. This put the Yankees ahead in the game 4-3 . In the 8 th Cody Ransom doubled down the left field line that cleared the bases and gave the Yankees some breathing room.

A.j. Burnett pitched 6.1 innings walked 7 and gave up 2 home runs before being relived by Jonthan Albaladejo in the 7th. Brain Bruney and Marino Rivera closed it out of the Yankees.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Wang and Yankees lite up again 22- 4

After the first inning it looked like the Yankees had worked out the problems with Chein-Ming Wang. But in the top of the second he exploded giving up a 3-run homer, a 2-run double for a total of 8 runs and 8 hits in 1.1 innings pitched. Rookie Anthony Claggett was called up before the game for a fresh arm wasn't any better going 1.2 innings allowing 8 runs, 2 of them were homers. Edwar Ramierz was been worked a lot lately, pitch 2 innings allowing 4 runs. Jose Veras went 3 innings just allowing a solo homer. Damiso Mart who has also been bad lately pitched 1 inning giving up a run on 4 hits. The Yankees will need to fix whatever is wrong with Wang before his next start on Friday in Boston. Will they skip his start ? stay tuned.

The only bright spots today were Mark Teixeira and Melky Cabera both hitting 2 run homers.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Five different yanks homer in 6-5 win

Derek Jeter did it again with his late inning heroics, this time a solo shot to right with two outs in the bottom of the 8th giving the Yankees a 6-5 lead. Damon and Teixeira homered back to back in the third inning. Melky Cabera joined the party in the fourth inning. Robinson Cano led of the sixth with a solo shot. Joba Chamberlin struggled with command all day allowing 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings, walked 5 , striking out 4. But the bullpen was able to hold Cleveland in check the rest of the way. Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth struggled a little bit, but prevailed with the save.

The wide known problem of the Yankees high ticket prices was never more evident today, with block of seats near the field empty. But if you looked in the upper deck full, left field bleacher full, right field bleachers full. I don't think the Yankees will want to keep those seats empty or will they ?

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Cleveland spoils Yankees Home Opener

The Yankees opened their new stadium today with class and paying respects to the past. The Yankees even went as far as bring the original bat that Babe Ruth used when he hit the first home run in the original Yankee stadium. They lay ed the bat across home plate as Derek Jeter walked up to the plate and stepped into the batters box to lead off the bottom of the 1st. The Yankees also called on past members of years gone by. Such players as Bernie Williams, Paul Oneil, Dave Winfield just to name a few and of course Yogi Berra. Bernie also did a very cool version of "take me out to the ball game" on acoustic guitar standing in centerfield. C.C. Sabithia wasn't great but good enough for six innings giving up 1 run. The bullpen was were the game exploded for the yanks in the 7th. They gave up 9 runs to be exact with Jose Veras, Damaso Marte causing the most damage. On the bright side Robinson Cano went 3-4 and Jorge Posada hit the first home run in the new Yankee stadium.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Burnett strong again yanks win 7-2

A.j. Burnett picked up Chein-Ming Wang again. Burnett gave the Yankees exactly what they needed a solid 8 innings, 9 strike outs, 3 hits and 1 walk. He did give up 2 runs after after Evan Longoria single to left. But was able to pitch out of trouble in the 7th. The Yankees quickly got the the lead back in the top of 8th. Gardner doubles, moved to 3rd on Jeters single, Gardner scored on Teixiera's Sac fly. Gardner added a ground rule RBI double in the 8th along with Derek Jeter hitting a 3 run homer to put it away. Nick Swisher continues to be hot going 2-4 with another homer a solo shot. Brian Bruney pitched a 1-2-3 ninth striking out the side. The Yankees may have played their most complete game this season.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Wang and Yankees terrible in 15-5 loss to Rays

Chein-Ming Wang was no better then his last outing. Even with the the mechanics that were adjusted. In 2 starts this season his combined numbers are 4 2/3 in, 15 h, 15 runs with ERA of 28.93 . The Yankees offense is also struggling missing A-rod, Teixiera, and Cody Ransom only has 2 hits this season. Phil Coke made his first appearance since his last poor outing and wasn't any better. His Problem was throwing strikes out of the stretch position. On a positive note Nick Swisher homered again his 3 and actually pitched the ninth. Not giving up a run and striking 1 for the Yankees.

Monday, April 13, 2009

A-Rod back on the field in Tampa

As expected Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez retook the field today for full baseball activities. He was quoted as saying that it will take about 7-10 days to get in game shape.
On the field for almost an hour taking some grounders and hitting softly off a tee. Peter Abraham reported that Alex said that the time he spent in Colorado gave him time to think that he has recommitted himself to baseball and the Yankees and plans to have “tunnel vision.” I’m sure the Yankees will be thrilled to hear the highest-paid player in baseball wasn’t fully committed to baseball before. But at least Alex is admitting his mistakes .

But as we all know with A-rod this wont be the first time his words will cause a stir and it won't be the last. The question will be when will it happen again? And for what reason.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Cano's quick start opens Yankees eyes

Robinson Cano in 2008 was horrible, swinging at pitches out of the strike zone and had no idea what was going on at the plate. This also translated into defensive lapses that you just shook your head at. Joe Giraidi decided to bench him to send a message, and the message might have been received. Since the benching he finished the 2008 campaign strong, add in a strong fall league and spring training and you might be seeing the beginnings of something special. Kevin Long has been working with him on closing his batting stance and taking more pitches. He has walked 4 times already in which it means he is being more patient at the plate. Time will tell when pitchers start to make adjustments then we'll see. But for now its a step in the right direction for Cano and the Yankees.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Yankees beat Royals 4-1. Vintage Pettitte

Andy Pettitte wanted to pitch really bad for the Yankees this year by excepting a bonus filled 5.5 million contact after initially balking at the Yankees first offer which was significantly higher.
Pettitte took the first step in proving last years poor finish was a fluke. Pettitte pitched 7 strong innings striking out 6, allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run. Brian Bruney and Mariano Rivera pitched the final 2 perfect innings. At the plate Posada had a 2 RBI single in the first and Nick Swisher had a RBI double in the fourth. The Yankees added another run in the fourth on Derek Jeter fielder choice . The Yankees are now 2-2 after starting the season 0-2. Joba Chamberlin will make his first start of the year on Saturday.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Wang struggles Yankees lose again

Chein-Ming Wang walked off the field June 15th last year with a injury. This time another problem. Not an injury, but a mechanics issue. Giving up 7 runs in 3 2/3 innings were Wang never settled in or could locate his slider. " He probably threw a handful of good sinkers, and that about it," Joe Girardi said. The bullpen was solid Edwar Ramirez, Jonthan Albaladejo, Jose Veras held Baltimore in check. The Yankees tried to rally in the ninth with Derek Jeter hitting a 2 run home run and Mark Teixeira got his first hit and RBI doubling in the ninth to get the monkey off his back. The bottom line when falling behind early most times you will lose, as did the Yankees 7-5

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Yanks look to turn the page

After the Yankees lost the season opener 10-5 on Monday, the thought was to get right back to it. But with Tuesday being a off day, they were still able to take their minds off Mondays sub par performance with a tour of the White House by VP Joe Bideon. The VP was more than willing to
after throwing out the first pitch on Monday. The Yankees get back to action on Wednesday with Chien-Ming Wang making his first start of the year after missing most of last year when he was hurt running the bases on June 15 in Houston.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Yankees lose 2009 opener to Orioles 10-5

The Yankees invested a chuck of change in C.C. Sabithia and Mark Teixeiara to solve the Yankees problems that they had in 2008. C.C. struggled throughout his first start by not controlling his fast ball and was in and out of trouble all day. His line for the day was 4.1 ip, 8h, 6r, 6er, 0so not what the Yankees were hoping for. Mark Teixeira wasn't much better going 0-4 orbi not a good beginning when you not producing in key spots. Several bright spots for the Yankees today were that Posada and Matsui both homered. Bret Gardner had a good day going 1-3 1r, doing exactly what the Yankees want to see. C.C. and Teixeira have been known to be slow starters, so it will take time to see whether the chunk of change will be worth it. My guess is it will be.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

A-Rod ahead of schedule ?

The NY Post according to a source is reporting that the Yankees may have A-rod back in late April, not the middle of May as previously reported. " I'm currently at 70% " A-rod has reported.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Comming Soon

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