June 2009

Memo to Girardi: How About Sticking Your Pitchers Into the 9th Slot of the Line-up Everyday?!

Here's what is happening in the top of the 2nd:
  • Melky Cabrera singles and goes to second on an error.
  • Frankie Cervelli strikes out.
  • Ramiro Pena hits an RBI double.
  • CC Sabathia, yes CC Sabathia, hits an RBI single.
  • Brett Gardner singles... Sabathia to second.
  • Johnny Damon reaches on force attempt... Thanks to an error no one is out.  Sabathia scores, Gardner goes to third, and Damon goes to second.
  • Mark Teixeira reaches on fielding error (yes, it's the third one in this inning). Gardner scores and Damon goes to third.
  • Alex Rodriguez walks.  Bases loaded.
  • Robbie Cano pops up to Luis Castillo who drops it catches it.  2 outs.
  • Cabrera grounds out ending the possibility of more runs.  4-0 Yankees after 1 1/2 innings.

From Yankees to Reds to Mets to Reds to Pirates to White Sox to Carp

Andy Phillips continues to search for some baseball success by signing a one-year deal with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, in Japan.

He'll be joining former Yankee, Jim Brower.  Before his career with the Yankees began, Alfonso Soriano was also a Carp.  

Anywho, I wish the best of luck to Andy.  Hope to see him come back to MLB in the future.

Happy Birthday Derek Jeter!

Today, the best shortstop in baseball turns 35.

OMG, he's getting old...

But, we still love him.

Cody Ransom is BACK!!

Ransom hit a two-run double to give the Yankees an 8-1 lead over the Braves.  It was his second hit of the game.

Wonder what Angel Berroa is thinking...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PHIL HUGHES

My favorite Yankee is turning 23 today.

Happy Birthday Phil Franchise!!!

Also...

Congrats to Cody Ransom who should be activated off the 60-day DL today.  Either Ramiro Pena or Angel Berroa is the odd man out.  (Hopefully, it's Berroa.)

And...

CONGRATULATIONS to the Tolland High School Graduating Senior Class of 2009... we're finally graduating tonight!!

Update 3:40: Yup, Ransom is back.  

Congratulations to Lucas Glover!!!

Lucas Glover, despite all the rain, won the US Open today.  Congrats to him.

Oh yeah, he's a Yankees fan too.  

 Yankee Notes (from PA of course):

  •  Xavier Nady will be starting a rehab assignment with the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
  •  Abraham also had some ideas of how the Yankees could improve their team now...

"More Brett Gardner: The Little G is 15 of his last 43 and has his batting average up to .284 with a .358 OBP. Melky Cabrera is 12 of 62 since his shoulder injury in Texas. He is down to .282 with a .340 OBP. Melky has more power and should play his share. But Gardner could add the energy the Yankees have lacked lately and is a superior defender."

My thoughts: I agree. Gardner gives the Yankees a little more 'spark' and 'spunk' with his speed and versatility.

"More Dave Robertson: He has 23 strikeouts in 14.2 innings (59 in 45 career innings) and deserves more late-inning, high-leverage opportunities. Joe Girardi is in love with Phil Coke and that is going to come back to bite him someday soon."

My thoughts: Obviously, I agree.  Yes, Robertson gave up some runs yesterday, but he does deserve to have more opportunities in close games.  The guy has earned it.  Regarding Coke, is he Girardi's version of Scott Proctor? (With the exception that Coke is a more consistent pitcher.)

"Release Angel Berroa: Is this guy actually going to play once a week when A-Rod rests? Ramiro Pena is not much of an offensive player, but he can play defense and add a little small ball from the No. 9 spot."

My thoughts: When Berroa does play (which seems like once in a blue moon), he makes Wilson Betemit look like an All-Star.  G2G, Angel.    

"Call up Selley Duncan or John Rodriguez: Shelley is at .294/.369/.628 for Scraton. J-Rod is at .292/.377/.521. Wouldn't they more more helpful than Berroa? How could they not be, especially in the National League parks over the next six games?

My thoughts: More helpful than Berroa?! Heck, with those numbers, they are (offensively) an upgrade over Pena.  However,  I'm not convinced that Duncan is a major league material.  Based on his previous ML appearances, he seems more like a AAAA-type player.  I don't know much about Rodriguez to give my opinion(s).

"Release Brett Tomko/Call up somebody else: Mark Melancon, Anthony Claggett, Zack Kroenke, there has to be somebody in Scranton who would be better. As Tomko himself said yesterday, everything he's throwing is getting his lately."

My thoughts: When a player admits that he is 'struggling' it's not a good sign.  Anybody in Scranton is better than Tomko at this point.

"Move Swisher up: Yes, Nick Swisher is an adventure in the outfield, but his 132 OPS+ is second on the team to Mark Teixeira. It's a waste to bat him seventh or eighth, which he has 20 times. Second or sixth would be better."

My thoughts: Swisher is an adventure in the outfield? Aren't they all? Regarding his moving him up in the line up: batting him sixth would make more sense than seventh, eighth, or second. 

And (of course) my favorite...

"More Phil Hughes: If they are going to use him in the bullpen, then use him in the bullpen. Let him pitch when it's 2-1 in the eighth inning, not when they're down by a few runs. If he is not going to be used in vital situations, be might as well be starting in Scranton.

My thoughts: I agree 110%. I'm guessing his lack of 'important' appearance has something to do with Girardi's love for Coke.  Hughes is too good to only pitch in games in which the Yankees are losing.

AA is in for CC... (Yankees @ Marlins)

...and it's only the 2nd inning.

Update 6:36: CC left with tightness in his biceps. However, Alfredo Aceves has been impressive. Through 2.2 innings he has given up one hit and has struck out 2 batters.  Meanwhile, a Mark Teixeira RBI double and an Alex Rodriguez 2-run single gives the ill-fated* Yankees a 3-1 lead over the Marlins.

Update 6:41: Brett Tomko in for Aceves.  Aceves outing was mentioned above.

Update 6:43: If you thought that the 109th US Open had a lot of rain, check out the SWB Yankees' rain problems. 

Update 6:46: From Pete Abraham: "...Phil Hughes is now part of the bridge to Mo. Girardi said today they still consider him a starter long terms but they love the work he has done in the bullpen."

Hughes pitched a perfect 8th inning, with 2 strike outs, yesterday.

Update 6:48: Tomko's 5th: strikeout, single, strikeout, homer, fly out.  Score tied at 3.

Update 6:54: I was thinking: I don't know if I like Hughes has 'part of the bridge to Mo.' If he's pitching an inning or two every two or three games, it's going to take awhile for him to get the arm strength back to start again (whether that's this year or next). On the other hand, he's been pretty damn good in the 'pen.  

Update 6:56: Mr. Kate Hudson, Robinson Cano, and Jorge Posada go down 1-2-3.

Update 6:58: Here's the breakdown on the number of appearance for Yankee relievers (as well has my thoughts.):

(Doesn't include today's game)

Phil Coke - 31 Games - I'm thinking he's Girardi version of Scott Proctor, except Coke pitches pretty consistently.
Mariano Rivera - 27 - He's Mo...
Jose Veras - 25 - He had a lot of opportunities to prove himself, but most of the time didn't take advantage.  Therefore, he was DFA'd.
Jonathan Albaladejo - 18 - Hmmm... don't really now what to say about Alba.  Inconsistent?!
Alfredo Aceves - 16 - Mr. Reliable
Edwar Ramirez - 15 - Girardi & Co. was finally wise enough to send him packing to AAA for the time being.  When he's good he's filthy but when he's bad, he's 110% awful.  He should be able to works things out in Scranton.
David Robertson - 15 - Mr. Overlooked... Mr. He-hasn't-pitched-in-a-meaningful-game-but-deserves-to... Hey, he can get wins with throwing only one pitch. Mhmm... he's done it twice.
Brian Bruney - 12 - He's back!!!!!!!!!
Brett Tomko - 10 - He should GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Damaso Marte - 7 - He's injured.  But don't thank the Yankees, thank the WBC.
Phil Hughes - 5 - Solid addition to the pen.
Mark Melancon - 4 - Still needs more big league experience for me to evaluate.
Chien-Ming Wang - 3 - We all know his story.
Anthony Claggett - 1 - His one outing was not memorable for him, the Yankees, or the fans.
Nick Swisher - 1 - Sorry, Swish, but you don't count.  
Steven Jackson - 0 - The poor guy.  He spends (what seems like) at least two weeks on the big league roster, but never ever appears in a game.

Update 7:02: Cody Ross give the Marlins the lead with a solo homer.  Tomko's ERA is now at 6.28.  Yikes.  

Update 7:13: Another 1-2-3 inning for the Yankees.  Coke in for Tomko.

Update 7:17: Check out what Alberto Gonzalez has been doing with the Nationals.  My favorite line: "'Everything's OK with Anderson [Hernandez],' the manager said. 'Everything is just very good with Alberto right now.'"

Update 7:21: The bullpen is getting their fair share of work, as Mr. He-hasn't-pitched-in-a-meaningful-game-but-deserves-to relieves Coke.

Update 7:30: Strikeout and a walk for Robertson in the 7th... two on with two outs.

Update 7:31: Crap.  I jinxed him.  6-3 Marlins has Robertson gives up a 2-run single.  However, he's only credited with one earned run as Melky Cabrera had a throwing error.

Update 7:36: Robertson strike outs Dan Uggla for the last out in the 7th.

Update 7:40: I didn't see Melky's throw but according to Pete Abraham it was "a terrible throw by Melky and could keep the Yankees from coming back."

But you never know.  Baseball is a weird sport.

My Thoughts On Scott Proctor

When Scott Proctor was a Yankee, he was one of my favorites.  Unlike most Yankee fans, I always enjoyed watching him pitch, even if he was a bit inconsistent.  The day Scott got is first career save (in 2006 against the Orioles) was a day that I, for some reason, will never ever forget.  And then you also have the games where he'll walk in the game-winning run, recording another loss, yet again.  However, no matter how terrible he did, I was always a loyal fan.  (Kind of like now, when it comes to Phil Hughes and David Robertson.)  I had mixed feelings when it came to Joe Torre's abuse to Scott.  Part of me was 'happy' that I had another opportunity to see one of my favorite Yankees pitch, but another part of me was frustrated with Torre's overuse of the reliever.  When the Yankees traded Scott for some guy named, Wilson Betemit, I was sure it was because of Proctor's inconsistency and the apparent need for an utility infielder.  I had absolutely no idea that it had to do with his off-field decisions. (It does make sense now, when I think about it.) But because I had no idea about his drinking problems and other off-field activities, I was more than devastated when I heard about the trade in July of 2007.  I slowly got over it with new(er) additions to the bullpen: Hughes, Robertson, and even Edwar Ramirez (when he was filthy).  I would cringe every time I read about Scott's reunion in LA with Torre and wondered, why is the guy not injured yet.  I would later hear that sometime in the 2008 season, Scott would go on the DL for (only) the first time because of an injured arm.  Later on, he had some sort of elbow surgery (not Tommy John) and signed with the Marlins in the 2008-2009 off-season.  As he was preparing to start a brand new season with a team close to his family, his elbow started to give him problems yet again.  This time, he went for TJ surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.  During this time, Scott has announced that he is working on his problem and hopes to be a healthy, weathly, and wise pitcher come Spring Training 2010.  What caught me off guard was the he wants to return to the Bronx.  (He loves the pressure, the organization, etc.) But what caught be more off guard was that I want him to come back.  It has nothing to do with the current Yankee bullpen, I just think that maybe Joe Girardi would approach him differently than Torre did.  Scott's rejoining the Yankees may never ever happen, but there's a small chance that it might.  The fact that Scott has spoken out about his past decisions and is getting help should tell Yankee (and baseball) fans that, maybe, we should give him a break.  Maybe he did start drinking because of Torre, or maybe it had nothing to do with baseball at all.  Whatever the reason is, he's trying to come back and rejuvenate into a brand new pitcher.  I think that we should all give him that chance.  With that, I wish Scott the best of luck to both recoveries.  I hope to see him back on the mound (whether that's with the Yankees or not) by next year's Spring Training.

GOOD LUCK SCOTT!!  

Am I the Only One Who Didn't Realize Scott Proctor Was an Alcoholic?!

Source #1

I'm not exactly sure what to think regarding his past.
I'm not exactly sure what to think regarding his future (and his desire to rejoin the Yankees).

Saturday's Random Stuff

A bunch a random stuff that I thought I would share with you all...

  • I'm a member of Tolland High School's Class of 2009.  Our graduation is Wednesday.  This song should definitely be played at the ceremony.  As well as this.
  • Tiger Woods is NOT leading the 109th US Open.  In fact, he's 11 shots off the lead.  
  • Check out this talented minor-leaguer.  I wonder how many Major Leaguers could do that.
  • Derek Jeter's double in the first inning yesterday was career #424.  That tied him with some guy named Babe Ruth for 4th place in Yankee history.
  • Here is a team photo of my second favorite sports team.  Check out Eric Duncan and Shelley Duncan's height difference.
  • According to Peter Abraham Chad Jennings, Cody Ransom's (remember him?!) rehab assignment ends on Tuesday.  This is also the 60th day of his time on the, well, 60-day DL. There is a possibility that he will be activated to the big league roster on Wednesday.
  • Tom Boorstein and I share the same views of David Robertson's current role in the bullpen.
  • AL East Standings:
Boston 40-27 .597 --
New York 38-29 .567 2 GB
Toronto 37-32 .536 4 GB
Tampa Bay 35-34 6 GB
Baltimore 30-37 10 GB

  • AL Wild Card Standings:
New York 38-29 .567 --
Los Angeles 36-29 .554 1 GB
Toronto 37-32 .536 2 GB
Minnesota 35-34 .507 4 GB
Tampa Bay 35-34 .507 4 GB
Seattle 33-34 .493 5 GB
Chicago 31-36 .463 7 GB
Baltimore 30-37 .448 8 GB
Kansas City 29-37 .439 8.5 GB
Oakland 29-37 .439 8.5 GB
Cleveland 29-40 .420 10 GB

That's it for now.  Yankees play tonight against Florida.  AJ Burnett against Josh Johnson.

#8 and #9 Hitters Helping the Cause

Angel Berroa and Andy Pettitte both have RBI doubles and each has scored a run.  

Berroa average is at an amazing .167 while Pettitte is at 1.000.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have had 9 hits through three innings.

Yankees lead the Marlins 5-1.

Brett Gardner Answers Brian Cashman's Cruel Words With Catch and Collision

Brett Gardner is two-for-two.  A few days ago, Brett did this.  Yesterday, he made a pretty good catch out in center field only to be carted off the field when he crashed into the wall.  

Don't worry, Brett's okay.

Brett Gardner Answers Brian Cashman's Cruel Words With Two Stolen Bases

Earlier today, Peter Abraham said:

"Cashman said the team is better with Cabrera in center and Swisher in right. Not with Brett Gardner in the lineup."

Even though Brett didn't start today, he sure gave the Yankees a great chance to win in the ninth.  With the Yankees down 3-2, he pinch-ran for Mark Teixeira and quickly stole both second and third (SBs #13 and #14).  Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano both had opportunities to knock this tying run in.  A-Rod walked but Cano grounded into a game-ending DP.  

I still think that Brett should get some 'love' for his base running.  

He, the fastest player on the Yankees, was on third with less than two outs... 

90 feet away from home...

Robbie Cano ruined it. 

Interesting Thought...

Via Peter Abraham:

"...they [Yankees] can't hit Fernando Nieve. They crush Johan Santana and then they can't hit Shairon Martis? That makes sense."

Update 9:14: Apparently they can hit off of ex-Yankee, Ron Villone. A Johnny Damon single and a Mark Teixeira double tie the score.

Update 9:17: I think it's pretty funny that sometimes the Yankees seem to have no offense whatsoever against a starting pitcher but the minute a reliever comes in, they shoot for the moon.  4-3 Yankees as Robinson Cano doubles.

Update 9:24: Ramiro Pena is in for Derek Jeter at shortstop.  Uh oh...

Update 9:28: Brian Bruney in for CC Sabathia.

Update 9:29: I have to admit it's seems strange to see both Ramiro Pena and Alberto Gonzalez playing the same position, in the same game, at the new Yankee Stadium.

Update 9:33: BB relieves CC by getting Ryan Zimmerman to ground out.

WELCOME BACK BRUNEY!! (We missed ya!)

Update 9:37: Jeter left the game with left ankle stiffness.

Update 9:38: Hideki Matsui works a four-pitch walk and then is replaced by Brett Gardner who promtly does was he does best: steals second.  It's his 12th SB of the season.  He's second on the team behind Jeter (13).

Update 9:44: Melky Cabrera walks.  First and third with one out.

Update 9:46: Alberto who?! Derek who?! Pena hits an RBI single scoring Brett Gardner.  Pitching change for the Nationals... 5-3 Yankees.

Update 9:48: Mike MacDougal had a totally productive outing: two walks, single, stolen base, and a run scored.  And this is against Matusi, Gardner, Cabera, and Pena... wow...

Update 9:51: First and third (again) with two outs.  Tex is up.

Update 9:55: Tex is out.

Update 9:56: Mariano Rivera is in to try to get the save and the Yankees 20-somethingth come-from-behind win.

Update 10:01: One out... (after a 10-pitch at-bat)

Update 10:03: Two outs... Adam Dunn strikeout.  Nats down to their final out.  

Update 10:05: Game over.  Yankees win.  The Yankees are 10 games over .500 with this win; Washington fell to 30 games under .500 with this loss.  That's gotta hurt.  

This is DISGUSTING!!!!

Ugghh...

Alberto Gon-CRAZY!!

While the Yankees have Ramiro Pena's glove and Angel Berroa's pompoms, the Washington Nationals have Alberto Gonzalez.

Gonzo has been outstanding since his call-up in late May.  Check it out.  

He's now coming to New York for a three-game series.  Oh, boy.

Other Notes:
  • Out of all the major team sports (MLB, NBA, WNBA, NHL, and NFL) there are only two games today.  
  • This whole Brian Bruney and Francisco Rodriguez soap opera has got to end.  They're agruing (or whatever) and not even in the same state.  They can should thank technology.
  • I've been dying to see Johan Santana and Phil Hughes pitch in the same game and I got see it yesterday.  I'm glad that the 9th-inning closer reliever faired better.   
  • I will get to see Cal Ripken Jr. speak in September.

What A Win...

The Yankees should be happy that they won yesterday's game because this play is never going to happen again.  

The only thing I have to say is why all the love for Alex Rodriguez?! I say it belongs to Mark Teixeira.

NYM @ NYY

Yankees lead 3-2 has Mark Teixeira hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the 3rd.  Joba Chamberlain has thrown 74 pitches through 3 innings.

Update 8:26: Little humor from Peter Abraham:

"Update, 6:14 p.m.: Mark Teixeira was fired up today.  It seems the Red Sox owner John Henry has a Twitter account and last night wrote 'The MT curse?' when the Yankees lost.  Boston is still steamed, apparently, that Tex signed with the Yankees."

'How old is Mr. Henry?' Tex said, who said he didn't want to get into it with a '70-something-year-old man about baseball. ... I think it's a little silly.  It's actually very silly.'

Henry is actually 59, which makes Tex's comment even funnier.  Of course he looks about 80."

Followed by:

"Update, 8:20 p.m.: New Tex hitting approach: Picture face of John Henry on ball, smack hard."

Good stuff, Pete.  Good stuff.

Update 8:33: Joba has 5 walks in 3.2 innings... 98 pitches.

Update 8:44: Brett Tomko in for Chamberlain.  

Bad News for Chamberlain: 5 walks, 2 HBP, and 100 pitches thrown (only 52 for strikes)

Good News for Chaberlain: He only gave up one hit.  

Update 8:51: I thought relievers where supposed to "hold" the game... Tomko gives up a 2-run double to Ryan Church.

Update 8:54: 6-3 as Gary Sheffield homers.

Update 9:00: My boy, Dave Robertson's in.

P&G....

No not Procter & Gamble.

But, Proctor & Giese.

In May, Scott Proctor (FLA) had Tommy John surgery.  A few days ago, Dan Giese (OAK) found out that he needs the same season-ending elbow surgery.

Ouch....

Poor Guys.

I've Had It!!!!!!!!!

David Robertson was already warming up because of this guy.  We're still in the second inning.  

Update 7:51: CMW gives up a RBI single to the #9 hitter, George Kottaras.  Kottaras was batting around .190 prior to that at-bat.
Update 7:53: 3-1 as Dustin Pedroia hits a ground-rule double.  
Update 7:55: JD Drew grounds out.  Pedroia to third.
Update 7:59: Kevin Youkilis strikes out.
Update 8:01: Jason Bay strikes out.  So CMW can get the third and fourth hitters to strike out but allows an RBI hit to the #9 hitter who's batting .190?!  Scary.
Update 8:04: Bad News: CMW has thrown 58 pitches through 2 innings.  Good News: CMW has thrown 58 pitches through 2 innings.
Update 8:06: Alex Rodriguez hits a double but of course is let stranded.
Update 8:07: I meant Mark Teixeira, not A-Rod.
Update 8:10: I'm done... CMW give up a solo homer to Mike Lowell.
Update 8:13: Mark Kotsay singles.
Update 8:17: With two outs in the third the Yankees bring in Phil Hughes. Good Bye!! Gonna go  watch the game!

Cervelli Over Molina Next Year?!

According to Peter Abraham, it's a possibility.

"He [Jose Molina] will be a free agent after the season and the Yankees could well decide that [Francisco] Cervelli is ready to be Posada's backup."

Hmm.... Right now, I have mixed emotions, but (somewhat) leaning towards Cervelli.

Mr. One Pitch Wonder

That's David Robertson for ya.

Last year against the Twins, he relieved starter Darrell Rasner and threw only one pitch to Delmon Young, who grounded out.  The Yankees took lead immediately following and never looked back.

Today, David relieved reliever Phil Coke and threw only one pitch to Elvis Andrus who flied out.  Melky Cabrera hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the frame to give the Yankees the lead for the rest of the game.

This guy is now only 295 career wins away from Ex-Yankee Randy Johnson (who just won #300 today).  If Robertson continues to throw only one pitch for every one of his wins, he's going to be the next 300 game winner.

Hey, baseball is a funny game.
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