Thursday, August 28, 2014

Kelley Upset He Lost Game to Tigers

When Shawn Kelley surrendered a walk-off single to Alex Avila in today's loss to the Tigers, it's definitely a possibility that every Yankee fan who saw it happen was instantly filled with hopelessness. 

Since beating the Astros last Thursday, as we all know, the Yanks had easily swept the White Sox and collected two more blowout victories, making this week's series in Detroit look pretty winnable.

Still, out of nowhere New York did drop the three-game set in heartbreaking fashion, an unfortunate happening that appears to have upset Kelley more than anyone else. 

"That's about as bad as I've felt walking off a mound in my career," Kelley told ESPN New York's Wallace Matthews after this afternoon's 3-2 defeat. "I didn't even watch (Avila's hit). I just put my head down and walked off the field. It would've been a nice surprise if he would've (made the catch), but I assumed it was a homer." 

For the right-hander, interestingly, the run-scoring knock represented the second consecutive time he hasn't gotten out of an inning scoreless, a stat that's obviously not too likable.

I mean, earlier this year the veteran seemed to never give up anything, a period that definitely looks to be over now, as Kelley is obviously no longer the guy he used to be.

Yankees Bats Can't Stay Hot in Rubber Game Loss to Tigers

Hiroki Kuroda tossed 7 innings of two-run ball and Jacoby Ellsbury recorded a two-out RBI Single in the top of the third, but since the offense couldn't do much against Kyle Lobstein and the bullpen struggled in the ninth the Yankees lost to the Tigers today, 3-2, in the rubber game at Comerica Park. 

During his outing this afternoon, as expected, Kuroda looked really good, allowing just four hits and a walk to keep the score tied.

Nonetheless, after Brian McCann broke a 1-1 draw with a groundout in the fourth the veteran wasn't able to maintain New York's slim lead, giving up a run in the fifth that seemed to kill the Yanks' offensive momentum. 

Yes, in the top of the ninth they got men to the corners for McCann, but again, they still weren't able to cross home in that at-bat, a failure that cost them big in the bottom of that inning when Detroit Catcher Alex Avila stepped to the plate.

Facing not-so-sharp Yankees reliever Shawn Kelley with two on and two out, Avila quickly lined a slider from the former off the right field wall, easily driving in Victor Martinez to officially end the contest, one which will likely not leave the Yanks' thoughts anytime soon.

ICYMI: The Yankees Owned David Price Last Night


Something to feel good about since today's game didn't help in the happiness department.

Discussing a Stephen Drew Contract for 2015


This week we’ve already discussed contracts for next season for Chase Headley and Brandon McCarthy so it’s only right that Stephen Drew be next. I want to start off by reiterating that this is not what I personally would give Drew or would want to give Drew, this is what I believe the Yankees will give Drew. If it were up to me I wouldn’t give Drew anything but a handshake and a “it’s not you, it’s me” goodbye.

Drew is making a prorated salary that equates to his qualifying offer that he turned down this winter of $14.1 million. With some rough math, actually no math and heavy sarcasm, Drew has made about a million bucks per hit this season as he is hitting well below the dreaded Mendoza line. Drew’s only saving grace is his defense.

The Yankees are going to have a hole to fill, and big shoes, at shortstop next season when Derek Jeter retires and shortstop is a position that Drew has played well defensively his whole career. If Drew could hit closer to his normal career numbers, around .250 with 20 home runs, he could fill in as a stop gap at shortstop for the 2015 season but no longer in my opinion.

If Drew turned down a qualifying offer last season I find it highly unlikely that he would want to play for less than what he is making this season. Drew would sign a one year deal presumably after a less than stellar 2014 season and would likely command somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million - $12 million in salary.


The shortstop market this winter doesn’t have any glaringly obvious candidates besides maybe JJ Hardy on a short term contract so Drew may stumble his way back into the Bronx in 2015. I guess I could live with a one year deal with Drew and a reasonable salary and hope and pray that a full workout, spring training, etc. can help him turn things around but I cannot say I am optimistic about that. 

8/28 Yankees Open Game Thread vs. Detroit Tigers


Welcome to the Thursday afternoon edition of the open thread for the getaway game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees have their bags packed and their passports ready as they travel to our neighbors from the north to take on the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend in Rogers Centre. The Yankees will send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound today to take on Kyle Lobstein for the Detroit Tigers in a game that the Yankees almost have to have. The game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Get your Yankees tickets now as the team returns home nextmonth to continue their playoff push and finish off Derek Jeter’s final regularseason games of his career. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes and like our page on Facebook by searching for The Greedy Pinstripes.


It’s an open thread and I’m at work huddling at my desk trying to watch the game on the MLB At Bat app so keep me company in the comments section of the site. Talk about whatever you like. Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your day. Go Yankees!

8/28 Yankees Game Preview vs. Detroit Tigers


The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers finish up their three game set this week in Comerica Park with a getaway game for the Yankees. The Yankees head to Toronto after this game to take on the Blue Jays in Toronto while both teams still fight for a playoff spot in the American League. The Yankees will send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound to face off with the Tigers Kyle Lobstein. The game will be seen at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN.

Kuroda has quietly been putting to rest the talks of a third consecutive fall from grace at the end of the season with another quality outing last time out against the Chicago White Sox. Granted Chicago does not have the best offense in the world but they still have the ability to hit home runs and score runs with guys like Jose Dariel Abreu in the lineup.

Lobstein will be making his first Major League start in only his second Major League appearance this afternoon against the Yankees, what a way to start a career. Lobstein gave up three runs in 5.2 innings last time out while pitching in relief against the Minnesota Twins. 



Go Yankees!!

Derek Jeter's Farewell Gifts Thus Far

#2 Yankees Cowboy Boots
Houston Astros (4/2/14)

Yankees #2 paddle board
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (5/7/14)

Golden Bat and a $10,000 donation to Jeter's non profit charity
Milwaukee Brewers (5/11/14)




#2 made out of Subway tiles and a Derek Jeter cake. 
New York Mets (5/15/14)


#2 off the Wrigley Scoreboard 
Chicago Cubs (5/21/14)


A case of dirt from US Cellular Field, a donation to the Turn 2 Foundation, and a bench made from baseball bats and bases.
Chicago White Sox (5/25/14)


Stan Musial cuff links and a $10,000 donation to the Turn 2 Foundation. 
St. Louis Cardinals (5/26/14)


$34,000 watch from Robinson Cano, Safeco Field base, and donation to the Turn 2 Foundation
Seattle Mariners (6/11/14)


Last second base bag used in Metrodome (Yankees ALDS clinching win) and $10,000 donation to Turn 2.
Minnesota Twins (7/5/14)


#2 guitar and a Lego portrait of the Captain
Cleveland Indians 7/10/14


Signed and framed jerseys from Dave Concepcion and Barry Larkin
Cincinnati Reds 7/19/14


Cowboy boots, framed picture with President George W. Bush, and $10,000 donation to Turn 2
Texas Rangers 7/30/14


$10,000 donation to the Turn 2 Foundation
Kansas City Royals 8/25


University of Michigan Baseball Jersey
University of Michigan 8/27

Quick Hit: Maybe Stephen Drew Isn’t All That Bad


Just a quick FYI for everyone this morning to try and lift your spirits and make you feel better about having Stephen Drew on the team. On July 31st Brian Cashman sent the Boston Red Sox GM Bill Cherington a text message that said something to the effect of “hey how about Kelly Johnson for Stephen Drew.” Obviously you guys already know the rest as Drew plays second base for the team and Kelly Johnson came off the disabled list and has played sporadically in Boston.

As bad as Drew has been in New York, and when I say bad I mean horrible, he has surprisingly been better than Johnson has in Boston. Since the trade Drew has hit .156/.225/.313 for New York while Johnson has hit .160/.160/.200 for Boston. Drew has two home runs and 10 RBI while walking six times and playing a pretty damn good second base for someone who has never played it before while Johnson has zero home runs, one RBI, zero walks, and hasn’t seen the field much at all.


I have been skeptical of Drew as much, if not more, as the next guy but it could be worse… we could still have Kelly Johnson. Have a great day Yankees family and keep in mind that it could always be worse, you could be Boston. 

Masahiro Tanaka To Throw 45 Pitches Today


Masahiro Tanaka is expecting to throw three innings or 45 pitches today in his latest step towards returning to the Bronx. Tanaka will throw a simulated game and it's unknown who he will be facing on the mound tomorrow morning in Tampa. If everything goes as planned the Yankees will try and take the next step with Tanaka with something as close to a real game as they can get, even if they have to manufacture the situation. So far so good on Tanaka, let's hope it stays that way.

The Daily Dozen - August 27, 2014

The Daily Dozen - August 27th, 2014 - The David Price Gets Blown Up Edition
(Twelve Takeaways from Tonight's Game vs. the Detroit Tigers)

1. The Yankees needed a win tonight to keep their playoff hopes alive.  With the Seattle Canos losing earlier in the day 12-4 to the Rangers, the Bronx Bombers had a chance to cut the lead in the race for the 2nd Wild Card down to 2.5 games and only 2 behind Detroit.  And of course they would have to do it against David Price, who only gave up 1 hit in his last start...

2. My parents were at the game tonight to see Jeter's last game in Detroit.  This is a true statement unless Detroit can catch the Royals in the AL Central.  My dad was rooting for the Yankees and my mom was rooting for the Tigers.  Something about a house divided... By the way, I realized there was a 30 second delay on the ESPN broadcast when I talked to my dad in the 8th inning on the phone.

3. The third inning.  That should be all I have to say unless you have been living under a rock for the last 3 hours.  David Price basically got owned.  The Yankees put together 9 straight hits and 8 runs against the former Cy Young winner including 2 sacrifice flies after he was out of the game.  That inning showed what the Yankees are capable of doing and in my opinion should have been doing all season.  Want to see the inning again?  Check out this picture provided by WFAN:

4. How did the Tigers respond in the bottom half of the inning?  With NADA.  Shane Greene got the shutdown inning, which proved to be very important later in the game.

5. Shane Greene for Cy Young? Rookies have now started 53 games for the Yankees this year posting an impressive 34-19 mark.  That's a .642 winning percentage by the way.  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Orange County of California have the best overall record in the majors and their win percentage is .595.  Shane Greene is sporting a .167 batting average against which is 4th in the majors and a .474 ops by opposing batters which is 9th in the majors.  He finished the game with 7 strong innings with 8 strikeouts, only 1 walk, and 69 of his 101 pitches were strikes.  In fact, he threw a first pitch strike to 20 of the 29 batters he faced.  Most importantly...he is now 4-1 in 9 starts.
He seems a long way from this picture.  Might as well
just change the 'T' to a 'C'. (Photo Credit: MiLB.com)

6. David Price was less than stellar tonight to say the least.  He tied a record for hits allowed in a start with 12 (previously gave up 12 on 4/29/11 vs. the Angels) and had his second shortest outing in his career pitching 2+ inning (the shortest being on 7/4/09 vs. the Rangers).  He also tied a dubious personal record with 8 runs allowed in an inning and shattered the hits allowed in an inning with 9 (the previous mark being 5).

7. Mandatory Derek Jeter Update.  With Jeter's RBI double in the 3rd inning he now has 3,442 hits and 1,295 RBI in his career.  He's predicted to only get 30 more hits according to ESPN, which would leave him 43 hits shy of 5th place all-time.

8. Through 3 innings the Yankees were 8 for 14 with RISP.  This bucked a trend set all year long.  In fact, the Yankees hitters were 8 for 9 in the 3rd inning alone after stranding 2 runners in each of the first 2 innings. In 2014, the Yankees have averaged leaving 3.43 runners in scoring position per game (stats courtesy of TeamRankings.com).  Tonight that number was 2. #RE2PECT
De-rek Je-ter...De-rek Je-ter...De-rek Je-ter...

9. Miguel Cabrera knocks home the first Tiger run.  Of course he did!  He's been money against the Yankees since 2003 when he took the Marlins offensively on his back and delivered a World Series ring to a crappy organization that sold the players like used parts the next offseason.  Cabrera's career batting average against the Yankees is .355 in 51 regular season games including a .323 average against pitchers currently on the roster.  He has batted .371 in 20 games at New Yankee Stadium, which seems anemic to the .409 he hit in 6 games at Old Yankee Stadium.  But this season? He's only hitting .143 against the Yankees.  Yeah...something is probably really wrong with his legs.  I wish I could hit .307 with just my arms.

10. How often do catchers get hit in the groin region by a baseball?  One time too many if you ask Francisco Cervelli!


11. Victor Martinez hit his 26th home run tonight.  This is a career high for him, which seems like an awfully low number for such a good hitter.  But on further inspection, he has had several injuries that have hampered his power.  His previous high was 25 for Cleveland in 2007.  Since then he has hit 2 (injury-riddled season), 23 (traded to Boston in mid-season), 20, 12, 0 (missed 2012 season for Tigers), and 14.  His 162-game average is 21, so Tigers fans have to be feeling pretty good about that.

12. Mandatory Playoff Odds Update.  The Yankees sit 2.5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card position held by the Mariners.  The odds of the Yankees making the playoffs as of August 26th was 12.3%, the highest probability since August 12th.  This percentage will likely jump to 15% after tonight's win.  SO YOU'RE SAYING THERE'S A CHANCE!?!  Baltimore's chances sit at 96.6%  On August 3rd, the Royals had a 16% chance of making it...they now sit at 68%.  Detroit is at 64%. Seattle 49%.

This Day In New York Yankees History 8/28: Yankees & Red Sox Play Final Game In Old Yankee Stadium


The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have played many historic and meaningful games in the old Yankee Stadium but the two teams played their final game in the House that Ruth Built on this day in 2008. These two teams fought tooth and nail against each other in this stadium for 85 years and it was fitting how the final game ended. The Yankees were losing 2-0 and came from behind thanks to a Jason Giambi seventh inning pinch hit two run home run to tie. Giambi would come up in the ninth inning and would get a walk off single to beat Boston 3-2 to avoid a sweep and keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Also on this day in 2007 the fans at Yankee Stadium were all entertained by a squirrel who stayed on the right field foul pole to watch the Yankees beat the Red Sox 5-3. The squirrel was quickly called a good luck charm and a fan favorite while receiving standing ovations and cheers every time he was shown on the scoreboard screen.