Saturday, September 7, 2013

Derek Jeter Leaves Game vs. Red Sox


UPDATE:  Joe Girardi removed Derek because "he did not like the way he was running" and decided to get a CT scan on the surgically repaired ankle. The CT scan came back clean and have been sent to Dr. Anderson in North Carolina, the doctor who performed his ankle surgery in October of 2012, for a second opinion. Sounds like Jeter is fine but the Yankees do not want to see a fourth DL trip this year or another loss of a season in 2014 so they are being overly cautious, as usual.

Derek Jeter has left the game against the Boston Red Sox after singling in Brett Gardner to bring the Yankees within six runs in a game they must have. Mark Reynolds pinch ran for Jeter and I missed what happened, if anything, as I have the game muted due to the terrible FOX announcing squad. If more Yankees injury news comes down the pipe we will bring it to you.

Trenton Thunder Playing For The EL Championship

ELCS top
ELCS g 1
ELCS g 2
   
 
The Trenton Thunder are just three wins away from their third Eastern League Championship!  Be there as the Thunder face the winner of the Western Division Series (either Harrisburg or Erie) in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern League Championship Series on Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11, both at 7:05pm. There is nothing like the intensity of CHAMPIONSHIP baseball!
 
Please note, if you would like to purchase your championship tickets by phone(609-394-3300) or in person,  the Ticket Office at ARM & HAMMER Park will be open on Monday, September 9 starting at 9:30 AM.  
 

Yankees pitching continues to suck in third straight loss to Red Sox

OK, giving up 9+ runs one night was understandable. Two nights was pathetic. Three nights, I have no words. All I can say about today's game is, at least they showed some fight when they were down 10-1. By the way, the Yankees lost this one by the final score of 13-9. Like I said, I have no words to describe this horrible play. But at least the offense did it's part, again. 

The Yankees nine runs today came on RBI Singles from Lyle Overbay, Robinson Cano, Alfonso Soriano, and Derek Jeter, an RBI Double from Ichiro, and two two-run doubles from Gardner and Reynolds. Those were all nice, but they don't matter since they came in a loss. 

12 Days Of September: Joba Chamberlain







































This post was intentionally left blank because that is exactly what he has given the Yankees... nothing.

12 Days Of September: Phil Hughes


On the first day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, a victory for the other team.

On the second day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the third day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.


On the fourth day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the fifth day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the sixth day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.


On the seventh day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, seven painful seasons, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the eight day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, eight wasted months, seven painful seasons, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the ninth day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, nine innings of disaster, eight wasted months, seven painful seasons, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.


On the tenth day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, ten no decisions, nine innings of disaster, eight wasted months, seven painful seasons, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the eleventh day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, eleven pitchers on the team better than him when we carry 13 pitchers, ten no decisions, nine innings of disaster, eight wasted months, seven painful seasons, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.

On the twelfth day of September Phil Hughes gave to the Yankees, twelve heart attacks,eleven pitchers on the team better than him when we carry 13 pitchers, ten no decisions, nine innings of disaster, eight wasted months, seven painful seasons, six innings or less, five point ERA , four wins in 26 starts , three hits an inning, two home runs a start, and a victory for the other team.



Shawn Kelley & Kevin Youkilis Injury Updates


Shawn Kelley has been battling triceps inflammation for almost a week now but seems to be on the way back after throwing a bullpen session today. Kelley felt no pain and said everything felt real good so maybe he can get back to striking people out and stranding runners and less of that three run home run in decisive games we have to win stuff. Kelley has an outside shot at being available tomorrow against the Red Sox in the finale of their four game set and that is not a game too soon.


Kevin Youkilis is still a Yankees player, remember him? Well he is now trying to get back on the field this season even if it is just for the final week of the regular season. Youk has started hitting off of a tee and doing some soft tee and toss in his rehab for his back after surgery. Youk is heading to Tampa to play in a simulated game on Monday with hopes of making it back sometime this season.

Vidal Nuno Called Up & Transferred To 60 Day DL


Vidal Nuno, my friend on Facebook by the way in case you were wondering, has been called up to the Yankees only to get transferred to the 60 day DL. This move was done to make room for the call up of Jim Miller to help the depleted bullpen. Nuno posted on his Facebook just last week that he recently was on the way to Tampa to begin a throwing program so there is very little shot he comes back this season anyway.

Shaking Up Next Year's Team

A lot of Yankees fans have wanted the team to really shake things up, and I can't blame them for that. For most of the season the team has just seemed flat. So while I've advocated the team bringing back Curtis Granderson to start in LF and Hiroki Kuroda to pitch, along with Vernon Wells to be a bench player and Francisco Cervelli to at least share catching duties, I'm going to change that stance (at least for the time being) and say "let them all go".

Here's a box of puppies as a good-bye present.

Let's start with Curtis Granderson. Curtis will likely be able to take a qualifying offer (about $15 million) this offseason, and could even get offered a contract by the Yankees. While I would be okay bringing him back, this could be a way for the team to save a few bucks while taking advantage of some decent outfield options in free agency (see below).

I see no reason to keep Vernon Wells around. He's batting below .250, his on-base percentage is below .300, and a slugging percentage of .371 is hardly something to be proud of. Wells does hit left-handed pitchers well (.295/.349/.423 this season), and would cost nothing towards the Luxury Tax, but the team already has a bad player under contract to play the outfield (Ichiro). For those saying "why not let go of Ichiro, instead", Suzuki would cost more if released. And at least Ichiro is still a solid defender.

Francisco Cervelli came out of the gate on fire in 2013, before getting injured and then suspended. So I thought, and still think, it would be interesting to see what he could do in 2014. But with Austin Romine looking better as of late, and JR Murphy possibly being ready for MLB-duty, it may be time to let go of Cervie. While having faith that he could continue hitting like he did at the beginning of this season is okay, I wouldn't expect such a thing. 

By the way, it's about time Chris Stewart left the team too.

Yep, you too, Chris. Get out.

Looking at the full season, there's no doubt that Hiroki Kuroda has been the best starting pitcher on the team. Even if CC Sabathia was having his typical good season, Kuroda would still likely be some people's choice for starting the first game in the postseason. But I can't ignore the way he's faltered at the end of the last two seasons. And at 38 years old, I don't think we should disregard that. This is looking like one of those times when a team should get out while they're ahead, because the Yankees are sure as hell "ahead" with Hiro.

With all of those guys being let go, it's time to see what the Active Roster looks like so far for 2014. And the arbitration salaries are just guesses, as is Cano's new contract.

Catcher - Austin Romine $500,000 (pre-arbitration)
First Base - Mark Teixeira $22.5 million
Second Base - Robinson Cano $25 million (re-signed)
Third Base -
Shortstop - Derek Jeter $14.375 million
Left Field -
Center Field - Brett Gardner $6 million (arbitration 3)
Right Field –
Designated Hitter - Alfonso Soriano $4 million

Bench - Jayson Nix $1.5 million (arbitration 1)
Bench - JR Murphy $500,000 (pre-arbitration)
Bench - Ichiro Suzuki $6.5 million Note: Ichiro hits LHP well, but must sit vs. RHP
Bench - Eduardo Nunez $600,000 (pre-arbitration)

Starting Pitcher - CC Sabathia $24.4 million
Starting Pitcher -
Starting Pitcher - Ivan Nova $2.5 million (arbitration 1)
Starting Pitcher - Michael Pineda $750,000 (arbitration 1)
Starting Pitcher - David Phelps $500,000 (pre-arbitration)

Closer - David Robertson $5 million (arbitration 3)
Relief Pitcher - Shawn Kelley $1.5 million (arbitration 2)
Relief Pitcher - Adam Warren $500,000 (pre-arbitration)
Relief Pitcher - Preston Claiborne $500,000 (pre-arbitration)
Relief Pitcher - Dellin Betances $500,000 (pre-arbitration)
Relief Pitcher - ??? $500,000 (pre-arbitration)
Relief Pitcher - ??? $500,000 (pre-arbitration)

That means the team has spent $118.625 million, leaving $53.375 million to spend. Remember, that is after the 15 remaining roster spots and portion of player bonuses are taken care of. And I didn't even take into account the fact the team may want to leave itself with a few million dollars to play with.

No, not this type of "playing". I was thinking in case a mid-season move needs to be made.

While I hope Cashman can pull off a good trade or two to fill some of those holes (particularly at least one outfielder, and a third baseman), let's see what free agency has to offer.

Outfield
Jacoby Ellsbury – Ellsbury is a good defender, gets on base, and carries batting average. However, his power has diminished, and something about him being a key Red Sox player turns me off.

Carlos Beltran – Carlos will be 37 by Opening Day, and therefore shouldn't cost more than a two-year deal. He has good power, but a very low walk rate this season.

Shin-Soo Choo – Choo could cost as much as 5 years, which may be a bit much. Especially seeing that he's almost useless vs. LHP (.199/.330/.230 this season), even though he's really good vs. RHP (.329/.461/.580 vs. RHP). Another thing to keep in mind is that he's not a good defender.

Starting Pitcher
Matt Garza – Matt's under 30, so his arm should be good for years to come. And one good thing is that he's getting AL experience with a contender. On top of that, Garza's strikeout and walk rates are pretty good.

Tim Lincecum – At one time Timmy was in line for a Greinke-like payday, but that ship has sailed. There's a chance he's looking for a shorter contract to boost value for another FA bid. Lincecum has shown signs of his old Cy Young-self (see no-hitter in July), too. If he can get walks under control, and maintain his nice K rate, he could be a good option.

Ricky Nolasco – Nolasco has been killing it in Los Angeles with Dodgers, but that could be due to his low BABIP. Even so, thanks to a low BB rate and decent K rate, he could be interesting.

Third Base
Can you say “nothing good”? Seriously, the free agent list at the hot corner looks damn cold. Mark Reynolds may be the best 3B available, and he’s a very bad defender over there. Michael Young? Well, he has a good batting average, and his on-base percentage is okay, but that SLG is very low, not to mention his poor defense. A trade here is pretty much a "must".

And we haven't even got into a good bullpen arm, who could possibly set-up for Robertson, or be the new closer for the team (no... Girardi will not talk Rivera into returning).

So while the team could certainly use this offseason as an opportunity to shake things up, their ability to compete while doing so next season is in question. 

"This job is really hard."

Game Thread: Red Sox @ Yankees 9/7


The New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox at Yankees Stadium in the third of a four game set this weekend. The pitching match up is David Huff for the Yankees, who has taken the rotation spot from Phil Hughes, and is facing off with John Lackey for the Red Sox and the game can be seen on FOX. The Yankees have 19 games left in the season and are within striking distance for the playoffs and a wild card spot currently held by the Tampa Bay Rays so the stretch run starts now. We have to keep the foot on the gas petal and cannot let up, Robinson Can, Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano, the bullpen, everyone can rest in November. Now is the time fellas so let's get it. Go Yankees!!

Here is the Yankees lineup

Brett Gardner CF
Derek Jeter SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Alfonso Soriano LF
Curtis Granderson DH
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Lyle Overbay 1B
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Austin Romine C


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New York Yankees Wild Card Update


Looks bleaker than ever after two heart breaking losses...

David Robertson Unavailable With Shoulder Inflammation


David Robertson was hoping to come to the ballpark last night with the opportunity to close a potential Yankees win but quickly found out that would not be happening. David felt soreness in his shoulder after Thursday nights game and the pain was still there Friday to the point where he could not even play catch. David hopes to take last night off and be available for tonight but he is obviously going to be a game time decision. Of course Joe Girardi and his crew that like to baby our pitchers no matter what say it could be five or six days before David would be cleared to throw. If that is the case you can close the file on the 2013 season and start wondering what we are going to do in free agency.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Meme


No, they had it right. 

Thunder Advance to Championship Series with Sweep


Binghamton strands 15 baserunners in shutout loss

BINGHAMTON, NY - In a ballgame that featured 15 baserunners for the Binghamton Mets, Trenton's pitching was able to strand all 15 in a 3-0 series-clinching win at NYSEG Stadium.
Trenton's series sweep of the Binghamton Mets didn't come without extra-inning heroics (Game 1), 9th inning suspense (Game 2) or even a benches-clearing altercation (Game 3), but the Trenton Thunder advanced to the Eastern League Championship Series for the fifth time in seven years under manager Tony Franklin.
The Thunder used six shutout innings by Shane Greene to allow the Thunder offense to strike first in the ballgame. Greene- who has not allowed a run in 13.0 innings over his last two starts- earned the victory for the Thunder while Danny Burawa tossed a scoreless 1.1 innings for the save.
Trenton scored a pair of runs in the 5th inning to open the scoring. Ali Castillo doubled and was driven home on an opposite-field single by Zoilo Almonte for the first run of the game. And then Jose Pirela hit a ball to shortstop that Wilfredo Tovar threw wide to first base allowing Ramon Flores to score.
In the middle of a sequence in which Binghamton manager Pedro Lopez, second baseman Danny Muno and shortstop Tovar were ejected, Thunder second baseman Jose Pirela was thrown from the game as well. The scene unfolded in the bottom of the 7th inning with the Thunder ahead 3-0 and Binghamton trying to rally with runners on first and second base and no outs.
Wilfredo Tovar hit a ground ball to second base when Pirela flipped to Trenton shortstop Ali Castillo to begin a double-play. The relay throw from Castillo never materialized, however Danny Muno was ruled to have interfered with Castillo on the slide and Tovar was ruled out at first base as a result. From there, the four ejections were handed down as a flood of Thunder and B-Mets players and coached streamed from the dugout and bullpens towards the center of the diamond.
The fracas set-off a ten minute delay in the ballgame as the umpires restored order and tried to sift through the ejections. It appeared no punches were thrown.
Trenton awaits the winner of the Harrisburg Senators-Erie SeaWolves series to see which team from the West Division will travel to ARM & HAMMER Park for Game 1 of the Eastern League Championship Series starting Tuesday. Tickets are available for Game 1 of the ELCS by going to www.trentonthunder.com/tickets or by calling (609)394-3300. Radio coverage of Tuesday's game on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and online coverage begins at 6:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder organization. The original article can be seen HERE

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees 9/7


The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will play their third game in this big four game set that will play out all weekend long at Yankees Stadium. The Yankees will send Phil Hughes, oh wait no we wont, the Yankees are sending David Huff to the mound to face off with John Lackey for the Red Sox. It will be interesting to see if any fastballs get a little too inside to Alex Rodriguez from Lackey who was also not very happy that A Rod could play while appealing his suspension. The game will be televised at 1:05 pm ET on FOX.

ARod's Appeal Date Set

If the Yankees do indeed miss the playoffs, that means Alex Rodriguez's appeal of the 211-game suspension will happen sooner. The appeal is currently set for September 30th, but would be pushed back should the Yankees make the playoffs.

Seeing how the last two nights went, and knowing the Yanks will be without David Robertson to help what has been a horrible bullpen recently, I think Mr. Rodriguez should enter that September 30th appeal date into his smartphone.

Jim Miller Called To Help Ailing Bullpen

The Yankees have called up right-hander Jim Miller to help out in the bullpen. This after the news that David Robertson will sit for 5-6 days due to shoulder tendinitis inflammation, to go along with Boone Logan's soreness in his bicep and Shawn Kelley's tricep issue.

A loss is always tough, but the last two have been pretty devastating. The Yankees had nice leads in both games, but the bullpen couldn't hold onto the lead in either one. I'm about ready to say the Yankees should start eyeing next season again.

Battle For The Ages: Romine vs. Stewart


Why in the world do we, and when I say we I mean Joe Girardi, continue to run Chris Stewart out there day and night? I know we hear reports that Girardi is splitting time between these two catchers, which will be disproved when we get into the statistical look, but the Yankees need every win that we can get but continue to run this guy out there. Stewart has been terrible not only behind the plate but at the plate and has served no purpose on this team lately. I know you can make the case for Stewart over Romine for most of the season but is Girardi that much of a loyalist or has he not been watching here lately? Let's take a look at the Austin Romine vs. Chris Stewart battle from August and September.


Chris Stewart's August and September Stats

65 At Bats
.169 BA
11 Hits
2 Extra Base Hits
1 Home Run
9 RBI's
5 Walks
13 Strike Outs
0 Stolen Bases

1 Error
8 Stolen Bases Allowed
4 Caught Stealing
4 Passed Balls
8 Wild Pitches


Austin Romine's August and September Stats

43 At Bats
.256 BA
11 Hits
3 Extra Base Hits
1 Home Run
5 RBI's
6 Walks
12 Strike Outs
0 Stolen Bases

2 Errors
17 Stolen Bases Allowed
4 Caught Stealing
3 Passed Balls
7 Wild Pitches

First of all if Girardi is splitting the time as well as he can why does Stewart have over 20 at bats more then Romine? If we are trying to win games and get into the playoffs how are we sacrificing offense for an "upgrade" on defense. I don't want to hear how well Stewart frames pitches and I don't want to hear how well he works with the pitching staff because it is all a fallacy. There is no room on this team anymore for Chris Stewart and especially in the starting lineup. Wake up Girardi before it's too late. 

Game 142 Lineup: Yankees vs. Red Sox

1. Brett Gardner CF

2. Derek Jeter SS

3. Robinson Cano 2B

4. Alfonso Soriano LF

5. Curtis Granderson DH

6. Eduardo Nunez 3B

7. Lyle Overbay 1B

8. Ichiro Suzuki RF

9. Austin Romine C

David Huff P

- Relief pitcher Jim Miller has been called up to the Bronx.

Bullpen Injuries Piling Up

David Robertson will be shut down 5-6 days with shoulder tendinitis and Boone Logan will be having an MRI on his biceps.

Shawn Kelley is throwing a bullpen today after being unavailable the last couple of days with a triceps issue. If all goes well he could be available tomorrow.

These injuries can be absolutely deadly for the Yankees as you saw in last night's game. 5 or 6 days is a very long time to be without Robertson with all of these important September games. It seems odd that his shoulder is fatigued, as he is only 55th among MLB relievers with 58.1 innings and 37th in appearances with 61.

Hopefully, Kelley can return tomorrow so the Yankees can have some semblance of a setup man. If he had been available the last two nights things might have turned out differently. These injuries have really hit the Yankees at the worst possible time.

Yankees blow five-run lead in another slugfest loss to the Red Sox, 12-8

Well, this one really was depressing. The Yankees had an 8-3 lead heading into the top of the seventh tonight, but that was when all hell broke loose. The Red Sox managed to score five times in just that inning, four coming off of Hughes, and one off of Logan. Then in the eighth, Boston touched up Claiborne for three more and the always terrible Joba Chamberlain for a twelfth charity run. I could go into more detail here about how the runs were scored, but right now I just don't feel up for it. This game was ridiculous. I mean, how much run support do you need?

This Day In New York Yankees History 9/7


On this day in 1952 Johnny Mize hit a pinch hit grand slam in a 5-1 Yankees victory over the Washington Senators in Washington's Griffith Stadium. With this home run Mize has now hit a home run in all 15 stadiums that were in use that the time.


On this day in 1955 Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford became only the fifth pitcher to ever throw consecutive one hitters. The Yankees would beat the A's 2-1 in this game after Ford held the Senators to one hit in his previous start.