Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Pineda's six scoreless frames lead Yankees to second win over Cubs

Michael Pineda gave up no runs in 6 innings and David Phelps, Matt Thornton, and Adam Warren combined for 3 more frames of relief tonight as the Yankees shut out the Cubs for the second time in 9 hours, 2-0. In this start, Pineda really only got into trouble twice, in the fifth and sixth when he allowed one and two guys on respectively, obviously getting out of both jams uninjured.

Anyway, the Yanks offense again struggled in this one, scoring just twice despite collecting 12 hits. Those two runs, surprisingly, each involved recently called-up 3B Scott Sizemore, who scored on a single by Gardner in the fourth before driving in Soriano with a one-base knock of his own in the next frame. Nothing amazing, but still, definitely something productive. 

Besides those guys, OFs Carlos Beltran and Ichiro Suzuki also played pretty well this evening, as each went 2-for-4. Neither of them scored or drove in runs, but really, does that matter? I mean, they still did okay, didn't they?

Game Thread: Yankees vs. Cubs 4/16 Game Two


The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs will finish their double header and quick two game interleague series tonight at Yankee Stadium. The pitching matchup is Michael Pineda for the Yankees fresh off Pine Tar Gate and Travis Wood for the Cubs. The game can be seen on television at 7:05 pm ET on MY9, MLB Network, on the computer with MLB TV, and on the radio with WFAN. This is the last game of the Yankees home stand before they head out on the road to face the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox so a win would be nice for the home crowd.

You can keep the discussion going during this game and every game by following us on twitter by following @GreedyStripes or by dropping us a line in our growing comments section of the site. You can also buy your Yankees Tickets for this game and every Yankees game right here on the blog in our navigation bar. I encourage everyone to try out our Mega Prediction Game, also found on the navigation bar, where you wager points on whether the Yankees will win or lose every night.

Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your night.

Shane Greene Called Up As 26th Man

As you may or may not know when teams have a double header they are allowed to call up a 26th man on the roster as long as they are on the 40 man roster obviously and the Yankees are calling Shane Greene back up for tonight's game. Greene was up last week for the Yankees to help with a depleted bullpen and was left to rot without making an appearance. The Cubs are calling up Zac Rosscup for tonight's game.

New York Yankees Injury Update 4/16


I had to type out a whole lot of these last year so hopefully we won't have to do much of it this season, but we will today. The Yankees have a couple guys on the disabled list or hurting and here are the updates on them:

Derek Jeter has technically missed three games in a row after missing the first game of the double header with the Cubs but is expected to be in the night cap game. I don't think the Yankees would be playing him if he wasn't okay, especially after last season, so that is encouraging.

Brian Roberts has back spasms and is taking medication for the ailment. Roberts is said to be feeling much better and could play tonight if need be but manager Joe Girardi would like to stay away from him if at all possible.

Mark Teixeira is eligible to come off the disabled list this Sunday. This Sunday the Yankees are playing on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays. Teixeira is down in Tampa at the Yankees minor league complex working out and taking batting practice. Coincidence? I hope not.

David Robertson is scheduled to throw off a mound tomorrow while trying to work back from a groin injury. This will be the first time he has thrown off a mound since the injury. D Rob is eligible to come off the disabled list next Tuesday.

Michael Pineda & The Real Pine Tar Gate Explanation


You had to know this was coming... I could have chosen from a million of them, haters were out in swarms after Michael Pineda's last start. Haters gonna hate I guess, this one was funny though I cannot deny it.

Tanaka's gem helps Yankees shutout Cubs, 3-0

Masahiro Tanaka threw 8 shutout innings and Shawn Kelley followed him by getting the last three outs today as the Yankees won the first game of this day-night doubleheader over the Cubs, 3-0. In this one, Tanaka was nearly unhittable, giving up just 2 hits while striking out 10, improving his 2014 record to a nice 2-0. 

Anyway, the Yanks offense struggled this afternoon, collecting just 5 hits, but in the end that didn't matter, as they still were able to scrape across three runs thanks to a Solo Home Run from Carlos Beltran, a Sac Fly from Dean Anna, and a confusing RBI Groundout from Jacoby Ellsbury. On that play, Ellsbury, along with the Cubs defense, seemed to think the ball was foul, but according to the empires that wasn't the case, allowing the speedy Brett Gardner to score from third. 

Besides those guys, Pinstripes Catcher Brian McCann also contributed to this W, going 1-for-4 with a run in the bottom of the fourth. 

Preview: New York Yankees vs. Chicago Cubs 4/16 Game Two


The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs are back at it today at Yankee Stadium in the night cap of their split double header. The Yankees will send Michael Pineda, presumably with a clean hand, to the mound to face off with Travis Wood for the Cubs. The game will be televised at 7:05 pm ET on MY9, MLB Network, on the computer with MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

All the talk will be about Pineda and the "dirt" that was on his right pitching hand. Everyone will ignore that the Red Sox did not make a stink about it or that he pitched well after the gunk magically disappeared. The first time Pineda throws a ball or gives up a hit or a home run ESPN will be all over Pineda for being a cheater, right it down. Pineda shut down ESPN's beloved Boston Red Sox in his last start striking out seven in six plus innings of one run ball. Pineda looks to do it against the Cubs tonight.

Wood is a left handed pitcher who is coming off a career high nine strikeout game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in his last start. Wood has never pitched at Yankee Stadium, old or new, so this will be a first for him. With Wood being a lefty I expect Scott Sizemore, Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter, Yangervis Solarte, and possibly John Ryan Murphy getting starts as they are right handed. Hopefully the Yankees can jump on Wood... no pun.... early and often and get out of town with a victory.

Go Yankees!!

Good Glove or Big hitter?

With the pitchers we need (ground ball types) and have, why do I keep hearing we need this infielder or that guy, they have good offensive numbers and can play the Infield.

If memory serves me correct, we won 22 WS with a good glove and without a prolific offensive hitter at SS.
With a HoF hitter at SS, we have 5 WS in 20 years.
Since our first WS win in 1923 to 1995 we have won a WS on an avg. of every 3.37 year.
Since 1995 to this date we have won a WS game every 4 years.

The Yankees need ground ball pitchers in Yankee stadium right? Well, one must decide, protect the pitching or try out hitting the other team!
My opinion is, get the best defensive SS, let the others take care of the heavy lifting. Getting a .250+ good glove can save the team a lot of runs and with ground ball pitchers on the mound...and, you can keep your pitchers happy!

Saving a run means one has to only score 1 more then the other team so...as defense is a very huge part in any game! And I am a big proponent of defense, one has to remember...defense is only a small part of the game, one has to score runs to win also. We have a team that will score enough to win lower scoring games but once it gets in the 5+ runs per a game it is ?????

When we get everyone back from injuries, things will change but, for now...it is, what it is. Find a way to win is the name of these games...as always!

Game Thread: Yankees vs. Cubs 4/16 Game One


The New York Yankees will play their first interleague game of the season today as they host the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium in the first game of a day and night double header. The Yankees are quickly piling up with injuries and look to ride the wave until everyone gets healthy and back into action. The Cubs are still the Cubs so the Yankees have that working for them. The pitching matchup is Masahiro Tanaka for the Yankees, Happy Tanaka Day and Happy Jackie Robinson Day, and Jason Hammel for the Cubs. The game can be seen on the YES Network at 1:05 pm ET, or you can watch it on your computer with MLB TV, or you can listen on the radio with WFAN.

You can buy all your Yankees tickets right here on the blog by clicking Yankees Tickets on the navigation bar for this game and all Yankees games, home or away. Join the discussion by following us on twitter, @greedystripes, or by dropping us a line in our comments section on the site. Don't forget to join the mega prediction game as well where you wager points on whether the Yankees will win or lose all 162 games this season.

Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your night.

Masahiro Tanaka Still Wants Red Sox Blood.... Meme


Masahiro Tanaka wants Boston Red Sox blood but he just missed starting against the Yankees biggest rivals last weekend and will miss them again next week by a game as well. You have to wonder if this was the real reason Joe Girardi and company had Tanaka start the fourth game of the season and not the third. Maybe I am over thinking this, I tend to that as well, who knows. For a seven year deal and $175 million, including the posting fee, you figured New York would want their shiny new toy against the Red Sox but maybe they are saving him for later in the season when the games are more important.

Preview: New York Yankees vs. Chicago Cubs 4/16 Game One


The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs will play a double header today at Yankee Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day for both clubs. This will be the first Interleague game of the season for the Yankees but being in an American League park they will still have the designated hitter. The Yankees are coming off of a well needed two days off after Sunday night was almost disastrous with all the injuries New York suffered in a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The game can be seen at 1:05 pm ET on the YES Network, on the computer with MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

The Yankees will send Masahiro Tanaka to the mound who looks to improve on his 10 strikeout debut in Yankee Stadium last week against the Baltimore Orioles. Tanaka did allow one big hit, a three run home run, that caused him to get a no decision in the start. Tanaka will be opposed by Jason Hammel for the Cubs who is fresh off his first career victory at Wrigley Field in his last start. Hammel did give up three home runs in Wrigley and knows Yankee Stadium well after spending the last few seasons with the Orioles and holds a 1-1 record with a 2.65 ERA at the House that the Boss built.

Go Yankees!!

MLS Franchise To Play In Yankee Stadium


The New York MLS expansion team will play their home games at Yankee Stadium for the next three seasons according to the New York Times. The New York City Football Club, which is co-owned by the New York Yankees (who own 25% of the team) and Manchester City, is the second soccer franchise in the area joining the New York Red Bulls.

The NYCFC tried to find a permanent home in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens but could not lock down a deal and now will spend their next three seasons in Yankee Stadium. In this time the Yankees will gain money off the concessions, parking, and such and the NYCFC will have to find a stadium spot and build one in that time.

The problem, which I am sure was worked through before this was announced, is the MLS season runs from March until October, sound familiar? Temporary grass will be laid over the infield and the NYCFC will play in Yankee Stadium while the Yankees are on the road.

MLS plays 34 games so the Yankees would have to give way to their stadium about once or twice a week if I had to guess. The Yankees organization do not seem worried about wear and tear in the infield or the constant tearing down and rebuilding of the pitching mound due to all the technology available these days. NYCFC will start their franchise during the 2015 season.

Quick Hit: Robinson Cano's Power Outage


Robinson Cano is suffering from a bit of a power outage and the Seattle Mariners should be very, VERY worried. In Cano's last 82 games, obviously including his time with both the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners, Cano has a total of six home runs. We can understand that the Yankees did not have much in the way of protection last season and Cano was simply pitched around but Robby hasn't hit one in 2014 yet either. If you want to take it one step further Cano did not hit one in spring training this year either. Cano has hit in that half a season putting up a triple slash of .332/.388/.472 but for a guy on a 10 year deal worth $240 million I would be very worried if I was Seattle.

Don't blame Safeco Field either because the Mariners have played seven games on the road this season and only five in Seattle as of last night. This is not factoring in last night's game with the Texas Rangers so keep that in mind.

Trenton Thunder Game Recap 4/15


Tuesday's Game Postponed; DH Wednesday Starting at 12:05 PM


AKRON, OH – Tuesday's ballgame between the Trenton Thunder and the Akron RubberDucks has been postponed.
 
It will be made-up as part of a double-header at 12:05 Wednesday afternoon. Game 2 will be 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1. At the time of the press release, probable starting pitchers for either team were unavailable. Jeremy Bleich (1-1, 9.00) for Trenton was scheduled to go against RHP Cody Anderson (1-1, 3.75) for Akron Tuesday night.
 
The Trenton Thunder pre-game show begins Wednesday at 11:50 a.m. on 91.3 FM WTSR or online at www.trentonthunder.com

Charleston Riverdogs Game Recap 4/15


Wade Propels RiverDogs to Series Victory
RiverDogs are in position to sweep the Drive after a four-run win on Tuesday

GREENVILLE, SC - Tyler Wade had a career-high four hits and three runs scored, carrying the Charleston RiverDogs in a 6-2 win against the Greenville Drive on Tuesday night at Fluor Field at the West End in South Atlantic League action.
Charleston improves to 5-7 this season while Greenville is now 7-5. The RiverDogs are also guaranteed a series victory in this three-game set with Wednesday's finale providing an opportunity for a Charleston sweep.
The RiverDogs grabbed a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning. With one out and runners on the corners, Mike Ford's sacrifice fly brought in Wade for the first run. Miguel Andujar followed with a double that drove in Aaron Judge from first base to give Charleston a two-run advantage.
Michael O'Neill opened the bottom of the first with his second diving catch in left field in as many days. That play sparked a good start from Charleston's Luis Severino, who posted three no-run, no-hit innings to begin his appearance.
While Severino held the Drive scoreless, Wade continued to drive the RiverDogs offense. Wade doubled in the third inning to score Abiatal Avelino, and he later scored himself on a single by Judge for a 4-0 lead. Wade struck again in the fourth, giving the RiverDogs a 5-0 edge with a bases-loaded infield single.
Errors put Greenville on the scoreboard and helped chase Severino off the mound. Kevin Mager walked and reached third base on a Tim Roberson single that was coupled with an error. Manuel Margot hit into a force out to score Mager and bring the Drive within 5-1. A potential inning-ending force out led to an error and a pitching change. Jaron Long came in and finished the frame with scoreless work to keep control of the RiverDogs lead.
Wade answered in his next opportunity during the sixth inning to bring Charleston's lead to 6-1. A two-out base hit and a stolen base put Wade in scoring position for Judge. Wade touched home after a Judge single to answer Greenville's recent run.
In a career performance, Wade collected two doubles and two singles for a personal-best four hits. He also tied a career high with three runs scored while driving in two runs as well.
Greenville was able to add a run in the eighth. Long struck out Roberson but a wild pitch on the third strike allowed Jantzen Witte to score, which trimmed the RiverDogs lead to 6-2. However, that is as close as the Drive came.
Long earned a relief victory after pitching the final 5.1 innings of the game and striking out eight. Long's record improves to 1-1. Drive starting pitcher Jamie Callahan is 0-2 after taking the loss.
COMING UP: The finale of this three-game series is a match-up between RiverDogs RHP Giovanny Gallegos (0-2, 5.79 ERA) and Drive RHP Pat Light (2-0, 2.25 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm. After the road series, Charleston will return to the Lowcountry and host a three-game set against the Rome Braves that starts on Thursday, April 17 at 7:05pm at The Joe. Thursday's homestand opener will be another Budweiser Thirsty Thursday presented by 95SX, complete with DJ Natty Heavy, $1 drafts, and a Wild Wing Café wing-eating contest in the Ashley View Pub. The Dunder Chiefs will perform a postgame concert adjacent to the Beer Garden thanks to Palmetto Brewery and Awendaw Green. Tickets may be purchased at the Riley Park Box Office, (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or on-line at www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide onwww.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original post can be seen HERE

This Day In New York Yankees History 4/16


On this day in 2013 the Yankee Stadium fans and the New York Yankees players sang Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline to pay tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Sweet Caroline is the anthem for the Boston Red Sox which makes it significant. Prior to the game with the Arizona Diamondbacks the Yankees displayed their logo along side the Red Sox logo with the words "United We Stand" on an outside video board.

Evil Empire huh?

Happy Jackie Robinson Day for the Yankees and their fans, hopefully for real this time.