The Yankees Offense vs. Eduardo Rodriguez and the Red Sox Offense vs. Jaime Garcia

Here in a few short hours the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will begin their head-to-head weekend series inside Yankee Stadium and these two teams will do so with an interesting pitching matchup. The Yankees will send Jaime Garcia to the mound to make his second start with the club after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins while the Red Sox will counter with Eduardo Rodriguez. If they say a picture is worth a thousand words than what do you think a picture of what each offense has done throughout their careers against the opposing respective pitcher tonight is worth? Two thousand words? If so it seems I have some work to do. For now though check out these career stats from ESPN.com while I get to working on those 2,000 words. Enjoy. 

Stay Classy Boston. Dammit.

The Boston Red Sox organization as a whole, especially lately and ever since the whole “Evil Empire” salt fest, is one of the better and one of the more classier organizations in all of Major League Baseball. Their fans, on the other hand, not so much at least in my opinion. Call it bias, which I fully admit to, call it some friendly jabbing, because I do respect a lot of people that follow the Red Sox including our friends over at Section 36, or call it a few bad apples ruining the bunch but class was nowhere to be found this week inside Fenway Park. The Baltimore Orioles were in town Monday night when, according to Jones, he was taunted racially by the Fenway faithful.

Jones stated that someone in the crowd threw a bag of peanuts at him on Monday and was reportedly called “the N-word a handful of times.” Jones, a black player, has said he has been heckled before for his race throughout his 12-season tenure with the Orioles but never like he had been on Monday. The Boston Red Sox officials stated that they confirmed the bag of peanuts was thrown at Jones and the fan was immediately ejected from the stadium.

Obviously I wasn’t there and many of us will never truly know what was said but I truly don’t feel like Jones is simply making this up, especially with the bag of peanuts being thrown at him. It’s not like Jones needs the attention or the notoriety and these two teams have become rivals of sorts in the past few weeks resulting in pitches being thrown at player’s heads and slides into second base that resulted in injuries to Dustin Pedroia. I truly believe something was said and it had to be said loud and repeated for Jones to hear and that upsets me.

Here we are in the year 2017 just days after ground broke for the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York and we are still, allegedly and reportedly, dealing with blatant and widespread racism here in our own game? This sickens me, and it would sicken me if it were in New York, Boston, Philadelphia or some small town in North Georgia. It is 2017 people, wake up and stay classy. Rant over. 

Predicting the 2016 Gold Glove Award Winners in MLB

Who is going to win the Gold Glove Awards in Major League Baseball this season? I truly don't know, I wouldn't have given Derek Jeter more than one personally but I guess that makes me a hater, but I am going to take a stab at it anyway. If I'm wrong tell me below in the comments section. FYI, just to get this out of the way early, I'm picking Brett Gardner no matter what the stats say. He is an amazing left fielder who should be in center field and that counts for something in my book.

American League



Catcher
James McCann
Carlos Perez
Salvador Perez

First Base
Chris Davis
Eric Hosmer
Mitch Moreland

Second Base
Robinson Cano
Ian Kinsler
Dustin Pedroia

Shortstop
Jose Iglesias
Francisco Lindor
Andrelton Simmons

Third Base
Adrian Beltre
Manny Machado
Kyle Seager


Left Field
Brett Gardner
Alex Gordon
Colby Rasmus

Center Field
Jackie Bradley Jr.
Kevin Kiermaier
Kevin Pillar

Right Field
Mookie Betts
Adam Eaton
George Springer

Pitcher
R.A. Dickey
Dallas Keuchel
Justin Verlander





National League
Catcher
Jonathan Lucroy
Yadier Molina
Buster Posey

First Base
Paul Goldschmidt
Wil Myers
Anthony Rizzo

Second Base
DJ LeMahieu
Joe Panik
Jean Segura

Shortstop
Brandon Crawford
Freddy Galvis
Addison Russell


Third Base
Nolan Arenado
Anthony Rendon
Justin Turner

Left Field
Adam Duvall,
Starling Marte
Christian Yelich

Center Field
Billy Hamilton
Odubel Herrera
Ender Inciarte

Right Field
Carlos Gonzalez
Jason Heyward
Nick Markakis

Pitcher
Jake Arrieta
Zack Greinke
Adam Wainwright



*NOTE in the first paragraph I stated who I thought would win, not necessarily who deserved it most. You know how MLB can get with their voting sometimes.

Brett Gardner a AL Gold Glove Finalist

Major League Baseball has released their finalists for the American League and National League Gold Glove Awards and one Yankee made an appearance, Brett Gardner. Here is your complete list including Gardner in the outfield. Also check out a game saving catch from Gardner during the 2016 season. Enjoy!


American League

Catcher
James McCann
Carlos Perez
Salvador Perez

First Base
Chris Davis
Eric Hosmer
Mitch Moreland

Second Base
Robinson Cano
Ian Kinsler
Dustin Pedroia

Shortstop
Jose Iglesias
Francisco Lindor
Andrelton Simmons

Third Base
Adrian Beltre
Manny Machado
Kyle Seager


Left Field
Brett Gardner
Alex Gordon
Colby Rasmus

Center Field
Jackie Bradley Jr.
Kevin Kiermaier
Kevin Pillar

Right Field
Mookie Betts
Adam Eaton
George Springer

Pitcher
R.A. Dickey
Dallas Keuchel
Justin Verlander

National League

Catcher
Jonathan Lucroy
Yadier Molina
Buster Posey

First Base
Paul Goldschmidt
Wil Myers
Anthony Rizzo

Second Base
DJ LeMahieu
Joe Panik
Jean Segura

Shortstop
Brandon Crawford
Freddy Galvis
Addison Russell


Third Base
Nolan Arenado
Anthony Rendon
Justin Turner

Left Field
Adam Duvall,
Starling Marte
Christian Yelich

Center Field
Billy Hamilton
Odubel Herrera
Ender Inciarte

Right Field
Carlos Gonzalez
Jason Heyward
Nick Markakis

Pitcher
Jake Arrieta,
Zack Greinke
Adam Wainwright

Does the Rivalry Need a Spark?

Earlier in the day when I wrote up my game preview I mentioned that the rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox hasn’t been much of a rivalry in recent years. Aside from one trip to the World Series the Boston Red Sox have been cell dwellers in the American League East while the reign at the top by the Yankees has come to a screeching halt since Hal Steinbrenner has taken over the team. We thought we would see more of the rivalry after the Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz bro-code breakup but they have since kissed and made up leaving the fans wanting more. Wanting more of a rivalry. Does this rivalry need a spark?

To answer the question simply, yes. While the rivalry will always be a thing with the fans and with the broadcasters on both ESPN and MLB Network they do that so you will tune in or because someone writes their lines for them. The rivalry between the players is just not there anymore. I can’t think of off the top of my head one player I truly hate on the current Red Sox roster and I can’t think of any bad blood or anything between any current Red Sox player and Yankees player. In fact I have a ton of respect for the likes of Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia and especially for their manager John Farrell. Both teams have so many new faces and so many young guys though that there hasn’t been enough time to truly brew a true rivalry.

With free agency the rivalry sees new faces in different places all the time and the new guys to see the rivalry this time around most notably are Starlin Castro for the Yankees and tomorrow night’s starter David Price for the Red Sox. Luckily for the Red Sox and luckily for the rivalry Price is the kind of personality and the kind of pitcher that could easily spark the rivalry. Price is not the hot head pitcher that will throw at Yankees batters like Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira but he’s a competitor and a little loose with his lips in some of his interviews. That’s the kind of electric personality that sparks the rivalry not only with the fans but with the players as well.

So how do you spark a rivalry or rekindle a flame that has been lit for close to 100 years? Well besides Michael Pineda throwing at David Ortiz’s head tonight in the contest the best way to do it is for both teams to rebuild and win consistently. The Yankees are in the middle of their rebuild on the fly while the Red Sox are nearing the finish line on theirs in my opinion. The Red Sox have assembles quite the impressive cast of players on the positional side of things but the starting pitching and bullpen is still lacking while the Yankees are stockpiling young talent and a basketball team worth of pitchers on the other side of the equation.

So in a nutshell, yes this rivalry needs a spark and it needs a spark in a big way. No longer do the games last over four hours and no longer do the casual fans care about these games broadcasted on Saturday or Sunday nights. It’s just another game for most until Dellin Betances blows a 100 MPH fastball by David Ortiz in the ALCS or until New York can avenge their 2004 collapse in the playoffs where the World Series got cancelled all because the Yankees got up 3-0 in the series. The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry hasn’t been a true rivalry since then and it won’t be until they are both power houses once again like they were in the late 90’s and 2000’s. 

Yankees Pitching vs. Red Sox Hitting

Yesterday we took advantage of the Yankees off day to take a look at what the Yankees lineup has done against the Boston Red Sox trio of pitchers so why not look at both sides and see how well the Yankees pitchers have done in their careers against the current crop of Boston hitters. Sounds fair enough, right?

Masahiro Tanaka:

Michael Pineda:

Nathan Eovaldi:

All images and stats courtesy of ESPN.com

Comparing the Yankees & Red Sox Lineups

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox rivalry is one of the most storied and at times hated rivalries in all of North American sports. While the rivalry has taken a back seat in recent years these two teams are always a high-and-tight fastball away or two good teams away from rekindling the flame. That season could come in 2016 as the Red Sox look to rebuild and retool in hopes of getting back to the playoffs and out of the cellar of the American League East Division. We will do a run of these lineup comparisons now, as they stand, today and we will have to do another the closer we get to the regular season. A trade in Boston is coming, you don’t give former Yankees outfielder Chris Young a multi-year deal if you’re not about to trade one of your talented outfielders, and that trade may change the entire landscape of the AL East. 

Catcher

Brian McCann/ Ryan Hanigan

First Base

Mark Teixeira/ Hanley Ramirez

Second Base

Robert Refsnyder/ Dustin Pedroia

Third Base

Chase Headley/ Pablo Sandoval

*could be a push. Homer in me makes me go Headley

Shortstop

Didi Gregorius/ Xander Bogaerts

Left Field

Brett Gardner/ Rusney Castillo

Center Field

Jacoby Ellsbury/ Jackie Bradley Jr.

Right Field

Carlos Beltran/ Mookie Betts

Designated Hitter

Alex Rodriguez/ David Ortiz

Looking at the final tally I have the New York Yankees “winning” five spots out of the nine. Remember, bolded player wins. I think we all thought the Yankees would have the advantage in the lineup department over the Red Sox, especially now, but I think we all know a lot of change is coming to Bean Town. With Dave Dombrowski at the helm and a plethora of prospects for him to trade for established talent I don’t expect the Red Sox to stay down long, especially in David Ortiz’s last season. I can see the Red Sox going all in this season with their young core and established farm system. This is not good news for the New York Yankees so enjoy the “victory” while you still can.

Also it’s worth mentioning that the Boston Red Sox had one of the worst records in the American League in 2015. They finished in last place in the AL East Division and were a whopping 15 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place. I’ve already shown why I think the Yankees have a better offensive player in six or seven of the nine positions over Toronto but have  New York winning less positional battles here. This goes to show you that it is a team sport, not a sport for individuals, and it all comes down to actually putting in the work and getting the job done. Winning on paper is fun, winning in real life is so much better. This is the perfect example, to answer a question I received on the Toronto vs. New York lineup comparison, of how the Blue Jays can outscore the Yankees by over 120 runs and lead the league in offense and still “lose” the head-to-head battles. 

While We Wait: Robinson Cano and the New York Yankees, Are Either One Happy?

Don't cry Cano, Jay-Z thought this was a great idea....

While we wait, are either Robinson Cano or the New York Yankees happy about their very public, and to some heartbreaking, split before the 2014 season? Read here while we wait for the Yankees and Angels game and click the link to give those guys a view, it’s a great article.

http://calltothepen.com/2015/06/25/robinson-cano-new-york-yankees-either-happy/

It has been almost two years since second baseman Robinson Cano and the New York Yankees decided to part ways and end their relationship. Cano bolted to the west coast to play with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. The Yankees have had a series of second basemen since the departure of Cano.

Two years later, it’s hard to really signify who profited from the split?

Cano bolted for more money in Seattle. That evidence is staring right in the face of the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and the 28 other Major League teams. Cano wanted “the money”.

Cano left for Seattle because he felt he was not profiting from his services at Yankee Stadium for the Bronx Bombers.

Next to future hall of famer shortstop Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano was just as recognized in New York. His face was all over the city on television as well as street signs.
Cano really excelled in New York at Yankee Stadium. He could hit homeruns with relative ease and was a constant threat in the lineup, as well as on the field with his smooth play at second base. Cano’s ‘sweet spot’ for hitting homeruns was right field in the Bronx.

In December, 2013 Cano signed a 10 year $240 million deal with the Seattle Mariners. In comparison, the New York Yankees offered a 7 year deal for $175 million. A longer deal and more money is what Cano opted for. Over the course of the 2014 season, Cano finished with 14 homeruns and 82 RBI’s, along with a .314 batting average. No one doubts his statistics accumulated since his debut with the Yankees in 2005. Cano’s a six time All-Star, five time Silver-Slugger Award winner, two time Gold-Glove winner and a World Series Champion in 2009 with the Yankees.

His second year of the 10 year deal in Seattle is not going well. Cano has 3 homeruns, 23 RBI’s and 68 hits. Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia and Cano were considered two of the best second basemen in the American League just a short while ago. Now the game has evolved. There are other second basemen in the American League who have better statistics than Cano. Fellow second basemen, Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve and Cleveland Indians’ Jason Kipnis appear to be taking the league by storm. Pedroia and Cano appear to be showing signs of decline in their play.

The New York Yankees have not found their replacement for Cano. In 2014, they had an assortment of players manning the vacated position. Brian Roberts, Stephen Drew, Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado and Brendan Ryan were called upon to be the man playing second base role over the course of last season. The Yankees could never really get comfortable and relaxed with their future star since the loss of Cano. The honor, this season, appears to fall upon Jose Pirela and newly acquired shortstop – sometimes used at second base – Didi Gregorius.

Gregorius was acquired by the Yankees as the heir apparent replacement for their long-time captain Derek Jeter, in a three team trade with the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Yankees. It could be argued that since the retirement of Jeter and the free agent departure of Cano, the Yankees are scrambling for both shortstop and second base. The inexperience or pressure of playing for the pinstripes is getting to the men responsible for replacing Jeter and Cano.

In 2014, the New York Yankees finished the season with a record of 84-78 and 12 games behind the Baltimore Orioles. Making the playoffs is essential each season in the Big Apple. Failure is not an option if you are wearing Yankees’ pinstripes. They barely held onto second place in the American League East as they won one single game more than the third place Toronto Blue Jays.

Year one with Cano in Mariner colors, the Seattle Mariners finished slightly better with a record of 87-75. However, they finished in third place, behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Oakland Athletics. Bringing in Cano did not elevate the team into the playoffs. During the same off-season the Seattle Mariners and former manager Eric Wedge decided to cut ties from one another. The team went out and hired former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon.

In the 2015 season, the Yankees have won 39 of their first 72 games. The Seattle Mariners have only won 33 of their 72 games. Yes, while it is true that it is a long season and anything can happen, neither team has skyrocketed. The Yankees are 2 games behind the injury ravaged and small market Tampa Bay Rays. The Mariners are 8 ½ games behind the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Just as in fractured marriages, divorces hurt! Kids can be affected and can bruise the future of a family. In this case, both Cano and the New York Yankees decided to end their time together but in year two of their separation it would clearly be apparent that neither party is happy.

The Daily Dozen: April 11th Edition

The Daily Dozen: April 11, 2015 Edition

Twelve Takeaways from Today's Game

1. 19 Inning Hangover.  The Yankees looked like a team that was hungover today.  Boston had the same amount of sleep as New York (likely less in fact), but seemed ready to play.  Their regulars (Pedroia, Napoli, Bogaerts, Sandoval) played while Ellsbury, Beltran, Teixeira, and McCann sat out for the Yankees.  I know it was a 6 hour, 49 minute game last night and this morning, but starting the season 1-4 can't be helpful.  However, coming into the game the Yankees were hitting .199 as a team with only 13 runs scored...and that was with the extra 11 innings.

2. Alex Rodriguez at First Base.  I've heard that the experiment during Spring Training went well and he played the position adequately.  It didn't work out too well for the Yankees today, but I'm not sure the experiment should be stopped.  He wasn't exactly helped by the infielders.  Gregorius sent a nice sinker ball in the 2nd that led to the first Boston run.  A-Rod looked fine fielding the ball as the first play of the game went right to him (as per normal thanks to the baseball Gods).

3. Chase Headley, A-Rod's replacement at Third.  Made a great barehanded play in the 2nd inning that was all for naught as Gardner got Yankee Stadium sunned on what should have been a routine fly ball out.  Watch Headley's play HERE.

4. Harold Reynolds Surprised.  HR was surprised that the Yankees fans reacted positively to Alex Rodriguez in his first game this year and during the 1st at-bat today after his error at 1st.  I don't understand why he is surprised.  The Yankees NEED Alex Rodriguez because they really have no other choice.  What other offense will there be?

5. If the Yankees withhold bonuses from A-Rod, it would be shameful.  As if the Yankees didn't really know what was going on in A-Rod's life and his career leading up to not only one but TWO record contracts...part of that last contract was $6 million bonuses as he reaches each of the next 5 home run milestones...the first being tying Willie Mays at 660 Home Runs.  The Yankees organization claims that because of his 2014 suspension and the Biogenesis Scandal that A-Rod is no longer marketable.  Well, he's surely more marketable than Carlos Beltran or any of the other players currently on the roster.  "Pay the man his money..."

"Check, check, check...."

6. Joe Kelly..the Wild Man.  Kelly was very wild in the 2nd inning and couldn't seem to find home plate.  His wildness allowed the Yankees to strike right back.  However, the Yankees were not very patient the rest of the game frequently swinging early in the count.  Let's see...the Red Sox depleted their bullpen in a 19 inning game, but we'll go ahead and help out the starting pitcher any chance we can....arrrghh.

7.  Boston Red Sox Love Fest.  I had been under the impression that all out love for the SAAAAHX was reserved by ESPN.  This is no longer true as the crew of Joe Buck / Harold Reynolds / Tom Verducci couldn't say more positive things about Boston during their FS1 broadcast.  Interestingly, when Alex Rodriguez steps to the plate, it's all about controversy...when Ortiz comes up, nothing...At least be freaking consistent!

8. NAVA, the Yankee Killer?  Daniel Nava had 2 RBI by the 4th inning, the only ones for the Red Sox.  According to Joe Buck..."Nava is a fighter and just won't take no for an answer..." (See lovefest above).  Jeff Quagliata of YES astutely pointed out that Nava was 6 for 11 against Warren...me thinks maybe they should have walked him??

9. You can't spell Dustin Pedroia without DP.  Peddy grounded into TWO double plays before hitting a 2-run double in the 7th to provide Boston with a convincing lead.  You also can't spell Pedroia without P.E.D....just saying...naaaah...he's clean!

10. What a catch by Allen Craig!  Craig was a great pickup by the Red Sox by trading away John Lackey to the Cardinals.  Defense wins Championships...the Yankees who supposedly have such a great defense are giving away games with their errors, lack of awareness, and positioning (see the defensive alignment of the outfield in today's game for reference).

11. The vaunted 7-8-9 of the Yankees.  Boy...we are in for an offensive show this season if the 7-8-9 used today by the Binder holds...John Ryan Murphy, Didi Gregorius, and Gregorio Petit.  Do you think Didi and Petit are related somehow?  Anywho...they were a combined 1 for 8 today and made some pretty bad defensive mistakes.

12. Adam Warren finished with a career best 98 pitches.  He actually had a quality start with a final line of 5-1/3 innings, 1 ER, 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 strikeout.  More impressive was his 60 strikes out of the 98 pitches.  Warren probably feels a bit like Pineda right about now.  Kelly on the other hand, aided by the previously mentioned lack of patience by Yankee hitters, pitched 7 innings with 1 ER, 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts and got the coveted win in Yankee Stadium.

"How about a little offensive support guys?"

The Daily Dozen (Plus): The Night The Lights Went Out in the Bronx Edition

The Daily Dozen: The Night the Lights Went Out in the Bronx Edition

Twelve (Nineteen)Takeaways from Tonight's Yesterday's This Morning's Game:

1. Yankees vs. Red Sox Eternal...as in the games last forever.  Extra innings seem to be made for this rivalry.  And once again, this one goes LATE into the night...and the next day.  I can't tell you how many times I fell asleep watching my ESPN App since I don't have The MLB Network.  Okay, I can...3 times...

2. Pace of Play.  MLB has begun to inform its players by way of snail mail as to their disdain for players taking too much time in the batter's box and that they are serious about penalizing players.  I wonder if David Ortiz will receive as many letters from MLB as supposed drug tests?

"So You're Saying We Are on Some List...?" (Photo Credit: NY Times)

3. The 2015 Red Sox Resemble the 2004 New York Yankees.  Remember when the Yankees organization began to OVERSPEND on talent that was past its prime (Giambi, Johnson, Rodriguez).  Well, it seems that Boston is now filling that role what with its lineup of All-Stars from 2012 in Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Mike Napoli, and Shane Victorino.  Heck Ramirez was traded BY the Red Sox in his prime to the Marlins in return for guys named Josh Beckett (still hate that guy) and Mike Lowell (former Yankee)...in 2005.  The Yankees are now trying to the be the Red Sox of old staying away from the big free agents past their prime.  Okay...so they still were doing it last year with...AHEM...Beltran and McCann...but they totally redeemed themselves with Ellsbury and re-signing Gardner along with getting cheaper alternatives such as Headley, Gregorius, and Garret Jones...all while allowing their prospects evolve.

4. Extra Innings Games Sap Your Stats.  Just a quick look at the stat lines for both teams through THIRTEEN innings reveals the following:  only 6 players total had over a .300 average for the night and only five guys had multiple hits.  Perennial consistent hitter Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 6, the Panda was 2 for 6, Nava was 2 for 3 before being replaced by Victorino.  Gardner was 2 for 6, Gregorius was 1 for 3 as a late replacement, and Alex Rodriguez...2 for 5.  The Binder probably wishes he would have left him in the game right about now (12:00 AM).  The remaining players for the Red Sox were 4 for 33.  The remaining players for the Yankees were 3 for 31.  Update: as the teams roll into the 18th, the stats keep on going down, but on a sidenote they are the only ones still playing as the West Coast games just ended (1:33 am EDT).

5. #NAPPYBEARD.  Since The Greedy Pinstripes adopted the hastag last season, Napoli hasn't been the same player.  We here at TGP are glad this has happened and take full credit.  As of this typed No. 5 in the Daily Dozen he was 0 for 6 through 14 innings with 3 strikeouts...although he did get a walk in the 6th and scored one of Boston's 3 runs.  His batting average for 2015 is a stellar .000.  Interestingly, I actually typed the 0 for 6 with 3 strikeouts before he actually struck out...Fear the #NAPPYBEARD  Update: 0 for 8 through 18 innings.

"....mabye I should shave...?"

6. Chase Friggin' Headley.  What more can be said about Chase?  I mean sure he's mired in a .188 batting average, but like I said a couple of days ago...he seems to be clutch when it matters most.  What a huge Home Run to tie the game back in the bottom of the 9th off of Mujica (who coincidentally is on my Fantasy Baseball team...arrgh).

This may never get old... (Photo Credit: Newsday)

7. Fantasy Baseball Hint.  Just a word to the wise...NEVER draft guys from the team you like onto your fantasy squad...right now after almost a week's worth of games I am firmly atop the leaderboard of my Rotisserie league with 3 Boston players on roster with only Brett Gardner from the Yankees (auto-draft).  Either way I win...if the Boston guys suck it up...GOOD...if for some reason they don't...STILL GOOD (for me).  Having Pedroia is also a good idea...the guy just flat out rakes, like WICKED HAAAD.  Update: Mujica is on my bench tonight...shoo!

8. How many buckets of balls could the Yankees get for Stephen Drew?  This is subject to change if he somehow miraculously wins the game in the Bottom of the 14th as I type this, but WHY did the Yankees not afford Refsnyder a shot at second base again?  Oh that's right, to make room for the .071 hitting juggernaut Stephen Drew.  At least he has company down there with Beltran (.071).  Update:  Drew flew out to right to lower that stellar average to .067.  Update 2:  I'll give him another chance as he gave the Yankees a chance in the bottom of the 16th to win it and he's now at a SCORCHING .125!!!

9. Who is leading the team in batting average you ask?  Why that would be everyone's favorite villain, Alex Rodriguez at .286.  I mean sure he had 3 strikeouts...but did you see the smash double he had in the bottom of the 11th...that should have netted the Yankees a win since he was on 2nd with only 1 out?  Yeah, I think Mr. A-Rod is welcome in that clubhouse right about now.

10. To play shortstop in this rivalry you have to have a crazy name.  Xander Bogaerts.  Didi Gregorius.  Nuf' Said.  Pretty much the only normal name at short has been Derek Jeter...I mean, come on...Nomar Garciaparra?  Nomar is Ramon spelled backwards for the kids playing at home.  And yes, I realize that Stephen Drew also played SS...but I don't care.  Update: Bogaerts, crazy name and all is 4 for 8 through 19 innings and  hitting a crisp .421 on the early season.

More Like Nomar Hamm! Fogedaboutit

11. Pitchers, Batters, and Strikeouts.  Through 14 innings the Yankees pitchers faced 60 Red Sox hitters.  The Red Sox pitchers faced 53 Yankees hitters.  The teams combined used 16 pitchers.  It's too bad the game devolved into such a bullpen affair as both Wade Miley and Nathan Eovaldi pitched decently; Eovaldi in his Yankees debut with a final line of 5-1/3 innings and only 3 earned runs against such a good hitting Red Sox squad (ESPN will tell you that...just wait).  Miley gave up 1 less earned run in the same timeframe.  So how many strikeouts in the game (as I type this..they are in the top of the 15th)...?  24 strikeouts total -- 12 for each team.  The Indians pitchers got 16 on Thursday in a regulation game, but still 24 is a lot.  Update: top of the 16th...now at 26 Ks, 13 each.  Update 2: 17 pitchers as Wright entered for the Red Sox in the bottom of the 15th.  Update 3: 28 Ks...15 for BOS, 13 for NYY in Top 19th

12. The Didi-Ells-Gardy Show.  I'm predicting the game will end in the 15th with a manufactured run by the speedsters.  The lineup was set in order to do just that...get Gregorius on base and turn over the lineup to Ellsbury and Gardner to wreak havoc on the basepaths.  If you can't beat 'em with power, beat 'em with SPEED!  Update: Didi struck out, Ellsbury lined out to short, and Gardner walked...1 for 3 ain't bad!  Update #2: Garrett Jones promptly lined out to center to send the game to the 16th.  Anyone wish that A-Rod was still in the game yet???

13. Oh you thought this would end at Twelve?  I mean a dozen is twelve, but since the Yanks and Sawx can go extra innings, so shall I!  How many times have you watched a Yankees game when the stadium lights went out?  That was the title of this edition of the Daily Dozen and you read all the way to this point, so I'll tell you...I can't remember a time that the game was delayed due to the lights going out at Yankee Stadium.  This game was delayed 16 minutes in the bottom of the 12th as fans attempted to illuminate the field with their mobile devices.

Is this a baseball game or a Bon Jovi Concert?

14. Of course Ortiz would homer off of Rogers in the 16th.  What kind of name is Esmil anyways...arrghhh.  Rogers' first hit given up this season is a big one as in David Ortiz' first home run of the season.  I hope I didn't stay up until 1 am just to see (by see I mean watch the game via ESPN Gamecast probably 30 seconds after it actually happened) Big Papi win another game at the Stadium with a big home run.  Update:  Esmil Rogers gave up another run in the 18th...and has given up 3 ERs in 6.1 innings while the rest of the bullpen has surrendered only 1 ER in 18.1.  Update 2: Make it 4 ERs in 7.1...arrgh!

"Man...the guy at GNC told me it was just Orange Juice..."

15. The Panda Express.  Any time you give Pablo Sandoval eight at-bats, he'll probably find a way to hurt you.  Through 16 innings he was 3 for 8 raising his season average to .250.  While he isn't likely the player he was with San Francisco, he can still hurt you if you give him enough chances.

16. Steven Wright! You're So Wrong!  I imagine that was the call by John Sterling when Mark "Teix-Message" Teixeira launched the game-tying home run to start the bottom of the 16th.  If it's not, then he should have said it.  And by the way...Mr. Marky Mark waited until his birthday (April 11th) to do the damage.  Happy Birthday Teixeira!  You're on the MARK!  Update:  A colleague of mine has just informed us all via the Twitterverse that Mark is 35...which makes him the same age as me (he's hitting home runs in Yankee Stadium while I am blogging in my basement watching a "live" feed on the intranet  internet).

You gotta love A-Rod's reaction to the home run by the way: See A-Rod React Like a Little Leaguer

17. Mark Teixeira came up to the plate once again in the bottom of the 17th against Steven Wright.  He is now .500 against him with 1 HR in his career.

18. Baseball is a fickle game.  Teams can go SIX whole innings without scoring...and then boom they both score on solo home runs in the 16th.  Gotta love it...or hate it??  No runs in the 17th as both teams threatened.  Then in the 18th...the Red Sox score 1 and the Yankees promptly score again tying it 5-5.  And they did it with McCann and Beltran doubles no less...guys that were a combined 1 for 10 previously.

19. It's the small things.  Caught stealing, a pick off, allowing a stolen base, a passed ball...all of these were instrumental in the Red Sox scoring runs and ultimately led to their demise.  Well...that's it folks...hopefully you stuck with this post as long as I did with the game!

Would the Red Sox Trade Dustin Pedroia?

The Boston Red Sox made me sick this weekend when the team officially announced the signing of Yoan Moncada. The team will essentially pay $31.5 million to Moncada and $31.5 million in penalties and taxes for a second baseman that they announced would start his professional career in A-Ball. Moncada could move through the system quickly but it is important to temper expectations since he is just 19 years old. If Moncada did fly through the system like many expect him to would the Red Sox be willing to trade Dustin Pedroia?

Pedroia's contract runs through the 2021 season and has $96.5 million remaining on the contract. Pedroia never makes more than $16 million a season for the remainder of the contract and has limited no trade protection on the deal. Pedroia was the first second baseman ever to get more than $100 million on a contract. Let's say the Red Sox can delay Moncada's Major League debut for two seasons that still leaves five seasons of Pedroia on a contract where the player hasn't hit less than .278 since his rookie campaign in 2006.

Pedroia has been extremely durable in his career for the most part and has showcased 20 home run power, albeit in Fenway Park, but the problem in after the 2016 season Pedroia will be in his age 33 season. Not many people are going to want to trade for the 33-37 seasons for an AAV over $12 million per season. Basically, unless Pedroia is Derek Jeter and Pete Rose and can contribute late into his career, the Red Sox will be stuck with Pedroia and force Moncada to learn a new position. This all leads me to believe that the Red Sox more wanted to block the Yankees on this one then they actually wanted Moncada because there is no way they are going to be able to unload Pedroia, whether they wanted to or not.

Yankees Rally Multiple Times to Win Rubber Game Over Red Sox

David Phelps surrendered five earned runs in just two innings and David Ortiz hit a two-run home run off Chase Whitley, but thanks to great offensive performances by Stephen Drew and Brett Gardner the Yankees found a way to beat the Red Sox, 8-7, in tonight's rubber game at Fenway.

In this evening's bottom of the first, Phelps, who hasn't lost consecutive starts in two months, gave up three trips around the bases, putting the Yanks in a rough position to start things.

Fortunetaly, though, they'd quickly come back in the next frame, bringing home a trio when the aforementioned Drew beat out a routine double play ball with the bases loaded and Brett Gardner tied it with a two-run double down the right field line.

Yes, Phelps would give most of that back in the bottom of the inning when Dustin Pedroia skied a homer over the green monster, but still, New York had established an offensive threat, something they'd use again against Clay Buchholz (5 IP, 7 ER) in the fourth, fifth, and sixth.

To begin their rally that was briefly interrupted on the aforementioned shot by Ortiz, the Yankees made it 5-4 on an RBI Double by Drew, before really coming to life with two outs in the top of the fifth.

After Jacoby Ellsbury and Mark Teixeira were retired to begin the at-bat, Carlos Beltran collected an extra-base hit and Brian McCann walked, bringing up Chase Headley and Drew, who contributed another RBI Double and evened the score with a two-run single, respectively. 

Then in the sixth, Brett Gardner took Craig Breslow deep to right, finally giving the Yanks the lead, an accomplishment that wouldn't end up going for nothing thanks to a three shutout frames from Esmil Rogers and the usual heroics from the Dellin Betances/David Robertson duo.

Capuano Decent, But Yanks' Offense Struggles Again in Loss to Red Sox

Chris Capuano threw 6 1/3 innings of four-run ball and Carlos Beltran collected two RBI, but since the Red Sox were able to cross home in the bottom of the seventh the Yankees lost to Boston tonight, 4-3, in the series opener at Fenway. 

At times in this evening's contest, as you see by that close final score, New York did appear to gain some momentum, getting a solo homer from Beltran in the fourth that made it 2-1 and another RBI Single from #36 in the sixth that made it 3-2.

Still, after Capuano allowed a man to get to second with one out in Boston's half of the seventh, Dustin Pedroia drove in the insurance run to bring it to 4-2, essentially ending the ballgame.

Yes, in the top of the eighth the Yankees got a home run from Derek Jeter and put men on the corners with two outs, but since Sox CF Mookie Betts still robbed Jacoby Ellsbury of an extra-base hit following Jeter's shot and Chase Headley grounded out to end the frame the Bombers did fall eventually, with Boston rookie Anthony Ranaudo (6 IP, 2 ER) getting the W in his MLB debut.

A Yankees Fans Reaction to the Jon Lester for Yoenis Cespedes Trade

Paint a beard on this man...

In my opinion the Boston Red Sox may have made the best trade of the trading deadline yesterday when they acquired Yoenis Cespedes for Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes. Let’s face it the Red Sox are very likely to get Lester back this winter, reports have said as much, and they aren’t going anywhere but down this season. It makes perfect sense to open your eyes, realize where you are, and make a move for the future. The great thing that Boston does that New York will never do is the Yankees will hold onto their players and suffer while Boston will be a much improved team in 2015.

The Red Sox will basically have Lester in the rotation next season, Gomes would have been gone next season via free agency anyway and is very easily replaced, and they will have one more season of Cespedes in the middle of that lineup. That Boston lineup in the middle with David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, and Cespedes is going to be really scary this season and next.

Cespedes may also be responsible for the Red Sox having to tear down Fenway Park after he breaks the green monster with some of his hits off his bat. Even if the Red Sox don’t get Lester back this winter in my opinion they still made a great trade, probably the best trade of the deadline. Cespedes is guaranteed through 2015 and could sign an extension while the Lackey trade cleared some money for free agents. This looks to me like 2012 all over again.

Brian Cashman, pay attention. This is what makes a good general manager. 

Whitley, Bullpen Hit Hard in Another Rubber Game Loss

While he was undeniably good in his first 7 starts, it's become more and more obvious that Yankees Pitcher Chase Whitley's beginning to run out of gas. 

The 25-year-old rookie, who went 3-0 with a 2.56 ERA before falling to the Blue Jays last Monday, didn't look sharp at all tonight, surrendering 5 earned runs in 4+ innings.

After his departure, the Yanks' bats did come back a little, but in the end, couldn't make up for the youngster's struggles, as they fell in ugly fashion to the Red Sox 8-5.

For the first two frames, the argument could be made that Whitley wasn't terrible, although a top of the third, three-run home run by David Ortiz definitely changed that idea, as the Sox took an early 4-0 lead off the right-hander.

In their following at-bats, the Bombers would pull to within one thanks to a single by Derek Jeter and a pair of solo shots from Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran, but that trio of positives would eventually prove irrelevant, as Whitley and Shawn Kelley would hand that progress right back to Boston in its half of the fifth.

In that inning, the Sox would make it 7-3 on a two-run single from Dustin Pedroia and an unusual steal of home by Daniel Nava, pretty much making the Pinstripes look done.

Yes, they did sort of come back in their next turn when Brett Gardner doubled in Ichiro and Jacoby Ellsbury grounded another home, but due to the bullpen's lack of reliability they would end up being defeated, the sixth time that's happened in their last nine games.

As you probably already know, tonight's loss also cost them this seemingly winnable series, keeping them 2 games out of both the AL East lead and the final Wild Card spot.

In other words, this evening's failure is a deflating blow to the already scuffling Yankees, who will begin a trio of home contests with the last-place Rays tomorrow.

ESPN: The Ultimate Pedroia vs. Cano Debate

If Robinson Cano were still a Yankee would this map be so red? Obviously this is on the heels of Mariano Rivera releasing a book, The Closer, that stated if he had one game to win that he would pick Dustin Pedroia over Cano. Yankees fans have lost their minds since this comment was made public and I don't understand why.

Mariano Rivera Calls Out Cano In His Book

First of all raise your hand if you knew that Mariano Rivera was writing a book because I didn't. Also raise your hand if you thought the politically correct Rivera would call out a former teammate in the book because I didn't think he would. He did though in his book called "The Closer" which is being co-written by Daily News writer Wayne Coffee. In the book Rivera says that he would pick Dustin Pedroia over his former teammate Cano if he had to win one game because "There is no doubt that he (Cano) is a Hall-of-Fame caliber (player). It's just a question of whether he finds the drive you need to get there. I don't think Robby burns to be the best. You don't see that red-hot passion in him that you see in most elite players." Coming from anyone else you shrug that off but coming from the great Rivera, ouch.

You can read some excerpts from the book and the entire story on the Daily News HERE.

Derek Jeter Third In League In Jersey Sales

Above is the list of the top selling jerseys from the offseason and surprisingly David Ortiz is first from the Boston Red Sox, not the retiring Yankees Captain Derek Jeter. Dustin Pedroia came in at the second spot followed by Derek Jeter in third place. The only other Yankees in the Top 20 was Jacoby Ellsbury who was 20th. Just in case you were wondering and still bitter Robinson Cano of the Seattle Mariners is in 9th place.

Tacopina Says "God Like" PED Users Are In Boston

Joe Tacopina told @ESPN_Colin he did not want to name other players accused of PED use, "but some of them are God-like in Boston right now."
— Neil Best (@sportswatch) January 14, 2014

In case you missed it and have been living under two rocks in the past week or so Alex Rodriguez was suspended for 162 games and essentially lost his appeal with Frederic Horowitz and Major League Baseball. Now he is taking it to court suing both the MLB and the MLB Players Association trying to get the ruling overturned or reduced. While he is waiting for that to play out we may have the makings of another Jose Canseco on our hands...

Alex's lawyer Joe Tacopina was on Colin Cowherd's ESPN show today and foreshadowed a possible outing of other PED users. Tacopina subtly suggested that some of the current PED users are "god like" players playing in Boston. Immediately David Ortiz comes to mind as well as Dustin Pedroia, more likely the former than the latter obviously, with a few other possibilities. This is about to get really REALLY fun I have a feeling.

Here is the quote from Tacopina:

Joe Tacopina told @ESPN_Colin he did not want to name other players accused of PED use, “but some of them are God-like in Boston right now.”