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..."
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| "Check, check, check...." |
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.
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| "How about a little offensive support guys?" |
