Game Preview: New York Yankees @ Houston Astros 4/10

The New York Yankees and the Houston Astros will finish their three-game set this week in the heart of Texas with the finale of their series. For the finale, the Yankees will send James Paxton to the mound to face off with Collin McHugh for the Astros. The Yankees have an off-day tomorrow before traveling to Chicago to face off with the White Sox, so let’s get to it here in Houston so the team can get the hell out of here.

Paxton faced the Astros four times in 2018 as a member of the Seattle Mariners, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.05 ERA. Career against the Astros, Paxton is 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 12 starts, so it’s safe to say that Paxton has done well against Houston throughout his career.

McHugh has been incredible inside Minute Maid Park throughout his career, posting a 5-0 record with a 1.18 ERA over his last eight starts there. McHugh was tough in his last start as well, limiting the Oakland Athletics to just one run on three hits.

The game will be played at 7:40 pm ET inside Minute Maid Park in Houston and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB Network and MLB TV. You can also follow along with the game on the radio with the WFAN broadcast of John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman. Enjoy the game and go Yankees!!

TGP Trivia and Fact of the Day for April 10th, 2019

Good morning Yankees family!!


What trio of pitchers shares the Yankees record for the most Opening Day starts?

Highlight below for the answer!



Mel Stottlemyre, Whitey Ford and Ron Guidry have all started games for the New York Yankees on Opening Day seven times each!



And a special good morning to the most amazing woman on the planet, my wife Kari. I love you more than words could ever express or convey. Yikes!

This Day in New York Yankees History 4/10: Dave Eiland Hits a Home Run

On this day in 1992 Dave Eiland hit a home run in his first major league at bat. Eiland came through the New York Yankees system and also allowed a home run to first batter he faces in his career when he gave up a homer to the Brewers Paul Molitor. Eiland hit the home run in the National League in his first year with the San Diego Padres after coming over from the Yankees.

Game Thread: New York Yankees @ Houston Astros 4/9

The New York Yankees and the Houston Astros will continue their three-game set in Houston tonight with the second of the three-game series. The Yankees will send Jonathan Loaisiga to the mound tonight to face off with Gerrit Cole of the Astros. The game will be played at 8:10 pm ET inside Minute Maid Park in Houston and can be seen on the YES Network locally and ESPN nationwide. You can also follow along with the game on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman. You can also follow along on MLB TV, where I will be watching the game tonight myself. Enjoy the game and go Yankees!!

Game Preview: New York Yankees @ Houston Astros 4/9

The New York Yankees and the Houston Astros will continue their three-game set out west in the heart of Texas. In the middle game of this three-game set the Yankees will send their top pitching prospect Jonathan Loaisiga to the mound to face off with the one who got away, Gerrit Cole for the Astros. Tonight, we have a little bit of a later start for us on the East Coast, so let’s get to it here in Houston.

Loaisiga took a no-decision in his first start of the season, limiting the Detroit Tigers to just one hit in four innings of work. This will be the first time that Loaisiga has faced the Astros in his career and this will be the second start of the season for the Yankees top pitching prospect.

Cole has been the tough luck loser in both of his starts already this season, posting an 0-2 record with just a 3.00 ERA and 19 strikeouts. Let’s hope the third time is not the charm tonight for Cole and the Astros.

The game will be played at 8:10 pm ET inside Minute Maid Park in Houston and can be seen on the YES Network locally and ESPN nationwide. You can also follow along with the game on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman. You can also follow along on MLB TV, where I will be watching the game tonight myself. Enjoy the game and go Yankees!!

TGP Trivia and Fact of the Day for April 9th, 2019

Good morning Yankees family!!



Mickey Mantle hit a home run an in exhibition game at the Astrodome on April 9, 1965, making him the first player to ever hit a home run indoors in Major League Baseball history.



And a special good morning to my amazing wife, Kari. I love you more than words could ever express, and I always will.

This Day in New York Yankees History 4/9: Joe Torre Re-Signs w/ Yankees

On this day in 2004 the New York Yankees and manager Joe Torre agreed on a new three year deal, a three year pact that would be his last in Yankees pinstripes. The deal also included an additional six year deal in which the 62 year old manager would become a team adviser through the 2013 season.


Also on this day in 1965 the Houston Astros opened the first domed stadium when they hosted the New York Yankees at the Astrodome. During the opening ceremonies 24 astronauts threw 24 ceremonial first pitches in the "Eight Wonder of the World" as the Colt .45's became the Astros.



Finally on this day in 1963 Yogi Berra made an appearance on the television soap opera General Hospital as Dr. Lawrence Berra, a brain surgeon. Yogi did this as a favor to former Indians infielder Johnny Berardino, now known as Johnny Beradino who played Dr. Steve Hardy on the soap.

MLB Power Rankings: Week 1

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Record: 8-2

Offensive standouts: UTL Enrique Hernandez (.367 AVG, .474 OBP, and 3 HRs in 38 PAs), C/UTL Russell Martin (.417 AVG, .556 OBP, and 1 HR in 18 PAs), and 1B/OF Cody Bellinger (.455 AVG, .489 OBP, and 7 HRs in 47 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Hyun-Jin Ryu (9 K/9, 0 BB/9, and 2.08 ERA in 13 IP), RP Kenley Jansen (10.13 K/9, 1.69 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 5.1 IP), and SP Julio Urias (9.35 K/9, 4.15 BB/9, and 3.12 ERA in 8.2 IP)

The Dodgers offense has proven to be unstoppable. They are hitting tons and tons of HRs and their offense is so deep. If Kershaw can come back healthy, there’s no stopping this Dodgers team.

2. Houston Astros

Record: 5-5

Offensive standouts: OF George Springer (.300 AVG, .356 OBP, and 3 HRs in 45 PAs) and 3B Alex Bregman (.343 AVG, .415 OBP, and 1 HR in 41 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Gerrit Cole (14.25 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, and 3.00 ERA in 12 IP), SP Collin McHugh (10.64 K/9, 3.27 BB/9, and 2.45 ERA in 11 IP), and SP Wade Miley (6.17 K/9, 1.54 BB/9, and 2.31 ERA in 11.2 IP)

The Astros are on a three game win streak, having picked up a must needed sweep against the A’s. The offense, who has struggled thus far, is in the midst of waking up (scored fifteen runs in last two games after scoring only 18 in the seven games prior). Ultimately, this a team who should contend for a World Series, as their strong in virtually every facet of the game (especially the rotation). 

3. New York Yankees

Record: 5-4

Offensive standouts: 3B/2B DJ LeMahieu (.429 AVG, .500 OBP, and 7 runs in 32 PAs) and SS Gleyber Torres (.371 AVG, .436 OBP, and 3 HRs in 39 PAs) 

Pitching standouts: SP Domingo German (8.18 K/9, 5.73 BB/9, and 1.64 ERA in 11 IP) and SP Masahiro Tanaka (8.76 K/9, 0 BB/9, and 1.46 ERA in 12.1 IP)

After losing back to back series to the lowly Orioles and Tigers, the Yankees rebounded with a resounding series sweep of the O’s in Baltimore. As injuries continue to pile up, it becomes more and more essential that youngsters Clint Frazier, Domingo German, etc. hold the fort down to allow key veterans to fully recuperate.

4. Washington Nationals

Record: 4-4

Offensive standouts: 3B Anthony Rendon (.433 AVG, .528 OBP, 4 HR, 8 XBH, and 36 PAs), SS Trea Turner (.357 AVG, .400 OBP, and 2 HRs in 15 PAs), and OF Victor Robles (.269 AVG, .387 OBP, and 2 HRs in 31 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Stephen Strasburg (12.08 K/9, 2.13 BB/9, and 2.84 ERA in 12.2 IP) and SP Max Scherzer (13.26 K/9, 1.89 BB/9, and 3.32 ERA in 19 IP)

The Nationals are a very well rounded team (strong rotation and powerful offense), and they are coming off of a huge weekend series win against the NY Mets. Losing Trea Turner to the IL hurts, but their lineup is still very dangerous (Rendon, Soto, Robles, etc.).

5. Philadelphia Phillies 

Record: 6-2

Offensive standouts: OF Bryce Harper (.385 AVG, .556 OBP, and 3 HRs in 36 PAs), 3B Maikel Franco (.320 AVG, .500 OBP, and 3 HRs in 34 PAs), and 1B Rhys Hoskins (.346 AVG, .514 OBP, and 3 HRs in 35 PAs)

Pitching standout: SP Zach Eflin (10.50 K/9, 0.75 BB/9, and 0.75 ERA in 12 IP)

The Phillies, led by their dynamite offense, have won two of their first three series (swept Braves, split with Nationals, and took two of three from the Twins) and have launched themselves into 1st place in the NL East division despite poor showing from the bullpen. 

6. Milwaukee Brewers

Record: 8-2

Offensive standouts: OF Christian Yelich (.361 AVG, .489 OBP, and 5 HRs in 47 PAs) and OF Lorenzo Cain (.368 AVG, .432 OBP, and 5 XBH in 44 PAs)

Pitching standouts: RP Josh Hader (15.26 K/9, 1.17 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 7.2 IP) and SP Freddy Peralta (11.45 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, and 3.27 ERA in 11 IP)

The Brew Crew are on a tear and are emerging as the favorites to win the NL Central. Although their pitching has been lackluster to some degree, the offense has carried the team, and the bullpen has been strong.

7. Boston Red Sox

Record: 3-8

Offensive standouts: C/UTL Blake Swihart (.375 AVG, .444 OBP, and 1 HR in 18 PAs) and OF/DH J.D. Martinez (.333 AVG, .404 OBP, and 3 HRs in 47 PAs)

Pitching standouts: RP Brandon Workman (12.6 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 5 IP)

The Red Sox west coast trip couldn’t have played out any worse. Their pitching has been terrible (ERA in the 6s) and the offense hasn’t been as strong as it was last season. In all likelihood, the reigning World Series champs will bounce back and compete for a division title with the Yankees and Rays, but you never know. 

8. Tampa Rays

Record: 7-3

Offensive standouts: 3B/UTL Yandy Diaz (.303 AVG, .395 OBP, and 3 HRs in 33 PAs) and 1B/DH Ji-Man Choi (.370 AVG and .433 OBP in 30 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Charlie Morton (11.45 K/9, 3.27 BB/9, and 1.64 ERA in 11 IP), SP Tyler Glasnow (8.18 K/9, 1.64 BB/9, and 0.82 ERA in 11 IP), and RP Jose Alvarado (15 K/9, 4.5 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 6 IP)

The first week of regular season play is through, and the Rays are currently first place in the AL East. Their pitching has been instrumental to their success; their team ERA is hovering around 2.00. What could potentially hold them back is their offense though. 

9. New York Mets 

Record: 6-3

Offensive standouts: 1B Peter Alonso (.382 AVG, .432 OBP, 3 HRs, and 9 XBH in 37 PAs), UTL Jeff McNeil (.409 AVG, .519 OBP, and 3 XBH in 27 PAs), and C Wilson Ramos (.400 AVG and .419 OBP in 31 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Jacob deGrom (16.62 K/9, 1.38 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 13 IP), SP Steven Matz (9.58 K/9, 3.48 BB/9, and 0.87 ERA in 10.1 IP), and RP Edwin Diaz (12.27 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 3.2 IP)

The Mets are off to a solid start this season. Their offense and pitching have both been above average. They beat up on the Marlins (swept them) and split their 6 games against the Washington Nationals, a fellow division rival.

10. Cleveland Indians

Record: 6-3

Offensive standout: 1B Carlos Santana (.419 AVG, .486 OBP, and 1 HR in 35 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Mike Clevinger (16.5 K/9, 3 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 12 IP) and SP Trevor Bauer (10.93 K/9, 4.5 BB/9, and 0.64 ERA in 14 IP)

The Indians are coming off of a four game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays. They’ve received very good pitching, as usual, but their offense remains quiet. The bullpen has been decent as well.

11. St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 4-5

Offensive standout: 2B Kolten Wong (.433 AVG, .486 OBP, and 3 HRs in 35 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Jack Flaherty (9.64 K/9, 2.89 BB/9, and 3.86 ERA in 9.1 IP) and RP John Brebbia (9.95 K/9, 2.84 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 6.1 IP)

The Cardinals offense and pitching has been just average so far this season. Three of their best hitters — Paul Goldschmidt, Harrison Bader, and Matt Carpenter — have all struggled. If they can put it all together, the Cardinals suddenly resemble a playoff caliber team. 

12. Atlanta Braves

Record: 5-4

Offensive standouts: 1B Freddie Freeman (.419 AVG, .561 OBP, and 1 HR in 41 PAs), 2B Ozzie Albies (.400 AVG, .475 OBP, and 1 HR in 40 PAs), and SS Dansby Swanson (.346 AVG, .471 OBP, and 3 HRs in 34 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Julio Teheran (12.6 K/9, 4.5 BB/9, and 3.60 ERA in 10 IP) and SP Kevin Gausman (9 K/9, 2.57 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 7 IP)

The Braves were blown away by the Phillies in their opening series. It seems to have served as a wakeup call, as Atlanta is victorious in five of their last six games. The offense has been formidable, but the pitching has been just okay.

13. Seattle Mariners

Record: 9-2

Offensive standouts: SS Tim Beckham (.400 AVG, .489 OBP, and 4 HRs in 47 PAs), OF Domingo Santana (.311 AVG, .415 OBP, and 4 HRs in 54 PAs), and 1B Daniel Vogelbach (.467 AVG, .579 OBP, and 4 HRs in 19 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Marco Gonzales (5.03 K/9, 1.37 K/9, and 3.20 ERA in 19.2 IP), SP Mike Leake (9.49 K/9, 1.46 BB/9, and 2.92 ERA in 12.1 IP), and RP Brandon Brennan (9.45 K/9, 1.35 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 6.2 IP)

The Mariners are off and running in 2019. Run scoring is coming so easy to them right now (7.7 runs per nine innings pitched). Additionally, their pitching has been serviceable. Watch out for the Mariners, as they are already surpassing a lot of people’s expectations in 2019.

14. Oakland Athletics

Record: 6-7

Offensive standout: SS Marcus Semien (.298 AVG, .389 OBP, and 1 HR in 54 PAs)

Pitching standouts: RP Lou Trivino (11.25 K/9, 1.13 BB/9, and 2.25 ERA in 8 IP) and RP J.B. Wendelken (11.32 K/9, 0 BB/9, and 1.74 ERA in 10.1 IP)

The Athletics sit one game below .500 despite above average showings from both their pitching staff and offense. They’re lost three consecutive games (all three of which were against the Houston Astros). Expect the A’s to contend for a WC spot once again this year.

15. Minnesota Twins

Record: 5-3

Offensive standouts: SS Jorge Polanco (.387 AVG, .429 OBP, and 6 XBH in 35 PAs), C/UTL Willians Astudillo (.500 AVG, .529 OBP, 4 XBH, and 0 Ks in 17 PAs), and OF Max Kepler (.265 AVG, .324 OBP, and 2 HRs in 37 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Jose Berrios (8.59 K/9, 0.61 BB/9, and 1.84 ERA in 14.2 IP), SP Michael Pineda (10 K/9, 2 BB/9, and 2.00 ERA in 9 IP), and RP Trevor Hildenberger (15 K/9, 3 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 3 IP)

After winning four of their first five games (all of which were against division foes — three games against CLE and two games against KC), they lost two out of three to the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies. Overall, the pitching has been solid (ERA in the mid-to-low 3s), but the offense has been just mediocre (7 HRs).

16. Chicago Cubs

Record: 2-7

Offensive standouts: C Willson Contreras (.364 AVG, .517 OBP, and 3 HRs in 29 PAs), OF Jason Heyward (.333 AVG, .400 OBP, and 3 HRs in 35 PAs), and UTL Daniel Descalso (.348 AVG, .423 OBP, and 1 HR in 26 PAs)

No pitching standouts 

The Cubs have had a really tough road trip despite strong performances from a variety of position players. Perhaps even more problematic than their bullpen issues, the starting rotation has been terrible. Entering play on Sunday, the Cubs team ERA ranked dead last in the majors (7.87). They come home on Monday and open against the Pirates. This six game home-stand (also play Angels) will be very telling. 

17. Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 5-3

Offensive standouts: OF Melky Cabrera (.391 AVG and .417 OBP in 24 PAs) and UTL Adam Frazier (.333 AVG, .429 OBP, and 1 HR in 35 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP/RP Joe Musgrove (9 K/9, 1 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 9 IP), SP Trevor Williams (6.75 K/9, 0.75 BB/9, and 2.25 ERA in 12 IP), and RP Felipe Vazquez (15.75 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 4 IP)

The Pirates are coming off of a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. Their team ERA is in the mid-2s, which has kept them in games. Watch for this trend to continue as the Pirates offense is seemingly below average. 

18. San Diego Padres

Record: 6-4

Offensive standouts: OF Hunter Renfroe (.364 AVG, .440 OBP, and 3 HRs in 25 PAs) and 3B Manny Machado (.286 AVG, .405 OBP, and 2 HRs in 42 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Joey Lucchesi (11.32 K/9, 2.61 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 10.1 IP), SP Chris Paddack (11.42 K/9, 5.19 BB/9, and 1.04 ERA in 8.2 IP), and RP Kirby Yates (13.5 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, and 1.50 ERA in 6 IP)

The Padres are off to a strong start to the season, having won two of their first three series. The pitching has been solid all-around and the offense has scored just enough runs. Their success long term will be dependent on the longevity/stamina of their young starters.

19. Los Angeles Angels

Record: 4-6

Offensive standout: OF Mike Trout (.393 AVG, .581 OBP, and 5 HRs in 43 PAs)

Pitching standout: RP Ty Buttrey (15.43 K/9, 0 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 4.2 IP)

Aside from Mike Trout (also known as the best hitter in baseball), the Angels offense has been nonexistent. The pitching staff has been alright, but their overall roster depth is lacking. Their rotation holds plenty of question marks as well. 

20. Arizona Diamondbacks

Record: 5-5

Offensive standouts: OF Adam Jones (.364 AVG, .378 OBP, and 4 HRs in 46 PAs), C Alex Avila (.333 AVG, .524 OBP, and 2 HRs in 21 PAs), and OF David Peralta (.413 AVG, .413 OBP, 1 HR, and 9 XBH in 46 PAs)

Pitching standouts: RP Greg Holland (12 K/9, 0 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 3 IP) and SP Merrill Kelly (7.71 K/9, 1.29 BB/9, and 2.57 ERA in 14 IP)

All in all, the Diamondbacks pitching has been disappointing, but the offense has stepped up to the plate, scoring runs at a remarkable rate (6.1 runs per nine innings — top 5 in the majors). The question is, can they sustain it?

21. Colorado Rockies

Record: 3-7

Offensive standout: OF David Dahl (.343 AVG, .385 OBP, and 2 HRs in 39 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Kyle Freeland (11.57 K/9, 3.86 BB/9, and 2.31 ERA in 11.2 IP) and SP German Marquez (9.69 K/9, 4.15 BB/9, and 0.69 ERA in 13 IP)

The Rockies have really struggled in the early going of the 2019 campaign. The pitching staff has not performed, aside from Freeland and Marquez. The offense is in a slump right now and to add insult to injury, the Rockies best hitter right now, David Dahl, had to leave Sunday’s game due to injury. 

22. Detroit Tigers

Record: 7-3

Offensive standout: RF Nicholas Castellanos (.289 AVG, .386 OBP, and 5 XBH in 44 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Matt Boyd (18.26 K/9, 3.18 BB/9, and 3.18 ERA in 11.1 IP), SP Jordan Zimmermann (6.59 K/9, 0.66 B/9, and 0.66 ERA in 13.2 IP), and SP Matt Moore (8.1 K/9, 0.9 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 10 IP)

The Tigers are on a roll, having won five consecutive games (coming off a series sweep of Kansas City), and their pitching has been incredible, overshadowing their nonexistent offense. Not a single Tiger hitter has a batting AVG of at least .300. 

23. Toronto Blue Jays

Record: 3-8

Offensive standout: SS Freddy Galvis (.324 AVG, .378 OBP, and 3 HRs in 37 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Matt Shoemaker (9.64 K/9, 1.93 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 14 IP), SP Marcus Stroman (8.68 K/9, 2.89 BB/9, and 2.41 ERA in 18.2 IP), and SP Trent Thornton (12.66 K/9, 1.69 BB/9, and 1.69 ERA in 10.2 IP)

After splitting their opening series against the Tigers, the Blue Jays have gone on to lose six of their previous seven games (they just got swept by Cleveland). The offense (only scored twenty-nine runs) has completely let down the pitching staff, who has put up a sub-three ERA. Unless the offense wakes up, you’re looking at a 90+ loss team. 

24. Texas Rangers

Record: 5-5

Offensive standouts: 3B/OF Joey Gallo (.250 AVG, .447 OBP, and 4 HRs in 38 PAs) and SS Elvis Andrus (.366 AVG, .381 OBP, and 1 HR in 42 PAs)

No pitching standouts

The Rangers have produced offensively but have pitched poorly. Their pitching staff leaves a whole lot to be desired, and it has the potential to completely disintegrate. This team will only go as far as the rotation takes them. 

25. Cincinnati Reds

Record: 1-8

No offensive standouts

Pitching standouts: SP Luis Castillo (12.08 K/9, 4.97 BB/9, and 1.42 ERA in 12.2 IP), SP Taylor Mahle (7.5 K/9, 0 BB/9, 0.00 ERA in 6 IP), and RP Amir Garrett (12.46 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, and 0.00 ERA in 4.1 IP)

The Reds are playing awful right now. Their pitching has been decent, but their offense has been the worst in the major leagues (they have scored twenty-one runs and are averaging just over two runs per game). I simply don’t see them climbing out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves. 

26. San Francisco Giants

Record: 3-7

No offensive standouts

Pitching standouts: SP Madison Bumgarner (9 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, and 1.38 ERA in 13 IP)

The Giants pitching has been surprisingly decent, led by ace starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner, but the offense has not been able to carry its load. The Giants are in a tough division, and I have hard time seeing them finish ahead of the Dodgers or Padres (or the Rockies or D-Backs for that matter).

27. Miami Marlins

Record: 3-7

Offensive standouts: C Jorge Alfaro (.280 AVG, .333 OBP, and 3 HRs in 27 PAs) and 3B Martin Prado (.476 AVG and .522 OBP in 23 PAs)

Pitching standouts: SP Sandy Alcantara (4.5 K/9, 3.75 BB/9, and 1.50 ERA in 12 IP), SP Caleb Smith (12.27 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, and 4.09 ERA in 11 IP), and RP Nick Anderson (20.77 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, and 2.08 ERA in 4.1 IP)

The Miami Marlins young rotation flashes excellent potential, but Pablo Lopez and Jose Urena have disappointed early on. The offense has been stagnant most of the time. As a team, they’re trending downwards, having lost five of their previous six games. 

28. Chicago White Sox

Record: 3-5

Offensive standouts: SS Tim Anderson (.560 AVG, .577 OBP, and 2 HRs in 26 PAs) and 2B Yoan Moncada (.353 AVG, .405 OBP, and 2 HRs in 37 PAs)

Pitching standout: SP Carlos Rodon (11.91 K/9, 1.59 BB/9, and 1.59 ERA in 11.1 IP)

The White Sox pitching, quite frankly, has been atrocious. Their offense has been okay. On a positive note, Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson have both performed exceptionally well early on this season.

29. Baltimore Orioles

Record: 4-5

Offensive standout: 1B/OF Trey Mancini (.333 AVG, .359 OBP, and 4 HRs in 39 PAs)

Pitching standout: SP/RP David Hess (8.1 K/9, 3.38 BB/9, and 2.70 ERA in 13.1 IP)

The Orioles couldn’t have started the year off any better in taking back to back series from the Yankees and Blue Jays, but they have collapsed ever since, losing four consecutive games (three of which to the Yankees at home). With a team ERA north of five and a middling offense, expect things to go south.

30. Kansas Royals 

Record: 2-6

Offensive standout: 2B Whit Merrifield (.324 AVG, .361 OBP, and 4 XBH in 36 PAs)

No pitching standouts

The Royals were undefeated two games into the season. Now, they stand four games below .500, having spiraled downwards (losing six consecutive games) big time. Their most notable weakness is their bullpen, which has blown multiple games.

Yankees complete their 1st sweep of the 2019 season

Yankees offense exploded putting out 15 runs today. Gary Sanchez & Clint Frazier both homered multiple times today. Sanchez had 3 & Frazier had 2. Sanchez’s first career 3 homerun game and now leads MLB in homeruns with Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger with 6 . Frazier went 4 for 4 today. Torres continues to rake against the Orioles with 2 hits 1 being a homerun.


Yankees starter German pitched great today. He went 6 innings while just giving up 2 runs and 3 strikeouts also. Tarpley & Cessa came in both to close the game out. Great pitching by the Yankees today.

Yankees look to continue their winning streak has they head to Houston. Tanaka, Loaisiga & Paxton are the starters for the Yankees as each looks to build on their starts and the teams momentum.

Opportunity Calls, Clint Frazier Answers...

Photo Credit: Gail Burton/AP

Yankees Overcome O’s, thanks to the long ball...

We knew it was only a matter of time until Aaron Judge began his monstrous assault on MLB baseballs, but it was Clint Frazier’s lightning quick three-run homer in the top of the eighth inning that allowed the Yankees to overtake the Baltimore Orioles in the 6-4 win at Camden Yards.

Frazier needed this moment. Frankly, the Yankees should have never put themselves in the position of needing Frazier’s big hit but they did. They had a golden opportunity to break the game open in the sixth inning when they loaded the bases with no outs against arguably MLB’s worst team. Frazier entered the game, pinching hitting for left fielder Mike Tauchman, but the inning unraveled from there. Gary Sanchez, on third, was picked off by O’s catcher Pedro Severino. Frazier struck out swinging for the second out, and Giovanny Urshela, in his first at-bat as a Yankee and pinch-hitting for Tyler Wade, grounded out to second to end the scoreless threat.

I didn’t really get Aaron Boone’s decision to keep Jonathan Holder in the game for the bottom of the seventh inning. He had entered the game in the fifth, in relief of starter J.A. Happ with only one out. He gave up a single to the second man he faced, Renato Nunez, in the bottom of the fifth, which scored a run for Baltimore (charged to Happ) to make it a one-run game at 3-2. I know Holder had an easy three-up, three-down inning in the sixth, but that’s as far as I would have pushed him. Instead, Boone left him in to start the seventh (why?). He hit the lead-off hitter, Cedric Mullins, and then gave up a single to right off the bat of Jonathan Villar which put runners at the corners.  Boone finally made a move, bringing Adam Ottavino into the game. Unfortunately, Greg Bird misplayed a grounder to first by Chris Davis. He bobbled the ball, didn’t step on first and then threw high to home. Mullins scored and Davis was safe at first. After Villar stole third, pinch-hitter Rio Ruiz, batting for Nunez, lofted a fly to center to score Villar with the go-ahead run.  

It looked like the Yankees were going to go down quietly in the eighth. Greg Bird led off the inning against Orioles reliever Paul Fry with a fly-out to left. A pitching change brought reliever Miguel Castro into the game to face Gary Sanchez who flied out to right. But in the face of defeat for the Yankees, Castro struggled with his control and lost Gleyber Torres on balls to put a runner at first. Then, D.J. LeMahieu did what he does best. He singled to right, his third hit of the game, and the Yankees had runners at the corners. Enter Clint Frazier. With the count at 2-2, Castro threw a slider that was meant for the low outside corner. Fortunately for The Wildling and much to the dismay of Orioles catcher Pedro Severino, the ball came in over the juicy part of the plate and Frazier didn’t miss his opportunity. With the rapid fire of his bat, the ball went screaming out of the park. The Yankees were up, 6-4.  

Adam Ottavino walked Hanser Alberto, briefly a Yankee this past Winter, to lead off the eighth but got the next two outs with his insane pitches. With Alberto on second, Aaron Boone took the ball from Ottavino and brought in Chad Green. Greeny hit the shirt of Cedric Mullins to put a runner at first. The next batter, Jonathan Villar, hit an infield grounder to D.J. LeMahieu, who had slid over to second base from third when Giovanny Urshela entered the game. LeMahieu had an uncharacteristic bobble of the ball and Villar beat D.J.’s throw to Gleyber Torres standing on second base. The bases were loaded, giving the Orioles a golden opportunity to recapture the lead. Thankfully, it was only Chris Davis at the plate. He rapped a hard single to first base which Greg Bird easily handled, stepping on first ahead of Davis running down the line. Inning over, with the two-run lead intact.

Aroldis Chapman finished off the Orioles in the bottom of the ninth. Despite giving up a one-out single to pinch-hitter Jesus Sucre, he easily recorded the next two outs to gain his second save of the season even if his fastball couldn’t find triple digits. 

The win went to Adam Ottavino (1-0) despite giving up the lead in the bottom of the seventh on runs charged to Jonathan Holder. Ha, they should have charged those runs to Aaron Boone!  

And, oh, did I mention that Aaron Judge had two massive home runs earlier in the game. I knew it was time for a Judgian blast and had even commented on my post yesterday that it was a good day for an Aaron Judge home run. I was wrong, I should have said home runs. Judge’s first homer (and first of the season) came in the top of the first after Brett Gardner had struck out to lead off the game. The ball carried 412 feet over the center field wall. Trey Mancini had answered Judge’s solo homer with one of his own in the bottom of the first to tie the game. After Brett Gardner doubled with one out in the top of the third, Judge hit another ‘no doubt about it’ homer to center, giving him total yardage of 830 feet, with the two bombs. That was it for Judge in this game, he recorded outs in his next three at-bats which included two by strikeout. But the Yankees wouldn’t have been in position to win this game without Judge. Every day is a good day for Aaron Judge home runs.

Photo Credit: Gail Burton/AP

I know it’s too early to watch or care about the AL East Standings, but the Yankees (4-4) did move into a tie for second place with the Orioles. The Tampa Bay Rays lost 6-4 to the San Francisco Giants so the Yankees are 1 1/2 games back. The Boston Red Sox dropped another game, 5-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix, to fall to 2-8. I know it’s only a matter of time until the Red Sox find their groove, but it is fun to watch them in the AL East Cellar while it lasts. It couldn’t possibly happen to a better team than the Red Sux.  

The Yankees can sweep the series at Camden Yards today before they hop on a plane bound for Houston, Texas. Domingo German (1-0, 0.00 ERA) faces David Hess (1-0, 0.00 ERA). In his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays, Hess no-hit the Blue Jays until he was lifted with one out in the seventh (the bullpen blew his no-no). German, on the same day, held the Detroit Tigers to only one hit and unearned run, in five innings. It would be great for the Yankees to sweep after losing their first two series of the season. And it would provide a joyful mood for the long flight down to South Texas.

I was a little surprised to see the call-up of Giovanny "Gio" Urshela before yesterday’s game. It was funny how it unfolded. Urshela posted an airplane pic on Social Media and clever fans deduced it was the same type of plane departing from Buffalo’s airport (where the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are playing) and headed to Baltimore’s BWI Marshall Airport. While I enjoyed the brief one game call-up of Thairo Estrada who didn’t get to see any playing time, Urshela is in better position to help right now. No doubt Estrada will be the better utility player in the long run, but Urshela, who has a superior third base glove, provides better support for interim third baseman D.J. LeMahieu. Urshela doesn’t have much of a bat but that’s not why he is on the 25-man roster now even if he had a couple of strong offensive performances for the RailRiders to start the season. I can still easily remember some of the spectacular defensive plays Urshela made against the Yankees when he was playing for the Cleveland Indians. Not that LeMahieu needs any glove help but the occasional breather is welcomed. To make room for Urshela on the 40-man roster, the Yankees moved Didi Gregorius to the 60-day Injured List. Speaking of Sir Didi, damn, I miss those after-game emoji’s.  

I know the season is early and stats, either good or bad, don’t really mean much given the small sample sizes. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how good D.J. LeMahieu has been for the Yankees. Expected to be a “floating” starter with time at first, second and third, LeMahieu was forced into full-time duty at third base when Miguel Andujar, with a small labrum tear, was placed on the IL.  LeMahieu is 11-for-24, batting .458/.536/.542 with 1.077 OPS. His eighth inning single last night set the stage for Clint Frazier’s heroics but it almost provided a game-tying opportunity by getting Gleyber Torres to third. A ball got away from Orioles catcher Pedro Severino and Torres most likely could have scored if he had immediately broke for home but hesitation kept the budding superstar at third. LeMahieu is not a flashy player and is not known for dingers but he does the little things right. Living in Denver, I’d routinely hear Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon talk about how much LeMahieu meant to their team. It’s easy to see why they held such high praise. The guy can hit, field and win. I am glad he is a Yankee.  

CC Sabathia makes a rehabilitation start for the High-A Tampa Tarpons today. The Tarpons are hosting the Lakeland Flying Tigers in Tampa. Hopefully all goes well for CC who should soon be back in Pinstripes for his final go-around. Hope everything goes well today, CC. We miss you and look forward to your return.

As always, Go Yankees!