Game 50: Yankees vs Indians

Let's hope A.J. can go eight and hand it off to Mo, because I don't trust anyone in the bullpen anymore.

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Juan Miranda DH
Brett Gardner LF
Chad Moeller C

Tigers
tba

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State of the Yankees

It's been a busy week in Yankee land, here's a rundown of what's going on.

• First of all, Phil Hughes picked up his 6th win of the season by holding the Indians to 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 8 in 7 innings. Robinson Cano hit cleanup for the first time in his career and made the most of it by going 3-4 with a grand slam in an 8-2 win.
  
• Tonight also marked the return of Curtis Granderson to the lineup. He slid right into the 2-hole and went 1-3 with a walk and a run scored. Hopefully he can help solidify the lineup a little and get it going.
  
• In the corresponding move to bring Granderson back, Randy Winn was Designated for Assignment. (I'm sure John is extremely happy about this. I don't think he's hated a Yankee this much since... yeah I can't even come up with something to compare it to.) This means Kevin Russo is going to get the opportunity to play off the bench as an outfielder.
  
• Mark Teixeira is slowly starting to turn it around. He is 7 for his last 19, but hasn't had an RBI since May 17 and his last homer was May 15. Alex Rodriguez has been suffering from a power outage lately as well with no homers or RBI since May 19. Considering the 3-4 hitters only have a combined 13 homers and 62 RBI's through almost 50 games and the Yankees are still 9 games over .500 and only 3.5 games out of first place the division, I'd say the Yanks are sitting in a pretty good position right now.
  
• After a tough stretch of games against Boston (x2) Detroit, Minnesota (x2), and Tampa Bay, the Yanks get a little bit of break with 15 upcoming games against the Indians, Orioles, Blue Jays, and Astros.
  
• A quick injury update, as Jorge Posada is out of his boot and is starting to resume baseball activities. At some point, he'll go down to the Minors for a rehab assignment. I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping that he goes to Trenton so I could possibly make my way over there.
  

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Pettitte Pitching Like It's 1999

NYY 3 10 1

MIN 2 8 0



WP: Pettitte (6-1)
LP: Rauch (1-1)
S: Rivera (10)


Player of the Game: None other than Andrew Eugene Pettitte. Pettitte went deep into the game, going eight innings, allowing two runs, and striking out four. Would have liked to see him get the complete game, but Joe decided to go to Mo with a one-run lead.


Play of the Game: Nick Swisher's ninth inning, go-ahead BOMB. That ball was crushed and it couldn't have come at a better time.


Turning Point of the Game: Andy Pettitte getting Joe Mauer to ground into a double play in the bottom of the eighth. With the go-ahead run on third, Pettitte got out of a major jam by getting the reigning AL MVP to ground to short. Pettitte was pumped up and the Yankees took the lead soon after.

Notes:

• Kevin Russo continues to make the most out of his time up in the majors, with an RBI double in the fourth. Have to wonder if they keep him around when Granderson returns.
• Rivera looked shaky in the earlier game, but he got an easy 1-2-3 in the nightcap. But now is he unavailable for tomorrow? Have to watch the postgame on YES for that answer.
• Even though the Red Sox have been playing well lately, it has actually helped the Yankees by beating the Rays, and now they are just only 4.5 games back of them.

Tomorrow

Yankees at Twins 7:10 p.m. ET

Vazquez vs Blackburn

See Ya!

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Post-Game/Pre-Game

An unusual day today in Yankeeland. Last night's game was suspended due to rain after five innings and was continued earlier today before this evenings game. In the suspended game, Derek Jeter hit a solo home run to give the Yankees a 1-0 lead. That's the only run scored all game and secured the Yankees victory. Only other thing worth noting is that Mariano Rivera was wild today. I think I counted eight of his 14 pitches were balls. Not a very Mo-like ratio. Anyway here's the lineups for the evening game.

Yankees
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Thames DH
Cervelli C
Russo LF
Gardner CF

LHP Andy Pettitte

Twins
Span CF
Hudson 2B
Mauer DH
Morneau 1B
Cuddyer RF
Young LF
Hardy SS
Harris 3B
Butera C

LHP Francisco Liriano

Lefites Dueling: Andy Pettitte and Francisco Liriano are both having solid seasons and the lefties squeare off against each other today. They faced each other the last time the two teams met and Pettitte won that battle.
Gardner Sliding: Joe Girardi inserted Nick Swisher in the two-hole and moved Gardner back down into the ninth spot. It seemed as if Gardner's production had declined since moving into the two-hole.
Roster Moves: The Yankee signed Chad Gaudin and added him to the 25-man roster. To accomodate this move Boone Logan was optioned to AAA Scranton and Shane Lindsey was DFA'd.

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Game 45: Yankees at Twins

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS

Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira DH
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Juan Miranda 1B
Francisco Cervelli C
Kevin Russo LF

RHP A.J. Burnett

Twins

TBA

RHB Scott Baker

On Target: This is the Yankees first look at the brand new Target Field in Minnesota. It's 88 degrees and sunny in Minneapolis, so they won't miss the Metrodome tonight.

Finally an off-day: Yesterday, the Yankees got their first scheduled off day since May 7 (there was a rain-induced day off on May 11). Hopefully this day-off helps some people who are struggling, like A-Rob and Teixeira. Francisco Cervelli had also caught 7 consecutive days, so his legs got a little bit of a break.

Injury Report: Marcus Thames is available to play, he just is not playing today against the righty Baker. Alfredo Aceves was throwing on flat ground in Tampa, and his back tightened up, so his status is uncertain for now. Javier Vazquez threw a bullpen session today after getting hit on the index finger bunting on Friday night. Curtis Granderson has started his rehab assignment, and he should return to the team in Cleveland this weekend.

We Hardly Knew You: This series is the last of the Twinkies the Yankees will see this year in the regular season. Just another oddity of the MLB scheduling system.

Super Jersey: The NFL awarded the New Meadowland Stadium the Super Bowl in 2014. Now, being born in New Jersey and living here for 16 of the 19 years of my life, I don't like this whole "New York/New Jersey" bid thing. The game's in NJ, not NY. I also don't like how they're called the New York Giants and Jets. If we're paying tax dollars to build stadiums, at least name the teams after the state they actually play in. And I'll bet $10 that they do the cliche thing and have Bon Jovi do the halftime show.

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What's Worse?

There's so many things that have gone wrong this past week and this game was a microcosm for the week from hell for the Yankees. I don't know what is worse about tonight's loss. The fact that they were getting embarassed on national television for the second night in a row and with our ace on the mound (until the ninth inning). Or the fact that they came back in the ninth, reeled me back into the game, and had me hanging on every pitch raising my hopes of a potential win. I spent the whole night wondering, how can we lose 2 of 3 to the Mets. They're the Mets! Then A-Rod comes up as the go-ahead run against K-Rod and then I started thinking "They're the Mets! Of course they'll blow it." But after holding my breath through that 8-pitch at bat A-Rod swung through a K-Rod curveball and I returned back to my frustrated state.

It's even more frustrating when you look at the bigger picture. The Yankees are 6 games behind Tampa Bay. The Toronto freakin' Blue Jays and their strangely potent offense are just one game behind the Yankees.

I want to put this loss and series behind and move on, but I can't because there's too many issues with this team right now. It's time to start sweating.

AP photo of CC Sabathia

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Game 44: Yankees at Mets

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Francisco Cervelli C
Kevin Russo LF
CC Sabathia P

Mets
Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B Alex Cora 2B
Jason Bay LF
Ike Davis 1B
David Wright 3B
Angel Pagan CF
Rod Barajas C
Jeff Francoeur RF
Johan Santana P

Rubber Game:Maybe it's just me, but it seems like every 3-game series the Yankees play, they split the first two games and go in needing to win the last game to win the series.

Ducks on the pond: The Yankees left 13 runners on base yesterday, and despite the fact they had 11 hits, the offense didn't really get going.

Stopper: This is why they pay CC the big bucks, to pitch against the other team's best pitcher and stop losing streaks. He only has one decision in a game following a Yankee loss this season, and it was his 7.2 inning, one hit, performance against the Rays in the first week of the season. Let's hope for a repeat of that.

UPDATE 8:10: Luis Castillo was scratched from the lineup. Alex Cora is in his place at 2nd and in the 2-hole in the lineup.

On the Twitters: @jgeant and @jphealy

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Ouch

That game was painful to watch. The Yankees had quite a few opportunities to score in the game or score more runs. Most notably, the seventh inning. With runners on second and third and one out. Mark Teixeira struck out and Alex Rodriguez grounded out ending that threat. The eighth inning the Yankees had bases loaded one out, drew a bases loaded walk, then Jeter grounded into a fielder's choice and Gardner grounded to third. Those two innings were brutal to watch along with the ninth and every Teixiera at-bat. I don't want to write more because this offense is so frustrating.

Oh, and don't even get me started with Randy Winn and Chan Ho Park.

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Game 43: Yankees at Mets

Is it me or was this game supposed to be earlier today?

Lineups

Yankees
Jeter SS
Gardner CF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cervelli C
Winn LF

Mets
Reyes SS
Castillo 2B
Bay LF
Davis 1B
Wright 3B
Pagan CF
Barajas C
Francoeur RF

Young Aces: Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey are both having terrific seasons and are both still very, very young. Hughes is 5-0 with a 2.25 ERA while Pelfrey is 5-1 with a 3.02 ERA.
Phil at the Plate: Phil Hughes will be making his NL ballpark debut, meaning he will hit for the first time. He said he was only able to hit fastballs in high school, so hopefully Pelfrey doesn't know that.
Battered Bombers: Javier Vazquez was hit on his pinky during an attempted bunt last night to be the latest victim of the injury bug. He believes he will make his next start (which I don't know how many days will be). Alfredo Aceves will be throwing in Tampa tomorrow and Marcus Thames should be available to pinch-hit.

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Game 42: Yankees at Mets

YANKEES (25-16)
Derek Jeter SS
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Francisco Cervelli C
Kevin Russo LF
Javier Vazquez P

RHP Javier Vazquez (2-4, 8.01 ERA)

METS (20-22)
Jose Reyes SS
Alex Cora 2B
Jason Bay LF
Ike Davis 1B
David Wright 3B
Angel Pagan CF
Rod Barajas C
Jeff Francoeur RF
Hisanori Takahashi P

LHP Hisanori Takahashi (3-1, 3.12)

Game is in progress, Javy pitching well right now.

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Horrible Day All Around

The Yankees got blown out, despite the fact that is was 10-6. It looked like they had a chance with a ridiculous come back, but they didn't. But it's just one game and considering the other news, it's not that big a deal.

• Marcus Thames got a single and then did one of the stupidest things I've seen in a while and threw the bat down the first base line. He stepped on it and was taken out of the game after rolling his ankle.
  
• The big news though is that Jorge Posada has a hairline fracture in his foot and will be out 3-4 weeks. That's a big blow to the Yanks, despite how well Cervelli has been playing. Plus, the Yankees don't have another catcher on the 40-man roster, so someone will have to be Designated For Assignment or placed on the 60-Day DL to bring on up to the Majors. This may lead to the Major League debut of either Jesus Montero or Austin Romine. More likely, we'll get (have) to watch Chad Moeller.
  
• Swisher didn't play again today, and I guess he couldn't pinch hit based on the fact that Juan Miranda was up there at the end.
  

So this injury thing is getting a little like the Mets last year. The only difference is that the Yanks are still winning, so let's hope it stays that way.

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Game 40: Yankees vs. Rays

YANKEES (25-14)
Derek Jeter SS
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira DH
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Francisco Cervelli C
Marcus Thames RF
Juan Miranda 1B
Randy Winn LF

RHP A.J. Burnett (4-1, 3.31)

RAYS (28-11)
Jason Bartlett SS
Carl Crawford LF
Ben Zobrist RF
Evan Longoria 3B
Carlos Pena 1B
B.J. Upton CF
Hank Blalock DH
John Jaso C
Reid Brignac 2B

RHP Wade Davis (3-3, 3.38)

The First Place Rays: This is the start of another two-game series, this time against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Can the real Mariano please stand up?: Rivera hasn't been pitching like the Greatest Closer of All Time the past few days. With the blown save on Sunday and the loss last night, he's given up 4 runs (2 earned), 3 hits (one homer), and a walk in his last 1.1 IP

On Scene: John is at the game tonight, so he'll probably throw in some tweets from the game @jphealy.

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Game 39....maybe?

It doesn't look good right now as it's been raining all day and looks to continue to rain off and on the rest of the night. But if they do play, here's the lineups.

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Brett Gardner LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Francisco Cervelli C
Marcus Thames RF
Juan Miranda DH
Randy Winn LF

LHP CC Sabathia

Red Sox
Scutaro SS
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Youkilis 1B
Martinez C
Ortiz DH
Beltre 3B
Hall LF
McDonald CF

RHP Beckett

That's Why It's the Greatest Rivalry: So yesterday I made a post about how I wasn't as excited for this Yankees-Red Sox matchup and that I thought it was losing its luster. Well that didn't take long to prove me wrong. Yesterday's game is one example of why these two teams are the greatest rivalry in sports. It doesn't matter where they are in the standings, these two teams desperately want to beat each other no matter how they do it and yesterday's game was the exact definition of a Yankees-Red Sox game. You just don't know what you're going to get when they face each other.
Battle of Aces?: CC Sabathia has done a very good job at continuing to be the Yankees ace this season. Josh Beckett for the Red Sox....not so much. Beckett has struggled this season with a 1-1 record and 7.46 ERA.
Make Joe West Proud: With rain in the forecast, the Yankees and Red Sox should make Joe West proud and get this game in as quick as possible (if there's a window to play) so they don't have to make it up later in the season.


UPDATE 7:42: Jim here. the tarp is apparently off the field and first pitch is scheduled for 8 PM. Outfielder Greg Golsen was optioned to AAA and Mark Melancon was recalled to help the depleted bullpen.

As usual, we'll be on the Twitter accounts: @jgeant and @jphealy.

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Papelbon Serves Up a Pie for Yanks

Red Sox 9 13 0
Yankees 11 13 0

WP: Vazquez (2-4)
LP: Papelbon (1-3)

Player of the Game: Gotta give it to Marcus Thames. He went 2-4 with 4 RBI's. Oh yeah, and he hit the game-winning home run off of Papelbon.

Play of the Game: Thames ending the game, and earning the first pie of the season with his bomb to left. So much for only being able to hit righties huh?

Turning Point of the Game: A-Rod's game-tying homer in the 9th. When I was talking to John before the inning I said, "Down two runs, we just need a bloop and a blast." Well Gardner got the bloop, and A-Rod supplied the blast. Luckily the ceilings in my basement are relatively high, or I might have hit my head when I jumped off the couch.

Notes:

• Hughes was probably due for a sub-par start. 5 runs on 6 hits in five innings is not what we've come to expect from him, especially after getting spotted 5 runs in the first inning. Facing the Red Sox for the second time in 10 days might have also factored in. But the Yankees offense stepped up and bailed him out.
• Vazquez came in to get one BIG out. He struck out Youkilis with first and third and got the win. He will also be available to start on Friday against the Mets, according to Joe Girardi's post-game presser.
  
• I'm sure Brian Cashman has been getting a lot of crap about his three big off-season acquisitions (Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, and Javy Vazquez) but he put together a great bench. Jorge Posada can't play tonight? You plug Francisco Cervelli in there and he picks up 2 hits, 3 runs, and an RBI. Nick Swisher can't swing the bat? Marcus Thames steps in, picks up 4 RBI's and becomes the hero of the game. Randy Winn and Ramiro Pena also picked up hits today.
• This was obviously a slugfest, but the bullpen is a little scary right now. Actually it's a lot scary. Chan Ho Park comes off the DL to give up 3 runs and Boone Logan didn't do much better. Marte was able to go 1.2 innings with only a hit and a walk, but left Vazquez with a first and third situation to get out of. Vazquez was in the bullpen tonight to be the long man, but he may not be out there again.
• Picture by Reuters.
  

TOMORROW:
Sabathia vs. Beckett
7:05 PM


SEE YA!

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Game 38: Yankees vs. Red Sox

Yankees (24-13)

Derek Jeter SS
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Francisco Cervelli C
Marcus Thames RF
Randy Winn LF
Ramiro Pena 3B

RHP Phil Hughes

Red Sox (19-19)
Marco Scutaro SS
Dustin Pedroia 2B
J.D. Drew RF
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Victor Martinez C
David Ortiz DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jeremy Hermida LF
Darnell McDonald CF
RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka

Ace on the Mound: Phil Hughes takes the mound tonight with a 5-0 record. The last person his age to start a season 5-0 for the Yankees was some guy Whitey Ford. If I remember correctly, that guy had a pretty solid career.

Tough Week: The Yankees welcome the Red Sox to the Stadium for two games, before having to face the Rays for two more. But at least then they get a break by getting to play the Mets. Take the survey to the right to voice your opinion about which series you're most pumped about.

We'll be on our Twitters: @jgeant and @jphealy.

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Which Upcoming Series is More Exciting?

First of all, let me go on the record saying two-game series are the dumbest thing I've ever seen. Now, tonight the Yankees host the Red Sox for the first time at the Stadium, but to me it seems like this rivalry is beginning to lose a bit of its luster. This is the seventh time in the first six weeks of the season that these two teams are facing each other and I'm not all that excited for it. It may be because they've faced each other too much in a short period of time, or because of the Yankees dominance over them this season, or the fact that the Red Sox are trying to dig themselves out of fourth place of the AL East.

Anyway, I'm not as pumped up about facing the Red Sox as I usually am. I know last time out there were some fireworks with some hit batsmen, but I just feel like tonight isn't as exciting as it should be. There's just something missing.


That being said, Wednesday and Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Rays is what I'm looking forward to most. I do have tickets for Wednesday night's game, but they are also battling for first place right now which makes those games more exciting.


So I ask you, what series are you more excited for?


The two-game series against the Red Sox?
The two-game series against the Rays?
Or, the three-game subway series against the Mets?


Feel free to comment on why you are more excited for the particular series.

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Game 37: Yankees vs. Twins

Yankees

Derek Jeter DH

Brett Gardner CF

Mark Teixeira 1B

Alex Rodriguez 3B

Robinson Cano 2B

Jorge Posada C

Marcus Thames RF

Randy Winn LF

Ramiro Pena SS

Sergio Mitre RHP

Twins

Denard Span CF

Orlando Hudson 2B

Joe Mauer C

Justin Morneau 1B

Michael Cuddyer RF

Jim Thome DH

Jason Kubel LF

Alexi Casilla SS

Matt Tolbert 3B

Nick Blackburn RHP

Notes:

• Swisher is getting the day off against a righty becuase his bicep bothers him swinging left-handed.
• I'm freaking out right now because the YES Network is showing Center Stage, despite the Channel guide saying it should be showing Yankee baseball. THe game is on TBS as well, but that's blacked out. So I'm scrambling to figure out whats going on.
  

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Home Cookin'

MIN 1 7 0
NYY 7 12 0

WP: Pettitte (5-0)
LP: Liriano (4-2)

Player of the Game: Hard to argue against Andy Pettitte for this one. After missing his last start due to elbow issues, he pitched 6.1 scoreless innings allowing 2 hits and striking out 2 against a very good lineup.

Play of the Game: The fan's catch on Jorge Posada's home run. Posada's home run was crushed to centerfield, hit the top of the wall that separates Monument Park and the Yankees bullpen, and the fan on top of the Mohegan Sun bar made a nice grab as the ball bounced up toward him. Oh, Brett Gardner's diving catch in the first was pretty good too.

Turning Point of the Game: Mark Teixeira's two-run home run that landed in the suites between the second and third deck. The monster shot gave the Yankees a 5-0 lead, and erased any hopes of a Twins comeback.

Notes:

• Nick Swisher was in the lineup but it appears he can only swing right-handed. When right-hander Jesse Crain came into the game, Swisher remained on the right side of the plate.
• Pettitte has not lost a game yet this season and has a 1.79 ERA.
• With today's win the Yankees are 12-2 at home and are once agains proving their dominance at Yankee Stadium.

Tomorrow

Yankees vs Twins 1:05 p.m. Yankee Stadium

Mitre vs Blackburn

See Ya!

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A-Rod's Grand Slam Powers Yanks Over Twins

MIN 4 9 0

NYY 8 14 1

WP: Marte (1-0) (even though he had the worst performance of the day)

LP: Baker (4-3)

Player/Play/Turning Point of the Game: I think it's safe to say A-Rod earned all these honors today with his seventh inning grand slam to give the Yankees a 7-4 lead and the eventual victory. Gardenhire decided to intentionally walk Mark Teixeira thinking a slumping A-Rod could hit into a double play. Not happening. A-Rod took Matt Guerrier (who he has great numbers against) deep into the left field seats for a grand slam. He also went 2-for-3 with a walk.

Notes

• I know he got some big outs in the 2009 postseason, but it's 2010 and I hate Damaso Marte. His job is to get lefties out, instead he almost blew the game (thank you, A-Rod). You can also target Girardi for taking Burnett out. I know Burnett gave up a home run to Mauer, but Mauer hit a good pitch by Burnett, and honestly I trust Burnett over Marte to get that out. Heck, I trust Boone Logan over Marte to get that out.


• Twins fans must be really skeptical of Ron Gardenhire after this game. Walking Tex to face A-Rod who he is 4-for-6 with three home runs lifetime against him? I don't understand that, but I'm happy he did it because it paid off for the Yankees.


• The Yankees have the Twins number. It's gotten to the point where it feels like the Yankees are thinking, "okay we can comeback" and the Twins are thinking "don't blow this." Nonetheless, these two teams play exciting, close games against each other every time out and it's great baseball.


• Francisco Cervelli continues to impress. Two-for-4 with an RBI triple. He's 10-for-13 with RISP.

Tomorrow

Yankees vs Twins 1:05 p.m. Yankee Stadium

Liriano vs Pettitte

See Ya!

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Game 35: Yankees vs. Twins

YANKEES (22-12)
Derek Jeter SS
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Marcus Thames LF
Juan Miranda DH
Francisco Cervelli C

RHP A.J. Burnett (4-1, 3.40)

TWINS (22-12)
Denard Span CF
Orlando Hudson 2B
Joe Mauer C
Justin Morneau 1B
Michael Cuddyer RF
Jason Kubel DH
Delmon Young LF
Alexi Casilla SS
Nick Punto 3B

RHP Scott Baker (4-2, 4.57)


Get back on track: The Yankees have lost 4 out of 5, and look to AJ Burnett, who struggled against Boston on Sunday, to right the ship.

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Yanks Struggling at Worst Time

The Yankees lost this afternoon, making 4 of their last 5 games losses. This isn't good, especially when the next few teams you have to face are the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, and the Twins again. There are two big concerns right now: offense and injuries.

First the injuries, there's really nothing you can do about them and it's how you overcome them. Over the last few weeks we've seen Jorge Posada get limited playing time, Andy Pettitte miss a start, Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson go on the DL, and Alfredo Aceves sidelined. Even today it was announced Nick Swisher (who had been hitting the ball well) is day-to-day with tight biceps. These guys have been replaced by Francisco Cervelli (who's doing a good job), Sergio Mitre, Randy Winn/Marcus Thames, and Romulo Sanchez. The open DH spot has let guys like A-Rod DH and Ramiro Pena get in, thus weakening the lineup. These guys who are replacing the injured players are just not getting the job done, which means the healthy guys need to pick up the slack, which isn't happening either.

Derek Jeter is in a major slump right now. He was 0-for his last 16 at bats before he singled today. Still, he is 5-for-his last 47 or something like that (I've been listening to Francesa say that all day). Then you have A-Rod. Boy, oh boy, where did all that power go? Three home runs...really? That's it? A-Rod needs to get his power back for the offense to get going. Robinson Cano has slowed down from his hot start, and guys like Winn, Thames, Pena are just getting in more at bats than they should, and are being exposed.

So with injuries getting to the team and the healthy players and ones stepping in aren't getting the job done the offense has fallen apart.

But let's see some of the positives:

• The Yankees return home to play 7 games, in which they are 10-2 at this season.
• The Minnesota Twins are Pedro Martinez's brother. The Yankees absolutely own the Twins, and went 9-1, including the postseason, against them last year.
• They also haven't lost a series to the Red Sox since June of last year.
• Andy Pettitte should make his next start and Phil Hughes is Godly.

So if all goes well, and the Yankees go 5-2 on the homestand, and 3-3 on the road trip, they will be 30-17 heading into a softer part of the schedule...but of course that all depends on everything going right.

Tomorrow

Yankees vs Twins 7:05 p.m. Yankee Stadium

Burnett vs Liriano

See Ya!

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Hughes is HUUUGE

Yankees 8 10 0
Tigers 0 6 1

WP: Hughes (5-0)
LP: Bonderman (1-2)

Player of the Game: Once again, it's Phil Hughes. He went 6.2 IP, allowing no runs on 4 hits and one walk. Hughes is turning into the ace the Yankees project him to be.

Play of the Game: Completely forgot about this before, but I'm adding it now: Joba Chamberlain's under flip and flop. Very impressive play by the big man.

Turning Point of the Game: Brett Gardner's stolen base in the first inning. It put him in scoring position to score on A-Rod's single and give Hughes all the run support he would need.

Game notes:

• Yanks were able to pick up the split of the doubleheader, and at least give them a chance to split the series with a win tomorrow.
• Hughes has been absolutely amazing so far this season. He hasn't given up more than 2 runs in a start all year. If he keeps pitching like this, the rest of the league better watch out.
  
• Francisco Cervelli continues to step up when called upon. A 2-4 game tonight bumps his average up to .408. It's gonna be tough for Joe Girardi to not give him more playing time, especially with Johnson on the DL, which would open the DH spot for Posada.
  
• Mariano Rivera pitched for the first time since April 30, despite the fact that it was not a save situation.
  
• I started working on this post when the game was 3-0, and this game got out of hand very quickly.
  

Tomorrow:
Yankees at Tigers, 1:05 PM


SEE YA!

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Game 33: Yankees at Tigers

YANKEES (21-11)
Derek Jeter DH
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Marcus Thames LF
Francisco Cervelli C
Ramiro Pena 3B

RHP Phil Hughes (4-0, 1.69)

TIGERS (19-14)
Austin Jackson CF
Johnny Damon DH
Magglio Ordonez RF
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Brennan Boesch LF
Alex Avila C
Don Kelly 3B
Ramon Santiago SS
Scott Sizemore 2B

RHP Jeremy Bonderman (1-1, 5.74)

Let's Play Two: The Yanks and Tigers are gearing up for the second game of the day. Detroit took game one, but the Bombers send Hughes to the mound to try and split the day.

Sleeping bats: I guess the 1 PM start was a little early for the position players, with the two teams combining for 2 runs and 9 hits. Maybe they'll be awake for the 7 pm game.

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First Losing Streak of the Season

Yankee have lost 3 in a row. Time to panic? I wouldn't...Hughes pitches in game 2 in a couple of hours.

NYY 0 4 0
DET 2 5 1

WP: Porcello (3-3)
LP: Vazquez (1-4)
S: Valverde (10)

Player of the Game: Rick Porcello. The Jersey bred right-hander shut down the Yankees allowing only four hits and striking out 2. Fifteen of his outs were groundouts.

Play of the Game: The Tigers turning an around the horn double play in the seventh off the bat of Ramiro Pena. It was key for them to turn it as the Yankees were in position to get back into the game.

Turning Point: The sixth inning. Vazquez was not hit hard, but a couple of singles and ground balls getting through the infield gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead which is all they needed.

Notes:

• Didn't really catch this one, but the one thing everyone has to be happy to see is the pitching performance of Javier Vazquez. This Tigers lineup is no walk in the park, and he did a good job, giving up just two runs in seven innings while striking out seven. Unfortunately for Vazquez, the Yankees offense couldn't get anything going for him.

Game 2:

Hughes vs Bonderman 7:05 p.m. Comerica Park

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Late Game Post

Sorry, but I just got onto my computer now. It's Javier Vazquez vs Rick Porcello in Game 1 of a day/night doubleheader. It's scoreless heading into the bottom of the 4th. Here's the lineups:

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS'
Brett Gardner CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Nick Swisher RF
Randy Winn LF
Ramiro Pena 3B

Tigers
Austin Jackson CF
Johnny Damon LF
Magglio Ordonez DH
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Brennan Boesch RF
Brandon Inge 3B
Ramon Santiago 2B
Gerald Laird C
Adam Everett SS

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Yankees Rained Out

The game tonight against Detroit has been postponed due to rain. They will play a day/night doubleheader tomorrow. Javier Vazquez will pitch the first game, Phil Hughes the second.

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Tigers Get Relief in Win

Yankees 4 8 1
Tigers 5 8 0

WP: Bonine (3-0)
LP: Mitre (0-1)
S: Valverde (9)

Player(s) of the Game: The Tigers bullpen. With Dontrelle Willis unable to start, 6 Tiger pitchers were able to hold the Yankees down just enough to pull out a win.

Play of the Game: Magglio Ordonez's sliding catch in the 8th inning on a ball hit by Derek Jeter. With the bases loaded, if that gets by Ordonez, it probably scores three runs and changes the outcome of the game.

Turning Point of the Game: Brennan Boesch's 2-run single in the first that gave the Tigers pitching staff a good lead early on in the game.

Notes:

• Mitre was the best starter in Spring Training, but this is why you can't take March stats at face value. He had a chance to impress in a spot start, but gave up 5 runs in 4.1 IP.
  
• The Yankees may have lost the game, but they may have won the series by making the Tigers burn through 6 relievers, which could affect availability tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday.
  

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Game 31: Yankees at Tigers

Lineups via Chad Jennings

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Marcus Thames DH
Brett Gardner CF
Randy Winn LF
RHP Sergio Mitre

Tigers
A. Jackson cf
J. Damon dh
M. Ordonez rf
M. Cabrera 1b
B. Boesch lf
B. Inge 3b
S. Sizemore 2b
G. Laird c
A. Everett ss


Hello, Johnny: The Yankees will face Johnny Damon for the first time since he left the Yankees after five seasons with the team. The game is an away game so we're still going to have to wait to see the reaction he gets from the Yankees fans. Johnny was close to alot of guys on teh team so I'm sure they'll all be happy to see him.
And Hello, Sergio: Sergio Mitre makes the spot start today for the aching Andy Pettitte. Mitre had an impressive spring, but has been rarely used this season. It'll be interesting to see how he does.
AAA Reunion: The Yankees called up Ivan Nova to give them a long reliever in the pen. Austin Jackson is on the Tigers and Yankees utility man Kevin Russo had lockers next to each other in Scranton. The three of them all played together in the minors, and are all in the same ballpark today at the major league level.

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Yankees Farm System Making an Impact

“Brett Gardner’s perception around the league is changing.” That’s what was said on Saturday’s FOX broadcast. The same thing has been said a few times on the YES broadcasts. There’s even speculation that the Yankees won’t go after free-agent to be Carl Crawford because of the success Gardner is having this year. Gardner isn’t the only Yankee farmhand making an impact this year though. Many, many more are too.

Robinson Cano has made the biggest impact. Cano is coming off a month where he hit .400/.436/.765 had 8 home runs and 18 RBI, and was named AL April Player of the Month. He is beginning to show that he may be the best all-around hitter on the team.

Then there’s Phil Hughes. Hughes is off to a remarkable start, going 4-0 in his first 5 games, has an ERA of 1.69, and came within four outs of a no-hitter.

Then there’s Joba Chamberlain. Yes the highly debated Joba is having a quiet season because he is excelling in his role as a setup man. Even when called upon to get a couple saves last week, Joba was able to get the job done.

There’s also Francisco Cervelli. Who made everyone’s worries about Posada’s bat in the lineup disappear this past week, especially after his 5 RBI game against the Red Sox on Saturday.

But the Yankees farm system is making an impact further than just the Yankees system. You can start by looking at a player who was highly touted during his time as a Yankee minor leaguer—Austin Jackson. Jackson leads the league with a .370 batting average and has scored 24 runs and hit 3 triples. He has provided a spark to a fairly old team, as they are just 2.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins.

Move over down to Washington and you’ll also see a familiar name in Tyler Clippard. The reliever was traded for Jonathan Albaladejo, and it looks like the Nationals are getting the best out of that trade. Clippard has been stellar out of relief, going 6-0 with a 0.76 ERA and has 29 strikeouts to 12 walks. The Yankees could probably use that efficiency out of their bullpen.

Even Ian Kennedy is doing a fairly good job out in Arizona. He’s 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA and 35 strikeouts. Imagine if he was in the rotation over Vazquez?

You can look at the success of these youngsters from the Yankees system in a number of ways. The more cynical fan would say the Yankees should have held on to the ones that got away and the team would be that much better. Or you can look at it as the players currently on the team could make for good trading chips should the Yankees need to acquire a starting pitcher or big time bat.

Or, you can just look at it and realize that the Yankees scouting department and the coaching development is doing a terrific job in making major league ready players. Many have criticized the lack of farm system depth with the Yankees over the years, but you can no longer argue that. In addition to the players in the majors, they have prospects such as Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, Ivan Nova, and Slade Heathcock who have high potential.

Many teams overrate their prospects, but the Yankees now have a proven track record that they are doing a good job scouting and developing their players. And if the Yankees need to make a trade, or need to call somebody up, there will be little doubt about whether that prospect can fulfill their role at the next level.

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Game 30: Yankees at Red Sox

I still hate Dallas Braden

Lineups via Chad Jennings:

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada DH
Marcus Thames LF
Francisco Cervelli C
Brett Gardner CF
RHP A.J. Burnett

Red Sox
Scutaro SS
Pedroia 2B
Martinez C
Youkilis 1B
Drew RF
Ortiz DH
Beltre 3B
Hermida LF
McDonald CF

Sweep: Yankees go for the sweep and attempt to start the season 5-1 against the Red Sox. A very different start from last years 0-8.
The Italian Stallion: Francisco Cervelli has had a heckuva a week, and even though Posada is back in the lineup, he's DHing which means Cervelli will be behind the plate still getting a chance to play.
Happy Mother's Day: As you may have noticed, the team's around the MLB will be using pink bats to recognize Mother's Day and raise awareness for breast cancer.

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Strasburg in Syracuse

On Friday, 2009 First Overall Draft Pick Stephen Strasburg made his first start with the AAA Syracuse Chiefs. Since I'm here until my last final exam tomorrow, I went to see him in person.

He went 6 innings, threw 65 pitches, gave up 1 hit, and struck out 6. He also had a hit and 2 RBI's. His fastball was topping out at 98-99, but it was even more impressive how well he could locate it. He threw several 98 mph fastballs at the knees, leaving the Gwinett Braves looking like Little Leaguers. His "secondary" pitches were just as nasty, and yes, the quotes are necessary. People would kill to have his secondary pitches. His slider had tremendous horizontal and vertical movement. Then he throws his changeup at 81 mph. When batters are gearing up for 98 and get 81, they basically have enough time to swing at the pitch twice. And the only words I can use to describe his curveball are "sick and nasty." He should have to pitch lefty to these guys in the Minors, it's just not fair.

I've got a few camera pics from the game:

Some of the media that was there to watch Strasburg pitch



















Strasburg warming up in the bullpen
























This has nothing to do with Strasburg, but it was Triple A Safety Patrol night, so these are the people who would be pulling out the tazers if we decided to run across the field. (My friend's dad actually texted him and sarcastically told him he should run on the field. We told him we didn't think it was a good idea.)






















Yanks go for the sweep of the Sawks tonight with AJ Burnett on the mound. We'll be back with the lineups later.

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Yankees Annihilate Sox...Again

NYY 14 17 0

BOS 3 8 1


WP: Aceves (3-0)
LP: Buchholz (3-3)

Players of theGame: Francisco Cervelli. Cervelli has been tremendous while Posada has been sidelined. He had 3 hits and 5 RBI today, the most RBI against the Red Sox by a Yankee catcher since Lawrence Yogi Berra had 7 on July 3, 1957.


As I type this Mark Teixeira just hit his third home run of the game. So I'll add him too. His three home runs are the first by a Yankee since A-Rod against the Angels in 2005, and the first by a Yankee against the Red Sox since Lou Gehrig, who was the only Yankee to do it against them until today.


Play of the Game: CC Sabathia hitting Pedroia in the butt. Despite giving up a go-ahead home run right after he hit him, everyone knew it was in response to Josh Beckett's wild night. Don't get me started with Dumb and Dumber in the FOX booth today, but Sabathia is protecting his players. Beckett blatantly threw at Cervelli, almost injured Cano, and Jeter, well, that was out of frustration. Bottom line, you can't be throwing as hard as you can and praying it's a strike. That's how players get hurt, and if you're going to do that, watch out cause one of yours is going to get hit too.
Turning Point of the Game: Mark Teixeira's first home run. Tex's homer gave the Yankees a 4-3 lead and that was all they needed today as they manhandled the Red Sox.


Notes:

The Yankees have outscored Boston 24-6 in these first two games.

Alfredo Aceves is the latest to catch the injury bug. He left the game with a leg or back issue in the sixth. These injuries are getting absurd, but this is their sixth win in a row, so it ain't all that bad.

The game went into a rain dealy with 2 outs in the bottom of the fifth and CC Sabathia had a 2-2 count on Martinez. Now I know it was raining cats and dogs, but Sabathia could have gotten one more pitch in to try and make it an official game. Because of the delay Sabathia was shortchanged a win since he only went 4 2/3 innings.

Tomorrow

Yankees @ Red Sox 8:05 p.m. Fenway Park

Burnett (4-0) vs Lester (2-2)

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Hughes Continues to Impress in Win

NYY 10 11 0
BOS 3 9 0

WP: Hughes (4-0)
LP: Beckett (1-1)


Player of the Game: Phil Hughes. Man has Hughes put together a good start or what. Seven innings, seven hits, two earned runs, and seven strikeouts while only walking one. Seventy of his 101 pitches were strikes.

Play of the Game: Nick Swisher's 3-run home run. It was the only home run of the game and it put the Yankees up 3-0 early, and Beckett began to get rattled.

Turning Point of the Game: Francisco Cervelli's bases loaded walk. The walk made it 4-1 and signaled that Beckett had lost control of the ball and couldn't find the plate if he had a GPS.

Notes:

• The fact that Beckett lost the plate in the sixth was a bit nervewracking and infuriating, to both the fans, and the Yankees. Robbie Cano left the game, although Girardi said he'll play tomorrow, he came close to Cervelli twice, and Jeter got hit. When Jeter got hit it looked like the Yankees bench was a bit fed up and were up on the front step yelling out onto the field. Now, it's tough to determine if he was throwing on purpose being the bases were loaded, but nobody likes to see their players get hit. Beckett was pitching more like Daniel Cabrera or Vicente Padilla today, guys known for not having control and hitting batters. And nobody likes those pitchers.
• Phil Hughes did not retaliate, and we'll see what happens tomorrow, since CC looked very agitated during that sixth inning. But Hughes has been brilliant. He just went into Fenway Park and basically shut down the Red Sox, bringing his ERA down to 1.69 and is a perfect 4-0 on the season.
• Another disheartening outing from David Robertson. In a 10-2 blowout you don't want to walk two batters and give up a run. If he allows a 3-run homer after those two walks, it's 10-5 and suddenly the Red Sox have life.

Tomorrow

Yankees at Red Sox 3:05 p.m. Fenway Park

Sabathia (4-1) vs Buchholz

UPDATE: One more thing I want to add. I was listening to the last inning on the radio and when the final out was made John Sterling just simply said "Yankees win." What's up with that? I know it was a blowout but he always at least half-asses a "Thheee Yankeeees win!" A bit disappointing if you ask me. I wonder what the IT IS HIGH blog will say about this.

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Game 28: Yankees at Red Sox

Lineups via Chad Jennings:

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Brett Gardner CF
Francisco Cervelli C
Randy Winn LF
RHP Phil Hughes

Red Sox
Marco Scutaro SS
Dustin Pedroia 2B
J.D. Drew RF
Kevin Youkilis 1B
David Ortiz DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jeremy Hermida LF
Jason Varitek C
Darnell McDonald CF
RHP Josh Beckett

Back in Beantown: The Yankees took 2 of 3 from the Sox to open up the season and since the the teams have gone separate ways. The Red Sox have spent their time trying to keep their heads above .500 and hoping Big Pop Up heats up. Meanwhile the Yankees ahve won every series except a road trip to Anaheim and sit 1.5 games back of the first place Rays.
Phil Phenom: Phil Hughes enters the game second in the AL in ERA with a 1.44 ERA. He is coming off another strong start where he did not allow a run against the White Sox.
Minor League Call-Ups: CF Greg Golson was sent down to Scranton Wilkes Barre and pitcher Romulo Sanchez was called up to take Sergio Mitre's role in the bullpen. Mitre will be making a spot start for Andy Pettitte later in the week.
Who's Available?: Jorge Posada is still not in the lineup but he can be ready to pinch-hit. Mariano Rivera is available and expected to close tonight, if the situation calls for it.

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Can We Make the Pitcher Hit When We Play the A's?

Well Dallas Braden still isn't happy over the fact A-Rod walked over "his mound." He said that something has to happen with A-Rod and that he only plays for the name on his back. He also took a shot at A-Rod's comments, (which had to do with Braden's track record) by saying "I didn't know there was a criteria to play against A-Rod."

Honestly, I wish there was no DH so someone like Burnett can just drill this guy in the ass. This incident happened two weeks ago, get over it. I hope A-Rod crushes a monster 600-foot home run off Braden next time, skip first base and cut across the mound to get to third and spit on it too. And next time you say he only plays for the name on the back keep in mind he just won the World Series and knows what it's all about to be on a championship winning team. So Dallas, have fun trying to crack 10 wins and keeping your ERA below 5.00, meanwhile A-Rod will be on his way to another 30 HR 100 RBI season and crushing bombs in October. So please go join Curt Schilling, and shut up.

Yanks-Sox tomorrow...I'm thinking another gem from Phil "the phenom" Hughes, what about you?

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SI Cover Jinx Hurts Yanks

The May 3rd issue of Sports Illustrated featured the Core Four on the cover. Let's break down what's happened since.

-Mariano Rivera hasn't pitched since April 30 because of stiffness in his side.
-Jorge Posada is out until (probably) Friday with a cramp in his right calf.
-Andy Pettitte left his start today after 5 innings and 77 pitches with mild inflammation in his left elbow.

Watch out Derek!

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Yanks Show Weaknesses in Win

The Yankees won today thanks to the bat of Nick Johnson, and if it weren't for him, they would have lost the game thanks to the incapable arms in the bullpen. Both Joba and Mo were unavailable to pitch today and Girardi had to use four guys to get the last five outs. It's days like todya when you appreciate how good and great Mo has been for over a long period of time. Now, I didn't catch the end of the game because of finals, and I'm glad I didn't, but it sounded ugly.

Over to Andy Pettitte. Pettitte left the game after five innings and went to NY Presbyterian Hospital to get an MRI on his left elbow, which he has had problems with before. The results came back and revealed he has a mild inflammation of the left elbow and will be treated day-to-day. The Yankees are really starting to show their age with Pettitte, Posada, and Rivera all nicked up, rumors of A-Rod with an achy Knee, and Granderson (albeit he is young, 29) on the DL.

The Yankees were blessed with limited injuries last season, and I think that played a huge factor into winning the World Series. It's only May, so the Yankees must be careful with how they handle these injuries, because if they are not, it may come back to haunt them in the long run.

Also, if Pettitte does have to miss some time, it would be the perfect time for Mr. Javier Vazquez to step up his game and redeem his reputation.

So although today was a victory in the standings, the shaky bullpen (outside Mo and Joba) and injuries are the main headlines that will be all over New York as they enter a 3-game set against the Red Sox on Friday.

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Game 27: Yankees vs Orioles

Damn finals. I had no idea the Yankees were playing a matinee today. Anyway here are the lineups as the Yankees look to take the sweep against the Orioles.

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Brett Gardner CF
Francisco Cervelli C
Randy Winn LF
Andy Pettitte P

Orioles
Adam Jones CF
Ty Wigginton 2B
Nick Markakis RF
Miguel Tejada 3B
Garrett Atkins 1B
Matt Wieters DH
Nolan Reimold LF
Craig Tatum C
Julio Lugo SS
David Hernandez RHP

Haven't had much time to look up notes for this game. I know Posada may be ready to go Friday and Randy Winn is in over Thames because it's a right pitcher (in case you haven't figured it out that's what the Yankees are doing).

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Game 26: Yankees vs. Orioles

YANKEES (17-8)
Derek Jeter DH
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Marcus Thames LF
Brett Gardner CF
Francisco Cervelli C
Ramiro Pena SS

RHP A.J. Burnett (3-0, 2.43)

ORIOLES (7-19)
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Matt Wieters C
Miguel Tejada 3B
Ty Wigginton 2B
Luke Scott LF
Garrett Atkins DH
Rhyne Hughes 1B
Cesar Izturis SS

LHP Brian Matusz (2-1, 4.40)

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Just Another Winn

BAL 1 6 1
NYY 4 6 0

WP: Sabathia (4-1)
LP: Guthrie (0-4)
S: Chamberlain (1)

Player of the Game: Nick Swisher. Swisher has been red-hot of late and continued it that way going 3-for-3 with a double, RBI, and run scored.

Play/Turning Point of the Game: Randy Winn's 3-run home run to break a 1-1 tie and give the Yankees a 4-1 lead and victory. It was Winn's first home run since April 25, 2009.

Notes:

• I missed everything after the 2nd inning of this game because I had a final exam. I'm pretty confident I did well on it, and when I got out of there around 9:55 I was surprised to see the game was already over.
• CC Sabathia appeared to pitch another effective game. He went 8 strong innings allowing 1 run, he's looked sharp all season so far, and has continued to be the workhorse who can go deep into games.
• Jorge Posada left the game early with tightness in his calf. Again, I missed the game and didn't see why or what happened because of this, but it's pretty clear he's a bit banged up.
• Anybody know why Mariano Rivera didn't pitch? I read some tweets that he felt tightness or soreness in his side after Friday's game. Let's hope it's nothing.

Tomorrow
Yankees vs Orioles 7 p.m.

Burnett (3-0) vs Matusz (2-1)

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Game 25: Yankees vs Orioles

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Nick Swisher RF
Brett Gardner CF
Randy Winn LF

CC Sabathia P

Orioles
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Ty Wigginton 2B
Miguel Tejada 3B
Matt Wieters C
Garrett Atkins 1B
Nolan Reimold DH
Lou Montanez LF
Cesar Izturis SS
Jeremy Guthrie P

Red Hot O's?: The Orioles enter the game with the worst record in the majors, BUT they just swept the Red Sox and have won 4 of their last 6. But I think that has more to do with the Red Sox than Orioles.
Wild Pitches: Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound today and the Yankees have not been very fond of him. He hit Mark Teixeira in spring training and hit Jorge Posada last week, causing him to sit out a couple of games. Be interesting to see what happens tonight.
Player of the Month: Robinson Cano was named April's Player of the Month. Do I need to go any further on why? He's been tearing the cover off the ball.
CC vs the O's: Sabathia owns the Orioles. He is 10-1 with a 2.62 ERA lifetime against them, including a win last week at Camden Yards.

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Wrapping Up a Day in the Bronx

So I just wanted to share a few more things with everyone about my trip to Yankee Stadium.

I took a quick picture of what's left of the old Yankee Stadium on my phone as I was leaving the Stadium.

It's kind of sad. I wish they would have just blown the place up like they did with the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. I probably would have gone to watch, for two reasons: 1) It'd be a part of Yankee history and 2) Who doesn't like watching stuff blow up?

Another thing I really don't like regarding the old Stadium is the Bat. I couldn't get a decent picture of it, but it's still standing in it's original location (here's an old picture if you're not sure what I'm talking about) , which now means it stands next to a pile of rubble. It's just hanging out there all by itself. I knew they hadn't moved it over, but I figured it was coming down, too. There are obviously three options:

1. Leave the bat where it is
2. Move it next to the New Stadium
3. Tear it down completely

My vote is for #2, because the Bat is just like a part of the Stadium itself. But, my second choice is #3. If they aren't going to make it part of the New Stadium, just tear it down like the Old Stadium.


This is probably the first time we've ever touched on an ultra-serious news story, but if you haven't heard about the failed car-bomb in Times Square, you need to spend more time reading the NY Times than our blog. If you are wondering, I did not notice anything extremely different with the security (which I guess is what they want you to think, right?) They still allowed people to bring bags in to the Stadium. They guard at the gate gave me a once-over and took a look under my hat, but nothing special. I guess I don't look too intimidating.

CC on the mound against the Orioles, who are coming off a sweep of the Boston Red Sox, tonight.

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Hughes Continues to Shut Down Opposition

White Sox 3 6 2
Yankees 12 16 1

WP: Hughes (3-0)
LP: Buehrle (2-4)

Player of the Game: Phil Hughes. Hughes was dominant once again, shutting down the White Sox lineup over 7 innings. He allowed just four hits and one walk.

Honorable Mention: Mark Teixeira. Big Tex hopefully broke out of his April funk in the 2nd day of May with a 4 for 5 showing at the plate.

Play of the Game: Marcus Thames sliding catch. Thames is going to get more time in left field with Granderson on the DL, so if he can hold his own defensively, it will be good.

Turning Point of the Game: Brett Gardner's home run in the 4th inning. When a singles hitting left fielder with 3 career homers, one of which is an inside-the-parker, hits a 400-foot bomb, you know it's going to be a good day for the Yanks.

Notes:

• I was in attendance for today's game: It was pretty hot and humid, but I was discouraged by all the empty seats in the Legends Seating, but what else is new?
• Apparently after some home runs (but thankfully not all) the Yankees put a Michael Kay graphic up on the board with a "Seeeeee Ya!" I tried to take a picture, but I couldn't get my phone out in time. (BTW, I took that picture from our seats. SU Alum and Sport Management Advisory Board Member Brandon Steiner helped the Sport Management Club get some good seats).
• Like I said before, hopefully today helps Tex get into the groove. I told a Yankee-hater on the bus that Tex was due, and he delivered for me.
• The junior hot dogs at Johnny Rockets saved me a boatload of money once again. While all of my fellow classmates dropped upwards of $20 for food, I spent $6 on two hot dogs. And sneaking in a water bottle that is refillable at water fountains erases the need to buy a $5 drink.
  

SEE YA!

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Game 24: Yankees vs White Sox

Yankees
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson 1B
Mark Teixeira DH
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Marcus Thames LF
Brett Gardner CF
Ramiro Pena 3B

Phil Hughes

White Sox
Mark Kotsay RF
Gordon Beckham 2B
Andruw Jones CF
Paul Konerko 1B
Mark Teahen 3B
Carlos Quentin DH
A.J. Pierzynski C
Alexei Ramirez SS
Juan Pierre LF

Mark Buehrle

A Different Lineup: With Curtis Granderson on the 15-day DL and A-Rod getting the day off, the Yankees have a very different lineup from their first game with Thames and Pena in there. But please don't ask me why Swisher is batting cleanup over Cano.
Granderson Update: Just saw this on ESPN as I'm typing this up...Granderson expected to miss a month with a left groin strain.
Let's Make This Quick: Yesterday's game was nearly 4 hours long, but Mark Buehrle is one of the quickest pitchers in the league, so this should be a faster game...unless the Yankees get him out of there early.
Follow Jim: Jim is making his first trip to Yankee Stadium today and I'm sure he'll be tweeting his experience. So follow him @jgeant or you could follow me @jphealy but I've got papers and finals to be studying for so I don't know how many tweets I can get in for today's game.

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Granderson to DL

Curtis Granderson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring.

This puts a hamper on a good start of the season by Granderson, who was batting .225 with 2 homers, and 7 RBI's. The Yankees called up righty reliever Mark Melancon to help a bullpen that had to pitch 5 innings today after another poor start by Javy Vazquez.

Brett Gardner, who has put up some very impressive numbers so far, will slide over to center, and Randy Winn and Marcus Thames will split time in left.

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Slow and Painful Loss

CWS 7 9 0
NYY 6 11 0

WP: Linebrink (1-0)
LP: Robertson (0-2)
S: Jenks (5)

Players of the Game: A.J. Pierzynski and Andruw Jones. Jones had 2 home runs for the day while Pierzynski went 3-for-4 with a go-ahead double in the seventh.

Play/Turning Point of the Game: A.J. Pierzynski's go-ahead 2 RBI double in the seventh inning off of Damaso Marte. The Yankees had just taken the lead and the White Sox were able to take it right back.

Notes

• Curtis Granderson left the game with a strained left groin. Should be interesting to see how further results will come out on this. He may end up on the 15-day DL.
• Javier Vazquez had another rough outing, and you can tell he's nervous out there when he couldn't field a groundball after allowing a home run. He just needs to pitch with some more confidence.
• Speaking of pitchers struggling, David Robertson and Damaso Marte have been nothing but disappointments this year. They were the unsung heroes of the 2009 postseason, but it seems like they can't get anyone out now. Boone Logan actually had a pretty good outing today, hitting 97 mph on the gun so Marte better watch his back.
• Nick Swisher finally broke out of a slump at home by hitting a go-ahead 2-run home run which seemed like it would be enough for the Yankees to win.
• Mark Teixeira certainly happy it's May as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
• The game was almost 4 hours long. It was "embarassing and pathetic" for Joe West. It was a slow and painful loss for Yankees fans as it appeared we may have pulled off the comeback victory during the sixth.

Tomorrow

Yankees vs White Sox 1:05 p.m.

Hughes (2-0) vs Buehrle (2-3)

See Ya!

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Game 23: Yankees vs White Sox

YANKEES (15-7)
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Thames DH
Granderson CF
Gardner LF

RHP Javier Vazquez (1-3, 9.00)

WHITE SOX (9-14)
Vizquel SS
Beckham 3B
Jones CF
Konerko 1B
Teahan 3B
Quentin DH
Pierzynski C
Kotsay RF
Pierre LF

LHP John Danks (3-0, 1.55)


Just win, baby: Javy Vazquez hasn't gotten off to the good start he would have liked in his second stint with the Yanks, but he can take a step forward with a win today against one of his former teams.

MVP?: It's only the first day of May, but Robinson Cano is making a lot of noise around the league. Cano is leads the league with a .400 batting average, is 2nd to Paul Konerko in homers with 8, and 2nd in the league in runs, hits, and slugging percentage. I don't care what month it is, but I will be at the Stadium tomorrow, and will be starting the M-V-P! chants.

Absolutely Jeterian: We didn't get a post-game post up, but El Capitan had 4 RBI's to lead the Yanks to a victory. Pettitte struggled a little bit for the first time this season, but Alfredo Aceves picked up the win in relief.

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