While I Recover From Swine Flu...

Ok, Ok, I don't have swine flu (or H1N1 if you want to be politically correct). But I have been sent home from Quinnipiac University because of a fever of 100.3 and showing flu-like symptoms. Now instead of doing homework to catch up on, I'm blogging. Anyway, I digress.

Last night, Francisco Cervelli was the hero for the Yankees 14th walk-off win of the season, as he singled home Brett Gardner to win the game. The Yankees record is 94-53 and they are 6.5 games up on Boston.

However, the Boston Red Sox are playing just as well as the Yankees since they last met each other in August. The Red Sox came from behind to beat the Angels 9-8 making that 7 straight victories and 8 of their last 9.

This brings me to concern a little for the Yankees. Andy Pettitte was scratched yesterday with a sore shoulder. A.J. Burnett is 1-3 with a 7.67 ERA in his last 5 starts. I have no bleeping clue what the plan is for Joba in the playoffs. And some of the more pessimistic people will tell you CC Sabathia's playoff record isn't great (but I don't care because he's looked great since the All-Star Break).

Now look at the Red Sox: Josh Beckett is a proven postseason star and he is starting to pitch alot better recently. Jon Lester has gone 4-0 in his last 6 starts giving up 9 earned runs in 41.2 innings pitched. Clay "My Parents were Cousins" Bucholz is finally figuring out how to get major league hitters out. And Daisuke Matsuzaka came back and threw 6 scoreless innings against a formiddable Angels lineup.

The Yankees magic number is 11. By no means do I think they will pull a Mets. But you can make a case that the Red Sox are getting hot and healthy at the right time.

Then again, maybe we should worry about wrapping up the division and getting past Justin Verlander and the Tigers before we start worry about them chowdah heads up north.

Oh, and because it is on every sports website/blog, here is the video of the girl at the Phillies game throwing a foul ball back to the field.

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Game 147: Blue Jays at Yankees

YANKEES (93-53)
Jeter SS
Hairston LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 3.42 with Yankees).

BLUE JAYS (66-79)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Encarnacion 3B
Barajas C
Bautista RF
Snider LF

Pitching: LHP Brian Tallet (7-9, 5.26).

TIME/TV: 7:05, YES.

Just getting in, and Gaudin in a bit of trouble. Let's see if he can escape.

There's been a change from the original report from my Fight Club post, as Posada and Carlson were both suspended 3 games with a $3,000 fine. And Shelley Duncan gets 3 games for bashing skulls with his forearms (just kidding, he only forearm smashes his own teammates).

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Rule #1: YOU DON'T TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB!

Last night, the Yankees and Blue Jays engaged in a bench-clearing brawl. Unlike most times the benches clear in the MLB, they didn't just stand around, as there was an actual scuffle. It was apparent on TV that some of the involved, including manager Joe Girardi, had some cuts and bruises. Girardi, in an interview with Mike Francesa a little while ago, said that he was struck on the side of the head, but not by the Blue Jays' John McDonald (who he accidentally called Mike McDonald) as had been reported, but by one of his own players, though he didn't mention which one.

This was all ignited by Jorge Posada. After Mark Melancon hit Aaron Hill, Jess Carlson threw behind Posada. Jorge stepped towards Carlson, clearly saying, "You don't want to do that," while shaking his head. After reaching base, Posada ended up scoring on a single. As Carlson was backing up home, Posada bumped into him.

You can say what you want about Carlson being where he was, which was out of position. He was there, but that didn't mean Posada didn't need to hit him.

It was a cheap shot. I know it's hard for Yankees fans and Hip, Hip Jorge! fans, as I am, to hear, but it's true. Umpire Jim Joyce called it "very unsportsmanlike" and I'm inclined to agree with him. Posada does so much charity work off the field and has shown better values than this before. In short, he's better than this.

There are times when a fight can spark a team that's down. Think about the Red Sox in 2004. The A-Rod-Varitek fight (speaking of cheap shots by catchers) happened, and Boston bonded together and went on to win the World Series that year.

But this team doesn't need a spark. They aren't down on their luck. They are 5.5 games up in the division, and have a magic number of 12 until they clinch the AL East title. This team is well on it's way to the playoffs and has an excellent chance to make a run at the World Series. If anything, this fight could be a detriment to the team. It's September 16. If someone gets seriously injured (broken bone, pulled muscle, etc.) they could possibly miss some or all of the playoffs. When you see CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte (who is already skipping a start because of a sore shoulder) pulling people off of the pile, you've got to cringe.

It's one thing for Shelley Duncan (who I would obviously want on my side in a fight) to be out there, but when Jeter, Damon and A-Rod are in the middle of it, it could be a huge problem. And you cannot say, "Oh, well those guys should know not to get in the middle of it so they don't get hurt." You have to realize that these guys are a team, and those top guys aren't going to stand on the sidelines because they (especially A-Rod) need to prove to the other guys on the team that they have their teammates backs.

It's not usual in sports where you can blame one person without an argument( like Bills fans are trying to do with Leodis McKelvin), but this is the case here. All Posada did was put his head down and run by Carlson, the situation would have been over right there. Even if had said something to him quietly as he ran by, the situation probably wouldn't have escalated like it did. But because he initiated the contact, it turned into a brawl.

In the time it took for me to write this, the NY Daily News reported that Posada was suspended 4 games with a $3,000 fine. Carlson received the same suspension. I believe that Posada was lucky only getting four games, considering some of the weird suspensions Bob Watson has handed out in the past.

Here's a video of the fight, in case you missed it, or wanted to catch it again. It looks like someone took video of the TV, so the quality isn't great, but it's the only option.

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Game 146: Blue Jays at Yankees

YANKEES (93-52)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Gardner CF

Pitching: RHP Sergio Mitre (3-2, 7.02).

BLUE JAYS (65-79)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Encarnacion 3B
Barajas C
Bautista RF
Snider LF

Pitching: RHP Roy Halladay (14-9, 3.03).

Not so Dandy: Andy Pettitte will be skipped in his scheduled start tomorrow because of shoulder fatigue. He is slated to go Monday instead. Chad Gaudin will get the nod tomorrow. I don't think this is a serious issue, the Yankees are just being cautious with the playoffs right around the corner.

Him again: Roy Halladay takes the mound for the Blue Jays after shutting out the Yankees in his September 4 start against them in Toronto while allowing only one hit and striking out nine.

2010: The 2010 preliminary schedule was released by the MLB and the Yanks will start the season in Fenway against the Sawks.

NESPN: ESPN recently launched ESPNBoston.com, a website devoted to Boston sports, to go along with the TV Channel they've had since 1979.

UPDATE 10:23: Luckily they have the 40 man rosters, because there are probably going to lose a couple of guys for several days.

UPDATE 10:33: So, Posada is going to be suspeneded for some time here. He was the only Yankees ejected, and hopefully the video tape doesn't show too much that makes MLB take more action.

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Knockin' On Heavens Door: Yanks Beat Angels

Angels 3 8 1
Yankees 5 9 0

WP: Hughes(7-3)
LP: Weaver (15-6)
S: Rivera (40)

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Mark Teixiera. Tex had 3 hits and a 2-run triple which gave the Yankees the lead in the fifth inning in the 5-3 victory.

PLAY/TURNING POINT OF THE GAME: Brett Gardner's steal of third base and scoring the go-ahead run on the error trying to throw him out in the eighth inning. Girardi pinch-ran him for Teixiera that inning and it paid off. His speek is going to be a great tool for the Yankees come the playoffs.

GAME NOTES:

• I guess you could say Joba looked better. I mean, he went 4.1 innings. So it's nothing to get excited about. But this guy has been consistently throwing 5 innings or less all season, so I don't know how this plan helps him pitch in the playoffs. It wont surprise me if we will be seeing a Joba/Aceves tandem down the road in October.
• Teixeira hit his bat off the glove of Jeff Mathis on his triple. It may have been a home-run if he never hit the glove. Thought that was kind of funny.
• The Yankees now have a 6 game lead for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They still play the Halos 3 more times in Anaheim, a place where they have yet to win a game this season. Home-field advantage is going to play a huge role if these two teams meet, so the games against each other mean alot.

Tommorow:

Yankees vs Blue Jays 7:05 ET

Halladay vs Mitre (is it me, or have the Yankees faced Halladay much more this year than in the past?)

See Ya!

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GAME 145: Yankees vs Angels

Lineups via PeteAbe

YANKEES (92-52, First Place AL East)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
Pitching: RHP Joba Chamberlain (8-5, 4.45).

ANGELS (86-56 First Place AL West)

Figgins 3B
Izturis 2B
Abreu RF
Guerrero DH
Hunter CF
Morales 1B
Rivera LF
Aybar SS
Mathis C
TIME/TV: 7:05, YES.


The Yankees' Devils: The Yankees are 2-4 against the Angels this season and 5-11 the last two. They have a 4-game lead for home-field advantage in the playoffs, and the Yankees have not won a game in Anaheim this season so it is important to win these games against them.
More Milestones: Johnny Damon is one home run shy of his personal best 25 home runs. Mariano Rivera is 2 strikeouts away from 1,000 in his career.

UPDATE 8:01: You've got to love Nick Swisher. The trade for him didn't create too much buzz when it happened, but it's turned out great for Brian Cashman and the Yankees.

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GAME 144: Yankees vs Orioles

YANKEES (91-52, First Place AL East)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (16-7, 3.40).

ORIOLES (58-83, Fifth Place AL East)
Lineup TBA
Pitching: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (10-13, 4.96).
TIME/TV: 1:05, YES.

Oh No O's: The Yankees have lost 2 straight to the lowly Orioles and try to avoid a sweep from them this afternoon. Nothing to fret about though, it's just the law of averages catching up with the Yankees.
Smooth Sabathia: CC Sabathia is 6-0 with a 2.31 ERA in his last eight starts.
Heating Up for Ocotber?: A-Rod is 17 of 40 this month with six runs scored, 13 RBI.
Master Mo: Mariano Rivera has allowed one run in his last 30 appearances. Rivera has driven in as many runs as he has allowed since June 16 (1).

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Game 143: Orioles at Yankees

YANKEES (91-51)
Jeter SS
Hairston LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Duncan DH
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (11-8, 4.19).

ORIOLES (57-83)
Roberts 2B
Fiorentino CF
Markakis RF
Reimold LF
Scott DH
Wieters C
Wigginton 3B
Aubrey 1B
Andino SS

Pitching: LHP Brian Matusz (4-2. 5.26).

TIME/TV: 1:05, YES.

Do you believe in magic?: Magic number remains at 14 after the Red Sox were rained out.

It's good to be King: Now that Jeter has finally passed Gehrig, maybe he will feel a little less pressure and get on a real hot streak.

Burnett really needs to start pitching better. He needs to throw more strikes and regain command of his fastball.

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Game 142: Orioles at Yankees

YANKEES (91-50)
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera LF
Gardner CF

Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (13-6, 4.10).

ORIOLES (56-83)
Roberts 2B
Izturis SS
Markakis RF
Reimold LF
Mora 3B
Scott 1B
Wieters DH
Pie CF
Moeller C

Pitching: RHP Chris Tillman (1-3, 4.66)

TIME/TV: FIRST PITCH SCHEDULED FOR 8:20, YES

As I'm sure you all already know, Derek Jeter needs just one hit to pass Lou Gehrig for 1st on the All-time list.

Right now, I'm waiting to watch Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction speech. The ceremony is on ESPN. I lived just outside of Chicago at the end of the Jordan-era, so I enjoyed watching the '97 and '98 championship teams.

UPDATE 12:35 AM: Jeter finally did it, congratulations. The rain put a damper on things, that's for sure. I cannot believe they are going to restart this game. I think the MLB needs to review its rain-delay policies. This is ridiculous, and it's not the first time its happened this season. Enjoy the game if you're staying up to watch.

UPDATE 12:37: ALL THE STARTERS ARE OUT OF THE GAME? And they're going home? This is more ridiculous than the pine tar game where Billy Martin put Ron Guidry in centerfield and Don Mattingly at second. This is by far the weirdest thing I've ever seen.

UPDATE 12:42: After years of listening to Kay, he finally made me laugh. He used his "If you're keeping score..." line before telling people to just stop. He's by no means a standup comedian, but he actually told a somewhat joke.

Or maybe it's just cause it's almost 1 AM.

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Game 4 Starter?

Ok, so yesterday Joba pitched another 3 inning game, and the playoffs are a month away. They have a "master plan" for him, but it doesn't look so good if he isn't throwing more than 3 innings a game when the playoffs are a month a way. So how is the playoff rotation going to shape out?

You would have to think that the Yankees will use a 3 man rotation of CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, and A.J. Burnett in the ALDS. Let's say everything goes right for the Yankees, and they advance to the ALCS. Now we have a bit of a problem. I'll put it this way:

The Yankees are trailing 2-1 in the ALCS to the Boston Red Sox and need somebody to start Game 4 in Fenway Park. Do you trust Joba Cahmberlain to pitch that game?

Right now, I don't. But here is an idea I am going to throw out there for a potential Game 4 starter.

Alfredo Aceves.

He pitched 3 scoreless innings yesterday, and seems to always come in during Joba's starts to provide innings and is usually effective. Aceves is 2-0with a 3.14 ERA in his last 5 appearances. He has given up 7 hits in his last 11.1 innings, and 4 earned runs. Pretty good, but not great. However, look at Joba's last 5 starts: 0-3 with an 8.50 ERa and 29 hits and 18 runs in 18 innings pitched.

I say it would be in the Yankees best interest to stretch out Aceves to be our 4th starter come the ALCS. You can put Joba in the pen, which would be beneficial especially if David Robertson misses the playoffs. Also Chad Gaduin and Sergio Mitre have not done anything to impress me, but I'd think they'd be on the roster as long relievers.

I'm just putting this thought out there, if you have any other ideas on what the Yankees could do we would love to hear em in the comments section.

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