Posted by: Patrick
If not for a 2 out 2 RBI single by Bobby Abreu in the seventh inning, the Yankees are shut out of this game. That was all the offense they had, as they collected just 7 hits and 2 walks as a unit on the night.
For his part, Mussina had yet another solid game, allowing 9 hits over 6 innings, but walking no one and allowing just 2 to score. He was relieved by Jose Veras, who was credited with the loss and gave up 2 runs in the seventh. David Robertson pitched a scoreless eighth.
Derek Jeter was the only Yankee to collect 2 hits. He was also hit by a pitch. Justin Christian and Wilson Betemit scored the Yankees' runs.
Tomorrow, we'll have Joba (2-2, 2.45 ERA) pitching against Roy Halladay (10-6, 2.88) on 7:07 PM ET, in what will be a rematch of Joba's first career start.
For his part, Mussina had yet another solid game, allowing 9 hits over 6 innings, but walking no one and allowing just 2 to score. He was relieved by Jose Veras, who was credited with the loss and gave up 2 runs in the seventh. David Robertson pitched a scoreless eighth.
Derek Jeter was the only Yankee to collect 2 hits. He was also hit by a pitch. Justin Christian and Wilson Betemit scored the Yankees' runs.
Tomorrow, we'll have Joba (2-2, 2.45 ERA) pitching against Roy Halladay (10-6, 2.88) on 7:07 PM ET, in what will be a rematch of Joba's first career start.
Posted by: Patrick
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that the contract talks between the Yanks and their second round pick in the MLB Draft, Scott Bittle, have stalled thanks to concerns over his right shoulder.
Peter Abraham checked into it and says that the Yankees want to pay Bittle a reduced bonus at the start, but make it up to him if he proves to be healthy and is able to pitch.
At stake between the two parties is negotiating leverage, which could mean a sizable difference in his signing bonus. A late second-round pick can expect to receiver around $500,000.
"It's been a surprise," said Bittle, who is living in Oxford and working out. "My arm felt good all season and it feels good now. The Yankees want to be cautious and I understand that. But I've got to be smart from my standpoint, too."
"It's been a surprise," said Bittle, who is living in Oxford and working out. "My arm felt good all season and it feels good now. The Yankees want to be cautious and I understand that. But I've got to be smart from my standpoint, too."
Peter Abraham checked into it and says that the Yankees want to pay Bittle a reduced bonus at the start, but make it up to him if he proves to be healthy and is able to pitch.
Posted by: Patrick
Here's a down way to end the day: Bob Sheppard will miss the All-Star game festivities. We hadn't heard anything about him participating for sure, so this isn't a surprise, but it's still a disappointment that he won't make it. Get well soon!
Posted by: Seamus
I don't think anybody knew what they were expecting to see out of today's matchup, with the up-and-down (usually up vs. the Yanks) Edwin Jackson facing the inconnsistent Sidney Ponson. Both were on their games this time as the Yankees squeaked by the Rays by a score of 2-1, pulling themselves to within 6.5 games of first place. The Yanks remain 4.5 out of the wild card, thanks to the Red Sox' 18-5 pounding of the Twins.
Sidney Ponson pitched what was probably the best of his three starts in pinstripes so far this season, allowing only a run on five hits in 6 innings. Aside from a home run he allowed in the 6th, Ponson allowed only one runner to reach third base. He probably could even have come out for another inning or two if they needed him, as he threw only 87 pitches (57 for strikes).
The Yankees were first to strike, as Jason Giambi's Mustache brought in Derek Jeter from third to put the Yanks up by a score of 1-0. That was the only run scored in the game until Sidney Ponson coughed up a game-tying home run to Yankee killer Carlos Pena.
Both bullpens were equally as impressive, as both the Rays and the Yankees (Veras, Farnsworth and Rivera) got through the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings without any damage. The Yankees had a chance to win it in the 9th after Justin Christian stole third with one out, but Melky Cabrera struck out with the winning run only a fly ball away from scoring. That was followed up by a pop up to second by Jose Molina.
After Mariano Rivera retired the side in order in the 10th, the Yankees got another chance to win it in the bottom of the inning, and this time they delivered. After a one-out walk to Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu lined a double in the right-centerfield gap, scoring Jeter from first to end the ballgame. It was a solid hit by Abreu, but it cost him an ice-cold Gatorade shower at the hands of Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano.
The Yankees will try to build more momentum after this KEY sweep of the Rays, as they head to Pittsburgh tomorrow evening make up a rained out game against the Pirates. The game will feature the same pitching matchup as the game that was eventually called off, as Mike Mussina will face Paul Maholm.
Sidney Ponson pitched what was probably the best of his three starts in pinstripes so far this season, allowing only a run on five hits in 6 innings. Aside from a home run he allowed in the 6th, Ponson allowed only one runner to reach third base. He probably could even have come out for another inning or two if they needed him, as he threw only 87 pitches (57 for strikes).
The Yankees were first to strike, as Jason Giambi's Mustache brought in Derek Jeter from third to put the Yanks up by a score of 1-0. That was the only run scored in the game until Sidney Ponson coughed up a game-tying home run to Yankee killer Carlos Pena.
Both bullpens were equally as impressive, as both the Rays and the Yankees (Veras, Farnsworth and Rivera) got through the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings without any damage. The Yankees had a chance to win it in the 9th after Justin Christian stole third with one out, but Melky Cabrera struck out with the winning run only a fly ball away from scoring. That was followed up by a pop up to second by Jose Molina.
After Mariano Rivera retired the side in order in the 10th, the Yankees got another chance to win it in the bottom of the inning, and this time they delivered. After a one-out walk to Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu lined a double in the right-centerfield gap, scoring Jeter from first to end the ballgame. It was a solid hit by Abreu, but it cost him an ice-cold Gatorade shower at the hands of Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano.
The Yankees will try to build more momentum after this KEY sweep of the Rays, as they head to Pittsburgh tomorrow evening make up a rained out game against the Pirates. The game will feature the same pitching matchup as the game that was eventually called off, as Mike Mussina will face Paul Maholm.
Posted by: Patrick
Anthony DiComo has some funny quotes from Jason Giambi, regarding the "Support the 'Stache" initiative. In response to the popularity of the Mustache, supported by today's giveaway of 18,000 fake mustaches at the Stadium:
He also said that if he gets picked and participates in the Home Run Derby, he might try to recruit Willie Randolph to pitch to him, as that was who was on the mound when he won the contest in 2002.
Unfortunately, the article notes that Giambi is currently trailing both Evan Longoria and Jermaine Dye. Mark Newman reports that all three have more than 2 million votes each and that they are all separated by less than 10%. There's still time: vote now. And, if you need convincing as to the power of the 'stache, check out our top 10 Jason Giambi Mustache facts.
"Just think, the Big G -- an icon," Giambi said. "A fashion icon."
He also said that if he gets picked and participates in the Home Run Derby, he might try to recruit Willie Randolph to pitch to him, as that was who was on the mound when he won the contest in 2002.
"I could recruit him," Giambi said. "The Big G likes to stir it up."
Unfortunately, the article notes that Giambi is currently trailing both Evan Longoria and Jermaine Dye. Mark Newman reports that all three have more than 2 million votes each and that they are all separated by less than 10%. There's still time: vote now. And, if you need convincing as to the power of the 'stache, check out our top 10 Jason Giambi Mustache facts.
Posted by: Patrick
We've got a little good news on the Hideki Matsui front. Yesterday, Matsui worked with a batting tee, taking 45 swings. He reported no pain. If he continues to be pain free - he could be back with the Yankees some time after the break. However, if he starts to feel pain, that would be a set back and could result in surgery.
Posted by: Patrick
Andy Pettitte got the better of the Rays on Tuesday night, throwing a 4 hitter through 8 innings, holding them scoreless as the Yankees won, 5-0. Pettitte threw 114 pitches in all (80 for strikes), walking no one and striking out 5.
The Yankees gave him all the offense he needed in the fifth when, with 2 outs, Derek Jeter drove a double to deep right, scoring both Jose Molina and Robinson Cano.
The Yankees added 3 more runs in the eight, with the first of those coming on a Melky Cabrera solo home run to lead off the inning - his first since June 10. Jeter followed with a single and Abreu doubled him home. Finally, with two outs, Robbie Cano singled in Abreu to make it 5-0, Yankees.
Edwar Ramirez pitched a flawless 1-2-3 inning against the top of the Rays' order to seal the deal.
Pettitte's ERA drops to 3.93 with the victory (his 10th of the season), the lowest it's been since before his start on May 12.
As a whole, the Yankees combined for 11 hits, with Jeter, Abreu, Posada, Cano and Molina each collecting a pair.
The Yankees play the final game of this two game set tomorrow at 1:05 PM ET when Sidney Ponson (5-1, 4.19 ERA for the season, 1-0, 5.73 in New York) takes the mound against Edwin Jackson (5-6, 4.08).
The Yankees gave him all the offense he needed in the fifth when, with 2 outs, Derek Jeter drove a double to deep right, scoring both Jose Molina and Robinson Cano.
The Yankees added 3 more runs in the eight, with the first of those coming on a Melky Cabrera solo home run to lead off the inning - his first since June 10. Jeter followed with a single and Abreu doubled him home. Finally, with two outs, Robbie Cano singled in Abreu to make it 5-0, Yankees.
Edwar Ramirez pitched a flawless 1-2-3 inning against the top of the Rays' order to seal the deal.
Pettitte's ERA drops to 3.93 with the victory (his 10th of the season), the lowest it's been since before his start on May 12.
As a whole, the Yankees combined for 11 hits, with Jeter, Abreu, Posada, Cano and Molina each collecting a pair.
The Yankees play the final game of this two game set tomorrow at 1:05 PM ET when Sidney Ponson (5-1, 4.19 ERA for the season, 1-0, 5.73 in New York) takes the mound against Edwin Jackson (5-6, 4.08).
Posted by: James
SG, or "the hardest working man in saber-metrics", has a table detailing AL right-fielders sorted by Total Offensive and Defensive Runs Above Average. Bobby Abreu comes in...DEAD LAST.
I knew he was having a not-so-Abreu season (even with what had been a hot start)…but according to this, he’s the WORST RF in the AL! Just barely below average offensively…and by far the worst fielding RF in the league (and I'm looking at Bernie circa '06 levels of bad). Who knew?
I knew he was having a not-so-Abreu season (even with what had been a hot start)…but according to this, he’s the WORST RF in the AL! Just barely below average offensively…and by far the worst fielding RF in the league (and I'm looking at Bernie circa '06 levels of bad). Who knew?
Posted by: YB Bloggers
In honor of the "Support the 'Stache" initiative, we here at YanksBlog.com feel it necessary to do our part. As such, Seamus, James and myself put our heads together to present you with the top 10 facts about Jason Giambi's Mustache (never shall Jason Giambi's Mustache not be capitalized).
10. Jason Giambi's Mustache votes for him online - while he's playing.
9. The scar on Jason Giambi's upper lip is from the first time he shaved his Mustache - a mistake he knows not to make again.
8. Jason Giambi's Mustache makes women want to grow a mustache.
7. When Tom Selleck/Thomas Magnum, P.I.'s mustache prays at night, it prays to Jason Giambi's Mustache.
6. Jason Giambi's Mustache grows faster than Jason Giambi can run.
5. Jason Giambi's Mustache will carry New York, New Jersey and Connecticut's 53 electoral votes in the Presidential election - as a write in candidate.
4. If Keith Hernandez had Jason Giambi's Mustache, he wouldn't need Just for Men.
3. Jason Giambi didn't grow his Mustache - his Mustache grew a Jason Giambi.
2. Jason Giambi's Mustache is the only thing in the world that leaves Curt Schilling speechless.
1. Jason Giambi never took steroids. The grand jury that questioned him mistakenly thought his Mustache was on baseball's banned substances list.
(Submitted in good humor - especially the Schilling comment). Vote Jason below and please feel free to all your own Mustache facts in the comments (keep them clean, respectful and work/family appropriate, please!)
Posted by: Patrick
From Jack Curry:
And Tyler Kepner:
The Yankees approached this in a good way. Inevitably when these potential deals for marquee names in a contract year come up, you have some who say that we shouldn't trade our top prospects for three months of someone. Or, however many months it may be. But, that is pretty much never the case, in actuality.
The Yankees are not* going to trade top prospects for a couple of months of somebody. Not for that alone, anyway. What they are trading for, as well, is the ability to sign that player to a long term deal on the spot. Some of us act like it's a given that the player will become a free agent and the Yankees will sign him. Kind of like this is a Madden football franchise.
Another side benefit that is forgotten sometimes is that with players like Sabathia, these are Type-A free agents. In other words, when we sign them, we lose our first round pick. So, even if we are lucky enough for him to reach free agency and sign with us, we're still trading a first round pick which equals a top prospect for us, anyway. So, by trading for him now, we beat the rush, get him for sure, get him now when he can help us this season - and keep our draft pick.
Since the Indians refused to give us that negotiating window, I'm pleased with how this deal worked out. Though, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't have liked to have had Sabathia's arm in our rotation right now.
* - it could happen, but in general, it's not too likely. Not now, anyway.
Via Ben.
The Yankees had discussions with the Indians, but were unwilling to make a deal unless they could sign Sabathia beyond 2008. The Yankees will probably be serious players in trying to sign him when he becomes a free agent after the season.
And Tyler Kepner:
“We assessed the situation, and we did have some preliminary discussions with Cleveland,” Cashman said Monday. “But I’m very comfortable with the decision-making process that led to us not trying to conclude a deal.
“The bottom line is, I just felt that the assets that I would have had to part with for three months did not make sense at this time.”
The Yankees knew they would not have a window to negotiate a contract extension for Sabathia, who went to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday for four prospects. Even if they had, though, Cashman did not like the idea of giving up a prospect package and a lucrative contract.
“The bottom line is, I just felt that the assets that I would have had to part with for three months did not make sense at this time.”
The Yankees knew they would not have a window to negotiate a contract extension for Sabathia, who went to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday for four prospects. Even if they had, though, Cashman did not like the idea of giving up a prospect package and a lucrative contract.
The Yankees approached this in a good way. Inevitably when these potential deals for marquee names in a contract year come up, you have some who say that we shouldn't trade our top prospects for three months of someone. Or, however many months it may be. But, that is pretty much never the case, in actuality.
The Yankees are not* going to trade top prospects for a couple of months of somebody. Not for that alone, anyway. What they are trading for, as well, is the ability to sign that player to a long term deal on the spot. Some of us act like it's a given that the player will become a free agent and the Yankees will sign him. Kind of like this is a Madden football franchise.
Another side benefit that is forgotten sometimes is that with players like Sabathia, these are Type-A free agents. In other words, when we sign them, we lose our first round pick. So, even if we are lucky enough for him to reach free agency and sign with us, we're still trading a first round pick which equals a top prospect for us, anyway. So, by trading for him now, we beat the rush, get him for sure, get him now when he can help us this season - and keep our draft pick.
Since the Indians refused to give us that negotiating window, I'm pleased with how this deal worked out. Though, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't have liked to have had Sabathia's arm in our rotation right now.
* - it could happen, but in general, it's not too likely. Not now, anyway.
Via Ben.
