With spring training well under way, it's time for me to weigh in on the reliever/starter controversy between Yankees pitchers Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain.
I commented on the choice last year, with statistics to match, and have the same opinion now: Start Hughes, sit Joba.
Hughes proved to be more consistent, whether pitching-wise or personality-wise, in his starts, while Joba has the emotion and fireball to be great in relief.
Former Yankees pitcher and Hall of Famer Goose Gossage agrees with me, too.
Showing posts with label joba chamberlain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joba chamberlain. Show all posts
3.06.2010
11.04.2009
It's time
Just before the seventh, and FOX is showing great World Series moments. The ball dribbles through Bill Buckner's legs, and a laugh bursts out of my mouth as I move past the TV.
Problem is, I'm at the Boston Globe. And for those of you short on baseball history, that error was one of the worst moments in Boston Red Sox history, a play where the Sox had it all wrapped up until Buckner prolonged the 86-year curse.
The Sox have been done playing for a while now, of course. Worse yet, their archnemesis, New York, is leading the World Series three games to two.
I am forced to watch at the Boston Globe, where every laugh at Buckner gets a dirty look, and every Hideki Matsui RBI gets a groan.
Ah, yes, Matsui. That's where this story begins, right? The story of Game 6 and Championship #27.
The great storyline going into the game, of course, was that this contest offered a matchup between two players deep within Yankees-Red Sox lore. New York brought Andy Pettitte, who holds the record for most postseason games with 19. He's won four championships and was the pitcher who clinched the American League Division Series and American League Championship for the Yankees this year.
On the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies was Pedro Martinez, the same Pedro who slew the Yankees en route to the 2004 championship by the Sox. Martinez is best known for admitting, before he had learned how to get past New York, that the Yankees were his "daddy."
So they there were, the great Yankees-killer versus the great Yankees playoff pitcher, ready for a duel that made even New York fans who were sick over the series stretching to six games pleased as the great matchup.
Martinez buzzed through the first inning, as did Pettitte, then Martinez opened up the second frame with a leadoff walk. (You have to wonder who Pedro's Little League coach was, and if he spoke enough Spanish to teach little Pedro to never walk the leadoff man.)
Alex Rodriguez trotted to first, and the Matsui show began. Matsui battled Pedro in an eight-pitch battle that saw Godzilla (Matsui's nickname in his native Japan) hit a few Japanese home runs, towering blasts landing in the right-field seats that would once have been counted as homers in Japanese baseball.
Finally, Matsui straightened one out and went just as deep, and five batters into the game, the Yankees were ahead 2-1.
It was a lead New York would never relinquish.
Pettitte, although pitching on merelythree days of rest, looked decent early, humming through the Phillies lineup. He allowed a triple (that could have been a double if not for a strange bounce), then the runner scored on a sacrifice fly.
Pedro, on the other hand, hit some more trouble in the very next inning. Derek Jeter hit a one-out single, then Martinez walked Johnny Damon after a seven-pitch at-bat. Next up was Mark Teixeira, who has had a measley two hits this World Series and would probably be more comfortable hiding in a locker. But Pedro bailed him out, plunking him to load the bases.
Rodriguez stepped to the plate with another chance to continue writing his magical playoff story, but Pedro struck him out.
Next up: Matsui. The Yankees already led 2-1, with the designated hitter having done his job. Matsui seemed eager, though, to make up for time lost in Philadelphia, where he rode the pine for three games (with no DH).
Matsui ripped a beautiful RBI single up the middle with two outs and the bases loaded, boosting New York's margin to 4-1.
By the time the fifth came around, Pedro was gone, chased after just four innings. The vaunted pitching matchup had fallen to Japanese pressure, and the bats would now decide the game.
Jeter came out with no care for who was on the mound, lacing a leadoff double to keep the Phillies on their heels. After Jeter was sacrificed over to third, Teixeira finally came through, singling Jeter home to put the Yankees up 5-1. It was the only RBI the Yankees would get that wasn't by Matsui.
Yes, Matsui again. After A-Rod got plunked one more time (the fourth time this series), Matsui the Phillies-killer did as he knew best, doubling the runners home for a 7-1 New York lead.
Apparently, after being rested for three games, Matsui thought he'd compensate with three games' worth of stats in one amazing evening.
Matsui's 6 RBI tied a record for the most RBI in a World Series game.
In the top half of the innings, by the way, Pettitte was still mowing them down, pitching a nearly flawless game. He allowed just two hits through five innings, which is just what the Yankees needed after their poor pitching destroyed their six-run effort the night before.
As Pettitte moved into the sixth, the camera cut to the bullpen, capturing a shot of someone tossing a ball at Joba Chamberlain, who totally missed it and saw it fly by his head.
Stomach ulcers, commence. Yankees fans are already nervous enough about ever having to use the bullpen (especially Chamberlain), so that's the last thing we want to see.
Pettitte gave up a walk, a two-run homer, and a double, and it was time to summon Chamberlain. The real test began. But surprisingly, Chamberlain got his outs.
In the top of the seventh, Chase Utley came to the plate with two guys on, with the chance to pull the Phils within one with one swing. But the man who has foiled the Yankees so far this Series, who even dared to tie Mr. October Reggie Jackson's home record, was struck out by Damaso Marte.
It was then that you realized that it was time. This could be it. It could really be happening.
Rodriguez came to the plate, and the Phillies threw at his head again. But what were they doing? Getting A-Rod uncomfortable seemed to be Philadelphia's last, desperate ploy to keep some kind of hold on the Series.
But the Yankees have been winning with just moderate production from A-Rod. And the pitching showed up tonight. And they were holding fast; no meltdowns, no worries, nothing.
Phillies MVP Ryan Howard came to the plate and struck out again, the 13th time this series (that's a record). People say that if you're a power hitter, you're going to strike out a lot as well as hit home runs. Well, Howard has hit one home run and struck out 13 times. Yeah, I think New York has this one.
Enter Sandman. Five outs, game over. Did this just happen?
The New York Yankees are world champions. !!!!!
The New York Yankees are world champions!
The New York Yankees are world champions!
The New York Yankees are world champions!
Other Yankees Posts
Game Recap
Problem is, I'm at the Boston Globe. And for those of you short on baseball history, that error was one of the worst moments in Boston Red Sox history, a play where the Sox had it all wrapped up until Buckner prolonged the 86-year curse.
The Sox have been done playing for a while now, of course. Worse yet, their archnemesis, New York, is leading the World Series three games to two.
I am forced to watch at the Boston Globe, where every laugh at Buckner gets a dirty look, and every Hideki Matsui RBI gets a groan.
Ah, yes, Matsui. That's where this story begins, right? The story of Game 6 and Championship #27.
The great storyline going into the game, of course, was that this contest offered a matchup between two players deep within Yankees-Red Sox lore. New York brought Andy Pettitte, who holds the record for most postseason games with 19. He's won four championships and was the pitcher who clinched the American League Division Series and American League Championship for the Yankees this year.
On the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies was Pedro Martinez, the same Pedro who slew the Yankees en route to the 2004 championship by the Sox. Martinez is best known for admitting, before he had learned how to get past New York, that the Yankees were his "daddy."
So they there were, the great Yankees-killer versus the great Yankees playoff pitcher, ready for a duel that made even New York fans who were sick over the series stretching to six games pleased as the great matchup.
Martinez buzzed through the first inning, as did Pettitte, then Martinez opened up the second frame with a leadoff walk. (You have to wonder who Pedro's Little League coach was, and if he spoke enough Spanish to teach little Pedro to never walk the leadoff man.)
Alex Rodriguez trotted to first, and the Matsui show began. Matsui battled Pedro in an eight-pitch battle that saw Godzilla (Matsui's nickname in his native Japan) hit a few Japanese home runs, towering blasts landing in the right-field seats that would once have been counted as homers in Japanese baseball.
Finally, Matsui straightened one out and went just as deep, and five batters into the game, the Yankees were ahead 2-1.
It was a lead New York would never relinquish.
Pettitte, although pitching on merelythree days of rest, looked decent early, humming through the Phillies lineup. He allowed a triple (that could have been a double if not for a strange bounce), then the runner scored on a sacrifice fly.
Pedro, on the other hand, hit some more trouble in the very next inning. Derek Jeter hit a one-out single, then Martinez walked Johnny Damon after a seven-pitch at-bat. Next up was Mark Teixeira, who has had a measley two hits this World Series and would probably be more comfortable hiding in a locker. But Pedro bailed him out, plunking him to load the bases.
Rodriguez stepped to the plate with another chance to continue writing his magical playoff story, but Pedro struck him out.
Next up: Matsui. The Yankees already led 2-1, with the designated hitter having done his job. Matsui seemed eager, though, to make up for time lost in Philadelphia, where he rode the pine for three games (with no DH).
Matsui ripped a beautiful RBI single up the middle with two outs and the bases loaded, boosting New York's margin to 4-1.
By the time the fifth came around, Pedro was gone, chased after just four innings. The vaunted pitching matchup had fallen to Japanese pressure, and the bats would now decide the game.
Jeter came out with no care for who was on the mound, lacing a leadoff double to keep the Phillies on their heels. After Jeter was sacrificed over to third, Teixeira finally came through, singling Jeter home to put the Yankees up 5-1. It was the only RBI the Yankees would get that wasn't by Matsui.
Yes, Matsui again. After A-Rod got plunked one more time (the fourth time this series), Matsui the Phillies-killer did as he knew best, doubling the runners home for a 7-1 New York lead.
Apparently, after being rested for three games, Matsui thought he'd compensate with three games' worth of stats in one amazing evening.
Matsui's 6 RBI tied a record for the most RBI in a World Series game.
In the top half of the innings, by the way, Pettitte was still mowing them down, pitching a nearly flawless game. He allowed just two hits through five innings, which is just what the Yankees needed after their poor pitching destroyed their six-run effort the night before.
As Pettitte moved into the sixth, the camera cut to the bullpen, capturing a shot of someone tossing a ball at Joba Chamberlain, who totally missed it and saw it fly by his head.
Stomach ulcers, commence. Yankees fans are already nervous enough about ever having to use the bullpen (especially Chamberlain), so that's the last thing we want to see.
Pettitte gave up a walk, a two-run homer, and a double, and it was time to summon Chamberlain. The real test began. But surprisingly, Chamberlain got his outs.
In the top of the seventh, Chase Utley came to the plate with two guys on, with the chance to pull the Phils within one with one swing. But the man who has foiled the Yankees so far this Series, who even dared to tie Mr. October Reggie Jackson's home record, was struck out by Damaso Marte.
It was then that you realized that it was time. This could be it. It could really be happening.
Rodriguez came to the plate, and the Phillies threw at his head again. But what were they doing? Getting A-Rod uncomfortable seemed to be Philadelphia's last, desperate ploy to keep some kind of hold on the Series.
But the Yankees have been winning with just moderate production from A-Rod. And the pitching showed up tonight. And they were holding fast; no meltdowns, no worries, nothing.
Phillies MVP Ryan Howard came to the plate and struck out again, the 13th time this series (that's a record). People say that if you're a power hitter, you're going to strike out a lot as well as hit home runs. Well, Howard has hit one home run and struck out 13 times. Yeah, I think New York has this one.
Enter Sandman. Five outs, game over. Did this just happen?
The New York Yankees are world champions. !!!!!
The New York Yankees are world champions!
The New York Yankees are world champions!
The New York Yankees are world champions!
Other Yankees Posts
Game Recap
10.26.2009
Unroll the bunting
When the Yankees missed the playoffs last season, I put a "World Series 2009!" banner on the top of my Web page for the team. Well, it's 2009, and they've done their part.
The Yankees are in the World Series for the 40th time.
Tonight's 5-2 win was another classic Andy Pettitte-Mariano Rivera combination, with Pettitte winning a postseason-record 16th game and Rivera grabbing his 37th playoff save.
Pettitte was sharp all night, going 6.1 innings and allowing just one run while striking out six. Mo let a run through in the eighth but pitched two full innings, striking out the final batter to send the Yankees into November.
Despite holding the record for wins in the postseason, Pettitte had yet to beat the Angels until tonight (he was 0-4). He defers the compliments and says he's just surrounded by good guys, but tonight he showed that's just not true; he's a playoff master as much as Rivera.
The Yankees didn't break through until the fourth inning tonight after three straight innings (and several games, for that matter) of leaving men on base. In the first, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez both hit singles but were left stranded. In the second, it was Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera, plus a Derek Jeter walk, but Johnny Damon couldn't come through. In the third, Rodriguez walked, but no runs.
In the fourth, a Cano walk and Nick Swisher single, with the men advanced to second and third on a Cabrera sacrifice, set the stage for Los Angeles to unravel. It began when Jeter fouled a ball off near the right field seats that Angels first baseman Kendry Morales pulled up on and didn't make an attempt to dive to catch (a "Jeter," if you will). Jeter ended up with a free pass to first a few pitches later, and Damon came to the plate to avenge himself.
After going 0-for-4 with the bases loaded in the postseason, Damon slapped a two-run-scoring single, putting the Yankees ahead.
Angels starter Joe Saunders had been looking shaky already, one-hopping some pitches to the plate, and he walked Teixeira next to load the bags.
The crowd was pensive, nervous, standing without much motion as memories of recent Yankee collapses surely streamed through their heads.
The new October hero, Rodriguez, came to the plate, and after a hard cut on a foul ball, Saunders was the one looking nervous, walking A-Rod to score a run and put the Yankees up 3-1. Rodriguez ended the night with three walks.
The small-ball hitting was the theme of the night, as Yankee Stadium went without a homer for the second time this postseason after just one day without a home run during the regular season.
When the seventh inning rolled around, though, the worrying could reconvene as New York turned to its bullpen, which has had its issues lately. But Joba Chamberlain pulled through for his two outs, and Rivera was summoned to put the Angels away (but not before a little teasing and making it a nail-biter by letting the Angels come within a run at 3-2).
The Yankees came out ready in the bottom of the eighth, not content to be ahead by just one. After getting a man on first, Swisher showed he is actually good for something this season, putting down an excellent bunt then legging it out to force an error at first and put men on first and second with no outs.
Another beautiful Cabrera bunt looked to advance the runners, but the same Yankees that were in the Angels' heads for most of the series were there again tonight. Scott Kazmir, who was already questionably in the game after being the losing pitcher in the game 4 Yankees blowout, made a huge error. His lob to first flew way over the leaping first baseman's head, letting a Yankee run score and preserving another out.
Kazmir tried to make up for his gaffe with the next batter, firing to first to get Jeter on a groundout, but the damage was done.
By now, the Yankees knew. A-Rod was smelling it, sitting perky in the dugout. He had carried the team so far and no longer cared about his October monkeys; he wanted the World Series.
Jeter stood, holding back a grin. He was relishing the new Yankee Stadium, full of screaming fans and perfect color, with the Angels on the ropes. There's no way the game was tense for him; he knew they had it.
A Teixeira sacrifice fly had the Yankees taking the field for the top of the ninth up 5-2.
This was how they wanted it: at home, in front of this crowd, with this kind of domination, with this momentum going into a matchup with the defending champions.
A few pitches later, they had it. It was all over but the champagne.
CC Sabathia, who is almost certainly starting Wednesday's World Series opener, was named the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, despite Rodriguez batting .438 with five home runs and 11 RBI, and all his game-tying or game-winning heroics.
But the A-Rod that has cared about quality, not image, all season, was at Yankee Stadium again tonight. When he jumped in celebration after Mo struck out the final batter, his gum flopped out of his supermodel mouth, ruining the splendid image that should be A-Rod.
He jumped into a hug with Jeter and Teixeira, just one of the guys.
One of the guys going to the World Series.
Other Yankees Posts
The Yankees are in the World Series for the 40th time.
Tonight's 5-2 win was another classic Andy Pettitte-Mariano Rivera combination, with Pettitte winning a postseason-record 16th game and Rivera grabbing his 37th playoff save.
Pettitte was sharp all night, going 6.1 innings and allowing just one run while striking out six. Mo let a run through in the eighth but pitched two full innings, striking out the final batter to send the Yankees into November.
Despite holding the record for wins in the postseason, Pettitte had yet to beat the Angels until tonight (he was 0-4). He defers the compliments and says he's just surrounded by good guys, but tonight he showed that's just not true; he's a playoff master as much as Rivera.
The Yankees didn't break through until the fourth inning tonight after three straight innings (and several games, for that matter) of leaving men on base. In the first, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez both hit singles but were left stranded. In the second, it was Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera, plus a Derek Jeter walk, but Johnny Damon couldn't come through. In the third, Rodriguez walked, but no runs.
In the fourth, a Cano walk and Nick Swisher single, with the men advanced to second and third on a Cabrera sacrifice, set the stage for Los Angeles to unravel. It began when Jeter fouled a ball off near the right field seats that Angels first baseman Kendry Morales pulled up on and didn't make an attempt to dive to catch (a "Jeter," if you will). Jeter ended up with a free pass to first a few pitches later, and Damon came to the plate to avenge himself.
After going 0-for-4 with the bases loaded in the postseason, Damon slapped a two-run-scoring single, putting the Yankees ahead.
Angels starter Joe Saunders had been looking shaky already, one-hopping some pitches to the plate, and he walked Teixeira next to load the bags.
The crowd was pensive, nervous, standing without much motion as memories of recent Yankee collapses surely streamed through their heads.
The new October hero, Rodriguez, came to the plate, and after a hard cut on a foul ball, Saunders was the one looking nervous, walking A-Rod to score a run and put the Yankees up 3-1. Rodriguez ended the night with three walks.
The small-ball hitting was the theme of the night, as Yankee Stadium went without a homer for the second time this postseason after just one day without a home run during the regular season.
When the seventh inning rolled around, though, the worrying could reconvene as New York turned to its bullpen, which has had its issues lately. But Joba Chamberlain pulled through for his two outs, and Rivera was summoned to put the Angels away (but not before a little teasing and making it a nail-biter by letting the Angels come within a run at 3-2).
The Yankees came out ready in the bottom of the eighth, not content to be ahead by just one. After getting a man on first, Swisher showed he is actually good for something this season, putting down an excellent bunt then legging it out to force an error at first and put men on first and second with no outs.
Another beautiful Cabrera bunt looked to advance the runners, but the same Yankees that were in the Angels' heads for most of the series were there again tonight. Scott Kazmir, who was already questionably in the game after being the losing pitcher in the game 4 Yankees blowout, made a huge error. His lob to first flew way over the leaping first baseman's head, letting a Yankee run score and preserving another out.
Kazmir tried to make up for his gaffe with the next batter, firing to first to get Jeter on a groundout, but the damage was done.
By now, the Yankees knew. A-Rod was smelling it, sitting perky in the dugout. He had carried the team so far and no longer cared about his October monkeys; he wanted the World Series.
Jeter stood, holding back a grin. He was relishing the new Yankee Stadium, full of screaming fans and perfect color, with the Angels on the ropes. There's no way the game was tense for him; he knew they had it.
A Teixeira sacrifice fly had the Yankees taking the field for the top of the ninth up 5-2.
This was how they wanted it: at home, in front of this crowd, with this kind of domination, with this momentum going into a matchup with the defending champions.
A few pitches later, they had it. It was all over but the champagne.
CC Sabathia, who is almost certainly starting Wednesday's World Series opener, was named the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, despite Rodriguez batting .438 with five home runs and 11 RBI, and all his game-tying or game-winning heroics.
But the A-Rod that has cared about quality, not image, all season, was at Yankee Stadium again tonight. When he jumped in celebration after Mo struck out the final batter, his gum flopped out of his supermodel mouth, ruining the splendid image that should be A-Rod.
He jumped into a hug with Jeter and Teixeira, just one of the guys.
One of the guys going to the World Series.
Other Yankees Posts
9.26.2009
Twice now: Yankees over Boston
The Yankees beat the Red Sox 3-0 this afternoon, which, combined with last night's 9-5 shellacking (it wasn't as close as it looks) puts the New York-Boston series for the year at 9-8, Boston's favor, with tomorrow's game still to come.
Of course, no one cares about the season series anymore, especially Red Sox fans, who make a big show of acting like they don't care about going into Yankee Stadium and getting embarrassed. (The Yankees left 32 men on base today and still shut the BoSox out.)
But Boston should care, because with New York about to notch its 100th win tomorrow, the Yankees are back at their rightful spot: American League East leaders, playoff contenders, and perhaps best in the league and World Series champs...we'll see.
The Red Sox have been helpless against the Yankees' onslaught of late. Just check the stats. Boston has been bludgeoned ever since its early 8-0 edge on the Yanks. Ever since the Yankees' slow start, it's been all bats and pitching from the Bronx, torching the Red Sox 13-6, 2-0 (walkoff A-Rod homer in a pitcher's duel), 5-0, 5-2, 20-11, hiccup, 8-4. And there's no question that player-for-player, the Bronx is better than Beantown.
Best yet, the Yankees were about to chase Red Sox ace Jon Lester Friday night when instead they did one better and knocked him out of the game with ball off his knee. These Yankees don't just win; they destroy.
And the Red Sox are going to have to start caring soon, because if they're as good as everyone thinks they are, they'll be meeting the Yankees again soon.
The Yankees are firing on all cylinders right now. Joba Chamberlain (no-hitter through four) and A.J. Burnett are looking good again after some disastrous pitching performances. CC Sabathia recorded his Major League-leading 19th win today. The batting lineup, from top to bottom, has been contributing at an even pace, with no big slumps. And the bullpen is as sharp as ever.
Postseason talk will begin soon, but I'm happy to sit and enjoy the Yankees where they are now: a tick away from 100 wins, sitting pretty on top of the American League East, dominating in all facets of the game.
Boston-New York, tomorrow at 1.
Other Yankees Posts
Of course, no one cares about the season series anymore, especially Red Sox fans, who make a big show of acting like they don't care about going into Yankee Stadium and getting embarrassed. (The Yankees left 32 men on base today and still shut the BoSox out.)
But Boston should care, because with New York about to notch its 100th win tomorrow, the Yankees are back at their rightful spot: American League East leaders, playoff contenders, and perhaps best in the league and World Series champs...we'll see.
The Red Sox have been helpless against the Yankees' onslaught of late. Just check the stats. Boston has been bludgeoned ever since its early 8-0 edge on the Yanks. Ever since the Yankees' slow start, it's been all bats and pitching from the Bronx, torching the Red Sox 13-6, 2-0 (walkoff A-Rod homer in a pitcher's duel), 5-0, 5-2, 20-11, hiccup, 8-4. And there's no question that player-for-player, the Bronx is better than Beantown.
Best yet, the Yankees were about to chase Red Sox ace Jon Lester Friday night when instead they did one better and knocked him out of the game with ball off his knee. These Yankees don't just win; they destroy.
And the Red Sox are going to have to start caring soon, because if they're as good as everyone thinks they are, they'll be meeting the Yankees again soon.
The Yankees are firing on all cylinders right now. Joba Chamberlain (no-hitter through four) and A.J. Burnett are looking good again after some disastrous pitching performances. CC Sabathia recorded his Major League-leading 19th win today. The batting lineup, from top to bottom, has been contributing at an even pace, with no big slumps. And the bullpen is as sharp as ever.
Postseason talk will begin soon, but I'm happy to sit and enjoy the Yankees where they are now: a tick away from 100 wins, sitting pretty on top of the American League East, dominating in all facets of the game.
Boston-New York, tomorrow at 1.
Other Yankees Posts
9.15.2009
Stinkin' Yankees
Well, it's a good thing the Yankees won't be facing the Baltimore Orioles or the Toronto Blue Jays in the playoffs, because New York has been horrible against them lately. (New York is currently losing to Toronto 9-2.)
As the last two weeks until the end of the season trickle by (with most of the playoff berths tied up in both leagues), many teams are trying to conserve talent and rest players. That could really hurt the Yankees, though. They need to keep plugging, keep hitting, keep pitching...especially with all the lackluster playoff performances they've had lately.
In the tiny series that are the first round of the playoffs, even a great team can get sent home with a couple bad games. And considering the crap that A.J. Burnett and Joba Chamberlain have been tossing off the mound lately (actually, Chamberlain would be throwing crap, but he hardly stays in long enough to throw anything), it's looking scary. CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte can't handle it all, and they've been shaky plenty of times this season, too (although Sabathia is a real September-October workhorse).
The good news is, the Yankees bullpen is great, and those pitchers have able to keep their arms fresh as the bum half of the pen has taken care of these last few games.
The return of Brett Gardner to the lineup has also given New York a little spark, and the spate of young players that showed up with the September expansion of the rosters has also been a good test of the Yankees' wide range of weapons.
But really, Yankees? Losing to the Blue Jays? And by half a dozen? That's got to stop.
Roy Halladay, a usual Yankees foil, was pitching for Toronto today. That means that as good as the Yankees are this year, they're still not drop-dead amazing enough to dethrone players who usually give them fits, such as the entire rosters of Red Sox and the Angels and even Detroit's Justin Verlander (a probably first-round foe). Not a good sign.
These next few games will be a good test to see whether New York is going to keep its foot on the gas, or whether the Yankees are letting off just in time for the most important games of the season.
Other Yankees Posts
As the last two weeks until the end of the season trickle by (with most of the playoff berths tied up in both leagues), many teams are trying to conserve talent and rest players. That could really hurt the Yankees, though. They need to keep plugging, keep hitting, keep pitching...especially with all the lackluster playoff performances they've had lately.
In the tiny series that are the first round of the playoffs, even a great team can get sent home with a couple bad games. And considering the crap that A.J. Burnett and Joba Chamberlain have been tossing off the mound lately (actually, Chamberlain would be throwing crap, but he hardly stays in long enough to throw anything), it's looking scary. CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte can't handle it all, and they've been shaky plenty of times this season, too (although Sabathia is a real September-October workhorse).
The good news is, the Yankees bullpen is great, and those pitchers have able to keep their arms fresh as the bum half of the pen has taken care of these last few games.
The return of Brett Gardner to the lineup has also given New York a little spark, and the spate of young players that showed up with the September expansion of the rosters has also been a good test of the Yankees' wide range of weapons.
But really, Yankees? Losing to the Blue Jays? And by half a dozen? That's got to stop.
Roy Halladay, a usual Yankees foil, was pitching for Toronto today. That means that as good as the Yankees are this year, they're still not drop-dead amazing enough to dethrone players who usually give them fits, such as the entire rosters of Red Sox and the Angels and even Detroit's Justin Verlander (a probably first-round foe). Not a good sign.
These next few games will be a good test to see whether New York is going to keep its foot on the gas, or whether the Yankees are letting off just in time for the most important games of the season.
Other Yankees Posts
9.14.2009
Roundup for the night: Yankees, Pats, Fed
It was a big night in sports, with the Yankees and Patriots recording comeback wins and Roger Federer losing a stunner to Juan Martin Del Potro.
In the Bronx, Mark Teixeira (3-for-4, two-run triple) and Nick Swisher (2-for-4, home run) led the Yankees to a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Mariano Rivera got his 40th save (the seventh season he's done so) and Joba Chamberlain went four innings in his start, allowing just one run (breaking his recent trend). The Yankees are now 93-52.
In Foxborough, the Patriots came out looking very 2003, which is to say that they were terrifying, falling behind early, and almost dead before they magically came back from 11 down on some flukish plays to win the game. They have a lot of new players this year, and a Tom Brady who's still coming back from injury, so I suppose all that can be excused. A win's a win, right? And at 25-24, despite all the miscues and missed plays, the Patriots have won.
Finally, Federer was rolling until Del Potro dug into some place crazy to find the magic to bust him in two tie-breakers then nab the fourth set. It's too hard to talk about, but the recap is here.
In the Bronx, Mark Teixeira (3-for-4, two-run triple) and Nick Swisher (2-for-4, home run) led the Yankees to a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Mariano Rivera got his 40th save (the seventh season he's done so) and Joba Chamberlain went four innings in his start, allowing just one run (breaking his recent trend). The Yankees are now 93-52.
In Foxborough, the Patriots came out looking very 2003, which is to say that they were terrifying, falling behind early, and almost dead before they magically came back from 11 down on some flukish plays to win the game. They have a lot of new players this year, and a Tom Brady who's still coming back from injury, so I suppose all that can be excused. A win's a win, right? And at 25-24, despite all the miscues and missed plays, the Patriots have won.
Finally, Federer was rolling until Del Potro dug into some place crazy to find the magic to bust him in two tie-breakers then nab the fourth set. It's too hard to talk about, but the recap is here.
9.09.2009
Derek ties Lou, Yankees notch another comeback win
Derek Jeter snapped his 0-for-12 hitting streak and had three hits tonight to tie Lou Gehrig for the most hits in Yankees history. Gehrig's record of 2,721 had stood since his last hit on April 29, 1939.
Meanwhile, Jeter and company came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0.
Jorge Posada pinch-hit in the bottom of the eighth and blasted a three-run homer that gave the Yankees their winning margin. Nick Swisher batted home the Yankees' other run after his big game last night, and Hideki Matsui and Alex Rodriguez both went 2-for-4 in the win.
Johnny Damon had the only other New York hit.
Joba Chamberlain, in his third straight three-inning start, allowed two earned runs again. (His last three games have been exactly three innings, and exactly two earned runs: see it here.) Four Yankees relievers, including the always-sharp Alfredo Aceves, held the Rays scoreless for the rest of the game.
The Yankees get a day off tomorrow before hosting the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set this weekend.
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Meanwhile, Jeter and company came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0.
Jorge Posada pinch-hit in the bottom of the eighth and blasted a three-run homer that gave the Yankees their winning margin. Nick Swisher batted home the Yankees' other run after his big game last night, and Hideki Matsui and Alex Rodriguez both went 2-for-4 in the win.
Johnny Damon had the only other New York hit.
Joba Chamberlain, in his third straight three-inning start, allowed two earned runs again. (His last three games have been exactly three innings, and exactly two earned runs: see it here.) Four Yankees relievers, including the always-sharp Alfredo Aceves, held the Rays scoreless for the rest of the game.
The Yankees get a day off tomorrow before hosting the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set this weekend.
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9.04.2009
7 in a row
It's 7 in a row for the Yankees and another great night for Jorge Posada, who goes 4-for-5 with a homer and 4 RBI in the Yankees' 10-5 win.
Alfred Aceves, who's been regularly pitching three-plus innings on the days Sergio Mitre, Joba Chamberlain or Chad Gaudin are starting, contributed another couple quality innings today for the win.
Alex Rodriguez (2-for-4, 2 RBI) hit his 24th home run of the season.
The next-best record in Major League Baseball behind the Yankees (85-48) belongs to the L.A. Angels (78-54). That's a little bit of a gap.
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Alfred Aceves, who's been regularly pitching three-plus innings on the days Sergio Mitre, Joba Chamberlain or Chad Gaudin are starting, contributed another couple quality innings today for the win.
Alex Rodriguez (2-for-4, 2 RBI) hit his 24th home run of the season.
The next-best record in Major League Baseball behind the Yankees (85-48) belongs to the L.A. Angels (78-54). That's a little bit of a gap.
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8.30.2009
Sox sweep
The Yankees swept the White Sox today with another drubbing, this time an 8-3 win to top a weekend in which New York outscored Chicago 23-5.
With starter Joba Chamberlain only going three innings as the Yankees increase his workload to that of a fulling starting pitcher again, the bullpen had a creative afternoon, with five pitchers combining to close the last six innings.
Chicago held New York to a 3-2 lead from the third inning on, until the bottom of the seventh, when the Yankees exploded for five runs. The rally was capped by Mark Teixeira, who hit a towering home run (his 32nd of the season) to score three. Teixeira now leads the American League with 101 RBIs.
The win was New York's 82nd, and the Yankees sport no signs of slowing up as they head into Baltimore and Toronto for the next week.
I'll have more to say about the New York's season as a whole in my next post, but for now, how 'bout them Yankees?
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With starter Joba Chamberlain only going three innings as the Yankees increase his workload to that of a fulling starting pitcher again, the bullpen had a creative afternoon, with five pitchers combining to close the last six innings.
Chicago held New York to a 3-2 lead from the third inning on, until the bottom of the seventh, when the Yankees exploded for five runs. The rally was capped by Mark Teixeira, who hit a towering home run (his 32nd of the season) to score three. Teixeira now leads the American League with 101 RBIs.
The win was New York's 82nd, and the Yankees sport no signs of slowing up as they head into Baltimore and Toronto for the next week.
I'll have more to say about the New York's season as a whole in my next post, but for now, how 'bout them Yankees?
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8.25.2009
Blech, Yankees!
I don't know what the worst part about New York's 10-9 loss to the Texas Rangers was; there are so many choices.
Joba Chamberlain had his first start in eight days and promptly gave up seven runs over four innings despite having a four-run cushion.
Every Yankee starter except Mark Teixeira (who's contributed plenty this year) and Nick Swisher had a hit, but the Yankees still lost.
New York stranded 17 runners.
And probably the worst, the Yankees entered the bottom of the ninth inning down five runs only to rally and pull the game to within 10-9 with runners on first and second with no outs. Then they blew it. Swisher bunted a ball into the air, and Jerry Hairston Jr. got caught off of second after a Melky Cabrera lineout to end the game.
Blech. Blechetty blech blech blech.
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Joba Chamberlain had his first start in eight days and promptly gave up seven runs over four innings despite having a four-run cushion.
Every Yankee starter except Mark Teixeira (who's contributed plenty this year) and Nick Swisher had a hit, but the Yankees still lost.
New York stranded 17 runners.
And probably the worst, the Yankees entered the bottom of the ninth inning down five runs only to rally and pull the game to within 10-9 with runners on first and second with no outs. Then they blew it. Swisher bunted a ball into the air, and Jerry Hairston Jr. got caught off of second after a Melky Cabrera lineout to end the game.
Blech. Blechetty blech blech blech.
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8.07.2009
1-0 so far
Let's leave those other Red Sox-Yankees series behind us and consider the one occurring today through Sunday, which New York now leads 1-0.
Tonight's 13-6 win by the Yankees had many beautiful moments.
Take your pick:
1. David Ortiz, the meat-headed juicer, going 0-for-5
2. Joba Chamberlain recording his third win in a row (he's now 8-2)
3. Three-run dingers from both Jorge Posada and Melky Cabrera
4. 3 RBI from Hideki Matsui in his recent return
5. Mark Teixeira tying the American League lead for home runs with his 28th deep shot (he was 3-for-4 on the night)
6. Johnny Damon going 3-for-5 with a homer
7. Robinson Cano batting 2-for-4, raising his average to .309
8. The largest crowd in the new Yankee Stadium (49,005)
9. Torching John Smoltz in the third inning (but really, who didn't
see that coming?)
10. Well, we could go on for a while...
And in the obligatory standings update, that puts New York up three-and-a-half games on Boston, with Tampa Bay six behind. Another three wins by New York could even the Yankees up with the Red Sox in the American League East loss column (a potential tie-breaker at the end of the season, if needed).
Oh, and this win gives the Yankees the best record in Major League Baseball, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Good night.
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Tonight's 13-6 win by the Yankees had many beautiful moments.
Take your pick:
1. David Ortiz, the meat-headed juicer, going 0-for-5
2. Joba Chamberlain recording his third win in a row (he's now 8-2)
3. Three-run dingers from both Jorge Posada and Melky Cabrera
4. 3 RBI from Hideki Matsui in his recent return
5. Mark Teixeira tying the American League lead for home runs with his 28th deep shot (he was 3-for-4 on the night)
6. Johnny Damon going 3-for-5 with a homer
7. Robinson Cano batting 2-for-4, raising his average to .309
8. The largest crowd in the new Yankee Stadium (49,005)
9. Torching John Smoltz in the third inning (but really, who didn't
see that coming?)
10. Well, we could go on for a while...
And in the obligatory standings update, that puts New York up three-and-a-half games on Boston, with Tampa Bay six behind. Another three wins by New York could even the Yankees up with the Red Sox in the American League East loss column (a potential tie-breaker at the end of the season, if needed).
Oh, and this win gives the Yankees the best record in Major League Baseball, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Good night.
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7.29.2009
W, sweep
New York swept Tampa Bay tonight with a 6-2 win, and with a Red Sox loss, that puts the Yankees up another game in the American League East.
Joba Chamberlain went eight huge innings, allowing no runs, before Brian Bruney let things get scary in the bottom of the ninth as two runs scored. Bruney hasn't been the same since his injury earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Chamberlain has won four of his last eight starts and rose to 7-2 on the season.
Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira both had two home runs and two RBI to lead the Bombers. Teixeira is tied for the lead in American League homers and is third in RBI.
Next, the Yankees head northwest to face the Chicago White Sox.
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Joba Chamberlain went eight huge innings, allowing no runs, before Brian Bruney let things get scary in the bottom of the ninth as two runs scored. Bruney hasn't been the same since his injury earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Chamberlain has won four of his last eight starts and rose to 7-2 on the season.
Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira both had two home runs and two RBI to lead the Bombers. Teixeira is tied for the lead in American League homers and is third in RBI.
Next, the Yankees head northwest to face the Chicago White Sox.
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Joba into the seventh
Joba Chamberlain is pitching into the seventh inning once again, making the reliever-turned-starter one of the Yankees' most solid pitchers this season. In his last couple starts, Joba has one earned run and 10 strikeouts to his credit, spread over 13 innings and a win (and maybe another, depending on how tonight's game against the Rays turns out).
Chamberlain is leading New York past Tampa Bay 3-0 right now.
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Chamberlain is leading New York past Tampa Bay 3-0 right now.
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7.23.2009
Hughes vs. Joba
The following are some statistics to enter into the case of which pitcher should play eighth-inning anchorman and which should start, Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes.
At first I favored Joba for the eighth-inning fireballer role, since his strikeout ability makes him an obvious choice for quick outs. Hughes had always been a starter and had the ability to go deep into games, although his statistics were inflated by early career injuries. But Hughes' recent dominance has made me reconsider.
Consider this: Since moving to the 'pen, Hughes has struck out 21 through 16-and-two-thirds innings.
Here's the breakdown:
CHAMBERLAIN, 2007: 19 games, 0 starts; 0.38 ERA; 24 innings, 34 Ks; 0-2 (great "reliever" year)
HUGHES, 2007: 13 games, 13 starts; 4.46 ERA; 72.2 innings, 58 Ks; 5-3 (a "starter" year)
CHAMBERLAIN, 2008: 42 games, 12 starts; 2.60 ERA; 100.1 innings, 118 Ks; 4-3 (half-and-half year)
HUGHES, 2008: 8 games, 8 starts; 6.62 ERA; 34 innings, 23 Ks; 0-4 (bad "starter" year)
CHAMBERLAIN, 2009: 18 games, 18 starts; 4.05 ERA; 95.2 innings, 86 Ks; 5-2 (full "starter" year)
HUGHES, 2009: 22 games, 7 starts; 3.70 ERA; 56 innings, 58 Ks; 4-2 (half "reliever" year)
I think the research shows that relievers tend to have better statistics in the Ks-per-inning and ERA ranges. Chamberlain's statistics ramp up just like a line chart as he moves from reliever to starter. Hughes' are more subtle, but being a reliever has obviously suited him well.
Who is better for the team? No easy answer here.
At first I favored Joba for the eighth-inning fireballer role, since his strikeout ability makes him an obvious choice for quick outs. Hughes had always been a starter and had the ability to go deep into games, although his statistics were inflated by early career injuries. But Hughes' recent dominance has made me reconsider.
Consider this: Since moving to the 'pen, Hughes has struck out 21 through 16-and-two-thirds innings.
Here's the breakdown:
CHAMBERLAIN, 2007: 19 games, 0 starts; 0.38 ERA; 24 innings, 34 Ks; 0-2 (great "reliever" year)
HUGHES, 2007: 13 games, 13 starts; 4.46 ERA; 72.2 innings, 58 Ks; 5-3 (a "starter" year)
CHAMBERLAIN, 2008: 42 games, 12 starts; 2.60 ERA; 100.1 innings, 118 Ks; 4-3 (half-and-half year)
HUGHES, 2008: 8 games, 8 starts; 6.62 ERA; 34 innings, 23 Ks; 0-4 (bad "starter" year)
CHAMBERLAIN, 2009: 18 games, 18 starts; 4.05 ERA; 95.2 innings, 86 Ks; 5-2 (full "starter" year)
HUGHES, 2009: 22 games, 7 starts; 3.70 ERA; 56 innings, 58 Ks; 4-2 (half "reliever" year)
I think the research shows that relievers tend to have better statistics in the Ks-per-inning and ERA ranges. Chamberlain's statistics ramp up just like a line chart as he moves from reliever to starter. Hughes' are more subtle, but being a reliever has obviously suited him well.
Who is better for the team? No easy answer here.
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joba chamberlain,
new york yankees,
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7.19.2009
Joba's back
Joba Chamberlain was back today, pitching a gem to lead the Yankees past Detroit in another National League-like 2-1 win. Joba had eight strikeouts, with five of them being the last five batters he faced. He went well into the game, too (six and two-thirds innings), and notched his first win since June 24.
The bullpen helped New York the rest of the way, with Phil Hughes throwing another solid inning (2 Ks) and Mariano Rivera closing it out the third day in a row for his 26th save in 27 chances this season.
(Side note: whether it's Hughes or Joba, I really like having a guy with starting pitcher-quality firepower anchoring the eighth inning. It's the missing link in a bullpen that was blowing huge leads earlier this season.)
Offensively, only two guys showed up for New York, and it was the two guys with the most green in their pockets: Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Both went 2-for-4 with an RBI on solo home run shots. Teixeira also had a double.
The Yankees now sit just one game back from the division-leading Boston Red Sox.
The Bombers host the Baltimore Orioles, a division foe, for the next three games before welcoming the Oakland A's for a series.
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The bullpen helped New York the rest of the way, with Phil Hughes throwing another solid inning (2 Ks) and Mariano Rivera closing it out the third day in a row for his 26th save in 27 chances this season.
(Side note: whether it's Hughes or Joba, I really like having a guy with starting pitcher-quality firepower anchoring the eighth inning. It's the missing link in a bullpen that was blowing huge leads earlier this season.)
Offensively, only two guys showed up for New York, and it was the two guys with the most green in their pockets: Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Both went 2-for-4 with an RBI on solo home run shots. Teixeira also had a double.
The Yankees now sit just one game back from the division-leading Boston Red Sox.
The Bombers host the Baltimore Orioles, a division foe, for the next three games before welcoming the Oakland A's for a series.
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7.09.2009
Enough about those "highly paid" Yankees
Whine about the Yankees' incredible spending power if you will, but remember that it's veterans who have risen through the system (Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada) and low-paid or young players (Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Cody Ransom) who are doing most of the work.
Right now, it's the top of the sixth, and the Yankees are beating the Twins 6-4. Ransom and Gardner have two RBIs apiece and Jeter has another.
The only place you can really get away with whining about all that money buys? Half of the starting rotation (CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett) and the No. 3 hole (Mark Teixeira), I guess. But still, the rotation is building on Yankee veteran Andy Pettitte, and New York-raised Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes.
A lot of money has been spent, but that's not necessarily where the wins are coming from.
Check out the Yankees' payroll here. With the exception of the aforementioned veterans, who deserve a pretty buck after spending their entire career in New York, the Yankees' big contributors for the days are all making regular MLB money. Cut out the ridiculously paid guys (Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Burnett, etc.), and the Yankees would still have a contending team.
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Right now, it's the top of the sixth, and the Yankees are beating the Twins 6-4. Ransom and Gardner have two RBIs apiece and Jeter has another.
The only place you can really get away with whining about all that money buys? Half of the starting rotation (CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett) and the No. 3 hole (Mark Teixeira), I guess. But still, the rotation is building on Yankee veteran Andy Pettitte, and New York-raised Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes.
A lot of money has been spent, but that's not necessarily where the wins are coming from.
Check out the Yankees' payroll here. With the exception of the aforementioned veterans, who deserve a pretty buck after spending their entire career in New York, the Yankees' big contributors for the days are all making regular MLB money. Cut out the ridiculously paid guys (Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Burnett, etc.), and the Yankees would still have a contending team.
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6.24.2009
Joba goes deep, Jeter lets one bounce off his butt en route to third
Joba Chamberlain proved me wrong again tonight, going deep into the game to set the Yankees up for the 8-4 win. Chamberlain went into the sixth inning, tossing 99 pitches and allowing only a couple runs before giving way to the bullpen. His recent stability has killed all rumors of him heading back to relief after a couple four-inning, 100-pitch debacles.
And tonight Derek Jeter continued to show his renaissance, making lithe plays at short and continuing to thieve around the basepaths. (I especially liked the top of the ninth, when he slid into second and the pickoff throw bounced off his butt. He advanced to third then was knocked in by a Johnny Damon single.)
The Yankees were back in full form, and as much as I'd like to wish for consistency, I'll take outbursts like this whenever I can get them. Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira both had two hits, and Alex Rodriguez was a pleasant surprise in the clutch when he singled home two runs to start the Yankee scoring.
Mariano Rivera almost got a hit of his own, but he settled for a flyout and striking out the side to end the game. His effort in getting the Yankees out of an eighth-inning jam, with two runners on base and only a two-run lead, gave him his 16th save in 17 chances.
Tomorrow New York faces Atlanta again with a chance to take the series and stay even with the Red Sox, who have jumped five games ahead in the American League East.
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And tonight Derek Jeter continued to show his renaissance, making lithe plays at short and continuing to thieve around the basepaths. (I especially liked the top of the ninth, when he slid into second and the pickoff throw bounced off his butt. He advanced to third then was knocked in by a Johnny Damon single.)
The Yankees were back in full form, and as much as I'd like to wish for consistency, I'll take outbursts like this whenever I can get them. Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira both had two hits, and Alex Rodriguez was a pleasant surprise in the clutch when he singled home two runs to start the Yankee scoring.
Mariano Rivera almost got a hit of his own, but he settled for a flyout and striking out the side to end the game. His effort in getting the Yankees out of an eighth-inning jam, with two runners on base and only a two-run lead, gave him his 16th save in 17 chances.
Tomorrow New York faces Atlanta again with a chance to take the series and stay even with the Red Sox, who have jumped five games ahead in the American League East.
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6.23.2009
Return to inter-league play for Wang's ankle
Around this time last year, the Yankees headed into inter-league play. During a New York romp, when even their starting ace, Chien-Ming Wang, got on base, a fateful accident happened that has bugged the Yankees since.
Rounding the bases, Wang misstepped and hurt his ankle, dropping him on the disabled list for a few weeks. Throughout the rest of the season, he struggled with injuries, leaving the Yankees deprived of their best pitcher going into the pennant race. New York then missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, and although it was a team effort that took the Yankees out of the 2008 postseason, not having two-time 19-game winner Wang down the stretch certainly didn't help.
The Yankees were excited to have Wang back for a full season this year, joining ace CC Sabathia, Yankee stalwart Andy Pettitte, young up-and-comer Joba Chamberlain and veteran A.J. Burnett in a powerhouse staff. But Wang quickly became the weakest link, if he could be called a link at all.
Wang has lost five games this season, holding down an ERA of 32.30 at one point. Entering tonight's game, his ERA had sunk to 12.30 (a "bad" major-league pitcher can get benched at 6.00 or so). Nothing has gone right for Wang.
So, as another inter-league tilt arrives, and Wang pitches the Yanks into a 3-0 hole (through five innings), how many New York fans are wishing that Wang hurts his ankle lapping the bases again? He had time on the DL already this year, and it didn't cure him, and now Phil Hughes (3-2, 4.78 ERA, 43 Ks, 17 BBs in 43.1 IP) waits in the wings. Compared toWang (0-5, 12.30 ERA, 21 Ks, 14 BBs in 26.1 IP), Hughes looks like a Cy Young-caliber option.
(And, as fate has it, Hughes is usually the reliever who comes in and picks up the pieces after Wang's slow starts.)
Wang has been a great contributor to the Yankees. He went 8-5 in his first season, in 2005, with a 4.02 ERA, then ripped through the next two seasons, going 19-6 and 19-7 with ERAs of 3.63 and 3.70, respectively. (In 2007, his strikeout total peaked at 104, 28 Ks higher than the next closest season, even as he pitched 19 innings less. And he's a sinkerballer, which means he's not even supposed to be getting guys to whiff.) But with all the problems he's been having this season, and the Yankees' inability to pull away in the American League East, he needs to find a solution to his pitching decline, and quick.
Rounding the bases, Wang misstepped and hurt his ankle, dropping him on the disabled list for a few weeks. Throughout the rest of the season, he struggled with injuries, leaving the Yankees deprived of their best pitcher going into the pennant race. New York then missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, and although it was a team effort that took the Yankees out of the 2008 postseason, not having two-time 19-game winner Wang down the stretch certainly didn't help.
The Yankees were excited to have Wang back for a full season this year, joining ace CC Sabathia, Yankee stalwart Andy Pettitte, young up-and-comer Joba Chamberlain and veteran A.J. Burnett in a powerhouse staff. But Wang quickly became the weakest link, if he could be called a link at all.
Wang has lost five games this season, holding down an ERA of 32.30 at one point. Entering tonight's game, his ERA had sunk to 12.30 (a "bad" major-league pitcher can get benched at 6.00 or so). Nothing has gone right for Wang.
So, as another inter-league tilt arrives, and Wang pitches the Yanks into a 3-0 hole (through five innings), how many New York fans are wishing that Wang hurts his ankle lapping the bases again? He had time on the DL already this year, and it didn't cure him, and now Phil Hughes (3-2, 4.78 ERA, 43 Ks, 17 BBs in 43.1 IP) waits in the wings. Compared toWang (0-5, 12.30 ERA, 21 Ks, 14 BBs in 26.1 IP), Hughes looks like a Cy Young-caliber option.
(And, as fate has it, Hughes is usually the reliever who comes in and picks up the pieces after Wang's slow starts.)
Wang has been a great contributor to the Yankees. He went 8-5 in his first season, in 2005, with a 4.02 ERA, then ripped through the next two seasons, going 19-6 and 19-7 with ERAs of 3.63 and 3.70, respectively. (In 2007, his strikeout total peaked at 104, 28 Ks higher than the next closest season, even as he pitched 19 innings less. And he's a sinkerballer, which means he's not even supposed to be getting guys to whiff.) But with all the problems he's been having this season, and the Yankees' inability to pull away in the American League East, he needs to find a solution to his pitching decline, and quick.
6.01.2009
Error-less, Swisher-full
The Yankees have set the Major League record for 18 games in a row without an error, a record set by, of course, the Boston Red Sox.
New York took a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians tonight with a balance of escaping bases-loaded jams defensively and leaving plenty of bases-loaded opportunities offensively. Although plenty of guys were left on base, the Yanks did it when they had to, with Nick Swisher leading the way with a couple of hits and two RBI.
Joba proved me wrong, going a career-high eight innings (something Yankees starters don't often do), using all 106 pitches well until Mariano Rivera came in for his 11th save in 12 chances.
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New York took a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians tonight with a balance of escaping bases-loaded jams defensively and leaving plenty of bases-loaded opportunities offensively. Although plenty of guys were left on base, the Yanks did it when they had to, with Nick Swisher leading the way with a couple of hits and two RBI.
Joba proved me wrong, going a career-high eight innings (something Yankees starters don't often do), using all 106 pitches well until Mariano Rivera came in for his 11th save in 12 chances.
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Joba!!!
Sign Joba Chamberlain up for the infield! My goodness, what a play!
(I hope it's up on YouTube, but for those of who didn't stay late after work to watch the game, he just dove off the mound, laid out and snared a pop-up two inches from the turf.)
On the other hand, Joba's pitching has had some issues lately. He is fantastic most innings, then getting in jams in the others. Bottom line, he uses tons of pitches to try to piece together a quality start. Tons of pitches=put him in the bullpen. Let him provide two innings a night and not use up his arm where Chien-Ming Wang can work.
And what is up with random creatures invading whenever Joba pitches in Cleveland? Bugs in the 2007 playoffs, seagulls chilling with the outfielders today. My, oh, my.
Maybe there's something in the air...and, if so, could it have gotten into the nostrils of whoever keeps making the calls at first?
(I hope it's up on YouTube, but for those of who didn't stay late after work to watch the game, he just dove off the mound, laid out and snared a pop-up two inches from the turf.)
On the other hand, Joba's pitching has had some issues lately. He is fantastic most innings, then getting in jams in the others. Bottom line, he uses tons of pitches to try to piece together a quality start. Tons of pitches=put him in the bullpen. Let him provide two innings a night and not use up his arm where Chien-Ming Wang can work.
And what is up with random creatures invading whenever Joba pitches in Cleveland? Bugs in the 2007 playoffs, seagulls chilling with the outfielders today. My, oh, my.
Maybe there's something in the air...and, if so, could it have gotten into the nostrils of whoever keeps making the calls at first?
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