Television curmudgeon Larry David and former TV bartender Woody Harrelson take in the Yankees/Red Sox game at Fenway Park. What do you get when you combine "Seinfeld" and "Cheers?"--a bored kid.
The little Yankees fan seated behind the two celebrities didn't seem to impressed to have the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star and Boston's favorite dimwitted bartender from "Cheers" blocking his view.
I guess not everybody knows their names.
The Yankees come-from-behind victory extended their win streak to eight after defeating the Red Sox, 3-2, last night. It was the opening game of a three-game series and put the Bombers into sole possession of first place in the AL East and masters of their domain
Boone Logan picked up the win for the Yankees after coming in for Bartolo Colon and striking out Adrian Gonzalez, the best hitter in the American League, with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. It was only the second Yankees win in 10 games against Boston this season.
With two outs, Yankees manager Joe Girardi pulled Colon after his pitcher loaded the bases. It was a risk the manager felt he had to take and it paid off.
"You look at Gonzalez," said Girardi of the hard-hitting batter. "He has a lot of power and Bartolo was getting tired."
Yankee-killer Jon Lester (8-2 career vs. Yanks) then turned into Mayday Malone and got knocked out in the sixth after giving up three runs. Lester struck out seven, walked four and allowed five hits.
The move seemed to take the wind out of Boston's sails. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Girardi used five pitchers from the bullpen, including Rafael Soriano who was asked to get big outs for the first time in three appearances since returning from the DL. He pitched a perfect seventh inning with one strike-out.
The Yankees haven't lead the division since July 6 or beaten Boston in Fenway since April 9. Girardi was philosophical about also getting the double-dip win against his rivals this season.
"Winning the game [was] more important than anything," said the manager. "There is a long way to go."
Yada, yada, yada.
Showing posts with label New York Yankees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Yankees. Show all posts
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Phil Hughes Headed to Yankees Bullpen This Weekend
New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said today that Phil Hughes will be used out of the bullpen, if necessary, in this weekend's series against the Boston Red Sox. Hughes, who is thick in the mix of the Yankees six-man starting rotation drama, will be available from the bullpen for the next three days as insurance, the manager told the YES Network.
According to the YES, Hughes is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, but all that could change if he throws this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ivan Nova, who had a spectacular 10-strikeout performance against the Chicago White Sox last night, will be kept with the team and may start Thursday. The team is 13-5 in Nova's starts.
The six-man soap opera just keeps getting better and better every day.
One thing was made clear by Girardi; the the team's least effective starter, A.J. Burnett, will not be going to the bullpen.
In his last start on Tuesday, Burnett had a chance to pick up his first win since June 29 after the Yankees staked him to a 12 run lead, but the struggling hurler didn't last five innings. He is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.
"We are not going to jump to conclusions due to one good start or one bad start," said Girardi.
Meanwhile, it's hard to figure out why the manager would make Hughes available from the bullpen during a mid-season series, other than that's where the pitcher started his Yankees career. The Yankees already have seven pitchers in the bullpen and Hughes threw a three-hit, six-inning gem in his last outing.
Girardi doesn't want anyone to start putting too much thought into which pitcher is the odd man out with these moves-- especially Hughes.
"I would love to get distance out of starters and not use him [this weekend]," said Girardi of Hughes. "But as I said these series get a little crazy at times and you've got to protect yourself."
It's not really the DaVinci Code, if you believe Girardi, it's about beating the Red Sox.
Nova is still hanging around on pins and needles about being called into Girardi's office.
"It's hard, especially in a moment like what if they call you into the office," said Nova. "I hope they don't call me today or the rest of the month because September is almost here."
If anyone thought last week's pitching performances by Hughes, Burnett and Nova against the White Sox cleared anything up, they were wrong.
Stay tuned for for more of the Yankees six-man drama for at least another week.
According to the YES, Hughes is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, but all that could change if he throws this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ivan Nova, who had a spectacular 10-strikeout performance against the Chicago White Sox last night, will be kept with the team and may start Thursday. The team is 13-5 in Nova's starts.
The six-man soap opera just keeps getting better and better every day.
In his last start on Tuesday, Burnett had a chance to pick up his first win since June 29 after the Yankees staked him to a 12 run lead, but the struggling hurler didn't last five innings. He is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.
"We are not going to jump to conclusions due to one good start or one bad start," said Girardi.
Meanwhile, it's hard to figure out why the manager would make Hughes available from the bullpen during a mid-season series, other than that's where the pitcher started his Yankees career. The Yankees already have seven pitchers in the bullpen and Hughes threw a three-hit, six-inning gem in his last outing.
Girardi doesn't want anyone to start putting too much thought into which pitcher is the odd man out with these moves-- especially Hughes.
"I would love to get distance out of starters and not use him [this weekend]," said Girardi of Hughes. "But as I said these series get a little crazy at times and you've got to protect yourself."
It's not really the DaVinci Code, if you believe Girardi, it's about beating the Red Sox.
Nova is still hanging around on pins and needles about being called into Girardi's office.
"It's hard, especially in a moment like what if they call you into the office," said Nova. "I hope they don't call me today or the rest of the month because September is almost here."
If anyone thought last week's pitching performances by Hughes, Burnett and Nova against the White Sox cleared anything up, they were wrong.
Stay tuned for for more of the Yankees six-man drama for at least another week.
Yankees To Go Old School On Red Sox With Colon and Garcia
Everything is just like it was scripted. The New York Yankees roll into Fenway Park to battle the Boston Red Sox for first place. Sporting the same records (68-42), both teams are on sizzling hot streaks headed for a collision course to claim supremacy in the AL East. In the Sox corner: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and John Lackey. For the Yankees: CC Sabathia, Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon...huh?
Many people rolled their eyes when the two aging hurlers were picked up in the offseason for a song and slow dance and now, the two veterans figure mightily into the Yankees playoff hopes.
The 38 year-old Colon, who hadn't even pitched in the majors since 2009 while he was rehabbing his repaired his shoulder and elbow in the Dominican Republic, has been the Yankees real No. 2 starter this season after undergoing some kind of mysterious treatment for the injuries.
Garcia, 34, almost didn't make the team after spring training.
Now, the two elder statesmen are being called the adhesive which kept the shaky Yankees rotation from collapsing this season. Funny, at the beginning of the season, skeptics talked like Colon and Garcia were ready for the glue factory. They were right.
Colon and Garcia wouldn't have been the first names mentioned, as the pitchers picking up the slack when Phil Hughes went down with dead arm for most of the season and the inconsistent A.J. Burnett went into his annual June/July funk-- but they were.
For a couple of guys picked up as consolation prizes after the Yankees inability to land Mr. America, Cliff Lee, the old guys are the keys to the Yankees season.
Most experts wondered if the rotund Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) and the undervalued Garcia (10-7, 3.22) could make it through a whole season and-- two-thirds through-- they are actually getting better.
Colon opens the three-games series tonight against a 27 year-old toddler, Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) and sandwiched around Sabathia is Garcia, who will square off against that "tweener," Josh Beckett.
Lester is a Yankee-killer. He boasts a 8-1 lifetime record against his division rival but Colon comes into tonight's game with a 2-1 record with a 2.45 ERA over his last three starts.
Garcia has won three in a row but has two losses this season against the Sox. He faces Beckett on Sunday night. The last time the Yankees saw Beckett, he was spectacular. He struck out 10 and allowed two runs in eight innings in an ESPN Sunday night game in April.
Both Yankees hurlers will have their hands full.
Don't let Boston's 8-1 series lead over New York this season fool you. In 2009, the Sox won the first eight games between the two bitter rivals, then dropped eight of the final nine meetings.
The Red Sox have their problems right now. Lackey has been inconsistent. He lost Monday after giving up five runs and eight hits against the Cleveland Indians. Now, Boston's last minute trade-deadline deal to snag a reputable starter, Erik Bedard, doesn't look as good as advertised last week.
Last night, Bedard posted a no-decision after allowing three runs and seven hits in five innings during his Red Sox debut. It threw cold water on a Boston eight-game win streak.
The Yankees come into Fenway sporting a seven game win streak themselves-- with lots of offense to boot. The Bombers scored 63 runs during that run.
It looks like the Red Sox and Yankees will be seeing a lot more of each other this season. They play three more series this year and it looks like both are headed to the playoffs. So count this series as a preliminary round.
As for Colon and Garcia's success so far. Yankees GM Brian Cashman deserves a lot of credit for taking chances on them. He heard the snickers and AARP jokes, then watched as Boston loaded up their line-up with the acquisitions of young talent like Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Cashman stayed patient while fans screamed for the big names.
Cashman has been through this before. He knows when it comes to the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, it's pitching that matters most.
Maybe that's why the Yankees GM also stayed pat at the trade deadline. He went against public opinion and refused to give up prospects for the suspect Ubaldo Jimenez and stuck with Ivan Nova. Looks like a brilliant move right now.
Cashman knows it's all about the arms-- sometimes they just happen to be a little older.
Many people rolled their eyes when the two aging hurlers were picked up in the offseason for a song and slow dance and now, the two veterans figure mightily into the Yankees playoff hopes.
The 38 year-old Colon, who hadn't even pitched in the majors since 2009 while he was rehabbing his repaired his shoulder and elbow in the Dominican Republic, has been the Yankees real No. 2 starter this season after undergoing some kind of mysterious treatment for the injuries.
Garcia, 34, almost didn't make the team after spring training.
Now, the two elder statesmen are being called the adhesive which kept the shaky Yankees rotation from collapsing this season. Funny, at the beginning of the season, skeptics talked like Colon and Garcia were ready for the glue factory. They were right.
Colon and Garcia wouldn't have been the first names mentioned, as the pitchers picking up the slack when Phil Hughes went down with dead arm for most of the season and the inconsistent A.J. Burnett went into his annual June/July funk-- but they were.
For a couple of guys picked up as consolation prizes after the Yankees inability to land Mr. America, Cliff Lee, the old guys are the keys to the Yankees season.
Most experts wondered if the rotund Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) and the undervalued Garcia (10-7, 3.22) could make it through a whole season and-- two-thirds through-- they are actually getting better.
Colon opens the three-games series tonight against a 27 year-old toddler, Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) and sandwiched around Sabathia is Garcia, who will square off against that "tweener," Josh Beckett.
Lester is a Yankee-killer. He boasts a 8-1 lifetime record against his division rival but Colon comes into tonight's game with a 2-1 record with a 2.45 ERA over his last three starts.
Garcia has won three in a row but has two losses this season against the Sox. He faces Beckett on Sunday night. The last time the Yankees saw Beckett, he was spectacular. He struck out 10 and allowed two runs in eight innings in an ESPN Sunday night game in April.
Both Yankees hurlers will have their hands full.
The Red Sox have their problems right now. Lackey has been inconsistent. He lost Monday after giving up five runs and eight hits against the Cleveland Indians. Now, Boston's last minute trade-deadline deal to snag a reputable starter, Erik Bedard, doesn't look as good as advertised last week.
Last night, Bedard posted a no-decision after allowing three runs and seven hits in five innings during his Red Sox debut. It threw cold water on a Boston eight-game win streak.
The Yankees come into Fenway sporting a seven game win streak themselves-- with lots of offense to boot. The Bombers scored 63 runs during that run.
It looks like the Red Sox and Yankees will be seeing a lot more of each other this season. They play three more series this year and it looks like both are headed to the playoffs. So count this series as a preliminary round.
As for Colon and Garcia's success so far. Yankees GM Brian Cashman deserves a lot of credit for taking chances on them. He heard the snickers and AARP jokes, then watched as Boston loaded up their line-up with the acquisitions of young talent like Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Cashman stayed patient while fans screamed for the big names.
Cashman has been through this before. He knows when it comes to the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, it's pitching that matters most.
Maybe that's why the Yankees GM also stayed pat at the trade deadline. He went against public opinion and refused to give up prospects for the suspect Ubaldo Jimenez and stuck with Ivan Nova. Looks like a brilliant move right now.
Cashman knows it's all about the arms-- sometimes they just happen to be a little older.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Could Ivan Nova Knock A.J. Burnett From Yankees Rotation?
If Ivan Nova is super tonight, does the young right-hander deserve a spot in the New York Yankees rotation? After A.J. Burnett's implosion last night, it might be a credible thought; although Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed Burnett would make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
When last seen last night, Burnett was headed to the locker room, popping buttons all over the dugout as he ripped off his Yankees jersey.
Burnett's seven-run debacle against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field had to concern Girardi.
The Yankees pounded out 23 hits--five players had at least three apiece-- and handed the struggling Burnett a 12-run lead and he still couldn't get a win. It would have been his first W since June 29.
The Yankees were ahead, 13-1, and Burnett allowed five runs in the fourth-inning. In the fifth, Girardi made the decision to yank his inefficient starter with two men on the corners. He gave up seven earned runs in all.
Girardi did the exact thing with Phil Hughes a couple of weeks ago when the Oakland A's started to chip away at a big Yankee lead.
This four-game series against the White Sox was originally an audition for the No. 5 slot in the rotation between Hughes and Nova but now, with Burnett's flame-out, it could now be a rotation casting call.
Hughes passed his screen test with flying colors. His six-inning, three-hit, no runs, rain-shortened gem probably secured the slot for Hughes handily.
Tonight is Nova's turn to be seen. In what was essentially a go-see could possibly turn into something more important-- a spot on the roster.
Nova is making his second appearance after being sent down to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Hughes. He has won his past five decisions by sporting a 3.26 ERA, with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 2/3 innings. Nova has been the beneficiary of a robust Yankees offense. The team has averaged nine runs during those starts while Nova has given up six home-runs and 34 hits during that span. Amazingly, the 9-4 pitcher is fighting a demotion back to Triple-A.
Burnett is going in the opposite direction. His ERA has steadily climbed every month since April and his 4-0 start. He was 0-4 with a 7.80 ERA in July and is now 8-9 with a 4.56 ERA for the season.
A couple of things keep Burnett in the rotation . One, his huge contract ($16.5 mil-a year with two more to go) and two, the underlying hope (and capability) that the Sybil-like righty can throw a brilliant game. Still, Burnett is untradeable and will never see the bullpen for that price.
When Burnett is on, he is great but when he is alternately off, he is horrible. It's not uncommon for Burnett to strike out a side one inning then, in the next, throw a wild pitch, hit a batter and walk in a run. I'm not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's done all three at the same time. Baseball's first Triple-Bobble.
Girardi has said all the right things regarding his overstocked starting rotation. He didn't pass judgement on Hughes until Tuesday night and it looks like the manager's support paid off. He's showing the same respect for Burnett.
"His day will be on Wednesday," said Girardi, putting the kibosh on any talk that Burnett's position is in jeopardy. "His numbers aren't that bad. We look at the whole year, and A.J.'s been decent for us. He's starting on Wednesday."
Girardi had that same 'look at the past' outlook with Hughes the past few weeks until Hughes came through. The Yankees are winning, even with the rotation distraction, and are only one game behind the division leading Boston Red Sox and have an eight game lead in the wild card race. So Girardi doesn't want to rock the boat.
As for last night's benching, Burnett was already off the mound when Girardi came out to relieve him. The embarrassed pitcher slapped the ball into his manager's hand and stormed off-- only two outs from a win. Girardi didn't take it personally but, didn't take chances either.
"I'm frustrated for him," said Girardi. "Because that's a night that he should be able to go out and get a win."
Burnett meanwhile, knew what was coming.
"I was a little upset, but then again, you got to look at how I'm pitching too," said Burnett. "I wasn't exactly doing anything out there. You've got to stop the bleeding somehow."
If Nova picks up his 10th win tonight, he may be the tourniquet the Yankees need.
When last seen last night, Burnett was headed to the locker room, popping buttons all over the dugout as he ripped off his Yankees jersey.
Burnett's seven-run debacle against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field had to concern Girardi.
The Yankees were ahead, 13-1, and Burnett allowed five runs in the fourth-inning. In the fifth, Girardi made the decision to yank his inefficient starter with two men on the corners. He gave up seven earned runs in all.
Girardi did the exact thing with Phil Hughes a couple of weeks ago when the Oakland A's started to chip away at a big Yankee lead.
This four-game series against the White Sox was originally an audition for the No. 5 slot in the rotation between Hughes and Nova but now, with Burnett's flame-out, it could now be a rotation casting call.
Hughes passed his screen test with flying colors. His six-inning, three-hit, no runs, rain-shortened gem probably secured the slot for Hughes handily.
Tonight is Nova's turn to be seen. In what was essentially a go-see could possibly turn into something more important-- a spot on the roster.
Nova is making his second appearance after being sent down to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Hughes. He has won his past five decisions by sporting a 3.26 ERA, with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 2/3 innings. Nova has been the beneficiary of a robust Yankees offense. The team has averaged nine runs during those starts while Nova has given up six home-runs and 34 hits during that span. Amazingly, the 9-4 pitcher is fighting a demotion back to Triple-A.
Burnett is going in the opposite direction. His ERA has steadily climbed every month since April and his 4-0 start. He was 0-4 with a 7.80 ERA in July and is now 8-9 with a 4.56 ERA for the season.
A couple of things keep Burnett in the rotation . One, his huge contract ($16.5 mil-a year with two more to go) and two, the underlying hope (and capability) that the Sybil-like righty can throw a brilliant game. Still, Burnett is untradeable and will never see the bullpen for that price.
When Burnett is on, he is great but when he is alternately off, he is horrible. It's not uncommon for Burnett to strike out a side one inning then, in the next, throw a wild pitch, hit a batter and walk in a run. I'm not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's done all three at the same time. Baseball's first Triple-Bobble.
"His day will be on Wednesday," said Girardi, putting the kibosh on any talk that Burnett's position is in jeopardy. "His numbers aren't that bad. We look at the whole year, and A.J.'s been decent for us. He's starting on Wednesday."
Girardi had that same 'look at the past' outlook with Hughes the past few weeks until Hughes came through. The Yankees are winning, even with the rotation distraction, and are only one game behind the division leading Boston Red Sox and have an eight game lead in the wild card race. So Girardi doesn't want to rock the boat.
As for last night's benching, Burnett was already off the mound when Girardi came out to relieve him. The embarrassed pitcher slapped the ball into his manager's hand and stormed off-- only two outs from a win. Girardi didn't take it personally but, didn't take chances either.
"I'm frustrated for him," said Girardi. "Because that's a night that he should be able to go out and get a win."
Burnett meanwhile, knew what was coming.
"I was a little upset, but then again, you got to look at how I'm pitching too," said Burnett. "I wasn't exactly doing anything out there. You've got to stop the bleeding somehow."
If Nova picks up his 10th win tonight, he may be the tourniquet the Yankees need.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A-Rod Under Investigation By MLB For Underground Poker Party and Brawl
For the second time in recent years, New York Yankees star, Alex Rodriguez is at the center of an underground poker scandal. This time things supposedly got violent.
MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, has ordered the third baseman to appear before investigators over allegations-- published in Star Magazine-- that Rodriguez took part in illegal Texas Hold 'Em games where cocaine was used and a fight erupted.
According to ESPN, MLB is looking into the allegations and taking them very seriously.
A-Rod is currently on the DL, recovering from knee surgery, and is expected to rejoin the Yankees within the next two weeks.
The games were allegedly held at the Beverly Hills mansion of record executive Cody Leibel with the host losing as much as a half-million dollars one night. The brawl was attributed to his refusal to pay.
According to Radar Online, a witness said A-Rod lost a few thousand dollars that night, but didn't want to get involved in the fight. The witness said Rodriguez " paid up and left."
In 2005, there were rumors that A-Rod was involved with gambling and the Yankees warned their $300 million-dollar player to halt the illegal activities.
A source told Radar Online, "Selig is totally fed up with him. It's like there is something new with him [Rodriguez] every day, and it's impossible to keep up."
Star Magazine reports that "as part of the investigation, the commissioner's office will interview Mr. Rodriguez."
Star also reported that former participants in the top-secret Texas Hold 'Em games have rejected A-Rod's earlier denial he played in the illegal games.
Insiders told Star A-Rod gambled on two occasions in games organized by Molly Bloom.
Bloom is the sister of Jeremy--a former-Philadelphia Eagles player-- and she is known as the "poker madam" because she presides over the underground Hollywood poker scene. The exclusive games are held in such luxurious settings as the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Other participants allegedly in the poker ring include Tobey Maguire, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, but they never played in the same games as the baseball star.
Rodriguez has repeatedly denied playing in any illegal poker games.
An MLB official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Rodriquez could face suspension, if his participation in the games is confirmed.
MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, has ordered the third baseman to appear before investigators over allegations-- published in Star Magazine-- that Rodriguez took part in illegal Texas Hold 'Em games where cocaine was used and a fight erupted.
According to ESPN, MLB is looking into the allegations and taking them very seriously.
The games were allegedly held at the Beverly Hills mansion of record executive Cody Leibel with the host losing as much as a half-million dollars one night. The brawl was attributed to his refusal to pay.
According to Radar Online, a witness said A-Rod lost a few thousand dollars that night, but didn't want to get involved in the fight. The witness said Rodriguez " paid up and left."
In 2005, there were rumors that A-Rod was involved with gambling and the Yankees warned their $300 million-dollar player to halt the illegal activities.
A source told Radar Online, "Selig is totally fed up with him. It's like there is something new with him [Rodriguez] every day, and it's impossible to keep up."
Star Magazine reports that "as part of the investigation, the commissioner's office will interview Mr. Rodriguez."
Star also reported that former participants in the top-secret Texas Hold 'Em games have rejected A-Rod's earlier denial he played in the illegal games.
Insiders told Star A-Rod gambled on two occasions in games organized by Molly Bloom.
Bloom is the sister of Jeremy--a former-Philadelphia Eagles player-- and she is known as the "poker madam" because she presides over the underground Hollywood poker scene. The exclusive games are held in such luxurious settings as the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Other participants allegedly in the poker ring include Tobey Maguire, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, but they never played in the same games as the baseball star.
Rodriguez has repeatedly denied playing in any illegal poker games.
An MLB official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Rodriquez could face suspension, if his participation in the games is confirmed.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Yankees-White Sox Game Has Rain Delay Without Rain
Phil Hughes was ready to make his most important start of the season when officials at U.S. Cellular Field delayed the start of the game due to rain--only problem was, it wasn't raining. The New York Yankees pitcher was warming up to face the Chicago White Sox when the grounds crew started rolling out the tarps and it was announced that the start of the game would be evaluated 45 minutes later because radar showed rain. The sky was dark but the only moisture was the sweat on the players and fans in the sweltering humidity.
It was unusual, even by baseball standards, to delay a game before even one single raindrop fell or a pitch was thrown.
The game finally started at 7:55 CST, with nary a drop of moisture, and the skies looked a lot more threatening while the tarps were being rolled up, then when they were laid out earlier. The temperature dropped 9-degrees in that hour of time.
Broadcasters speculated that the delay was a way to keep a storm-break in that hour from affecting the pitchers once they started throwing. A long break in the action could stiffen their loose arms. Look what happened to CC Sabathia the other day--twice.
Hughes might even be most grateful for prolonging the start of tonight's game. The struggling righthander has a lot to lose with a bad outing and a real rain delay, after he threw, could hinder his motion and, more importantly, his comeback. He comes into the game with a 1-3 record and 8.24 ERA and is competing with Ivan Nova for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Nova (9-4, 4.01 ERA) is coming off a fine performance against the Baltimore Orioles (7 innings, 2 earned runs) in his first game back with the Yankees after coming off the DL. He faces the same White Sox team on Thursday. It's fair to say the pitcher who fares the worst in this series will be demoted--even though manager Joe Girardi won't say so.
"Let's [Hughes] just pitch well tonight," said Girardi. "And [I] have a tough decision later."
Tonight Hughes' fastball was hitting 94 mph with good control and the Yankees hitters staked him to a 6-0 lead. Then the skies opened up.
In the middle of the seventh inning, a second rain delay was called--with real rain this time. By then, Hughes went six strong innings and gave up three hits and no runs.
Ironically, if the first faux-rain delay wasn't called, the whole game would have been over.
Next time screw the radar and just stick your head out the window.
It was unusual, even by baseball standards, to delay a game before even one single raindrop fell or a pitch was thrown.
The game finally started at 7:55 CST, with nary a drop of moisture, and the skies looked a lot more threatening while the tarps were being rolled up, then when they were laid out earlier. The temperature dropped 9-degrees in that hour of time.
Broadcasters speculated that the delay was a way to keep a storm-break in that hour from affecting the pitchers once they started throwing. A long break in the action could stiffen their loose arms. Look what happened to CC Sabathia the other day--twice.
Hughes might even be most grateful for prolonging the start of tonight's game. The struggling righthander has a lot to lose with a bad outing and a real rain delay, after he threw, could hinder his motion and, more importantly, his comeback. He comes into the game with a 1-3 record and 8.24 ERA and is competing with Ivan Nova for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Nova (9-4, 4.01 ERA) is coming off a fine performance against the Baltimore Orioles (7 innings, 2 earned runs) in his first game back with the Yankees after coming off the DL. He faces the same White Sox team on Thursday. It's fair to say the pitcher who fares the worst in this series will be demoted--even though manager Joe Girardi won't say so.
"Let's [Hughes] just pitch well tonight," said Girardi. "And [I] have a tough decision later."
Tonight Hughes' fastball was hitting 94 mph with good control and the Yankees hitters staked him to a 6-0 lead. Then the skies opened up.
In the middle of the seventh inning, a second rain delay was called--with real rain this time. By then, Hughes went six strong innings and gave up three hits and no runs.
Ironically, if the first faux-rain delay wasn't called, the whole game would have been over.
Next time screw the radar and just stick your head out the window.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Phil Hughes Pitching for Final Spot in Yankees Rotation
Now that New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman didn't acquire any new arms before the trade deadline and we can finally put those Andy Pettitte un-retiring rumors to rest, manager Joe Girardi has to figure out what to do with the six starting pitchers he has left. His dilemma, who is the odd man out after he whittles his rotation down to five--the dead arm of Phil Hughes or the hot hand of Ivan Nova?
"We just talked about tweaking our rotation a little bit. Do you give guys an extra days rest?" was Girardi's rhetorical question.
Girardi hasn't made any decisions, but it is a sure bet he won't be going with a six-man rotation. That scenario wouldn't bode well with CC Sabathia or A.J. Burnett-- who both prefer to pitch on normal rest and what the ace CC wants, he's going to get.
On the other hand, Hughes has to pitch a near perfect game against the Chicago White Sox this Tuesday night to keep a slot. The righthander's sparkling 2010 season can only carry him so far.
Girardi seemed defensive when asked about Hughes' 1-3, 8.14 ERA this season since returning from the DL for an inflammation of his right shoulder. Hughes fastball has hovered around the 92-93 mph since coming back.
"You're evaluating [Hughes] on his last three or four starts," Girardi said. "We believe this guy still has a huge upside; he won 18 games last year, and we want to see him continue to progress. How many guys won 18 games last year? Not too many. We have to continue to evaluate him, if we think he's going in the right direction."
There's a lot wrong with that statement. Maybe Girardi is waiting for Doc Brown to pull up with the "Back to the Future" DeLorean.
First, Girardi can't live in the past and, has to put a lot of consideration on who stays in the current rotation on a pitcher's last few starts. Secondly, Nova still has the slight chance of winning 18 games this season, even with time spent on the DL. Hmm...let's see, 18 W's last year or 18 this season?
Nova pitched well in the night-cap of Saturday's double-header-- his first start since being called up from the Yankees Triple-A club in Scranton. Staked to a comfy 12-run first-inning, Nova held the Baltimore Orioles to six hits and two earned runs over seven innings. He is 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA including going 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA over his last five starts. Nova knows how the business works.
"That's a decision I don't make," he said. "Of course, I want to be here."
If Hughes pitches lights-out on Tuesday, Nova could be going back down to the minors. Girardi indicated it would be "a natural move" to send down but would weigh other options.
Now if Hughes gets rocked, it would leave Girardi no choice but to demote Hughes to work things out. The only rationale for keeping a struggling Hughes in the rotation is if either Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia gets injured or falter badly and that doesn't look like it's going to happen.
For now, Girardi is standing by Hughes.
"We'll talk about this after Sunday," said Girardi. "His stuff in his last [start] was closer to where it was last year. I'm not ready just to throw away what he did last year."
It looks like we should have some answers after the road trip to Chicago.
"We just talked about tweaking our rotation a little bit. Do you give guys an extra days rest?" was Girardi's rhetorical question.
Girardi hasn't made any decisions, but it is a sure bet he won't be going with a six-man rotation. That scenario wouldn't bode well with CC Sabathia or A.J. Burnett-- who both prefer to pitch on normal rest and what the ace CC wants, he's going to get.
Girardi seemed defensive when asked about Hughes' 1-3, 8.14 ERA this season since returning from the DL for an inflammation of his right shoulder. Hughes fastball has hovered around the 92-93 mph since coming back.
"You're evaluating [Hughes] on his last three or four starts," Girardi said. "We believe this guy still has a huge upside; he won 18 games last year, and we want to see him continue to progress. How many guys won 18 games last year? Not too many. We have to continue to evaluate him, if we think he's going in the right direction."
There's a lot wrong with that statement. Maybe Girardi is waiting for Doc Brown to pull up with the "Back to the Future" DeLorean.
First, Girardi can't live in the past and, has to put a lot of consideration on who stays in the current rotation on a pitcher's last few starts. Secondly, Nova still has the slight chance of winning 18 games this season, even with time spent on the DL. Hmm...let's see, 18 W's last year or 18 this season?
"That's a decision I don't make," he said. "Of course, I want to be here."
If Hughes pitches lights-out on Tuesday, Nova could be going back down to the minors. Girardi indicated it would be "a natural move" to send down but would weigh other options.
Now if Hughes gets rocked, it would leave Girardi no choice but to demote Hughes to work things out. The only rationale for keeping a struggling Hughes in the rotation is if either Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia gets injured or falter badly and that doesn't look like it's going to happen.
For now, Girardi is standing by Hughes.
"We'll talk about this after Sunday," said Girardi. "His stuff in his last [start] was closer to where it was last year. I'm not ready just to throw away what he did last year."
It looks like we should have some answers after the road trip to Chicago.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Former Yankee Paul O'Neill Shows Off His Mythical 'Rabbit Ears'
Former New York Yankees right-fielder and "Seinfeld" actor, Paul O'Neill, finally proved to the world the existence of a piece of Little League equipment called "rabbit ears" used during his youth. After a friend sent over one of the beat-up head protectors, O'Neill sported the unusual leather ear flaps on air.
A couple of weeks ago, while doing his broadcasting gig on the YES Network during a Yankees game, the talk turned to batting helmets and how they have evolved over the years. O'Neill casually mentioned wearing the rabbit ears during his Little League years in Columbus, Ohio. O'Neill's co-caster, Michael Kay, did a double take and, like a million other listeners, and said he never heard of the such a piece of equipment when he played baseball while growing up in New York.
Was it myth or reality? Some people thought O'Neill was living in some fantasy land and was, himself, probably beaned in the head too many times.
O'Neill insisted it was regulation gear for protecting a kid rounding the bases and thought he might have one lying around somewhere. O'Neill was occasionally ribbed after he could not find or produce the legendary head gear.
In a time long before video and phone cameras, O'Neill was unable to document or produce evidence to back his fabulous tale; so rabbit ears were as real as Nessie and Bigfoot.
Finally, during today's game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, a weathered pair of blue rabbit ears made it to the broadcast booth, verifying the existence of the funny-looking head protectors.
The odd looking gadget fits over your head and looks like a hybrid of a wrestler's ear protector and the bottom-half of a football helmet worn during the Bronco Nagurski era. There is no protection on top and has no visor. It looks the players cap is worn under the top straps.
I still don't understand why you needed one to run the bases.
So, Paul O'Neill, you are vindicated for what was once thought to be a too vivid imagination. Now find the Fountain of Youth that has revived Bartolo Colon's career.
A couple of weeks ago, while doing his broadcasting gig on the YES Network during a Yankees game, the talk turned to batting helmets and how they have evolved over the years. O'Neill casually mentioned wearing the rabbit ears during his Little League years in Columbus, Ohio. O'Neill's co-caster, Michael Kay, did a double take and, like a million other listeners, and said he never heard of the such a piece of equipment when he played baseball while growing up in New York.
Was it myth or reality? Some people thought O'Neill was living in some fantasy land and was, himself, probably beaned in the head too many times.
O'Neill insisted it was regulation gear for protecting a kid rounding the bases and thought he might have one lying around somewhere. O'Neill was occasionally ribbed after he could not find or produce the legendary head gear.
In a time long before video and phone cameras, O'Neill was unable to document or produce evidence to back his fabulous tale; so rabbit ears were as real as Nessie and Bigfoot.
Finally, during today's game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, a weathered pair of blue rabbit ears made it to the broadcast booth, verifying the existence of the funny-looking head protectors.
The odd looking gadget fits over your head and looks like a hybrid of a wrestler's ear protector and the bottom-half of a football helmet worn during the Bronco Nagurski era. There is no protection on top and has no visor. It looks the players cap is worn under the top straps.
I still don't understand why you needed one to run the bases.
So, Paul O'Neill, you are vindicated for what was once thought to be a too vivid imagination. Now find the Fountain of Youth that has revived Bartolo Colon's career.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Former Yankees Pitcher Hideki Irabu Found Dead Of Apparent Sucide
The long and troubling road of former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu came to a sad ending today. The one-time Japanese Pacific League star, and Major League bust, was found dead at age 42 of an apparent suicide in his Rancho Palo Verdes, California home.
Irabu was one of the of the key members of the great 1998 Yankees team which beat the San Diego Padres in the World Series and the Yankees team which beat the Atlanta Braves in1999 for the championship; although Irabu never threw a pitch in either series.
The much-maligned Irabu was once called the "Nolan Ryan of Japan" when he tore through the Japanese leagues. After Hideo Nomo successfully blazed a trail for Japanese pitchers, the exotic Irabu was brought to the U.S. in 1997 with high hopes. Japanese fans--many who had never even seen a Yankees game-- came by the thousands to the Bronx.
Irabu's most famous moment in the majors is probably when he ended up being called a "fat... toad" by Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, after the hefty righthander failed to cover first base during a game. Steinbrenner became increasingly more disgusted with his investment and the fact that he wasn't living up to the $12.8, four-year contract during his years with the team.
The Yankees first traded for Irabu-- after he refused to go to the San Diego Padres-- and the 28 year-old Irabu made his debut on July 10, 1997 against the Detroit Tigers in grand style.
Irabu thrilled the crowd of 51,000 as he struck out nine with a 96 mph fastball and got his first major league victory. Current Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, was the catcher that day. After that auspicious opening act, it seemed like it was all downhill from there.
Irabu's abrasive personality, lazy habits and language barrier caused bickering with teammates and the media. During spring training in 1998, Yankees pitcher David Cone finally had enough and verbally laid into the slacking Irabu in the locker room.
The increasingly unpopular Irabu finished the 1998 season 13-9 with a 4.06 ERA but manager Joe Torre had so little faith in Irabu, he kept the high-priced starter on the bench during the entire Yankees playoff run and World Series victory over the Padres.
Irabu went 11-7 during the 1999 season, which didn't satisfy Steinbrenner and he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly.
Irabu fared no better up north. He gained weight and reportedly drank to excess. Knee and elbow surgeries plagued the ever-fattening Irabu and he was finally suspended by the Expos while on a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He played 14 games for the Expos and finished with a 2-7 record and 6.69 ERA.
The last chapter of Irabu's major league career ended before the 2002 season, when the Texas Rangers tried to convert the burned out Irabu into a closer. It was a major failure.
Irabu made millions from the Yankees but never made a mark in the league-- excluding the brilliant first game he pitched.
He was arrested for a bar fight in 2008 and a DUI in 2010. The reclusive Irabu attempted a comeback in Japan in 2009 but shied away from the media until his arrests and ending with the sad news of his death today.
"He was found dead by an apparent suicide," said Los Angeles County Sherriff's Sgt. Michael Arriaga to AP.
During six seasons in the majors (1997-2002), Irabu finished with a 34-35 record and a 5.15 ERA. His poetic legacy may be that he was an integral part of two World Series Championship teams but never played in one.
Irabu should be remembered for widening the door for Japanese position players like Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.
The tragic reality is maybe, if Hideki Irabu never came to America, he would still be alive right now.
Irabu was one of the of the key members of the great 1998 Yankees team which beat the San Diego Padres in the World Series and the Yankees team which beat the Atlanta Braves in1999 for the championship; although Irabu never threw a pitch in either series.
Irabu's most famous moment in the majors is probably when he ended up being called a "fat... toad" by Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, after the hefty righthander failed to cover first base during a game. Steinbrenner became increasingly more disgusted with his investment and the fact that he wasn't living up to the $12.8, four-year contract during his years with the team.
The Yankees first traded for Irabu-- after he refused to go to the San Diego Padres-- and the 28 year-old Irabu made his debut on July 10, 1997 against the Detroit Tigers in grand style.
Irabu thrilled the crowd of 51,000 as he struck out nine with a 96 mph fastball and got his first major league victory. Current Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, was the catcher that day. After that auspicious opening act, it seemed like it was all downhill from there.
Irabu's abrasive personality, lazy habits and language barrier caused bickering with teammates and the media. During spring training in 1998, Yankees pitcher David Cone finally had enough and verbally laid into the slacking Irabu in the locker room.
The increasingly unpopular Irabu finished the 1998 season 13-9 with a 4.06 ERA but manager Joe Torre had so little faith in Irabu, he kept the high-priced starter on the bench during the entire Yankees playoff run and World Series victory over the Padres.
Irabu went 11-7 during the 1999 season, which didn't satisfy Steinbrenner and he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly.
Irabu fared no better up north. He gained weight and reportedly drank to excess. Knee and elbow surgeries plagued the ever-fattening Irabu and he was finally suspended by the Expos while on a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He played 14 games for the Expos and finished with a 2-7 record and 6.69 ERA.
The last chapter of Irabu's major league career ended before the 2002 season, when the Texas Rangers tried to convert the burned out Irabu into a closer. It was a major failure.
Irabu made millions from the Yankees but never made a mark in the league-- excluding the brilliant first game he pitched.
He was arrested for a bar fight in 2008 and a DUI in 2010. The reclusive Irabu attempted a comeback in Japan in 2009 but shied away from the media until his arrests and ending with the sad news of his death today.
"He was found dead by an apparent suicide," said Los Angeles County Sherriff's Sgt. Michael Arriaga to AP.
During six seasons in the majors (1997-2002), Irabu finished with a 34-35 record and a 5.15 ERA. His poetic legacy may be that he was an integral part of two World Series Championship teams but never played in one.
Irabu should be remembered for widening the door for Japanese position players like Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.
The tragic reality is maybe, if Hideki Irabu never came to America, he would still be alive right now.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Yankees Seeing Red Flags In Ubaldo Jimenez Deal?
Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez has become a very hot commodity in the AL East these days. The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox have all considered a trade for the flame-throwing hurler, according to reports. Only now, the Yankees are wondering why the young (27) and relatively inexpensive ($2.8 million contract this year, $4.2 million in 2012 with an option in 2013 for $5.75 million) ace of the Rockies is being unloaded.
Does the Rockies organization know something about Jimenez that others don't?
Jimenez is regarded as the best starter available before the July 31st deadline. Other pitchers like Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers of the Houston Astros are out there but don't have the numbers or name recognition of Jimenez and the Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez is off-limits to anyone, according to the organization.
The red flags being thrown up by Jimenez begin with his second half slump last season after starting the season 15-1. He finished the season by going 4-7 down the stretch.
At the 2010 All-Star break, Jimenez was considered one of the best starters in the game until it seemed his fastball seemed to fade quicker than his CY Young hopes.
This season, the rightie is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 122 innings. After a slow start, Jimenez is 5-4 since June 18.
Sure the Rockies are asking a lot in return for their pitcher and that has already pretty much scared off the division-leading Red Sox. The second-place Yankees may follow. Toronto is just hoping for a steal a deal for the future.
New York is balking at the Rockies asking price of three prized minor-leaguers-- Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero. Even Ivan Nova's name has been thrown into the mix. No way that's going to happen.
Why the Yankees are hesitant to give away some prospects for a stud like Jimenez--who could give them the 1-2 punch they desire-- isn't apparent as it looks. His age and past history don't include any major breakdowns--physically or mentally. Jimenez's only time on the DL was for a broken fingernail-- not exactly career-ending-- and has never had any shoulder or elbow injuries that the Yankees are aware of.
One of Jimenez's flaws is his wildness and a high-maintenance throwing delivery. The fact that he is a product of the NL is a negative too. The Yankees have had previous problems with pitchers who switched leagues. Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano come to mind.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has said his team is willing to trade Jimenez only because they underachieving and it's time shake some life into the roster. The GM also cited the lack of other blue-chip starters on the market and trade-bait like Jimenez will bring the Rockies a high return.
He may be thinking a Bernie Madoff type exchange.
Some experts think Jimenez's problem is emotional, and he is bitter at the Rockies for not signing him to a long term deal like teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
Another reason the deal should send flags up all over. Why wouldn't a team sign their ace to a long-term contract in the first place?
"Even if this is his floor, then he is still good enough to pitch in a rotation in the AL East," said an executive that inquired about Jimenez. "He has value at that level, especially with a good contract. And if he pitches like he pitched the first half last year, then he's up there with CC [Sabathia, [Jon]Lester and [David] Price among the best pitchers in the division."
Whether or not Jimenez is good enough to be a No. 2 pitcher on the Yankees is debatable. A.J. Burnett is such a significant drop-off from the No. 1 starter, CC Sabathia, there is definitely an opening for that role. One problem, Jimenez's wildness has a vaguely familiar A.J. ring to it.
The Yankees rotation could be firmed up this afternoon. Phil Hughes gives it another shot to see if his dead arm issues are over. Hopefully, the third time is a charm for the struggling righthander and a successful outing would give the Yankees a good inventory of arms while Ivan Nova goes on Saturday.
So far the Yankees haven't been pushing GM Brian Cashman to make a deal before the deadline. After CC and A.J., the starting rotation is hanging on to the rejuvenated arms of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia-- who knows how long they can hold out--and rehabbing Hughes and Nova.
If Cashman does push the button for Jimenez, it could come at too high a price.
Today, the Yankees GM will just watch his real trade deadline Holy Grail, Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez, face his team at Yankee Stadium.
Does the Rockies organization know something about Jimenez that others don't?
The red flags being thrown up by Jimenez begin with his second half slump last season after starting the season 15-1. He finished the season by going 4-7 down the stretch.
At the 2010 All-Star break, Jimenez was considered one of the best starters in the game until it seemed his fastball seemed to fade quicker than his CY Young hopes.
This season, the rightie is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 122 innings. After a slow start, Jimenez is 5-4 since June 18.
Sure the Rockies are asking a lot in return for their pitcher and that has already pretty much scared off the division-leading Red Sox. The second-place Yankees may follow. Toronto is just hoping for a steal a deal for the future.
New York is balking at the Rockies asking price of three prized minor-leaguers-- Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero. Even Ivan Nova's name has been thrown into the mix. No way that's going to happen.
Why the Yankees are hesitant to give away some prospects for a stud like Jimenez--who could give them the 1-2 punch they desire-- isn't apparent as it looks. His age and past history don't include any major breakdowns--physically or mentally. Jimenez's only time on the DL was for a broken fingernail-- not exactly career-ending-- and has never had any shoulder or elbow injuries that the Yankees are aware of.
One of Jimenez's flaws is his wildness and a high-maintenance throwing delivery. The fact that he is a product of the NL is a negative too. The Yankees have had previous problems with pitchers who switched leagues. Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano come to mind.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has said his team is willing to trade Jimenez only because they underachieving and it's time shake some life into the roster. The GM also cited the lack of other blue-chip starters on the market and trade-bait like Jimenez will bring the Rockies a high return.
He may be thinking a Bernie Madoff type exchange.
Some experts think Jimenez's problem is emotional, and he is bitter at the Rockies for not signing him to a long term deal like teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
Another reason the deal should send flags up all over. Why wouldn't a team sign their ace to a long-term contract in the first place?
"Even if this is his floor, then he is still good enough to pitch in a rotation in the AL East," said an executive that inquired about Jimenez. "He has value at that level, especially with a good contract. And if he pitches like he pitched the first half last year, then he's up there with CC [Sabathia, [Jon]Lester and [David] Price among the best pitchers in the division."
Whether or not Jimenez is good enough to be a No. 2 pitcher on the Yankees is debatable. A.J. Burnett is such a significant drop-off from the No. 1 starter, CC Sabathia, there is definitely an opening for that role. One problem, Jimenez's wildness has a vaguely familiar A.J. ring to it.
The Yankees rotation could be firmed up this afternoon. Phil Hughes gives it another shot to see if his dead arm issues are over. Hopefully, the third time is a charm for the struggling righthander and a successful outing would give the Yankees a good inventory of arms while Ivan Nova goes on Saturday.
So far the Yankees haven't been pushing GM Brian Cashman to make a deal before the deadline. After CC and A.J., the starting rotation is hanging on to the rejuvenated arms of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia-- who knows how long they can hold out--and rehabbing Hughes and Nova.
If Cashman does push the button for Jimenez, it could come at too high a price.
Today, the Yankees GM will just watch his real trade deadline Holy Grail, Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez, face his team at Yankee Stadium.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Yankees To Stick With Robertson As Set-Up Man When Soriano Returns
It sounds like New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has decided who will set up Mariano Rivera when Rafael Soriano returns to the team and it looks like Dave Robertson, who replaced Soriano, will get to keep the job. Soriano is expected to return to the club sometime this week after being put on the DL almost two months ago.
This will be the second demotion for Soriano since signing with the Yankees last winter. Don't expect the surly pitcher to be happy. First, he took a back seat to Mariano Rivera and now a rumble seat to Robertson.
Robertson has blossomed as the eighth inning set-up man since filling in for the injured and rehabbing Soriano. He even has an 2011 All-Star Game selection to prove it.
The 26 year-old righthander may have stumbled a little in today's 7-5 victory over the Oakland A's, but over the last two months Robertson has been solid. He is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA. But the stellar stats hide a lot of nail-biting drama when Robertson is on the mound.
Robertson is the Yankees version of the Cardiac Kid. In the 40 innings he has pitched, Robertson's bi-polar statistics include allowing 29 hits and 26 walks combined with an unbelievable 63 strikeouts of opposing hitters.
The tightrope-walking Robertson has allowed only two earned runs over his last 26 appearances and in 21 1/3 innings on the road has not given up a single run. An amazing achievement, considering it always looks like the bases are filled when Robertson is staring down a batter.
On that note, the lanky hurler struck out a batter for the third out with the bases loaded for a record nine times in a row against the A's on Saturday. The previous record of eight rally-whiffers was held by former Yankee Jeff Nelson when he was with the Seattle Mariners in 1995.
Robertson stumbled a bit, during a downpour, in Sunday's 7-5 win against the A's. He was pulled with two outs in the eighth after his curve ball wasn't tailing and he gave up a couple of earned runs.
When asked about his bases-loaded/strikeout record, Robertson shook his head and told the YES Network, "I can't stop doing that."
Whether or not your heart can handle Robertson's high-wire act, he's getting the job done.
Soriano, on the other hand, will have to earn back his old set-up spot. The brooding righthander has already gone from closer to set-up this season. There's really no shame there when it's behind Rivera, but coming back to Yankee Stadium as a middle reliever has to sting.
Before going on the DL on May 27, Soriano was 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA.
The $35 million rightie pitched the seventh inning for Triple-A Scranton today. Soriano gave up a lead-off home run before retiring the next three batters. On Thursday, he threw 16 pitches for Class-A Tampa. He gave up one run on two hits. Not exactly reassuring stuff.
Girardi said Soriano could probably pitch Monday as well.
"We're looking at that," Girardi told the YES Network. "I wanted to see how he feels today. If he feels good after today and tomorrow, it is very possible he would pitch Monday."
In any case, Girardi said he was going with the hot hand and keeping Robertson as Rivera's set-up man.
On using Soriano as a seventh inning relief pitcher when he returns, Girardi used caution in his selection process and will cope with the eighth-inning conundrum later.
"It's important to get Soriano healthy first," he said. "If he's healthy, it's a good problem."
This will be the second demotion for Soriano since signing with the Yankees last winter. Don't expect the surly pitcher to be happy. First, he took a back seat to Mariano Rivera and now a rumble seat to Robertson.
The 26 year-old righthander may have stumbled a little in today's 7-5 victory over the Oakland A's, but over the last two months Robertson has been solid. He is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA. But the stellar stats hide a lot of nail-biting drama when Robertson is on the mound.
Robertson is the Yankees version of the Cardiac Kid. In the 40 innings he has pitched, Robertson's bi-polar statistics include allowing 29 hits and 26 walks combined with an unbelievable 63 strikeouts of opposing hitters.
The tightrope-walking Robertson has allowed only two earned runs over his last 26 appearances and in 21 1/3 innings on the road has not given up a single run. An amazing achievement, considering it always looks like the bases are filled when Robertson is staring down a batter.
On that note, the lanky hurler struck out a batter for the third out with the bases loaded for a record nine times in a row against the A's on Saturday. The previous record of eight rally-whiffers was held by former Yankee Jeff Nelson when he was with the Seattle Mariners in 1995.
Robertson stumbled a bit, during a downpour, in Sunday's 7-5 win against the A's. He was pulled with two outs in the eighth after his curve ball wasn't tailing and he gave up a couple of earned runs.
When asked about his bases-loaded/strikeout record, Robertson shook his head and told the YES Network, "I can't stop doing that."
Whether or not your heart can handle Robertson's high-wire act, he's getting the job done.
Soriano, on the other hand, will have to earn back his old set-up spot. The brooding righthander has already gone from closer to set-up this season. There's really no shame there when it's behind Rivera, but coming back to Yankee Stadium as a middle reliever has to sting.
Before going on the DL on May 27, Soriano was 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA.
The $35 million rightie pitched the seventh inning for Triple-A Scranton today. Soriano gave up a lead-off home run before retiring the next three batters. On Thursday, he threw 16 pitches for Class-A Tampa. He gave up one run on two hits. Not exactly reassuring stuff.
Girardi said Soriano could probably pitch Monday as well.
"We're looking at that," Girardi told the YES Network. "I wanted to see how he feels today. If he feels good after today and tomorrow, it is very possible he would pitch Monday."
In any case, Girardi said he was going with the hot hand and keeping Robertson as Rivera's set-up man.
On using Soriano as a seventh inning relief pitcher when he returns, Girardi used caution in his selection process and will cope with the eighth-inning conundrum later.
"It's important to get Soriano healthy first," he said. "If he's healthy, it's a good problem."
Friday, July 22, 2011
15 Year-Old Refuses To Return Hideki Matsui's 500th Home Run Ball
Reversing a chapter from Christian Lopez's book on what to do after you catch a historic ball hit by a professional baseball player, a 15 year-old kid refused to hand over Hideki Matsui's 500th career home run ball back to the player.
Maybe this kid is still holding a grudge against the Japanese because the of the women's soccer team shocker over every teenage boy's fantasy pin-up Hope Solo and the American team in the World Cup.
More likely, he is holding out for some sort of huge payday.
Lopez was the young cell phone sales man who caught Derek Jeter's milestone, and long awaited, 3,000th hit. After Lopez snagged the home run ball in the centerfield stands, he immediately handed it over to the New York Yankees organization. In return he was rewarded with signed memorabilia, season suite tickets and a $15,000 IRS bill. Experts claim the ball could have been worth up to $250,000. Cynics called Lopez a sucker.
Matsui homered for the Oakland A's on Wednesday night against the Detroit Tigers, giving him 500 home runs between the majors and Japan's Central League. The A's DH hit 332 homers in 10 seasons with the the Yomuri Giants and 168 in the majors playing for the Yankees, Angels and A's. 140 of those dingers came in pinstripes.
A's first base coach, Tye Waller tried to fetch Matsui's ball after it sailed into the Comerica Park stands, but it looked like he ended up in a public negotiation with the Detroit youngster and his father instead.
The ball probably has more sentimental value to Matsui than any real financial worth on the baseball collectibles market. So dad shouldn't be planning on an early retirement.
The quiet Matsui downplayed his feat even more.
"I guess you can say I'm happy to get it out of the way," said Matsui through an interpreter. "To add to that, winning the game just made it even better."
Matsui-debunkers claim the 500 home run total is tainted because most of the four-baggers happened while he was playing overseas. The former World Series MVP always maintained winning a World Championship was always his proudest achievement.
"It's not like I was aiming for 500 or anything like that in my career," he said. "Honestly speaking, the way I look at the record in Japan and the numbers here are completely different."
Matsui came to the New York Yankees in 2003, as a 29 year-old "rookie," and played his first seven seasons in the Bronx before playing with the Los Angeles Angels and A's.
Wednesday's home run was Matsui's seventh of the year. He is batting .223 with 43 RBI's this season.
Tonight he is visiting Hell-- otherwise known as Yankee Stadium in 100 degree July heat-- and the home of some of his greatest major league accomplishments.
Asked if getting No. 500 would have been sweeter at Yankee Stadium Matsui replied," It doesn't matter to me. I have so many great memories in New York. I think it would have been asking too much to have it happen here."
One thing is for sure, with Christian Lopez in his Champions Suite seats, fan-favorite Matsui's chances of getting the home run ball back would have been better too.
Maybe this kid is still holding a grudge against the Japanese because the of the women's soccer team shocker over every teenage boy's fantasy pin-up Hope Solo and the American team in the World Cup.
More likely, he is holding out for some sort of huge payday.
Lopez was the young cell phone sales man who caught Derek Jeter's milestone, and long awaited, 3,000th hit. After Lopez snagged the home run ball in the centerfield stands, he immediately handed it over to the New York Yankees organization. In return he was rewarded with signed memorabilia, season suite tickets and a $15,000 IRS bill. Experts claim the ball could have been worth up to $250,000. Cynics called Lopez a sucker.
Matsui homered for the Oakland A's on Wednesday night against the Detroit Tigers, giving him 500 home runs between the majors and Japan's Central League. The A's DH hit 332 homers in 10 seasons with the the Yomuri Giants and 168 in the majors playing for the Yankees, Angels and A's. 140 of those dingers came in pinstripes.
A's first base coach, Tye Waller tried to fetch Matsui's ball after it sailed into the Comerica Park stands, but it looked like he ended up in a public negotiation with the Detroit youngster and his father instead.
The ball probably has more sentimental value to Matsui than any real financial worth on the baseball collectibles market. So dad shouldn't be planning on an early retirement.
The quiet Matsui downplayed his feat even more.
"I guess you can say I'm happy to get it out of the way," said Matsui through an interpreter. "To add to that, winning the game just made it even better."
Matsui-debunkers claim the 500 home run total is tainted because most of the four-baggers happened while he was playing overseas. The former World Series MVP always maintained winning a World Championship was always his proudest achievement.
"It's not like I was aiming for 500 or anything like that in my career," he said. "Honestly speaking, the way I look at the record in Japan and the numbers here are completely different."
Matsui came to the New York Yankees in 2003, as a 29 year-old "rookie," and played his first seven seasons in the Bronx before playing with the Los Angeles Angels and A's.
Wednesday's home run was Matsui's seventh of the year. He is batting .223 with 43 RBI's this season.
Tonight he is visiting Hell-- otherwise known as Yankee Stadium in 100 degree July heat-- and the home of some of his greatest major league accomplishments.
Asked if getting No. 500 would have been sweeter at Yankee Stadium Matsui replied," It doesn't matter to me. I have so many great memories in New York. I think it would have been asking too much to have it happen here."
One thing is for sure, with Christian Lopez in his Champions Suite seats, fan-favorite Matsui's chances of getting the home run ball back would have been better too.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Did Colon and Garcia's Last Outings Quell Yankees Trade Talks
Last week the New York Yankees seemed desperate to add another reliable starter to their rotation. All eyes seemed to be focused on Colorado Rockies flame-thrower Ubaldo Jimenez. Only problem was, the Rockies would literally be asking the Yankees for the farm to make any kind of trade for their 27 year-old righthander.
The Yankees remember all too well last year's lack of starting pitching in the playoffs and have to be wondering if they can pin four-fifth of their October hopes on Phil Hughes--a pitcher on the mend, A.J. Burnett--who has reverted back to his inconsistent self, Ivan Nova-- who just went on the Triple-A DL for a foot injury, and Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia--two aging veterans picked up during the off-season winter-sale.
Funny thing, outside of CC Sabathia, Colon and Garcia, have been the most impressive this season. Now the question is can the 38 year-old Colon and 35 year-old Garcia hold up?
Both pitchers combined for a total of two earned runs in 13 innings in two games against the Tampa Bay Rays this week.
Garcia out dueled David Price and struck out seven Rays hitters over 6.2 innings last night. Last week Garcia was battered in Toronto where he allowed five earned runs in five innings after a 12 day layoff. Manager Joe Girardi said the layoff was responsible.
Colon's masterpiece the night before was spoiled after centerfielder Curtis Granderson lost a fly ball in the roof of Tropicana Field. The hefty hurler went 6.1 innings and struck out nine batters.
Reports continue to swirl that the Yankees are still interested in Jimenez, but there hasn't been any official comment from management. Girardi seems content on keeping things as they are.
"This is what we have and we've gotten to this point because of them," he said. "There's no reason that can't continue."
Well, many fans will dispute that sentiment and the Yankees reportedly have scouts buying more Rockies tickets than usual.
The reasons to add a player like Jimenez, who has 50 wins over his last three years and has over 33 starts in each of his three full seasons. He had 214 strikeouts last season-- third in the NL-- and the durable pitcher who has thrown 845 innings without any real troubles. Jimenez has only been on the DL once in his career for a broken fingernail. The Yankees have to like the thought of getting a pitcher without shoulder, elbow or "dead arm" problems.
Jimenez could come cheap in contract but steep in trade. He is making $2.8 million this year, $4.2 mil next season and an option of $5.75 in 2013. Compare that to the $33 million the Yankees will be shelling out for A.J. Burnett over the next two years.
In exchange, the Rockies will probably want Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero--three of the Yankees top prospects.
Jimenez's bi-polar 2010 season has to be on the Yankees mind after he started 15-1, then sludged through the second half of the season. He is 6-3 with a 2.61 ERA in his last 10 starts.
The Yankees could wait until the end of the season to get Jimenez and hang on to their prospects, much like they did with Sabathia in 2008, when they held on to Hughes and got the big pitcher they wanted anyway.
The questions now are if Hughes is back to form and if Colon and Garcia can keep it up for another two-and-a-half months.
They will each get at least another start before the July 31 trade deadline--one more chance to show the Yankees the first half of their seasons weren't a fluke and the team can hang on to their prospects for the future.
Funny thing, outside of CC Sabathia, Colon and Garcia, have been the most impressive this season. Now the question is can the 38 year-old Colon and 35 year-old Garcia hold up?
Both pitchers combined for a total of two earned runs in 13 innings in two games against the Tampa Bay Rays this week.
Garcia out dueled David Price and struck out seven Rays hitters over 6.2 innings last night. Last week Garcia was battered in Toronto where he allowed five earned runs in five innings after a 12 day layoff. Manager Joe Girardi said the layoff was responsible.
Colon's masterpiece the night before was spoiled after centerfielder Curtis Granderson lost a fly ball in the roof of Tropicana Field. The hefty hurler went 6.1 innings and struck out nine batters.
Reports continue to swirl that the Yankees are still interested in Jimenez, but there hasn't been any official comment from management. Girardi seems content on keeping things as they are.
"This is what we have and we've gotten to this point because of them," he said. "There's no reason that can't continue."
Well, many fans will dispute that sentiment and the Yankees reportedly have scouts buying more Rockies tickets than usual.
The reasons to add a player like Jimenez, who has 50 wins over his last three years and has over 33 starts in each of his three full seasons. He had 214 strikeouts last season-- third in the NL-- and the durable pitcher who has thrown 845 innings without any real troubles. Jimenez has only been on the DL once in his career for a broken fingernail. The Yankees have to like the thought of getting a pitcher without shoulder, elbow or "dead arm" problems.
Jimenez could come cheap in contract but steep in trade. He is making $2.8 million this year, $4.2 mil next season and an option of $5.75 in 2013. Compare that to the $33 million the Yankees will be shelling out for A.J. Burnett over the next two years.
In exchange, the Rockies will probably want Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero--three of the Yankees top prospects.
Jimenez's bi-polar 2010 season has to be on the Yankees mind after he started 15-1, then sludged through the second half of the season. He is 6-3 with a 2.61 ERA in his last 10 starts.
The Yankees could wait until the end of the season to get Jimenez and hang on to their prospects, much like they did with Sabathia in 2008, when they held on to Hughes and got the big pitcher they wanted anyway.
The questions now are if Hughes is back to form and if Colon and Garcia can keep it up for another two-and-a-half months.
They will each get at least another start before the July 31 trade deadline--one more chance to show the Yankees the first half of their seasons weren't a fluke and the team can hang on to their prospects for the future.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Yankees Taunt Rays' Mascot During Lightning Delay; Then Win
Last night, while the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays game was delayed due to a lightning strike which knocked out a bank of lights in Tropicana Field, the Yankees dugout had fun playing keep away with the Rays mascot, Raymond.
Right after a bolt of lightning zapped the domed stadium, with Robinson Cano holding a full-count at the plate, Yankees manager Joe Girardi told officials he wouldn't continue play until the field was fully illuminated. That's when Raymond went to the Yankees side to play catch.
The Yankees own unofficial mascot, Bartolo Colon, led the heckling during the 18 minute delay before his team eventually went on to defeat the home team 5-4 after the Rays walked in the winning run.
Colon, the cuddly 260-pound pitcher, wouldn't play catch with Raymond during the fifth-inning delay until finally giving in to the fuzzy mascot.
Raymond, who has been punched out by a Baltimore Oriole player, tackled by a fan and out danced by a Cardinal mascot tossed the ball back to Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson, who also refused to give it back. Raymond just left in a huff. His team should have followed.
The Rays pounced on A.J. Burnett--pitching on eight days rest-- early and scored three runs in the first inning. Burnett looked like his old inconsistent self. The Rays held a 4-2 lead until the Yankees tied it up in the eighth.
Rays starter Alex Cobb held the Yankees to three hits and two runs through six but the depleted Rays team was coming off a 16-inning loss to the Red Sox late last night and it seemed only a matter of time before the Yankees could shred through the taxed Tampa Bay bullpen.
In the top of the ninth Rays manager Joe Maddon went to his only remaining reliever, rookie Alex Torres--who was called up earlier in the day. Torres immediately gave up a lead off single to Granderson who stole second. Mark Teixeira struck out then a grounder by Robinson Cano moved Granderson to third.
Next, Maddon had Torres intentionally walk Nick Swisher before walking Andruw Jones to load the bases. A 3-2 ball to Russell Martin walked in the go-ahead run.
Hector Noesi and Mariano Rivera pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to keep Burnett from getting a loss.
Later Girardi commented about the power outage and his discussion with the umpires. " They asked me if we wanted to continue to play through it or not," said the skipper. "I said, 'No, I don't.' It was a big time in the game, and I want all the lights all on in that situation."
Torres wasn't exactly lights out in his first major league outing and it looks like he took the lightning express back to the minors.
Right after a bolt of lightning zapped the domed stadium, with Robinson Cano holding a full-count at the plate, Yankees manager Joe Girardi told officials he wouldn't continue play until the field was fully illuminated. That's when Raymond went to the Yankees side to play catch.
The Yankees own unofficial mascot, Bartolo Colon, led the heckling during the 18 minute delay before his team eventually went on to defeat the home team 5-4 after the Rays walked in the winning run.
Colon, the cuddly 260-pound pitcher, wouldn't play catch with Raymond during the fifth-inning delay until finally giving in to the fuzzy mascot.
Raymond, who has been punched out by a Baltimore Oriole player, tackled by a fan and out danced by a Cardinal mascot tossed the ball back to Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson, who also refused to give it back. Raymond just left in a huff. His team should have followed.
The Rays pounced on A.J. Burnett--pitching on eight days rest-- early and scored three runs in the first inning. Burnett looked like his old inconsistent self. The Rays held a 4-2 lead until the Yankees tied it up in the eighth.
Rays starter Alex Cobb held the Yankees to three hits and two runs through six but the depleted Rays team was coming off a 16-inning loss to the Red Sox late last night and it seemed only a matter of time before the Yankees could shred through the taxed Tampa Bay bullpen.
In the top of the ninth Rays manager Joe Maddon went to his only remaining reliever, rookie Alex Torres--who was called up earlier in the day. Torres immediately gave up a lead off single to Granderson who stole second. Mark Teixeira struck out then a grounder by Robinson Cano moved Granderson to third.
Next, Maddon had Torres intentionally walk Nick Swisher before walking Andruw Jones to load the bases. A 3-2 ball to Russell Martin walked in the go-ahead run.
Hector Noesi and Mariano Rivera pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to keep Burnett from getting a loss.
Later Girardi commented about the power outage and his discussion with the umpires. " They asked me if we wanted to continue to play through it or not," said the skipper. "I said, 'No, I don't.' It was a big time in the game, and I want all the lights all on in that situation."
Torres wasn't exactly lights out in his first major league outing and it looks like he took the lightning express back to the minors.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Derek Jeter Is Most Popular Male Athlete Despite Recent Bad Publicity
Derek Jeter was voted the "Most Popular Male Athlete" according to a just-released Harris Poll. The New York Yankees shortstop is perched at the top spot for the first time, replacing Kobe Bryant who held the title last year.
Jeter's rise from the No. 3 spot in 2010 to the No. 1 position wasn't influenced too much by his highly-publicized quest for his milestone 3,000th hit because the poll of 2,163 participants were contacted during the week of June 13-20, when Jeter was on the disabled list.
Peyton Manning moved up from No. 5 to the second spot. The face of the NFL also endorses half a dozen prominent products and his mug is seen on plenty of TV commercials. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback had a popular faux '70's movie trailer, co-starring his brother Eli, flooding the Internet about the same time of the poll.
Even the NFL lockout couldn't dim the ubiquitous football star's popularity. He was the most popular athlete polled by Gen-X (ages 35-46).
Michael Jordan, whose final NBA game was eight years ago, still tied for third place with Los Angeles Laker Bryant. Jordan was the most popular athlete from 1993-2005, when the title was handed over to golfer Tiger Woods.
Surprisingly, Woods was the most popular this year with the "matures" (ages 66+) according to the Harris Group. He was number one from 2006-2009. Still, the shamed and slumping golfer had the biggest drop in the top-ten.
"As his playing woes continue, it is likely that his (Woods) fall will continue next year", said a Harris representative.
Even so, Woods marketing team has to be happy.
Bryant was the most popular among Hispanic and African-Americans in the Harris Poll.
Jeter was big among the Baby Boomers (ages 47-65) even though the The Captain has been in the news a lot lately-- and not for all the most popular reasons.
Jeter's quest for the 3,000 Hit Club was accomplished in grand style last week after he went 5-for-5 and bashed the historic hit into the centerfield stands. The home run ball was caught by a fan, Christian Lopez, who was immediately whisked out of his seat by Yankees personnel, who--many believe-- overwhelmed the young man into turning the ball over to Jeter for a mere pittance. Now Lopez is stuck with a whopping income tax bill to cover the season tickets he got as a reward. Now, even Yankees fans say that Jeter should foot the IRS bill in exchange for the ball.
After that controversy, Jeter skipped out on the All-Star Game he was elected to; citing his recovery from a strained calf and preparing for the wear-and-tear of the second half of the season as his reasons. Many fans didn't think he deserved to be in the Mid-summer Classic in the first place. He spent the break in Miami with his girlfriend actress Minka Kelly.
Noticeably absent from the Top Ten is Lebron James. King James "Decision" last summer seems to have turned off more than only Cleveland fans. James was No. 6 last year.
Besides Woods, another bad boy made the list. Hines Ward tied with Albert Pujols at the seventh position. The Pittsburgh Steeler was arrested a couple of weeks ago--after the poll was taken-- for suspicion of DUI. Ward's "Dancing With the Stars" victory probably pulled in a lot of the ladies' votes, but apparently not as many as Manning. The QB was the most popular athlete among the women polled.
First timers to the Top Ten included Ward, Pujols, Derrick Rose and Aaron Rodgers.
The top three female athletes were at No. 1, tennis-star Serena Williams followed by her sister Venus and race car driver Danica Patrick.
Jeter's rise from the No. 3 spot in 2010 to the No. 1 position wasn't influenced too much by his highly-publicized quest for his milestone 3,000th hit because the poll of 2,163 participants were contacted during the week of June 13-20, when Jeter was on the disabled list.
Even the NFL lockout couldn't dim the ubiquitous football star's popularity. He was the most popular athlete polled by Gen-X (ages 35-46).
Michael Jordan, whose final NBA game was eight years ago, still tied for third place with Los Angeles Laker Bryant. Jordan was the most popular athlete from 1993-2005, when the title was handed over to golfer Tiger Woods.
Surprisingly, Woods was the most popular this year with the "matures" (ages 66+) according to the Harris Group. He was number one from 2006-2009. Still, the shamed and slumping golfer had the biggest drop in the top-ten.
"As his playing woes continue, it is likely that his (Woods) fall will continue next year", said a Harris representative.
Even so, Woods marketing team has to be happy.
Bryant was the most popular among Hispanic and African-Americans in the Harris Poll.
Jeter was big among the Baby Boomers (ages 47-65) even though the The Captain has been in the news a lot lately-- and not for all the most popular reasons.
Jeter's quest for the 3,000 Hit Club was accomplished in grand style last week after he went 5-for-5 and bashed the historic hit into the centerfield stands. The home run ball was caught by a fan, Christian Lopez, who was immediately whisked out of his seat by Yankees personnel, who--many believe-- overwhelmed the young man into turning the ball over to Jeter for a mere pittance. Now Lopez is stuck with a whopping income tax bill to cover the season tickets he got as a reward. Now, even Yankees fans say that Jeter should foot the IRS bill in exchange for the ball.
After that controversy, Jeter skipped out on the All-Star Game he was elected to; citing his recovery from a strained calf and preparing for the wear-and-tear of the second half of the season as his reasons. Many fans didn't think he deserved to be in the Mid-summer Classic in the first place. He spent the break in Miami with his girlfriend actress Minka Kelly.
Besides Woods, another bad boy made the list. Hines Ward tied with Albert Pujols at the seventh position. The Pittsburgh Steeler was arrested a couple of weeks ago--after the poll was taken-- for suspicion of DUI. Ward's "Dancing With the Stars" victory probably pulled in a lot of the ladies' votes, but apparently not as many as Manning. The QB was the most popular athlete among the women polled.
First timers to the Top Ten included Ward, Pujols, Derrick Rose and Aaron Rodgers.
The top three female athletes were at No. 1, tennis-star Serena Williams followed by her sister Venus and race car driver Danica Patrick.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Mistrial Ruled In Roger Clemens Case; Could Get Off Due To Double-Jeopardy
U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton was not certain of a fair trial, in the case of former-major league baseball star Roger Clemens' perjury trial, and ruled a mistrial on the second day of the case. His ruling was handed down after prosecutors showed jurors inadmissible evidence against his orders.
Prosecutors claimed the problem could be corrected with instructions to the jury to "disregard the evidence."
Walton wasn't convinced of the prosecution's assurance and said, "We've got a man's liberty at interest."
The jurist followed that up by reasoning," I don't see how I can un-ring the bell."
Now the government's case could be "concluded" if they determine not to re-try the case or if Clemens' attorneys claim 'double-jeopardy." The term refers to the law which prevents anyone from being tried again for the same crime.
According to ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson, the "government failed 100%" by not removing evidence it was instructed to dispose from the case. The "blunder" could lead to acquittal through the mistrial and legal loophole.
The piece of evidence in question refers to video testimony from former New York Yankees teammate and good friend, Andy Pettitte, who said Clemens told him in 1999 or 2000 conversation that the pitcher used performance-enhancing drugs during his career.
Walton stopped the prosecutor's playing of the video of the 2008 testimony before Congress and removed the jury from the Washington courtroom.
Clemens is accused of lying to Congress during that testimony and claims Pettitte misheard him.
Walton said prosecutors erred when they showed jurors evidence that was previously unusable in the case.
Prosecutors wanted to use Pettitte's wife Laura as a witness to corroborate Pettitte's statement, but the motion was denied because Clemens never said it directly to his wife.
Pettitte said he told his wife about the conversation with Clemens the day it happened but Walton still considered it second-hand information.
Being denied a chance to use this key piece of the prosecution's evidence was a big blow to their case.
"The ability with Mr. Clemens with this jury to get a fair trial with this jury would be very difficult, if not impossible," said Walton.
This was the second time prosecutor's have gone against Walton's orders. Yesterday, assistant U.S. attorney Steven Durham said Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Mike Stanton used human-growth-hormones.
Before that, the prosecution came out with guns blazing on the first day of the trial.
In their opening statement, the prosecution showed off photos of medical waste that they claimed contained both anabolic steroids and Clemens DNA. They claimed the needles and bloody cotton balls would prove Clemens was lying when he testified before Congress.
Clemens attorney, Rusty Hardin, claimed the prosecution's evidence was manufactured by Clemens former trainer, Brian McNamee.
After today's ruling, Walton told the jurors to leave and said, "The case has already cost a lot of taxpayer money."
Walton reschedule a Sept. 2 hearing to determine if a new trial is necessary.
Potential witnesses who might have called to testify in the case included a Who's Who of former big league players.
Clemens and his attorneys remain under a gag order.
Prosecutors claimed the problem could be corrected with instructions to the jury to "disregard the evidence."
Walton wasn't convinced of the prosecution's assurance and said, "We've got a man's liberty at interest."
The jurist followed that up by reasoning," I don't see how I can un-ring the bell."
According to ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson, the "government failed 100%" by not removing evidence it was instructed to dispose from the case. The "blunder" could lead to acquittal through the mistrial and legal loophole.
The piece of evidence in question refers to video testimony from former New York Yankees teammate and good friend, Andy Pettitte, who said Clemens told him in 1999 or 2000 conversation that the pitcher used performance-enhancing drugs during his career.
Walton stopped the prosecutor's playing of the video of the 2008 testimony before Congress and removed the jury from the Washington courtroom.
Clemens is accused of lying to Congress during that testimony and claims Pettitte misheard him.
Walton said prosecutors erred when they showed jurors evidence that was previously unusable in the case.
Prosecutors wanted to use Pettitte's wife Laura as a witness to corroborate Pettitte's statement, but the motion was denied because Clemens never said it directly to his wife.
Pettitte said he told his wife about the conversation with Clemens the day it happened but Walton still considered it second-hand information.
Being denied a chance to use this key piece of the prosecution's evidence was a big blow to their case.
"The ability with Mr. Clemens with this jury to get a fair trial with this jury would be very difficult, if not impossible," said Walton.
This was the second time prosecutor's have gone against Walton's orders. Yesterday, assistant U.S. attorney Steven Durham said Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Mike Stanton used human-growth-hormones.
Before that, the prosecution came out with guns blazing on the first day of the trial.
In their opening statement, the prosecution showed off photos of medical waste that they claimed contained both anabolic steroids and Clemens DNA. They claimed the needles and bloody cotton balls would prove Clemens was lying when he testified before Congress.
Clemens attorney, Rusty Hardin, claimed the prosecution's evidence was manufactured by Clemens former trainer, Brian McNamee.
After today's ruling, Walton told the jurors to leave and said, "The case has already cost a lot of taxpayer money."
Walton reschedule a Sept. 2 hearing to determine if a new trial is necessary.
Potential witnesses who might have called to testify in the case included a Who's Who of former big league players.
Clemens and his attorneys remain under a gag order.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Derek Jeter Spends All-Star Break in South Beach With Minka Kelly
The 82nd All-Star Game is over and the New York Yankees first 3,000-hit Club member, Derek Jeter, didn't make a surprise appearance at Chase Field as many had rumored. Instead, Jeter skipped the mid-summer classic to rest his strained calf and relieve the pressure of getting the milestone hit with his long-time girlfriend Minka Kelly.
Jeter was spotted hanging out in Miami with the 31 year-old actress this week. The couple was seen having lunch and cuddling in the trendy South Beach area, only a baseball toss away from where Kelly is filming the new "Charlie's Angels" television series.
What better way to relieve pressure than for Jeter to opt for snuggling with a Hollywood angel over facing the Los Angeles baseball kind like Jered Weaver.
Jeter hasn't made too many comments regarding his controversial snub of the All-Star Game, after getting his historic 3,000th hit, but plenty of others have come to the elected All-Star's defense.
"I have no problem with Derek Jeter," said Commissioner Bud Selig, according to the New York Post. "I've known him for 15 years; he's always done the right thing. I completely understand the situation. And to tell you the truth, I probably would have done the same thing myself."
Jeter's teammate, Curtis Granderson echoed the sentiment.
"We understand where he is coming from," said the All-Star centerfielder. "The most important goal is for the team, to go ahead and be healthy for the later part of the season, which is obviously the most important, which is what the fans want to see."
Jeter picked up his 3,000th hit with a dramatic home-run on Saturday and there was speculation the twelve-time All-Star would still make it to last night's celebration, even if it was only to throw out the first ball.
Now we know the Yankees Captain instead headed to Florida for some love during the three day break.
What better way to relieve pressure than for Jeter to opt for snuggling with a Hollywood angel over facing the Los Angeles baseball kind like Jered Weaver.
"I have no problem with Derek Jeter," said Commissioner Bud Selig, according to the New York Post. "I've known him for 15 years; he's always done the right thing. I completely understand the situation. And to tell you the truth, I probably would have done the same thing myself."
Jeter's teammate, Curtis Granderson echoed the sentiment.
"We understand where he is coming from," said the All-Star centerfielder. "The most important goal is for the team, to go ahead and be healthy for the later part of the season, which is obviously the most important, which is what the fans want to see."
Jeter picked up his 3,000th hit with a dramatic home-run on Saturday and there was speculation the twelve-time All-Star would still make it to last night's celebration, even if it was only to throw out the first ball.
Now we know the Yankees Captain instead headed to Florida for some love during the three day break.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Jeter's Good Guy Image Taking 3,000 Hits This Season
Things haven't been so great in the usually charmed life of Derek Jeter this season. Except for his magnificent Saturday afternoon love-fest which saw the beloved New Yankees Captain join the exclusive 3,000th hit club, it's been a pretty tough year for New York's favorite son. Jeter seems like he has another hitting streak going on these days. Only these whacks, on his personal and professional image, are putting a lot of chinks in the shortstop's armor.
The controversies have piled up fast and furious around Jeter since winter like never before. Here's a blow-by-blow account.
The contract talks with the Yankees, after last season, turned ugly with both sides drawing lines in the infield dirt. Jeter finally settled for a three-year $51 million agreement that ended with the 16-year veteran publicly alluding to GM Brian Cashman for leaking non-truths and rumors blaming Jeter for the difficult negotiations.
The tough-talk and final terms divided Yankees and Jeter fans alike. Jeter was called over the hill, over-rated and a big crybaby for holding the press conference to plant the blame for the leaks on the Yankees brass. On the pro-Jeter side, he was remembered as an ambassador for the sport and a true Yankee with a few more good years left in his 37 year-old body.
Hell, even the mansion he was building in Tampa got bad press. Neighbors of Jeter's new home called the structure a monstrosity and magnet for celebrity gawkers. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner blamed it for Jeter's declining play after the Boss' Son said some players would "rather be building mansions" than concentrating on the tasks at hand--namely baseball.
The punches would come faster and harder.
There was the early season slump which saw Jeter's average hover around .260--almost 50 points below his career average-- and an unfamiliar "Jeter isn't worth the money" outcry by fickle fans.
The "strained calf" injury which put Jeter on the 15-day DL--the first time since 2003-- and led some experts to question about whether or not he was rushing back too soon. He reluctantly took almost an extra week on the DL before returning to the Yankees just to be certain his calf was fully healed.
The injury led to a domino effect which started with Jeter being replaced by decent-hitting Eduardo Nunez, a Yankees 14-4 record and finally a return to first place in the AL East.
All the while, Jeter rehabbed. Some people--no, a lot of people-- wondered if the Yankees were actually even better without their superstar. Such blasphemy was unheard of until this year. Now Jeter looked like open game with more shots to follow.
The domino tiles kept falling. There was sports radio chatter about Jeter being bumped down to seventh in the Yankees lineup as soon as he got the 3,000th hit or being relegated to the DH. Jeter's brilliant 5-for-5 performance on the big day put an end to that gibberish--at least for now.
Then, during the Subway Series at Citi Field, conversations about the Yankees trading for the Mets shortstop--and new glamor boy-- Jose Reyes got hot and heavy. Again, Jeter was soaking his injured calf and ego in a Tampa whirlpool.
Even Jeter's magical day against the Tampa Bay Rays didn't end without a bloody nose.
The generous young man, Christian Lopez, who caught the $200,000 home-run ball and gave it back to Jeter like some fawning pup returning a chewed-up tennis ball struck a nerve with Jeter-haters.
Why give the ball back to a millionaire ball player without restitution?
Lopez did get to meet his idol, Jeter, got season tickets and a bunch of cool signed memorabilia, but now he allegedly owes the IRS income taxes on the "reward." Even Jeter fans are screaming that the player should somehow be responsible for the financially-strapped fan's tax burden. Hey, $14,000 to the Yankee is nothing more than a nice little tip from Jeter.
Now comes the All-Star Game and Jeter's over-emphasized responsibility to Major League Baseball.
Last week, people slammed Jeter for being elected to the game on the merit of fans who were infatuated by the number 3,000-- and not on his stats. These are the same people blasting Jeter for not appearing at the game. Funny, none of these people were as vocal when the deserving CC Sabathia wasn't selected at first.
Jeter admitted he lied during his quest for No. 3,000 and said he was "under pressure and stressed" trying to get the hit at Yankee Stadium and needs a little R&R during the break in the season.
He spent 17 days on the DL and wants to be healthy for the stretch run in September. Jeter also doesn't want to be a distraction at the All-Star Game if he can't play.
"It's unfortunate because I enjoy going to the All-Star Games," said Jeter. "I know I can be stubborn a lot of times when it comes to injuries, but I'm trying to be smart this time."
Isn't that what made Jeter the great team player he still is. He knows how far a three-day rest can help a player over the long run. Sure the Phillies Shane Victorino and Mets Jose Reyes were elected to the game and are still going-- even if they are injured. Great, and good for them, but is Jeter supposed to show up in street clothes, toss out the first ball and fly back to New York like some relic? Give Lopez the glory. That might be a better story.
Jeter's teammates still have his back.
"It really has to be something because nobody would like to be here more than him," said Robinson Cano, the Yankees second baseman who will be at the game. "It is what it is....I wish he were here, but health comes first."
If Jeter re-injured his tender calf in Phoenix this week, Yankees fans would be up in arms about the trip.
Let's all give Jeter the benefit of a doubt. He's earned everything he's accomplished in New York with class, humility and hard play. He knows this All-Star appearance could have possibly been his last and the decision couldn't have been an easy one.
For the uncontroversial Jeter, this season has been anything but.
I'm sure if the American League loses the game and the World Series home field advantage that goes with it, the blame will be squarely put on Derek Jeter's non-appearance--especially this year.
The contract talks with the Yankees, after last season, turned ugly with both sides drawing lines in the infield dirt. Jeter finally settled for a three-year $51 million agreement that ended with the 16-year veteran publicly alluding to GM Brian Cashman for leaking non-truths and rumors blaming Jeter for the difficult negotiations.
The tough-talk and final terms divided Yankees and Jeter fans alike. Jeter was called over the hill, over-rated and a big crybaby for holding the press conference to plant the blame for the leaks on the Yankees brass. On the pro-Jeter side, he was remembered as an ambassador for the sport and a true Yankee with a few more good years left in his 37 year-old body.
Hell, even the mansion he was building in Tampa got bad press. Neighbors of Jeter's new home called the structure a monstrosity and magnet for celebrity gawkers. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner blamed it for Jeter's declining play after the Boss' Son said some players would "rather be building mansions" than concentrating on the tasks at hand--namely baseball.
The punches would come faster and harder.
There was the early season slump which saw Jeter's average hover around .260--almost 50 points below his career average-- and an unfamiliar "Jeter isn't worth the money" outcry by fickle fans.
The "strained calf" injury which put Jeter on the 15-day DL--the first time since 2003-- and led some experts to question about whether or not he was rushing back too soon. He reluctantly took almost an extra week on the DL before returning to the Yankees just to be certain his calf was fully healed.
The injury led to a domino effect which started with Jeter being replaced by decent-hitting Eduardo Nunez, a Yankees 14-4 record and finally a return to first place in the AL East.
All the while, Jeter rehabbed. Some people--no, a lot of people-- wondered if the Yankees were actually even better without their superstar. Such blasphemy was unheard of until this year. Now Jeter looked like open game with more shots to follow.
The domino tiles kept falling. There was sports radio chatter about Jeter being bumped down to seventh in the Yankees lineup as soon as he got the 3,000th hit or being relegated to the DH. Jeter's brilliant 5-for-5 performance on the big day put an end to that gibberish--at least for now.
Then, during the Subway Series at Citi Field, conversations about the Yankees trading for the Mets shortstop--and new glamor boy-- Jose Reyes got hot and heavy. Again, Jeter was soaking his injured calf and ego in a Tampa whirlpool.
Even Jeter's magical day against the Tampa Bay Rays didn't end without a bloody nose.
The generous young man, Christian Lopez, who caught the $200,000 home-run ball and gave it back to Jeter like some fawning pup returning a chewed-up tennis ball struck a nerve with Jeter-haters.
Why give the ball back to a millionaire ball player without restitution?
Lopez did get to meet his idol, Jeter, got season tickets and a bunch of cool signed memorabilia, but now he allegedly owes the IRS income taxes on the "reward." Even Jeter fans are screaming that the player should somehow be responsible for the financially-strapped fan's tax burden. Hey, $14,000 to the Yankee is nothing more than a nice little tip from Jeter.
Now comes the All-Star Game and Jeter's over-emphasized responsibility to Major League Baseball.
Last week, people slammed Jeter for being elected to the game on the merit of fans who were infatuated by the number 3,000-- and not on his stats. These are the same people blasting Jeter for not appearing at the game. Funny, none of these people were as vocal when the deserving CC Sabathia wasn't selected at first.
Jeter admitted he lied during his quest for No. 3,000 and said he was "under pressure and stressed" trying to get the hit at Yankee Stadium and needs a little R&R during the break in the season.
He spent 17 days on the DL and wants to be healthy for the stretch run in September. Jeter also doesn't want to be a distraction at the All-Star Game if he can't play.
"It's unfortunate because I enjoy going to the All-Star Games," said Jeter. "I know I can be stubborn a lot of times when it comes to injuries, but I'm trying to be smart this time."
Isn't that what made Jeter the great team player he still is. He knows how far a three-day rest can help a player over the long run. Sure the Phillies Shane Victorino and Mets Jose Reyes were elected to the game and are still going-- even if they are injured. Great, and good for them, but is Jeter supposed to show up in street clothes, toss out the first ball and fly back to New York like some relic? Give Lopez the glory. That might be a better story.
Jeter's teammates still have his back.
"It really has to be something because nobody would like to be here more than him," said Robinson Cano, the Yankees second baseman who will be at the game. "It is what it is....I wish he were here, but health comes first."
If Jeter re-injured his tender calf in Phoenix this week, Yankees fans would be up in arms about the trip.
Let's all give Jeter the benefit of a doubt. He's earned everything he's accomplished in New York with class, humility and hard play. He knows this All-Star appearance could have possibly been his last and the decision couldn't have been an easy one.
For the uncontroversial Jeter, this season has been anything but.
I'm sure if the American League loses the game and the World Series home field advantage that goes with it, the blame will be squarely put on Derek Jeter's non-appearance--especially this year.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Girardi: Jeter Will Be Leadoff Hitter...Probably
New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he is sticking with Derek Jeter batting in the leadoff spot right now, but his endorsement didn't sound like it was etched in stone.
With the aftermath of the Derek Jeter 3,000th hit love fest over the weekend behind him, Girardi is getting back to the main task at hand, namely, keeping pace with the Boston Red Sox and juggling an injury-plagued lineup.
There was no way Girardi was going to take Jeter out of the leadoff spot with number 3,000 within his grasp at Yankee stadium, but now Girardi has to make the practical decision about who will most benefit the team in the first spot of the Yankees lineup.
Jeter was in his familiar role of Yankees leadoff batter on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Jeter, himself, might have made Girardi's choice a little easier. The Yankees shortstop's magnificent 5-for-5 day on Saturday might not have been a mirage. Jeter is batting .391 in five games since coming off the DL. Girardi sounded confident of Jeter's ability to stay in the top of the lineup, but there was a twinge of non-commitment to his comments.
"Yes I can tell you, there's probably a good chance he's going to hit leadoff on Thursday," said Girardi. "I'm not sure who we're facing (in Toronto) but right he's our leadoff hitter. People talk about when Swish (Nick Swisher) comes back, will it be Swish? Well, Swish led off only against lefties, but Derek's numbers against lefties are really good. So would you lead off with Gardy (Brett Gardner) against righties? I'm probably going to stick with Jeter."
The 37 year-old Jeter is thoroughly to focused on getting the Yankees into the playoffs after becoming the 28th player to collect 3,000 hits in the momentous game against the Tampa Bay Rays. His Saturday night celebration sounded like it was shorter than his 3K trot around the bases.
"I went to sleep," laughed Jeter asked about the after-party. "Just with family and friends. I had to play and I don't really recover like I used to."
Jeter has owned the leadoff spot since 1996 and hopes all the attention surrounding the milestone hit and scrutiny about his calf injury is behind him. Girardi only wants the stability of penciling a single player's name into the leadoff spot.
"I don't want to change the lineup everyday. It makes it difficult on our players," said Girardi. "I might have to move around, but right now, Derek's my leadoff guy."
Jeter is skipping the All-Star game to rest up. There will be a wait-and-see period to see if Jeter is his old self.
Girardi has realistic expectations.
"Is he hitting .320 like he did in 2009," Girardi wondered aloud. "No, he's not. But are you convinced he can't hit .320 in the second half? That would be my question to everyone."
The Captain said he feels like he's recovered enough from the strained calf which kept him out of pinstripes for three weeks.
"Any time you feel good you want it to continue as long as it can," Jeter said.
With the aftermath of the Derek Jeter 3,000th hit love fest over the weekend behind him, Girardi is getting back to the main task at hand, namely, keeping pace with the Boston Red Sox and juggling an injury-plagued lineup.
There was no way Girardi was going to take Jeter out of the leadoff spot with number 3,000 within his grasp at Yankee stadium, but now Girardi has to make the practical decision about who will most benefit the team in the first spot of the Yankees lineup.
Jeter was in his familiar role of Yankees leadoff batter on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Jeter, himself, might have made Girardi's choice a little easier. The Yankees shortstop's magnificent 5-for-5 day on Saturday might not have been a mirage. Jeter is batting .391 in five games since coming off the DL. Girardi sounded confident of Jeter's ability to stay in the top of the lineup, but there was a twinge of non-commitment to his comments.
"Yes I can tell you, there's probably a good chance he's going to hit leadoff on Thursday," said Girardi. "I'm not sure who we're facing (in Toronto) but right he's our leadoff hitter. People talk about when Swish (Nick Swisher) comes back, will it be Swish? Well, Swish led off only against lefties, but Derek's numbers against lefties are really good. So would you lead off with Gardy (Brett Gardner) against righties? I'm probably going to stick with Jeter."
The 37 year-old Jeter is thoroughly to focused on getting the Yankees into the playoffs after becoming the 28th player to collect 3,000 hits in the momentous game against the Tampa Bay Rays. His Saturday night celebration sounded like it was shorter than his 3K trot around the bases.
"I went to sleep," laughed Jeter asked about the after-party. "Just with family and friends. I had to play and I don't really recover like I used to."
Jeter has owned the leadoff spot since 1996 and hopes all the attention surrounding the milestone hit and scrutiny about his calf injury is behind him. Girardi only wants the stability of penciling a single player's name into the leadoff spot.
"I don't want to change the lineup everyday. It makes it difficult on our players," said Girardi. "I might have to move around, but right now, Derek's my leadoff guy."
Jeter is skipping the All-Star game to rest up. There will be a wait-and-see period to see if Jeter is his old self.
Girardi has realistic expectations.
"Is he hitting .320 like he did in 2009," Girardi wondered aloud. "No, he's not. But are you convinced he can't hit .320 in the second half? That would be my question to everyone."
The Captain said he feels like he's recovered enough from the strained calf which kept him out of pinstripes for three weeks.
"Any time you feel good you want it to continue as long as it can," Jeter said.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
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