When it comes to Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees, I am a firm believer that his talents are best served coming out of the bullpen.
I completely understand how incredible it would be if he becomes the next Roger Clemens, but I also realize how fragile he can be. In fact, the Yankees only got their hands on him in the first place, because of his injury history when they scooped him up 41st overall in the 2006 draft; the Yankees received that draft pick as free agent compensation for Tom Gordon, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Forty other teams were well aware of Chamberlain’s talent, but passed, fearing injury.
Flash forward to 2009. Chamberlain hasn’t had strong command since returning to his starting role. His velocity is down. He throws way too many pitches as evidenced in his last start in Boston where four double plays bailed him out.
Let’s be realistic. Chamberlain has a better shot of being a relief ace then being an ace starter. He’s already shown the prior.
That’s why, coupled with Phil Hughes’ terrific start Tuesday night it Detroit, it’s time to reconsider his role.
Chamberlain is still on an innings count. Let him pitch meaningful innings at the back end of games. We saw what happened in Boston. Chamberlain is as good an insurance policy on Mariano Rivera as anyone on the roster. And, in my mind, he’s still better than half the guys they trot out in the seventh and eighth innings.
Brian Bruney is out. Phil Hughes looks like he could grab that No. 5 spot in the rotation. Why not put Chamberlain back where he belongs?
Yankee Notebook Compiled from the Desk of BronxNet's Bobby C.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Hughes, Yanks ‘Back on Track’
Phil Hughes hadn’t won in over a year. The Yankees came in losers of four straight.
Together, Hughes and the Bronx Bombers remedied both of those slumps Tuesday night. Both came to a decisive end at Comerica Park as Hughes pitched six scoreless innings in his first start of the season and Jose Molina’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run seventh inning in an 11-0 Yankee thumping of the Tigers.
“It’s a good feeling,” Hughes said. “I didn’t have one of those all year, so to get one in the first start is kind of nice. We needed a win to get back on track.”
Hughes was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier in the afternoon, replacing injured right-hander Chien-Ming Wang.
The Yankees will try and make it two straight tonight when they send Joba Chamberlain to the hill in the third and final game of their series with Detroit.
Together, Hughes and the Bronx Bombers remedied both of those slumps Tuesday night. Both came to a decisive end at Comerica Park as Hughes pitched six scoreless innings in his first start of the season and Jose Molina’s grand slam highlighted a 10-run seventh inning in an 11-0 Yankee thumping of the Tigers.
“It’s a good feeling,” Hughes said. “I didn’t have one of those all year, so to get one in the first start is kind of nice. We needed a win to get back on track.”
Hughes was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier in the afternoon, replacing injured right-hander Chien-Ming Wang.
The Yankees will try and make it two straight tonight when they send Joba Chamberlain to the hill in the third and final game of their series with Detroit.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Yanks Finally Drop Prices on Tix
In addition to the Yankees problems on the field lately, momentarily remedied by an 11-0 drumming of the Tigers in Detroit tonight, the organization has been trying to find ways to fill those expensive empty seats behind home plate.
The answer all along was simple. But it was one the Yankees hoped to avoid. Today, they came to their senses and dropped ticket prices.
It pays to be media. I know I wouldn't pay $2,500 for a ticket behind home plate. Before my press days, I remember back in 2002, my senior year in college, I went to see the Yankees play Minnesota at the old Yankee Stadium. I got there at game time with a buddy and scalped a ticket for $50. $50! I remember mulling whether or not it was worth it. $50 bucks is a lot for a college kid. I sat right behind the Yankee dugout. The Yanks lost. Former farmhand Eric Milton tossed a gem. Still, it was worth every penny.
And by today's standards, a steal of a deal.
Nevertheless, good job by the Yanks in lowering those ridiculous prices.
The Yankees have adjusted prices on more than 40 percent of the front-row seats at the new Yankee Stadium and will offer additional free seats to some ticket holders.
The adjustments to the club's pricing policy were outlined in a statement authorized by Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, and it came as a response to the five-game homestand that saw a number of premium seats unoccupied at the $1.5 billion ballpark.
Visit http://www.yankees.com/ for more on the new ticket prices.
Problems Continue in Motown
Another night. Another city. Another poor performance from the Yankees.
Was it Justin Verlander, or are the Bronx Bombers just this bad right now? The hard-throwing right-hander came in winless with a 9.00 ERA, but looked dominant in Detroit Monday night, mowing down nine Yankees in the process.
It was the best Verlander looked in two seasons.
CC Sabathia went the distance, but wasn’t nearly as sharp as Verlander. Placido Polanco's double and Miguel Cabrera’s RBI single in the opening inning comprised the only scoring of the game until the sixth, when Curtis Granderson's bunt single started a one-out rally for the Tigers. Polanco doubled in Granderson, then came home on Magglio Ordonez’s second home run of the season.
With their fourth straight loss, the Yankees dropped to 9-10.
How can a team this good, play this poorly?
I understand about the injuries. I realize A-Rod and Chien-Ming Wang are out. I get all of it. But Sunday’s finale in Boston was embarrassing and the team didn’t show any moxie coming off the weekend sweep at Fenway tonight in Detroit.
Sabathia’s been good, but not great. Mark Teixeira needs to pick it up, too.
Honestly, all of the Yankees need a swift kick in the butt.
The Yankees don’t display any fire. They don’t play at all like the Red Sox. Boston, in my mind, is still the team to beat. They have prime guys, in their prime, that rally around each other. David Ortiz is batting sub .230 with no homers and Boston is riding a 10-game win streak. How crazy is that? One night it’s Jason Bay. The next, Mike Lowell. The next, somebody else. That’s a championship team.
Forget Tampa, the AL East is going through Boston again this year.
The Yankees need to snap out of it quickly, or the division will surely get away from them. It’s too good a division not to. The Toronto Blue Jays, of all teams, are in first – and look good. You still have Tampa. And Boston’s looks great.
I’ll tell you, if the Yankees can’t get it going with all this talent, Joe Girardi has to go.
The Yankees were helpless Sunday in Boston. Justin Masterson started for the Red Sox and left on the winning side, hurling 5 1/3 innings of one-run, six-hit ball.
ONE RUN OFF JUSTIN MASTERSON!
Don’t even get me started on Jacoby Ellsbury’s straight steal of home off Andy Pettitte. Actually, you know what, I’ll say this: That’s fire. That’s passion. That’s winning baseball. That’s something the 2009 Yankees have yet to get a grip on.
Tomorrow, New York welcomes back Phil Hughes, who takes Wang’s turn in the rotation. Hughes didn’t record a win in an injury-plagued 2008. Let’s hope 2009 is a better year for him.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Andy, Yanks Try and Salvage Series at Fenway
If you thought Friday night's loss was hard to swallow, Saturday’s matinee in Boston was downright indigestible for Yankee fans.
I don't even want to think about it, let alone spend much time writing about it. Handed a six-run lead early, AJ Burnett pitched his worst game in pinstripes as hated Boston outslugged the Bronx Bombers, 16-11. The wild finish was Boston's largest comeback to beat New York since May 16, 1968, and it came after Burnett was presented with a 6-0 lead through 3 1/2 innings. Burnett, who usually owns the Sox, faltered big time. Boston rapped him for eight runs and eight hits in five innings.
Still, the Yankees had their chances late. The bullpen was equally disappointing. Brian Bruney was sorely missed on the same day he was placed on the DL with a bum elbow. He should be back in two weeks. Those two weeks can't come soon enough. He's been great.
Forget about Saturday Yankee fans. I know I'm trying to. Tonight is all that matters. The Yankees need to salvage the series, taking at least one game from their rival.
Andy Pettitte will be asked to stop the bleeding. Pettitte draws the call for his fourth start of the season. The veteran left-hander turned in a gritty outing his last time around. On Tuesday against the A's, Pettitte limited Oakland to two runs on nine hits.
Pettitte last faced the Red Sox on Aug. 26, 2008 at the old Yankee Stadium, allowing six runs on 10 hits in a 4 2/3-inning losing effort.
Not so good. But check out the carreer stats in Boston. Pettitte has a 6-2 career record with a 3.53 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) at Fenway Park.
I don't even want to think about it, let alone spend much time writing about it. Handed a six-run lead early, AJ Burnett pitched his worst game in pinstripes as hated Boston outslugged the Bronx Bombers, 16-11. The wild finish was Boston's largest comeback to beat New York since May 16, 1968, and it came after Burnett was presented with a 6-0 lead through 3 1/2 innings. Burnett, who usually owns the Sox, faltered big time. Boston rapped him for eight runs and eight hits in five innings.
Still, the Yankees had their chances late. The bullpen was equally disappointing. Brian Bruney was sorely missed on the same day he was placed on the DL with a bum elbow. He should be back in two weeks. Those two weeks can't come soon enough. He's been great.
Forget about Saturday Yankee fans. I know I'm trying to. Tonight is all that matters. The Yankees need to salvage the series, taking at least one game from their rival.
Andy Pettitte will be asked to stop the bleeding. Pettitte draws the call for his fourth start of the season. The veteran left-hander turned in a gritty outing his last time around. On Tuesday against the A's, Pettitte limited Oakland to two runs on nine hits.
Pettitte last faced the Red Sox on Aug. 26, 2008 at the old Yankee Stadium, allowing six runs on 10 hits in a 4 2/3-inning losing effort.
Not so good. But check out the carreer stats in Boston. Pettitte has a 6-2 career record with a 3.53 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) at Fenway Park.
Which Andy will show up tonight?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Say it Ain’t So Mo…Rivera Blows Opener in Boston
When you see each other as much as the Yankees and Red Sox do through a 162 games, there are no surprises when it comes to closer Mariano Rivera.
“The Sandman” is still the game’s best when push comes to shove in the ninth, but he’s been very hittable, especially in April, against the hard-hitting Red Sox the past few seasons.
That was the story last night as Rivera coughed up a two-out, game-tying home run to Jason Bay. It was the 61st blown save of Rivera’s career, 12th vs. the Red Sox – many of which have come at the beginning of the season.
“That’s a huge at-bat,” Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis told reporters in the post-game about Bay’s long ball that sent the game into extra innings. “If he just misses that ball, it’s ‘Game over.’”
Bay tied it 4-4 in the ninth, allowing Youkilis to play the role of hero in extras. He would go on to hit his second career walk-off in the 11th as the Red Sox beat the Yankees, 5-4. The last Red Sox player to hit an extra-inning walk-off homer vs. the Yankees was Jim Gosger on June 4, 1966 in the 16th inning.
With the extra inning win, the Red Sox and Yankees have each won 81 extra-inning games against each other with eight ties. It was Boston’s eighth consecutive victory.
The Yankees will try and bounce back today behind starter AJ Burnett, who will oppose Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.
“The Sandman” is still the game’s best when push comes to shove in the ninth, but he’s been very hittable, especially in April, against the hard-hitting Red Sox the past few seasons.
That was the story last night as Rivera coughed up a two-out, game-tying home run to Jason Bay. It was the 61st blown save of Rivera’s career, 12th vs. the Red Sox – many of which have come at the beginning of the season.
“That’s a huge at-bat,” Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis told reporters in the post-game about Bay’s long ball that sent the game into extra innings. “If he just misses that ball, it’s ‘Game over.’”
Bay tied it 4-4 in the ninth, allowing Youkilis to play the role of hero in extras. He would go on to hit his second career walk-off in the 11th as the Red Sox beat the Yankees, 5-4. The last Red Sox player to hit an extra-inning walk-off homer vs. the Yankees was Jim Gosger on June 4, 1966 in the 16th inning.
With the extra inning win, the Red Sox and Yankees have each won 81 extra-inning games against each other with eight ties. It was Boston’s eighth consecutive victory.
The Yankees will try and bounce back today behind starter AJ Burnett, who will oppose Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.
Notes: The Yankees placed right-hander Chien-Ming Wang on the 15-day disabled list after Friday night’s loss and recalled David Robertson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Robertson gives the Yankees another arm in the bullpen after the 11-inning loss to Boston. Phil Hughes is expected to be called up to pitch Tuesday in Detroit…The Bombers also played Cody Ransom (quadriceps) and Brian Bruney (elbow) on the DL, summoning infielder Angel Berroa and pitcher Mark Melancon from the minors to take their spots on the roster.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Swisher, Yanks Ready to Rumble in Boston
NEW YORK – Nick Swisher is off to a great start in pinstripes – one he hopes continues this weekend when the Bronx Bombers renew old acquaintances in Boston.
The fun-loving outfielder told BronxNet earlier in the week that he and the Yankees are ready for the Red Sox. “We know Oakland’s been struggling, but it was still good to play well in this series and finish the homestand strong,” said Swisher, who already boasts a nine-game hit streak and has reached base safely in all 15 games in which he has appeared this season. “We’re definitely ready for Boston. We’ve played some good teams early in the season, but this will be a good test for us. I was impressed by Tampa, but even there, we played well. We've shown we can play with anyone.
“Right now, the focus is on having everyone get into a groove,” he added. “We know Boston is hot, but we’re playing pretty good baseball ourselves.”
The Yankees traded infielder Wilson Betemit and minor league pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez to Chicago in exchange for the switch-hitting Swisher and minor league pitcher Kanekoa Texeira this winter.
The 27-year-old Swisher struggled in Chicago, batting .219 in 2008, but he did hit 24 home runs in 153 games. He’s been great for the Bombers so far, hitting .306 with four dingers and 12 RBIs.
He’s not the only new Yankee gearing up for the first taste of the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry. “We’re all excited,” Swisher said. “How could you not be?”
Like Swisher, newcomers AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira will all get their first look – from a Yankee perspective – at the greatest rivalry in sports. Teixeira figures to get the brunt of the fan reaction all weekend, having shunned the Red Sox's advances to sign an eight-year, $180 million contract with the Yankees.
Sabathia's turn in the rotation doesn’t fall this weekend, but Burnett will pitch Saturday against Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.
Boston comes into tonight riding a seven-game win streak. Both clubs are 9-6 through the first 15 games with the Yankees feeling pretty good about themselves, too, after Melky Cabrera’s walk-off home run Wednesday that sank Oakland in 14 innings.
New York will send Joba Chamberlain to the hill. The hard-throwing right-hander is looking for his first win of 2009. The highlight of Chamberlain’s brief big league career as a starter came at Fenway Park last July 25, when he handcuffed the Red Sox for three hits in seven scoreless innings, walking one and striking out nine.
He is 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA in six games (two starts) against the Red Sox in his career. Jon Lester will throw for Boston.
First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. tonight. Brace yourselves Bronxites for another tussle at Fenway.
The fun-loving outfielder told BronxNet earlier in the week that he and the Yankees are ready for the Red Sox. “We know Oakland’s been struggling, but it was still good to play well in this series and finish the homestand strong,” said Swisher, who already boasts a nine-game hit streak and has reached base safely in all 15 games in which he has appeared this season. “We’re definitely ready for Boston. We’ve played some good teams early in the season, but this will be a good test for us. I was impressed by Tampa, but even there, we played well. We've shown we can play with anyone.
“Right now, the focus is on having everyone get into a groove,” he added. “We know Boston is hot, but we’re playing pretty good baseball ourselves.”
The Yankees traded infielder Wilson Betemit and minor league pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez to Chicago in exchange for the switch-hitting Swisher and minor league pitcher Kanekoa Texeira this winter.
The 27-year-old Swisher struggled in Chicago, batting .219 in 2008, but he did hit 24 home runs in 153 games. He’s been great for the Bombers so far, hitting .306 with four dingers and 12 RBIs.
He’s not the only new Yankee gearing up for the first taste of the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry. “We’re all excited,” Swisher said. “How could you not be?”
Like Swisher, newcomers AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira will all get their first look – from a Yankee perspective – at the greatest rivalry in sports. Teixeira figures to get the brunt of the fan reaction all weekend, having shunned the Red Sox's advances to sign an eight-year, $180 million contract with the Yankees.
Sabathia's turn in the rotation doesn’t fall this weekend, but Burnett will pitch Saturday against Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.
Boston comes into tonight riding a seven-game win streak. Both clubs are 9-6 through the first 15 games with the Yankees feeling pretty good about themselves, too, after Melky Cabrera’s walk-off home run Wednesday that sank Oakland in 14 innings.
New York will send Joba Chamberlain to the hill. The hard-throwing right-hander is looking for his first win of 2009. The highlight of Chamberlain’s brief big league career as a starter came at Fenway Park last July 25, when he handcuffed the Red Sox for three hits in seven scoreless innings, walking one and striking out nine.
He is 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA in six games (two starts) against the Red Sox in his career. Jon Lester will throw for Boston.
First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. tonight. Brace yourselves Bronxites for another tussle at Fenway.
Should Yanks Sign Pedro?
If Chien-Ming Wang remains a question mark for the Yankees much longer, when do we open discussions on potentially acquiring another arm for the rotation?
Should the Yankees consider signing their old, arch-rival, free-agent pitcher Pedro Martinez?
Yes, I said it.
And I’ll explain why I’m throwing it out there. Skipped for this weekend’s series at Fenway Park, Wang instead pitched seven innings in an extended spring game on Thursday in Tampa, Fla. The righty allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits, walking none and striking out 11 against a team of Philadelphia Phillies farmhands. Wang threw 70 of 91 pitches for strikes in the outing.
Has Wang turned a corner? Or has that foot injury that kept him out most of last season affected his mechanics so much that he’ll never be the same pitcher ever again?
Let’s hope not. The Yankees need Wang if they’re going to make a serious run at World Series title No. 27. I know they have CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain, but the bottom line is: You can never have enough pitching?
That’s why it’s not insane to consider signing Martinez, who at 37 is far from his glory days when he pitched in Boston, but who’s still good enough to command a starting spot in the rotation – even if it’s at the backend of a playoff contender.
Martinez will resume throwing from the mound in the Dominican Republic, according to Fox Sports. The right-hander, who the Mets elected not to resign this winter, has mostly been playing toss as he contemplated his major league future, but it appears that he wants to return.
The Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have both admitted interest in Martinez. Martinez went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets last season and pitched six scoreless innings for the Dominican club at the World Baseball Classic.
He is reportedly asking for a one-year, $5 million deal, but that just doesn't make sense for most teams at this point. The Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers could also be major players for Martinez if the price drops.
The Yankees haven’t really been mentioned much when it comes to Pedro. But you’d have to think they’d consider it, especially if they struggle this weekend in Boston.
Money is no option for the Yankees. They’d probably give Martinez his $5 mill. The bigger question would be whether the clubhouse could stand adding Martinez to the fold. In Joe Torre’s new book, The Yankee Years, he mentions how many players came to him before Martinez signed with the Mets saying how much the clubhouse was against Martinez joining the Yankees.
It’ll be hard for any Yankee left over from that 2003 American League Championship Series to forgive Martinez for throwing then 72-year-old bench coach Don Zimmer to the ground during a bench clearing brawl. Martinez and Jorge Posada traded barbs, which incited the incident after Martinez threw at Karim Garcia.
So, could the Yankees put their hard feelings aside for Pedro? Hey, I think they could. The Yankees had no love for Roger Clemens before he joined the Bombers. It worked out pretty well there. And Clemens was a notorious head hunter.
Plus, there aren’t many holdovers from that 2003 club. Is Pedro still the same pitcher? Or course not. Could he throw a solid five innings and from time-to-time have a vintage performance? I really do think so.
I’m not saying I like Pedro, but I understand how good he can be. I was there that night in September, 1999 when he one-hit the Yankees, striking out 17 in a near perfect game performance. If he’s a third as good these days, he’s better than half the guys the Yankees would consider as a replacement for Wang.
He’ll make a solid addition for any club midseason. I think in the long run, Martinez will sign with LA, the team he debuted for in 1992.
Still, it’s food for thought in the Bronx.
As for the Yankees, if Wang remains with the big league club, his next turn in the rotation could come Tuesday at Detroit. If Wang stays in Florida, the Yankees could elect to bring up Phil Hughes, who’s pitching well at Triple A.
Should the Yankees consider signing their old, arch-rival, free-agent pitcher Pedro Martinez?
Yes, I said it.
And I’ll explain why I’m throwing it out there. Skipped for this weekend’s series at Fenway Park, Wang instead pitched seven innings in an extended spring game on Thursday in Tampa, Fla. The righty allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits, walking none and striking out 11 against a team of Philadelphia Phillies farmhands. Wang threw 70 of 91 pitches for strikes in the outing.
Has Wang turned a corner? Or has that foot injury that kept him out most of last season affected his mechanics so much that he’ll never be the same pitcher ever again?
Let’s hope not. The Yankees need Wang if they’re going to make a serious run at World Series title No. 27. I know they have CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain, but the bottom line is: You can never have enough pitching?
That’s why it’s not insane to consider signing Martinez, who at 37 is far from his glory days when he pitched in Boston, but who’s still good enough to command a starting spot in the rotation – even if it’s at the backend of a playoff contender.
Martinez will resume throwing from the mound in the Dominican Republic, according to Fox Sports. The right-hander, who the Mets elected not to resign this winter, has mostly been playing toss as he contemplated his major league future, but it appears that he wants to return.
The Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have both admitted interest in Martinez. Martinez went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets last season and pitched six scoreless innings for the Dominican club at the World Baseball Classic.
He is reportedly asking for a one-year, $5 million deal, but that just doesn't make sense for most teams at this point. The Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers could also be major players for Martinez if the price drops.
The Yankees haven’t really been mentioned much when it comes to Pedro. But you’d have to think they’d consider it, especially if they struggle this weekend in Boston.
Money is no option for the Yankees. They’d probably give Martinez his $5 mill. The bigger question would be whether the clubhouse could stand adding Martinez to the fold. In Joe Torre’s new book, The Yankee Years, he mentions how many players came to him before Martinez signed with the Mets saying how much the clubhouse was against Martinez joining the Yankees.
It’ll be hard for any Yankee left over from that 2003 American League Championship Series to forgive Martinez for throwing then 72-year-old bench coach Don Zimmer to the ground during a bench clearing brawl. Martinez and Jorge Posada traded barbs, which incited the incident after Martinez threw at Karim Garcia.
So, could the Yankees put their hard feelings aside for Pedro? Hey, I think they could. The Yankees had no love for Roger Clemens before he joined the Bombers. It worked out pretty well there. And Clemens was a notorious head hunter.
Plus, there aren’t many holdovers from that 2003 club. Is Pedro still the same pitcher? Or course not. Could he throw a solid five innings and from time-to-time have a vintage performance? I really do think so.
I’m not saying I like Pedro, but I understand how good he can be. I was there that night in September, 1999 when he one-hit the Yankees, striking out 17 in a near perfect game performance. If he’s a third as good these days, he’s better than half the guys the Yankees would consider as a replacement for Wang.
He’ll make a solid addition for any club midseason. I think in the long run, Martinez will sign with LA, the team he debuted for in 1992.
Still, it’s food for thought in the Bronx.
As for the Yankees, if Wang remains with the big league club, his next turn in the rotation could come Tuesday at Detroit. If Wang stays in Florida, the Yankees could elect to bring up Phil Hughes, who’s pitching well at Triple A.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Melk Man Delievers in 14th
The homers keep coming for the Bronx Bombers in “Coors Field East.” While the Bronx could never be confused with Colorado, home of Coors Field, the new Yankee Stadium may very well be the East coast version of the long ball haven out West.
Count’em. Six games, 26 dingers. Two of them today from switch-hitting Melky Cabrera, including the ballpark’s first walk off. Cabrera turned on a fastball in the 14th inning and sent it into the right-field stands, his second home run of the game.
Cabrera's 14th-inning drive, the fifth home run of the game, concluded a 4-hour, 57-minute marathon Wednesday, a 9-7 Yankees win over the Oakland Athletics.
By the way, the 26th home run at the stadium is one more than the previous record for the first six games at a major league venue. That had been established at Kansas City's Municipal Stadium in 1955, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Bronxites, welcome to “Coors Field East.”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rehab, Not Surgery Needed for Nady
NEW YORK – Xavier Nady and the Yankees got the news they were looking.
The Yankee right fielder won’t need season-ending Tommy John surgery. Instead, Nady will attempt to rehab a strained ligament in his right elbow. He received encouraging news from Dr. Lewis Yocum, a noted orthopedist and the Angels' team physician, after a review of his medical examinations.
Yocum performed Nady's first elbow procedure in September 2001 and will assist the Yankees team physicians in rehabbing Nady back to health this time around.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman estimated that Nady could need approximately four to six weeks of rehab.
"When I first found out, I thought I was done [for the season],” Nady said. “This is a lot better. I wanted to avoid surgery if possible. You've got to do what's right. I hope going this route ends up working out."
The Yankee right fielder won’t need season-ending Tommy John surgery. Instead, Nady will attempt to rehab a strained ligament in his right elbow. He received encouraging news from Dr. Lewis Yocum, a noted orthopedist and the Angels' team physician, after a review of his medical examinations.
Yocum performed Nady's first elbow procedure in September 2001 and will assist the Yankees team physicians in rehabbing Nady back to health this time around.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman estimated that Nady could need approximately four to six weeks of rehab.
"When I first found out, I thought I was done [for the season],” Nady said. “This is a lot better. I wanted to avoid surgery if possible. You've got to do what's right. I hope going this route ends up working out."
Night and Day: Behind Andy, Mo, Pitching, Not Long Balls, the Story
NEW YORK – With all the focus on the dingers swirling in the Bronx wind the last few days, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera reminded us of how a well pitched game can make anyone forget about the home run.
For the 57th time in their careers, Rivera saved a win for Pettitte, tying Oakland Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley and starter Bob Welch for the highest total in major league history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
New York held on for a 5-3 win at the Stadium.
One homer left the yard – well below the average of five through the first four games at Yankee Stadium this past weekend as the Bronx Bombers won their first-ever night game at the ballpark.
Maybe homers only fly out during the day time? This evening truly belonged to Pettitte and Rivera.
"The Yankees let me know after the game," Rivera said of the record. "It means we've played a longtime together. It's special for me and Andy, but the most important thing tonight was his performance. The bullpen just followed up on what he did."
Added Pettitte: "Mariano and I are very fortunate to be in this position. Right now, I'm just trying to make adjustments and build on every performance. Tonight was a strong start."
The Yankee captain, Derek Jeter, suggested the media was going batty with the home run stories. "Balls are going to fly out some times," he said. "It's only been a few games. It's too hard to judge in that period of time.
"We've been playing well," he added. "Both offensively and defensively. We're doing well."
The Yanks (8-6) won their second straight and three of their last four, improving to 3-2 on the homestand.
Nick Swisher, who's been red hot of late, went 0-for-3, but said he'd trade hits for wins any day. "It doesn't matter to me as long as we win. We're taking things one day at a time. It was a great game for Andy and Mo. A great win for us."
Former Yankee Jason Giambi made his first appearance in the Bronx since returning to Oakland this winter as a free agent. He was robbed of an extra base hit on a dazzling catch by center fielder Brett Gardner.
Needless to say, Giambi wasn't impressed by the wind.
"There wasn't much wind tunnel. I hit a couple balls that were pretty good and actually they went nowhere," Giambi said. "It played the same to me. I mean, there were some balls crushed, myself and Robby Cano. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. It was a night game and really heavy mist."
Damon hit the lone long ball Tuesday night, a no-doubter into the second deck in right field that would have left almost any park on any night.
The sixth-inning shot off Andrew Bailey gave the Yankees the 5-2 lead.
The A's (5-8) dropped their third consecutive game and four of their last five.
Wednesday afternoon will be a battle of leftys at the Stadium. CC Sabathia will oppose Oakland's Brett Anderson.
For the 57th time in their careers, Rivera saved a win for Pettitte, tying Oakland Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley and starter Bob Welch for the highest total in major league history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
New York held on for a 5-3 win at the Stadium.
One homer left the yard – well below the average of five through the first four games at Yankee Stadium this past weekend as the Bronx Bombers won their first-ever night game at the ballpark.
Maybe homers only fly out during the day time? This evening truly belonged to Pettitte and Rivera.
"The Yankees let me know after the game," Rivera said of the record. "It means we've played a longtime together. It's special for me and Andy, but the most important thing tonight was his performance. The bullpen just followed up on what he did."
Added Pettitte: "Mariano and I are very fortunate to be in this position. Right now, I'm just trying to make adjustments and build on every performance. Tonight was a strong start."
The Yankee captain, Derek Jeter, suggested the media was going batty with the home run stories. "Balls are going to fly out some times," he said. "It's only been a few games. It's too hard to judge in that period of time.
"We've been playing well," he added. "Both offensively and defensively. We're doing well."
The Yanks (8-6) won their second straight and three of their last four, improving to 3-2 on the homestand.
Nick Swisher, who's been red hot of late, went 0-for-3, but said he'd trade hits for wins any day. "It doesn't matter to me as long as we win. We're taking things one day at a time. It was a great game for Andy and Mo. A great win for us."
Former Yankee Jason Giambi made his first appearance in the Bronx since returning to Oakland this winter as a free agent. He was robbed of an extra base hit on a dazzling catch by center fielder Brett Gardner.
Needless to say, Giambi wasn't impressed by the wind.
"There wasn't much wind tunnel. I hit a couple balls that were pretty good and actually they went nowhere," Giambi said. "It played the same to me. I mean, there were some balls crushed, myself and Robby Cano. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. It was a night game and really heavy mist."
Damon hit the lone long ball Tuesday night, a no-doubter into the second deck in right field that would have left almost any park on any night.
The sixth-inning shot off Andrew Bailey gave the Yankees the 5-2 lead.
The A's (5-8) dropped their third consecutive game and four of their last five.
Wednesday afternoon will be a battle of leftys at the Stadium. CC Sabathia will oppose Oakland's Brett Anderson.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Yanks' New Stadium on the Juice?
Maybe Major League Baseball should test the new Yankee Stadium for steroids, because baseballs are flying out of the ballpark at an alarming rate.
Twenty home runs were hit in the Yankees' first four regular-season home games this year, with another six clubbed during a pair of preseason exhibitions.
Why?
Steroids? No, no needles here.
No one really seems to have a definitive answer, actually, but it’s apparently the work of the ballpark’s new jet stream in right field. In addition to the short porch in right, the stadium’s expansive concourses and “open air” design have generated a wind tunnel down the line. The new stadium has the exact same dimensions on the field. Just like "The House that Ruth Built," the new Yankee Stadium is 314 feet down the right field line.
Unfortunately, the Bombers’ opponents have taken more advantage of it through the first four games. The Yankees and Indians combined for 20 homers from Thursday through Sunday. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 20 long balls hit over the first four games at Yankee Stadium are the most for any stadium within its first four games, surpassing the previous mark of 18 set by Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park in 2003.
New York split the four-game series with Cleveland. The Indians out-homered the Yanks, 11-9, taking the home opener from the Bombers Thursday and handing them a 22-4 thrashing Saturday.
"It was great weather the last four games, it was perfect," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira said. "The wind was blowing out a little bit and I'm not a meteorologist, so I don't know what's going to happen the rest of the year."
To be continued…
Twenty home runs were hit in the Yankees' first four regular-season home games this year, with another six clubbed during a pair of preseason exhibitions.
Why?
Steroids? No, no needles here.
No one really seems to have a definitive answer, actually, but it’s apparently the work of the ballpark’s new jet stream in right field. In addition to the short porch in right, the stadium’s expansive concourses and “open air” design have generated a wind tunnel down the line. The new stadium has the exact same dimensions on the field. Just like "The House that Ruth Built," the new Yankee Stadium is 314 feet down the right field line.
Unfortunately, the Bombers’ opponents have taken more advantage of it through the first four games. The Yankees and Indians combined for 20 homers from Thursday through Sunday. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 20 long balls hit over the first four games at Yankee Stadium are the most for any stadium within its first four games, surpassing the previous mark of 18 set by Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park in 2003.
New York split the four-game series with Cleveland. The Indians out-homered the Yanks, 11-9, taking the home opener from the Bombers Thursday and handing them a 22-4 thrashing Saturday.
"It was great weather the last four games, it was perfect," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira said. "The wind was blowing out a little bit and I'm not a meteorologist, so I don't know what's going to happen the rest of the year."
To be continued…
BronxNet takes you inside the new Yankee Stadium for the home opener. Check it out...
http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/XhV5vMAb
http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/XhV5vMAb
Tuesday Night Lights: Yanks Play First Night Game at New Stadium
NEW YORK – When it comes to the new Yankee Stadium, everything the first few series will be about the ballpark’s “firsts.”
Tuesday night represented another first for the $1.5 billion stadium – its first night game. After postponing Monday's series opener due to rain in what would have been the first night game at the new Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Bombers and the A’s get down to business with Andy Pettitte making his stadium debut tonight.
Tonight also marks the first time Jason Giambi has been back in the Bronx since last season. Giambi donned pinstripes from 2002-08. The 38-year-old signed with Oakland this offseason as a free agent. He addressed the media before the game.
“I gave my heart and soul when I played here,” Giambi said. “There’s no place on the planet like this. I had a lot of ups and downs here, but I grew as a person.”
We’ll see who has a better stadium first, “Dandy Andy” or “the Giambino.”
Speaking of new Yankee Stadium firsts, here’s a few to remember.
Hit
Yankees: Johnny Damon, first single to center on 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland (Home opener).
Home run
Yankees: Jorge Posada, fifth inning, solo home run to center off Cliff Lee on 4/16/09
Win
Opponent: Cleveland’s Cliff Lee on 4/16/09
Error
Yankees: Cody Ransom on 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland (throwing, sixth inning)
Star-Spangled Banner Performer: Kelly Clarkson (Opening Day)
Ceremonial First Pitch: 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland, Yogi Berra
Public Address Announcer: Paul Olden 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland
Tuesday night represented another first for the $1.5 billion stadium – its first night game. After postponing Monday's series opener due to rain in what would have been the first night game at the new Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Bombers and the A’s get down to business with Andy Pettitte making his stadium debut tonight.
Tonight also marks the first time Jason Giambi has been back in the Bronx since last season. Giambi donned pinstripes from 2002-08. The 38-year-old signed with Oakland this offseason as a free agent. He addressed the media before the game.
“I gave my heart and soul when I played here,” Giambi said. “There’s no place on the planet like this. I had a lot of ups and downs here, but I grew as a person.”
We’ll see who has a better stadium first, “Dandy Andy” or “the Giambino.”
Speaking of new Yankee Stadium firsts, here’s a few to remember.
Hit
Yankees: Johnny Damon, first single to center on 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland (Home opener).
Home run
Yankees: Jorge Posada, fifth inning, solo home run to center off Cliff Lee on 4/16/09
Win
Opponent: Cleveland’s Cliff Lee on 4/16/09
Error
Yankees: Cody Ransom on 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland (throwing, sixth inning)
Star-Spangled Banner Performer: Kelly Clarkson (Opening Day)
Ceremonial First Pitch: 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland, Yogi Berra
Public Address Announcer: Paul Olden 4/16/09 vs. Cleveland
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