Archive for April, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 25
Sunday April 29, 2007 at 1:05 p.m.
(Record: 9-14)
Boston Red Sox
[New York. April 29, 2007.] Just when you think the Yankees have momentum, they play lousy and lose to the Red Sox temporary fifth starter. Going into this game, with Wang on the hill, it looked like we would salvage this series and this April. Boston had something to say about that. The Red Sox, led by a first-inning home run from David Ortiz, took the rubber game 7-4.
Boston 101 020 120 [7 9 1]
Yankees 003 000 010 [4 7 0]
WP: J. Tavarez (1-2)
LP: C. Wang (0-2)
S: J. Papelbon (8)
Home Runs: David Ortiz (7); Doug Mientkiewicz (2); Alex Cora (2); Manny Ramirez (3); Derek Jeter (2)
Three Stars
#3. Derek Jeter - Derek tried to make this a game in the eighth when he hit a home run off of Mike Timlin. But it was too late — Manny’s home run an inning earlier sealed this one.
#2. Doug Mientkiewicz - His third inning three-run home run, which game the Yankees a 3-2 lead, looked to be the beginning of a big game. It was not, but at least Doug appears to be showing us something besides his glove.
#1. Alex Rodriguez - Alex went 2 for 4 in this game to complete an amazing April. Since this game was yet another bad Yankees April lose, I think A-Rod deserves first star for finishing off his April in style. And that is an April that he hit .355, with 14 home runs and 34 RBIs — not to mention, the Yankees were rained out twice in April.
April 29th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 24
Saturday April 28, 2007 at 3:55 p.m.
(Record: 9-13)
Boston Red Sox
[New York. April 29, 2007.] As the rumors about Torre’s dismissal fly, the Yanks actually won a game. After Karstens left the game with no out in the first — after breaking his leg on a line drive up the middle — Kei Igawa pitched a gem. This is the kind of pitching the Yankees need from their starters (or reliever in this case). Except for the to-be-expected bad eighth inning by Farnsworth, the Yanks staff held the Sox in check in this much needed 3-1 victory. Posada supplied all of the offense.
Boston 000 000 010 [1 7 2]
Yankees 000 201 00X [3 7 1]
WP: K. Igawa (2-1)
LP: T. Wakefield (2-3)
S: M. Rivera (1)
Home Runs: Jorge Posada (3)
Three Stars
#3. Mariano Rivera - It is sad to say, but in this game (on April 29, 2007), Mariano Rivera earned his first save of the season. He has already blown two saves this year and has an ERA too high for me to even mention — it would hurt too much. The Yankees and their fans can only hope Mariano will be Mariano the rest of the season.
#2. Jorge Posada - I still have no idea how Jorge Posada was able to take an inside Wakefield knuckleball (that was tailing in) and crush it into the rightfield stands. Well, he did it, and it was all the Yankees and Igawa needed.
#1. Kei Igawa - After Karstens went down, Igawa trotted out from the bullpen with two on, none out and Ortiz up in the first inning. As I awoke from the haze, he promptly induced Ortiz into a double-play and after avoiding Manny, he struck out J.D. Drew. Six innings later, it was the seventh, and Igawa had completed 6 innings, giving the Sox only two hits. He won this much needed game for the Yankees. It looks like he is back in the rotation…
April 29th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 23
Friday April 27, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
(Record: 8-13)
Boston Red Sox
[New York. April 28, 2007.] The Yankees allowed the Red Sox to come into town and embarrass them. Granted, this game hurt more as another New York team lost a heartbreaking playoff game that I had to listen to on a walk-man at the Stadium. The only exciting moment in this one was the “Let’s go car wash” chant!
Boston 002 031 014 [11 13 2]
Yankees 000 400 000 [4 7 0]
WP: D. Matsuzaka (3-2)
LP: A. Pettitte (1-1)
Home Runs: Kevin Youklis (2); Julio Lugo (2)
Three Stars
#3. Sean Henn - The only pitcher that did not look awful in this one, which included a Mariano collapse (4 runs, 1 out) and a Yankees 11-4 loss to the Sox at home.
#2. Jason Giambi - Two hits — second star — Yankees lose 11-4 to the Sox at home.
#1. Derek Jeter - Three hits — first star — Yankees lose 11-4 to the Sox at home.
April 28th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 22
Thursday April 26, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
(Record: 8-12)
Toronto Blue Jays
[New York. April 28, 2007.] Hughes pitched pretty decent in his debut, but the Yankees’ offense was non-existent. The ex-Marlins really frustrate the Yanks. A 6-0 loss to the Jays and the Yanks streak is now 6. Not an impressive way to welcome Boston to New York.
Toronto 200 020 200 [6 8 0]
Yankees 000 000 000 [0 4 1]
WP: A.J. Burnett (2-1)
LP: P. Hughes (0-1)
Home Runs: None
Three Stars
#3. Johnny Damon - Nasty game — shut out against — so no fun to pick stars. Damon gets third with his two stolen bases. No hits though.
#2. Jason Giambi - Had half of the Yanks’ four hits. Star number two.
#1. Phillip Hughes - I heard he likes Phil. Although he gave up four runs — this Yankees team should have been able to get him his first major league win.
April 28th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 21
Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
Toronto Blue Jays
[Postponed by Rain]
[New York. April 26, 2007.] The first game of a short two-game series with the Blue Jays was postponed because of rain. This could turn out to be good luck since Pettitte can now move back two days to pitch against the Red Sox. He was basically the only Yankees’ pitcher that was able to get the Sox out consistently last weekend.
April 26th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 20
Tuesday April 24, 2007 at 7:10 p.m.
(Record: 8-11)
at Tampa Bay Devil Rays
[New York. April 25, 2007.] Within minutes of walking off the mound, Chien-Ming Wang’s “decent” performance (a two-star performance considering the circumstances) was wasted by the Yankees’ bullpen. It was only a few weeks ago when I was rambling about how great our bullpen is — and how they may be the best in baseball. Granted, most of the pen still has terrific numbers, but they continually give up big hits. This time it was Myers, giving up a two-strike grand slam to a guy that has 100 stolen bases over the prior two years. It was nice to see Wang back, but if the pen continues to struggle, we are going to need a completely healthy staff to not only start, but stay in there until Rivera. And in case you missed the memo, the Yankees have lost five in a row — but still combined for 29 runs over that span. That is — in a word — insane!
Yankees 010 000 210 [4 6 1]
Tampa Bay 000 200 40X [6 10 1]
WP: J. Salas (1-1)
LP: C. Wang (0-1)
S: A. Reyes (7)
Home Runs: Hideki Matsui (1); Carl Crawford (4)
Three Stars
#3. Jorge Posada - When your team is playing like garbage, a two hit night, with an RBI and a run scored, is all you need to earn a star. Sadly, Posada’s great start is going unnoticed (.344, 2 home runs and 12 RBIs) with all the losses and the A-Rod home runs.
#2. Chien-Ming Wang - If Myers gets Crawford in the seventh, Wang ends with 2 earned in 6 1/3 innings — and probably gets the win. Not a bad start for Wang, but not nearly enough to turn this streak around. I does not appear to be getting much better for the Yankees, and we will not see Wang again until the Red Sox are in town.
#1. Hideki Matsui - Hideki hit one out. His first of the year — not that he has played in many games this season. His home run gave them a 1-0 lead. He also had an eighth inning two-out RBI single that wanted to start a comeback. Even though they lost, it was still nice to see Hideki hit the ball well. (Especially against Kazmir, a solid lefty, who served up his second-inning home run.)
April 25th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 19
Monday April 23, 2007 at 7:10 p.m.
(Record: 8-10)
at Tampa Bay Devil Rays
[New York. April 24, 2007.] Kei Igawa will be dropped from a lot of fantasy baseball teams this week. Some grabbed him for his potential strikeouts, some just because he is pitching for the Yankees’ offense. Regardless, this 2007 version of the Bronx Bombers is starting to be consistent — impressive offense and terrible pitching. We can only hope that when the injury bug leaves this clubhouse — if it ever does — they can start to play a little inconsistent. For now, just another 10-8 loss, in a two home run game by A-Rod.
Yankees 011 112 002 [8 13 0]
Tampa Bay 040 120 30X [10 15 0]
WP: C. Fossum (2-1)
LP: K. Igawa (1-1)
Home Runs: Alex Rodriguez 2 (14); Rocco Baldelli (3); B.J. Upton (3); Robinson Cano (1)
Three Stars
#3. Robinson Cano - Quietly, Cano has batted .324 this year, including his 2 for 4 performance in this game. Why do I say quiet? Well, he has not really had the “big” hit yet and most of his base hits have been singles. At least he finally hit a home run — and it gives him a star.
#2. Jason Giambi - Jason was 3 for 4 — with an RBI and a walk. He is now batting .310. I did not expect to see him batting over .300. Let us hope he can keep that up.
#1. Alex Rodriguez - Amazing! He has now hit 14 home runs in his team’s first 18 games. Too bad his team is 8-10. Reminds me of Texas!
April 24th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 18
Sunday April 22, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
(Record: 8-9)
at Boston Red Sox
[New York. April 23, 2007.] Although I would like to carry on-and-on about how weak of a performance the Yankees put forth this weekend against the Red Sox, I would rather save the words as it is only April and they meet again next weekend. For now, one word — Pathetic.
Yankees 201 011 010 [6 9 0]
Boston 004 000 30X [7 11 0]
WP: D. Matsuzaka (2-2)
LP: S. Proctor (0-1)
S: J. Papelbon (6)
Home Runs: Manny Ramirez (2); J.D. Drew (2); Mike Lowell 2 (3), Jason Varitek (2); Derek Jeter (1)
Three Stars
#3. Andy Pettitte - For coming out of the bullpen and trying to salvage a win in this series — in which, if you didn’t notice, the Yankees were swept. Pathetic.
#2. Derek Jeter - For being the only Yankee to hit a home run on a night the ball was jumping out of Fenway — ask Chase Wright. Pathetic.
#1. Jason Giambi - For giving the Yankees a 3-0 lead in the third — on two clutch hits – a lead that would be taken away after four back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs against. Pathetic.
April 23rd, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 17
Saturday April 21, 2007 at 3:55 p.m.
(Record: 8-8)
at Boston Red Sox
[New York. April 22, 2007.] Ouch. Looks like the momentum did carry. The Yanks jumped out to two leads early, but their next rookie failed to hold it. The Yankees will need more runs if they are to salvage a game in this series. I know it is April, but you never want to see your team, that is hit with the injury bug, swept by a rival. I guess there is always next weekend in the Bronx, but if this all keeps up, that could be worse.
Yankees 220 000 100 [5 9 0]
Boston 220 300 00X [7 13 1]
WP: J. Beckett (4-0)
LP: J. Karstens (0-1)
S: J. Papelbon (5)
Home Runs: David Ortiz (6)
Three Stars
#3. Kyle Farnsworth - He pitched the ninth — in a 7-5 game — and held the Sox at seven. Normally that would not earn you a star, but with the way Farnsworth has been pitching, getting Ortiz, Manny and Drew in order (with a double-play) is worth something.
#2. Alex Rodriguez - I really never thought the Yankees would get pushed around like this and the masses could not blame Alex Rodriguez. He is still hitting well — with a double and an RBI single in this game.
#1. Robinson Cano - In a lose to the Red Sox there really should not be a star, especially a first star. With that in mind, I give this spot to Robinson. He had two hits in the game, one RBI and — unlike the rest of this team – did not strike out against Josh Beckett (who continues to rack up wins – as the fourth starter on the Sox).
April 22nd, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 16
Friday April 20, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
(Record: 8-7)
at Boston Red Sox
[Los Angeles. April 21, 2007.] That game really was the worst Yankees regular season loss to the Red Sox since Mariano’s last implosion in Fenway, back in Summer of 2004 — at least this one did not include a walk-off home run. This really was the Yankees’ shot to win this series. Pettitte pitched great, A-Rod continued his “sick” streak and they held a 6-2 lead (sound familiar) in the eighth inning. Now we have to rely on two rookies to somehow salvage this series.
Yankees 001 113 010 [6 11 0]
Boston 000 200 05X [7 13 0]
WP: K. Snyder (1-0)
LP: M. Rivera (1-2)
S: H. Okajima (1)
Home Runs: Alex Rodriguez 2 (12); Jason Varitek (1)
Three Stars
#3. Robinson Cano - Robison looked good with two hits, one off the monster. He is going to be needed if the Yankees continue to lose these kind of games. This was likely a momentum swing game — and Cano seems like the kind of (Jeter-esk) player that will be unscathed.
#2. Alex Rodriguez - I guess the rivalry and pressure in Fenway have no effect on Alex’s unreal April. He hit another two home runs, the second, giving the Yankees a 5-2 lead and should have been the game winner. Too bad Rodriguez cannot pitch this weekend.
#1. Andy Pettitte - Andy brought his game to Fenway. Pitching well and making only one real mistake — the two-run home run by Varitek. Two runs in six inning at Fenway, that should have been enough for a win. Now the pressure is on Karstens and Wright. Now that Andy is done on the field, it is time to prove his metal in the clubhouse.
April 21st, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 15
Thursday April 19, 2007 at 1:05 p.m.
(Record: 8-6)
Cleveland Indians
[Los Angeles. April 20, 2007.] That game really was the best 9th inning comeback ever — at least in the regular season. Two out, none on, down by four, and … home run, single, walk, single, single, three-run walk-off home run. Simply amazing! And to cap it all off, it was Alex Rodriguez that finished it. There is something about his approach this year that is different. Maybe it is his confidence after the “other” walk-off, maybe its the shorter leg kick, maybe he is just really this good and last year was an aberration — who cares? Whatever it is — it’s working!
Cleveland 000 100 401 [6 10 0]
Yankees 001 001 006 [8 12 1]
WP: S. Henn (1-0)
LP: J. Borowski (0-1)
Home Runs: David Dellucci (1); Jason Giambi (4); Victor Martinez (1); Josh Phelps (1); Alex Rodriguez (10)
Three Stars
#3. Josh Phelps - He only had two at-bats, but his second was with two outs in the ninth. He lined a shot over the wall in left field and started one of the greatest comebacks in Yankees’ history.
#2. Bobby Abreu - How can a player go 4 for 5, with 2 RBIs, a run scored, have the second most important hit in the game and only be the second star? Keep reading.
#1. Alex Rodriguez - Obviously A-Rod gets this first star. Starting the ninth, he was 0-4 and looked pretty bad against the “kid” pitching. After the ninth inning, after hitting another walk-off home run — giving him seven walk-off RBIs in April — he can finally be put in the same sentence as “clutch.” Yes, Alex Rodriguez is clutch. (But, please, let us not forget that Alex would not have come up in the ninth without Phelps’ shot, Jorge’s hit, Johnny’s eye, Derek’s Jeter-ness and Bobby’s patience.)
April 20th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 14
Wednesday April 18, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
(Record: 7-6)
Cleveland Indians
[New York. April 19, 2007.] The first e-mail I receive today — “How long before they start saying Rodriguez is doing steroids?” (Thank you Ginny!) That basically sums up Alex Rodriguez and the New York media. Alex is hitting a ton right now — with pure talent, an excellent work ethic and the drive we have yet to see from him in New York. But, I have no doubt, someone is out there waiting to start trouble with their pen. In my view, Alex has done only one thing wrong in his career — fail to win a championship. He is not a Yankees’ favorite because of his big salary, big strikeouts and poor playoff performances (since the forgotten Twins series in 2004). But he has always had my respect as one of the best “real power” hitters in baseball (and nowadays, there are few of them).
Cleveland 002 000 000 [2 5 0]
Yankees 105 003 00X [9 14 0]
WP: K. Igawa (1-0)
LP: J. Sowers (0-1)
Home Runs: Alex Rodriguez (9); Jason Giambi (3)
Three Stars
#3. Alex Rodriguez - Alex hit his ninth home run in his thirteenth game. For that, he is my number three star. I hope he continues this success with his protein shakes and hard work. And if anyone questions anything except his contract, strikeouts and playoff failures, I hope he tunes them out and continues towards Aaron!
#2. Derek Jeter - There is not much talk about Derek these days (save his unusual defensive struggles), but with another three hits (and two runs) he continues to keep his average around one-third and continues to help the team win games.
#1. Kei Igawa - After the Baltimore game, I did not think I would ever see Igawa at the bottom of this list. But with his quality start (6 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs, 5 strikeouts and a walk) against a powerful offense, he deserves the number one star (his second of the season)!
April 19th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 13
Tuesday April 17, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
(Record: 6-6)
Cleveland Indians
[New York. April 18, 2007.] Chase? Wright? Who is this guy? If the injuries keep piling up, we may be seeing more of him. Chase Wright, straight out of double-A, started for the Yanks, pitching five pretty-good innings and earning his first major league win. It always helps when your offense scores 8 runs in the first two innings.
Cleveland 101 100 000 [3 5 3]
Yankees 260 000 20X [10 10 0]
WP: C. Wright (1-0)
LP: J. Westbrook (0-2)
Home Runs: Doug Mientkiewicz (1); Alex Rodrigez (8); Jorge Posada (2); Travis Hafner (2)
Three Stars
#3. Chase Wright - Wright pitched the required five innings, to earn the win. He was only tagged for three runs (one on a home run by Hafner and another was the result of two outs following his two walks to start the contest). All in all, it was a good day for the Yankees’ minor league system.
#2. Yankees’ Bullpen - Four innings, no runs, no hits, no walks — that is almost half a perfect game. Bruney, Myers and — another from the farm system — Chris Britton.
#1. Alex Rodriguez - A-rod is doing it all right now. This time, he picks up his pitcher with a two-run home run in the second inning to give the Yankees and Chase Wright an early 6-1 lead. That is all Mr. Wright needed.
April 18th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 12
Sunday April 15, 2007 at 4:05 p.m.
(Record: 5-6)
at Oakland Athletics
[New York. April 17, 2007.] Probably the single worst regular season game that I remember watching, save a few loses to the Red Sox. Bottom of the ninth, Mariano pitching, up two, two on, two out, two strikes — awful. Honestly, awful is the only word I can think of to describe it.
Yankees 000 000 310 [4 9 1]
Oakland 200 000 003 [5 8 0]
WP: J. Marshall (1-0)
LP: M. Rivera (1-1)
Home Runs: Marco Scutaro (1)
Three Stars
#3. Alex Rodriguez - Another solid game for Alex Rodriguez. He was 2 for 3, with a walk, a run scored and an RBI. His RBI came in the eighth inning, when he hit a 400 foot sacrifice fly. Too bad it did not clear the wall — missing by only a few feet – and save us from such an awful (there it is again) ending.
#2. Jorge Posada - Like Alex, Jorge was 2 for 3, with a walk, a run scored and an RBI. The only difference is that he did not strike out in the game, and he — a catcher — is now batting .366. I know it is early and I am being repetitive, but it is nice to see Jorge hit the ball like this.
#1. Andy Pettitte - Andy pitched well. He deserved a win. Unfortunately, after seven quality innings, he sat on the bench and watched his team(mate) give one to the A’s.
April 17th, 2007
Yankees 2007 — Game 11
Saturday April 14, 2007 at 9:05 p.m.
(Record: 5-5)
at Oakland Athletics
[New York. April 15, 2007.] A thirteen inning thriller. Won by Jason Giambi and the bullpen. Alex hit another home run and Posada knocked in a clutch pinch-hit run to tie the game in the seventh. The Yankees even overcame four errors. The pitchers end with thirteen innings pitched and zero earned runs against.
Yankees 000 020 100 000 1 [4 10 4]
Oakland 300 000 000 000 0 [3 7 1]
WP: B. Bruney (1-1)
LP: L. DiNardo (0-1)
Home Runs: Alex Rodrigez (7); Jason Giambi (2)
Three Stars
#3. Alex Rodriguez - A huge solo home run off Joe Blanton to get the Yankees in the game when it was 3-0 A’s in the fifth. Alex is really finding some prime times to hit his home runs.
#2. Jason Giambi - A top of the 13th home run to take the lead. What else can I say? That is clutch! Now if he can just keep his average in the 200’s.
#1. Yankees’ Bullpen - After Rasner went 5 1/3, giving up 3 runs (none earned), the Yankees bullpen pitched the final scoreless 7 2/3 innings, giving up only two hits. A combination of Henn, Proctor, Myers, Viscaino, Farnsworth, Rivera and Bruney won this game. It is hard to lose an extra-inning game when the pen is not touched.
April 15th, 2007
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