Game 108: NYY vs. SD — A pitching loss

It was definitely not CC Sabathia’s night. And it hasn’t been for his last 4 starts. And tonight wasn’t going to be pretty, despite the beautiful weather in San Diego; sometimes you just know. Sabathia got into a huge jam right in the 1st inning, loading the bases with 2 singles and a walk, with 1 out. He proceeded to walk the next batter, walking in the Padres first run of the evening. A ground out scores the 2nd run. In the 4th inning, a solo home run (the first of three this evening) and an RBI triple add two more runs to their score. An RBI single in the 6th adds another, and force Girardi to make a pitching change. Sabathia’s 105 pitches in just 5.2 innings allowed 11 hits, 5 runs, 3 walks, and just 4 strikeouts.

Claiborne got the last out of the 6th inning. Then Chamberlain’s outing in the 7th and Warren’s in the 8th each allowed solo home runs to add to the Padres total. Except Claiborne, the others seemed to follow Sabathia’s lead tonight and not have the kind of control I think we’re used to seeing from the bullpen crew.

Now, this isn’t to say the Yankees weren’t hitting. They got all their 7 hits off the starting pitcher. And their only 2 runs came in the 2nd inning. Ichiro Suzuki singled and stole 2nd, scoring on Eduardo Nunez’s double. Chris Stewart advanced Nunez to 3rd on his ground out, and Sabathia scored him on his ground out. (The Padres are in the NL, so no DH tonight.) So the final score was 7-2 San Diego tonight.

I don’t want to get into the umpire issues from tonight, but let’s just say that three of the four umpires missed some really obvious calls for the Yankees — a blown call at 1st, a roving strike zone, and a dropped ball by 2nd base all accumulated to rack up some ire in both the dugout and in Yankee fan-dom.

Not that any of these would have made that much of a difference, but it’s certainly thrown the importance of instant replay into the conversation once again. They have replay in every other professional sport but will only use replay in baseball on home runs, and only after a unanimous umpire consensus. And if the manager questions a call, on a whim, the questioned umpire can toss the questioning manager. I don’t really know what the right answer would be, but it’s certainly not “as is”.

But I’m guessing MLB has something else currently occupying their conversations that something as relatively insignificant like replay isn’t on the forefront of their minds. I mean, it’s not like it affects players’ careers… oh wait…

Other interesting game news: Derek Jeter earned his first error of the season tonight on a really high overthrow on what should have been an easy out to 1st base in the 2nd inning. But my favorite play of the night came from the dynamic duo of Chris Stewart  and Brett Gardner. A batter singles out to Gardner at center field, who promptly fires it into Stewart at home, who is ready and waiting for the runner and gets him out at the plate to close the 3rd inning. And Curtis Granderson is back off the DL, in the roster, and running around in the outfield again. (To make room for him, Thomas Neal was designated for assignment, and Melky Mesa was sent back to AAA Scranton.)

I can’t imagine many Yankees are headed to bed happy tonight, but that’s the wonderful thing about sleep — it’s the reset button. Tomorrow is a new day, a new game, time to start over and learn from the yesterdays. Sometimes after a big loss, whining, pouting, worrying, denying, or rehashing isn’t your best therapy, but rather a good sleep. So if you screw up today, in the morning, you can push for something better, something new. And who knows? Maybe tomorrow’s sleep will be preceded by your best effort, something daring and challenging, maybe even a win.

Go Yankees!

Game 103: TB vs. NYY — Last minute rally can’t save CC, even with Soriano again

CC Sabathia really didn’t have a very good night. In fact, this quickly became his 3rd game this season to give up 7 runs, a career high. Something just got him in the 2nd inning tonight, something that was just too much for the Yankees’ offense was too much to overcome. Sabathia threw 102 pitches in just 5 innings, allowing 9 hits, 7 runs, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts.

But again it was the 2nd inning that the Rays just jumped ahead and never looked back — a double; a fly out advancing the runner to 3rd; a double scoring the runner; a pop up; a walk; a single scoring the lead runner; a bunt that should have been a 3rd out became a single, loaded the bases and scored another runner; another double scored 2 more runs; and a single scored a 6th run of the inning before they got that elusive 3rd out of the inning on the batter’s attempt to make his single a double. Needless to say, that wasn’t exactly the most encouraging inning for the Yankees. Sabathia allowed an RBI single in the 5th inning to add to the Rays’ lead at 7.

Adam Warren came into the game in the 6th inning for long-term relief, and did an excellent job with a minor exception. In the 7th inning, a single and walk set the stage for a 3-run home run to skyrocket the Rays to a 10 run score total.

But you can’t fault the Yankees for their efforts in the batter’s box. In the 3rd inning, Brent Lillibridge singled, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, and promptly scored (using some really amazing, and dare I say unexpected speed) on Austin Romine’s single. And there the Yankees sat, with their sole run until the 8th inning. Oh, they threatened quite a bit, prompting Tampa to exhaust their bullpen, using 6 pitchers through the entire game. But in the 8th inning, a 2-inning rally certainly made an effort to chip away at the Rays’ double-digits lead. Melky Mesa doubled, David Adams singled home Mesa, Alfonso Soriano (more on him later) grounded into a force out, and Chris Stewart doubled home Soriano. It was now 10-3 Rays, going into the 9th inning.

With one out, Lillibridge singles, Romine walks, Brett Gardner singles and loads the bases, Mesa singles and scores Lillibridge, Adams singles home Romine, Soriano grounds into another force out but scores Gardner, and a final ground out ends the game. This planted the attempted rally 4 runs shy of the Rays, ending the game at 10-6 Tampa.

I will say that the Rays barely out-hit the Yankees 12-11, those numbers alone explain why the Rays went through so many pitchers tonight. But it’s never how many hits you get, but how many times you cross home plate. And if it makes Yankees fans feel any better, after today’s games, Boston fell to Baltimore so Tampa’s win actually made them 1st place in the AL East. And as any Yankee fan will tell you, anyone’s better than Boston, especially if it can’t be you.

Now, for Soriano… that’s right, old Yankee fans, Sori’s back. The Yankees front office spent some time orchestrating a trade with the Cubs for Soriano to return back to his former team. They traded a pitching prospect for Sori, who waived his “no-trade” clause to be back in the Bronx. Soriano played for the Yankees from 1999-2003, where he was part of the trade with Texas the Yankees made for Alex Rodriguez. That’s right, if you’re following along at home, Rodriguez isn’t playing with the Yankees right now, but the guy he essentially replaced is back in action on the team. Soriano traded his infield position for an outfield/DH role, being as he is now 37 (it’s still the tradition to make a big deal about the age of the players, right?). And though he had a less-than-outstanding outing in his re-debut in pinstripes, he is still being seen as a better choice than some of the other options the club has.

But Soriano is a welcome sight in the Bronx, a reminder of good seasons and a great clubhouse rapport. Veterans certainly welcomed him home, and the great Yankee fan base certainly welcomed Sori home tonight. What makes it even more awesome is that Vernon Wells (who has been sporting #12 since signing with the Yankees this Spring) traded numbers with Soriano, so that Sori could have his old number back. So Sori donned #12, and Wells took #22. If anything at all, Soriano is certainly bringing out the best in his new teammates, and I have to say that a good clubhouse always makes for a better team than almost anything else.

And for those curious, the Yankees sent Thomas Neal to AAA Scranton to make room for Soriano on the 25-man roster, while the 40-man roster now sits at an even 40. The juggling of this roster this year must keep the cell phones and computer keyboards in near-perpetual motion. I certainly don’t envy their jobs in the least, and they’ve certainly been working overtime too many times this year already. And it’s not over yet with Jeter, Granderson, Nix, Phelps, Cervelli, and Rodriguez just itching to get back in the game as soon as humanly possible.

And while tonight’s game certainly wasn’t the most encouraging one to watch as a Yankees fan, the end of it certainly proved many of my previous posts right — “never, never, never give up” (thanks to Churchill for the quote). Even if you fail, you don’t want to feel like you just handed over the win without at least trying to win. I love that this year so many of the major plays and runs are being made by the guys you’ve barely heard of and least expect anything from. Because isn’t that what makes minor league ball or even little league special? Not the names, but the game itself and the players working their hardest and making every effort to just do their best in the hope that their best is something truly spectacular. Those are the guys that play the game right, and those are the guys I want to root for and cheer on and see succeed in life.

Go Yankees!

Game 100: NYY vs. TEX — On the edge of my seat

When games start out exciting, they usually end up that way as well. When games start awful, that’s usually never a good sign. But when games start rather routine and don’t stay routine, it’s that nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat kind of action that gets your adrenaline pumping all the way to the last out. It’s only fitting that today’s game was rather exciting, or at least became that way, being as it’s the 100th game of the Yankees season. So it was nice not only to get a win, but a really exciting win.

I feel bad for starter Phil Hughes tonight. He started out so well, and then because of a fielding error (not his fault), a cascade of events suddenly led to the Yankees early lead crumbling all in the 6th inning. Here’s what happened: with 1 out, a fielding error by 3rd baseman Brent Lillibridge allowed a Ranger to reach 1st; a double scored the runner; a fly out advanced the baserunner to 3rd; and a single scored the runner. At this point, they pulled Hughes for Boone Logan, who promptly allowed a 2-run home run and a double. Bye-bye, Logan. Hello, Preston Claiborne. Claiborne is really stepping up in the bullpen, and tonight was no exception; he got the next 4 batters out. Joba Chamberlain became the set-up man in the 8th and actually set-up 2 rather spectacular plays for the ever-reliable, ever-amazing Brett Gardner. Chamberlain would also get tonight’s win, but let me explain.

It started out pretty good in the 3rd inning. Recent call-up Melky Mesa doubled (nice way to say hello in pinstripes this year) and then scored on Austin Romine’s double. Brett Gardner singled, moving Romine to 3rd. Ichiro Suzuki singles, moving Gardner to 2nd and scoring Romine. This no out inning ends pretty quickly with a double play and fly out. But the damage has begun, albeit rather routinely. In the 4th, Vernon Wells doubles and scored when Lillibridge hit into a fielder’s choice. And so the Yankees sat at 3 runs scored.

By the end of the 6th inning and the Rangers suddenly came alive, the score was 4-3 Texas. And so with their last shot at the game, in the 9th inning and one out, the Rangers walked Wells, advancing him to 2nd on a wild pitch. So when Eduardo Nunez saw a pitch he liked, he plowed it deep out to left-center field, scoring Wells easily, and landing very safely at 3rd for a triple. He’s so speedy that I think he would’ve made it home, but coming around 2nd, Nunez stumbled a bit and probably didn’t want to risk it. But that’s okay because Nunez jogged home on Lillibridge’s single. And the score was suddenly 5-4 Yankees.

So guess who was very quickly up in the visitor’s bullpen in Arlington. With cameras out and clicking, Metallica over the speakers, everyone on their feet and cheering, Mariano Rivera jogged to the mound for a quick 12 pitch bottom of the 9th for his 32nd save and a really fantastic Yankee win.

I know I say it a lot (but in baseball, how could you not?), but Yogi’s a very wise man — “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” I imagine Yankee fans everywhere kicking themselves for giving up, walking out or changing the channel seeing the Rangers up 4-3 going into the 9th inning. “O, ye of little faith.” I mean, they’re the Yankees. “Anything’s possible.” (Now, enough clichés.)

You just never know…

Sometimes that hope and prayer works out for you in that last second ditch effort, the rally cap time. Sometimes it doesn’t. But does it mean you stop hoping that things will turn your way? Does it mean you can’t believe in the impossible? The problem with reality sometimes is that it makes so many of us cynical. The benefit (if you can call it that) of cynicism is you never have to be as disappointed as you could be because you’ve already set yourself up for the “what if”. But there is a measure of cynicism that still hopes for the better outcome.

Perhaps, instead we need to be a little more like the kids you see at the ballpark with their gloves, hoping and praying for a foul ball or a tossed ball from their favorite ball player on the way back to the dugout. They’re never afraid to wave their hands, glove and all, begging, pleading for a $6 baseball. They’re not afraid to look foolish or greedy or hopeful. It’s why the athletes love signing for kids because they understand that they will cherish the $6 ball because someone took the time to think of them and gift them with a special touch. A ball that may end up in a box in their mom’s attic one day, but for that brief moment, their world was changed for the better. They walked away with their own personal souvenir, and it’s a moment they won’t soon forget. That hope and that memory that one day they pass onto their sons, taking them to the ballpark with a glove, encouraging their sons to get a ball and go for it. Because it’s the hope for good things in life that push us forward, even when the current situation looks bleak or impossible.

Because at the end of the day, if baseball teaches us anything, anything really is possible.

Go Yankees!

Game 97: NYY vs. BOS — Teamwork wins games, but Stewart ensures them

There was a determination on every Yankee’s face today that I haven’t seen in a few games, and that determination really rocked the Red Sox’s world and earned a really great Yankee win today.

So much of today’s win was clearly set forth early in the game by a near flawless Hiroki Kuroda. Through 7 full innings, Kuroda threw 104 pitches, allowing just 5 hits and the only 2 run the Red Sox would score today; he also allowed the only walk of the game. Both Boston runs were scored in the bottom of the 7th inning, a single and a double planted runner at 2nd and 3rd with no outs, so a sacrifice fly deep to center field easily scored the first Boston run, advancing the other runner to 3rd. He then scored on a wild pitch, hustling it all the way home to beat out the tag.

Kuroda was aided in his quest for a win by David Robertson in the 8th and Mariano Rivera in the 9th (for his 31st save of 2013), who kept Boston away from threatening the Yankees lead. Also sharing in today’s win was the really great defense (with some minor exceptions). Luis Cruz played the whole game at 3rd, snagging some great foul balls and always ready to make plays in the hot corner. Boston’s usually potent offense kept Brett Gardner on his toes out in center field, often thrown back to the warning track and up against the back wall to make the plays.

Outstanding defensive day for Chris Stewart,
here in mid-double play
via nydailynews.com

But really, the defensive champion is most definitely catcher Chris Stewart. In the 1st inning, a long single to left field had Vernon Wells throwing a really long throw to an awaiting Stewart at home, who easily tagged the sliding runner to keep the Red Sox from making the first dent in the scoreboard. Then in the 5th, on a wild pitch by Kuroda, he rushed to grab the ball up against the back stop and tossed it to a waiting Kuroda who was able to tag out the advancing runner. But I think everyone’s favorite play came in the 8th inning. Robertson got a batter to pop up a foul ball into the stands behind the plate, which Stewart went over the wall and got the out. But he wasn’t done. Upon returning back to his feet, he fires the ball to 2nd base to get the runner trying to steal for an inning-ending double play, leaving the Boston batter just shaking his head in disbelief. And while many analysts seemed very surprised by Stewart’s excellent defense, I don’t think one Yankee fan was surprised after all he’s contributed to the team, especially in this season.

Now, in order to win ball games, you have to score some runs and make some hits. And today, the Yankees scored some runs and made some hits off the Boston bullpen. In the 5th inning, the Yankees strike first as Gardner singles home Cruz, putting the Yankees up 1-0. Then in the 7th inning, Eduardo Nunez doubles (leaving his helmet at 1st base, as usual) and Cruz singles to score Nunez (2-0). Gardner’s single forced Boston to turn to its bullpen, which Ichiro Suzuki grounds into a force out so Cruz is at 3rd, Gardner’s out at 2nd, and Ichiro is at 1st. Then back-to-back singles by Robinson Cano and Lyle Overbay score Cruz and Ichiro, respectively. And the Yankees are up 4-0 by the 7th inning stretch.

When the Red Sox cut their lead in half in the bottom of the inning, the Yankees decided to ensure their lead in the 9th inning. Cruz is hit by a pitch, and Gardner takes advantage of a fielding error to put the runners at 1st and 2nd. Cruz then steals 3rd, though he seemed almost shocked that he did so successfully. And it’s Cano again to earn an RBI via a sacrifice fly to score Cruz.

It should be noted that the Yankees offensively did extraordinarily well overall. Gardner went 3-for-5 with an RBI, Cano earned 2 RBIs (both Cruz), Overbay and Nunez both went 3-for-4 each with an RBI, and Cruz went 1-for-3 with an RBI. It should be noted that Cruz scored 3 of the Yankees 5 total runs today. And if anyone has job security in mind in his play today, it would be him.

Before the game, the Yankees recalled Thomas Neal and Melky Mesa up from AAA Scranton, placed Zolio Almonte on the 15-day DL (with his sprained ankle from yesterday’s game), and designated Alberto Gonzalez for assignment. The next lowest man on the totem pole (so to speak) would be Cruz, who up until today hasn’t been as productive on the field as the Yankees would like. I’m guessing his display today could buy his a few more games with the Yankees.

And while the talking heads seemed surprised at how well the 4th place Yankees were playing against the 1st place Red Sox, I don’t think anyone who’s ever watched a Yankees-Red Sox game before is ever surprised by anything that goes on at the games of the greatest rivals in baseball history. It doesn’t seem to matter the location or the standings, but this rivalry never ceases to surprise and stir up emotions of its fans. Fortunately, today did not disappoint. And today, the Yankees had the game from the first pitch by Kuroda to the last pitch by Rivera. Sometimes, you just know how the game’s going to end up. But with these teams, you just never know. That’s part of what’s fun about being part of this historic rivalry. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, anxiously awaiting the next Stewart double play or Nunez helmet-losing sprint or Ichiro steal or Rivera save. You just never know…

Go Yankees!

Game 86: BAL vs. NYY — Wells-done rally & SuperNova

Starter Ivan Nova threw all 9 innings and really proved how outstanding a pitcher he really is. He’s had to fight for his job as a starter since before the season began, even through a stint in the minors, and tonight he showed that he is worth the starter’s position (and not just as a fill-in for Kuroda, who has been cleared to resume throwing activity again). Tonight, back in the Bronx and against the Baltimore Orioles, Nova threw just 102 pitches over those 9 innings, allowing just 3 hits and a walk and striking out a remarkable 11 batters (those are like CC numbers). And the only runs he allowed was a 2-run home run in the 2nd, but nothing else. That’s right, with a single exception, none of the Orioles could figure out Nova’s “supernova-ness”. Tonight was SuperNova.

And honestly, the Yankees played well both offensively and defensively. It was the team in action from the first pitch all the way through the final hit. In the top of the 4th, the Orioles hit what should have been a single but ended up as a 3-4-1 out thanks to great base coverage by Cano and Nova. And Nova’s quick reaction in the 8th inning jumped up to get a really nice out to end the inning.

Now, offensively in the 4th, Wells singled and Overbay walked, which allowed Luis Cruz to single deep into left field and score Wells for the Yankees first run of the evening. They went into the bottom of the 9th inning  down 2-1 to the Orioles, with Nova watching and praying that the offense could turn his outing from the loss it was becoming into a win by some miracle. And then it was a miracle (probably due in part to the 40,000-ish Yankees fans in the stadium).

Vernon Wells, a walk-off hero
via nj.com

The fifth pitcher for the Orioles took the mound and allowed David Adams a nice single. Then Brett Gardner bunts a really soft, sloppy bunt but beats out the throw because the Orioles pitcher can’t seem to hang onto the ball and chase it around the infield grass before making the very late throw to 1st base. Ichiro Suzuki bunts, but this time it’s the Baltimore catcher that is sharp and throws him out at 1st, while Adams and Gardner advance to 3rd and 2nd, respectively. They then intentionally walk Robinson Cano to load the bases. Four pitches later, they walk Travis Hafner, which walks in Adams to tie up the game (and blow whatever save the Orioles thought they had). Oh, and the bases are still loaded with one out. 40,000-ish Yankee fans are on their feet; victory is within reach.

And then it’s Vernon Wells up to bat. On a 2-2 pitch, Wells hits a solid single in the gap between short and 3rd, Gardner scores, and the entire dugout empties to rejoice. 3-2 Yankees final score in a walk-off single. (Another look at the single and celebration here.)

Victory in the Bronx, and that makes 5 games in a row. July is off to a great start.

And in other good news, Derek Jeter was cleared for his rehab assignment, which he will start on Saturday with AAA Scranton. He is currently scheduled for 5 innings at shortstop and have 20 days to complete his rehab assignment. The Yankees have made it clear that Jeter, like many of those on the current DL will need the full 20 days to prove they are fully ready for a daily assignment with the big guys. That 20 days puts him ready for a return at the earliest at the end of this month. This also has Jeter playing with guys he played with in Spring Training, those on the extended roster (some who have already seen Major League playing time), and some outstanding players in the minor league — including Addison Maruszak, Dan Johnson, Melky Mesa, Thomas Neal, Ronnier Mustelier, Corban Joseph, and Walter Ibarra. This kind of rehab certainly gets Jeter ready for the bigs on a higher level of impact and challenge because of the players on the roster. And though the RailRiders aren’t doing so well this season (right now, they are below .500 for their season), they could certainly benefit from a veteran presence, especially one who is known to bond teammates together to improve their teamwork and morale, even in a losing streak or slump.

And one of my favorite times in the Yankee season is coming up next week — HOPE Week. And I’m looking forward to writing about the players’ community outreach and the organizations they will be supporting and partnering with this coming week all around the city. I love the heart of a team that supports in both finances and man-power other people who dedicate their lives to helping people. It’s yet another reason I am proud to be a Yankee fan, and probably my personal favorite reason.

Go Yankees!

Standards, injuries, and the “old guard”

Injury news alert — they’re everywhere…

On the new injury front:

• Mark Teixeira may or may not be placed on the Disabled List because he won’t be playing for at least the rest of the week.
• Kevin Youkilis is still awaiting his results from the doctor regarding his back injury. Back injuries are tricky, so they are exercising extreme caution with him and his progress.

And in Tampa:

• Michael Pineda (the long-awaited fireball pitcher) is on his rehab assignment in with Advanced-A Tampa; he is on track to finally be with the team next month.
• Alex Rodriguez will face live pitching tomorrow, after getting batting practice and fielding grounders today.
• Derek Jeter began swinging in the batting cage today and took some minimal grounders at short.
• Eduardo Nunez, looking to rejoin the Yankees before the All-Star Break, hit off the tee, threw long toss, and took ground balls today.
• Curtis Granderson will see the doctor on Thursday to have the pin taken out of his hand, which will allow him to begin rediscovering his grip and hand strength.
• Francisco Cervelli is on track for a return right around the All-Star Break, going through basic fielding drills today. He will begin swinging a bat underwater.

And there is a run of recent injuries in AAA Scranton as well hitting Ronnier Mustelier, Melky Mesa, and Corban Joseph. This makes GM Brian Cashman looking forward to another meeting with fellow GMs to discuss trade options before the trade deadline at the end of July.

Cashman seemed rather pessimistic during his press conference earlier today, and I suppose right now these do seem rather bleak. I mean, the team can’t seem to go a week without someone spending an extended amount of time in a doctor’s office. And I do have to admit that there are times I get more than a little bummed about the outlook of such a fractured (pun intended) team. But like I’ve been saying a lot this week, that’s just continuous negativity and that accomplishes nothing good.

So the Yankees have hit a low point in their season. That’s just reality. But I was checking up on other teams that played today and I saw the statistics with them. There are some teams that are barely pulling in 10,000 people per game (the Yankees are averaging around 30,000 across the country). And other teams have been hit with recent strings of injuries. And there are several teams hitting the same kind of mid-season slump. Other teams are also flirting with inconsistency in their average game performances. But because they are the Yankees and those standards for excellence are high, it’s a bigger deal than it probably should be.

That high standard is a wonderful thing, but it’s also how people seem to measure epic failure when the team isn’t hitting that standard on a regular basis. I know the standard of the “old guard” is anything short of the world championship is failure, and seeing as we’re not in an assured spot to even make the playoffs right now, I’m guessing the “old guard” isn’t too happy with the current direction.

So while Cashman, Girardi, and company work their magic to turn this team around, I’m forced to go back to my old standard for baseball players — ability, teamwork, and character. With so many new guys or replacements, I’m not sold on how they measure up yet. I think they all have the ability, or they wouldn’t be playing at this level. The teamwork aspect definitely needs some overall work because this is where they recently have had some obvious holes; the defense is immediately affected and the overall clubhouse vibe is indirectly affected. And the character factor really plays into how the individuals react to conflict, disappointment, and even celebration; and again, since we’re dealing with relatively new players, we’re not sure how everyone stacks up in this area, though some recent events have displayed some character qualities that reveal how some players measure up here.

Maybe that’s what made the Yankees work so well before. Everyone on the team (with some minor exceptions) fit these categories and excelled, especially where it counts most (character and teamwork). And at the end of the day, I’d rather see a team that functioned as a team and was full of integrity than some convoluted patchwork of superstar athlete divas. Again, teams win games, not individuals, especially not divas. So maybe that’s what we’re missing right now — the team. And with the guy that usually pulls everyone together as a team nearly 1200 miles away, it’s going to be up to someone else to step up and rally the troops, as it were, and get everyone back on the road to that ultimate victory — the World Series. And there’s no doubt in my mind that in roughly 4 months, we could be talking about the Yankees as world champions once again.

Go Yankees!

Exhibition Game: NYY vs. WSH — The team, the cuts, the non-game

Andy Pettitte threw 6 strong innings in today’s exhibition game against the Washington Nationals, including striking out 6 batters. The Yankees won this afternoon’s game in D.C. 4-2 against was is estimated to be one of the best NL teams. And the Nationals can boast a regular lineup with superstars like Ryan Zimmerman, Jason Werth, Adam LaRoche, Ian Desmond, and (USA Today’s cover story) Bryce Harper. But up against a well-seasoned workhorse like Pettitte, the Nationals might be glad they will never meet again this 2013 season outside of some fated World Series between the two.

It was the 4th inning today that made all the difference: a Youkilis solo home run, Hafner’s single, Wells’ double, a strike-out, a Nunez 2-RBI single (safe at 2nd on throwing error), a Chris Stewart RBI single, and 2 ground outs. And while the Nationals scored 2 of their own (both RBI singles), they never could quite catch the momentum that seemed to strike the Yankees for that brief 1/2 inning. Mariano Rivera also pitched the final three outs in what could be his last game at Nationals Park, notching the save. Honestly, that inning was the reason the Yankees are something to be reckoned with, as despite their injured stars, the team functioned as such — a team and raked up the runs to give Pettitte a decent lead to continue his start.

Now, while the critics are drilling into the team’s increasing DL, it’s really the pitching staff (particularly the starting rotation) that is the strongest factor of this season’s team. They always say, “if you don’t have pitching, you don’t have nothing.” Well, they got pitching, even when a starter is on the DL, there’s still excellent, solid pitching. So it sounds like we got something.

Speaking of pitching… the roster cuts were announced today, and for most people, the biggest surprise was to see that relief pitcher David Aardsma had been designated for assignment. (For my non-baseball friends and family reading that, it means he’s been released from his commitments to the Yankees and is free to be picked up and contracted to another team should they want him.) This news really disappointed me. And while I understand why (Girardi mentioned they needed a long reliever rather than Aardsma’s specialty as short-relief), it’s never an easy thing to digest to be let go from a team, especially one who’s worked hard to come back from rehabbing after 2011 Tommy John surgery. He played a good Spring, so hopefully he’ll find a home for 2013 soon.

Predictably making the roster were outfielder Ben Francisco and infielder Jayson Nix. Another shocker was sending Vidal Nuno to AAA to start the season, after such a stand-out spring and winning the award, but I suppose he is prepared to be called up should the need arise. (And chances are with this year’s luck, the need will arise.) Melky Mesa is optioned to AAA to start 2013, despite some hard-earned outings and spectacular defensive plays.

Something tells me this year will be nothing short on spectacular plays and stories of all these amazing guys. Best of luck to all!

Go Yankees!

Spring Game 32: NYY vs. BAL — Revenge on the birds

Let’s call this some late revenge for all the trouble they gave us last year. Showalter’s starting Orioles stars just couldn’t compete with the Yankees’ minor leaguers and bench players/injury substitutes (plus Brett Gardner, who went 1-for-4 with 2 strikeouts). For all the talk about how amazing the O’s are and will be this season, they certainly didn’t bring their A-game to tonight’s game, losing to the Yankees 11-8 and committing 5 fielding errors.

So let’s talk about how the Yankees were awesome tonight. David Phelps threw 5 innings, striking out 9 batters and only allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, and 2 walks. Bobby Wilson, Mason Williams, and Melky Mesa all notched doubles of 3 different Orioles pitchers. Brennan Boesch, and Ben Francisco each swung for the fences with home runs in the 1st and 3rd innings, respectively. And RBIs were in abundance by Eduardo Nunez and Boesch (each with one) and Wilson, Williams, and Addison Maruszak (each with two).

Speaking of Maruszak, a last-minute replacement for Ronnier Mustelier who was scratched due to a sore knee, but really another excellent job again, this time at 3rd base. He had some nifty defensive moves including a nice scooping grab and toss to 1st for the out. He’s really turning into something of a utility player, and his offense was excellent tonight getting a nice RBI single and scoring a run himself. For someone who’ll be starting in AA/AAA this year, he’s certainly showing marketed improvement in recent years and is really becoming a player that could make a mark on a future starting roster, with that future being much sooner than previous estimations.

And again, this is what’s so awesome about Spring Training — we get to see player development and prospects firsthand. I know last year, it was tonight’s starter (Phelps) that really took people by surprise and look where he is now — in competition for the 5th starters position, probably settling into a nice long-relief bullpen during the healthy season, covering Phil Hughes while he recovers from his back injury at the beginning of the season. Did anyone see Phelps coming in 2012? Maybe a handful of people, but it was last Spring that brought him to the forefront for everyone, especially Girardi.

So who is this year’s Phelps? There are many possibilities, like Vidal Nuno (who is now contending for a bullpen job), Mustelier (an excellent infielder with a power bat), and Juan Rivera (who is really finding a home over at 1st covering for Teixeira). And there are so many player contributions to the progress of the 2013 team already, who will probably find their 2013 home in Tampa, Trenton, or Scranton. I guess that’s part of the fun of Spring — you never know who’s going to be the next necessary cog in the Yankees machine, and really, it can be anyone, from the superstar high-contract veteran players right on down to the young non-roster invitees. It’s what makes it all about the team and not just the superstar high-contract veterans.

Go Yankees!

Spring Game 24: NYY vs. PIT — At least the power is back

Traveling to Bradenton today to play the Pittsburgh Pirates and visiting former Yankees Russell Martin (who started at catcher today) and AJ Burnett (who didn’t pitch today), the Yankees found that power key that seemed to be missing in both of yesterday’s games, winning today’s game 11-9.

We saw some great power at the plate today beginning with Kevin Youkilis’ 2-run home run in the 1st and an RBI double in the 2nd. But it was Melky Mesa’s grand slam in the 3rd that made the largest dent in the scoreboard today. Addison Maruszak also added to the scoreboard in the 9th inning with an RBI double. The Yankees also showed their speed around the bases with a total of 5 stolen bases, two back-to-back by Nunez.

One of the most talked about plays occurred in the bottom of the 3rd. A ball goes popping up to center field, Mesa drops it throws the ball to Rivera at 1st, but the runner is safe at first. So far this is fairly standard. But the runner that should have advanced to 2nd was heading around to 3rd when he is told by his coach to head back to 1st, perhaps thinking Mesa actually caught it, so he heads back to 1st. In the process, Rivera throws the ball to Nunez covering 2nd, which makes the confused runner out at 2nd. It was just sloppy and confusing for everyone, and I think there was lots of blame to share for the mishandling of this play all around — the umpires for not calling a dropped ball, the 3rd base Pirates coach for telling the runner to go back to 1st, the runner for going back to first, and Mesa for dropping the ball in the first place. But at least it was an out.

The 9th inning suddenly became the sloppy inning for the Yankees, with the Pirates attempting a rally, scoring 3 runs before a pitching change finally closed the game. Some people were comparing the pitching and defense to watching a Gulf Coast League game (which is rookie league, below Single-A), and I simply cannot argue with that. They really almost lost the game in that half an inning.

Starting pitcher Ivan Nova had a strong start, backed by great defense and racking up the offense early on in the game. Nova dropped a little 4th inning allowing 3 runs and a solo HR in the 5th to slice the Yankee lead in half. But he is on track to for that 5th rotation spot, barring any major development (like an injury).

I also think Mesa’s offense today has certainly nudged his chances up to a whole new level to cover while Granderson recovers. Clearly, he is finding his swing and doing a decent outfield job. At least, he gives Girardi a viable option in the outfield while he awaits his regular starters’ healthy returns.

Speaking of health, Mark Teixeira is back in Tampa today to finish the Spring workouts with the team. While he cannot do anything like basic fielding or proper batting, he can still work on other factors and continue bonding with his teammates. I think his veteran presence in the clubhouse is also going to make an impact in some of the guys who are still hoping to make it and maybe need a little encouragement. Like I’ve said before, it certainly makes a difference when the veterans are present and giving that instant feedback to the prospects. And so many times it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Go Yankees!

Spring Game 19: PHI vs. NYY — Core Four Mini-Reunion

The Core Four were at it again… well, in a way. Derek Jeter started at shortstop tonight for the first time this Spring, exactly 5 months to the day after his season-ending broken ankle in the ALCS last year, playing 4 solid innings. Andy Pettitte made his Spring debut tonight on the mound, throwing 3 innings, striking out 3, and only allowing 1 of the Phillies’ 2 runs tonight. Mariano Rivera came on in the 5th inning to throw 3 straight, quick ground outs. And Jorge Posada (the only retired member) watched from the coaches’ den by the dugout, enjoying his role as Guest Coach and good friend to so many on the team. It was quite a fun mini-reunion to watch in a game tonight for those of us used to rooting on the Core Four for nearly two decades now.

Yankees honor West Point’s baseball team
The two teams meet for March 30th Exhibition game

The Yankees topped the Phillies 6-2 tonight, much of that is due to the 5 errors made by the Phillies. Newly signed minor leaguer and outfielder Ben Francisco made a big splash tonight with a 2-out RBI. Melky Mesa also is stepping up as an outfield contender, with some nice offense including a 2-out RBI hit in the 3rd and some good base running and outfield defense.

Also in Yankees news tonight, the Yankees sent infielder Corban Joseph, outfielder Zoilo Almonte, and pitcher Adam Warren back to AAA camp. Though we know cuts have to be made, all three are solid pinstripe material that could easily see any Bronx time later this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these three names on the September expanded roster.

Another fun thing about tonight was the addition of the West Point baseball team to their pre-game workouts and honored at the 7th inning stretch during the Yankees’ traditional “God Bless America”. The teams will play an exhibition game on March 30th at West Point. I love that the Yankees have kept the tradition of honoring America and the troops that serve our nation during every home game and support programs like the Wounded Warrior Project. It’s part of why I love the Yankees because it serves to remind us that we are not on one side of things, but a bunch of citizens united together who owe a debt of gratitude to an amazing group of men and women who choose to voluntarily serve our country. It’s good to remember all that we have (including baseball games) is because someone else fought for us to have it.

So I thank all those (including some of my family members) who have served and know that I think about you and am grateful for you every time I hear Kate Smith’s vocals over the loudspeaker and see the thousands of people honoring your service.

Go Yankees!