River Avenue News

Yanks Look to Continue Hot Streak; Pettitte Takes Hill

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Andy Pettitte, LHP (8-6, 4.67)
Gavin Floyd, RHP (8-6, 4.24)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Pettitte tries for his first victory since July 1 as the Yankees open their series with the White Sox. The left-hander held the A's to two hits over six scoreless innings in his last start -- on Saturday -- before things came unhinged, as Pettitte finished allowing four runs in 6 1/3 frames and accepting his sixth loss. Pettitte has seen the Rays three times this season, last on June 8, when he pitched six innings of three-run ball (two earned) and picked up his sixth win. He is 1-0 with a 4.66 ERA in 19 1/3 innings vs. Tampa Bay in '09.

White Sox: The right-hander spotted Detroit a two-run lead in the first inning on Saturday but shut down the Tigers from that point on and put himself in position to win when he exited the game in the seventh inning. Floyd gave up two runs -- one earned -- over 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and striking out seven. He eventually finished with a no-decision when Bobby Jenks blew his second straight save in the ninth inning. Floyd has a 1-0 career record with a 6.75 ERA lifetime against the Yankees but has a 14-8 mark with a career 3.80 ERA over 34 games and 31 starts at home.

Bombers Take Down Rays

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Matt Garza said he hit Mark Teixeira on purpose, because he was sick and tired of opposing teams throwing at Evan Longoria.

A fine should be coming down the pike.

Teixeira, Melky, and Robinson Cano all homered as the Bombers nailed the Rays to the wall; 6-2.

The story of the night, however, continues to be the second half resurgence of Joba Chamberlain. Joba lasted eight full innings, striking out five and allowing only five baserunners (3 hits, 2 walks). Joba managed to keep his pitch count low (101, 56 for strikes) thanks to attacking hitters early in the count.

Batting Line of the Night: Tex went 2-3 and drove in a pair, hopefully a sign that his mini-slide is coming to an end.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	#P	AVG	OBP
M Teixeira 1B	3	1	2	2	1	0	14	.285	.383

Pitching Line of the Night: Joba dominated, nuff said.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
J Chamberlain (W, 7-2)	8.0	3	0	0	2	5	0	101-65	3.58

Wang Struggles But Melky Saves the Day

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Wonder if Melky Cabrera is getting sick of putting on that Superman outfit every other day?

For what seems like the 50th time this season, the Melk Man was able to lift the Yanks with his bat, this time hitting a two run homer to give the Yanks a 8-6 victory over the Rangers.

Chien Ming Wang threw two good innings, followed by three horrific innings which he allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Wang struck out five and gave up seven hits and surrendered one walk.

If you need further proof that Yankee Stadium is the East Coast version of Coors Field, Johnny Damon homered for the eleventh time this season, tying his career high before the all star break.

Batting Line of the Night: While Melky delivered the game winning RBIs, it was his only hit of the night. Mark Teixeira, however, gets the award for last night's three RBIs.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	#P	AVG	OBP
M Teixeira 1B	4	1	2	3	0	0	11	.284	.390

Pitching Line of the Night: David Robertson threw only one pitch, and got the win. Tough night for the kid.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
D Robertson (W, 1-0)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1-1	2.08

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Cowpokes Top Bombers 4-2

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Scott Fledman was able to survive a bases loaded jam by getting Alex Rodriguez to ground into a double play and a rocky first inning for Andy Pettitte led to a Ranger victory.

Jorge Posada homered in the losing effort. Posada has been on fire since his return from the Disabled List.

Nick Swisher collected two more hits, batting from the number two hole again yesterday. Swisher helped offset a 0-4 night from lead off man Derek Jeter.

Batting Line of the Night: Jorge gets the nod again, going 2-4 with a homer and an RBI. Posada is now batting .320 on the season.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	#P	AVG	OBP	SLG
J Posada C	4	1	2	1	0	1	17	.320	.402	.630

Pitching Line of the Night: Brett Tomko was lights out, throwing three innings of two hit ball in a relief appearance. Tomko also struck out three batters.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
B Tomko	3.0	2	0	0	0	3	0	39-27	2.16

Teixeira Sparks Yanks to a 12-3 Drubbing

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Mark Teixeira was convinced that he was being thrown at, so the Tex man slid into second taking out Elvis Andrus with a take out slide that would have made Charlie Brown blush.

Said Teixeira, "Every time I've faced him since, there seem to be balls near my head, near my body, and today I got hit twice, not the right way to play the game. Unfortunately, you know, that guy has been doing it his whole career."

Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada each homered in the rout of the Rangers.

Batting Line of the Night: Jorge made up for his poor throw early in the game by collecting three hits (one homer) and driving in a small army.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
J Posada C	5	2	3	4	0	2	0	.313

Pitching Line of the Night: Burnett wasn't as good as his last outing (eight hits and three runs) but he was good enough (thanks to Bomber bats) for the win, striking out eight batters while lasting seven innings.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
A Burnett (W, 4-2)	7.0	8	3	3	1	8	1	111-71	4.69

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Padilla to Come off DL, Face Bombers

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Vicente Padilla, RHP (3-2, 4.71)
A.J. Burnett, RHP (3-2, 4.78)

Scouting Report:
Rangers: Padilla is coming off the disabled list and making his first start since May 16. He has been sidelined with a strained right shoulder. Prior to that, he was 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in his past three starts. He also has a 2.08 ERA in three starts on the road. Left-handed hitters are batting .325 off him, while right-handers are hitting .190. He is 1-1 with a 5.51 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees. That's his fewest appearances against any team that he's never played for in his career.

Yankees: Burnett won for the first time since April 14 in his last start, hurling six innings of scoreless three-hit ball against the Rangers in Arlington as part of a 9-2 victory. Burnett wasn't thrilled with his command -- he walked four -- but said it was progress. He last pitched against the Indians on April 19 in New York, taking a no-decision in the Yankees' 7-3 victory. Burnett is 1-4 with a 6.69 ERA in six career starts vs. Cleveland.

Joba Brilliant Through Eight

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:21:00 +0000

Joba Chamberlain was lights out through eight innings last night, leading the Bombers to a 5-2 victory over the Tribe.

Joba struck out five Indians and allowed six base runners (one homer), but it was his highlight reel making defensive play that caught everyone's attention. With two runners aboard, Joba dove for a bunt off the bat of Kelly Shoppach, caught it in the air then fired to second to force out Ryan Garko.

Joba followed the play with one of his greatest displays of emotion he's ever let out on the diamond.

Nick Swisher and Alex Rodriguez each drove in two runs. Rivera pitched a perfect ninth for his eleventh save.

Batting Line of the Night: Swisher, batting in the two hole, drove in two runs with a double in the seventh, giving the Yanks the lead for good.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
N Swisher RF	4	1	2	2	1	0	2	.236

Pitching Line of the Night: Joba improved to 3-1 after going a career high eight innings.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
J Chamberlain (W, 3-1)	8.0	4	2	2	2	5	1	106-66	3.71

Just Say No to Midges

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Joba Chamberlain, RHP (2-1, 3.97)
Jeremy Sowers, LHP (1-2, 7.71)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Chamberlain will return to the scene of the 2007 American League Division Series 'midge game' on Monday, as he makes his seventh career appearance (second start) in the regular season against the Tribe. Chamberlain had another shaky first inning his last time out at Texas, lasting just four innings while allowing three runs in a 7-3 loss to the Rangers, and has a 10.00 ERA in the first frame this season over his nine starts. Chamberlain is 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA in five road starts this year.

Indians: Sowers will return to the rotation after getting called back up to the big leagues and serving a brief stint in the bullpen. He was impressive against the Rays on Memorial Day, tossing five scoreless innings in his first career relief appearances. Sowers, who was 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in two spot starts in May, will have to prove he can still have that type of success in a starting role. He is 1-1 with a 6.60 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees.

Yanks Beat at Their Own Game

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Carl Pavano continued to stifle Bomber bats and a walk of hit courtesy of Jhonny Peralta gave the Indians a 5-4 victory over the visiting New York Yankees.

Peralta lined a single off of David Robertson in the bottom of the ninth, driving in Trevor Crowe. Crowe was filling in for Grady Sizemore, who the Indians placed on the 15 Day DL before the game.

Batting Line of the Night: Mark Teixeira drove in all four Yankee runs, two with a homer to right and two more with a double off the centerfield wall.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
M Teixeira 1B	4	1	2	4	0	0	1	.281

Pitching Line of the Night: Wang relieved Phil Hughes and pitched three strong innings, giving up only three hits.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
C Wang	3.0	3	0	0	1	3	0	42-28	16.07

Hughes vs Unbelievable Waste of Money

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Sun, 31 May 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Phil Hughes, RHP (3-2, 5.16)
Carl Pavano, RHP (5-4, 5.50)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Hughes will try for his third consecutive victory on Sunday as he comes off a dominant outing against the Rangers in Arlington, limiting the opposition to three hits over eight scoreless innings. It marked Hughes' second scoreless start of the season, as he also tossed six shutout frames on April 28 at Detroit. Hughes allowed three earned runs or less in five of his six starts this season. He last pitched against Cleveland in Game 3 of the 2007 American League Division Series, when he relieved Roger Clemens and hurled 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the Yankees' only postseason victory that year.

Indians: Pavano only seems to get stronger and more effective as his comeback season rolls along. Further and further removed from his "American Idle" days in four injury-plagued years with the Yankees, the big right-hander has gone 5-1 with a 3.58 ERA over his Past six starts. Pavano's last outing against the Rays on Tuesday was arguably his strongest start of the season. In seven innings, he allowed just one run -- on a Carlos Pena solo shot in the seventh -- on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts. Pavano was also impressive when he faced the Yanks on April 19. In that game, he gave up just a run on four hits over six innings but didn't get a decision.

CC Back in Cleveland for First Time Since Trade to Brewers

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:58:00 +0000

CC Sabathia, LHP (4-3, 3.42)
Fausto Carmona, RHP (2-4, 6.42)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Sabathia continued his dominant ways in his last start, allowing just three runs in eight strong innings to the Phillies on Sunday. And that was his worst of his last four outings. Since May 8, Sabathia has surrendered just six runs in his 32 innings (1.69 ERA) and has been every bit the ace the Yankees were hoping for. His next start could be interesting, because Sabathia is making his first appearance in Cleveland since being traded by the Indians last season.

Indians: Carmona's control problems once again got the best of him in his worst start of the season Monday against the Rays. In just 1 1/3 innings of work, he allowed five runs on three hits with five walks and three strikeouts. In one stretch in the second inning, he threw 16 of 19 pitches for balls, walking four straight batters. The command woes have been a problem for Carmona for a year now, as he's looked less and less like the dominant No. 2 pitcher who won 19 games in '07. Buoyed by 22 runs of support, Carmona gave up four runs on six hits with four walks and a strikeout over six innings in a win over the Yankees on April 18.

Yanks Knock Off Tribe, Bombers Alone at the Top

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:47:00 +0000

For the first time this year, the Yanks have sole possession of the top spot in the AL East, as the Yanks beat the Indians 3-1 and Boston fell to the Blue Jays 6-3.

The pieces look like they're starting to come together for the Bombers, as they got Posada back in the lineup last night. Benji Molina and Xavier Nady are on the horizon, and the pitching staff is starting to string together consecutive quality starts.

The win however, didn't come without some concerning news as Yankee starter Andy Pettitte was lifted in the sixth due to concerns about his balky back.

Batting Line of the Night: Jorge Posada made his return to the lineup and knocked out two hits. The Yanks will have some tough decisions (Cervelli) to make once Molina is healthy.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
J Posada C	3	0	2	0	1	1	3	.325

Pitching Line of the Night: Mariano Rivera picked up his tenth save of the season and set a major league record last night. Rivera's save was the 58th time he saved a game for Andy Pettitte, surpasing Dennis Eckersley's mark of 57 saves for Bob Welch.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
M Rivera (S, 10)	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	16-11	2.61

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Is Mark DeRoas the Answer?

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:29:00 +0000

by Chris Lima
River Avenue News

The trade mill begins to turn and rumors will litter our newspapers, inboxes, and computer screens.

It's not exactly July yet, but its time to start looking at a potential upgrade to the Bomber roster, one who's name has been swirling in the trade winds as of late.

Mark DeRosa, uber-utility man, of the Cleveland Indians has seen his name in more headlines over the past six months than any other journeyman infielder could ever dream of.

Just yesterday, Cubs GM Jim Hendry found himself defending his decision to trade DeRosa to the Tribe. DeRosa has also landed on the Phillies list of players they'd like to target for a mid-season roster tune up.

With the Yanks in Cleveland for the weekend, you can bet the front office is going to take a good look at DeRosa. And they should, if only for one reason; to block the Red Sox.

The Red Sox are in desperate need of a player like DeRosa. Their lineup is full of bumps and bruises (Lowell, Youkilis), inexperience at key positions (Nick Green?), and slumping sluggers (Ortiz).

What better way to give a few guys the day off than to have a player like DeRosa on your bench? The Red Sox have used four different short stops this season, and its only the end of May. DeRosa would provide a solid option until Jed Lowrie could get healthy, and give Lowell and Youkilis a few days off once Lowrie returns.

The Red Sox farm system is loaded with arms, something that Cleveland is more than willing to trade for.

That's why its a good time to start poking around Mark Shapiro's office, making some offers for DeRosa.

Sometimes the best addition to your lineup is one that blocks another rival team from filling an important roster spot.

For those interested, here's DeRosa's 2009 and career stats.

Batting

Year

Team

RBI

AVG

OBP

SLG

OPS

2009

CLE

184

.266

.333

.446

.779

Career

938

2834

437

789

384

269

527

.278

.347

.423

.770

Lefties Battle in Cleveland

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Andy Pettitte, LHP (4-1, 4.30)
Cliff Lee, LHP (2-5, 3.04)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Pettitte looked dominant at times during his last start. If only he could have two pitches back, he may have earned the win. Pettitte allowed two home runs to the Phillies on Saturday -- including a three-run shot by John Mayberry Jr. -- which accounted for all four runs he allowed in seven innings. The left-hander surrendered just five hits in taking a no-decision. The Yankees came back to win the game, saving Pettitte from his first loss since April 26.

Indians: Lee didn't work quickly or ahead quite as often as he usually does, but he nonetheless turned in a quality start in a no-decision against the Reds on Sunday. In six innings, Lee allowed three runs on eight hits with a walk and four strikeouts. It was another outing that would have resulted in a win for Lee had he enjoyed more early run support. Lee earned one of his two wins on the season when facing the Yankees on April 16, giving up a run on seven hits with three walks and four strikeouts in six innings.

Melk Man Out for the Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:25:00 +0000

According to the Associated Press:

New York Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera missed Wednesday night's game against the Texas Rangers with a strained right shoulder, and could be out through the weekend.

Manager Joe Girardi and a trainer ran out to check on Cabrera, who walked off the field and was replaced by Brett Gardner.

Cabrera had an MRI exam Wednesday that was negative. Girardi said Cabrera wouldn't be in Wednesday night's lineup, with Gardner starting in center.

Girardi said Cabrera could be out until Monday night's series finale against the Indians.

"We're going to call it day to day. but it's probably going to be more than a day or two," Girardi said. "I don't necessarily think it will be a DL thing -- getting to the end of the weekend in Cleveland or Monday, that would be really good."

Burnett, Matsui Key Yanks to Victory

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:47:00 +0000

The New York Yankees are now tied for first place (with Red Sox) in the AL East.

Boy it feels good to write that.

AJ Burnett pitched six shutout innings and Hideki Matsui awoke from whatever funk he's been in this season, homering twice, as the Bombers get the series win after knocking off the Rangers, 9-2.

The Yankees also extended their franchise record streak of games played without committing an error to fourteen.

Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano each added a home run as the Bombers keep living up to their nickname.

Batting Line of the Night: Matsui knocks in three runs off of two long balls, finishing the night with a walk before being replaced by Angel Berroa.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
H Matsui DH	4	2	2	3	1	1	1	.257

Pitching Line of the Night: AJ looked like the Burnett that was wearing Toronto blue last season, as he struck out seven Rangers and surrendered only three hits in six innings of work.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
A Burnett (W, 3-2)	6.0	3	0	0	4	7	0	118-70	4.78

Burnett Looks to Shake Off Last Start

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:45:00 +0000

A.J. Burnett, RHP (2-2, 5.28)
Derek Holland, LHP (1-1, 4.82)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Burnett, like so many so far this season, was reminded how tough it is to pitch at the new Yankee Stadium in last start. He tied a career high by allowing three home runs to the Phillies on Friday, including one on the first pitch of the game to shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Burnett exited after six innings, having allowed five runs -- all on homers -- and took the loss.

Rangers: Holland, who was called up in April, opposed the Astros in his first Major League start and threw five scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run to Lance Berkman in the sixth. The Rangers won the game in extra innings. Holland had a 4.85 ERA in seven relief appearances before being moved into the rotation. He has a 10.13 ERA in three appearances at the Ballpark.

Rangers Sink Bombers

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:19:00 +0000

The Rangers beat the Yanks at their own game yesterday, with slumping slugger Chris Davis homering twice to lead the team to a 7-3 victory.

The game was initially delayed for over an hour, as the teams waited for a storm to pass. Once the storm hit, the outfield became littered with golf ball sized pieces of hail. Yankee and Ranger players entertained the fans before the delay by signing autographs (Swisher, right hands a ball back to a fan).

The Rangers, in an act of corporate responsibility, offered fans a free ticket to another home game later this season, as a sign of thanks for waiting out the rain delay.

Davis homered once off Joba Chamberlain and then again in the eight off Phil Coke.

Brett Gardner exploded offensively, getting three hits and stealing three bases.

Batting Line of the Night: Teixeira homered against his former teammates, but it was Gardner who gets the nod. Gardner replaced Melky Cabrera, who crashed into a wall in the first inning, and left with a shoulder injury.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
B Gardner CF	5	1	3	0	0	1	1	.271

Pitching Line of the Night: Joba's first inning woes continued again yesterday as he threw way too many pitches in the first, running up his pitch count. Joba left the game after only four innings; by then he has already thrown over 80 pitches.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
J Chamberlain	4.0	4	3	3	4	5	1	84-46	3.97

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

Joba on Mound to Face Cowpokes

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Joba Chamberlain, RHP (2-1, 3.70)
Kevin Millwood, RHP (4-4, 3.12)

Scouting Report:
Yankees: Chamberlain left his last start against the Orioles in the first inning when Adam Jones hit a line drive off his right knee. He suffered a bruise, but is ready to go. He is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA in his last six starts. He is 2-0 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts on the road. That's the fourth-lowest road ERA in the American League. He made two starts against the Rangers last year and allowed seven runs on 13 hits and six walks in 8 2/3 innings. His 7.27 ERA against the Rangers is his highest against any AL team.

Rangers: Last time out against the Tigers, Millwood surrendered a home run for the first time in three starts. In fact, he gave up two. The righty allowed four runs on six hits in eight innings. Millwood has struggled in his career against the Yankees. In seven starts, he's 1-4 with a 4.46 ERA. He faced the Bombers once last season, allowing one earned run on five hits in five innings. Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher has hit .400 (10-for-25) off Millwood with three home runs and seven RBIs.

Bruney Headed Back to DL

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:50:00 +0000

According to the Associated Press:

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Brian Bruney is headed back to the disabled list because of a recurring right elbow strain.

Bruney, who pitched only once since being activated last Tuesday from the DL, played catch Monday... Bruney said his arm doesn't feel right.

"A week off here, week off there, it's not really fair to the bullpen," Bruney said. "I've got to find out what the problem is and at least get it diagnosed."

Bruney is to be examined Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews, Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said.

The Yankees plan to recall right-handed reliever David Robertson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and have him for Tuesday's game. Robertson was traveling to Texas on Monday night.

Yanks Crush Rangers in Style

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Sporting their Memorial Day red hats with the American flag emblazoned in the interlocking NY, the Bombers lit up Arlington en route to a 11-1 drubbing over the Texas Rangers.

Phil Hughes continued his domination over the Rangers (almost tossed a no-hitter last season) striking out six over eight innings of shutout ball. The win was by far Hughes' best start of the season, and with Wang struggling out of the bullpen, may buy him another turn in the rotation.

The Yanks' offensive outpouring came without the aid of any home runs, lest we start to think they're relying on the long ball.

Alex Rodriguez drove in four runs and Nick Swisher plated three. Cano and Tex each drove in two runs.

Batting Line of the Night: A-Rod ignored the crowd and laced five hits in yesterday's game.

New York Yankees
Hitters	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
A Rodriguez 3B	5	2	5	4	0	0	0	.259

Pitching Line of the Night: By far the best performance of any Yankee starting pitcher to date this season, Hughes takes home the award.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
P Hughes (W, 3-2)	8.0	3	0	0	1	6	0	101-65	5.16

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

Star Studded Lefty Matchup

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Cole Hamels, LHP (2-2, 4.95)
CC Sabathia, LHP (4-3, 3.43)

Scouting Report:
Phillies: Hamels continues to provide some much needed stability to the Phillies' rotation. He allowed three runs in six innings Tuesday in a 4-3 victory over the Reds at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Hamels is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in his last four starts, which is something the Phillies' bullpen certainly appreciates. This is Hamels' first career start against the New York Yankees.

Yankees: Sabathia was dominant in his last start, limiting the Orioles to one run on three hits on Tuesday to log his first victory at the new Yankee Stadium. The $161 million staff ace walked one and struck out seven in the 105-pitch outing, leaving after the Yankees gave him plenty of cushion with a seven spot in the seventh inning. Sabathia has won his past three starts, going 3-0 with a 1.12 ERA in those outings against Baltimore (twice) and Toronto. Sabathia will be facing the Phillies for the first time since last year's National League Division Series, when Philadelphia rocked him for five runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings in Game 2.

Pettitte to Face 08 WF Champs

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:26:00 +0000

J.A. Happ, LHP (2-0, 2.49)
Andy Pettitte, LHP (4-1, 4.18)

Scouting Report:
Phillies: Happ finally gets his chance to start after losing a Spring Training competition to Chan Ho Park for the final spot in the Phillies rotation. But after Park went 1-1 with a 7.28 ERA in seven starts this season, the Phillies on Tuesday announced that Happ would replace Park in the rotation. Happ went 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA in 12 relief appearances, so Happ put himself in position to take over.

Yankees: Pettitte was far from spectacular in his last outing, Monday night against the Twins, but did enough to pick up the win. He worked 6 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on 12 hits. Afterward, manager Joe Girardi said he was impressed with Pettitte's grit for battling through the game, despite not having great movement on his cutter, his usual out pitch. It was Pettitte's first victory since April 21, when he surrendered two runs in seven frames to Oakland.

Phillies Romp During First Visit to New Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:36:00 +0000

The 2008 WF Champion Philadelphia Phillies came to town for the opener of a three game inter league matchup. Many Yankee fans are starting to wish they didn't.

Homers off the bat of Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, Jayson Werth, and Raul Ibanez gave the Phils enough firepower to beat the Bombers at their own game, 7-3.

Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Mark Teixeira all homered for the Yanks in the losing effort.

If you're still not convinced that the New Yankee Stadium is the East Coast version of Coors Field, here are some more fun statistics that add to the case load;

- Carlos Ruiz had not homered since Game 3 of the 2008 World Series.
- Jayson Werth was the first player to hit a homer into the second deck in left field.
- Alex Rodriguez's pitch was almost at his ankles. That lazy pop fly in the old stadium wound up in the bullpen.

Yesterday's game marked the return of Chien Ming Wang, who promptly gave up a home run to Raul Ibanez.

Batting Line of the Night: The homers keep on coming. Other than the three blasts, it was a pretty lackluster night for the Yanks.

HR: A Rodriguez (6, 6th inning off B Myers 0 on, 2 Out); D Jeter (6, 8th inning off B Myers 0 on, 0 Out); M Teixeira (12, 8th inning off B Myers 0 on, 1 Out).

Pitching Line of the Night: Wang makes his return to the big leagues and pitches three innings, LOWERING HIS ERA TO 25.00.

New York Yankees
Pitchers	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC-ST	ERA
C Wang	3.0	6	2	2	1	2	1	51-29	25.00

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Yanks Take on World Champs in Interleague Opener

noreply@blogger.com (CJ) — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Brett Myers, RHP (3-2, 4.50)
A.J. Burnett, RHP (2-1, 5.02)

Scouting Report:
Phillies: The proven workhorse gave the Phillies staff exactly the boost it needed in start last Saturday: seven quality innings. No, scratch that. Seven outstanding innings, allowing three hits (albeit two of them homers), striking out eight en route to the team's 8-5 victory over Washington. In the second game of a four-game set, Myers was in control and got stronger as the game progressed, with four strikeouts in his last two innings.

Yankees: After winning his first two outings with the Yankees, Burnett has not won a game in six starts for the first time in a season since 2005, when he lost seven straight for the Marlins. During the six-game stretch, Burnett has recorded five no-decisions. Despite not winning, he has pitched well of late. Burnett allowed just two runs in 6 2/3 innings to the Twins in his last start on Sunday.