Two collisions at home plate involving New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli were the only highlights of the team's 10th inning loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
The spirited Cervelli almost single-handedly won the game by blocking the plate to save game-tying runs in consecutive innings before Scott Proctor surrendered a walk and two singles, the last which gave the Orioles a 5-4 win in Camden Yards.
Cervelli's heroics were in vain and probably left the catcher in a lot of pain.
The Yankees were clinging to a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning when centerfielder Curtis Granderson fielded Vladimir Guerrero's hit and threw a strike to second baseman Robinson Cano, who fired a perfect throw to Cervelli at the plate. Cervelli didn't budge as he was bulldozed by Nick Markakis, ala Rose-Fosse. The catcher went flying, but held on to the ball to preserve the lead.
In the following inning, Granderson caught the ball and cut down Mark Reynolds at the plate, in an almost identical play, with another great tag by Cervelli. Robert Andino followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 4.
Andino would deliver the decisive hit in the 10th, singling home Nolan Reimold from second base with one out.
Yankees starter Ivan Nova (15-4) kept his consecutive win streak of eight straight starts intact but got a no-decision. He didn't have his best stuff but was able to get out of trouble in the fourth and fifth innings and left the game in the sixth, after allowing five hits and three runs. He threw 97 pitches.
The Yankees appeared to have the momentum with Cervelli's two clutch plays but couldn't hang on.
It's a sure bet the Yankees are glad they won't see the Orioles anymore this season. The last two series were marred by weather, scheduling and home-run controversies including an 11 p.m. (?) start time after a four-hour rain delay on Tuesday night and playing in a monsoon on Wednesday. They might want to change their name to the Baltimore Ducks.
Now they lose two in a row to the pesky club.
Showing posts with label Ivan Nova. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ivan Nova. Show all posts
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A.J. Burnett Has Words For Girardi: Could They Be His Last As A Yankees Starter?
A.J. Burnett had some choice words for Joe Girardi after the New York Yankees manager pulled the frustrated pitcher out tonight's game against the Minnesota Twins. Girardi had seen enough after the ineffective Burnett had already given up four runs and left the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning.
As Burnett walked towards the dugout, he turned back, glared at Girardi and let loose with a public diatribe directed at the manager.
Those words could be Burnett's last as a Yankee starter.
Girardi called in Luis Ayala to relieve the useless Burnett with two outs. Ayala promptly gave up two hits to the Twins batters and padded the Minnesota lead to 7-0.
After a few moments of mulling over Burnett's verbal assault, and the yanked Burnett's bee-line to the clubhouse, Girardi himself made his way into the same Yankees lounge from the team bench. Girardi returned to the dugout rail a few minutes later and, miraculously, Burnett reappeared on the dugout bench a couple of minutes later-- pouting.
The snarling Burnett abruptly returned to the clubhouse after watching Ayala deposit the three runs into Burnett's already bloated ERA.
What was said in the locker room between Girardi and his frustrated pitcher to make him come out of the clubhouse is unknown, but it probably had to do less with Burnett's feelings than a spot in the starting rotation.
This isn't the first time Burnett (9-9 before the game) has showed up Girardi-- his biggest, and maybe only, supporter. There have been other instances of Burnett barking at Girardi or slamming the ball into the manager's hand when he was being pulled from a game-- which has been a common occurrence this season.
Girardi has always defended Burnett from the fans and media who have called for the $82.5 million starter's head during his six-week losing streak. Before the game the manager said he just wanted "A.J. to compete."
Now, Burnett pays back Girardi with an embarrassing display of self-entitlement.
Tonight, it looked like the maligned Burnett has totally lost his control, his temper and his manager's respect in one game.
I guess Burnett thought Girardi was supposed to let the underachieving starter-- who almost let a 12-run lead dissipate a couple of weeks ago-- continue to get clobbered until he found his groove.
The bad news for Burnett is he pitched badly after a serviceable outing last week. The worse news is he probably yakked his way out of the rotation. There is no good news.
Burnett might have just made Girardi's daunting and long-awaited task of trimming his starting rotation down to five men a lot easier, and Burnett has no one to blame but himself.
Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia are veterans who have been consistent, if not overpowering, and young guns Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes look like everything the Yankees hoped they would turn out to be. CC Sabathia is the ace, so that leaves Burnett as the odd-man out.
Odd man is the right term in more than one way.
As Burnett walked towards the dugout, he turned back, glared at Girardi and let loose with a public diatribe directed at the manager.
Those words could be Burnett's last as a Yankee starter.
Girardi called in Luis Ayala to relieve the useless Burnett with two outs. Ayala promptly gave up two hits to the Twins batters and padded the Minnesota lead to 7-0.
After a few moments of mulling over Burnett's verbal assault, and the yanked Burnett's bee-line to the clubhouse, Girardi himself made his way into the same Yankees lounge from the team bench. Girardi returned to the dugout rail a few minutes later and, miraculously, Burnett reappeared on the dugout bench a couple of minutes later-- pouting.
The snarling Burnett abruptly returned to the clubhouse after watching Ayala deposit the three runs into Burnett's already bloated ERA.
What was said in the locker room between Girardi and his frustrated pitcher to make him come out of the clubhouse is unknown, but it probably had to do less with Burnett's feelings than a spot in the starting rotation.
This isn't the first time Burnett (9-9 before the game) has showed up Girardi-- his biggest, and maybe only, supporter. There have been other instances of Burnett barking at Girardi or slamming the ball into the manager's hand when he was being pulled from a game-- which has been a common occurrence this season.
Girardi has always defended Burnett from the fans and media who have called for the $82.5 million starter's head during his six-week losing streak. Before the game the manager said he just wanted "A.J. to compete."
Now, Burnett pays back Girardi with an embarrassing display of self-entitlement.
Tonight, it looked like the maligned Burnett has totally lost his control, his temper and his manager's respect in one game.
I guess Burnett thought Girardi was supposed to let the underachieving starter-- who almost let a 12-run lead dissipate a couple of weeks ago-- continue to get clobbered until he found his groove.
The bad news for Burnett is he pitched badly after a serviceable outing last week. The worse news is he probably yakked his way out of the rotation. There is no good news.
Burnett might have just made Girardi's daunting and long-awaited task of trimming his starting rotation down to five men a lot easier, and Burnett has no one to blame but himself.
Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia are veterans who have been consistent, if not overpowering, and young guns Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes look like everything the Yankees hoped they would turn out to be. CC Sabathia is the ace, so that leaves Burnett as the odd-man out.
Odd man is the right term in more than one way.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ivan Nova Makes Case For Permanent Spot In Rotation; Yankees Win, 9-3
Ivan Nova pitched six strong innings tonight and has made it almost impossible for the Yankees to send the pitcher back down to Triple-A. Nova's workman-like performance guided the Yankees to a 9-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels and snapped New York's three-game skid. It was Nova's seventh straight win.
You can add the word "stopper' to the 24 year-old Nova's resume. He is 3-0 this season in games after a Yankees loss. The only problem with Nova's victory, it didn't do anything to clear up the six man logjam in the team's rotation.
Nova was consistent, if not as overpowering as in recent games, through the first six innings. He gave up a couple of harmless singles and a hanging fifth-inning slider cost him a solo home-run to Peter Bourjos.
In the seventh, Nova started to lose his fastball. Up until then, it was clocked in the mid-90's and his slider was mostly good.
Vernon Wells' RBI single knocked in a run in the seventh, leading to Nova's exit with the bases loaded and no outs. He received a warm ovation from the fans in Yankee Stadium as he exited the diamond.
Enter Rafael Soriano into the precarious situation. The former-closer has been lights out since returning from the DL. Soriano didn't disappoint. He got the first batter to hit into a run-scoring double-play and the next batter, Jeff Mathis, popped up to end the threat. He threw a total of four pitches
Since returning from the DL, Soriano hasn't allowed a single base runner in four appearances. He pitched a critical inning in last Friday's win against the Red Sox and tonight, quite possibly, saved a trip to the minors for Nova.
"He's back to himself," said manager Joe Girardi when asked about the difference in Soriano at the beginning of the season and his appearance tonight. "Sometimes, coming here could be an adjustment. What he did tonight was huge for us."
Nova's final line read: six innings, three runs, three walks and no strikeouts. In his last outing, Nova dominated the White Sox and struck out 10. Still, since returning from the minors on July 30, Nova (11-4) has three quality starts under his belt but Girardi did notice a slight change from Nova's last outing.
"He [Nova] had to work a little harder tonight," said Girardi of his pitcher's adjustments. "It's a sign of maturity. He's made great strides as a starter since last year. He's more consistent and developed another pitch."
Nova agreed. "My fastball wasn't there, my slider wasn't there," he told the YES Network. "I battled to the end and got the win."
Luis Ayala came in to pitch the eighth and ninth innings. He allowed three hits and struck out three.
Offensively, the Yankees didn't make Angels pitcher Garrett Richard's major league debut a red carpet affair. The newbie walked the first two Yankees batters he faced, before Curtis Granderson hit the first of his two home-runs on the evening. Welcome to the big leagues Garrett. It could be Grandy was trying to atone for his base-running gaff which ended the game last night. Robinson Cano came up one single short of hitting for the cycle. He had a double, triple and home-run.
The Yankees victory was the first against a pitcher making his debut in seven years. Oddly, the team has lost the last six meetings to starters making their debut.
Nova's victory-- with Soriano's assist-- is sure to keep Girardi awake at night thinking about how to slim down his six-man rotation. Or at least until Saturday, when Phil Hughes goes to the mound.
How can the manager send Nova-- who has the second most wins (11) on the team, behind CC Sabathia (16)-- back to the minors?
Hughes got rocked by the Red Sox, in a relief role, last Sunday, and hopes to rebound this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The righthander needs a good outing to keep him from returning to the bullpen.
Meanwhile, Sabathia has been grumbling about the over-stocked rotation, and the extra day between his starts, and wants Girardi to "make a decision on who to pitch."
Tonight, Nova didn't make it any easier.
You can add the word "stopper' to the 24 year-old Nova's resume. He is 3-0 this season in games after a Yankees loss. The only problem with Nova's victory, it didn't do anything to clear up the six man logjam in the team's rotation.
Nova was consistent, if not as overpowering as in recent games, through the first six innings. He gave up a couple of harmless singles and a hanging fifth-inning slider cost him a solo home-run to Peter Bourjos.
In the seventh, Nova started to lose his fastball. Up until then, it was clocked in the mid-90's and his slider was mostly good.
Vernon Wells' RBI single knocked in a run in the seventh, leading to Nova's exit with the bases loaded and no outs. He received a warm ovation from the fans in Yankee Stadium as he exited the diamond.
Enter Rafael Soriano into the precarious situation. The former-closer has been lights out since returning from the DL. Soriano didn't disappoint. He got the first batter to hit into a run-scoring double-play and the next batter, Jeff Mathis, popped up to end the threat. He threw a total of four pitches
Since returning from the DL, Soriano hasn't allowed a single base runner in four appearances. He pitched a critical inning in last Friday's win against the Red Sox and tonight, quite possibly, saved a trip to the minors for Nova.
"He's back to himself," said manager Joe Girardi when asked about the difference in Soriano at the beginning of the season and his appearance tonight. "Sometimes, coming here could be an adjustment. What he did tonight was huge for us."
Nova's final line read: six innings, three runs, three walks and no strikeouts. In his last outing, Nova dominated the White Sox and struck out 10. Still, since returning from the minors on July 30, Nova (11-4) has three quality starts under his belt but Girardi did notice a slight change from Nova's last outing.
"He [Nova] had to work a little harder tonight," said Girardi of his pitcher's adjustments. "It's a sign of maturity. He's made great strides as a starter since last year. He's more consistent and developed another pitch."
Nova agreed. "My fastball wasn't there, my slider wasn't there," he told the YES Network. "I battled to the end and got the win."
Luis Ayala came in to pitch the eighth and ninth innings. He allowed three hits and struck out three.
Offensively, the Yankees didn't make Angels pitcher Garrett Richard's major league debut a red carpet affair. The newbie walked the first two Yankees batters he faced, before Curtis Granderson hit the first of his two home-runs on the evening. Welcome to the big leagues Garrett. It could be Grandy was trying to atone for his base-running gaff which ended the game last night. Robinson Cano came up one single short of hitting for the cycle. He had a double, triple and home-run.
The Yankees victory was the first against a pitcher making his debut in seven years. Oddly, the team has lost the last six meetings to starters making their debut.
Nova's victory-- with Soriano's assist-- is sure to keep Girardi awake at night thinking about how to slim down his six-man rotation. Or at least until Saturday, when Phil Hughes goes to the mound.
How can the manager send Nova-- who has the second most wins (11) on the team, behind CC Sabathia (16)-- back to the minors?
Hughes got rocked by the Red Sox, in a relief role, last Sunday, and hopes to rebound this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The righthander needs a good outing to keep him from returning to the bullpen.
Meanwhile, Sabathia has been grumbling about the over-stocked rotation, and the extra day between his starts, and wants Girardi to "make a decision on who to pitch."
Tonight, Nova didn't make it any easier.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Is A.J. Burnett the Villian of Yankees Six-Man Soap Opera
For all the baseball fans who have been following the soap opera which is the New York Yankees six-man rotation saga-- otherwise known as Search For Tomorrow's Starter-- tonight's episode brings us another cliffhanger.
A.J. Burnett, who is the the Yankees' version of Susan Lucci at the Emmys-- because it seems like he has one win in 23 tries-- faces the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium tonight. The struggling righthander is winless in his last six starts and the fan's cries for rookie Ivan Nova to take Burnett's spot in the rotation are getting ominous. Now, they're basically just screaming. Tonight's game is Burnett's version of One Life to Live.
For all the fans of the soaps and the impending disappearance of the dying format from television, the Yankees can always be counted on some bring drama in to your mundane lives. Even if you think Peyton Place plays for the Colts or Lever Brothers are the Jewish siblings who played on the 1950 Brooklyn Dodgers, things are never dull in Dallas--I mean the Bronx.
The spirit of Jock Ewing (played by George Steinbrenner) has been passed down to the unscrupulous J.R. (Brian Cashman) and earnest Bobby (Joe Girardi). TV Guide says tonight's episode should be a good one:
'Burnett is trying to rebound from an almost disastrous last outing, when he didn't get a win after the Yankees batters fronted him with a 12-run lead against the weak hitting Chicago White Sox. Burnett proceeded to allow seven run and didn't qualify for the win because he was pulled from the game before five innings. He was last seen ripping the jersey off his body while hitting the locker room.'
Yesterday, Burnett told the New York Post he vowed to reverse his fortunes on the mound and said, " I have to find a way to have fun."
Wait...did he just say, " I have to find a way to win one?" What?
Sounds like the erratic No. 2 pitcher, Burnett, is living in Another World because he hasn't seen a 'W' in 40 days, after starting the season 4-0. The only thing bigger than Burnett's ever-growing ERA is his $82.5 million contract and, as every one who follows their daytime stories knows, the rich always get away with murder.
Right now, if Joe Girardi had to fill out his rotation in a five-game playoff series, Burnett would be lucky to be throwing out of the bullpen in a game five.
In reality, Girardi would open with CC Sabathia, then Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Nova-- with Phil Hughes waiting in the wings.
Tomorrow, 24 year-old Nova gets the start against the Angels and a chance to make a statement. Call him The Young and the Restless.
The rookie is having a breakout year, since his return from the minors to make room for Hughes in July. Nova's last outing was an outstanding 7.2 inning, 10-strikeout win. He gave up one run and no walks and has won six straight. Nova is 10-4 with a 3.81 ERA this season.
Only on the sound stage that is called Yankee Stadium could a pitcher with Nova's fine stats be fighting for a job in the rotation against a pitcher with Burnett's losing numbers.
Hughes and Nova are like the Luke and Laura of this whole drama-- two young faces the fans really want to see together in the rotation. Will they, or won't they. It's been a long and heartbreaking journey.
The 25 year-old Hughes looked like future ace they Yankees protected from trades since his arrival. Last year's breakout 18-8 season put him in the rotation until-- cue the downward-turn-of-fate music-- an undiagnosed and debilitating "dead arm" injury (it even sounds like a soap opera ailment) put him on the DL after losing his fastball early in the season. He has lowered his ERA to 7.11 from a sky-high 13.94 before going on the DL.
Hughes' comeback had been slow and steady until, finally, a brilliant (six innings, three hits, no runs) outing last week brought his recovery full circle. Cue triumphant music. But then, a failed relief appearance and game-winning hit against rivals, the Boston Red Sox, made his future unsettled again. Cue doom-and-gloom music then cut to commercial.
Hughes thirteen-pitch outing cost him a start this week and, now, Nova is the pitcher who takes his place.
The irony. Wow, General Hospital couldn't have scripted it any better?
As a sub-plot, there is the resurrection of Bartolo Colon in some sort of Dark Shadows theme. We're talking about Barnabas Collins-like mystical shoulder and elbow treatments in the Dominican Republic and Colon's incredible resurgence. He even has a goth haircut.
The 38 year-old Colon made a miraculous return to the majors, after missing two years and still, no one knows the circumstances. Spooky stuff.
Now Girardi has to solve the mystery of getting six pitchers into five rotation slots or risk upsetting Sabathia's rigid five-day throwing schedule.
Cue announcer Macdonald Carey: "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives."
Stay tuned for The Bold and the Beautiful starring Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly.
A.J. Burnett, who is the the Yankees' version of Susan Lucci at the Emmys-- because it seems like he has one win in 23 tries-- faces the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium tonight. The struggling righthander is winless in his last six starts and the fan's cries for rookie Ivan Nova to take Burnett's spot in the rotation are getting ominous. Now, they're basically just screaming. Tonight's game is Burnett's version of One Life to Live.
For all the fans of the soaps and the impending disappearance of the dying format from television, the Yankees can always be counted on some bring drama in to your mundane lives. Even if you think Peyton Place plays for the Colts or Lever Brothers are the Jewish siblings who played on the 1950 Brooklyn Dodgers, things are never dull in Dallas--I mean the Bronx.
The spirit of Jock Ewing (played by George Steinbrenner) has been passed down to the unscrupulous J.R. (Brian Cashman) and earnest Bobby (Joe Girardi). TV Guide says tonight's episode should be a good one:
'Burnett is trying to rebound from an almost disastrous last outing, when he didn't get a win after the Yankees batters fronted him with a 12-run lead against the weak hitting Chicago White Sox. Burnett proceeded to allow seven run and didn't qualify for the win because he was pulled from the game before five innings. He was last seen ripping the jersey off his body while hitting the locker room.'
Yesterday, Burnett told the New York Post he vowed to reverse his fortunes on the mound and said, " I have to find a way to have fun."
Wait...did he just say, " I have to find a way to win one?" What?
Sounds like the erratic No. 2 pitcher, Burnett, is living in Another World because he hasn't seen a 'W' in 40 days, after starting the season 4-0. The only thing bigger than Burnett's ever-growing ERA is his $82.5 million contract and, as every one who follows their daytime stories knows, the rich always get away with murder.
Right now, if Joe Girardi had to fill out his rotation in a five-game playoff series, Burnett would be lucky to be throwing out of the bullpen in a game five.
In reality, Girardi would open with CC Sabathia, then Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Nova-- with Phil Hughes waiting in the wings.
Tomorrow, 24 year-old Nova gets the start against the Angels and a chance to make a statement. Call him The Young and the Restless.
The rookie is having a breakout year, since his return from the minors to make room for Hughes in July. Nova's last outing was an outstanding 7.2 inning, 10-strikeout win. He gave up one run and no walks and has won six straight. Nova is 10-4 with a 3.81 ERA this season.
Only on the sound stage that is called Yankee Stadium could a pitcher with Nova's fine stats be fighting for a job in the rotation against a pitcher with Burnett's losing numbers.
Hughes and Nova are like the Luke and Laura of this whole drama-- two young faces the fans really want to see together in the rotation. Will they, or won't they. It's been a long and heartbreaking journey.
The 25 year-old Hughes looked like future ace they Yankees protected from trades since his arrival. Last year's breakout 18-8 season put him in the rotation until-- cue the downward-turn-of-fate music-- an undiagnosed and debilitating "dead arm" injury (it even sounds like a soap opera ailment) put him on the DL after losing his fastball early in the season. He has lowered his ERA to 7.11 from a sky-high 13.94 before going on the DL.
Hughes' comeback had been slow and steady until, finally, a brilliant (six innings, three hits, no runs) outing last week brought his recovery full circle. Cue triumphant music. But then, a failed relief appearance and game-winning hit against rivals, the Boston Red Sox, made his future unsettled again. Cue doom-and-gloom music then cut to commercial.
Hughes thirteen-pitch outing cost him a start this week and, now, Nova is the pitcher who takes his place.
The irony. Wow, General Hospital couldn't have scripted it any better?
As a sub-plot, there is the resurrection of Bartolo Colon in some sort of Dark Shadows theme. We're talking about Barnabas Collins-like mystical shoulder and elbow treatments in the Dominican Republic and Colon's incredible resurgence. He even has a goth haircut.
The 38 year-old Colon made a miraculous return to the majors, after missing two years and still, no one knows the circumstances. Spooky stuff.
Now Girardi has to solve the mystery of getting six pitchers into five rotation slots or risk upsetting Sabathia's rigid five-day throwing schedule.
Cue announcer Macdonald Carey: "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives."
Stay tuned for The Bold and the Beautiful starring Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Nova Will Get Start Over Hughes When Angels Come To Yankee Stadium
It's official, but not really a shock. Phil Hughes' 13-pitch relief appearance against the Boston Red Sox, when he gave up the winning run in the tenth inning, cost the pitcher a start against the Los Angeles Angels this week. Hughes' spot will be filled by Ivan Nova.
Manager Joe Girardi tweaked the starting rotation for the upcoming three-game home series because of Hughes short stint in Sunday night's game. Hughes came in, after Mariano Rivera blew his fifth game of the season, and gave up two hits and Boston's walk-off score.
Hughes was set to open the series on Tuesday but struggling A.J. Burnett will be moved up one day. The ineffective Burnett will try and rebound from a disastrous outing against the Chicago White Sox, when the Yankees batters staked him to a 12-run lead, that he almost couldn't hold on to. Burnett gave back seven earned runs and was yanked before he could go five innings to qualify for a win. He will square-off against Dan Haren.
Nova will start Wednesday and is coming off an impressive 10-strikeout, six-hit and one earned run performance against the same White Sox team. Nova has won six of his last seven starts.
Bartolo Colon will close out the series on Thursday after a shaky outing (six-hits and two earned runs) against the Red Sox. He was pulled in the fifth after loading the bases and the bull pen took over. The Yankees won that game, 3-2.
Girardi's biggest concern had to be giving CC Sabathia an additional day off. Sabathia, who is notoriously fickle about throwing with extra rest, will now open the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Girardi thinks the rest is good for his ace after being banged up by the Red Sox on Saturday.
The manager said there wasn't anything in particular that presented itself to be a problem with Sabathia, but it seemed like a good time to give him a break.
Hughes, on the other hand, has to be wondering if the thirteen pitches he threw on Sunday are a bad omen. In his previous start, he gave up three hits and no runs in six sparkling innings and his ERA has dropped to 7.11 from a dismal 13.94 when he came off the DL.
"It's always disappointing if you're no starting," said Hughes. "I feel like I made some good progress in my last start, so if I have to wait around, it won't be something that's fun to deal with, but again, I don't make these calls or anything like that."
Manager Joe Girardi tweaked the starting rotation for the upcoming three-game home series because of Hughes short stint in Sunday night's game. Hughes came in, after Mariano Rivera blew his fifth game of the season, and gave up two hits and Boston's walk-off score.
Hughes was set to open the series on Tuesday but struggling A.J. Burnett will be moved up one day. The ineffective Burnett will try and rebound from a disastrous outing against the Chicago White Sox, when the Yankees batters staked him to a 12-run lead, that he almost couldn't hold on to. Burnett gave back seven earned runs and was yanked before he could go five innings to qualify for a win. He will square-off against Dan Haren.
Nova will start Wednesday and is coming off an impressive 10-strikeout, six-hit and one earned run performance against the same White Sox team. Nova has won six of his last seven starts.
Bartolo Colon will close out the series on Thursday after a shaky outing (six-hits and two earned runs) against the Red Sox. He was pulled in the fifth after loading the bases and the bull pen took over. The Yankees won that game, 3-2.
Girardi's biggest concern had to be giving CC Sabathia an additional day off. Sabathia, who is notoriously fickle about throwing with extra rest, will now open the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Girardi thinks the rest is good for his ace after being banged up by the Red Sox on Saturday.
The manager said there wasn't anything in particular that presented itself to be a problem with Sabathia, but it seemed like a good time to give him a break.
Hughes, on the other hand, has to be wondering if the thirteen pitches he threw on Sunday are a bad omen. In his previous start, he gave up three hits and no runs in six sparkling innings and his ERA has dropped to 7.11 from a dismal 13.94 when he came off the DL.
"It's always disappointing if you're no starting," said Hughes. "I feel like I made some good progress in my last start, so if I have to wait around, it won't be something that's fun to deal with, but again, I don't make these calls or anything like that."
Yankees Still Have Questions About Hughes, Soriano and Posada After Red Sox Series
Things looked pretty good for the Yankees after Brett Gardner slammed a seventh-inning pitch over the centerfield wall in Fenway Park on Friday Night. The hit gave New York a come-from-behind win over the Boston Red Sox and manager Joe Girardi looked like a genius for his bullpen moves. The Bombers were riding an eight-game win streak and their best pitcher, CC Sabathia, was scheduled for the next afternoon.
Girardi looked like he had all the answers that night. He made all the right moves by pulling Bartolo Colon with the bases loaded and using his bullpen to almost perfection. The Yankees were in first place for the first time since July 6. Everything looked sweet for the men in pinstripes.
Two nights later, by the end of Sunday night's typical Yanks/Sox marathon, there were more questions than answers after the Yankees dropped the final two games of the series and got knocked back into second place.
Neither of those losses were pretty and now Girardi is facing big questions regarding the starting rotation, the bullpen and the DH roles. How fast things change.
If Girardi thinks he had a bad weekend, think about old Jorge Posada. The veteran catcher could only watch from the bench Sunday after he was replaced by off-season acquisition, Eric Chavez. The newly-appointed right-handed DH went 0-for-4. Chavez is deserving and batting .304 so far this season
Posada didn't take the news as badly as he did when he was benched in May. After the first benching, he actually followed his temper-tantrum by hitting .326 with three home-runs and 12 RBI's over the next 32 games. Since the beginning of July, Posada has slumped and is hitting .205 with no home-runs and four RBI's in 26 games. He might not get a second chance this time.
Girardi's benching can't be going over good with the one-time power-hitter, who is slowly being forced off the roster. Reality struck hard yesterday, after the manager told the 38 year-old Posada his services as DH would no longer be needed. Girardi hasn't exactly been subtle when sending his message. In both instances, the Core-Four member was demoted to the bench before nationally-televised games against the Yankees bitter rivals, the Red Sox. That's gotta hurt.
"We're going to see how this works," said Girardi. "We're going to try some different things. We'll see how this works, and I told Jorge, 'You're still going to be a big part of this, and we're going to need you.' We're just going to do some different things."
And the check is in the mail. It sounds reassuring until Posada realizes that Triple-A slugger Jesus Montero is breathing down his neck.
The relationship between Girardi and Posada should be interesting the rest of the season. And the final chapter doesn't look good for the ex-catcher who first lost his backstop gig in spring training.
The bullpen's performance in last night's game opens up a slew of analytic equations.
Mariano Rivera blew his fifth save of the year--and at a most inopportune time. Marco Scutaro laced a lead-off double against the Sandman which led to the game-tying run. Getting to Rivera was instrumental in the Red Sox win. It was a moral victory as well. Sox manager Terry Francona put it bluntly," Getting that hit off Mo was big."
A situation which leads to the appearance of Phil Hughes in the 10th inning. Girardi made it clear his righty would be available from the bullpen all weekend, if that what it took to beat the Red Sox. After last night's game goes into extra innings, it gave Girardi the excuse he needed to use Hughes. The move ultimately takes Hughes out of this week's rotation, giving Ivan Nova one more chance to prove himself as a starter again this week.
Hughes showed nothing last night. He followed his best start of the season by giving up a confidence-breaking game winner in the rubber-game for first place. That 1/3 of an inning cost Hughes a shot at starting on Tuesday and possibly in the future.
Now Girardi has to decide what to with Hughes and Nova...again.
If Hughes allowed two hits and can't get three outs in relief, what does Girardi do now? The starting rotation and bullpen are both overstocked as it is and Hughes can't be feeling too secure. It appears to be a situation Hughes couldn't win. If he does well, he heads to the pen but that one out cost him a start.
This leads to the question of Rafael Soriano. After a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of a season in New York, is the $35 million man finally showing his true talent? Two perfect relief appearances in important games this weekend say 'I want a more prominent role.'
Since returning from the DL last week, the temperamental Soriano has retired all batters he has faced--including the 2-3-4 batters in the seventh last night.
The question surrounding Soriano is how long before the former closer mopes about his role on the team. Last year's 45-save pitcher for the Rays has been demoted from that esteemed spot to set-up man and now middle relief. After his fine performances this weekend, does Girardi move him up the pecking order to replace the All-Star Dave Robertson at times or even--this is blasphemy to Yankees fans--sometimes use him as an occasional closer? He would have fared better than Hughes in the tenth last night.
Soriano has a history of erratic behavior, beginning with his days in Tampa Bay, when he refused to shag flies or take batting practice on Sundays, leading up to his slipping away from the New York media, because he refused to answer questions about a bad outing in April.
How long until Soriano's well-known frustration boils over into wanting more? Girardi has to face the fact that Soriano could be a valuable weapon if the pitcher keeps his head.
Here's some extra credit questions for Girardi. Will CC Sabathia ever beat the Red Sox this season? The hottest pitcher in the American League--and the Yankees ace-- turns ice-cold against Boston. The big man is 0-and-4 vs. the Red Sox this season and it's no secret how he dominates the rest of the league, as his 16-2 record will attest.
Finally, where were all the fireworks between these two sworn enemies? Fans want Charlie Sheen-Chuck Lorre acrimony, not Alec Baldwin-John Krasinski cuteness.
This Yankees/Red Sox series had it's share of intensity-- especially in games one and three-- but something was missing. There was too much mutual admiration. Sure, the teams were only playing for first place in the beginning of August and it looks pretty much like both teams are headed to the playoffs, but where was the nastiness... the Pedro Martinez knocking down Don Zimmer hatred?
Oh, he was on the DL and his name is Alex Rodriguez. This rivalry needs A-Rod like Obama needs McCain or Osi needs the Giants. Every one's whipping boy is expected off the DL by August 15. The next meeting between the two teams is August 30 at Fenway Park.
Hope the Yankees have answered a few questions by then.
Girardi looked like he had all the answers that night. He made all the right moves by pulling Bartolo Colon with the bases loaded and using his bullpen to almost perfection. The Yankees were in first place for the first time since July 6. Everything looked sweet for the men in pinstripes.
Two nights later, by the end of Sunday night's typical Yanks/Sox marathon, there were more questions than answers after the Yankees dropped the final two games of the series and got knocked back into second place.
Neither of those losses were pretty and now Girardi is facing big questions regarding the starting rotation, the bullpen and the DH roles. How fast things change.
If Girardi thinks he had a bad weekend, think about old Jorge Posada. The veteran catcher could only watch from the bench Sunday after he was replaced by off-season acquisition, Eric Chavez. The newly-appointed right-handed DH went 0-for-4. Chavez is deserving and batting .304 so far this season
Posada didn't take the news as badly as he did when he was benched in May. After the first benching, he actually followed his temper-tantrum by hitting .326 with three home-runs and 12 RBI's over the next 32 games. Since the beginning of July, Posada has slumped and is hitting .205 with no home-runs and four RBI's in 26 games. He might not get a second chance this time.
Girardi's benching can't be going over good with the one-time power-hitter, who is slowly being forced off the roster. Reality struck hard yesterday, after the manager told the 38 year-old Posada his services as DH would no longer be needed. Girardi hasn't exactly been subtle when sending his message. In both instances, the Core-Four member was demoted to the bench before nationally-televised games against the Yankees bitter rivals, the Red Sox. That's gotta hurt.
"We're going to see how this works," said Girardi. "We're going to try some different things. We'll see how this works, and I told Jorge, 'You're still going to be a big part of this, and we're going to need you.' We're just going to do some different things."
And the check is in the mail. It sounds reassuring until Posada realizes that Triple-A slugger Jesus Montero is breathing down his neck.
The relationship between Girardi and Posada should be interesting the rest of the season. And the final chapter doesn't look good for the ex-catcher who first lost his backstop gig in spring training.
The bullpen's performance in last night's game opens up a slew of analytic equations.
Mariano Rivera blew his fifth save of the year--and at a most inopportune time. Marco Scutaro laced a lead-off double against the Sandman which led to the game-tying run. Getting to Rivera was instrumental in the Red Sox win. It was a moral victory as well. Sox manager Terry Francona put it bluntly," Getting that hit off Mo was big."
A situation which leads to the appearance of Phil Hughes in the 10th inning. Girardi made it clear his righty would be available from the bullpen all weekend, if that what it took to beat the Red Sox. After last night's game goes into extra innings, it gave Girardi the excuse he needed to use Hughes. The move ultimately takes Hughes out of this week's rotation, giving Ivan Nova one more chance to prove himself as a starter again this week.
Hughes showed nothing last night. He followed his best start of the season by giving up a confidence-breaking game winner in the rubber-game for first place. That 1/3 of an inning cost Hughes a shot at starting on Tuesday and possibly in the future.
Now Girardi has to decide what to with Hughes and Nova...again.
If Hughes allowed two hits and can't get three outs in relief, what does Girardi do now? The starting rotation and bullpen are both overstocked as it is and Hughes can't be feeling too secure. It appears to be a situation Hughes couldn't win. If he does well, he heads to the pen but that one out cost him a start.
This leads to the question of Rafael Soriano. After a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of a season in New York, is the $35 million man finally showing his true talent? Two perfect relief appearances in important games this weekend say 'I want a more prominent role.'
Since returning from the DL last week, the temperamental Soriano has retired all batters he has faced--including the 2-3-4 batters in the seventh last night.
The question surrounding Soriano is how long before the former closer mopes about his role on the team. Last year's 45-save pitcher for the Rays has been demoted from that esteemed spot to set-up man and now middle relief. After his fine performances this weekend, does Girardi move him up the pecking order to replace the All-Star Dave Robertson at times or even--this is blasphemy to Yankees fans--sometimes use him as an occasional closer? He would have fared better than Hughes in the tenth last night.
Soriano has a history of erratic behavior, beginning with his days in Tampa Bay, when he refused to shag flies or take batting practice on Sundays, leading up to his slipping away from the New York media, because he refused to answer questions about a bad outing in April.
How long until Soriano's well-known frustration boils over into wanting more? Girardi has to face the fact that Soriano could be a valuable weapon if the pitcher keeps his head.
Here's some extra credit questions for Girardi. Will CC Sabathia ever beat the Red Sox this season? The hottest pitcher in the American League--and the Yankees ace-- turns ice-cold against Boston. The big man is 0-and-4 vs. the Red Sox this season and it's no secret how he dominates the rest of the league, as his 16-2 record will attest.
Finally, where were all the fireworks between these two sworn enemies? Fans want Charlie Sheen-Chuck Lorre acrimony, not Alec Baldwin-John Krasinski cuteness.
This Yankees/Red Sox series had it's share of intensity-- especially in games one and three-- but something was missing. There was too much mutual admiration. Sure, the teams were only playing for first place in the beginning of August and it looks pretty much like both teams are headed to the playoffs, but where was the nastiness... the Pedro Martinez knocking down Don Zimmer hatred?
Oh, he was on the DL and his name is Alex Rodriguez. This rivalry needs A-Rod like Obama needs McCain or Osi needs the Giants. Every one's whipping boy is expected off the DL by August 15. The next meeting between the two teams is August 30 at Fenway Park.
Hope the Yankees have answered a few questions by then.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Phil Hughes Headed to Yankees Bullpen This Weekend
New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said today that Phil Hughes will be used out of the bullpen, if necessary, in this weekend's series against the Boston Red Sox. Hughes, who is thick in the mix of the Yankees six-man starting rotation drama, will be available from the bullpen for the next three days as insurance, the manager told the YES Network.
According to the YES, Hughes is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, but all that could change if he throws this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ivan Nova, who had a spectacular 10-strikeout performance against the Chicago White Sox last night, will be kept with the team and may start Thursday. The team is 13-5 in Nova's starts.
The six-man soap opera just keeps getting better and better every day.
One thing was made clear by Girardi; the the team's least effective starter, A.J. Burnett, will not be going to the bullpen.
In his last start on Tuesday, Burnett had a chance to pick up his first win since June 29 after the Yankees staked him to a 12 run lead, but the struggling hurler didn't last five innings. He is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.
"We are not going to jump to conclusions due to one good start or one bad start," said Girardi.
Meanwhile, it's hard to figure out why the manager would make Hughes available from the bullpen during a mid-season series, other than that's where the pitcher started his Yankees career. The Yankees already have seven pitchers in the bullpen and Hughes threw a three-hit, six-inning gem in his last outing.
Girardi doesn't want anyone to start putting too much thought into which pitcher is the odd man out with these moves-- especially Hughes.
"I would love to get distance out of starters and not use him [this weekend]," said Girardi of Hughes. "But as I said these series get a little crazy at times and you've got to protect yourself."
It's not really the DaVinci Code, if you believe Girardi, it's about beating the Red Sox.
Nova is still hanging around on pins and needles about being called into Girardi's office.
"It's hard, especially in a moment like what if they call you into the office," said Nova. "I hope they don't call me today or the rest of the month because September is almost here."
If anyone thought last week's pitching performances by Hughes, Burnett and Nova against the White Sox cleared anything up, they were wrong.
Stay tuned for for more of the Yankees six-man drama for at least another week.
According to the YES, Hughes is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, but all that could change if he throws this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ivan Nova, who had a spectacular 10-strikeout performance against the Chicago White Sox last night, will be kept with the team and may start Thursday. The team is 13-5 in Nova's starts.
The six-man soap opera just keeps getting better and better every day.
In his last start on Tuesday, Burnett had a chance to pick up his first win since June 29 after the Yankees staked him to a 12 run lead, but the struggling hurler didn't last five innings. He is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.
"We are not going to jump to conclusions due to one good start or one bad start," said Girardi.
Meanwhile, it's hard to figure out why the manager would make Hughes available from the bullpen during a mid-season series, other than that's where the pitcher started his Yankees career. The Yankees already have seven pitchers in the bullpen and Hughes threw a three-hit, six-inning gem in his last outing.
Girardi doesn't want anyone to start putting too much thought into which pitcher is the odd man out with these moves-- especially Hughes.
"I would love to get distance out of starters and not use him [this weekend]," said Girardi of Hughes. "But as I said these series get a little crazy at times and you've got to protect yourself."
It's not really the DaVinci Code, if you believe Girardi, it's about beating the Red Sox.
Nova is still hanging around on pins and needles about being called into Girardi's office.
"It's hard, especially in a moment like what if they call you into the office," said Nova. "I hope they don't call me today or the rest of the month because September is almost here."
If anyone thought last week's pitching performances by Hughes, Burnett and Nova against the White Sox cleared anything up, they were wrong.
Stay tuned for for more of the Yankees six-man drama for at least another week.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Could Ivan Nova Knock A.J. Burnett From Yankees Rotation?
If Ivan Nova is super tonight, does the young right-hander deserve a spot in the New York Yankees rotation? After A.J. Burnett's implosion last night, it might be a credible thought; although Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed Burnett would make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
When last seen last night, Burnett was headed to the locker room, popping buttons all over the dugout as he ripped off his Yankees jersey.
Burnett's seven-run debacle against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field had to concern Girardi.
The Yankees pounded out 23 hits--five players had at least three apiece-- and handed the struggling Burnett a 12-run lead and he still couldn't get a win. It would have been his first W since June 29.
The Yankees were ahead, 13-1, and Burnett allowed five runs in the fourth-inning. In the fifth, Girardi made the decision to yank his inefficient starter with two men on the corners. He gave up seven earned runs in all.
Girardi did the exact thing with Phil Hughes a couple of weeks ago when the Oakland A's started to chip away at a big Yankee lead.
This four-game series against the White Sox was originally an audition for the No. 5 slot in the rotation between Hughes and Nova but now, with Burnett's flame-out, it could now be a rotation casting call.
Hughes passed his screen test with flying colors. His six-inning, three-hit, no runs, rain-shortened gem probably secured the slot for Hughes handily.
Tonight is Nova's turn to be seen. In what was essentially a go-see could possibly turn into something more important-- a spot on the roster.
Nova is making his second appearance after being sent down to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Hughes. He has won his past five decisions by sporting a 3.26 ERA, with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 2/3 innings. Nova has been the beneficiary of a robust Yankees offense. The team has averaged nine runs during those starts while Nova has given up six home-runs and 34 hits during that span. Amazingly, the 9-4 pitcher is fighting a demotion back to Triple-A.
Burnett is going in the opposite direction. His ERA has steadily climbed every month since April and his 4-0 start. He was 0-4 with a 7.80 ERA in July and is now 8-9 with a 4.56 ERA for the season.
A couple of things keep Burnett in the rotation . One, his huge contract ($16.5 mil-a year with two more to go) and two, the underlying hope (and capability) that the Sybil-like righty can throw a brilliant game. Still, Burnett is untradeable and will never see the bullpen for that price.
When Burnett is on, he is great but when he is alternately off, he is horrible. It's not uncommon for Burnett to strike out a side one inning then, in the next, throw a wild pitch, hit a batter and walk in a run. I'm not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's done all three at the same time. Baseball's first Triple-Bobble.
Girardi has said all the right things regarding his overstocked starting rotation. He didn't pass judgement on Hughes until Tuesday night and it looks like the manager's support paid off. He's showing the same respect for Burnett.
"His day will be on Wednesday," said Girardi, putting the kibosh on any talk that Burnett's position is in jeopardy. "His numbers aren't that bad. We look at the whole year, and A.J.'s been decent for us. He's starting on Wednesday."
Girardi had that same 'look at the past' outlook with Hughes the past few weeks until Hughes came through. The Yankees are winning, even with the rotation distraction, and are only one game behind the division leading Boston Red Sox and have an eight game lead in the wild card race. So Girardi doesn't want to rock the boat.
As for last night's benching, Burnett was already off the mound when Girardi came out to relieve him. The embarrassed pitcher slapped the ball into his manager's hand and stormed off-- only two outs from a win. Girardi didn't take it personally but, didn't take chances either.
"I'm frustrated for him," said Girardi. "Because that's a night that he should be able to go out and get a win."
Burnett meanwhile, knew what was coming.
"I was a little upset, but then again, you got to look at how I'm pitching too," said Burnett. "I wasn't exactly doing anything out there. You've got to stop the bleeding somehow."
If Nova picks up his 10th win tonight, he may be the tourniquet the Yankees need.
When last seen last night, Burnett was headed to the locker room, popping buttons all over the dugout as he ripped off his Yankees jersey.
Burnett's seven-run debacle against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field had to concern Girardi.
The Yankees were ahead, 13-1, and Burnett allowed five runs in the fourth-inning. In the fifth, Girardi made the decision to yank his inefficient starter with two men on the corners. He gave up seven earned runs in all.
Girardi did the exact thing with Phil Hughes a couple of weeks ago when the Oakland A's started to chip away at a big Yankee lead.
This four-game series against the White Sox was originally an audition for the No. 5 slot in the rotation between Hughes and Nova but now, with Burnett's flame-out, it could now be a rotation casting call.
Hughes passed his screen test with flying colors. His six-inning, three-hit, no runs, rain-shortened gem probably secured the slot for Hughes handily.
Tonight is Nova's turn to be seen. In what was essentially a go-see could possibly turn into something more important-- a spot on the roster.
Nova is making his second appearance after being sent down to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Hughes. He has won his past five decisions by sporting a 3.26 ERA, with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 2/3 innings. Nova has been the beneficiary of a robust Yankees offense. The team has averaged nine runs during those starts while Nova has given up six home-runs and 34 hits during that span. Amazingly, the 9-4 pitcher is fighting a demotion back to Triple-A.
Burnett is going in the opposite direction. His ERA has steadily climbed every month since April and his 4-0 start. He was 0-4 with a 7.80 ERA in July and is now 8-9 with a 4.56 ERA for the season.
A couple of things keep Burnett in the rotation . One, his huge contract ($16.5 mil-a year with two more to go) and two, the underlying hope (and capability) that the Sybil-like righty can throw a brilliant game. Still, Burnett is untradeable and will never see the bullpen for that price.
When Burnett is on, he is great but when he is alternately off, he is horrible. It's not uncommon for Burnett to strike out a side one inning then, in the next, throw a wild pitch, hit a batter and walk in a run. I'm not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's done all three at the same time. Baseball's first Triple-Bobble.
"His day will be on Wednesday," said Girardi, putting the kibosh on any talk that Burnett's position is in jeopardy. "His numbers aren't that bad. We look at the whole year, and A.J.'s been decent for us. He's starting on Wednesday."
Girardi had that same 'look at the past' outlook with Hughes the past few weeks until Hughes came through. The Yankees are winning, even with the rotation distraction, and are only one game behind the division leading Boston Red Sox and have an eight game lead in the wild card race. So Girardi doesn't want to rock the boat.
As for last night's benching, Burnett was already off the mound when Girardi came out to relieve him. The embarrassed pitcher slapped the ball into his manager's hand and stormed off-- only two outs from a win. Girardi didn't take it personally but, didn't take chances either.
"I'm frustrated for him," said Girardi. "Because that's a night that he should be able to go out and get a win."
Burnett meanwhile, knew what was coming.
"I was a little upset, but then again, you got to look at how I'm pitching too," said Burnett. "I wasn't exactly doing anything out there. You've got to stop the bleeding somehow."
If Nova picks up his 10th win tonight, he may be the tourniquet the Yankees need.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Yankees-White Sox Game Has Rain Delay Without Rain
Phil Hughes was ready to make his most important start of the season when officials at U.S. Cellular Field delayed the start of the game due to rain--only problem was, it wasn't raining. The New York Yankees pitcher was warming up to face the Chicago White Sox when the grounds crew started rolling out the tarps and it was announced that the start of the game would be evaluated 45 minutes later because radar showed rain. The sky was dark but the only moisture was the sweat on the players and fans in the sweltering humidity.
It was unusual, even by baseball standards, to delay a game before even one single raindrop fell or a pitch was thrown.
The game finally started at 7:55 CST, with nary a drop of moisture, and the skies looked a lot more threatening while the tarps were being rolled up, then when they were laid out earlier. The temperature dropped 9-degrees in that hour of time.
Broadcasters speculated that the delay was a way to keep a storm-break in that hour from affecting the pitchers once they started throwing. A long break in the action could stiffen their loose arms. Look what happened to CC Sabathia the other day--twice.
Hughes might even be most grateful for prolonging the start of tonight's game. The struggling righthander has a lot to lose with a bad outing and a real rain delay, after he threw, could hinder his motion and, more importantly, his comeback. He comes into the game with a 1-3 record and 8.24 ERA and is competing with Ivan Nova for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Nova (9-4, 4.01 ERA) is coming off a fine performance against the Baltimore Orioles (7 innings, 2 earned runs) in his first game back with the Yankees after coming off the DL. He faces the same White Sox team on Thursday. It's fair to say the pitcher who fares the worst in this series will be demoted--even though manager Joe Girardi won't say so.
"Let's [Hughes] just pitch well tonight," said Girardi. "And [I] have a tough decision later."
Tonight Hughes' fastball was hitting 94 mph with good control and the Yankees hitters staked him to a 6-0 lead. Then the skies opened up.
In the middle of the seventh inning, a second rain delay was called--with real rain this time. By then, Hughes went six strong innings and gave up three hits and no runs.
Ironically, if the first faux-rain delay wasn't called, the whole game would have been over.
Next time screw the radar and just stick your head out the window.
It was unusual, even by baseball standards, to delay a game before even one single raindrop fell or a pitch was thrown.
The game finally started at 7:55 CST, with nary a drop of moisture, and the skies looked a lot more threatening while the tarps were being rolled up, then when they were laid out earlier. The temperature dropped 9-degrees in that hour of time.
Broadcasters speculated that the delay was a way to keep a storm-break in that hour from affecting the pitchers once they started throwing. A long break in the action could stiffen their loose arms. Look what happened to CC Sabathia the other day--twice.
Hughes might even be most grateful for prolonging the start of tonight's game. The struggling righthander has a lot to lose with a bad outing and a real rain delay, after he threw, could hinder his motion and, more importantly, his comeback. He comes into the game with a 1-3 record and 8.24 ERA and is competing with Ivan Nova for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Nova (9-4, 4.01 ERA) is coming off a fine performance against the Baltimore Orioles (7 innings, 2 earned runs) in his first game back with the Yankees after coming off the DL. He faces the same White Sox team on Thursday. It's fair to say the pitcher who fares the worst in this series will be demoted--even though manager Joe Girardi won't say so.
"Let's [Hughes] just pitch well tonight," said Girardi. "And [I] have a tough decision later."
Tonight Hughes' fastball was hitting 94 mph with good control and the Yankees hitters staked him to a 6-0 lead. Then the skies opened up.
In the middle of the seventh inning, a second rain delay was called--with real rain this time. By then, Hughes went six strong innings and gave up three hits and no runs.
Ironically, if the first faux-rain delay wasn't called, the whole game would have been over.
Next time screw the radar and just stick your head out the window.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Phil Hughes Pitching for Final Spot in Yankees Rotation
Now that New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman didn't acquire any new arms before the trade deadline and we can finally put those Andy Pettitte un-retiring rumors to rest, manager Joe Girardi has to figure out what to do with the six starting pitchers he has left. His dilemma, who is the odd man out after he whittles his rotation down to five--the dead arm of Phil Hughes or the hot hand of Ivan Nova?
"We just talked about tweaking our rotation a little bit. Do you give guys an extra days rest?" was Girardi's rhetorical question.
Girardi hasn't made any decisions, but it is a sure bet he won't be going with a six-man rotation. That scenario wouldn't bode well with CC Sabathia or A.J. Burnett-- who both prefer to pitch on normal rest and what the ace CC wants, he's going to get.
On the other hand, Hughes has to pitch a near perfect game against the Chicago White Sox this Tuesday night to keep a slot. The righthander's sparkling 2010 season can only carry him so far.
Girardi seemed defensive when asked about Hughes' 1-3, 8.14 ERA this season since returning from the DL for an inflammation of his right shoulder. Hughes fastball has hovered around the 92-93 mph since coming back.
"You're evaluating [Hughes] on his last three or four starts," Girardi said. "We believe this guy still has a huge upside; he won 18 games last year, and we want to see him continue to progress. How many guys won 18 games last year? Not too many. We have to continue to evaluate him, if we think he's going in the right direction."
There's a lot wrong with that statement. Maybe Girardi is waiting for Doc Brown to pull up with the "Back to the Future" DeLorean.
First, Girardi can't live in the past and, has to put a lot of consideration on who stays in the current rotation on a pitcher's last few starts. Secondly, Nova still has the slight chance of winning 18 games this season, even with time spent on the DL. Hmm...let's see, 18 W's last year or 18 this season?
Nova pitched well in the night-cap of Saturday's double-header-- his first start since being called up from the Yankees Triple-A club in Scranton. Staked to a comfy 12-run first-inning, Nova held the Baltimore Orioles to six hits and two earned runs over seven innings. He is 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA including going 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA over his last five starts. Nova knows how the business works.
"That's a decision I don't make," he said. "Of course, I want to be here."
If Hughes pitches lights-out on Tuesday, Nova could be going back down to the minors. Girardi indicated it would be "a natural move" to send down but would weigh other options.
Now if Hughes gets rocked, it would leave Girardi no choice but to demote Hughes to work things out. The only rationale for keeping a struggling Hughes in the rotation is if either Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia gets injured or falter badly and that doesn't look like it's going to happen.
For now, Girardi is standing by Hughes.
"We'll talk about this after Sunday," said Girardi. "His stuff in his last [start] was closer to where it was last year. I'm not ready just to throw away what he did last year."
It looks like we should have some answers after the road trip to Chicago.
"We just talked about tweaking our rotation a little bit. Do you give guys an extra days rest?" was Girardi's rhetorical question.
Girardi hasn't made any decisions, but it is a sure bet he won't be going with a six-man rotation. That scenario wouldn't bode well with CC Sabathia or A.J. Burnett-- who both prefer to pitch on normal rest and what the ace CC wants, he's going to get.
Girardi seemed defensive when asked about Hughes' 1-3, 8.14 ERA this season since returning from the DL for an inflammation of his right shoulder. Hughes fastball has hovered around the 92-93 mph since coming back.
"You're evaluating [Hughes] on his last three or four starts," Girardi said. "We believe this guy still has a huge upside; he won 18 games last year, and we want to see him continue to progress. How many guys won 18 games last year? Not too many. We have to continue to evaluate him, if we think he's going in the right direction."
There's a lot wrong with that statement. Maybe Girardi is waiting for Doc Brown to pull up with the "Back to the Future" DeLorean.
First, Girardi can't live in the past and, has to put a lot of consideration on who stays in the current rotation on a pitcher's last few starts. Secondly, Nova still has the slight chance of winning 18 games this season, even with time spent on the DL. Hmm...let's see, 18 W's last year or 18 this season?
"That's a decision I don't make," he said. "Of course, I want to be here."
If Hughes pitches lights-out on Tuesday, Nova could be going back down to the minors. Girardi indicated it would be "a natural move" to send down but would weigh other options.
Now if Hughes gets rocked, it would leave Girardi no choice but to demote Hughes to work things out. The only rationale for keeping a struggling Hughes in the rotation is if either Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia gets injured or falter badly and that doesn't look like it's going to happen.
For now, Girardi is standing by Hughes.
"We'll talk about this after Sunday," said Girardi. "His stuff in his last [start] was closer to where it was last year. I'm not ready just to throw away what he did last year."
It looks like we should have some answers after the road trip to Chicago.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Did Colon and Garcia's Last Outings Quell Yankees Trade Talks
Last week the New York Yankees seemed desperate to add another reliable starter to their rotation. All eyes seemed to be focused on Colorado Rockies flame-thrower Ubaldo Jimenez. Only problem was, the Rockies would literally be asking the Yankees for the farm to make any kind of trade for their 27 year-old righthander.
The Yankees remember all too well last year's lack of starting pitching in the playoffs and have to be wondering if they can pin four-fifth of their October hopes on Phil Hughes--a pitcher on the mend, A.J. Burnett--who has reverted back to his inconsistent self, Ivan Nova-- who just went on the Triple-A DL for a foot injury, and Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia--two aging veterans picked up during the off-season winter-sale.
Funny thing, outside of CC Sabathia, Colon and Garcia, have been the most impressive this season. Now the question is can the 38 year-old Colon and 35 year-old Garcia hold up?
Both pitchers combined for a total of two earned runs in 13 innings in two games against the Tampa Bay Rays this week.
Garcia out dueled David Price and struck out seven Rays hitters over 6.2 innings last night. Last week Garcia was battered in Toronto where he allowed five earned runs in five innings after a 12 day layoff. Manager Joe Girardi said the layoff was responsible.
Colon's masterpiece the night before was spoiled after centerfielder Curtis Granderson lost a fly ball in the roof of Tropicana Field. The hefty hurler went 6.1 innings and struck out nine batters.
Reports continue to swirl that the Yankees are still interested in Jimenez, but there hasn't been any official comment from management. Girardi seems content on keeping things as they are.
"This is what we have and we've gotten to this point because of them," he said. "There's no reason that can't continue."
Well, many fans will dispute that sentiment and the Yankees reportedly have scouts buying more Rockies tickets than usual.
The reasons to add a player like Jimenez, who has 50 wins over his last three years and has over 33 starts in each of his three full seasons. He had 214 strikeouts last season-- third in the NL-- and the durable pitcher who has thrown 845 innings without any real troubles. Jimenez has only been on the DL once in his career for a broken fingernail. The Yankees have to like the thought of getting a pitcher without shoulder, elbow or "dead arm" problems.
Jimenez could come cheap in contract but steep in trade. He is making $2.8 million this year, $4.2 mil next season and an option of $5.75 in 2013. Compare that to the $33 million the Yankees will be shelling out for A.J. Burnett over the next two years.
In exchange, the Rockies will probably want Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero--three of the Yankees top prospects.
Jimenez's bi-polar 2010 season has to be on the Yankees mind after he started 15-1, then sludged through the second half of the season. He is 6-3 with a 2.61 ERA in his last 10 starts.
The Yankees could wait until the end of the season to get Jimenez and hang on to their prospects, much like they did with Sabathia in 2008, when they held on to Hughes and got the big pitcher they wanted anyway.
The questions now are if Hughes is back to form and if Colon and Garcia can keep it up for another two-and-a-half months.
They will each get at least another start before the July 31 trade deadline--one more chance to show the Yankees the first half of their seasons weren't a fluke and the team can hang on to their prospects for the future.
Funny thing, outside of CC Sabathia, Colon and Garcia, have been the most impressive this season. Now the question is can the 38 year-old Colon and 35 year-old Garcia hold up?
Both pitchers combined for a total of two earned runs in 13 innings in two games against the Tampa Bay Rays this week.
Garcia out dueled David Price and struck out seven Rays hitters over 6.2 innings last night. Last week Garcia was battered in Toronto where he allowed five earned runs in five innings after a 12 day layoff. Manager Joe Girardi said the layoff was responsible.
Colon's masterpiece the night before was spoiled after centerfielder Curtis Granderson lost a fly ball in the roof of Tropicana Field. The hefty hurler went 6.1 innings and struck out nine batters.
Reports continue to swirl that the Yankees are still interested in Jimenez, but there hasn't been any official comment from management. Girardi seems content on keeping things as they are.
"This is what we have and we've gotten to this point because of them," he said. "There's no reason that can't continue."
Well, many fans will dispute that sentiment and the Yankees reportedly have scouts buying more Rockies tickets than usual.
The reasons to add a player like Jimenez, who has 50 wins over his last three years and has over 33 starts in each of his three full seasons. He had 214 strikeouts last season-- third in the NL-- and the durable pitcher who has thrown 845 innings without any real troubles. Jimenez has only been on the DL once in his career for a broken fingernail. The Yankees have to like the thought of getting a pitcher without shoulder, elbow or "dead arm" problems.
Jimenez could come cheap in contract but steep in trade. He is making $2.8 million this year, $4.2 mil next season and an option of $5.75 in 2013. Compare that to the $33 million the Yankees will be shelling out for A.J. Burnett over the next two years.
In exchange, the Rockies will probably want Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero--three of the Yankees top prospects.
Jimenez's bi-polar 2010 season has to be on the Yankees mind after he started 15-1, then sludged through the second half of the season. He is 6-3 with a 2.61 ERA in his last 10 starts.
The Yankees could wait until the end of the season to get Jimenez and hang on to their prospects, much like they did with Sabathia in 2008, when they held on to Hughes and got the big pitcher they wanted anyway.
The questions now are if Hughes is back to form and if Colon and Garcia can keep it up for another two-and-a-half months.
They will each get at least another start before the July 31 trade deadline--one more chance to show the Yankees the first half of their seasons weren't a fluke and the team can hang on to their prospects for the future.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Yankees Bartolo Colon: The Round Mound on the Rebound
Out of all of the New York Yankees off-season scrap-heap pick-ups, was there a more questionable signing than pitcher Bartolo Colon? The righthander had not pitched since injuring his arm in 2009 and showed up at camp with a body that made Rosie O'Donnell look svelte than the 2005 Cy Young winner he once was. The sight of Colon in a major league camp, never mind pinstripes, must have appeared to be some kind of joke.
Signing the rotund Colon may one of the best moves in an off-season of questionable moves by Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Maybe Yankees bench coach, Tony Pena, should get the credit. After all, it was Pena who phoned Cashman, after seeing Colon in the Dominican Winter League, and recommended bringing the fastballer to spring training and giving him a look-see.
Now, with Phil Hughes dead arm and Ivan Nova looking at a hitch in the minors, signing Colon may be the best move by Cashman so far this year.
The Yankees signed Colon for the bargain basement price of $900,000 and, while he won't make anyone forget the non-signing of Cliff Lee, he's taken out a little of the sting.
After throwing a masterful complete-game, 4-hit shutout victory over the Oakland A's on Monday, the 38 year-old seems to have found the fountain of youth. And that makes people talk.
How is it a pitcher who's 2009 elbow MRI resembled a pile of pick-up sticks and sat out a full season come back and rebound like that?
Colon has been steady so far this season. He is 4-4 with a 3.14 ERA and has 62 strikeouts with only 15 walks. His fastball is consistently in the mid-90's and even his final throw against the A's was clocked at 95 mph.
The fountain of youth is in Florida and resides in Boca Raton. Dr. Joseph Purita is the orthopedic surgeon who may hold the future of sports medicine in his skillful hands--stem-cell procedures. It could be the new Tommy John surgery and it now has tongues wagging.
Dr. Purita performed the controversial stem-cell procedure on Colon's tattered elbow and shoulder in the Dominican Republic eighteen months ago.
Colon went to Dr. Purita as a last resort for a partially-torn rotator cuff and elbow which constantly sent pain stinging up and down his arm.
The stem-cell operation, headed by Dr. Purita, was a procedure which drew fat (no Colon jokes) and healthy cells from Colon's bone marrow and inserted them into his bum shoulder and elbow.
The doctors claim they did the procedure without Human Growth Hormone--which can be used to hasten the healing.
MLB said Colon is part of an investigation into Dr. Purita's past practice of administering HGH to his patients. Since other major league hurlers are looking into the doctor's procedure, expect more inquiries.
Dr. Purita swears that his team did not use HGH and said he is willing to take a lie-detector test to prove it. He claims Colon wanted to avoid the scrutiny of the MLB substance abuse cops and went through the whole procedure HGH-free.
The Yankees are no strangers to the scandal of HGH. There's a virtual All-Star line-up of Yankees wearing or about to adorn those damaging scarlet letters. Beginning with Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez and ending with Roger Clemens. Having the procedure done in the Dominican Republic didn't due anything to silence the truth-seekers
While Cashman said he wasn't aware of the scope of Colon's off-season stem-cell procedure, don't expect the Yankees to open up a can of worms with any investigation regarding Colon's resurgence. They'll take the doctor's words--and supply the polygraph machine.
For now, Colon may be the steal of the season. With Hughes and Nova hurting and A.J. Burnett reverting to his old inconsistent self, Colon finds himself as the #2 starter behind CC Sabathia.
The Yankees know a healthy fastball from a hefty 38 year-old is a valuable, but fragile, commodity and manager Joe Girardi (the heat-miser) will monitor Colon's innings, throws or any other stat he can muster to prolong Colon's health. Girardi will begin by giving Colon an extra day of rest in this rotation.
"You have to be careful, but we have not seen his stuff drop off,' said Girardi.
Whether or not Colon is a freak of nature or a the new Frankenstein of modern medicine is yet to be seen. The re-animated Colon has given the Yankees life for the first two months of the season and, combined with the team's other junk-pile bargain Garcia, have kept the Yankees in the thick of the AL East.
Signing the rotund Colon may one of the best moves in an off-season of questionable moves by Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Maybe Yankees bench coach, Tony Pena, should get the credit. After all, it was Pena who phoned Cashman, after seeing Colon in the Dominican Winter League, and recommended bringing the fastballer to spring training and giving him a look-see.
The Yankees signed Colon for the bargain basement price of $900,000 and, while he won't make anyone forget the non-signing of Cliff Lee, he's taken out a little of the sting.
After throwing a masterful complete-game, 4-hit shutout victory over the Oakland A's on Monday, the 38 year-old seems to have found the fountain of youth. And that makes people talk.
How is it a pitcher who's 2009 elbow MRI resembled a pile of pick-up sticks and sat out a full season come back and rebound like that?
Colon has been steady so far this season. He is 4-4 with a 3.14 ERA and has 62 strikeouts with only 15 walks. His fastball is consistently in the mid-90's and even his final throw against the A's was clocked at 95 mph.
The fountain of youth is in Florida and resides in Boca Raton. Dr. Joseph Purita is the orthopedic surgeon who may hold the future of sports medicine in his skillful hands--stem-cell procedures. It could be the new Tommy John surgery and it now has tongues wagging.
Dr. Purita performed the controversial stem-cell procedure on Colon's tattered elbow and shoulder in the Dominican Republic eighteen months ago.
Colon went to Dr. Purita as a last resort for a partially-torn rotator cuff and elbow which constantly sent pain stinging up and down his arm.
The stem-cell operation, headed by Dr. Purita, was a procedure which drew fat (no Colon jokes) and healthy cells from Colon's bone marrow and inserted them into his bum shoulder and elbow.
The doctors claim they did the procedure without Human Growth Hormone--which can be used to hasten the healing.
MLB said Colon is part of an investigation into Dr. Purita's past practice of administering HGH to his patients. Since other major league hurlers are looking into the doctor's procedure, expect more inquiries.
Dr. Purita swears that his team did not use HGH and said he is willing to take a lie-detector test to prove it. He claims Colon wanted to avoid the scrutiny of the MLB substance abuse cops and went through the whole procedure HGH-free.
The Yankees are no strangers to the scandal of HGH. There's a virtual All-Star line-up of Yankees wearing or about to adorn those damaging scarlet letters. Beginning with Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez and ending with Roger Clemens. Having the procedure done in the Dominican Republic didn't due anything to silence the truth-seekers
While Cashman said he wasn't aware of the scope of Colon's off-season stem-cell procedure, don't expect the Yankees to open up a can of worms with any investigation regarding Colon's resurgence. They'll take the doctor's words--and supply the polygraph machine.
For now, Colon may be the steal of the season. With Hughes and Nova hurting and A.J. Burnett reverting to his old inconsistent self, Colon finds himself as the #2 starter behind CC Sabathia.
The Yankees know a healthy fastball from a hefty 38 year-old is a valuable, but fragile, commodity and manager Joe Girardi (the heat-miser) will monitor Colon's innings, throws or any other stat he can muster to prolong Colon's health. Girardi will begin by giving Colon an extra day of rest in this rotation.
"You have to be careful, but we have not seen his stuff drop off,' said Girardi.
Whether or not Colon is a freak of nature or a the new Frankenstein of modern medicine is yet to be seen. The re-animated Colon has given the Yankees life for the first two months of the season and, combined with the team's other junk-pile bargain Garcia, have kept the Yankees in the thick of the AL East.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Mediocre AL West Means King Felix Won't Be Going To Yankees...Or Anywhere
The New York Yankees have been drooling all over Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez for three years. Rumors circulating about the Yankees swiping King Felix from the Mariners are just that--idle talk. New York has a better chance of putting Keith Hernandez in pinstripes this season.
Every summer, while the Mariners wallowed in last place and New York chased another playoff spot, the whispers about the Yankees getting Hernandez before the July 31 trading deadline got louder. This year the Mariners will put a gag on it.
Unlike last year, when the hit-challenged Mariners were going through the motions by June, red hot Seattle now finds itself in the midst of a division race and no need to unload their ace.
The Mariners have won nine of their last 10 games and are tangled up in the wide-open AL West race which separates all four teams by only 2 games.
Hernandez, the 25 year-old righthander, is one of the most valuable commodities in the majors and there isn't one team that wouldn't want him. Once a team has an arm like his, you don't let it go.
Combine Hernandez with the Mariners latest phenom, Michael Pineda, and you've got one of the best 1-2 punches in the American League for the next few years. The Mariners GM, Jack Zduriencik, would be run out of town for trading away Hernandez--the foundation of the team for three more years.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are still looking for their front-line starter and an rotation identity. CC Sabathia has been his usual work-horse self. A.J. Burnett has reverted back to his bi-polar ways while Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon are low-rent pick-ups who have been capable four and five starters, but both are susceptible to their aging arms fading down the stretch. That leaves the Yankees young guns--Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova.
Comparing Hernandez and Pineda to the Yankees youngest arms can only make Yankees GM Brian Cashman cry.
Nova has held his own in his first season in the starting rotation, but has not shown the unbridled potential of a Pineda. And then there is Hughes.
Hughes was supposed to be the Yankees' wunderkind, but has been troubled by dead arm troubles. Hernandez is the same age as Hughes but it seems like the Mariner pitcher is Hughes' grandpa. Hernandez was nineteen when he broke in to the majors in 2005 and seems to have gotten better every year. Hughes was shuttled between the bullpen and limited innings during that same time and doesn't even come close to having the body of work his Seattle counterpart has.
Hernandez went 19-5 in 2009 and, even on last year's pitiful Mariners team, went 13-12 and picked up the Cy Young Award for his efforts.
Hughes seemed to be living up to his potential in 2010. He won 18 games last year, but struggled after the All-Star break. His troubles continued into 2011 and, unless he can regain his fastball, he is only a shell of what Hernandez is.
Hernandez signed a 5-year $78 million contract which keeps his talent in Seattle through 2014. Until then, Yankee fans can only dream about King Felix coming to the Bronx. On the bright side, he'll only be 28 and still in his prime.
Every summer, while the Mariners wallowed in last place and New York chased another playoff spot, the whispers about the Yankees getting Hernandez before the July 31 trading deadline got louder. This year the Mariners will put a gag on it.
The Mariners have won nine of their last 10 games and are tangled up in the wide-open AL West race which separates all four teams by only 2 games.
Hernandez, the 25 year-old righthander, is one of the most valuable commodities in the majors and there isn't one team that wouldn't want him. Once a team has an arm like his, you don't let it go.
Combine Hernandez with the Mariners latest phenom, Michael Pineda, and you've got one of the best 1-2 punches in the American League for the next few years. The Mariners GM, Jack Zduriencik, would be run out of town for trading away Hernandez--the foundation of the team for three more years.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are still looking for their front-line starter and an rotation identity. CC Sabathia has been his usual work-horse self. A.J. Burnett has reverted back to his bi-polar ways while Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon are low-rent pick-ups who have been capable four and five starters, but both are susceptible to their aging arms fading down the stretch. That leaves the Yankees young guns--Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova.
Comparing Hernandez and Pineda to the Yankees youngest arms can only make Yankees GM Brian Cashman cry.
Nova has held his own in his first season in the starting rotation, but has not shown the unbridled potential of a Pineda. And then there is Hughes.
Hughes was supposed to be the Yankees' wunderkind, but has been troubled by dead arm troubles. Hernandez is the same age as Hughes but it seems like the Mariner pitcher is Hughes' grandpa. Hernandez was nineteen when he broke in to the majors in 2005 and seems to have gotten better every year. Hughes was shuttled between the bullpen and limited innings during that same time and doesn't even come close to having the body of work his Seattle counterpart has.
Hernandez went 19-5 in 2009 and, even on last year's pitiful Mariners team, went 13-12 and picked up the Cy Young Award for his efforts.
Hughes seemed to be living up to his potential in 2010. He won 18 games last year, but struggled after the All-Star break. His troubles continued into 2011 and, unless he can regain his fastball, he is only a shell of what Hernandez is.
Hernandez signed a 5-year $78 million contract which keeps his talent in Seattle through 2014. Until then, Yankee fans can only dream about King Felix coming to the Bronx. On the bright side, he'll only be 28 and still in his prime.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Girardi On 5th Starter: It's Colon, It's Garcia, It's Colon, It's Garcia, It's...
The Yankees four-horse Steinbrenner Cup Derby for the remaining two spots in the Yankees starting rotation is galloping down the stretch and it looks like the colt Ivan Nova has a comfortable lead over the old plugs, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia. Sergio Mitre looks like the also-ran and has already been relegated to the stable, I mean bullpen.
If you listen to manager Joe Girardi call this Win, Place or Go race, you wouldn't know who is pulling up the rear.
On the backstretch Monday, it was Colon who was in the money. Girardi praised the hefty right hander after a six-inning, 5 strikeout and no walk performance. "His stuff was outstanding," said the manager.
Yesterday, it sounded like the skipper was singing the praises of Garcia. "I have a pretty good feel on what Freddy can do. It's work and just coming out healthy," he said.
And yesterday on Colon? Girardi said, "Bart didn't pitch last year so if you start talking innings, will there be a point where innings catch up to him during the course of a season."
Garcia will be at the Yankees minor league complex pitching in a minor league game today. Pitching coach, Larry Rothschild--and possibly Girardi--will be watching. Garcia has been miserable in his last two starts and has an ERA of 5.93 over four games. He has a lot to prove.
D-Day is March 29, when Garcia can opt out of his contract. His base salary is $1.5 million with an opportunity to make an additional $3.6 million in performance bonuses.
The 37 year-old Colon will earn $900,000 if he makes the roster.
Colon looked like a long shot to make the rotation when he came into camp 25 pounds overweight after sitting out 2009 due to injuries, but had that great game Monday along with 17 strikeouts 15 innings this spring. The 267 pound righthander has had his fastball clocked in the 90's.
The big concern with Colon, and it is a big as his girth, is whether or not he has the stamina to go a full season. The one-time workhorse threw 200 inning seasons in his sleep during his glory years, but only threw 257 innings since 2006. The 2010 lay-off will be a big concern of Girardi's.
Colon has out pitched both Garcia and Mitre this March and if picking the No. 5 starter was justified on statistics alone, Colon would be a shoo-in.
But the 34 year-old Garcia is a relative pony compared to former Cy Young winner Colon and hasn't sat on the shelf for the past five years. Garcia pitched 157 innings while winning 12 games last year for the White Sox. Garcia has been clocked mostly in the mid-80's this spring.
Does Girardi let a soft spring training for former All-Star Garcia influence his decision? The righthander made it perfectly clear he has nothing to prove nothing in Triple-A and would not go down. Colon has not made any such ultimatums.
"We're getting to the point where we have to sit down and have a long meeting," said Girardi. There's still some stuff we have to look at, but they've put up a pretty good body of work together, all of them. We have to sit down and find some time to have it."
At the beginning of spring training, Girardi said statistics would not be the most important factor in picking the No. 4 and 5 spots. Yesterday, he said he wouldn't base his decision on Garcia's minor league performance today.
I'm picking Mark Prior as the dark horse.
The Yankees have a only a few days left before that "long meeting."
If you listen to manager Joe Girardi call this Win, Place or Go race, you wouldn't know who is pulling up the rear.
Yesterday, it sounded like the skipper was singing the praises of Garcia. "I have a pretty good feel on what Freddy can do. It's work and just coming out healthy," he said.
And yesterday on Colon? Girardi said, "Bart didn't pitch last year so if you start talking innings, will there be a point where innings catch up to him during the course of a season."
Garcia will be at the Yankees minor league complex pitching in a minor league game today. Pitching coach, Larry Rothschild--and possibly Girardi--will be watching. Garcia has been miserable in his last two starts and has an ERA of 5.93 over four games. He has a lot to prove.
D-Day is March 29, when Garcia can opt out of his contract. His base salary is $1.5 million with an opportunity to make an additional $3.6 million in performance bonuses.
The 37 year-old Colon will earn $900,000 if he makes the roster.
Colon looked like a long shot to make the rotation when he came into camp 25 pounds overweight after sitting out 2009 due to injuries, but had that great game Monday along with 17 strikeouts 15 innings this spring. The 267 pound righthander has had his fastball clocked in the 90's.
The big concern with Colon, and it is a big as his girth, is whether or not he has the stamina to go a full season. The one-time workhorse threw 200 inning seasons in his sleep during his glory years, but only threw 257 innings since 2006. The 2010 lay-off will be a big concern of Girardi's.
Colon has out pitched both Garcia and Mitre this March and if picking the No. 5 starter was justified on statistics alone, Colon would be a shoo-in.
But the 34 year-old Garcia is a relative pony compared to former Cy Young winner Colon and hasn't sat on the shelf for the past five years. Garcia pitched 157 innings while winning 12 games last year for the White Sox. Garcia has been clocked mostly in the mid-80's this spring.
Does Girardi let a soft spring training for former All-Star Garcia influence his decision? The righthander made it perfectly clear he has nothing to prove nothing in Triple-A and would not go down. Colon has not made any such ultimatums.
"We're getting to the point where we have to sit down and have a long meeting," said Girardi. There's still some stuff we have to look at, but they've put up a pretty good body of work together, all of them. We have to sit down and find some time to have it."
At the beginning of spring training, Girardi said statistics would not be the most important factor in picking the No. 4 and 5 spots. Yesterday, he said he wouldn't base his decision on Garcia's minor league performance today.
I'm picking Mark Prior as the dark horse.
The Yankees have a only a few days left before that "long meeting."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Yankees Rothschild Guiding Young Guns, Old Cannons & A Head-Case
It's still to early in spring training to call in the AL East title because of the performances of a few pitchers but, when you're the New York Yankees and the candidates for your third, fourth and fifth starting pitchers are a collection of inexperienced youngsters, old war-horses and a head-case trying to rebound, the nice early numbers have to stoke high expectations.
Maybe Brian Cashman's Plans B, C and D, after being spurned by Cliff Lee, are working and new pitching coach Larry Rothschild's pitching philosophy will yield hefty returns.
Cashman, who loaded up on bargain-basement antiques like 34 year-old Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon to match arms with kids Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre, is starting to look like the Boy Wonder again.
Those four players have each pitched 5 innings this spring and have given up a total of one earned run (Colon) and struck out 14 overall batters.
From the first day of camp, manager Joe Girardi made it clear that picking the final spots would not be quick or easy. Now it looks like it could take longer and be a lot harder.
"We won't make decisions till the end," said Girardi. "We are going to take our time. Right now with the four guys there is no separation yet."
The real revelation is Rothschild's work with A.J. Burnett, the ineffective and much maligned No. 3 starter. The Yankees have to be happy with his first two outings: 5 Innings pitched, no earned runs or walks and---most important---no mental or physical breakdowns.
After Burnett's miserable 2010 season, it would have been a bad omen if he wilted in his first two games. Never mind the final two spots in the rotation, the Yankees would be looking to fill the last three and it could turn into a wild game of musical chairs.
After throwing three perfect innings against the Phillies on Monday, the 34 year-old Burnett hinted that he knows it's early, but didn't want to hear the demon voices of last season to start bouncing around in his head again.
"I didn't want to come in for one inning, give up four homers, come out and say, 'It's just my second start,' "said Burnett. "The fact that I was in control, the fact that the last batter I faced, the last five pitches were all down and away in the perfect spot. I'm able to repeat easier. My mind is clear. I'm not thinking about this or that; I'm just attacking."
Last season one or two bad pitches would usually boil into a major meltdown for Burnett. This year he is putting his trust in Rothschild. That mutual trust is rubbing off.
Rothschild began working with Burnett in January and put the emphasis on the pitcher getting better balance in his lower body so he wouldn't move side-to-side---a major reason his pitches were falling flat claims Rothschild.
Girardi has noticed more than Burnett's improved throwing mechanics, he is more impressed with the right-hander's body language.
"I look to how comfortable he is as opposed to the results," said Girardi. "[Last year] he looked like he was searching. He looked frustrated at times he was disgusted at himself."
What happens if Burnett and the other four pitchers run neck-and-neck all spring? Mitre would probably end up in the bullpen again and Nova could end up as a relief pitcher or as a starter in Triple-A.
It's only March but even new catcher Russell Martin liked what he saw after catching Burnett. When asked about Burnett compared to last season, Russell said, " He had his 'A' stuff."
Maybe Brian Cashman's Plans B, C and D, after being spurned by Cliff Lee, are working and new pitching coach Larry Rothschild's pitching philosophy will yield hefty returns.
Those four players have each pitched 5 innings this spring and have given up a total of one earned run (Colon) and struck out 14 overall batters.
From the first day of camp, manager Joe Girardi made it clear that picking the final spots would not be quick or easy. Now it looks like it could take longer and be a lot harder.
"We won't make decisions till the end," said Girardi. "We are going to take our time. Right now with the four guys there is no separation yet."
The real revelation is Rothschild's work with A.J. Burnett, the ineffective and much maligned No. 3 starter. The Yankees have to be happy with his first two outings: 5 Innings pitched, no earned runs or walks and---most important---no mental or physical breakdowns.
After Burnett's miserable 2010 season, it would have been a bad omen if he wilted in his first two games. Never mind the final two spots in the rotation, the Yankees would be looking to fill the last three and it could turn into a wild game of musical chairs.
After throwing three perfect innings against the Phillies on Monday, the 34 year-old Burnett hinted that he knows it's early, but didn't want to hear the demon voices of last season to start bouncing around in his head again.
"I didn't want to come in for one inning, give up four homers, come out and say, 'It's just my second start,' "said Burnett. "The fact that I was in control, the fact that the last batter I faced, the last five pitches were all down and away in the perfect spot. I'm able to repeat easier. My mind is clear. I'm not thinking about this or that; I'm just attacking."
Last season one or two bad pitches would usually boil into a major meltdown for Burnett. This year he is putting his trust in Rothschild. That mutual trust is rubbing off.
Rothschild began working with Burnett in January and put the emphasis on the pitcher getting better balance in his lower body so he wouldn't move side-to-side---a major reason his pitches were falling flat claims Rothschild.
Girardi has noticed more than Burnett's improved throwing mechanics, he is more impressed with the right-hander's body language.
"I look to how comfortable he is as opposed to the results," said Girardi. "[Last year] he looked like he was searching. He looked frustrated at times he was disgusted at himself."
What happens if Burnett and the other four pitchers run neck-and-neck all spring? Mitre would probably end up in the bullpen again and Nova could end up as a relief pitcher or as a starter in Triple-A.
It's only March but even new catcher Russell Martin liked what he saw after catching Burnett. When asked about Burnett compared to last season, Russell said, " He had his 'A' stuff."
