If you want to buy the home-run ball Derek Jeter hit for his 3,000th hit against the Tampa Bay Rays last summer—fuhgedaboudit. But you can purchase one of the three balls he fouled off Rays pitcher David Price before the memorable hit on July 9 at Yankee Stadium.
The ball Jeter fouled off during the at-bat which produced the historic home-run is being sold at auction by Lelands.com until Dec. 16.
You can relive that glorious foul ball moment in the video below and dream about being the proud owner of that wayward ball.
I wonder if the 3-2 count foul ball—caught by a fan on the first-base side of the field—will rake in more for this guy then Christian Lopez—the young man who caught the historic No. 3,000— got for returning his prize catch to Jeter.
The generous Lopez was rewarded with four box-seat season tickets and assorted signed Jeter memorabilia. Some think he was underpaid and the payoff should have been equivalent to winning Powerball.
The shortstop fouled off three pitches before hitting the milestone 3,000 on that sunny day. Two were retrieved by ballboys and the third was caught by the fan behind the first base side.
The ball is reported to have a big, black smudge on it and is marked with a "J-1" by Major League Baseball to certify its authenticity.
You may not be able to own the actual ball which made Jeter only the 28th major leaguer to join the exclusive 3K club, but you can lay title to the ball which set up the big moment with the highest bid.
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Minggu, 11 Desember 2011
Kamis, 29 September 2011
A-Rod Will Be Yankees X-Factor In ALDS
If you ask Alex Rodriguez, his surgically-repaired right knee and sprained left thumb are fine and sitting out last night's season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays was just precautionary. The New York Yankees third baseman made it clear that he intends on being in the lineup tomorrow night for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers.
Last week, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that one of his intentions was to get A-Rod a full week of at-bats to get him ready for the upcoming series. Last night, all he got was a session in the batting cage.
"I was going to go out and take one or two at-bats, but we felt it was probably smarter to stay off the turf for one night," Rodriguez said. "Turf is always an issue when you play multiple days back-to-back. there was just a little soreness, but it's all the turf. Since surgery, I haven't felt any pain or discomfort."
If it's not the knee, maybe it's the thumb.
There must be some reason he is hitting .171 (6-for-35) with one home run and six RBI's over his last 10 games. Not exactly boot-shaking numbers.
Rodriguez, missed six games from Sept. 10 to Sept. 16 after the thumb flared up but hitting coach Kevin Long believes his aging charge is not favoring the knee or the thumb.
"His timing is off," said Long. "We are working with his leg kick and and getting better pitches to hit. As long as he is healthy, he can help us at the next level."
The next level is exactly where the Yankees will need A-Rod's help.
Just because the Yankees are loaded with power doesn't mean A-Rod is expendable. The team did lose the last four "meaningless" games of the season.
For the Yankees to battle the Tigers' 1-2 punch of Justin Verlander and Doug Fister, Rodriguez will have to revert back to his 2009 form. Remember when the slugger carried the Yankees to the World Series with his first certifiable monstrous postseason? During that run, he hit .455 in the ALDS and .429 in the ALCS with five home runs and 12 RBI's.
This year, the 36 year-old Rodriguez finished this regular season by playing in the fewest games of his career (99) with a .276 average and career lows in home runs (16) and RBI's (62). Not prototypical cleanup numbers.
If the Yankees can't depend on Rodriguez to be their big time bat, they have other offensive power at their disposal. Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano have combined for 108 home runs and an impressive 348 RBI's, but combine them with a robust A-Rod and you have the Roar Four.
All three of those players have been shuffled between the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots all season, but now with Granderson safely ensconced in the No. 2 slot, it's up to A-Rod to be No. 4 and make it more difficult for the Tigers pitchers to go around anyone in the middle of the lineup.
If Rodriguez is not healthy, Girardi will have to choose between either rookie Eduardo Nunez or veteran Eric Chavez.
Nunez is more of an offensive threat over the slumping Chavez-- although the fresh legs that gave Nunez 22 stolen bases belong to the same inexperienced head which made numerous mental errors in the field. The youngster has 22 errors and, in the playoffs where every play counts, that's a real concern.
Chavez, on the other hand, is flawless Gold Glove infielder who has been known to get timely hits but has faded down the stretch.
Both are capable, if not dangerous, replacements if Rodriguez's physical ailments continue to pester him. A bigger concern could be A-Rod's head.
After his sensational playoffs two years ago, A-Rod withered back to his old big-game habits.
He followed up 2009's breakout postseason play with a dismal outing last year against the Texas Rangers-- batting .190 with 2 RBI's in 25 plate appearances.
"I don't really have a concern about him [Rodriguez]," said Girardi about last night's sitting. "The turf can do that to you sometimes. He'll be ready to go (tomorrow)."
Now the hurting Rodriguez faces another October. Which A-Rod will show up?
Last week, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that one of his intentions was to get A-Rod a full week of at-bats to get him ready for the upcoming series. Last night, all he got was a session in the batting cage.
"I was going to go out and take one or two at-bats, but we felt it was probably smarter to stay off the turf for one night," Rodriguez said. "Turf is always an issue when you play multiple days back-to-back. there was just a little soreness, but it's all the turf. Since surgery, I haven't felt any pain or discomfort."
If it's not the knee, maybe it's the thumb.
There must be some reason he is hitting .171 (6-for-35) with one home run and six RBI's over his last 10 games. Not exactly boot-shaking numbers.
Rodriguez, missed six games from Sept. 10 to Sept. 16 after the thumb flared up but hitting coach Kevin Long believes his aging charge is not favoring the knee or the thumb.
"His timing is off," said Long. "We are working with his leg kick and and getting better pitches to hit. As long as he is healthy, he can help us at the next level."
The next level is exactly where the Yankees will need A-Rod's help.
Just because the Yankees are loaded with power doesn't mean A-Rod is expendable. The team did lose the last four "meaningless" games of the season.
For the Yankees to battle the Tigers' 1-2 punch of Justin Verlander and Doug Fister, Rodriguez will have to revert back to his 2009 form. Remember when the slugger carried the Yankees to the World Series with his first certifiable monstrous postseason? During that run, he hit .455 in the ALDS and .429 in the ALCS with five home runs and 12 RBI's.
This year, the 36 year-old Rodriguez finished this regular season by playing in the fewest games of his career (99) with a .276 average and career lows in home runs (16) and RBI's (62). Not prototypical cleanup numbers.
If the Yankees can't depend on Rodriguez to be their big time bat, they have other offensive power at their disposal. Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano have combined for 108 home runs and an impressive 348 RBI's, but combine them with a robust A-Rod and you have the Roar Four.
All three of those players have been shuffled between the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots all season, but now with Granderson safely ensconced in the No. 2 slot, it's up to A-Rod to be No. 4 and make it more difficult for the Tigers pitchers to go around anyone in the middle of the lineup.
If Rodriguez is not healthy, Girardi will have to choose between either rookie Eduardo Nunez or veteran Eric Chavez.
Nunez is more of an offensive threat over the slumping Chavez-- although the fresh legs that gave Nunez 22 stolen bases belong to the same inexperienced head which made numerous mental errors in the field. The youngster has 22 errors and, in the playoffs where every play counts, that's a real concern.
Chavez, on the other hand, is flawless Gold Glove infielder who has been known to get timely hits but has faded down the stretch.
Both are capable, if not dangerous, replacements if Rodriguez's physical ailments continue to pester him. A bigger concern could be A-Rod's head.
After his sensational playoffs two years ago, A-Rod withered back to his old big-game habits.
He followed up 2009's breakout postseason play with a dismal outing last year against the Texas Rangers-- batting .190 with 2 RBI's in 25 plate appearances.
"I don't really have a concern about him [Rodriguez]," said Girardi about last night's sitting. "The turf can do that to you sometimes. He'll be ready to go (tomorrow)."
Now the hurting Rodriguez faces another October. Which A-Rod will show up?
Rabu, 28 September 2011
Yankees Throwing Betances at Rays in Final Game
In a surprising move, New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has decided to give tonight's starting job to Dellin Betances against the Tampa Bay Rays in the season finale. The outcome of the AL wild card race could be in the hands of the inexperienced 23 year-old.
Only last week, Girardi was adamant about Betances not starting the final game. It looks like the manager had a change of heart when he looked down the roster and saw no other starters available.
The Yankees are less worried about tonight's game than who they will face this weekend in the ALDS-- the Detroit Tigers or Texas Rangers.
The 6-foot-9 Betances, who had surgery early in his career, has a fast ball which hits the mid-90's and a good curve ball.
He's never pitched a game with this much riding on it-- at least for the other team.
Betances spent most of the season with AA Trenton Thunder and was promoted to AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre in August-- where he was 0-3 with a 5.14 ERA.
In his only major league appearance against this same Rays team on Sept. 22, Betances walked four batters and hit another in 2/3 of an inning.
The Rays must be licking their chops.
Only last week, Girardi was adamant about Betances not starting the final game. It looks like the manager had a change of heart when he looked down the roster and saw no other starters available.
The Yankees are less worried about tonight's game than who they will face this weekend in the ALDS-- the Detroit Tigers or Texas Rangers.
The 6-foot-9 Betances, who had surgery early in his career, has a fast ball which hits the mid-90's and a good curve ball.
He's never pitched a game with this much riding on it-- at least for the other team.
Betances spent most of the season with AA Trenton Thunder and was promoted to AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre in August-- where he was 0-3 with a 5.14 ERA.
In his only major league appearance against this same Rays team on Sept. 22, Betances walked four batters and hit another in 2/3 of an inning.
The Rays must be licking their chops.
Jumat, 23 September 2011
A.J. Burnett Will Get Third Spot In Yankees Rotation By Default
It's a good bet A.J. Burnett will be the New York Yankees' No. 3 starter in the playoffs, unless he totally gets blown out of the water in tomorrow's start against the Boston Red Sox.
After CC Sabathia and rookie Ivan Nova, the Yankees will have no other choice but to give the job to Burnett due to old injuries and older age to the other starters. The pivotal spot won't be awarded to Burnett based on his performance, as much as by default.
It's more like a Two-and-a-Half Men rotation with Burnett being as welcome as Charlie Sheen on that show's set-- with a paycheck to match.
Only difference, Winning is definitely not in Burnett's vocabulary.
Everything was looking pretty rosy for the Yankees and their six-man rotation up until only a few days ago.
Leading up to the playoffs, Phil Hughes had thrown three strong games and was ready to take over the No. 3 spot until an MRI showed that the back spasms which forced him from pitching on Wednesday were an old spine injury flaring up again.
Up until then, Hughes (5-5, 6.00 ERA) had been the most consistent starter after Sabathia and Nova and appeared to be the logical No. 3. Now, a herniated disc injury from seven years ago has reared its burning head and has to be a concern to the team regarding Hughes' long-term prognosis.
The Yankees are confident he can make one more start in a meaningless game before the playoffs, but they need a fully healthy Hughes on the mound and probably won't take a chance on the disc flaring up during a pivotal playoff game, so it looks like the bullpen for the 25 year-old.
That leaves Burnett, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia looking for on spot behind Sabathia and Nova; and none of them have been spanking any teams over the past few weeks.
It looks like Colon and Garcia have just plain run out of steam. The two veteran pitchers played beyond any one's expectations and carried the Yankees for a good portion of the season but it looks like Father Time has come a calling.
Colon's chances of making the New York Yankees playoff rotation took a big hit last night when he was pounded by the Tampa Bay Rays for seven runs (five earned) in three innings.
The one-time No. 3 front-runner, Colon (8-10), is winless in his last nine starts and has an ERA of 5.09 since the All-Star break.
Manager Joe Girardi has already hinted at being unsure about Colon's future and it looks like the pitcher's stock has fallen off the chart.
The 38 year-old Colon was, at times, brilliant this season and the Yankees off-season pick-up exceeded all expectations. The beefy hurler came back after almost two years of inactivity and hasn't pitched a full season since 2006 due to injuries.
Garcia is more of a mystery. The other bargain basement pick-up was consistent up until a few weeks ago. The 35 year-old was always hittable but seemed to pitch himself out of any jams until recently. Now, opposing players are using him like a batting tee and that won't do in the third game of a playoff series.
Over his last two starts, Garcia has been rocked for 11 earned runs in seven innings. Not good enough for a short-- or long-- series.
Which leads us to Burnett. What hasn't been said about the $82 million dollar enigma that wasn't a headline on the back page? From funny haircuts, cussing out the manager and mound meltdowns, the tattooed Burnett has done it all-- and badly.
The inconsistent pitcher has been given a second life by Girardi, oh... about half a dozen times. Two weeks ago it looked like the bullpen for the cantankerous righthander but, like some pinstriped vampire, he keeps arising and sucking the life from the team.
Over his last 10 starts, Burnett has been lit up like a Times Square billboard. He has allowed 46 earned runs over 52 innings and it would have been more if Girardi didn't yank him in the fifth the other night.
Through it all, Girardi has come to bat for Burnett too many times to let his whipping boy stew in the bullpen. After all, the Yankees are already loaded in that department.
So it comes down to attrition after the big gun Sabathia (19-8) and the white-hot Nova (16-4).
Expect Girardi to go to Sabathia in a game 4 on short rest-- even if the ace of the staff has not been a sure thing over the past month.
Garcia will get one more shot against a reeling Red Sox tonight in a desperate bid to win the No. 3 spot. Unless he throws a perfect game, expect to see old A.J. warming up for Game 3 in two weeks.
Funny, the Yankees started the season worrying about their starting pitching and head into the playoffs with the same concerns. How did they manage to win in between?
After CC Sabathia and rookie Ivan Nova, the Yankees will have no other choice but to give the job to Burnett due to old injuries and older age to the other starters. The pivotal spot won't be awarded to Burnett based on his performance, as much as by default.
It's more like a Two-and-a-Half Men rotation with Burnett being as welcome as Charlie Sheen on that show's set-- with a paycheck to match.
Only difference, Winning is definitely not in Burnett's vocabulary.
Everything was looking pretty rosy for the Yankees and their six-man rotation up until only a few days ago.
Leading up to the playoffs, Phil Hughes had thrown three strong games and was ready to take over the No. 3 spot until an MRI showed that the back spasms which forced him from pitching on Wednesday were an old spine injury flaring up again.
Up until then, Hughes (5-5, 6.00 ERA) had been the most consistent starter after Sabathia and Nova and appeared to be the logical No. 3. Now, a herniated disc injury from seven years ago has reared its burning head and has to be a concern to the team regarding Hughes' long-term prognosis.
The Yankees are confident he can make one more start in a meaningless game before the playoffs, but they need a fully healthy Hughes on the mound and probably won't take a chance on the disc flaring up during a pivotal playoff game, so it looks like the bullpen for the 25 year-old.
That leaves Burnett, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia looking for on spot behind Sabathia and Nova; and none of them have been spanking any teams over the past few weeks.
It looks like Colon and Garcia have just plain run out of steam. The two veteran pitchers played beyond any one's expectations and carried the Yankees for a good portion of the season but it looks like Father Time has come a calling.
Colon's chances of making the New York Yankees playoff rotation took a big hit last night when he was pounded by the Tampa Bay Rays for seven runs (five earned) in three innings.
The one-time No. 3 front-runner, Colon (8-10), is winless in his last nine starts and has an ERA of 5.09 since the All-Star break.
Manager Joe Girardi has already hinted at being unsure about Colon's future and it looks like the pitcher's stock has fallen off the chart.
The 38 year-old Colon was, at times, brilliant this season and the Yankees off-season pick-up exceeded all expectations. The beefy hurler came back after almost two years of inactivity and hasn't pitched a full season since 2006 due to injuries.
Garcia is more of a mystery. The other bargain basement pick-up was consistent up until a few weeks ago. The 35 year-old was always hittable but seemed to pitch himself out of any jams until recently. Now, opposing players are using him like a batting tee and that won't do in the third game of a playoff series.
Over his last two starts, Garcia has been rocked for 11 earned runs in seven innings. Not good enough for a short-- or long-- series.
Which leads us to Burnett. What hasn't been said about the $82 million dollar enigma that wasn't a headline on the back page? From funny haircuts, cussing out the manager and mound meltdowns, the tattooed Burnett has done it all-- and badly.
The inconsistent pitcher has been given a second life by Girardi, oh... about half a dozen times. Two weeks ago it looked like the bullpen for the cantankerous righthander but, like some pinstriped vampire, he keeps arising and sucking the life from the team.
Over his last 10 starts, Burnett has been lit up like a Times Square billboard. He has allowed 46 earned runs over 52 innings and it would have been more if Girardi didn't yank him in the fifth the other night.
Through it all, Girardi has come to bat for Burnett too many times to let his whipping boy stew in the bullpen. After all, the Yankees are already loaded in that department.
So it comes down to attrition after the big gun Sabathia (19-8) and the white-hot Nova (16-4).
Expect Girardi to go to Sabathia in a game 4 on short rest-- even if the ace of the staff has not been a sure thing over the past month.
Garcia will get one more shot against a reeling Red Sox tonight in a desperate bid to win the No. 3 spot. Unless he throws a perfect game, expect to see old A.J. warming up for Game 3 in two weeks.
Funny, the Yankees started the season worrying about their starting pitching and head into the playoffs with the same concerns. How did they manage to win in between?
Kamis, 22 September 2011
Letterman To Minka Kelly: "I always wanted to date Derek Jeter"
Last night on "The Late Show," David Letterman expressed his own yearning-- and the desire of millions of New York women-- to have dinner and catch a flick with New York Yankees star Derek Jeter.
While interviewing Jeter's ex-girlfriend Minka Kelly, Letterman-- a die-hard Yankees fan-- gushed about the shortstop and said, "I've always wanted to date Derek Jeter."
To which Kelly laughed and said, "I know."
Letterman was only joking, but that segment of the interview seemed to make the actress a little uncomfortable.
Jeter, New York's favorite son, and Kelly broke up a few weeks after the Yankees' "Captain" got his milestone 3,000th hit. It was later reported-- but not confirmed-- that she was involved with a co-star.
It was only a matter of time before Letterman veered from Kelly's real reason for appearing-- to promote her new TV show, "Charlie's Angels," and ask the sexy actress about her three-and-a-half year relationship with Jeter.
"I know you were in a romantic relationship with Derek Jeter," prodded the host. "It must have been great fun."
"He's a tremendous guy," Kelly shyly replied.
That's when Letterman jokingly made the great reveal.
Kelly was a good sport for appearing in a city where Jeter can basically do no wrong then face one of the Yankees' biggest fans on TV.
The Yankees, meanwhile, had just won the AL East division title earlier in the night after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays.
I'm sure Jeter was too busy celebrating to watch.
While interviewing Jeter's ex-girlfriend Minka Kelly, Letterman-- a die-hard Yankees fan-- gushed about the shortstop and said, "I've always wanted to date Derek Jeter."
To which Kelly laughed and said, "I know."
Letterman was only joking, but that segment of the interview seemed to make the actress a little uncomfortable.
Jeter, New York's favorite son, and Kelly broke up a few weeks after the Yankees' "Captain" got his milestone 3,000th hit. It was later reported-- but not confirmed-- that she was involved with a co-star.
It was only a matter of time before Letterman veered from Kelly's real reason for appearing-- to promote her new TV show, "Charlie's Angels," and ask the sexy actress about her three-and-a-half year relationship with Jeter.
"I know you were in a romantic relationship with Derek Jeter," prodded the host. "It must have been great fun."
"He's a tremendous guy," Kelly shyly replied.
That's when Letterman jokingly made the great reveal.
Kelly was a good sport for appearing in a city where Jeter can basically do no wrong then face one of the Yankees' biggest fans on TV.
The Yankees, meanwhile, had just won the AL East division title earlier in the night after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays.
I'm sure Jeter was too busy celebrating to watch.
Rabu, 21 September 2011
Girardi Pieces Together Yankees Playoff Clinching Monster
New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes was scratched today due to back spasms and manager Joe Girardi did a masterful job of piecing together a mosaic of pitchers to help the team beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-2, and clinch a playoff berth this afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees trailed for seven innings until Eduardo Nunez smashed a solo home run into the left field seats to tie the game at two. Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter followed with singles and Robinson Cano doubled to give the Yankees a 4-2 lead they would hang on to.
Less than a work of art, Girardi created a sort of Frankenstein starter by using the arms of seven different pitchers through eight innings-- to make up for the loss of Hughes and not upset the rotation-- before Mariano Rivera came in to get the save in the ninth.
The managers' creation would go toe-to-toe with Rays starter James Shields who allowed one run and four hits through seven innings-- using one spare part after another.
The head of Girardi's monster was Hector Noesi who was making his first Major League start. Noesi lasted 2.2 innings and gave up four hits and allowed the only two runs Tampa Bay would score.
After that, the mad scientist Girardi would stitch in Raul Valdes for 1.1 innings. Valdes allowed one hit and stymied the Rays with three strikeouts.
Next, Girardi would utilize George Kontos, Aaron Laffey, Corey Wade and Boone Logan in small roles until the seventh. Each of those pitchers, except Wade, would go 0.2 innings and allow a single hit apiece. Wade would last 1.1 innings.
Luis Ayala (2-2) struck out two Rays batters for the final outs in the eighth and was the beneficiary of the Yankees three-run eighth.
Mariano Rivera came in and got the last three Rays hitters out for his 44th save of the season and No. 603 for his career.
The Yankees clinched a playoff berth today for the 16th time in the last 17 years. The come-from-behind victory put the team 6 1/2 games in front of the second place Boston Red Sox.
Shields (15-12) got the devastating loss; which dropped the Rays 2 1/2 games behind the Sox in the wild card race with only eight games left. The team has now lost 5-out-of-9 and looks like it is running out of steam.
The only bad news for the Yankees was the updated condition of Hughes back spasms. After the game, Girardi was asked if the scheduled starter's injury was serious.
"Hughes went for an MRI," he reluctantly told the YES network. "I think he went for an MRI."
Dr. Girardistein now has to hit the laboratory and put together a four-man playoff rotation. Where's Igor when you need him?
The Yankees trailed for seven innings until Eduardo Nunez smashed a solo home run into the left field seats to tie the game at two. Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter followed with singles and Robinson Cano doubled to give the Yankees a 4-2 lead they would hang on to.
Less than a work of art, Girardi created a sort of Frankenstein starter by using the arms of seven different pitchers through eight innings-- to make up for the loss of Hughes and not upset the rotation-- before Mariano Rivera came in to get the save in the ninth.
The managers' creation would go toe-to-toe with Rays starter James Shields who allowed one run and four hits through seven innings-- using one spare part after another.
The head of Girardi's monster was Hector Noesi who was making his first Major League start. Noesi lasted 2.2 innings and gave up four hits and allowed the only two runs Tampa Bay would score.
After that, the mad scientist Girardi would stitch in Raul Valdes for 1.1 innings. Valdes allowed one hit and stymied the Rays with three strikeouts.
Next, Girardi would utilize George Kontos, Aaron Laffey, Corey Wade and Boone Logan in small roles until the seventh. Each of those pitchers, except Wade, would go 0.2 innings and allow a single hit apiece. Wade would last 1.1 innings.
Luis Ayala (2-2) struck out two Rays batters for the final outs in the eighth and was the beneficiary of the Yankees three-run eighth.
Mariano Rivera came in and got the last three Rays hitters out for his 44th save of the season and No. 603 for his career.
The Yankees clinched a playoff berth today for the 16th time in the last 17 years. The come-from-behind victory put the team 6 1/2 games in front of the second place Boston Red Sox.
Shields (15-12) got the devastating loss; which dropped the Rays 2 1/2 games behind the Sox in the wild card race with only eight games left. The team has now lost 5-out-of-9 and looks like it is running out of steam.
The only bad news for the Yankees was the updated condition of Hughes back spasms. After the game, Girardi was asked if the scheduled starter's injury was serious.
"Hughes went for an MRI," he reluctantly told the YES network. "I think he went for an MRI."
Dr. Girardistein now has to hit the laboratory and put together a four-man playoff rotation. Where's Igor when you need him?
Surprised Kid Catches Game-Tying Home Run As Yankees Clinch Playoff Berth
A slightly apprehensive, but persistent kid, who caught Eduardo Nunez's game-tying home run at Yankee Stadium this afternoon looked totally shocked that the ball even landed in his glove.
The Tampa Bay Rays were leading the New York Yankees, 2-1, and Rays starter James Shields was cruising along through eight innings until Nunez smacked the ball into the left field seats.
The solo shot sailed over the wall and through the outstretched hands of other fans into the possession of the closed eyes and open mitt of the youngster to tie the game. Little did he know the homer would help the Yankees clinch a playoff spot.
Later in the same inning, the Yankees Robinson Cano doubled in Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter to give New York a 4-2 lead.
The Yankees used seven pitchers before Mariano Rivera came in to close the ninth and get save No. 603.
The win helped the Yankees clinch at least a playoff berth and the demoralizing loss hurts the Rays chances to catch the Boston Red Sox.
The Tampa Bay Rays were leading the New York Yankees, 2-1, and Rays starter James Shields was cruising along through eight innings until Nunez smacked the ball into the left field seats.
The solo shot sailed over the wall and through the outstretched hands of other fans into the possession of the closed eyes and open mitt of the youngster to tie the game. Little did he know the homer would help the Yankees clinch a playoff spot.
Later in the same inning, the Yankees Robinson Cano doubled in Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter to give New York a 4-2 lead.
The Yankees used seven pitchers before Mariano Rivera came in to close the ninth and get save No. 603.
The win helped the Yankees clinch at least a playoff berth and the demoralizing loss hurts the Rays chances to catch the Boston Red Sox.
Senin, 08 Agustus 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."
Kamis, 21 Juli 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.
Selasa, 19 Juli 2011
Yankees Taunt Rays' Mascot During Lightning Delay; Then Win
Last night, while the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays game was delayed due to a lightning strike which knocked out a bank of lights in Tropicana Field, the Yankees dugout had fun playing keep away with the Rays mascot, Raymond.
Right after a bolt of lightning zapped the domed stadium, with Robinson Cano holding a full-count at the plate, Yankees manager Joe Girardi told officials he wouldn't continue play until the field was fully illuminated. That's when Raymond went to the Yankees side to play catch.
The Yankees own unofficial mascot, Bartolo Colon, led the heckling during the 18 minute delay before his team eventually went on to defeat the home team 5-4 after the Rays walked in the winning run.
Colon, the cuddly 260-pound pitcher, wouldn't play catch with Raymond during the fifth-inning delay until finally giving in to the fuzzy mascot.
Raymond, who has been punched out by a Baltimore Oriole player, tackled by a fan and out danced by a Cardinal mascot tossed the ball back to Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson, who also refused to give it back. Raymond just left in a huff. His team should have followed.
The Rays pounced on A.J. Burnett--pitching on eight days rest-- early and scored three runs in the first inning. Burnett looked like his old inconsistent self. The Rays held a 4-2 lead until the Yankees tied it up in the eighth.
Rays starter Alex Cobb held the Yankees to three hits and two runs through six but the depleted Rays team was coming off a 16-inning loss to the Red Sox late last night and it seemed only a matter of time before the Yankees could shred through the taxed Tampa Bay bullpen.
In the top of the ninth Rays manager Joe Maddon went to his only remaining reliever, rookie Alex Torres--who was called up earlier in the day. Torres immediately gave up a lead off single to Granderson who stole second. Mark Teixeira struck out then a grounder by Robinson Cano moved Granderson to third.
Next, Maddon had Torres intentionally walk Nick Swisher before walking Andruw Jones to load the bases. A 3-2 ball to Russell Martin walked in the go-ahead run.
Hector Noesi and Mariano Rivera pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to keep Burnett from getting a loss.
Later Girardi commented about the power outage and his discussion with the umpires. " They asked me if we wanted to continue to play through it or not," said the skipper. "I said, 'No, I don't.' It was a big time in the game, and I want all the lights all on in that situation."
Torres wasn't exactly lights out in his first major league outing and it looks like he took the lightning express back to the minors.
Right after a bolt of lightning zapped the domed stadium, with Robinson Cano holding a full-count at the plate, Yankees manager Joe Girardi told officials he wouldn't continue play until the field was fully illuminated. That's when Raymond went to the Yankees side to play catch.
The Yankees own unofficial mascot, Bartolo Colon, led the heckling during the 18 minute delay before his team eventually went on to defeat the home team 5-4 after the Rays walked in the winning run.
Colon, the cuddly 260-pound pitcher, wouldn't play catch with Raymond during the fifth-inning delay until finally giving in to the fuzzy mascot.
Raymond, who has been punched out by a Baltimore Oriole player, tackled by a fan and out danced by a Cardinal mascot tossed the ball back to Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson, who also refused to give it back. Raymond just left in a huff. His team should have followed.
The Rays pounced on A.J. Burnett--pitching on eight days rest-- early and scored three runs in the first inning. Burnett looked like his old inconsistent self. The Rays held a 4-2 lead until the Yankees tied it up in the eighth.
Rays starter Alex Cobb held the Yankees to three hits and two runs through six but the depleted Rays team was coming off a 16-inning loss to the Red Sox late last night and it seemed only a matter of time before the Yankees could shred through the taxed Tampa Bay bullpen.
In the top of the ninth Rays manager Joe Maddon went to his only remaining reliever, rookie Alex Torres--who was called up earlier in the day. Torres immediately gave up a lead off single to Granderson who stole second. Mark Teixeira struck out then a grounder by Robinson Cano moved Granderson to third.
Next, Maddon had Torres intentionally walk Nick Swisher before walking Andruw Jones to load the bases. A 3-2 ball to Russell Martin walked in the go-ahead run.
Hector Noesi and Mariano Rivera pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to keep Burnett from getting a loss.
Later Girardi commented about the power outage and his discussion with the umpires. " They asked me if we wanted to continue to play through it or not," said the skipper. "I said, 'No, I don't.' It was a big time in the game, and I want all the lights all on in that situation."
Torres wasn't exactly lights out in his first major league outing and it looks like he took the lightning express back to the minors.
Senin, 11 Juli 2011
Girardi: Jeter Will Be Leadoff Hitter...Probably
New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he is sticking with Derek Jeter batting in the leadoff spot right now, but his endorsement didn't sound like it was etched in stone.
With the aftermath of the Derek Jeter 3,000th hit love fest over the weekend behind him, Girardi is getting back to the main task at hand, namely, keeping pace with the Boston Red Sox and juggling an injury-plagued lineup.
There was no way Girardi was going to take Jeter out of the leadoff spot with number 3,000 within his grasp at Yankee stadium, but now Girardi has to make the practical decision about who will most benefit the team in the first spot of the Yankees lineup.
Jeter was in his familiar role of Yankees leadoff batter on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Jeter, himself, might have made Girardi's choice a little easier. The Yankees shortstop's magnificent 5-for-5 day on Saturday might not have been a mirage. Jeter is batting .391 in five games since coming off the DL. Girardi sounded confident of Jeter's ability to stay in the top of the lineup, but there was a twinge of non-commitment to his comments.
"Yes I can tell you, there's probably a good chance he's going to hit leadoff on Thursday," said Girardi. "I'm not sure who we're facing (in Toronto) but right he's our leadoff hitter. People talk about when Swish (Nick Swisher) comes back, will it be Swish? Well, Swish led off only against lefties, but Derek's numbers against lefties are really good. So would you lead off with Gardy (Brett Gardner) against righties? I'm probably going to stick with Jeter."
The 37 year-old Jeter is thoroughly to focused on getting the Yankees into the playoffs after becoming the 28th player to collect 3,000 hits in the momentous game against the Tampa Bay Rays. His Saturday night celebration sounded like it was shorter than his 3K trot around the bases.
"I went to sleep," laughed Jeter asked about the after-party. "Just with family and friends. I had to play and I don't really recover like I used to."
Jeter has owned the leadoff spot since 1996 and hopes all the attention surrounding the milestone hit and scrutiny about his calf injury is behind him. Girardi only wants the stability of penciling a single player's name into the leadoff spot.
"I don't want to change the lineup everyday. It makes it difficult on our players," said Girardi. "I might have to move around, but right now, Derek's my leadoff guy."
Jeter is skipping the All-Star game to rest up. There will be a wait-and-see period to see if Jeter is his old self.
Girardi has realistic expectations.
"Is he hitting .320 like he did in 2009," Girardi wondered aloud. "No, he's not. But are you convinced he can't hit .320 in the second half? That would be my question to everyone."
The Captain said he feels like he's recovered enough from the strained calf which kept him out of pinstripes for three weeks.
"Any time you feel good you want it to continue as long as it can," Jeter said.
With the aftermath of the Derek Jeter 3,000th hit love fest over the weekend behind him, Girardi is getting back to the main task at hand, namely, keeping pace with the Boston Red Sox and juggling an injury-plagued lineup.
There was no way Girardi was going to take Jeter out of the leadoff spot with number 3,000 within his grasp at Yankee stadium, but now Girardi has to make the practical decision about who will most benefit the team in the first spot of the Yankees lineup.
Jeter was in his familiar role of Yankees leadoff batter on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Jeter, himself, might have made Girardi's choice a little easier. The Yankees shortstop's magnificent 5-for-5 day on Saturday might not have been a mirage. Jeter is batting .391 in five games since coming off the DL. Girardi sounded confident of Jeter's ability to stay in the top of the lineup, but there was a twinge of non-commitment to his comments.
"Yes I can tell you, there's probably a good chance he's going to hit leadoff on Thursday," said Girardi. "I'm not sure who we're facing (in Toronto) but right he's our leadoff hitter. People talk about when Swish (Nick Swisher) comes back, will it be Swish? Well, Swish led off only against lefties, but Derek's numbers against lefties are really good. So would you lead off with Gardy (Brett Gardner) against righties? I'm probably going to stick with Jeter."
The 37 year-old Jeter is thoroughly to focused on getting the Yankees into the playoffs after becoming the 28th player to collect 3,000 hits in the momentous game against the Tampa Bay Rays. His Saturday night celebration sounded like it was shorter than his 3K trot around the bases.
"I went to sleep," laughed Jeter asked about the after-party. "Just with family and friends. I had to play and I don't really recover like I used to."
Jeter has owned the leadoff spot since 1996 and hopes all the attention surrounding the milestone hit and scrutiny about his calf injury is behind him. Girardi only wants the stability of penciling a single player's name into the leadoff spot.
"I don't want to change the lineup everyday. It makes it difficult on our players," said Girardi. "I might have to move around, but right now, Derek's my leadoff guy."
Jeter is skipping the All-Star game to rest up. There will be a wait-and-see period to see if Jeter is his old self.
Girardi has realistic expectations.
"Is he hitting .320 like he did in 2009," Girardi wondered aloud. "No, he's not. But are you convinced he can't hit .320 in the second half? That would be my question to everyone."
The Captain said he feels like he's recovered enough from the strained calf which kept him out of pinstripes for three weeks.
"Any time you feel good you want it to continue as long as it can," Jeter said.
Sabtu, 09 Juli 2011
Jeter's 3,000th Hit is a Home Run
Derek Jeter finally got his 3,000th hit and a lucky fan is getting to meet his idol. On a picture perfect Saturday afternoon and Yankee Stadium buzzing with anticipation after Jeter singled in the first inning to bring him within one hit of reaching the milestone, Jeter jacked a 3-2 slider from David Price into the upper deck in left center field for a solo home-run and Yankees history.
As Jeter rounded the bases, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman tipped his cap to the Yankees shortstop while Jeter's teammates gathered at home plate to greet the Captain. Price quietly placed his mitt on the mound and quietly walked over to the the Rays dugout. The now-infamous pitcher knew there would be a long celebration.
Jorge Posada, probably Jeter's closest freind on the Yankees, was the first to give him a heart-felt hug followed by Mariano Rivera.
Both dugouts were standing at the rails and the crowd oohed and ahhed every swing Jeter took after the first hit. They knew the next one would mean they were a part of Yankees history.
The third inning home run tied the game and was Jeter's second of the game. You wouldn't be hard-pressed to believe Jeter was just as happy for the long-awaited hit as he was that it tied the game. Contributing to the team is what Jeter is all about.
The 48,000-plus fans who witnessed the historic moment started lining up at the concession stands buy mementos minutes after the hit and the love fest continued a full ten minutes after he got No. 3,000.
Jeter did his part to keep everyone happy by doubling and scoring in the fifth.
The fan who caught the historic home-run ball, Christian Lopez, a young man from upstate returned the ball for four Champion Suite tickets through the World Series.
As Jeter rounded the bases, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman tipped his cap to the Yankees shortstop while Jeter's teammates gathered at home plate to greet the Captain. Price quietly placed his mitt on the mound and quietly walked over to the the Rays dugout. The now-infamous pitcher knew there would be a long celebration.
Jorge Posada, probably Jeter's closest freind on the Yankees, was the first to give him a heart-felt hug followed by Mariano Rivera.
Both dugouts were standing at the rails and the crowd oohed and ahhed every swing Jeter took after the first hit. They knew the next one would mean they were a part of Yankees history.
The third inning home run tied the game and was Jeter's second of the game. You wouldn't be hard-pressed to believe Jeter was just as happy for the long-awaited hit as he was that it tied the game. Contributing to the team is what Jeter is all about.
The 48,000-plus fans who witnessed the historic moment started lining up at the concession stands buy mementos minutes after the hit and the love fest continued a full ten minutes after he got No. 3,000.
Jeter did his part to keep everyone happy by doubling and scoring in the fifth.
The fan who caught the historic home-run ball, Christian Lopez, a young man from upstate returned the ball for four Champion Suite tickets through the World Series.
Jumat, 08 Juli 2011
Tampa Bay Rays Robbing Jeter Chance of Getting 3,000th Hit At Yankee Stadium
Are the Tampa Bay Rays robbing Derek Jeter out of a chance to get his milestone 3,000th hit at Yankee Stadium this weekend? You bet they are.
Blame Mother Nature for tonight's rainout of the New York Yankees-Tampa Bay Rays game but, if Jeter falls a hit or two short of attaining 3,000 in the remaining two games, blame the Rays for helping dick the Yankees captain out of getting another shot at the historic base hit inside Yankee Stadium.
Tonight's game was called on rain and the Yankees wanted to reschedule the game in a double-header on Saturday but the Rays vetoed the request to play two.
The Rays had the right to turn down the double-header and said they didn't want to lose the home date. They could have just as easily made a concession for Jeter out of respect.
The game will now be played on September 22, a mutual off-day.
"I can't control another organization's right and decision," shrugged Yankees GM, Brian Cashman after he heard the Rays response to not double up on Saturday.
Now Jeter has two games, instead of three, to get the final two hits in the Bronx. After that, the team hits the road.
Jeter is batting .257 and is averaging about a hit per game. The odds are in his favor that he will join the exclusive 3K Club this weekend, but he'll have to do it going through two of the league's best pitchers.
The Yankees will face David Price (8-7, 3.56 ERA) on Saturday afternoon and James Shields (8-6, 2.47 ERA) the next day before the three-day All-Star break.
Yankees fans can't be too happy about the Rays decision to reschedule the game in September. Many of them paid an escalated, premium price for tickets with the slim hope that they would be lucky enough to pick the right game this weekend and witness Jeter get No. 3,000 in person.
Jeter really wants to be the first Yankee to get 3,000 hits and do it for the fans in Yankee Stadium. Now his chances have been cut by a third.
"There is more pressure," said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees centerfielder.
If he fails to get the big hit this weekend, expect the Toronto Blue Jays to jump for joy. The Yankees begin an eight-game road trip north-of-the-border on July 14th and the Jays could use a sell-out.
Expect a lot New Yorkers to make the six-hour car trip to see Jeter get the historic hit, even if it's in Canada.
Thanks a lot Rays.
Blame Mother Nature for tonight's rainout of the New York Yankees-Tampa Bay Rays game but, if Jeter falls a hit or two short of attaining 3,000 in the remaining two games, blame the Rays for helping dick the Yankees captain out of getting another shot at the historic base hit inside Yankee Stadium.
The Rays had the right to turn down the double-header and said they didn't want to lose the home date. They could have just as easily made a concession for Jeter out of respect.
The game will now be played on September 22, a mutual off-day.
"I can't control another organization's right and decision," shrugged Yankees GM, Brian Cashman after he heard the Rays response to not double up on Saturday.
Now Jeter has two games, instead of three, to get the final two hits in the Bronx. After that, the team hits the road.
Jeter is batting .257 and is averaging about a hit per game. The odds are in his favor that he will join the exclusive 3K Club this weekend, but he'll have to do it going through two of the league's best pitchers.
The Yankees will face David Price (8-7, 3.56 ERA) on Saturday afternoon and James Shields (8-6, 2.47 ERA) the next day before the three-day All-Star break.
Yankees fans can't be too happy about the Rays decision to reschedule the game in September. Many of them paid an escalated, premium price for tickets with the slim hope that they would be lucky enough to pick the right game this weekend and witness Jeter get No. 3,000 in person.
Jeter really wants to be the first Yankee to get 3,000 hits and do it for the fans in Yankee Stadium. Now his chances have been cut by a third.
"There is more pressure," said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees centerfielder.
If he fails to get the big hit this weekend, expect the Toronto Blue Jays to jump for joy. The Yankees begin an eight-game road trip north-of-the-border on July 14th and the Jays could use a sell-out.
Expect a lot New Yorkers to make the six-hour car trip to see Jeter get the historic hit, even if it's in Canada.
Thanks a lot Rays.
Rainout Could Make Jeter's Quest For 3,000th Hit At Yankee Stadium Difficult
Tonight's scheduled game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium has been called due to heavy rains. The rainout delays Derek Jeter's quest for 3,000 hits and stalls the hit count at 2,998. The cancellation slims Jeter's from getting his milestone 3,000th hit at Yankee Stadium by one-third.
Word from the Yankees is the the game will be made up on September 22. A request for a doubleheader this weekend was denied by the Rays.
Jeter was scheduled to bat second in the Yankees lineup and is only two hits short of the big 3K. Jeter now has only two home games, this Saturday and Sunday, to get the historic hit in front of New York fans at Yankee Stadium before the team hits the road.
Local weather reports predict near perfect weather, sunny and in the mid-80's, for Saturday and Sunday's games.
After the All-Star break, Monday through Wednesday, the Yankees head to Toronto on the first game of an eight-game road trip.
The Yankees return to Yankee Stadium on July 22 to face the Oakland A's.
Word from the Yankees is the the game will be made up on September 22. A request for a doubleheader this weekend was denied by the Rays.
Local weather reports predict near perfect weather, sunny and in the mid-80's, for Saturday and Sunday's games.
After the All-Star break, Monday through Wednesday, the Yankees head to Toronto on the first game of an eight-game road trip.
The Yankees return to Yankee Stadium on July 22 to face the Oakland A's.
Senin, 04 Juli 2011
Derek Jeter's Return Is A Yankee Doodle Quandary
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter makes his long-awaited return to the team against the Cleveland Indians today, after rehabbing his strained calf since June 13. Jeter haters have already begun sharpening their daggers and picking spots to poke the Yankees aging star when he comes back.
It's seems almost fitting that Jeter continues his quest for his milestone 3,000th hit on the Fourth of July--George Steinbrenner's birthday. All that's missing are a brass band, Yogi and Yankee Stadium bunting.
Jeter's return does not come without controversy and will shake up the line-ups for the Yankees and American League, respectively.
The Yankees icon went on the 15-day DL while slumping in the midst of his worst season start. The 37-year-old Jeter was batting .260 with 2 home runs and a pedestrian on-base percentage of .324. Not exactly great lead-off statistics or All-Star numbers.
Oh wait, Jeter is an All-Star. We'll get to that later.
Jeter's replacement at shortstop, Eduardo Nunez, just came off an eye-opening offensive performance in the weekend series against the New York Mets. Nunez went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home-run in game two.
Nunez's offensive numbers are a slight improvement over Jeter's but it's his fresh legs and potential for improvement that keep him in the mix. He has 10 stolen bases.
Nunez's defensive skills are just plain offensive and there is room for a lot of improvement there. The replacement player has turned even the simplest ground ball to short into an adventure. Nunez already has eight errors and would probably have a couple more if it wasn't for the exquisite glove work of first baseman Mark Teixeira. Still, yesterday's Yankees shortstop, Ramiro Pena, had fans longing for Nunez on the field. Pena's two throwing errors cost the Yankees a victory at Citi Field
Nunez will probably never have the season Jeter had in 2009, when the then-35 year-old Jeter was third in the AL MVP voting, but the potential for a valuable offensive weapon in Nunez is there.
Then there is the problem with The Captain's replacement in the leadoff spot-- Brett Gardner. The speedy left-fielder has cooled off in the past week but has provided the Yankees with a racehorse on the base paths and makes watching the Yankees more fun to watch. He has 20 steals.
Now to the quandary pertaining to Jeter's return and the tough decisions manager Joe Girardi will have to address directly with the prideful Jeter: Where does the aging superstar fit in? A lot has happened over the past three weeks.
It's a given that Jeter will immediately return to the lead-off spot, at least until he gets the historic number 3,000, but how long will that feat take and does Jeter's return shake the Yankees from their recent winning streak. The team did go 14-4 without Jeter putting on pinstripes, so questions about life after 3,000 will persist.
Does Girardi drop Jeter in the order after the big hit or does he take a wait-and-see attitude. Who knows, maybe after the pressure of getting his 3,000th hit, Jeter's mojo could return.
Gardner's and Nick Swisher's numbers were pretty bad up until a few weeks ago, and there were calls for their heads. Girardi didn't cave in to pressure and his decision to let them play has paid off handsomely during the current streak.
Another concern is Jeter himself. Will the player who reluctantly went on the DL for the first time since 2003 publicly admit his calf is still bothering him--especially after all the success the team has had without him. It's hard to imagine Jeter putting himself in rehab ever again.
Jeter was never a player known to whine about or pull himself from playing due to an injury. A trait many admire in a youthful player but could this same stoicism hinder or permanently disable an older Jeter's return. Players who have suffered the same injury claim Jeter, by pushing up his return date, could actually cause more bad than good by a premature return.
While Jeter massaged his sore calf in Tampa, it must have pained him more to see the Yankees kicking the National League's butt and overtake the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East. Odds are high, if the calf is slowing Jeter down, he will play through the pain until Girardi pulls the plug.
Expect to see more fireworks after tonight. Here's how Jeter's return will all pan out.
First, Jeter returns to the lead-off spot and gets his 3,000th hit at home against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday July 8. He slumps in mid-July and gets bumped down in the line-up and takes the demotion like a man. Nunez watches from the dugout because there is no way Jeter is going to sit while the Yankees make a playoff run.
To all the Jeter-haters who think his All-Star selection is a farce due to his numbers and injury-shortened season, get over it. Fans voted him in and want to see the Yankee icon take a bow at the ceremonial game. It could be his last.
Jeter will proudly attends his 12th All-Star game with his 3,000th hit firmly behind him and the starting shortstop position and lead-off spot for the Yankees in hand, only not as tightly.
Jeter went 1-for-2 yesterday in a rehab game for the Trenton Thunder. he had a bunt-single, a walk and a throwing error. He wasn't pleased with his final game before returning to the Yankees. He left the game after six innings to catch a flight to Cleveland.
"I got through it," said Jeter about his time on the DL. "How about that?'
It's seems almost fitting that Jeter continues his quest for his milestone 3,000th hit on the Fourth of July--George Steinbrenner's birthday. All that's missing are a brass band, Yogi and Yankee Stadium bunting.
Jeter's return does not come without controversy and will shake up the line-ups for the Yankees and American League, respectively.
Oh wait, Jeter is an All-Star. We'll get to that later.
Jeter's replacement at shortstop, Eduardo Nunez, just came off an eye-opening offensive performance in the weekend series against the New York Mets. Nunez went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home-run in game two.
Nunez's offensive numbers are a slight improvement over Jeter's but it's his fresh legs and potential for improvement that keep him in the mix. He has 10 stolen bases.
Nunez's defensive skills are just plain offensive and there is room for a lot of improvement there. The replacement player has turned even the simplest ground ball to short into an adventure. Nunez already has eight errors and would probably have a couple more if it wasn't for the exquisite glove work of first baseman Mark Teixeira. Still, yesterday's Yankees shortstop, Ramiro Pena, had fans longing for Nunez on the field. Pena's two throwing errors cost the Yankees a victory at Citi Field
Nunez will probably never have the season Jeter had in 2009, when the then-35 year-old Jeter was third in the AL MVP voting, but the potential for a valuable offensive weapon in Nunez is there.
Then there is the problem with The Captain's replacement in the leadoff spot-- Brett Gardner. The speedy left-fielder has cooled off in the past week but has provided the Yankees with a racehorse on the base paths and makes watching the Yankees more fun to watch. He has 20 steals.
Now to the quandary pertaining to Jeter's return and the tough decisions manager Joe Girardi will have to address directly with the prideful Jeter: Where does the aging superstar fit in? A lot has happened over the past three weeks.
It's a given that Jeter will immediately return to the lead-off spot, at least until he gets the historic number 3,000, but how long will that feat take and does Jeter's return shake the Yankees from their recent winning streak. The team did go 14-4 without Jeter putting on pinstripes, so questions about life after 3,000 will persist.
Does Girardi drop Jeter in the order after the big hit or does he take a wait-and-see attitude. Who knows, maybe after the pressure of getting his 3,000th hit, Jeter's mojo could return.
Gardner's and Nick Swisher's numbers were pretty bad up until a few weeks ago, and there were calls for their heads. Girardi didn't cave in to pressure and his decision to let them play has paid off handsomely during the current streak.
Another concern is Jeter himself. Will the player who reluctantly went on the DL for the first time since 2003 publicly admit his calf is still bothering him--especially after all the success the team has had without him. It's hard to imagine Jeter putting himself in rehab ever again.
Jeter was never a player known to whine about or pull himself from playing due to an injury. A trait many admire in a youthful player but could this same stoicism hinder or permanently disable an older Jeter's return. Players who have suffered the same injury claim Jeter, by pushing up his return date, could actually cause more bad than good by a premature return.
While Jeter massaged his sore calf in Tampa, it must have pained him more to see the Yankees kicking the National League's butt and overtake the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East. Odds are high, if the calf is slowing Jeter down, he will play through the pain until Girardi pulls the plug.
Expect to see more fireworks after tonight. Here's how Jeter's return will all pan out.
First, Jeter returns to the lead-off spot and gets his 3,000th hit at home against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday July 8. He slumps in mid-July and gets bumped down in the line-up and takes the demotion like a man. Nunez watches from the dugout because there is no way Jeter is going to sit while the Yankees make a playoff run.
To all the Jeter-haters who think his All-Star selection is a farce due to his numbers and injury-shortened season, get over it. Fans voted him in and want to see the Yankee icon take a bow at the ceremonial game. It could be his last.
Jeter will proudly attends his 12th All-Star game with his 3,000th hit firmly behind him and the starting shortstop position and lead-off spot for the Yankees in hand, only not as tightly.
Jeter went 1-for-2 yesterday in a rehab game for the Trenton Thunder. he had a bunt-single, a walk and a throwing error. He wasn't pleased with his final game before returning to the Yankees. He left the game after six innings to catch a flight to Cleveland.
"I got through it," said Jeter about his time on the DL. "How about that?'
Senin, 16 Mei 2011
Posada Should Have Gotten Bronx Cheer Not Standing O
It only took one day for New York fans to forgive Yankees designated hitter Jorge Posada for abruptly yanking himself from the line-up one hour before a critical game against the Boston Red Sox. The slumping Posada got a standing ovation from most fans when he pinch-hit for Andruw Jones in the eighth-inning of last night's 7-5 loss to their division rivals.
Neither Posada or the Yankees deserve any sort of applause after dropping their fifth straight game and nine of their last 12.
True blue Yankee fans will claim that the one-time starting catcher had shown remorse for his temper tantrum and earned the right to be upset after being demoted to batting in the ninth spot by manager Joe Girardi. A spot where he hasn't hit in 12 years.
Truth is, Posada has been moping since platooning with Francisco Cervelli last year and was batting a measly .165 when Girardi penciled the prideful DH in at the # 9 spot.
Besides Posada's lack of production, it is his lack of clubhouse instinct. After 17 years in the big leagues, you would think Posada would have figured out that something was in the wind. A player with less of a history with the Yankees would have been benched weeks ago. He was hanging on by tenure and World Series rings. The statistics don't lie, so why was it such a surprise?
The anemic batting average aside, Posada hasn't hit a leftie in his last 24 at-bats. His six home-runs came mostly during a hot streak early in the season when it looked like he might realistically bash 40 homers this season.
Posada has always been a notorious fast starter who slows down in the stretch. What else could Girardi do? Posada had 38 games to prove his worth at DH and produced diddly. It seems like ages ago since the former-catcher was an All-Star at that position and it is sad to see him lose control--especially during a crucial series and losing streak.
Derek Jeter went to bat for his long-time friend last night, and rightfully so. They've shared a lot over the past 16 years. Even so, Jeter sounded vague when it came to details about the spat with Girardi without rocking the boat. Typical Jeter.
"But my understanding is he [Posada] went, told the manager he needed a day, and if that's the case, I don't see anything wrong with that," said The Captain.
The other remaining member of the Core Four, Mariano Rivera was just as diplomatic after he was asked if Posada should have apologized. "I don't know," said the closer. "That's a decision he has to make."
The Yankees are putting Posada's issue on the back burner and spinning a nonchalant slant on the story. He will not be disciplined. The Yankees have more pressing things to concern themselves with.
Age has reared it's ugly head in more than Posada's form. Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are also on the back-end of 30--and showing it. The whole team has creaking joints holding it together.
The three-game sweep by Boston has put the talented Red Sox back into the thick of the AL East race and the Yankees now face the younger, division-leading Tampa Bay Rays for three games.
Next weekend's series against cross-town rivals the Mets once looked like a minor distraction. Now, where these games were once just for New York bragging rights, they might be orange and blue nails in the Yankees' coffin.
The 39 year-old Posada has earned the right to discuss his position with his manager but his timing was awful. He is not in any way, shape or form to argue with facts. And the fact is Posada is a burden to the team right now. An apology is not enough.
"I let some people down," Posada confessed. "All the frustration just came out."
It is sad to see a once-great warrior try to battle his demise. It was a shame to see the injury-plagued Ken Griffey Jr. go through the same motions in his final years. Or any other sports star. Only an athlete knows that frustration and, as with a player of Posada's stature, it could be unfathomable.
Girardi hasn't revealed how long Posada (with 30 strikeouts in 109 at-bats) would sit while he figures out what to do with his $13 million lame duck.
"Yeah, he's gotten off to a real slow start," said Girardi. "But I don't think that's how this chapter has to end this year for him."
If Posada is a borderline Hall of Fame candidate, I hope voters remember the 15 great years behind and at the plate, not the foot-stamping behavior of a player having a "bad day."
Neither Posada or the Yankees deserve any sort of applause after dropping their fifth straight game and nine of their last 12.
Truth is, Posada has been moping since platooning with Francisco Cervelli last year and was batting a measly .165 when Girardi penciled the prideful DH in at the # 9 spot.
Besides Posada's lack of production, it is his lack of clubhouse instinct. After 17 years in the big leagues, you would think Posada would have figured out that something was in the wind. A player with less of a history with the Yankees would have been benched weeks ago. He was hanging on by tenure and World Series rings. The statistics don't lie, so why was it such a surprise?
The anemic batting average aside, Posada hasn't hit a leftie in his last 24 at-bats. His six home-runs came mostly during a hot streak early in the season when it looked like he might realistically bash 40 homers this season.
Posada has always been a notorious fast starter who slows down in the stretch. What else could Girardi do? Posada had 38 games to prove his worth at DH and produced diddly. It seems like ages ago since the former-catcher was an All-Star at that position and it is sad to see him lose control--especially during a crucial series and losing streak.
Derek Jeter went to bat for his long-time friend last night, and rightfully so. They've shared a lot over the past 16 years. Even so, Jeter sounded vague when it came to details about the spat with Girardi without rocking the boat. Typical Jeter.
"But my understanding is he [Posada] went, told the manager he needed a day, and if that's the case, I don't see anything wrong with that," said The Captain.
The other remaining member of the Core Four, Mariano Rivera was just as diplomatic after he was asked if Posada should have apologized. "I don't know," said the closer. "That's a decision he has to make."
The Yankees are putting Posada's issue on the back burner and spinning a nonchalant slant on the story. He will not be disciplined. The Yankees have more pressing things to concern themselves with.
Age has reared it's ugly head in more than Posada's form. Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are also on the back-end of 30--and showing it. The whole team has creaking joints holding it together.
The three-game sweep by Boston has put the talented Red Sox back into the thick of the AL East race and the Yankees now face the younger, division-leading Tampa Bay Rays for three games.
Next weekend's series against cross-town rivals the Mets once looked like a minor distraction. Now, where these games were once just for New York bragging rights, they might be orange and blue nails in the Yankees' coffin.
The 39 year-old Posada has earned the right to discuss his position with his manager but his timing was awful. He is not in any way, shape or form to argue with facts. And the fact is Posada is a burden to the team right now. An apology is not enough.
"I let some people down," Posada confessed. "All the frustration just came out."
It is sad to see a once-great warrior try to battle his demise. It was a shame to see the injury-plagued Ken Griffey Jr. go through the same motions in his final years. Or any other sports star. Only an athlete knows that frustration and, as with a player of Posada's stature, it could be unfathomable.
Girardi hasn't revealed how long Posada (with 30 strikeouts in 109 at-bats) would sit while he figures out what to do with his $13 million lame duck.
"Yeah, he's gotten off to a real slow start," said Girardi. "But I don't think that's how this chapter has to end this year for him."
If Posada is a borderline Hall of Fame candidate, I hope voters remember the 15 great years behind and at the plate, not the foot-stamping behavior of a player having a "bad day."
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