Yankees Stop the Rays of Hope

The Good

Wow. 8 innings of shutout ball from Andy Pettitte was just what we needed. Ramirez closed the game out with a scoreless inning of his own. 5 Yankees had 2 hits, and Melky hit his 8th homerun of the season, tieing his career high for a single season. Jeter knocked in the first two runs when he came up with runners in scoring position and 2 outs and hit a double. It was, what's the word? Clutch. Jeter also made an amazing play to his right and then did his patented spin throw to second for a spectacular hit robbing play.

The Bad

Despite the homerun, Melky continues to struggle as he recorded 3 strikeouts, and couldn't lay down a bunt when he needed to. That's one player I really want to snap out of a slump.

The Ugly

Before Jeter's hit in the 3rd, Ken Singleton said that the Yankees are batting .257 with runners in scoring position this season, 12th in the American League. That's a league of 14 teams, and features such clubs as the Baltimore Orioles, the Kansas City Royals, the Oakland Athletics, and the Seattle Mariners.

Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children

The "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog joined Johnny Damon's home run club, which raises money for the Children's Health Fund. We are pledged to donate $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. We will keep a running tally of the home runs hit and the money donated throughout the season. Melky hit his first homerun since May, and has tied his previous season high.

Melky Cabrera 8hr = $8.00
Alex Rodriguez 18hr = $18.00
Hideki Matsui 7 hr = $7.00
Bobby Abreu 10hr = $10.00
Jorge Posada 3hr = $3.00
Jason Giambi 18hr = $18.00
Johnny Damon 6hr = $6.00
Morgan Ensberg 1hr = $1.00
Robinson Cano 6hr = $6.00
Chad Moeller 1hr = $1.00
Wilson Betemit 4hr = $4.00
Derek Jeter 4hr = $4.00
Shelley Duncan 1hr = $1.00
Total = $87.00

If you are interested in Johnny Damon's Homerun Club or the Children's Health Fund you can find links to both at the top right hand corner of our page.