Thursday, May 31, 2012

No Sweep!

The Good

There was no sweep yesterday, after a Mariano and Robertson-less bullpen managed to keep a 1 run lead provided by homeruns from Cano and Granderson. 

The Bad

Nova got the win, but it wasn't because of his pitching performance.  Nova went 6.1 innings and allowed 5 runs, but Nova can't lose on the road so the fates protected him.

The Ugly

Russell Martin and home plate umpire Laz Diaz got into an argument early on in the game, and Diaz would not let Martin throw new balls back to Nova.  "Early on in the game, I was arguing about strikes.  But Diaz misunderstood.  I wasn't talking about strikes in the game, I was talking about union strikes in the world at large.  I was just saying that with all this labor peace in baseball I've never been able to strike before, and I feel like I'm missing out on a fundamental life experience.  Diaz wasn't playing that."

Don't Cry, Dry Your Eyes

The little ones can sleep easy with 4 more dollars going to their health on behalf of Cano and Granderson.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 8hr = $64
Andruw Jones 5hr = $10
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 16hr = $32
Alex Rodriguez 7hr = $14
Robinson Cano 8hr = $16
Mark Teixeira 9hr = $18
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4
 
Total 76hr = $152

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Yankees Play and the Kids Have Nothing to Show for It

The Good

The Yankees are playing in Anaheim, so the weather's probably nice.

The Bad

The Yankees are playing baseball in Anaheim, and that's probably going to go bad as of late. Maybe if the Yankees were playing poker, or horseshoes, or something like that, maybe then they'd play well. As it is, they continue to play bad. Bases loaded a couple of times and no hits. The Yanks will say Haren pitched well, but if you load the bases you can't be pitching that well.

The Ugly

Andy Pettitte gave up 5 runs in 7 innings. Last week I called him the stopper and this week he gives up 5 runs. I jinxed Andy Pettitte. That's ugly.

I Hope the Kids Didn't Invest in Facebook Stock

Because no replacement income is coming their way. No home runs last night, which means the children go to bed hungry.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 8hr = $64
Andruw Jones 5hr = $10
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 15hr = $30
Alex Rodriguez 7hr = $14
Robinson Cano 7hr = $14
Mark Teixeira 9hr = $18
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4

Total 74hr = $148

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Weekend Recap: At Least We Can Still Kick the Crap Out of Oakland

The Good

The Yankees swept the Oakland Athletics, and was punctuated by a massive offensive outbreak on Saturday worst than the 28 Days Later outbreak that turned England into Zombieland.  Teixeira hit 2 homeruns that day, delivering 5 RBI's as part of a 4-5 night.  Cano went 3-5 with a homerun of his own, and Sabathia gave his usual: 7 innings, and a chance to win the game.  Teixeira continued hitting all through Memorial weekend.  He went 2-4 on Sunday, and 2-2 with 3 walks and a solo homerun on Monday.  Kuroda pitched 8 masterful shutout innings, or at least it looked masterful until we remember that it was against Oakland.

The Bad

Its fine when you're beating up on Oakland, but when Oakland's big brother Anaheim comes to town, suddenly you don't look so good.  And that's what happened on Monday.  Despite the fact that Jered Weaver was out with an injury in the first inning, the Yankees still couldn't manage to get a win.  It was close, and though lots of opportunities were missed, it certainly wasn't a problem with the offense (8 runs scored).  Hughes gave up 7 runs in 5.1 innings, and that was largely part of the problem. 

The Ugly

Martin went 2-5 on Monday, his first multi-hit week all season. 

Weekend Homers

There were 6 homeruns this weekend which means $12 for the Children's Health fund.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 8hr = $64
Andruw Jones 5hr = $10
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 15hr = $30
Alex Rodriguez 7hr = $14
Robinson Cano 7hr = $14
Mark Teixeira 9hr = $18
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4 

Total 74hr = $148

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Y's Beat A's

The Good

A solid pitching performance from Ivan Nova, and a 12 hit offensive outburst drove the Yankees past the Oakland Athletics.  Nova went 7 innings, allowing 3 runs, and the Yankee offense combined for 6 runs, including 3 homeruns, one each from Swisher, Cano, and Teixiera.

The Bad

Jeter's 0-5 night didn't look so great.  Especially when 3 of the outs were strikeouts.  Today he has the opportunity to turn that around.

The Ugly

After going 1-3 with a double, Martin's average has reached a robust .177.  And just one year ago, the Yankees were minimizing Posada's role because he couldn't hit.  Was Posada anywhere close to hitting this poorly?

So Much Money for the Babies!

2, no 4, no 6, Baker's Dozen!  Wait scratch that, go back to 6, that's how many dollars will be donated to the Children's Health fund after last night's efforts from Swisher, Cano and Teixeira.  Heroes all of them.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 8hr = $64
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 14hr = $28
Alex Rodriguez 7hr = $14
Robinson Cano 6hr = $12
Mark Teixeira 6hr = $12
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4 

Total 68hr = $136

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Maybe Pettitte is the Answer

The Good

Pettitte continues to be our stopper.  Right when the Yankees are extending their slide, Pettitte steps in, pitches 7 innings of 2 run ball, and strikes out 8 in the process.  And in this rallying effort, the offense came alive too.  A-Rod hit two homeruns, Granderson hit another one, and Jeter went 3-5 looking like he did in April.  Teixeira didn't have any hits, but he did walk 3 times and drove in a run.  Not a bad day for someone who went hitless.

The Bad

Martin's batting average.  After an 0-4 night the catcher is setting at .173 for the season.  However, Kevin Long believes he's found a mechanical flaw that has caused it.  "Martin does a lot of unconventional training in the off-season, and he also watches a lot of movies.  Over the off season he was watching Star Wars, and there's that scene in Episode 4 when Luke is making his Death Star run, and he turns off his targetting system in order to use the force.  Martin got really excited about that, and stopped using his eyes to bat, so he could rely solely on the force.  However, the force is not strong in him, and now he's batting .173.  I think if he starts batting with his eyes open, he'll hit better."

The Ugly

There is a rumor swirling about that the Steinbrenner's may be looking to sell the Yankees.  According to the article, since the Dodgers sold for $2.175 billion, the Yankees could be valued upwards of $3 billion, and that's a lot of money not to consider selling the team.  I suggest Jeter pull a team of investors together and buy the team.  I would suggest Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, the RJG blog can provide muffins at the board meetings, and lets throw in Jorge Posada.  I don't know how much money he has, but It'd be great to see him firing up the board of directors.  Are there any rules against someone like Jeter being a player owner?

Does A-Rod Care?

Yesterday he showed he does.  So does Granderson who is tied for second in the league for total homeruns.  2 from A-Rod and 1 from Granderson equals $6 for babies.  I personally worry that the babies may just go spend the money on booze.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 14hr = $28
Alex Rodriguez 7hr = $14
Robinson Cano 5hr = $10
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4

Total 65hr = $130

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Yankees Bloom?

The Good

We won a game that we played in.  That's always good.  Hughes put up 6 innings of 2 run ball with 7 strikeouts, which for him is like pitching a complete game shutout.  Cano knocked one out of the park and for a moment, it looked like the Yankees could hit again.  A-Rod stole a base, which I think is a good sign for his hip and knee problems.

The Bad

Soriano closed the game, and did a good job at it, but it reminded me of the Soriano signing, which filled me with rage essentially ruining my day. 

The Ugly

Yes, we won the game, but the symptoms of this teams inabilities are still there.  I don't take anything away from Luke Hochevar, but he came into yesterday's start with a 7.02 ERA, and throughout his career he has never been a strikeout pitcher.  Last year alone he had 128 strikeouts in 198 innings, not exactly a mow-them-down ace.  He's definitely a pitch-to-contact type guy.  Yet this Yankees offense could only muster 3 runs across 6.2 innings against him, and struck out 8 times.  I feel like this team is playing in the deadball era, only the rest of baseball is still here in modern times.

Cano Cares

Cano is the Children's Health Fund's homerun captain afterall.  One homerun equals $2 for the kids.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 5hr = $10
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4

Total 62hr = $124

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Blanked By Kansas

The Good

Despite being in the top 1%, not a single Yankees player stole your pension last night.  I double-checked.

The Bad

We could look at the numbers: 21 men left on base, 11 strikeouts, 0 runs scored, 6 runs allowed, 1 giant loss against a team that will likely earn a top draft pick due to their inability to win games, but looking at the numbers just tells part of the story...

The Ugly

The other part of the story is just how sad this team looks.  The collective team is not hitting, and when they do hit, it's when no one is on base.  The pitching staff is allowing a lot of runs, and Sabathia and Pettitte cannot be expected to carry this team.  I don't know what it is, but since last year this team has struggled with men in scoring position.  Its like the team collectively wets themselves when there's someone standing at third.  Its embarrasing to watch.  We have the tools, but until Granderson, A-Rod and Teixeira start hitting like their capable, we won't be seeing a lot of progress.  I mean our best hitter right now is Raul Ibanez, and he was supposed to be a supplementary player.  Our offense can't be built off of him.

When it Rains it Pours

A loss is a loss, but its an even greater loss when there's no homeruns hit to benefit the children.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 4hr = $8
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4

Total 61hr = $122

Monday, May 21, 2012

Yankees Lose to the Reds, Change Their Names to the New York Comrades

The Good

We hit three home runs in the last two games, and our pitching wasn't completely awful. No one was placed on the DL, not even a reliever. That has to count for something.

The Bad

The almost come back on Saturday was tough to watch, as was CC's 7th inning on Sunday. The Yankees, at this point, are a team that can make it interesting, but that doesn't quite have enough to win on anything resembling a consistent basis.

The Ugly

CC was clearly frustrated. Only a short while earlier, he had blown his team's chance to win. Three batters walked. In a row. A pitcher that had given his team six scoreless frames suddenly couldn't find the strike zone.

"I was distracted," explained a solemn Sabathia. "When I got to the dugout after the sixth inning, I went into the clubhouse. Episode III was on, so I started watching it for a bit. Anakin kills a bunch of babies in one scene, and I can only imagine what sorts of other atrocities he was responsible for in the intervening years between Episodes III and IV. He clearly doesn't care about killing women and children, and he's probably killing rebels left and right for 17 years, right? He even blew up a planet at one point! So I gets to thinking, how come in Jedi, or any of the originals, there's never any talk of trying Darth Vader for war crimes? I mean, he dies in Luke's arms, and we're supposed to be like, 'Oh yay, he's good now!' That doesn't make any sense! What about the families of all the victims?! Is that all the justice they get?! Oh, sorry Darth Vader killed your babies and an entire planet, but he's good now so it's cool. That's #$&@%*$@ bull$#!%."

The Donations

There were three home runs hit over the past two games, one each from Martin, Nix, and Ibanez. That's $6 more for the babies.

Raul Ibanez 9hr = $18
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 4hr = $8
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 4hr = $8
Jayson Nix 2hr = $4

Total 61hr = $122

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Pettitte Still The Stopper

The Good

After a year and a half off, Pettitte is still our stopper. When our pitching staff (or, this year, our offense) is bleeding losses, Pettitte restores order. He threw eight scoreless innings and struck out nine batters. Cano had a solo shot, and Ibanez chipped in with a two-run shot in support of Pettitte's start.

The Bad

Our offense still can't hit with RISP. So unless our pitchers are going to consistently produce shut-out performances, we're in a bad place.

The Ugly

Why are we playing the Reds?

Run Manufacturing

Let's face it, if we don't hit home runs, we don't score. Luckily, we hit two last night (one each from Cano and Ibanez).

Raul Ibanez 8hr = $16
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 4hr = $8
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2

Total 58hr = $116

Friday, May 18, 2012

Toronto Blue Jays Sweep Yankees

The Good

There was this puppy at the park, and it was chasing a squirrel, and it was really cute.

The Bad

The squirrel was not having that. What that squirrel did to that poor puppy was bad.

The Ugly

Hughes struggles but pitches well, and we still can't manage anything offensively. Remember 2010, when Hughes could give up 7 runs a game and still walk away with the win? What happened? We need Posada back. He wouldn't hit any better, but he would probably have fought someone who could by now.

Maybe We Should Go Ahead and Write the Check Now

No home runs again. Maybe when Houston moves to the AL we can switch to the NL where they'll appreciate our small ball. In the AL it just plays like no balls.

Raul Ibanez 7hr = $14
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2

Total 56hr = $112

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I Assume They Were Eating Fried Chicken in the Clubhouse

The Good

Derek Jeter got a day off, so I can only assume he got some well-deserved rest.

The Bad

The Yankees have packed it in, there is no other way to explain the last two games. The bullpen staff stopped even trying to maintain their health weeks ago. The hitters have shown up, but not generally on the same day, so they've clearly worked out some sort of work-share program.

The Ugly

I can't help but think that there's a weird racial element to the way the Red Sox's collapse at the end of last season has been portrayed. I mean, I get that pitchers should be on the bench during games, not hanging out in the clubhouse not giving a $#!%, but why does it matter that they were eating fried chicken? Why is that such a prominently reported aspect of this collapse? Would it make a difference if they'd been not giving a $#!% but eating filet mignon? Is it just that the food is unhealthy? In a sport historically known for fat pitchers and chewing tobacco? This has been bothering me lately and I can't help but think that the strange fixation on the fried chicken detail has some underlying racial element (especially since this fried chicken detail has been cited so prominently against a team in Boston). Damn. Now you have to think about something other than the Yankees' depressing play of late. You're welcome.

How'd We Score that Single Run?

Not on a home run. Deal with it.

Raul Ibanez 7hr = $14
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2

Total 56hr = $112

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Yankees Drop Second Game of Baltimore Series

The Good

Nobody was placed on the DL as a result of this game.

The Bad

We only managed two runs against Baltimore, but we allowed five runs. This, my friends, is a recipe for losing, and is, indeed, why we lost. Your mind right now? Blown.

The Ugly

David Robertson is on the DL. Again. Mariano Rivera has a torn ACL. Joba Chamberlain broke his ankle. On a trampoline. Cesar Cabral fractured his elbow, without him knowing it. There was a time this many bullpen pitchers on the DL would have been unremarkable. Par for the course on a course where par was seven strokes and the green was only 30 feet away from the tee. That was the era of Joe Torre. Back then, the Yankees would blow out a pitcher's arm every three weeks. But then Joe Torre was ousted. Unceremoniously. Could it be that our bullpen has been cursed by the scorned Torre? A scorn that has taken on substance and, floating around the confines of a Bronx bullpen disembodied, wreaks havoc on bullpen pitchers wherever they should have the misfortune to encounter its wrath? Probably.

Curtis Granderson Keeps It All in Perspective

Curtis Granderson hit another home run today, so the kids don't suffer. Word.

Raul Ibanez 7hr = $14
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 13hr = $26
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2

Total 56hr = $112

Yankees Take First of Two from Baltimore

The Good

Texeira hit a home run last night, and he didn't need a drug addled past to do it (that's right, I'm turning Josh Hamilton's heart warming redemption story into an ad hominem argument. It's election season β!#©Σ$). The Yankees scored 7 runs to Baltimore's measly 5, and the Yankees are the first team to make Jason Hammel give up more than two runs in a game.

The Bad

Every pitcher that entered the game left with an injury. Nova? Twisted his ankle. Rapada? Viral infection. Phelps? Dysentery. Logan? Also Dysentery. Wade? Emotional scarring. Soriano? Dysentery. That's a lot of Dysentery.

The Ugly

"The scene was horrifying It seemed like everyone on the 25-man was in that room. The worst part? The screams. I still hear the screams. . . every time I close my eyes."

The shaken member of the Yankees medical staff fumbled with his lighter as he nervously tried to light a cigarette. He'd never seen so many injured players at one time. No one had. It was hard not to feel sorry for him. Would he be able to piece his life back together? Only time would tell, but behind those eyes, once filled with the brimming light of useless massage-based medical knowledge, something had disappeared. A spark. A soul? Only time would tell.

At Least the Children Didn't Suffer

Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira both went deep, which sounds really dirty out of context, but I'm talking about home runs, so we can dig it.

Raul Ibanez 7hr = $14
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 12hr = $24
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Mark Teixeira 5hr = $10
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2

Total 55hr = $110

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mariners Come and Go, but Blogging is Forever

The Good

We won the series, we beat King Felix (who, it turns out, is not actually royalty. WTF?), Kuroda and Hughes both pitched well, we hit four home runs, and Andy Pettitte made his 2012 debut.

The Bad

Andy Pettitte made his 2012 debut. Look, I love Andy, and I have no doubt he'll be good for us this year, but losing to Seattle like that is embarrassing. The only time it's okay to say you got beat by the Seattle Mariners is if you misspoke, actually meaning the Texas Rangers.

The Ugly

It took us four days to update any part of this series. It's not my fault, I forgot. The Mariners are easy to forget, so don't judge. Did you even update your blog? Oh, that's right, you lack the commitment and will power to make up facts about a game you didn't watch. So relax. Chill. Relax. Honestly. Relax.

Ibanez Cares

The Yankees hit four home runs over the weekend, two from Ibanez himself. Jones and Nix own the other two.

Raul Ibanez 7hr = $14
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 4hr = $8
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 11hr = $22
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Mark Teixeira 4hr = $8
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2

Total 53hr = $106

Friday, May 11, 2012

Yankees Beat Rays

The Good

Sabathia's start yesterday was his best all season.  He pitched 8 innings allowing a couple unearned runs and struck out 10.  The otherwise sleepy offense showed up a little, scoring 5 runs including a couple RBI's from Cano who went 3-4 with a homerun.  Granderson also hit a homerun.

The Bad

Nunez had a good game offensively recording a couple hits and a walk, and stealing a couple bases, but his problem has always been defense.  Along with the two hits and the two stolen bases, he also had two errors on the field that led to two runs being scored. 

The Ugly

After an 0-4 night, Jeter's batting average is down to a paltry .376.  Jeter needs to get refocused, because .376 just won't do. 

Another person who needs to get refocused is A-Rod.  He hit well yesterday, and he's been decent all season.  Decent but not all that good.  At $29 million, we need a little more production out of him.  Right now, Cano and Granderson are the feared hitters in the lineup, and A-Rod should be right there with them.

Cano and Granderson Team Up To Fight Children's Illness

As the Children's Health Funds Homerun Club Captian, or CHFHCC for short, Robinson Cano represented well by hitting a homerun, and also advised Granderson to hit one too.  These acts of selfless homerun hitting has added $4 to the Children's Health Funds fight against children's illnesses.

Raul Ibanez 5hr = $10
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 11hr = $22
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Mark Teixeira 4hr = $8
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6

Total 49hr = $98

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Robertson Blows Save, Offense Blows Game

The Good

In his second start of the season, David Phelps went 4.2 innings allowing 0 runs.  He walked a lot of guys, and got his pitch count up, but you can't argue with 4.2 innings of shut out ball.  The bullpen went on to hold a one run lead into the 9th.  The Yankees offense combined for 9 hits, including multi-hit games from A-Rod, Cano, and Swisher.

The Bad

1 run.  That's all the Yankee offense could muster.  Now, I'm all for needing to win close games, and rely on pitching over offense, but you can only do that when you have really good pitchers.  We had a rookie in his second start of his career pitching.  One run and one extra base hit just won't cut it.

The Ugly

Yes, the headlines are true, Robertson blew the save.  The concern isn't so much that he blew the save, but that he blew the save pitching the way he always does: putting guys on base.  In the past we praised his houdini acts, but as a closer his role is much different.  Its mostly to pitch one inning, and do so in a lights out fashion.  The closer is supposed to tell other teams that if you don't have a lead in the 8th inning, then the game is over.  When a closer regularly puts guys on base, you're giving other teams the opposite message, that there's still hope.  I personally believe that Robertson will grow into this closing role more, but we'll have to give him some time.

Nothing

That's what the Yankee offense donated to the children at the Children's Health Fund last night.

Raul Ibanez 5hr = $10
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 10hr = $20
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 2hr = $4
Mark Teixeira 4hr = $8
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6

Total 47hr = $94

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Yanks Defeat Rays Behind Nova

The Good

Nova gave us 7 innings of two-run ball. Ibanez and Granderson combined for three home runs. David Robertson pitched a scoreless ninth in which he faced every Rays batter on their 40-man.

The Bad

Mark Teixeira hit an RBI double in the 8th, which is good for us but, based on how Mark's been hitting against the shift and in general, is pretty embarassing for Peralta and Maddon, who brought Peralta in specifically to face Teixeira.

The Ugly

During the MLB Network broadcast of last night's game, they kept cutting to highlights and updates of Josh Hamilton's night. Every time some YES Network field reporter was about to tell us something we didn't need to know MLBN cut him off to tell us something we could find out later. To say the least, it was annoying. To say the most, I hate you MLBN, I hate you!

I'm Not That Impressed by Hamilton's Night

That's right, I'm not. Josh Hamilton is a power hitter in his prime facing a pitcher who probably isn't old enough to shave, like the rest of the O's roster. Raul Ibanez hit two home runs last night, making him the oldest player ever to hit two home runs last night. That's way more impressive. He also made $4 for the kiddos. Combined with Curtis Granderson's $2 contribution, the kids now have $6 more.

Raul Ibanez 5hr = $10
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 10hr = $20
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 2hr = $4
Mark Teixeira 4hr = $8
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6

Total 47hr = $94

Monday, May 7, 2012

Yankees Split Series With Kansas City

The Good

The Yankee offense came to life yesterday.  12 hits, 10 runs, 3 homeruns from Cano, Swisher and A-Rod, and most promising of all, a solid start out of Hughes who went 6.2 innings, allowed 3 runs and struck out 7.  It was just the kind of game the offense needed, and we can only hope they'll carry it forward.

The Bad

Saturday's game.  The Yankees lost 5-1 with the one run scoring on a Russell Martin homer.  Through Saturday, it just looked like the Yankees were swinging their bats under water.  Especially the trio of boppers that are supposed to make up the heart of our lineup. Cano, Teixeira and A-Rod have struggled to find consistancy, which is a shame considering our lead off man is batting .397 and has a .439 on base percentage.

The Ugly

The Yankees made Felipe Paulino look like Nolan Ryan.  This is a guy with a career ERA over 5.

The Babies Still Got Some Money

Whether they win or lose, the Yankees can still help save humanity through their homerun hitting efforts.  Over the weekend, Russell Martin, Robinson Cano, Nick Swisher and Alex Rodriguez each hit a homerun to net $8 for the Children's Health Fund.

Raul Ibanez 3hr = $6
Nick Swisher 7hr = $14
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 5hr = $10
Curtis Granderson 9hr = $18
Alex Rodriguez 5hr = $10
Robinson Cano 2hr = $4
Mark Teixeira 4hr = $8
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 3hr = $6

Total 44hr = $88

Friday, May 4, 2012

Runyon 5K, August 12!

JOIN THE LINEUP AND SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH AT THE RUNYON 5K AT YANKEE STADIUM, AUGUST 12 NEW YORK,

MAY 4, 2012 — While the New York Yankees take on the Blue Jays in Toronto on August 12, thousands of baseball fans, runners, cancer survivors, and supporters will gather at Yankee Stadium for the fourth annual Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium. Since 2009, the run/walk has raised more than $1.4 million for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which funds groundbreaking cancer research conducted by today’s most innovative young scientists. Registration for the 2012 Runyon 5K opened today at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The first heat of the 5K will launch at 9:30 a.m. from inside Gate 4 before winding through the legendary ballpark’s concourses and ramps. Participants will climb stairs between levels and appear on the center field video board as they take two laps around the warning track that circles the field. Over the past four years, the Runyon 5K has become one of New York’s most unique summer events and the only charitable run/walk to use the iconic stadium as its course. Registration for individuals and teams opened today at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium and is limited to the first 4,000 registrants. Participants pay a $40 registration fee and must fundraise at least $60. On July 12, the registration fee will increase to $50. Family and friends will have the opportunity to meet Damon Runyon scientists and watch the event from the Delta SKY360° Suite overlooking home plate. 100% of all funds raised by participants will go directly to Damon Runyon cancer researchers. “We're so grateful to the New York Yankees and all of our sponsors for helping make this possible year after year,” said Lorraine W. Egan, President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. "And we couldn't ask for better supporters. They really enjoy the incredible Stadium views and work so hard every summer to raise money for cancer research.” The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, established in 1946 and based in New York City, has a long history with the Yankees. Joe DiMaggio was on its Board of Directors and Mickey Mantle was an active fundraiser. Damon Runyon himself was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist, revolutionizing how the game was covered and often reporting on Yankees games. Last year’s event raised more than $730,000 and drew a capacity crowd of 4,000 participants – from 5 to 76 years-old and traveling from 30 states. Click to see videos and photos of the 2011 Runyon 5K. In addition to the New York Yankees’ support, other event sponsors include the MetLife Foundation, White Rose/Unilever, 24 Hour Fitness, NBC4 New York, the New York Daily News, and SiriusXM Radio.

######

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION


To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today’s best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative cancer research. Damon Runyon is currently funding more than 100 scientists at leading medical centers and research institutions worldwide. The Foundation was created in 1946 in memory of Damon Runyon, a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist and revolutionized coverage of the game. Over the past 66 years, Damon Runyon has invested more than $245 million and funded more than 3,300 young scientists. Eleven of them have earned the Nobel Prize.

Mo Injures Knee While Shagging

We should all be so lucky.

Few if any of us will get to go out on our own terms. Forced retirement, that new kid with all the good ideas and grasp of the latest technology, obesity, something will force you out of your job one day. But not Mo Rivera.

"Shagging, I love to do it," said Rivera, sore in one of the extremities below his waist.

It's only fitting that the greatest closer of all time should go out doing something he loves. Something he does everyday.

"He was just shagging. It's unfortunate," explained CC Sabathia.

Accidents happen. And it is not as though Rivera was just messing around. No. He was shagging with purpose.

"Mo gets his conditioning when he's out there shagging . . . " said Derek Jeter.

sometimes, in life, these things happen. One minute you're shagging in front of everybody, the next minute your knee is broken. But at least Mo got to go out doing something he loved: shagging. We should all be so lucky.

Oh. No.

The Good

The earth still rotates around the sun.  As far as we can tell.

The Bad

We lost.

The Ugly

We lost Mariano Rivera!  Mo tore his ACL tracking down fly balls during batting practice, something he did as part of his regular routine.  It seems unlikely that he'll be back this season, and with retirement already on Mo's mind you have to wonder if this is the last we'll see of him.  Its Mariano Rivera!  We can't lost him!

The logical mind says that Robertson would be a very capable closer, and certainly this is an opportunity for an already strong bullpen to step up and show that it can handle the void, but Robertson isn't Mariano, and Mariano wasn't just a closer.  He was Mo.  We simply can't replace that.

No Homeruns

Is it me or do the Yankees really suck right now?  Well, at the very least Jeter went 4-5 hitting his 500th double.  With that sort of lead off hitter, you gotta score some more runs.

Raul Ibanez 3hr = $6

Nick Swisher 6hr = $12
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 4hr = $8
Curtis Granderson 9hr = $18
Alex Rodriguez 4hr = $8
Robinson Cano 1hr = $2
Mark Teixeira 3hr = $6
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 2hr = $4

Total 38hr = $76

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Really Yankees?

The Good

The bullpen continues to look good.  Even Freddy Garcia in his first bullpen stint pitched 2 scoreless innings.  Those two innings are the longest appearance he's had all season.

The Bad

Ivan Nova fell apart in the 7th to make an otherwise decent outing look not so decent.  He finished with 5 runs in 6.1 innings.  It might not have been so bad, but the offense was no where to be found.  You can win a game you've given up 5 runs in, but you can't win a game you score 0 runs in.

The Ugly

The offense was awful.  So bad was the offense in yesterday's game that Eric Chavez put himself on the DL out of sheer embarrasment.  A-Rod continues to hit singles, making him and Pujols the two wealthiest singles hitters in all of baseball.

Not A Dime

That's how much the Yankees decided to give the babies yesterday. 

Raul Ibanez 3hr = $6
Nick Swisher 6hr = $12
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 4hr = $8
Curtis Granderson 9hr = $18
Alex Rodriguez 4hr = $8
Robinson Cano 1hr = $2
Mark Teixeira 3hr = $6
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 2hr = $4

Total 38hr = $76

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Yankees Look Listless in Baltimore

The Good

Granderson had a couple hits with a homerun, and Jeter got 3 hits including a double.  Hughes pitched one of his better games of the year, though admittedly that's not saying much.  It is however a step in the right direction, and if we can get Hughes pitching decently, we become a much better team.

The Bad

Pretty much everything else.  The Yankees scored the one run off of Granderson's homerun, and did nothing else.  The first 3 Yankee hitters combined for 7 hits, and the the last 6 hitters combined for 0 hits. 

The Ugly

A misplayed ball by Nunez in the outfield led to a couple unearned run.  Eventually you gotta wonder if it makes sense to have a utility player who can't play defense.

Not in Vain

At least the heroic efforts of Curtis Granderson gave a silver linning to last night.  $2 more for the children at the Children's Health Fund!

Raul Ibanez 3hr = $6

Nick Swisher 6hr = $12
Andruw Jones 3hr = $6
Derek Jeter 4hr = $8
Curtis Granderson 9hr = $18
Alex Rodriguez 4hr = $8
Robinson Cano 1hr = $2
Mark Teixeira 3hr = $6
Eric Chavez 3hr = $6
Russell Martin 2hr = $4

Total 38hr = $76