Friday, May 31, 2013

I'm Embarrased

The Good

Honestly, the best thing about last night was seeing Vidal Nuno give us another good start.  6 innings, 2 runs, not over powering, but not hittable either.  After all the buzz with guys like Brackman, Betances, and Banuelos, it's cool to see someone slip under the radar and perform well on the big league level.

Also good, Chamberlain had 3 strikeouts in 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

The Bad

The Yankee offense has seemingly come back down to earth.  Vernon Wells and David Adams have slowed down considerably, and guys like Hafner and Overbay only hit if the game's on the line in the 9th inning, so naturally they went hitless yesterday.  You just can't win on an offense consisting of Brennan Boesch, Reid Brignac, Brett Gardner and Austin Romine.

The Ugly

We just took a 4 game sweep, at home, against the Mets.  Now the Red Sox are coming to town.  The Yankees have Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis coming back, and the hope is that they can give the Yankee offense the shot in the arm it needs.  Especially if that shot is filled with steroids.

Love

That's what Cano felt when he hit his solo homerun to provide the only Yankee run of the game, because he hit it for the children.  $2 for the Children's Health Fund.

Travis Hafner 8hr = $16
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 5hr = $10
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 14hr = $28
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 8hr = $16
Brennan Boesch 3hr = $6
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2
David Adams 2hr = $4
Curtis Granderson 1hr = $2


Total 62 hrs = $124

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Keeping It Real

The Good

The Yankees got quite a few hits yesterday, and scored 4 runs, which is typically a good thing.  Ivan Nova showed that as long as he doesn't start a game, he can get people out.  Liz Claiborne's son has still allowed just one run since coming up to the Yankees this season, and he recorded 1.2 innings of hitless, walkless, scoreless ball last night.

The Bad

David Phelps started the game, but really struggled.  He managed to record one out, and gave up 5 runs (4 earned) in the process.  Adam Warren, who's been pretty good for us, came into the game and gave up another 3 runs over 2 innings.  All told, the Yankees 4 run effort was dwarfed by the Mets 9 run bombardment. 

The Ugly

Ivan Nova made history by striking out 3 batters on 9 pitches, which either points to a pitcher that has some stuff, or points to hitters who just want to go home.  I think given the context, (8th inning, and a 5 run Mets lead) it may very well be the latter.  The Yankees just dropped three games to the Mets at home, and the best news of the day is that we still have one game left to avoid being swept. 

Boesch Helps Babies

With the only homerun of last night's game.  That's $2 more for the Children's Health Fund.

Travis Hafner 8hr = $16
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 5hr = $10
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 13hr = $26
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 8hr = $16
Brennan Boesch 3hr = $6
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2
David Adams 2hr = $4
Curtis Granderson 1hr = $2


Total 61 hrs = $122

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Oh Bother

The Good

Kuroda was back to his silent ace-like ways.  He recorded 7 shutout innings, striking out 7, and handed a one-run lead to the bullpen....who would later betray him.

The Bad

Where did the offense go?  Yes, I know Matt Harvey is a certifiable ace, and all that but you have to find a way to score at least a second run, maybe even a third if you've had your Wheaties.  Kuroda deserved a better showing from our offense.  He matched 0's through 7 innings with a guy who was born a decade later than him, and who is the hope of an entire franchise.  Can someone hit a homerun?  Also, who is Reid Brignac?

The Ugly

Mariano blew his first save of the season throwing the Yankee universe into chaos.  Whenever he blows a save, we typically hear a lot about how it just shows that he's only human.  But he's not human.  He is the product of intermarriage between Optimus Prime and a woman from the planet Krypton, which sources believe to be Superman's sister.  So no, he can't blow saves, and now the Yankeeverse is in utter chaos.

No Woman, No Cry

Unfortunately Bob Marley made no mention of the children, who will continue to cry after Matt Harvey made the Yankees look like they were swinging ropes instead of bats.  No homeruns, Do Cry.

Travis Hafner 8hr = $16
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 5hr = $10
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 13hr = $26
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 8hr = $16
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2
David Adams 2hr = $4
Curtis Granderson 1hr = $2


Total 60 hrs = $120

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Weekend Madness Ends In Subway Loss

The Good

We took the series from the fighting Rays.  The series included an extra innings victory, with Overbay giving us the winning homerun in the 11th.  David Adams continues to do things, like stay healthy, which sets him apart from other third baseman on our roster.  Vidal Nuno gave us a quality 6 inning 2-run start, which was appreciated in such a close game.

Though we dropped the game, it was good to see Hughes give us 7 innings of 1 run ball.  We'll need those types of starts.

The Bad

Granderson is injured again by another hit by pitch.  A Cesar Ramos sinker fractured his knuckle.  The good news is, Granderson may come cheap as a free agent after all.

The Ugly

See See Sabathia.  7 innings gives us depth into a game, but 7 runs gives us a deficit that is difficult to climb out of.  Attach this to the velocity issues Sabathia's been having and you have to wonder if we're witnessing a general decline, as opposed to a slow start out of our ace.  That being said, he's given us some good starts, so we'll see if his pitching IQ can carry him through ala Mike Mussina or David Cone.

Children Need Not Cry

Because homeruns were hit this weekend.  Brett Gardner made up for the lack of Granderson with 2 homeruns this weekend, and Lyle Overbay did his best Raul Ibanez impression with a clutch homerun of his own.  That's 3 homeruns and $6 to withhold the tears of children everywhere.

Travis Hafner 8hr = $16
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 5hr = $10
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 13hr = $26
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 8hr = $16
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2
David Adams 2hr = $4
Curtis Granderson 1hr = $2


Total 60 hrs = $120

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Back With A Vengeance!

The Good

Some would say that we missed a few games, but this isn't accurate.  We simply embraced a minimalist approach to blogging and discovered that it just isn't as fulfilling as minimalists would have you think.

Since we last posted, we took two games from the Blue Jays, which is good since they're division rivals.  Also good is that David Adams has seemingly been hiding a big league bat.  He's batting .308 and has hit a couple homeruns in the last few days.  Could he be the ever elusive impact prospect the Yankees have talked about but none have seen?

The Bad

We lost the series to Baltimore, also a division rival.  Our pitching collapsed yesterday, and our offense couldn't step up the day before.  It was kind of like watching a monkey attempting to build a model airplane.  All the pieces were there, but they just couldn't put it together.

The Ugly

After a masterful start against Toronto last week, Kuroda only went 2 innings in Baltimore after a comeback hit from Manny Machado hit him in the calf.  It looked scarily similar to the scene from last year when Pettitte broke his leg on comeback hit.  Luckily, Kuroda believes he'll make his next start, and he has vowed to come back with a vengeance.

Updating the Homeruns 

There were 8 homeruns hit since we last updated.  That's $16 for the kids, which is just enough to cover a co-pay for a doctor's visit on some plans with in-network doctors.....maybe.

Travis Hafner 8hr = $16
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 13hr = $26
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 7hr = $14
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2
David Adams 2hr = $4
Curtis Granderson 1hr = $2


Total 58 hrs = $116

Friday, May 17, 2013

Our Worst Fears Have Been Realized

The Good

New Yankees 3rd baseman David Adams went 1-3 with a double and an RBI.  Not bad for the rookie.

The Bad

David Adams double was the only extra base hit we had last night.  Pettitte felt tightness in his upper back which forced him out of the game in the 5th inning, and catcher Chris Stewart may have injured his groin.  The injury bug has become an injury plague for the Yankees.

The Ugly

Our greatest fears were realized.  All along, we were talking about how good this team was playing, and how we feared that the good chemistry of the team would be effected by the return of our injured players.  Since Granderson's return, we've been losing.  His 3 singles yesterday were not enough to turn the trend.  The chemistry has been effected.  The Yankees now need to turn to physics.  The effect of one object, namely a bat, on another, the ball. 

The Charity

The Mariners sent the Yankees home with an L, and the children home without health care. 

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 10hr = $20
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 6hr = $12
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 50 hrs = $100

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Well That Didn't Go According to Plan

The Good

Shortstop Alberto Gonzalez made his pitching debut, recording one dominating out.  That was good.

The Bad

Pretty much everything else.  Hughes couldn't pitch out of the first inning which was bad, and the Yankee offense couldn't be expected to hit their way out of a12 run deficit.  But worst of all, former Yankee Raul Ibanez was the one who gave us the coup de grace.  He drove in 6 runs, on two homeruns, one of which was a grand slam.  I say we trade Ben Francisco for him.  Francisco is performing up to Mariners standards, so it's a fair deal.

The Ugly

Phil Hughes' 0.2 inning, 7 run start did not help.  Marshall gave up 5 runs in relief, but at least he gave us some distance with his 5.2 innings.  It's really challenging when you go up to bat in the first inning and you're already down by 7 runs. 

Silver Lining

Wells and Stewart each hit a solo homerun.  So the silver lining of the day was that $4 was donated to the kids at the Children's Health Fund.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 10hr = $20
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 10hr = $20
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 6hr = $12
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 3hr = $6
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 50 hrs = $100

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Down With The King!

The Good

CC Sabathia has been gritting out starts this year, which isn't what you want to see out of your ace, but yesterday, Sabathia was a strange combination of dominating and being largely hittable.  His final line was 6.1 innings with 3 runs (2 earned).  Nothing too exciting.  He gave up 10 hits and 2 walks in that time, which speaks of a pitcher whose pitches weren't fooling anyone.  But then he also struck out 10 batters, which makes it seem like he was unhittable.  It's a paradox.

The Bad

Raul Ibanez hit a homerun against us, and it reminded me how clutch he was for us.  I would be more upset about it if we weren't winning, but we are, so I can't shed too many tears about it....for now.

The Ugly

Austin Romine's 0-4 night has brought his average down to .071, an average last held by Ben Francisco.  Judging by how secure Francisco's job has been, we can only assume Romine's a lock for the near future.

With Wins Come Donations

Unless you don't hit homeruns, which the Yankees could not be bothered to do last night.  No money for the kiddos.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 9hr = $18
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 10hr = $20
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 6hr = $12
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 47 hrs = $94

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Go Pitching!

The Good

Our pitching was phenomenal yesterday.  Phelps pitched in the first game of the double header lasting 6.2 innings and allowing just 1 run while striking out 7.  Vidal Nuno started the second game and pitched 5 shutout innings, followed by Adam Warren who went on to pitch 4 scoreless innings for a combined shutout. 

Also good, our role players were the real offensive contributors in the second game.  Jayson Nix, Lyle Overbay, and Austin Romine combined to drive in 4 of the Yankees 7 runs, and new comer Alberto Gonzalez went 2-4.

The Bad

The Yankee offense was non-existent in game one.  It's possible all the replacement players didn't understand the concept of a double header.  They may have thought the first game was an extended spring training game, which is an easy mistake to make when Travis Hafner and Corban Joseph are in the same lineup together.

The Ugly

The Yankees 4 hits in the first game were not enough to overcome Cleveland's dominating 1 run lead.  That'll show Phelps for giving up a run.

2 Games, 14 Players, 0 Homeruns

There was once a man who could hit homeruns.  Unfortunately, that man was no where to be found in yesterdays double header.  No homeruns, means the children go home empty handed.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 9hr = $18
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 10hr = $20
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 6hr = $12
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 47 hrs = $94

Monday, May 13, 2013

Yankees Sweep In Kansas

The Good

For starters, we swept the Royals maintaining our dominating control of 1st place.  This weekend Andy Pettitte and Hiroki Kuroda were phenomenal.  Pettitte went 7 innings, 2 runs, and struck out 7 hitters.  Kuroda was even better.  Kuroda went 7.2 innings, and 2 runs, with only 1 strikeout.  One!  Kuroda was so dominating, he wouldn't even bother with strikeouts, instead opting to let the Royals get themselves out through 7.2 innings of work.

Also good, timely hitting.  Vernon Wells' homeruns on Saturday and Sunday put the Yankees ahead in those games.  On Friday, Lyle Overbay went 4-5 with a homerun, and Ichiro went 3-5 with a homerun.  Overbay had 5 RBI's that game.  It was so much effort he took the rest of the weekend off.

The Bad

Phil Hughes' consistency.  After a couple really good starts, he reverted back to his non-dominating ways.  Hopefully Pettitte will show him how to get back on the horse. 

The Ugly

An incident occurred this weekend between the greatest closer in world history (including all ages, medieval and otherwise), and Joba Chamberlain.  For those who aren't aware, you can read about it here.  The basic gist is that Joba was being loud when Mariano was conducting an interview, and Mariano playfully told him to shush.  Joba tells him "Don't shush me.", which is where it could have ended, but no, after Mariano was finished with the interview Joba yells back at him again "Don't ever shush me again."  Mariano was cool about the whole thing, but it didn't mask the fact that Joba was publicly disrespecting the greatest closer of all time, in his retirement year, as he's conducting interviews related to his fair well tour from baseball.  Joba was upset that Mariano shushed him, when he was talking to his family, saying something to the effect of "I don't get to see my family".  I understand the sentiment, I really do, but you know who understands it even more?  Mariano Rivera, a man whose played professional baseball for almost 2 decades, and understands the separation from his family, most of which I presume is in Panama, which is a little further than the mid-west.

If Joba felt disrespected by Mariano, he should have pulled him aside out of the public view and said that he felt disrespected, or upset about it, and they could have talked it through.  Instead he blasts Mariano in public, with the media and fans present.  It's entirely classless, and highlights just how poor Joba's judgement is.  Not to mention that you have to be one sensitive guy to feel disrespected by what Mariano said:  "Joba!  Yo!  Bro!  Shh.  Stop it."  Any time, you hear "Yo bro" in a statement, it's immediately innocuous.  It's clearly meant to be playful.  But I guess those are fighting words in Joba land.

Here's the truth, Joba needs to publicly apologize to Mariano, because he publicly disrespected him.  Not for nothing, but Joba's place in the bullpen is replaceable.  At some point, you have to consider whether a middle-reliever who doesn't have enough sense to handle an issue with a veteran teammate privately is worth keeping around. 

I Hear That Homeruns Can Save Lives

And it's true.  For everyone homerun the Yankees hit, an angel gets its wings.  The RJG blog also donates $2 to the Children's Health Fund.  In other words, only good results from Yankee homeruns. It's why the good Lord has blessed us with so many of them over the years.  This weekend, Ichiro Suzuki, Lyle Overbay, and Robinson Cano all hit homeruns.  Vernon Wells hit 2.  That's $10 going to the Children's Health Fund.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 9hr = $18
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 10hr = $20
Ichiro Suzuki 2hr = $4
Lyle Overbay 6hr = $12
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 47 hrs = $94

Friday, May 10, 2013

Rain Can't Save Rockies

The Good

Our pitching was phenomenal.  Sabathia started the game, but was forced to leave early because of the rain delay.  He left after giving 4.0 innings and 1 run.  He was replaced by a series of relievers: Warren, Logan, Claiborne, Robertson and Mo who locked down the remaining 5 innings not allowing a single run.  Robertson was particularly dominating, recording 3 strikeouts in 1.1 innings, and though Claiborne gave up 3 hits, he managed to get out of the innings unscathed.  This win quietly puts us in first place.

Also good, Cano hit a homerun, reminding us that he's still on the team. 

The Bad

Rain.  It was trying to save the Rockie's all week but all it did is make for wet play, and the Yankees don't like getting wet.  They don't even shower after games, they get dry cleaned.

The Ugly

Dry cleaning a player costs substantially more than showers, which further exacerbates the Yankees revenue issues.  Apparently hibernating through the hot stove season makes fans lose interest.

At Least Now Hafner Can Play Again

Another homerun from Cano will add $2 to the Children's Health Fund coffers.  With Hafner back in the lineup, I'm hoping we'll see much more.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 7hr = $14
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 9hr = $18
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2 
Lyle Overbay 5hr = $10
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 42 hrs = $84

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Phelps Rock Solid In Start Against Colorado

The Good

David Phelps made a solid start going 6 innings, and allowing 2 runs against the Rockies.  Claiborne, Robertson and Mariano locked down the remaining 3 innings allowing 0 runs and only 1 hit.  Vernon Wells became the game's MVP however, after going 3-4 with a homerun, and playing 3rd base.  Could Wells be making a play for A-Rod's spot?  Also good, Brennan Boesch hustled out an infield single in the 9th to drive in the go-ahead run. 

The Bad

The lineup continues to present itself as a sort of mash up between triple A players and former major league all stars.  It's kind of like the Oakland Athletics from the mid-2000's.

The Ugly

It's no secret that the Yankees have been struggling to fill seats at Yankee stadium.  It might be because Yankee fans are used to seeing wins by homeruns, and all-stars as opposed to well-wishes and dreams.  Last night in Colorado was a win by the latter, and I don't think the fans back home are going to be rushing to pay for that mid-week Mariners series next week.  Dare I say that we need some players that are exciting to watch, and outside of Mariano's farewell tour, this team is really boring? 

Moneyball 2

Vernon Wells' homerun is all the children will have to make due with over the last couple days.  Sorry kids.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 7hr = $14
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 8hr = $16 
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2 
Lyle Overbay 5hr = $10
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 41 hrs = $82


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Rocky Start for Yankees in Colorado

The Good

Kuroda pitched a great game.  7 innings, and 2 runs is a line any pitcher can live with.  The Yankees combined for 4 stolen bases, which is good.  Jayson Nix was a top contributor with a pair of hits a stolen base.

The Bad

Ichiro had a hit, Nix had two, and Stewart had one.  That's it for the Yankee offense.  4 hits, no extra bases, and that was good enough to score exactly 0 runs.

The Ugly

Jayson Nix was our best offensive contributor last night.  I know we're hurting, but man, we need some help.

Can We Get Someone Off the DL Please?

No extra bases means no homeruns, which means no money for the children.  In math terms it would be worked out like this: 0 run = $0 = :( babies.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 6hr = $12
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 8hr = $16 
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2 
Lyle Overbay 5hr = $10
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 40 hrs = $80

Monday, May 6, 2013

Weekend Athletics

The Good

This weekend was a story of 3 pitchers.  The Good?  How about that Phil Hughes?  8 shutout innings with 9 strikeouts.  It appears Hughes has realized he's in a walk year.  Also good, newest Yankee reliever Preston Claiborne made his major league debut with 2 perfect innings.  No walks, no hits, no strikeouts, and just like that he vanished with no trace.  Is Preston Claiborne a ninja?

The Bad

I'm not going to say that Sabathia was bad, he gritted out 6 innings allowing 2 runs, which is a line most people would be fine with.  The reason Sabathia's start falls into the bad category is that he's been gritting out a lot of his starts this season, and it's not what you expect from the staff ace.  He also falls into the bad category, because he wasn't nearly as good as Hughes, and definitely wasn't as ugly as Pettitte.

The Ugly

I don't think there's cause to be alarmed, but Pettitte struggled for his second consecutive start, after beginning the season on fire.  Literally.  He pitched a whole game with his jersey ablaze.  Since then, he hasn't been the same pitcher.  Some say he took in too many fumes, others say it's the third degree burns, all we really know is that 5 innings and 4 runs (3 earned) is not Pettitte-like, and we need Pettitte to be Pettitte-like.

Why Are Athletes So Selfish?

They aren't.  Lyle Overbay and catcher Chris Stewart each hit homeruns to make sure the children go $4 this weekend.  Four dollars!  Who's selfish now?

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 6hr = $12
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 8hr = $16
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2
Lyle Overbay 5hr = $10
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 2hr = $4
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 40 hrs = $80

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Are We Still Playing the Astro's?

The Good

Phelps made his first start of the season, and even though the final line wasn't amazing, he still managed to give 5.2 innings, and keep the Yankees in the game.  The Yankee offense made things okay, contributing homeruns from Ben Francisco and Robinson Cano.  Ichiro had a pair of hits bringing his average up to .279.  I think he might be breaking out of his shell.  Our bullpen pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief with Mariano locking down the 11th save of the season. 

The Bad

Lyle Overbay came up with bases loaded and struck out.  It happens.  But he took it really bad.  He wept on and off for the rest of the game, and was quoting Titanic between innings.  When others tried to console him, he began singing Celine Dion songs.  After the game, Girardi banned all Leonardo Dicaprio movies from the clubhouse, even Inception, which Girardi claims will only confuse his players.

The Ugly

The Astro's brought in reliever Paul Clemens, in an attempt to intimidate the Yankees using the name sake of Texas icon, Roger Clemens.  The plan backfired however because the team was too distracted with Lyle Overbay's rendition of "My Heart Will Go On". 

Keeping Them Healthy

Cano and Francisco hit homeruns yesterday to help keep the kids healthy.  Great.  Now we have to compete with them for resources in our post-apocalyptic future. 

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 6hr = $12
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 8hr = $16
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2
Lyle Overbay 4hr = $8
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 1hr = $2
Ben Francisco 1hr = $2

Total 38 hrs = $76

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Kuroda Gets it Done

The Good

Kuroda's line for the game looked great, 7 innings, 0 runs, 8 strikeouts, but the numbers don't tell the full story.  Kuroda got his pitch count way up in the first few innings, and was struggling to keep runners off base.  At the end of the day, he gritted it out, and didn't allow a single run. 

Three Yankees had three hits yesterday: Hafner (who drove in 3 runs), Ichiro and Nunez, the latter two of which have been off to slow starts.

Mo locked down his 10th save of the season.

The Bad

Chris Stewart got a start, and went 2-4 with an RBI further complicating the debate on who the clear successor to Cervelli is.  Some are on team Romine, others on team Stewart, and yet others still are holding out hope for a return of Jorge Posada, who even in retirement should still be able to outhit these two guys.  We'll just have to wait and see what comes of this.

The Ugly

Middle relief.  Dave Robertson and Shawn Kelley went all of 1.2 innings allowing 4 runs, forcing Mariano to save a game where the Yankees scored 7 runs.

But What Did the Yankees Do for Humanity?

They hit a homerun, that's what!  Lyle Overbay's solo shot has landed the Children's Health Fund an extra $2, good enough to run an MRI machine for about .34 seconds.

Travis Hafner 6hr = $12
Vernon Wells 6hr = $12
Brett Gardner 3hr = $6
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 7hr = $14
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2
Lyle Overbay 4hr = $8
Brennan Boesch 2hr = $4
Francisco Cervelli 3hr = $6
Chris Stewart 1hr = $2

Total 36 hrs = $72