The Yanks have had two consecutive games washed away by rain, and we're all the better for it. How many of us were really looking forward to watching either Nova or Hughes attempt to reinvent the strike zone only to find out that they don't have the authority to do that? So let's all be grateful for these April showers that bring our rotation back to its veteran anchors.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Is This What Hitting Looks Like?
The Good
The Yankees can hit. Who knew? 18 hits, and 14 runs were enough for the Yankees to grab a win yesterday. 5 different Yankees hit homeruns, and after a slow start this season, Gardner broke out of his shell a little, emerging as a glorious butterfly that could make solid contact and score some runs.
Pettitte picked up 7 innings and 1 run, in what can only be seen as a blatant attempt to pad his stats. Adam Warren picked up 2 scoreless innings of his own allowing a glimmer of hope for what has been an unproductive bullpen this season.
The Bad
Lost in all the big hits and homeruns yesterday was Francisco Cervelli's 2-4 night, and the fact that Cervelli has been one of our most solid hitters in this short season. Why is this bad? It's bad for the rest of the league! Cervelli's on a tear that will devastate pitchers ERA's everywhere! Bwhahahahahahahaha!!!!
The Ugly
Hafner went 0-4 yesterday. This may not sound so bad, but if we take that 0-4 night and project it out for the rest of the year, he would end the year with a .014 average, and that's just not good enough from our designated hitter.
And We Thought the Yankees Had Forgotten About the Children
But they haven't. Ichiro, Cano, Youkilis, Overbay and Boesch all hit homeruns to show just how much they care.
Travis Hafner 2hr = $4
Vernon Wells 2hr = $4
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2
Lyle Overbay 1hr = $2
Brennan Boesch 1hr = $2
Total 14 hrs = $28
The Yankees can hit. Who knew? 18 hits, and 14 runs were enough for the Yankees to grab a win yesterday. 5 different Yankees hit homeruns, and after a slow start this season, Gardner broke out of his shell a little, emerging as a glorious butterfly that could make solid contact and score some runs.
Pettitte picked up 7 innings and 1 run, in what can only be seen as a blatant attempt to pad his stats. Adam Warren picked up 2 scoreless innings of his own allowing a glimmer of hope for what has been an unproductive bullpen this season.
The Bad
Lost in all the big hits and homeruns yesterday was Francisco Cervelli's 2-4 night, and the fact that Cervelli has been one of our most solid hitters in this short season. Why is this bad? It's bad for the rest of the league! Cervelli's on a tear that will devastate pitchers ERA's everywhere! Bwhahahahahahahaha!!!!
The Ugly
Hafner went 0-4 yesterday. This may not sound so bad, but if we take that 0-4 night and project it out for the rest of the year, he would end the year with a .014 average, and that's just not good enough from our designated hitter.
And We Thought the Yankees Had Forgotten About the Children
But they haven't. Ichiro, Cano, Youkilis, Overbay and Boesch all hit homeruns to show just how much they care.
Travis Hafner 2hr = $4
Vernon Wells 2hr = $4
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Kevin Youkilis 2hr = $4
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 3hr = $6
Ichiro Suzuki 1hr = $2
Lyle Overbay 1hr = $2
Brennan Boesch 1hr = $2
Total 14 hrs = $28
Monday, April 8, 2013
Yanks Take Opener in Cleveland
The Good
The Yankees offense has really come alive. Cano had two home runs. Hafner had one. Other players did stuff too. Kuroda, who lost his pitching hand in his first start a la Luke Skywalker, threw 5.1 scoreless frames except for the three runs the Indians scored. The Yankees are now largely favored to win the AL East.
The Bad
Eduardo Nunez, who lost his arm recently a la Anakin Skywalker, had no hits in this game. Why is he even on the roster?
The Ugly
Before the game, Nick Swisher walked over to Brett Gardner and asked him if he remembered a time last season when he brought a cupcake from home and it went missing. When Gardner informed Swisher that he did indeed remember, that he thought about it often, and that he's not known peace since it went missing, Swisher informed him that it was he, Nick Swisher, who took the cupcake. He hadn't even eaten it. He just threw it out. Gardner, completely psyched out, went on to go 1-5 in the lead-off spot.
Cash for Ads
The Yankees had three home runs in this game. I already explained who and how many in 'The Good' section, so don't expect me to repeat myself here.
Travis Hafner 2hr = $4
Vernon Wells 2hr = $4
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Kevin Youkilis 1hr = $2
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Robinson Cano 2hr = $4
Total 9 hrs = $18
A Weekend with the Tigers
The Good
Let's be honest. There is plenty we could complain about with the 2013 Yankees. They're old, they're aging, and they continue to sign the grandfathers of the players we would actually like to have on our team. But despite the slow start, and the various injuries there actually are some good signs.
The Yankee offense came alive on Sunday to top the Tigers 7-0 and avoid the sweep in Comerica. The offense over the weekend came mostly from our new players. Youkilis, Wells, Hafner, and Overbay have been our run producers, and are getting the hits we need. Add to that the contributions of Francisco Cervelli, who has been clutch thus far, and the efforts of country singer Jayson Nix, and we have some things to look forward to.
Also on the positive, Sabathia shut out the Tigers on Sunday.
The Bad
For every Sabathia, we have a Hughes. For every Pettitte we have a Nova. And for every Kuroda, we have a finger injury. Therein lies a large problem with this team.
The Ugly
Is it me, or is our bullpen really struggling this year? David Robertson hasn't given up a run, and Adam Warren threw an amazing game against the Red Sox as a long man, but beyond them, Yankee releivers have given up 16 runs in only 14.2 innings. This may have contributed to our 2-4 start.
What About the Children on the DL?
We care about them too. Which is why we are contributing $2 each for homeruns this weekend by Vernon Wells, and Jayson Nix. That's $4 for those counting at home.
Travis Hafner 1hr = $2
Vernon Wells 2hr = $4
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Kevin Youkilis 1hr = $2
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Total 6 hrs = $12
Let's be honest. There is plenty we could complain about with the 2013 Yankees. They're old, they're aging, and they continue to sign the grandfathers of the players we would actually like to have on our team. But despite the slow start, and the various injuries there actually are some good signs.
The Yankee offense came alive on Sunday to top the Tigers 7-0 and avoid the sweep in Comerica. The offense over the weekend came mostly from our new players. Youkilis, Wells, Hafner, and Overbay have been our run producers, and are getting the hits we need. Add to that the contributions of Francisco Cervelli, who has been clutch thus far, and the efforts of country singer Jayson Nix, and we have some things to look forward to.
Also on the positive, Sabathia shut out the Tigers on Sunday.
The Bad
For every Sabathia, we have a Hughes. For every Pettitte we have a Nova. And for every Kuroda, we have a finger injury. Therein lies a large problem with this team.
The Ugly
Is it me, or is our bullpen really struggling this year? David Robertson hasn't given up a run, and Adam Warren threw an amazing game against the Red Sox as a long man, but beyond them, Yankee releivers have given up 16 runs in only 14.2 innings. This may have contributed to our 2-4 start.
What About the Children on the DL?
We care about them too. Which is why we are contributing $2 each for homeruns this weekend by Vernon Wells, and Jayson Nix. That's $4 for those counting at home.
Travis Hafner 1hr = $2
Vernon Wells 2hr = $4
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Kevin Youkilis 1hr = $2
Jayson Nix 1hr = $2
Total 6 hrs = $12
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Yanks Drop Opener Against Detroit
The Good
Ivan Nova got his work in, throwing 96 pitches in this outing. He should be fully stretched out now, ready for the opener next week. It's next week right? This isn't how we're going to play regular season baseball, is it?
The Bad
There seems to be an error on the Yankees.com schedule page. It indicates that the regular season started April 1st, which can't possibly be the case. Can it?
The Ugly
Kevin Youkilis hit a home run. Kevin Youkilis?! I can't even hate Kevin Youkilis during this stretch?! #$&@ you New York Yankees!
A Glimpse of the Past
Remember when we used to win games and hit home runs and be the Bronx Bombers? That was nice. Every now and again we're reminded of those days, like when Kevin Youkilis hit a home run and gave us a lead for about 30 seconds.
Travis Hafner 1hr = $2
Vernon Wells 1hr = $2
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Kevin Youkilis 1hr = $2
Total 4 hrs = $8
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Stopper
The Good
Andy Pettitte once again played his role as the stopper, ending what can only be described as school yard bullying by the Red Sox in this series.
"Pettitte finds ways of motivating us." Explained Brett Gardner. "Yesterday, before my at bat, he pulled me aside, and said 'Hit a homerun'. I said, 'I don't hit homeruns, I'm fast!' But Andy in his calm, unassuming way, told me that if I don't hit a homerun, I wouldn't have legs to run on anymore. I listened."
Eduardo Nunez shared a similar experience.
"There was a ball hit at me, but it was high. I jumped, but I knew it was over my head. But in midjump, I saw Andy glaring at me. That glare extended my jump an extra 10 inches, which allowed me to make the catch. It was scary, but we won."
The Bad
Guys like Suzuki and Cano have experienced cold bat syndrome all series, while guys like Overbay and Cervelli have been driving in runs?
The Ugly
Gardner was thrown out at second twice in yesterdays game, the first time while trying to steal, and the second time while trying to extend a single into a double. I appreciate him being aggressive, but eventually that speed needs to produce results.
Failed on Speed, Succeeded on Power
Gardner's baserunning blunders aside, he did hit the Yankees only homerun of the game, providing $2 for the Children's Health Fund.
Travis Hafner 1hr = $2
Vernon Wells 1hr = $2
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Total 3 hrs = $6
Andy Pettitte once again played his role as the stopper, ending what can only be described as school yard bullying by the Red Sox in this series.
"Pettitte finds ways of motivating us." Explained Brett Gardner. "Yesterday, before my at bat, he pulled me aside, and said 'Hit a homerun'. I said, 'I don't hit homeruns, I'm fast!' But Andy in his calm, unassuming way, told me that if I don't hit a homerun, I wouldn't have legs to run on anymore. I listened."
Eduardo Nunez shared a similar experience.
"There was a ball hit at me, but it was high. I jumped, but I knew it was over my head. But in midjump, I saw Andy glaring at me. That glare extended my jump an extra 10 inches, which allowed me to make the catch. It was scary, but we won."
The Bad
Guys like Suzuki and Cano have experienced cold bat syndrome all series, while guys like Overbay and Cervelli have been driving in runs?
The Ugly
Gardner was thrown out at second twice in yesterdays game, the first time while trying to steal, and the second time while trying to extend a single into a double. I appreciate him being aggressive, but eventually that speed needs to produce results.
Failed on Speed, Succeeded on Power
Gardner's baserunning blunders aside, he did hit the Yankees only homerun of the game, providing $2 for the Children's Health Fund.
Travis Hafner 1hr = $2
Vernon Wells 1hr = $2
Brett Gardner 1hr = $2
Total 3 hrs = $6
Thursday, April 4, 2013
It's Not As Bad As It Looks
The Good
The one big good is that Adam Warren stepped up in relief and gave the Yankees 5.1 innings while allowing 1 run. Also, Hafner and Wells hit some homeruns, so at least the children won't have to suffer! That Shawn Kelley guy pitched another scoreless inning. That's 2 scoreless innings this year for him! Totally awesome!
The Bad
We're not hitting so great. Gardner, Ichiro and Cano, who are at the top of the lineup combined for 0 hits yesterday. The rest of the team did okay, but it's hard to get things going when your lead off guy goes 0-5, and your 3-guy goes 0-4.
The Ugly
Kuroda came out of the game in the 2nd inning after Shane Victorino hit a ball that struck him in his hand. Yankee pitching gave up 7 runs, and worse of all, did not provide an opportunity for Mariano Rivera to pitch in his final year before retiring. Should we panic? No, the truth is, we're going to win some games, we may even be competitive, but at the end of the day, the season is long, and so much can happen between now and the end. So let's just sit back, and wait for some of our injured players to come back, and remember that it is April baseball, and it's too cold for the AARP demographic of players that compose the Yankee lineup.
The Children Do Not Go Away Empty Handed
A 3-4 night from Wells resulted in a homerun, and Travis Hafner also contributed a homerun of his own. These 2 homeruns mean that $4 will go to the Children's Health Fund, and a child can now afford a travel size bottle of children's dymetapp.
Hafner 1hr = $2
Wells 1hr = $2
Total 2 hrs = $4
The one big good is that Adam Warren stepped up in relief and gave the Yankees 5.1 innings while allowing 1 run. Also, Hafner and Wells hit some homeruns, so at least the children won't have to suffer! That Shawn Kelley guy pitched another scoreless inning. That's 2 scoreless innings this year for him! Totally awesome!
The Bad
We're not hitting so great. Gardner, Ichiro and Cano, who are at the top of the lineup combined for 0 hits yesterday. The rest of the team did okay, but it's hard to get things going when your lead off guy goes 0-5, and your 3-guy goes 0-4.
The Ugly
Kuroda came out of the game in the 2nd inning after Shane Victorino hit a ball that struck him in his hand. Yankee pitching gave up 7 runs, and worse of all, did not provide an opportunity for Mariano Rivera to pitch in his final year before retiring. Should we panic? No, the truth is, we're going to win some games, we may even be competitive, but at the end of the day, the season is long, and so much can happen between now and the end. So let's just sit back, and wait for some of our injured players to come back, and remember that it is April baseball, and it's too cold for the AARP demographic of players that compose the Yankee lineup.
The Children Do Not Go Away Empty Handed
A 3-4 night from Wells resulted in a homerun, and Travis Hafner also contributed a homerun of his own. These 2 homeruns mean that $4 will go to the Children's Health Fund, and a child can now afford a travel size bottle of children's dymetapp.
Hafner 1hr = $2
Wells 1hr = $2
Total 2 hrs = $4
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Cano Fires Boras, Signs to the Roc
Looks like it's time to throw your diamonds up. No, Mr. Cano. Not your actual diamonds.
Robinson Cano has fired his not-so-long-time agent, Scott Boras, in order to sign with Jay-Z's new sports management company. I don't really know what to make of this, though some seem to think this means Cano will sign an extension with the Yanks rather than become a free agent and extort the Yanks only to sign with the Dodgers. Draft Dodgers the way they're going after free agents rather than player development if you ask me.
How can a Yankee's fan criticize the Dodgers for lavish spending? Start a blog, that's how. It's called the marketplace of shudupyafacewhydon'ya!
Back to Cano. I don't see how Jay-Z's first move in sports management would be to convince a high profile client to give a second discount to his current team. I'm no business genius, but would you sign to that sports management company? Exactly. Besides, Cano issued the following statement after signing to his new agency:
"You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though."
Everyone knows how loyal to their home turf Crips are, so there's no guarantee Cano will re-sign with the Yanks just because Jay-Z slapped his Roc label on some already existing sports management company. In fact, it kind of just sounds like something some White guy came up with because he thought he could more easily sign young Black athletes if they thought they're going to work with Jay-Z. Ask Beanie Siegel and Memphis Bleek how that worked out for them. Oh that's right, Beanie's in Jail and no one's heard from Bleek in ages.
But maybe I shouldn't be so cynical. Maybe. But I'm going to go ahead and be cynical instead.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Portents of a Long Season?
The Good
There were some good signs in today's game. For example, that Shawn Kelley guy pitched a perfect inning, and Francisco Cervelli drove in the only 2 Yankee runs of the game. Beyond that, I heard rumors that spring is around the corner.
The Bad
I'm not saying that 8 hits, 4 walks, and 4 runs over 5 innings is something to be worried about out of Sabathia, but it certainly isn't a great way to start the inning. It was a positive sign that he struck out 5 guys.
The Ugly
Was it me or did this offense look an awful lot like last years offense? The only thing missing was the key ingredient to our success last year: homeruns. We got a lot of runners on today, but only got 2 home. Once again, our hitters looked helpless with runners in scoring position, resulting in 10 baserunners struggling to get around the bases. 3 strikeouts out of our number 2 spot in Nunez didn't help this equation. Neither did the fact that we had one extra base hit all day (a double from Youkilis).
It's just one game, so the good thing is, this could just be a localized event. Or it could be the portents of a long season.
RJG Is Always for the Children
Per usual the RJG blog has committed to providing $2 for every homerun hit to the Children's Health Fund as part of their Homerun Club. We would have loved to give some money to the children today, but the Yankees would have no part of it. 0 homeruns = $0.
There were some good signs in today's game. For example, that Shawn Kelley guy pitched a perfect inning, and Francisco Cervelli drove in the only 2 Yankee runs of the game. Beyond that, I heard rumors that spring is around the corner.
The Bad
I'm not saying that 8 hits, 4 walks, and 4 runs over 5 innings is something to be worried about out of Sabathia, but it certainly isn't a great way to start the inning. It was a positive sign that he struck out 5 guys.
The Ugly
Was it me or did this offense look an awful lot like last years offense? The only thing missing was the key ingredient to our success last year: homeruns. We got a lot of runners on today, but only got 2 home. Once again, our hitters looked helpless with runners in scoring position, resulting in 10 baserunners struggling to get around the bases. 3 strikeouts out of our number 2 spot in Nunez didn't help this equation. Neither did the fact that we had one extra base hit all day (a double from Youkilis).
It's just one game, so the good thing is, this could just be a localized event. Or it could be the portents of a long season.
RJG Is Always for the Children
Per usual the RJG blog has committed to providing $2 for every homerun hit to the Children's Health Fund as part of their Homerun Club. We would have loved to give some money to the children today, but the Yankees would have no part of it. 0 homeruns = $0.
Opening Day
Today is opening day at Yankee stadium against the Boston Red Sox. It's exciting to finally have the season underway, and even though the Yankees have a lot of question marks right now, I'm just glad that baseball is here. This is the lineup the Yankees will be running out today:
Brett Gardner CF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Vernon Wells LF
Ben Francisco DH
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Francisco Cervelli C
The lineup doesn't inspire much confidence, but it really should. Like did you know that Ben Francisco is an anagram for Mickey Mantle? Or that Eduardo Nunez is Spanish for Lou Gehrig? You see at first glance, this team may not look so good, but if you look a little deeper, you'll see that this team is ready to explode offensively.
Brett Gardner CF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Vernon Wells LF
Ben Francisco DH
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Francisco Cervelli C
The lineup doesn't inspire much confidence, but it really should. Like did you know that Ben Francisco is an anagram for Mickey Mantle? Or that Eduardo Nunez is Spanish for Lou Gehrig? You see at first glance, this team may not look so good, but if you look a little deeper, you'll see that this team is ready to explode offensively.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
