Granderson Rules in Cleveland!; Garza Pitches a No-Perfect-No-Hitter Gem!

Photo espn.com

The New York Yankees have to play every day this week. The hard work started this Monday opening a four game series against the Cleveland Indians, whose pitchers had allowed four homeruns at Progressive Field since June 16, and also they threw for a 2.06 ERA in the previous 14 home games.

A good challenge for the Yankees offense that scored 12 runs against the Kansas City Royals last Sunday, but definitely it wasn't easy to defeat the Indians Monday's starter Jake Westbrook at the beginning. However, Curtis Granderson did the trick in the eighth taking Westbrook deeper with a two-homerun and New York won 3-2. Javier Vazquez, who is one of the three pitchers who has defeated all the teams in MLB, pitched well: 7.0 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO.

Westbrook retired the first ten batters in a row, and the 'Bombers' immediately ended the no-hitter with a Nick Swisher solo shot.

The Indians had scored in the second when Travis Hafner blasted a homerun. Later, they reached home plate one time in the sixth hitting two doubles by Jason Donald and Shin-Soo Choo.

Westbrook was dominant and came into the eighth with just two hits: Swisher's jack in the fourth and Granderson's single in the fifth. It looked difficult to hammer him, but Jorge Posada singled and Granderson shifted the scoreboard belting a deep ball to the right field, where all the three homeruns of the night were delivered.

On the other side, Vazquez stayed in for the eighth, but walked Michael Brantley to end his outing. There wasn't opportunity for the reliever Joba Chamberlain, whose struggling is making the Yankee manager, Joe Girardi, think about a pitchers mix to set up for Mariano Rivera. Chamberlain surrendered two runs on Sunday. Consequently, Girardi sent David Robertson and Boone Logan to the mound in Cleveland to pitch Joba's frame and let Rivera to close the game.

Still waiting

Alex Rodriguez hasn't gotten his 600 homerun. This Monday he was 0-4: struck out, grounded to double play, groundout and popout. If he hit it at Progressive Field, it will be his 11 at that ballpark.

Garza says: Give me Five No-Hitter!

The Crazy Year, or the Year of the Pitching. Matt Garza threw a no-hitter for the first time in Tampa Bay Rays history. He joined Roy Halladay (Phillies), Dallas Braden (Athletics), Ubaldo Jimenez (Rockies) and Edwin Jackson (Diamondbacks), who also reached the milestone this season. Braden's and Halladay's no-hitters were perfect games.

Garza faced 27 batters of the Detroit Tigers in the 5-0 victory, but he walked Brennan Boesch who then was part of a double play. The righty was very close to pitch a perfect game at Tropicana Field, and the Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer tried to follow Garza and didn't allow a hit through 5.2 innings.

Five no-hitters in 2010 tie 1991's record. In that year the fans watched seven, but two of them were a combination of pitchers.

The Rays had witnessed two perfect games, plus one no-hitter since July 23, 2010, when Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox reached the perfection. This year, Braden's feat happened against them and Jackson kept the zero in their hits stat. Now, there are only two teams who still want to join the no-hitter club: Mets and Padres.

MLB Results: July 26

Yankees 3 - Indians 2

Marlins 4 - Giants 3. Edgar Renteria, five at bats, three strike outs.

Reds 2 - Brewers 3. Orlando Cabrera didn't bat a hit in four appearances at the plate.

Tigers 0 - Rays 5
Red Sox 6 - Angels 3
Twins 19 - Royals 1
Rockies 4 - Phillies 5
Mariners 1 - White Sox 6
Cubs 5 - Astros 2
Orioles 5 - Blue Jays 9

Standings.

Yankees win!



Read Franklin Gutierrez' interview (Spanish). He plays for the Mariners.

Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Three Yanks News, and 13 Midseason 'Twits'

Photo Carlos Amador

The New York Yankees had a great and a bad weekend. Let's see what happened in the weekend which remembered and honored George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard, who passed away last week.

1. They defeated the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Two of three games were won, so the lead in the American East Division has a 2.5 advantage.

2. That's the only good news because Andy Pettitte left Sunday's game with a left groin strained (grade 1) and it looks he'll miss four-five weeks. We hope not be regretting not hiring Cliff Lee...

3. The pitcher AJ Burnett is infamous of his struggling, but now he also wants to be a hitter. He cut his hands in the clubhouse kicking some doors following a two run second inning last Saturday. AJ, the doors have no bearing on your performance, just try to smile like in the picture and throw well. He also lied to Joe Girardi saying he hurt when he walked over some stairs in the dugout. Finally, he apologized. This player will make us going nuts...

Midseason 'twits'

1. Isn't great the 2010 season?

2. Joey Votto, Josh Hamilton and Miguel Cabrera fight to win the Triple Crown (.AVG, HR, RBIs).

3. Pitching rules! Four no hitters, two of them were perfect games. Roy Halladay (Phillies) and Dallas Braden (Athletics) threw perfectly. Ubaldo Jimenez (Rockies) and Edwin Jackson (Diamondbacks) got the 'normal' no-hitters.

4. Don´t forget that it could be a third perfect game: Armando Galarraga (Tigers). The out 27 wasn't called correctly by the umpire Jim Joyce.

5. In the All Star break, there were 17 teams within five games behind the division lead. Amazing run to October!

6. Don't forget when Jason Werth (Philles) circled all the bases thanks to a Chris Young (D'backs) error.

7. Off course, we have got to remember when Brian McCann (Braves) played wrong an infield fly against the Mets.

8. What about the 20 innings game between the Mets and the Cardinals?

9. The surprised teams: Reds, Padres and Rangers. Cardinals, Dodgers and Angels have big contenders.

10. The deception: No doubt about it, the Seattle Mariners. They brought good players to be in the peak, but they are in the last place. They also let Cliff Lee go to Texas. They will stay as the worst American West Division team.

11. Watch out! Rookies: Jason Heyward (Braves) and Stephen Stasburg (Nationals). Heyward is explosive with the bat (.245, but has 11 HR and 45 RBI) and Strasburg just pitches strikes. In his debut struck out 14 batters. Brennan Boesch (Tigers-.329, 12 HR, 50 RBI) also is awesome as Ike Davis (Mets-.261, 13 HR, 45 RBI).

12. Make a reservation in a National League city hotel. The World Series will begin there in October. The All Star Game course changed in Anaheim: 3-1! 1996 was the last time the NL had won a Midsummer Classic.

13. Yankees: keep the solid rotation. Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez must finally be the ideal clutch. No more slumps for them. Joba Chamberlain's must give up his irregularity.

MLB results: July 19

Giants 5 - Dodgers 2. Edgar Renteria, one hit as a pinch hitter.

Nationals 2 - Reds 7. Orlando Cabrera hit one single, 1-4.

Red Sox 2 - Athletics 1
Rays 8 - Orioles 1
Phillies 4 - Cardinals 8
Blue Jays 4 - Royals 5 (10)
Indians 10 - Twins 4
Astros 11 - Cubs 5
Rockies 8 - Marlins 9
Rangers 8 - Tigers 6 (14)
Brewers 3 - Pirates 1
White Sox 6 - Mariners 1
Mets 2 - Diamondbacks 13

Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Hughes couldn't Follow Lee...

Photo img.slate.com

The Seattle Mariners stepped up to the challenge of the first game at Yankee Stadium and defeated the New York Yankees 7-4 in a confrontation that didn't have bearing on what we expected to see: an excellent pitching match. The lefty Cliff Lee had an astounding performance, but the righty Phil Hughes couldn't be on the mound as the '2010 Ace Hughes': 5.2 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO.

Lee pitched his third consecutive complete game: 9.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO. It was his fourth in his last five outings, so it's really hard to beat the pitcher who also threw nine innings for the Phillies in Game 1 of the 2009 World Series.

Nick Swisher, the only Yankee player who hardly hurt Lee, blasted two homeruns in the first and in the sixth. Then, trailing by five in the ninth, the 'Bombers' tried to have a magic rally like in Los Angeles, but they only score twice: an error following Robinson Cano's base hit, and Jorge Posada's ground rule double gave the Yanks the last runs of the night.

On the other side, Hughes, who rested 10 days, allowed a run in the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and three in the sixth.

The Mariners players with the productive impact were Ichiro Suzuki and Rob Johnson, who drove in two runs; but Franklin Gutierrez was also important hitting a solo homerun, scoring twice and getting the Yankees defense to make a mistake fielding his hit. The shortstop Jack Wilson also got an RBI.

The Yankees can overcome this loss on Wednesday, but they will have to face Felix Hernandez (5-5, 3.28), and wish that Javier Vazquez (6-6, 5.16) will continue as the 'Good Vazquez'.

MLB Results: June 29

Mariners 7 - Yankees 4

Phillies 9 - Reds 6 (10). Orlando Cabrera hit one single, scored one run and drove in another one in five at bats.

Dodgers 4 - Giants 2. Edgar Renteria, 1-4.

Rays 5 - Red Sox 8
Tigers 4 - Twins 11
Diamondbacks 0 - Cardinals 8
Astros 5 - Brewers 7

White Sox 4 - Royals 3
Pirates 1 - Cubs 3
Nationals 7 - Braves 2
Mets 6 - Marlins 7
Blue Jays 4 - Indians 5
Athletics 4 - Orioles 2
Rangers 5 - Angels 6
Rockies 6 - Padres 3

Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Joe, it is your Legacy!

Photo silentarchimedes.files.wordpress.com

The Yankees managed by Joe Torre really touched me. I love baseball thanks to the 1998, 1999 and 2000 World Series Champion teams. I forgot to mention the 1996 champions, but I was just 11 years old and baseball at that point was still for me like a 1000 piece puzzle.

I didn't see the complete 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons, but if Torre hadn't been the Yanks coach during those years, my heart wouldn't be set on writing about the most successful sporting franchise in the United States.

Torre got the 'Bombers' to win four titles in five years, to make the playoffs in every season of his 12 year era, and he was also able to endure the George Steinbrenner's anger.

When he was fired in 2007, a lot of fans were heart-broken, but the 2010 calendar gave the possibility to watch him as a Dodgers manager. Last weekend, Torre shook hands at Dodger Stadium with the Cour Four, his pupils Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. Alex Rodriguez didn't shake hands at the same time, but that's nothing to write home about...

The most unbelievable thing was Sunday's game. Torre's winning Yankees are remembered as a combative team, who never gave up fighting. Their famous mystique and aura shined several times, and last Sunday the Yankees won 8-6 to honor Torre with his legacy.

Trailing 6-2 in the ninth inning, New York came back with four runs, and in the 10th Robinson Cano batted the decisive two-run homerun. For the first time Torre faced his ex team and he could witness his long term coaching impact on the 27 time World Series Champions.

Joe, it is your legacy!

---

Tuesday: The Seattle Mariners will be in New York. Be ready to watch a pitching combat: Cliff Lee (6-3, 2.39) vs. Phil Hughes (10-1, 3.37).

---

MLB Results: June 28

Dodgers 4 - Giants 2. Edgar Renteria, 0-4.

Phillies 3 - Reds 7. Orlando Cabrera, 3-4. One double, two singles, one RBI.

Mets 3 - Marlins 10 (Game played in San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Blue Jays 1 - Indians 2
Nationals 0 - Braves 5
Pirates 2 - Cubs 1
White Sox 1 - Royals 3
Tigers 7 - Twins 5
Astros 9 - Brewers 5

Diamondbacks 5 - Cardinals 6

Rockies 10 - Padres 6

Let's go Yankees!

¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Low Attendance, Nice Gutierrez, Amazing Vargas and Fifth for Mariners!

Photo: Carlos Amador

This Tuesday was a beautiful day in Seattle! Seventy degrees Farenheit ! It was a perfect day to welcome the 'hotest' season of the year! It was a perfect day to go to the ballpark! It was a perfect day to begin the Chicago Cubs - Mariners series!

It might be an interesting match for the fans in Seattle. However, the attendance was 27.975 even though there are 47.116 sits available. 26.074 is the season average number of people who go to the games in the 'Emerald City'.

The Mariners haven't won over their fans yet, but they had won four consecutive games before facing the Cubs. The fanatics might think that despite that stat, their team's season is a shame. The straight couldn't be enough due to the fact that they had lost 10 of 16 and 13 of the previous 22; and they hold a lead in 49 of 69 matches (21 blown leads in losses).

Chicago Cubs' coach, Lou Piniella, who managed the Mariners for 10 years between 1993 and 2002 and got them to win 116 games in 2001, was not even a motivating factor for fans to attend and shout their displeasure.

With a huge or low number of people, with Lou Piniella or any other known face, it was time to hear, "Play ball!". The loyal fans who attended Safeco Field watched a close game, in which Franklin Gutierrez batted a two run-homeun in the second to defeat 2-0 the starter Ryan Dempster and the Cubs, who faced the pitcher Jason Vargas.

I was stunned when I read Vargas' stats (6-2, 2.66, including the game against the Cubs), so I had a lot of expectation to see him. This is the fourth season for the lefty (2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010-Don't count 2007 because he only threw in two games) and he has played his best pitching. In Tuesday's, he threw his fifth straight quality start and his 12th of the season: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO. Dempster also did a good job: 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO.

"Dempster pitched well; so did their trio of pitchers. We wasted a good pitching performance on our side. Give up two runs, your pitcher is doing his job", said Piniella about the Cubs losing and Dempster's performance.

The Mariners got their fifth consecutive win. It's time for Mariners fans to attend Safeco Field on Wednesday and Thursday. There were still be 18.000 and 9.000 tickets for each of those days when the series began.

Third

The Cubs and the Mariners are playing the third series between them. Now the Cubs have a 4-3 lead. Chicago took two of three in 2002 at Safeco, and two of three at Wrigley Field in 2007.

Yankees burned Arizona

The New York Yankees won the second game of the three game series in Arizona after losing 10-4 last Monday. This time the bats were hot hiting 12 hits to win 9-3 at Chase Field. Andy Pettitte was also awesome: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO.

The Yankees had scored three runs, batted in by Alex Rodriguez, who homered (2-RBIs) and singled to let their teammates run home, before they had a six-run inning in the eighth. Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Jorge Posada, Curtis Granderson and Colin Curtis (he hit the winning homerun in the first spring training game) had RBI in that explosive inning. Curtis hit a two-RBI double.
---
I won't write on Wednesday. I'll watch the second game of the series at Safeco Field, but as a baseball fan. See you on Tuesday.
---
MLB results: June 22

Yankees 9 - Diamondbacks 3

Giants 3 - Astros 1. Edgar Renteria, 0-3, one strike out and two men left on base.

Reds 4 - Athletics 2. Orlando Cabrera, 0-5. He left three teammates on base.

Cubs 0 - Mariners 2
Padres 2 - Rays 1
Red Sox 1 - Rockies 2
Dodgers 3 - Angels 6
Indians 1 -Phillies 2
Tigers 6 - Mets 14
Twins 5 - Brewers 7
Braves 6 - White Sox 9
Cardinals 9 - Blue Jays 4
Marlins 10 - Orioles 4
Royals 3 - Nationals 4
Pirates 3 - Rangers 6

Yankees win!



Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Hammering Early over AJ, a Tradition

Photo blogsilive.com

There is an emergency in the New York Yankees! AJ Burnett, the second pitcher of the rotation, is struggling! That's not new if we remember that last year he also had an awful slump.

Visiting Chase Field this Monday to face the Diamondbacks meant an extension for the right hander's inconsistency and got the Yankees to lose 10-4. Burnett only played over four innings, in which the rival made seven runs, plus another worry: he'd retired the first two batters in every productive inning of the D'backs against him.

AJ threw in Phoenix as he's been throwing, like a no five year 82 million dollar pitcher. That's what the stats say. What's going on with him? Why does he have problems at the beginning of the games? He pitched a painful and 'sweltering' first inning in the dessert because the D'backs scored five runs batting three homeruns. Justin Upton got the first one, Adam LaRoche blasted a three run-shot and Mark Reynolds hit a solo jack.

Then, Upton hurt Burnett twice because he scored in the second and in the fourth. He got on base hitting a single and walking, and was driven in by Miguel Montero in both situations (double and single). Upton definitely was the night's slugger: He also belted a three-homerun in the eighth.

Burnett has lost each of his last four starts in which he's allowed at least one run in the first two innings: one at Toronto, two at Baltimore, four at New York vs. Philadelphia and six at Arizona. Total: 13 in eighth!

Furthermore, it's not just four games. He's allowed the first run of the game in 12 of his 15 outings during the season. Mark Feinsand, who covers the Yankees for the Daily News, said about AJ: "His fastball is not working, he can't find it". Burnett was 6-2, 3.28? These numbers look like utopias, but they really existed.

Yankees' runs were scored in the third, sixth (two) and ninth, and were driven in by Nick Swisher (two), Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, but that's not the main topic. It's really disappointing Burnett's performance...

See you this Tuesday. Follow me on Twitter for Cubs - Mariners. I'll be in the press box of Safeco Field.

MLB Results: June 21

Yankees 4 - Diamondbacks 10

Reds 6 - Athletics 4 (10). Orlando Cabrera rested. He's been batting 8-50 (.160) since June 6, when he hurt his right ankle.

Royals 1 - Nationals 2

Standings.

Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Yankees, Finally Halladay's Nightmare!

Photo: dailynews.com

I apologize to all the Yankees' fans who read the previous publication which was pessimistic, but there were more arguments to be made that the Yankees weren't going to defeat Roy Halladay, who had a 18-6 record and a 2.84 ERA against the 'Bombers' before Tuesday's game.

However, the Yankees beat Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies 8-3 in the opening of this interleague series at Yankee Stadium, which some people called a rematch of the 2009 World Series. The real revenge for the Phillies will be gotten on the Yanks if both teams meet again in another Fall Classic...

Tuesday's game had a lot of variety: three homeruns allowed by Halladay, a struggling Halladay, a dominant CC Sabathia and a struggling Sabathia.

The righty pitcher of the Phillies had earned one homerun in his previous 62 innings, but Curtis Granderson (1 RBI), Nick Swisher (2 RBI), and Mark Teixeira (1 RBI) hit enormous shots. Three jacks over Halladay by the Yankees were also seen last year, on August.

Last Tuesday the Yankees were a nightmare for Halladay because they scored six runs against him. It's a high number due to his previous four outings in which he allowed three runs over 24 innings and also because April 30th, 2000 was the last time New York registered that number facing him.

The Yanks' offense started producing in the second when Brett Gardner tripled and drove in two teammates. The following inning Granderson and Swisher's homeruns surged the scoreboard to an strange 5-0. Science fiction!

A 5-0 score is a big advantage when you face Halladay, but Sabathia, who got six of the first nine outs with strike outs, had an awful slump and the Phillies scored three times in the fourth. Chase Utley's hit kicked CC's left hand and the Phillies' bats came back to Yankee Stadium. Placido Polanco singled, Ryan Howard got on base as a result of a hit by pitch, Jason Werth and Raul Ibañez batted RBI singles, and Ben Francisco got a productive forced out. Francisco was the first batter retired and two runners were in scoring position, but the Yankees starter controlled the situacion facing Juan Castro and Carlos Ruiz.

Teixeira shored Sabathia up with his solo blast in the fifth after the Phillies threatened again in the top of that inning. The bases were also loaded like in the fourth. It could be a tragedy for the pitcher and the team, but it was not the first time we saw CC overcoming.

The seventh was the last inning for Sabathia (5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO), and also a good offense moment because two runs were batted in by Francisco Cervelli, who got a single.

Huge victory! Now is time to win again! Wednesday, second game: Jamie Moyer (6-6, 5.03) vs. AJ Burnett (6-4, 3.86).

MLB results: June 15

Phillies 3 - Yankees 8

Dodgers 12 - Reds 0. Orlando Cabrera, 0-1, two BB.

Orioles 4 - Giants 1. We hope Edgar Renteria come back soon. It's possible, he is playing in the Triple-A.

Diamondbacks 3 - Red Sox 6
Rays 10 - Braves 4
Mariners 2 - Cardinals 4
Mets 7 - Indians 6
Astros 7 - Royals 15
Rockies 3 - Twins 9
Rangers 3 - Marlins 2
Nationals 4 - Tigers 7
White Sox 6 - Pirates 4
Blue Jays 2 - Padres 8
Brewers 7 - Angels 1
Athletics 9 - Cubs 5

Standings.

Yankees win!



Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Strasburg, 14! ... Yankees Gave 12!

Photo: sdnn.com

Stratospheric Debut!

Magic in Washington! Nationals Park was crowded to see the first real great moment of the Nationals since their arrival to the Capital in 2005. The 2009 first draft pick Stephen Strasburg was ready for his debut in the Majors.

Last year he wasn't just a first pick. He was also called a phenomenon and the baseball world talked and wrote about him as if he were an UFO.

He really is from another planet! If he is going to pitch like this Tuesday against the Pirates, ¡striking out 14!, he'll be a magic pitcher! It's awesome to watch his pitches reaching 97-98 miles per hour and his killer breaking throws. He is going to hurt all the batters' hearts.

Before Tuesday's superb gem, the right handed pitcher played in the minors for 11 games, winning 7, losing 2 and getting a little 1.30 ERA. Microscopic!

The Nationals beat the Pirates 5-2, but the true scoreboard is Strasburg 14 - Pirates 0. You must watch his 14 strike outs. Watch it! Click here!

Not 14... 12!

The New York Yankees jumped over the Orioles 12-7 to correctly begin the series at Oriole Park. Offense plus Phil Hughes was the formula to win this Tuesday in Baltimore.

Deep balls were the strategy for the Yankees to attack the Orioles and the unrecognizable starter Kevin Millwood (0-7, 5.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 6 SO) early. Nick Swisher batted a two-run homerun in the first inning and Curtis Granderson ripped a grand slam in the third.

The Yankees waited to score again until the seventh, when they reached home six times! First, Brett Gardner singled when the bases were loaded, then Swisher drove in his third, fourth, and fifth runs of his big night clearing the bases with a double. Following Swisher, Mark Teixeira, whose last homerun was on May 30 against the Cleveland Indians, blasted a two-run homer which the Yankees fans hope finally ends the big first baseman's slump. 'Tex' hit three times on four at bats, scored twice, including the two RBIs.

Pitching a three-run game, four strike outs and none walks outing over six innings, Phil Hughes now has eight victories in the 2010 season. Despite the Orioles who scored two in the fourth and one in the fifth, Hughes shouldn't be called as the fifth starter. He'll continue as the last man of the rotation, but imagine he is playing in a top vacancy.

The Yankees got fifteen hits, the same number as the Orioles that batted nine off Hughes. The majority of the other ones, five, were allowed by Chad Gaudin who had troubles as a result of four runs in two innings.

MLB results: June 8

Yankees 12 - Orioles 7

Giants 3 - Reds 0. Orlando Cabrera, 0-3, one walk. Edgar Renteria isn't playing due to an injury.

Red Sox 3 - Indians 2
Blue Jays 0 - Rays 9
Pirates 2 - Nationals 5
Marlins 8 - Phillies 10
Mariners 1 - Rangers 7
Astros 4 - Rockies 3
Royals 3 - Twins 7
Tigers 7 - White Sox 2
Cubs 2 - Brewers 3
Padres 1 - Mets 2 (11)
Cardinals 0 - Dodgers 1
Angels 1 - Athletics 10
Braves 7 - Diamondbacks 5

Standings.

Yankees win!



Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Eight = Four + Victory!

Photo: media.nj.com

When the Toronto Blue Jays were defeating 2-0 and sweeping the New York Yankees, a late four run rally gave the 'Bombers' a 4-3 victory at Rogers Centre this Sunday, the day that the pitcher Javier Vazquez really wasn't able to lose because he gave his best performance of the season.

The 'Bombers' had left three runners in scoring position before Derek Jetet got a RBI double in the eighth. In that inning the tying and the go ahead runs were on base and the Yankees struggled striking out with Nick Swisher, and Alex Rodriguez, who had the bases loaded after the Blue Jays walked Mark Teixeira.

However, 'A-Rod' was lucky in his at bat due to Brett Gardnet who scored thanks to a wild pitch of the closer Jason Frasor, and Robinson Cano drove in the third and fourth run batting a single. The little Yankees festival began when the starter Brandon Morrow and the reliever Scott Downs (the losing pitcher) hit Francisco Cervelli and Gardner respectively with their pitches.

If I were Javier Vazquez and the Yankees hadn´t won, I'd be very upset and disappointed because the Blue Jays' batters struck out nine times and only batted one hit against him through seven innings. I would be depressed because the hit was a two-run homerun by Vernon Wells that allowed the Blue Jays to take a 2-0 lead in the sixth, and it looked like a chance for the Blue Jays to sweep the three game series.

Yankees' fans felt jittery when Joba Chamberlain pitched in the bottom of the eighth. The right hander was vulnerable facing Jose Molina and Fred Lewis. A scary double and a single changed the scoreboard to a one run game. Fortunately, Joba got a double play when Aaron Hill was at the plate. Then, Damaso Mart dominated Adam Lind, and Mariano Rivera in the ninth got his 13th save of the year.

This Monday will be a day off for the Yankees and Tuesday they will come back to play in Baltimore.

Groin

'A-Rod' left the game with right groin tightness, but hopefully he'll play on Tuesday against the Orioles.

MLB results: June 6

Yankees 4 - Blue Jays 3

Reds 5 - Nationals 4 (10). Orlando Cabrera, 1-5. He got a double and scored a run.

Giants 6 - Pirates 5 (10). Edgar Renteria is still injured. Possible return for mid June.

Rays 9 - Rangers 5
Red Sox 3 - Orioles 4 (11)
Padres 6 - Phillies 5 (10)
Tigers 2 - Royals 7
Marlins 6 - Mets 7
Cubs 3 - Astros 6
Brewers 4 - Cardenals 3 (10)
Indians 7 - White Sox 8
Rockies 3 - Diamondbacks 2
Braves 4 - Dodgers 5 (11)
Angels 9 - Mariners 4
Twins 4 - Athletics 5

Standings.

Yankees win!



Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Happy come back!

Photo nypost.com

Welcome back! Not writing for one week it's a lot of time, but in this short period the New York Yankees remembered their real style : Two victories in Minnesota and three at Yankee Stadium against the Cleveland Indians with AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes on the peak. I'm glad to return and tell you that the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-1this Tuesday.

I'm glad to be in the blog again and tell you that Javier Vazquez struggled in Minnesota, but on Tuesday allowed the Orioles to create only one danger when a homerun was blast by Corey Patterson in the sixth inning. That big shot was only one of the four hits that the Orioles batted against the right hander. In seven innings, Vazquez found the correct way to continue improving, striking out seven batters and walking one player.

The Yankees scored thanks to Curtis Granderson's jack in the fifth, and a seven inning error when Alex Rodriguez got a ground ball. The Orioles defense mistake was made by the third baseman Miguel Tejada allowing Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher to run home. The bad play ended in a loss for Brian Matusz after an interesting performance in 6.2 innings: 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO.

The blog is back, the good Yankees are back!

-- Perdón a mis lectores en español por no traducir este artículo. --

MLB results: June 1

Orioles 1 - Yankees 3

Reds 9 - Cardinals 8. Orlando Cabrera, 1-5. Hit a double and drove in two runs.

Rockies 2 - Giants 1 (11). Edgar Renteria has misfortune. He's on the fifteen day disabled list as a result of a pulled right hamstring.

Atletics 4 - Red Sox 9
Rays 7 - Blue Jays 6
Twins 1 - Mariners 7
Phillies 3 - Braves 7
Diamondbacks 0 - Dodgers 1 (10)
Mets 4 - Padres 2
Rangers 9 - White Sox 6
Angels 3 - Royals 6
Nationals 7 - Astros 8
Indians 3 - Tigers 2
Cubs 2 - Pirates 3
Brewers 4 - Marlins 6

Yankees win!


Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Is the Bronx burning?

Photo: beuler.files.wordpress.com

Yankees fans woke up this Monday very sad and ashamed of losing the series against the Mets. They are also depressed and heart-broken because they are looking for the defending champions that disappeared last week.

Is the Bronx burning? Yes, the Bronx is burning thanks to last week's performance. The Yankees are playing awful baseball because nothing, but nothing is working. Terrible pitching and batting got married to make the Yankees an unrecognizable team at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.

The door to last week's misfortune was opened at Sunday May 16th at home, when Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera couldn't hold a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning allowing Jason Kubel of the Minnesota Twins to hit a grand slam. The next day, Yankee Stadium hosted a big party when the 'Bombers' were trailing 7-9 and Alex Rodriguez and Marcus Thames happily ripped two-run homeruns to defeat the Red Sox. A fleeting victory...

On Tuesday, a struggling and disappointed Chamberlain pitched again in the eighth. The Red Sox were ready to hammer with four runs. The right hander blew a 5-1 advantage, and Mariano Rivera lost the game in the ninth .

It was just a loss? No, it wasn't. Unfortunately, the problems continued in the two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the best team in the season. The 2008 American League Champions alarmed the starting pitching, batting hard against AJ Burnett and Andy Pettitte. It wasn't only Burnett's and Pettitte's fault, Phil Hughes and CC Sabathia couldn't take the correct way in the Subway Series played at Citi Field.

As a result of the lack of effective arms in the last seven games, the Yankees pitching ended with an ERA above 6.00, the exact number is 6.05, so far from the 3.93 that they've shown during the season.

No clutch!

The offense should look forward to trying to solve part of the pitcher's slumps. However, the bats also failed getting a good .288 average-.279 in the season-, but it was very difficult to score runs due to a hits shortage with runners in scoring position. A clear and horrible example happened in the last two games with the Mets when the Yankees only capitalized on 6 of 23 opportunities.

Furthermore, millionaire players such as Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez participated last week in the games being invisibles. Despite registering a .345, 'A-Rod' had just a good performance in the winning match against Boston (four RBIs), then drove in another run against Tampa, but striking out eight times doesn't justify a 33 million dollar salary a year. Teixeira is like the 'April-Teixeira' as a result of a 4-29 (.137), eight strike outs and 1 RBI.

'Tex' is the third batter in the lineup and 'A-Rod' the fourth. This performance can't be possible! The team really needs the clutch! They must improve! Kevin Russo, the two-RBI double hitter on Friday's win, Juan Miranda and Francisco Cervelli can help, but they are not called to carry the team and they can't do it all the time. Hopefully Curtis Granderson (injured) would come back in late May to contribute to wake up the sleepy clutch. Don't forget that Jorge Posada won't appear until three or four weeks.

The Bronx is burning! Losing five games and just winning two in a week is normal when you have to play 162 games in the regular season. It won't be the first time that the fans will have to watch it, but the Bronx is burning because the Yankees are driving in different roads to go the field, so al the pieces (pitching and batting) are not working together.

Good pitches and good swings have to end the divorce! The Yankees never surrender the fight! They scored in the ninth inning in five of the seven games of the forgettable week! Marriage and heart will bring back the winning streak! That's the Bomber's hope! The first challenge to rebuild will be the Minnesota Twins at Target Field! Goooooooooooo Yaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!

Go Yankees!


Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Big Walk-Off 'Pie'! Yanks defeat Red Sox in final inning!

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Photo: Reuters

It’s difficult to describe tonight’s game. Another amazing match was played by the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. An unbelievable ninth inning ended an epic fight at Yankee Stadium because two homeruns changed the 'Bombers''s destiny, who defeated their eternal rival 11-9.

They were losing 7-9 when the bottom of the ninth started, but Jonathan Papelbon once again struggled against the Yankees. A couple of two run homeruns were blasted: First, a ‘bomb’ by Alex Rodriguez to tie the game and then an enormous shot by Marcus Thames to get the first 2010 walk-off victory. If you were missing AJ Burnett’s pies don’t worry, he finally anointed one. Papelbon, the Red Sox’ closer, was the losing pitcher too on April 7th.

When both teams go out to the field the fans never come back home disappointed. It doesn’t matter which month, they will combat as in an October playoffs series. That happened today. The Yankees had a big rally of five runs in the first inning. ‘A-Rod’ singled for two RBIs, Robinson Cano got a base hit to drive in one run, Francisco Cervelli doubled (1 RBI) and Thames batted a sacrifice fly.

After that, Adrian Beltre’s bat gave the first run to the Red Sox thanks to a hit in the second, but in the bottom Mark Teixeira doubled and the Yankees scored for the sixth time.

Despite the 6-1 lead, the Boston’s resurrection began. David Ortiz homered in the fourth and JD Drew did the same in the fifth, but at that moment two teammates were on base. New York also attacked in that fifth due to one of tonight’s stars, Thames, who hit a RBI double before the Red Sox batted three scaring homeruns: Victor Martinez in the sixth, and Kevin Youkilis (2-RBI) and Martinez in the eighth.

Boston’s starter Daisuke Matsuzaka threw awfully: 4.2, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB and 3 SO. On the other hand, Phil Hughes wasn’t ‘hughest’ as in other games: 5.0, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB and 3 SO.

Consequently, the Yankees bullpen had to charge overtime. It’s ironic that Javier Vazquez won throwing only one out. He will be on the mound next Friday vs. the Mets in the beginning of the Subway Series.

The Yankees were going to lose as the day before against the Twins, but the 'aura and mystique' didn’t fail: ‘A-Rod’ and Thames explained with two deep balls the Yankees’ tradition and pride.

It’s difficult to choose the player of the game: Thames (2-4, 1 R, 4 RBI), Rodriguez (2-5, 2 R, 4 RBI) or Cervelli (2-4, 3 R, 1 RBI)? The walk-off could be the reason to give Thames the award, but don´t forget ‘A-Rod''s tying blast and Cervelli’s astounding and constant performance.

It t wasn’t October, it was another great Yanks – Sox rivalry chapter!

MLB results: May 17

Red Sox 9 - Yankees 11

Brewers 3 - Reds 6. Orlando Cabrera, doubled, singled, scored one run and batted in one run. 2-5.

Giants 1 - Padres 3. Edgar Renteria didn't play (disabled list).

Indians 3 - Rays 4 (11)
Mariners 4 - Athletics 8
Astros 2 - Dodgers 6
Nationals 2 - Cardinals 6
Rockies 2 - Cubs 4 (11)
Angels 3 - Rangers 4
Mets 3 - Braves 2
Diamondbacks 5 - Marlins 1
Twins 8 - Blue Jays 3
Pirates 2 - Phillies 12
Royals 4 - Orioles 3
White Sox - Tigers (Postponed-rain)

Standings.

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Yankees win!


Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Yes, it was Vazquez; Hughes, Superb Again!

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Photo: baseball.bornbybits.com

Wednesday's doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers ended positively for the New York Yankees. They lost the first game 0-2 , but Javier Vazquez played as the Javier Vazquez who won 15 games and got a 2.87 ERA with the Atlanta Braves last season. In the second match, the 'Bombers' beat 8-0 with a repeated fact that is part of the Yankees' success in the season: a superb Phil Hughes.

I wrote yesterday that I was going to have nightmares as a result of Vazquez' stats previous to the first game of the doubleheader. Despite the 0-2 lost, the Puerto Rican pitcher finally showed his best performance for the first time in six appearances. It's difficult to believe, but it was true!

Vazquez played through seven innings and allowed five hits, two runs, two earned runs and seven strike outs. Do you want to know how many walks he threw? Just two!

In his last outings he had good offense response, but on Wednesday afternoon the Yankees bats were silenced by the starter Rick Porcello (7.0, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO), so Vazquez deserve a round of applause. His only sin happened in the sixth when he allowed four of the five hits and the two runs driven in by Magglio Ordóñez and Brennan Boesch.

Hughes, 'hughest'!

Phil Hughes doesn't want to lose this season and also is a great enemy of the rivals' runs. The right handed pitcher has five victories -no losses- and an envious 1.38 ERA. He continues throwing excellently and he never feels tired of pitching awesomely. In the second game at Comerica Park he got eight strike outs, only one walk and pitched for seven innings.

With Hughes pitching, two runs would be enough to get the victory against Jeremy Bonderman (7.0, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO) and the Tigers, but the Yankees offense, which was missed in the previous game, scored six times in the ninth.

The best batters of the night were Mark Teixeira (2-5, 1 run scored,2 RBIs), Alex Rodriguez (2-5, 2 RBIs) and Brett Gardner (3-5, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI).

Mariano Rivera finally came back and pitched the last inning. If he hadn't been absent since April 30, he wouldn't have thrown. He needed innings and outs.

The series in Detroit is not over. This Thursday the forth match will be played at 1:00 p.m. (East time - 12:00 p.m. in Colombia). CC Sabathia (4-1, 3.04) vs. Justin Verlander (3-2, 4.50).

MLB results: May 12

Yankees 0 - Tigers 2 (Game 1)
Yankees 8 - Tigers 0 (Game 2)

Reds 5 - Pirates 0. Orlando Cabrera, 1-5, one hit and one RBI.

Padres 5 - Giants 2. Edgar Renteria is on the dissabled list. He might come back in late May.

Rays 4 - Angels 3
Blue Jays 3 - Red Sox 2
Mariners 2 - Orioles 5
Athletics 1 - Rangers 10
Astros 9 - Cardinals 6
Marlins 3 - Cubs 4
Nationals 6 - Mets 4
White Sox 2 - Twins 3
Braves 9 - Brewers 2
Dodgers 6 - Diamondbacks 3
Indians 4 - Royals 0
Phillies 3 - Rockies 4 (10) (Game 1)
Phillies - Rockies (Game 2-Postponed due to rain)

Standings.

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Yankees win!


Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Shot + gem = Victory!

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Photo: everyjoe.com

While in Seattle the sky is sad showing cold and rain because of the Mariners' performance, New York is warm and happy as the Yankees and the Mets are having a great moment. Both organizations fight for the first place in their divisions.

This Monday, one inning was sufficient for the Yankees to beat a better and motivated Baltimore Orioles team, that just swept the Boston Red Sox last weekend. The fourth inning meant four runs, three of them thanks to a decisive Randy Winn's homerun, and the 'Bombers' won 4-1 in the series game opener at Yankee Stadium.

Both starting pitchers looked good. CC Sabathia threw a gem (8.0, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 SO, 2 BB), while Jeremy Guthrie (7.0, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 SO, 2 BB) only struggled in the fourth.

The Yankees scored for the first time when Nick Swisher singled and Alex Rodriguez reached home. Then, Winn batted his first homerun as a Yankee and the team got three runs with the shot: Swisher, Brett Gardner and Winn ran around the bases.

Sabathia was only down in the beginning of the second. Matt Wieters hunted CC's fast ball and blasted a solo homerun to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead, a too short advantage in Yankee Stadium.

The only worry in the game was Jorge Posada's injury. The catcher left the game with a mild calf strain, and he only played five innings against the 'Birds'. Yankees fans, it could be worse, please breath.

Another surprise was that Mariano Rivera didn't appear and there was a save situation. He feels some stiffness in his left side and hasn't pitched since Friday, so Joe Girardi called Joba Chamberlain to do the job in the ninth.

The 'boooo dancing' at Safeco Field

My video for today is a 'booooooooooo' to the umpire at Safeco Field. This Mariners fans were really mad last Friday in the game against the Texas Rangers, but the umpires are not the reason to explain why this team is not winning. Their pitching is good, however they forgot to score runs. Enjoy the video...

MLB results: May 3rd

Orioles 1 - Yankees 4

Mets 2 - Red 3 (11). Orlando Cabrera: 2-3, two singles.

Angels 8 - Red Sox 17
Royals 1 - White Sox 5

Tigers 4 - Twins 10

Blue Jays 5 - Indians 1

Cardinals 6 - Phillies 3

Rangers 4 - Athletics 2

Rockies 5 - Padres 2

Diamondbacks 9 - Astros 1

Standings.

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Yankees win!



Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Hughes, Good; Bullpen, a Disaster!

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Photo: nypost.com

I thought that Phil Hughes was left on the West Coast by the New York Yankees when he was missing his command in the Oriole Park. The right hander, who threw seven no hitter innings last Wednesday in Oakland, could leave the field early this Tuesday, but he remembered the Oakland Coliseum and had a good outing not enough in the Yankees’ 4-5 lost against the Baltimore Orioles because the bullpen was horrible.

Both teams missed opportunities with the bases loaded and one out at the beginning of the game. The Orioles couldn’t score more than one run in the second inning against Hughes, who would struggle hard, but a double play built by Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira helped him. The only run came when Hughes walked Cesar Izturis.

The Yankees tied the game with the help of Miguel Tejada’s fielding error in the third. In this play, Brett Gardner got first base and Nick Swisher scored. The Orioles’ third baseman recovered from the mistake preventing a hit by Rodriguez when there were bases loaded and one out, stopping the ball in the correct place without moving his feet, but only his glove.

Posada’s bat gave The ‘Bombers’ a 2-1 lead batting a solo homerun in the fourth against the starter Kevin Millwood, while Hughes forgot the worrisome second inning and came back in the game to exit in the sixth (5.2 innings, 2 H-both in the second-, 1 ER, 2 SO and 4 BB).

The Yankees’ bullpen did a terrible job. Hughes didn’t leave a runner and the relievers’ duty was to get only one out in the sixth. It was impossible! Boone Logan walked Luke Scott and David Robertson hit Ty Wigginton with a pitch. Robertson stayed and three singles were hit by Rhyne Hughes, Nolan Reimold and Cesar Izturis. Three runs were scored and the Orioles got the victory. I was thinking, "turn the inner 'pacientómetro'* on", but I calmed myself".

Alfredo Aceves pitched an RBI single hit by Izturis, tonight’s killer with three RBIs, in the eighth. The run wasn’t completely Aceves’ fault because the Orioles began the bottom of that inning getting on base thanks to Derek Jeter’s error. The Mexican pitcher had difficulties throwing after two outs.

The Yankees scored two in the ninth against rookie Alfredo Simon. Too late… The bullpen’s performance in the sixth lost the game.

* The ‘pacientómetro’ is a word that I invented to measure my feelings about the Yankees’ performance. When I turned it on, I’m not happy with the results. My patience is over! For example, last Sunday Javier Vazquez’ outing turned it on.

Wednesday's match: 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time)

CC Sabathia (2-1, 3.00) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (0-2, 3.46).

MLB results: April 27

Yankees 4 - Orioles 5

Phillies 2 - Giants 6. Edgar Renteria, 3-4. One run scored and two RBI.

Reds 6 - Astros 2. Orlando Cabrera, 2-4 and two runs scored.

Red Sox 2 - Blue Jays 1
Mariners 3 - Royals 2
Dodgers 0 - Mets 4 (Game 1)
Dodgers 5 - Mets 10 (Game 2)
Twins 2 - Tigers 0
Athletics 6 - Rays 8
White Sox 2 - Rangers 4
Padres 4 - Marlins 1
Pirates 7 - Brewers 3
Nationals 3 - Cubs 1
Braves 4 - Cardinals 5
Diamondbacks 1 - Rockies 12
Indians 9 - Angels 2

Standings.

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Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Walking for Victory!

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Photo: chrisoleary.com

Five of ten walks were transformed in runs by the New York Yankees and Javier Vazquez allowed only three runs in Tuesday's 7-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics. It’s the fifth straight victory for the defending champions. Vazquez (5.1, 6 SO, 3 BB, 6 H and 3 ER) won for the first time in the season, but he still needs to improve.

It seemed that Gio Gonzalez was going to be dominant at the Oakland Coliseum. However, after he struck out Derek Jeter and caused Nick Johnson to bat a fly ball, the Yankees made three runs in the first inning. The left-handed pitcher loaded the bases after allowing a double from Mark Teixeira and a walking Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. Then, Jorge Posada (1-RBI) and Nick Swisher (2-RBI) singles gave the Yankees a 3-0 lead.

It was an important advantage for Vazquez to throw with more confidence after losing in the first two season appearances. The right-hander was scared when the three run advantage was threatened by Kurt Suzuki's single and Eric Chavez' double with no outs in the second inning. The Yankees defense eliminated the A’s opportunities to score. Suzuki was put out at home in a fieldier’s choice by Rodriguez when Mark Ellis batted. Then, Vazquez did an amazing double play: He stopped a fast line in the air from Travis Buck and threw to first because Ellis was not touching the base.

Buck homered in the fifth inning, but this shot wasn’t important in that moment in the scoreboard because Rodriguez hit before a monster homerun to center field in the top of that inning. It was a three run shot! ‘A-Rod’ got that big hit against the pitcher Craig Breslow, who replaced Gonzalez after he walked Johnson and Teixeira.

The problems came in the sixth inning with a two run homerun by Suzuki. The Athletics were losing only by three, so Joe Girardi called the bullpen. The lefty Boone Logan had his first chance of the season and threw the last two outs of the sixth and two in the seventh.

Logan left the game leaving the bases loaded. Joba Chamberlain had the goal to stop the danger and he stroke out Kevin Kouzmanoff. Ex Yankee pitcher Edwar Ramirez played before in the top of the ‘lucky inning’ and saw how his ex teammates scored another run, which was batted in by Posada. Johnson, who was on base thanks to a walk, scored.

The ninth inning was a disgrace. Damaso Marte came and started with a walk. Girardi immediately brought in Mariano Rivera.

Oakland pitching allowed ten walks and five of them finished in a run. Good work for the Yankees players. Wednesday’s game (10:00 p.m., Eastern time) starting pitchers: Phil Hughes (1-0, 3.60) vs. Ben Sheets (1-0, 2.65).

MLB results: April 20

Yankees 7 - Athletics 3

Dodgers 9 - Reds 11. Orlando Cabrera, one run batted in. He went 3-0.

Giants 0 - Padres 1. Edgar Renteria couldn't get a hit in four appearances at the plate.

Rangers 6 - Red Sox 7
Orioles 1 - Mariners 3
Royals 3 - Blue Jays 4
Cubs 0 - Mets 4
Brewers 8 - Pirates 1
Rays 1 - White Sox 4
Indians 1 - Twins 5
Phillies 3 - Braves 4 (10)
Rockies 10 - Nationals 4
Marlins 5 - Astros 7
Cardianls 7 - Diamondbacks 9
Tigers 5 - Angels 6

Standings.

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Yankees win!


Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Improvement wasn't enough

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Photo: bronxbaseballdaily.com

Great starting pitching for the New York Yankees is over! It ended last Wednesday when Javier Vazquez had a better outing against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim than Friday’s performance in Tampa Bay. However, the improvement wasn't enough and the Puerto Rican earned a 3-5 lost in the match at Yankee Stadium against the 'Halos' .

Compared with the 5.2 innings in Friday’s presentation, Vazquez allowed four runs in 5.1 and not 8. What a difference! He allowed eight hits at Tropicana Field, including two doubles and two homeruns. On Wednesday, hits were reduced to six (three doubles and no homeruns). Strikeouts and walks were roughly similar: 5 SO, 3 BB (Rays) vs. 4 SO, 2 BB (Angels).

The Angels scored two runs in the third and sixth against the right-hander pitcher. Erick Aybar, Bobby Abreu, Kendry Morales and Maicer Izturis batted in runs. Torii Hunter produced another run in the seventh, an inning thrown by reliever Alfredo Aceves.

Joel Piñeiro, also Puerto Rican, was solid against the Yankees’ offense, which only scored one time thanks to Nick Swisher’s triple. Piñeiro had seven strikeouts and no walks.

New York tried to come back in the eighth. Nick Johnson singled and Mark Teixeira grounded out, reducing the Angels’ lead.

The Yankees and Angels will close the series this Thursday at 6:00 p.m., Colombian time, 4:00 p.m., Seattle time. Scott Kazmir vs. Phil Hughes.

MLB results: April 14

Angels 5 - Yankees 3

Pirates 0 - Giants 6. Edgar Renteria, one hit, four at bats.

Reds 3 - Marlins 5. Orlando Cabrera rested. Jorge Cantu (Marlins), the first player in MLB history to register a hit and an RBI in the first nine games of the season.

Mets 5 - Rockies 6 (10)
Astros 1 - Cardinals 2
White Sox 11 - Blue Jays 1
Brewers 6 - Cubs 7
Rays 9 - Orioles 1
Red Sox 6 - Twins 3
Royals 7 - Tigers 3
Nationals 7 - Phillies 14
Rangers 6 - Indians 2
Atlhetics 2 - Mariners 4
Diamondbacks 9 - Dodgers 7 (11)
Braves 6 - Padres 1

Standings.

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Let's go Yankees!
¡Por la lucha XXVIII! ¡Todos a portar el 28!

Seis 'rayadas' y una 'patriota'

Foto tomada de 570news.com

Como era de esperarse por esta época, pocas noticias de los Yankees de Nueva York, así que brevemente las resumiré y no desaprovecharé la oportunidad para escribir de otro gusto: el fútbol americano y los Patriotas (Patriots).

Entre las últimas novedades de los 'Bombarderos del Bronx', primero, la elección de Derek Jeter por parte de Sports Illustrated como el deportista del año.

Segundo, los rumores acerca de Roy Halladay de los Azulejos (Blue Jays) de Toronto, que aceptaría jugar en los vigentes campeones de la Serie Mundial (World Series). Al lanzador derecho no le gustaría ser transferido en la mitad de la temporada del 2010.

Por otra parte, además de recibir un anillo, los peloteros de los Yankees tendrán un jugoso bono de 365.052.73 dólares, cifra que supera los 362.173.07 de los Cardenales (Cardinals) de San Luis en el 2006.

La cuarta novedad es que por estos días en Tampa Bay se debe definir el presupuesto para el otro año, algo que determinará el ataque de los Yankees al mercado de agentes libres. Y hablando de agentes libres, a Andy Pettitte, Xavier Nady y Johnny Damon no se les ofrecerá arbitramiento salarial, el cual, adicionalmente, no aplicará para Hideki Matsui, Eric Hinske, José Molina y Jerry Hairston Jr.

El calendario de los entrenamientos de primavera para el 2010 (spring training schedule) fue anunciado. El 17 de febrero se reportarán los pitchers y los catchers. El 24 del mismo mes, la nómina completa.

Por último, desde 1951, la voz oficial del Yankee Stadium. Bob Sheppard, de 99 años, anunció oficilamente su retiro.

Brady, ¿viajó a Nueva Orleans?

Momento para el fútbol americano. Una decepción completa el partido de los Patriotas de Nueva Inglaterra contra los Santos (Saints) de Nueva Orleans en la semana 12 de la NFL.

El motivo no es el 38-17 a favor de los Santos. Molestó Tom Brady, que después de la intercepción en el primer cuarto se le olvidó jugar, se resignó y se le bajó la moral. Cero lucha, lo más increíble y doloroso. Acabó en la banca. Al menos todo lo anterior lo transmitió con su expresión, menos que lo hayan sacado porque de eso se encargó de confirmarlo Bill Belichick, con toda la razón. ¿Y los tres anillos de Super Bowl de Brady? Una falta de profesionalismo la del mariscal de campo.

A los hinchas de Nueva Orleans que conozco en Colombia, perdón, al único, si no ganan este año difícilmente lo consigan más adelante. Gran trabajo, con 11-0, pero lo mejor: arrollan a cualquiera, por eso a Brady se le critica su actitud y no sus malos números en la noche del lunes.

New York Yankees, 2009 World Series Champions!
New York Yankees, 2009 American League Champions!
New York Yankees, 2009 American League East Division Champions!
Let's go Yankees!
¡Conquistado el camino 27!

Lincecum, más que victorias, ponches totales y ERA

Foto tomada de usaplayers.com

Este jueves el Cy Young de la Liga Nacional no fue 'cardenal'. Ni Adam Wainwright, ni Chris Carpenter de los Cardenales (Cardinals) de San Luis obtuvieron el primer lugar. Tim Lincecum, de los Gigantes (Giants) de San Francisco, novena donde juega el colombiano Édgar Rentería, conquistó por segundo año consecutivo el galardón.

Las estadísticas más comunes para medir el rendimiento de un pitcher son las victorias, la efectividad en carreras limpias (responsabilidad del lanzador) o ERA y los ponches. Basándose en estos tres indicadores, Carpenter fue mejor que Lincecum, 25 años, en ERA y triunfos: 2.24 y 17 vs. 2.48 y 15. Wainwright acabó el 2009 con 19 y 2.63. Tim los superó en ponches (261).

Otras maneras de estudiar el trabajo de un lanzador están en datos en los que Lincecum sencillamente demostró más su control a la hora de pararse en el montículo. Los strikes se la llevaron muy bien con él, con un valor agregado, con las bolas hubo indiferencia. Por ello, su strike-to walk ratio (ponches dados por cada base por bola-se dividen los primeros sobre los segundos) de 3.84 se impuso al 3.79 de Carpenter y al 3.21 de Wainwright.

Sus ponches totales, lo dejaron con un promedio de 10.42 por nueve entradas lanzadas, algo para ratificar por qué en el 2008 también obtuvo el Cy Young, además de pasar de un ERA de 2.62 a 2.48 y más difcultades tuvieron los bateadores para conectarle, los dejó con un promedio de .206 con relación al .221 de la temporada pasada.

Para cerrar los números menos conocidos, pero argumentos para un Cy Young, la estrella de San Francisco lideró las Grandes Ligas (MLB) en contar con siete salidas de al menos ocho entradas, sin admitir carreras en ellas. En la Nacional, acabó primero en aperturas de calidad, 26, esto es lanzar al menos seis episodios y permitir no más de tres anotaciones.

Una votación cerrada, en la que Lincecum ganó por seis puntos a Carpenter y por 10 a Wainwright. La Asociación de Escritores de Béisbol de América (Bbwaa, por sus siglas en inglés) incluso le dio a Wainwright más votos por el primer lugar, pero las Grandes Ligas tiene sus cálculos para el premio y no todo se basa únicamente en los triunfos, el ERA y los ponches.

Talento sin duda

1. Tim Lincecum se convirtió en el primer jugador que en sus primeros dos años completos en las Mayores se lleva el Cy Young.

2. Entró a un selecto grupo de pitchers con este premio obtenido en temporadas consecutivas. Los otros: Randy Johnson, Pedro Martínez, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Jim Palmer, Denny McLain y Sandy Koufax.

3. Randy Johnson, el último en ganar el Cy Young una temporada tras otra. Lo hizo de 1999 al 2002. Nueve años después, Lincecum repite la hazaña.

Resultados

1. Tim Lincecum (Gigantes de San Francisco-derecho, 15-7, 2.48, 261 ponhes y 68 bases por bola). Puntaje total: 100.

2. Chris Carpenter (Cardenales de San Luis-derecho, 17-4, 2.24, 144 ponches y 38 bases por bola). Puntaje total: 94.

3. Adam Wainwright (Cardenales de San Luis-derecho, 19-8, 2.63, 212 ponches y 66 bases por bola). Puntaje total: 90.

4. Javier Vásquez (Bravos de Atltanta-derecho, 15-10, 2.87, 238 ponches y 44 bases por bola). Puntaje total: 3.

5. Dan Haren (Diamondbacks de Arizona-derecho, 14-10, 3.14, 223 ponches y 38 bases por bola). Puntaje total: 1.

Lo siguiente: el MVP

Finalmente la temporada del 2009 en las Grandes Ligas se cerrará la otra semana con los premios al Jugador Más Valioso (MVP). El lunes, 23 de noviembre, se sabrá al ganador en la Liga Americana, el martes, al de la Nacional. Mis pronósticos: Joe Mauer (Mellizos de Minnesota) por la Americana: por el 'viejo circuito', Albert Pujols (Cardenales).

New York Yankees, 2009 World Series Champions!
New York Yankeees, 2009 American League Champions!
New York Yankees, 2009 American League East Division Champions!
Let's go Yankees!
¡Conquistado el camino 27!