Baseball Mania

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2006-07-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

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Make it Ten Years in a Row!

2006-07-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/11/06

American League- 3, National League- 2

ALL STAR GAME!

W- Ryan (1-0)
L- Hoffman (0-1)
S- Rivera (1)

American League Batters:

RF- Suzuki, 0-3
RF- Dye, 0-1
SS- Jeter, 0-3
SS- Tejada, 0-1
1B- Ortiz, 0-2
1B- Konerko, 2-2 (1B, 1B)
PR- Lopez (R)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-2
1B- Glaus, 1-2 (2B, R)
LF- Guerrero, 1-2 ( solo HR, R, RBI)
2B- Young, 1-2 ( GW-3B, 2 RBI)
C- Rodriguez, 0-2
C- Mauer, 0-2
CF- Wells, 1-2 (1B)
LF- Matthews, JR- 1-1 (1B)
2B-Loretta, 0-2
PH- Thome, 0-1
PH- Ordonez, 0-1
RF- Sizemore, 0-2

American League Pitchers:

Rogers- 3H, R, ER, K, 2IP
Halladay- 3H, R, ER, K, 2IP
Zito- IP
Kazmir- IP
Santana- BB, K, IP
Ryan- K, IP
Rivera- IP

Notes:

For the tenth year in a row, the American League found a way to beat the NL, and secure home field advantage in the World Series. This time it was Michael Young's final at-bat: 2-1 ( National League led). There were two outs, and Young faced an 0-2 pitch from Hall of Fame closer, Trevor Hoffman. Young got an 84 mph outside fastball, which he smacked to the right-center field wall for a two-run triple. Because of his heroics, Young won the MVP award ( second Texas Ranger to do so in the past three years). Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox was the only AL player with more then one hit. He singled with two outs in the ninth, and was followed by Troy Glaus who hit a ground-rule double, setting up a dramatic comeback. American League pitching was good- Zito, Kazmir, Santana, Ryan, and Rivera all pitched a scoreless inning. The starter, Kenny Rogers gave up one run (a solo homer to David Wright) in his two innings of work. Roy Halliday gave up a run on a wild pitch in the third inning.

Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees went a combined 0 for 5. Robincon Cano did not play. Mariano Rivera picked up his 3rd All Star game save, tying Dennis Eckersley for the most all time.

Century 21: Home Run Derby 2006

2006-07-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

I love the Home Run Derby, and watch it faithfully every year. But for the second straight season, no Yankee has participated. Hideki Matsui was asked in '05, but declined- the same thing happened this year with Alex Rodriguez. And there is no Manny, Thome, or Pujols either...

Derek Jeter (here with Notre Dame head coach), Robinson Cano, and several other Yankees hung out to watch the Home Run derby.

Fortunately, several top sluggers DID show up at the event. Ortiz, who leads the American League in home runs (31), and Howard, who leads the National League in home runs (28) participated. Astro slugger, Lance Berkman and Toronto's third baseman, Troy Glaus were also in attendance.

Rules of the Game:

-Each batter has ten outs.

-Anything, that is not a homer ( foul ball, single, pop up, etc...) is an out.

-Home runs carry over from round 1 to round 2, but no further.

-The top four home-run hitters in round 1 advance to round 2. The top two home-run hitters in round 2, advance to the final round. Batter with the most home runs in the final, wins.

ROUND 1

8. Troy Glaus: 1 HR
7. Miguel Tejeda: 3 HR
6. Lance Berkman: 3 HR
5. Jermaine Dye: 7 HR
4. Ryan Howard: 8 HR
3. Miguel Cabrera: 9 HR
2. David Ortiz: 10 HR
1. David Wright 16 HR

For Glaus, this was his second Home Run Derby. Last time he had no home runs, so I guess, this was an improvement. Tejeda and Berkman never really found a rhythm, swinging at almost every pitch. If not for Howard's rally ( he was the last batter of round 1 ), Jermaine Dye would have advanced. Ryan Howard was down to his final out when he hit 4 consecutive home runs, launching him into round 2. At first, Howard swung like he was taking batting practice, smacking line drives and ground balls up the middle, but he soon changed his approach and started crushing the baseballs. Cabrera ( my pick to win) did an excellent job with his smooth, powerful swing. Ortiz, the crowd favorite, put on a show, sending several balls into the nearby Alleghany River. David Wright, though, was the star of round 1. Before Wright started, ESPN broadcasters asked Wright's teammate, Tom Glavine, if David had any chance of winning. Glavine responded, saying that Wright hit too many line drives to win a home run competition. The Met's thirdbaseman proved him wrong. Wright's 16 homers were the third most home-runs ever hit in one round- Abreu (24 in 2005) and Ortiz (17 in 2005)

Anyway, the top four (the ones I highlighted ) advanced.

Unlike the previous Derbys, contestants DO carry their home run totals of round 1 over to round 2.

ROUND 2

David Ortiz: 3 HR ( Total: 13 HR)
Miguel Cabrera: 6 HR ( Total: 15 HR)
David Wright: 2 HR (Total 18 HR)
Ryan Howard: 10 HR (Total: 18 HR)

If not for the new rule, Wright would have been eliminated and Cabrera would have moved on.

The younger batters had the advantage here, keeping up the strength needed to continue hitting balls 400+ feet. David Wright only hit two homers, but because of his incredible performance in round 1, he advanced to the final. Ryan Howard was on a roll with his ten home runs. Teammates in the minors, David Wright and Ryan Howard were facing off in the Home Run Derby finals.

Final Round

David Wright: 4 HR
Ryan Howard 5 HR

Ryan Howard celebrates with his bullpen coach, Ramon Henderson after winning the competition.

The slate was wiped clean, and the batters started all over again. An exhausted Wright led off with only four home runs. Ryan Howards stepped up, and before recording his 6th out, he blasted five home runs into the Pennsylvania night. His "walkoff" home run (number 5), hit a big "Hit It Here" MasterCard sign in right field. Of the 87 home runs hit on the night, the last one hit the sign. Quite dramatic. Philadelphia's Ryan Howard won the trophy, and his first Home Run Derby contest.

Now the players gear up for tomorrow's All Star Game!

Yankees Welcome the All-Star Break

2006-07-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/09/06

Devil Rays- 7, Yankees- 6

W- Corcoran (4-0)
L- Proctor (2-2)
S- Meadows (5)

Yankee starter, Kris Wilson, failed to pitch more then three innings on Sunday.

Yankees Starting Lineup:

LF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B, BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 2-4 (1B, 1B, HBP, R)
DH- Giambi, 1-4 ( BB, R, 4 RBI, grand slam HR [27] )
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4
CF- Williams, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, R)
1B- Phillips, 1-4 (1B)
2B- Cairo, 1-3 (1B)
RF- Thompson, 0-4
C- Stinnet, 0-2 (BB, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Damon, 0-1 (SB)
C- Posada, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wilson- 5H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 4K, 2.2IP
Villone- 3H, 2R, 2ER, BB, 3K, 3IP
Myers- .1IP
Proctor- 2H, R, ER, BB, 3K, IP
Farnsworth- H, IP

Notes:

Today was not a good day for the NY pitchers. Wilson couldn't make it out of the third, Villone was tagged for two runs, and Proctor blew the lead, picking up his second loss of the season. The Yankees gladly welcome the All Star break which will give their over-used pitchers a chance to rest. But New York still has to decide what to do with the number 5 spot, Chacon doesn't work and Wilson is just as bad. The Yanks will probably try to go out and get someone ( Pineiro? Vargas? Hernandez?) during this four-day off period.

Jason Giambi's grand slam seemed to seal the victory for the Yankees but their pitching just couldn't hold up. Bernie Williams and Derek Jeter each had two hits.

Yankees Win Fourth Straight

2006-07-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/08/06

Yankees- 5, Devil Rays- 1

W- Wang (9-4)
L- Kazmir (10-6)

Johnny Damon smacks a two-run triple to left field in the seventh inning of Saturday's ballgame.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

LF- Cabrera, 3-5 (1B, 1B, 2B, R, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B, BB, R, RBI)
DH- Giambi, 0-3
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3 (2BB)
C- Posada, 1-4 (1B, BB, RBI)
CF- Williams, 1-2 (1B, 2BB)
1B- Phillips, 1-5 (1B, R)
2B- Cairo, 1-5 (1B, R)
RF- Thompson, 2-3 (1B, 1B, SB, sac bunt)

Other Yankee Batters:

DH- Damon, 1-2 (3B, 2 RBI, R)
CF- Crosby, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 6H, R, ER, 2BB, 2K, 8.1IP
Farnsworth- K, .2IP

Notes:

Chien Ming Wang was excellent tonight, pitching into the ninth inning and surrendering only one run. His sinker was working wonderfully, as he recorded 14 groundball outs.

Melky Cabrera, Derek Jeter, and Jorge Posada each hit RBI singles, but Johnny Damon's two-run triple opened up the ballgame. Cabrera had three hits, and right-fielder, Kevin Thompson had two.

Wright Pitches a Masterpiece in Tampa Bay

2006-07-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/08/06

Yankees- 1, Devil Rays- 0

W- Wright (5-5)
L- Seo (2-6)
S- Rivera (19)

Yankee pitcher, Jaret Wright, struck out ten Tampa Bay batters, Friday night.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

LF- Cabrera, 0-3 (BB)
SS- Jeter, 0-4
DH- Giambi, 1-4 (1B)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4
C- Posada, 0-4
RF- Williams, 2-3 (1B, 2B, RBI)
1B- Phillips, 0-3
2B- Cairo, 0-3
CF- Crosby, 0-3

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 4H, 0R, 10K, 6IP
Proctor- 2K, IP
Farnsworth- IP
Rivera- 2K, IP

Notes:

Jaret Wright pitched one incredible ballgame tonight. Probably his best as a Yankee. He didn't allow a run or a walk in his six innings of work. He also struck out a season-high, ten batters. Proctor, Farnsworth, and Rivera were equally effective in their three innings of work, striking out a combined four batters.

The Yankee bats were very quiet tonight against Tampa Bay's Jae Soe. Bernie Williams had the only RBI ( plus a single and a double).

Randy Johnson Scalps Indians

2006-07-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/06/06

Yankees- 10, Indians- 4

W- Johnson (10-7)
L- Lee ( 8-6)

Derek Jeter hits an RBI single to center field, scoring Miguel Cairo.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

LF- Cabrera, 1-4 ( 1B, BB, 2R, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, sac fly, R, 3 RBI)
DH- Giambi, 1-4 ( sac fly, R, 3 RBI, 2-run HR [26] )
3B- Rodriguez, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, BB)
C- Posada, 0-5
CF- Williams, 1-4 (1B)
1B- Phillips, 1-5 (1B, R)
RF- Guiel, 1-3 ( BB, 1B, 3R)
2B- Cairo, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, 2R, RBI)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 7H, 4R, 3ER, 5K, 7.2IP
Beam- K, 1.1IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson stepped up big tonight, pitvhing into the eighth inning. Not only did he shut down the Cleveland bats, but he gave the Yankee pen a chance to rest. The Big Unit struck out 5 and walk no one.

Jason Giambi's two-run homer in the 4th inning jump-started the Yankee offense. Derek Jeter went 3 for 4, driving in 3 runs. Melky Cabrera and Miguel Cairo each drove in one run. Aaron Gueil made his Yankee debut, one day after New York claimed him off waivers from Kansas City. He went 1 for 3 with 3 runs scored. Johnny Damon had the night off, but is expected to return to the lineup soon.

Melky Slams Aside the Indians

2006-07-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/05/06

Yankees- 11, Indians- 3

W- Mussina (10-3)
L- Byrd (6-6)

Melky Cabrera watches his first career grand slam homer sail over the left-field fence in Cleveland.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-1
SS- Jeter, 2-4 (1B, 1B, sac fly, R, 2 SB, RBI)
DH- Giambi, 0-5
3B- Rodriguez, 1-5 (1B, R, SB, RBI)
C- Posada, 2-5 ( 1B, 2B, R, 2 RBI)
RF- Williams, 1-5 (2B, R)
1B- Phillips, 1-4 ( 1B, SB, 2R)
LF- Cabrera, 3-5 ( 1B, 2B, 2R, 5 RBI, grand slam HR [3] )
2B- Cairo, 2-4 ( 1B, 3B, 2 SB, 2R, RBI)

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Crsoby, 1-4 ( 1B, R, RBI)

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 6H, 3R, BB, 4K, 6IP
Wilson- K, 2IP
Rivera- H, IP

Notes:

Mike Mussina delivered a much-needed quality start for the New York Yankees, pitching 6 strong innings. The Yankee bullpen has been very overworked in the past several days, so this start really helped the Yankees. With his tenth win, Mike Mussina becomes the first American League pitcher in history to win at least 10 games for 15 straight years. Kris Wilson, who the Yankees had just called up from Triple-A Columbus, pitched two perfect innings, and may be headed to an official start on Sunday ( instead of Chacon). Because he hadn't pitched in four days, Mariano Rivera closed the ninth inning.

Melky Cabrera had a huge offensive night, driving in a career-high 5 runs. It took Derek Jeter over 10 years to hit his first career grand slam, but Melky Cabrera got that problem out of the way tonight. Cabrera also singled home a runner, and scored two runs himself. Jorge Posada had a two-run double, Rodriguez had an RBI-single, and Cairo had an RBI-triple. Derek Jeter extended his season-high hitting streak to 11 games.

Johnny Damon left the game due to some soreness in his right oblique muscle, but is not expected to miss tomorrow's game.

Indians Set Off Fireworks

2006-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/04/06

Yankees- 1, Indians- 19

W- Westbrook (7-4)
L- Chacon (4-3)

Joe Torre makes one of many visits to the pitching mound, Tuesday night.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-3 ( R)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 (1B)
DH- Giambi, 0-3 (BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 3-4 (1B, 1B, 2B)
C- Posada, 1-2 (1B)
1B- Phillips, 0-4
LF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B)
RF- Reese, 1-3 (1B, BB, SB)
2B- Green, 0-3 (BB)

Other Yankee Batters:

2B- Cairo, 1-2 (1B)
C- Stinnet, 1-2 (1B)
CF- Crosby, 0-2

Yankee Pitchers:

Chacon- 6H, 7R, 3BB, 2K, 1.1IP
Villone- 2H, 2K, 2.2IP
Beam- 6H, 6R, K, .2IP
Myers- 3H, 3R, 2BB, .1IP
Proctor- 4H, 3R, BB, K, 2IP
Farnsworth- K, IP

Notes:

What an ugly game. The second worse loss in Yankee history ( 18 run difference).

It is now very clear that the Yankees have to start searching for a new stater. Chacon has just been dismal this year, and he keeps getting worse. The Yankee farm system doesn't look too hopeful, so the Yanks would be better off going out and getting someone. Maybe Zito? Smoltz?

The Yankee bullpen did pretty badly as well, giving up 12 earned runs. I just hang my head in shame.

After an Offensive Outpour Sunday Night, Yanks Struggle to Score against Indians

2006-07-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/03/06

Yankees- 2, Indians- 5

W- Sowers (1-1)
L- Wang (8-4)
S- Wickman (13)

Chien Ming Wang delivers a pitch during the first inning of Monday's game in Cleveland.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-4 (1B, 2B, SB, R)
SS- Jeter, 2-4 (1B, 1B, SB)
DH- Giambi, 1-4 ( R, 2RBI, 2-run HR [25] )
3B- Rodriguez, 1-3 ( 1B, BB)
RF- Williams, 1-4 (1B)
1B- Phillips, 0-4
LF- Cabrera, 0-3 (BB)
C- Stinnet, 0-3
2B- Green, 1-3 (1B)

Other Yankee Batters:

PH- Posada, 0-1
PH- Reese, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 11H, 5R, 2BB, 2K, 5.1IP
Myers- K, .2IP
Smith- 2BB, 2K, 2IP

Notes:

Chien Ming Wang was not very good tonight; his sinker did not sink far enough. He left many pitches out over the plate, therefore allowing was too many fly balls. He gave up 11 hits and two walks in just 5 and a third innings pitched.

Jason Giambi's two-run homer in the first was all the offense for the Yanks. After Giambi's 25th blast, the Yankee bats were silenced by Jeremy Sowers.

Alex Rodriguez Beats Down Mets

2006-07-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Game date: 7/02/06

Mets- 7, Yankees- 16

W- Villone (3-1)
L- Soler (2-3)

Alex Rodriguez claps his hands after hitting a three run home run in the fifth inning of Sunday's game. Rodriguez had seven RBIs on the night.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-3 ( BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 3-5 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, RBI, 2R)
DH- Giambi, 2-3 ( 2 BB, 1B, 1B, 2R)
3B- Rodriguez, 3-5 ( 1B, 3R, 7 RBI, grand slam HR [18], 3-run HR [19] )
C- Posada, 2-3 ( 2 BB, 2B, 2R, RBI, solo HR [11] )
RF- Williams, 0-4 ( 2R)
1B- Phillips, 0-5 ( R)
LF- Cabrera, 2-5 ( 2B, 2B, R, 3 RBI)
2B- Green, 1-3 ( 2 BB, 2R, SB, 2 RBI, 2-run HR [1] )

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Reese, 1-1 (1B)
CF- Crosby, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 7H, 4R, BB, K, 1.2IP
Villone- 3H, R, 2BB, 3K, 3IP
Beam- 2H, R, K, 1.1Ip
Myers- K, 2IP
Proctor- 2H, R, 2K, IP

Notes:

Jaret Wright was miserable; he couldn't even get out of the second inning! The Mets pounded 4 runs on seven hits off the Yankee pitcher, but due to some excellent bullpen-managing by Joe Torre, the Yanks hung on and came back from the four-run deficit. Villone pitched very well, and really gave the Yanks the opportunity to score some runs off of Soler. Villone picked up his third win of the week, most in the majors.

Alex Rodriguez seems to have found his groove. Three days ago he walked off with a two-run homer, yesterday he flicked a two-run homer to right field, and today he crushed two bombs out of the ballpark! Rodriguez hit a huge grand slam to right field, and a monstrous three-run shot to center. Posada and Nick Green also homered in the ballgame. For Green, it was his first hit as a Yankee. Derek Jeter picked up three hits to extend his hitting streak to eight games.

Mets Pound Big Unit

2006-07-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Game date- 7/01/06

Mets- 8, Yankees- 3

W- Traschel (7-4)
L- Johnson (9-7)

Randy Johnson reacts during the fourth inning in which he allowed five earned runs.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, R)
DH- Giambi, 0-2 (2 BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-3 ( 1B, R, BB, 2 RBI, 2-run HR [17] )
C- Posada, 0-4
1B- Phillips, 0-3 (BB)
LF- Cabrera, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B)
RF- Crosby, 0-3
2B- Cairo, 1-4 ( 1B, SB)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 8H, 8R, 3BB, 7K, 6IP
Beam- H, IP
Smith- H, K, 2IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson was just awful, giving up 8 runs over six innings of work! The Mets pounded all his pitches, and he looked old and tired out on the mound. Alex Rodriguez did hit a two-run homer, but it wasn't enought to boost the Yanks past the Mets.

Yanks' Pitchers Blank the Mets

2006-07-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/30/06

Mets- 0, Yankees- 2

W- Villone (2-1)
L- Hernandez (4-8)
S- Rivera ( 18)

Yankee pitcher Mike Mussina was brilliant before the 63-minute rain delay.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-3 ( BB)
SS- Jeter, 2-4 (1B, 2B)
DH- Giambi, 1-4 ( R, RBI, solo HR [24] )
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4
C- Posada, 1-3 (2B, BB)
RF- Williams, 2-3 (1B, 1B, SB, R)
1B- Phillips, 1-3 ( 1B, RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 1-3 (1B)
2B- Cairo, 0-3

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 4K, 4IP
Villone- H, BB, 2K, 2IP
Proctor- K, IP
Farnsworth- IP
Rivera- K, IP

Notes:

Mike Mussina pitched four perfect innings to start out the ballgame, but did not return after a 63-minute rain delay. Villone, Proctor, Farnsworth, and Rivera blanked the Mets through the next five innings, giving up only one hit.

Jason Giambi's solo homer in the first inning was all the offense needed in the game.

A-Rod Finally Comes Through in the Clutch!

2006-07-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/28/06

( Ten innings) Braves- 3, Yankees- 4

W- Villone (1-1)
L- Sosa (2-10)

Alex Rodriguez is congratulated at home plate by his teammates after hitting a walkoff, two-run home run in the tenth inning.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-5 (BB)
LF- Cabrera, 1-5 (2B, SB, BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 1-5 (1B, BB)
DH- Giambi, 2-4 (1B, 2 BB, R, RBI, solo HR [23] )
3B- Rodriguez, 2-5 ( 1B, BB, R, 3 RBI, walk-off, 2-run HR [16] )
RF- Williams, 0-3 ( 2BB)
1B- Phillips, 1-5 ( 3B)
2B- Cairo, 1-5 (1B)
C- Stinnet, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

C- Posada, 0-3
PR- Reese, 0-0 (R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 7H, 2R, BB, 2K, 8IP
Rivera- H, BB, 2K, IP
Farnsworth- H, .2IP
Myers- HB, 0IP
Proctor- 2H, R, BB, 1IP
Villone- BB, .1IP

Notes:

Hidden behind the drama of A-Rod's clutch home run is Chien-Ming Wang's stellar performance. Wang pitched 8 innings, giving up only two runs ( 91 pitches). Rivera also did an excellent job out of the pen.

But in the botom of the tenth, with a runner on first ( one out and the Yanks down by one run) Alex Rodriguez hit a much-needed, walk-off home run into the left field bleachers. Rodriguez tossed his bat, flipped his helmet, and dove into his teammates awaiting him at home plate!

Yankees Struggle Against Ramirez

2006-07-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Game date: 6/27/06

Braves- 5, Yankees- 2

W- Ramirez (3-2)
L- Wright (4-5)

Atlanta's Pete Orr is caught stealing second base during Tuesday's game in the Bronx.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-3 (1B, BB)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B)
DH- Giambi, 0-4
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4
C- Posada, 2-4 (1B, 2B, R)
RF- Williams, 0-4
LF- Cabrera, 2-4 (1B, R, RBI, solo HR [2] )
2B- Cairo, 1-4 (1B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 5H, R, 2BB, 4K, 6IP
Villone- 2H, 2R, 1.1IP
Beam- H, BB, K, .1IP
Myers- K, .1IP
Farnsworth- 3H, 2R, K, .2IP
Smith- 2BB, K, .1IP

Notes:

Through the first six innings of this ballgame, we were witnessing a pitcher's duel. But after Jarett Wright was pulled in the seventh, the New York bullpen unravelled- Farnsworth and Villone both allowing two runs on a combined five hits. Meanwhile, Horacio Ramirez did his job, holding down the Yankees. Ramirez allowed only one unearned run through the first seven innings. Melky Cabrera hit a solo home run in the ninth to bring the Yankees to within three.

Randy Johnson Blows Down Braves

2006-07-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Game date: 6/26/06

Braves- 2, Yankees- 5

W- Johnson (9-6)
L- Hudson (6-7)
S- Rivera (16)

Randy Johnson struck out 9 batters over 7 innings of work.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-4 (2B, R, BB)
2B- Cairo, 0-4 ( sac bunt)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B, BB, 2R)
DH- Giambi, 2-4 ( 2R, 5 RBI, 2-run HR [21], 3-run HR [22] )
3B- Rodriguez, 1-3 (1B, SB, BB)
C- Posada, 0-3 (HBP)
1B- Phillips, 3-3 (BB, 1B, 2B, 3B)
RF- Crosby, 0-3 (BB)
LF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 4H, 9K, 7IP
Proctor- 3H, 2R, K, 1.1IP
Rivera- BB, 2K, .2IP

Notes:

Robinson Cano missed today's lineup because of an injury obtained yesterday; he may be headed to the DL. Jason Giambi had two impressive home runs, knocking in 5 RBIs! Andy Phillips had three hits, a homer away from the cycle.

Randu Johnson looked great today, fanning nine Braves and walking no one!! He held Atlanta scoreless through 7 innings.

Yanks Shut Down by Marlin Rookie in Game 2 of Double-Header

2006-07-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/25/06

Marlins- 5, Yankees- 0

W- Sanchez (1-0)
L- Chacon (4-2)

Yankee secondbaseman, Robinson Cano, leaves the game after getting injured in the sixth.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-3 (1B, BB, 2 SB)
SS- Jeter, 2-4 (1B, 1B, SB)
1B- Giambi, 1-4 (1B)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4
2B- Cano, 1-3 (2B)
RF- Williams, 0-4
LF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B)
CF- Crosby, 1-4 (1B)
C- Stinnet, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

2B- Cairo, 0-0 (BB)
PH- Posada, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Chacon- 5H, 3R (one unearned), BB, 5IP
Villone- H, 2R ( both unearned), 3K, 1.1IP
Beam- H, K, 1.2IP
Smith- 2K, IP

Notes:

Once again, Shawn Chacon could only pitch five disappointing innings as he allowed the Marlins to score 3 runs. Yankee defense didn't help matters much, making three errors (which led to three unearned runs)! The Yankee bats were silent today; Jeter was the only Yankee with more then one hit.

Damon's Homer Decides Key Pitching Duel

2006-07-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Game date: 6/25/06

Marlins- 1, Yankees- 2

W- Mussina (9-3)
L- Willis (4-7)
S- Rivera (16)

Yankee catcher Jorge Posada tags out Florida firstbaseman, Mike Jacobs, at home plate.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-3 ( R, 2 RBI, sac fly, solo HR [11])
1B- Cairo, 0-3 ( HBP, SB)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 (1B, BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3 (BB)
C- Posada, 0-4
RF- Williams, 2-3 (1B, 1B)
DH- Phillips, 1-3 (1B, BB, R)
2B- Cano, 1-3 (1B)
LF- Cabrera, 1-3 (1B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 5H, R, 2BB, 6K, 7IP
Farnsworth- 2H, BB, 2K, IP
Rivera- IP

Notes:

Mike Mussina was brilliant through 7 innings of work, holding the Marlins to one earned run. Farnsworth and Rivera each pitched one shutout inning in relief.

Damon's sac fly and solo home run were all the runs the Yanks would need today. Bernie Williams singled twice to raise his season batting average to .290.

Sloppy Defense from Fish Helps Yankees Pick up Win

2006-07-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/23/06

Marlins- 5, Yankees- 6

W- Wang (8-3)
L- Moehler (5-6)
S- Rivera (15)

Yankee closer, Mariano Rivera, shuts the Marlins down in the ninth.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-3 ( 2B, 2BB, 2R)
SS- Jeter, 0-5 (R)
DH- Giambi, 1-4 (1B, BB, 2R, RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 3-5 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, BB, RBI)
C- Posada, 3-5 (1B, 1B, 1B, 3 RBI)
2B- Cano, 1-3 (1B, 2BB, SB)
RF- Williams, 0-3 ( sac fly, RBI)
1B- Phillips, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 3B)
LF- Cabrera, 0-4

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Crosby, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 9H, 4R, 2K, 7IP
Farnsworth- 3H, R, 2K, IP
Rivera- K, IP

Notes:

Due to three Marlin errors and several more sloppy plays, the Yankees eeked out a one-run victory. Chien Ming Wang pitched fairly decently over seven innings, and Rivera shut the door in the ninth.

Andy Phillips hit his first major league triple, and Jorge Posada drove in three runs for New York.

Off to Virginia!

2006-06-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'll be back in on July 1st/2nd.

Quick wrap of the upcoming week:

Yanks host the Marlins for three games, then the Braves, and then the Mets. Hopefully, the Bombers can catch up with the Sox over the next few series.

Go Yankees!!!! God bless!

Yanks Head for an Off Day on a High Note

2006-06-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/21/06

Yankees- 5, Phillies- 0

W- Wright (4-4)
L- Hammels (1-3)

Derek Jeter smacks an RBI single up the middle, Wednesday night against the Phillies.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 3-3 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, 2BB, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, RBI)
1B- Giambi, 0-4
3B- Rodriguez, 0-2 ( 2BB, HBP, SB, R)
C- Posada, 0-5
RF- Williams, 0-4
LF- Cabrera, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, R, RBI)
2B- Cairo, 2-3 ( 1B, 3B, sac bunt, 2R, RBI)
P- Wright, 0-1 ( RBI, sac fly)

Other Yankee Batters:

2B- Cano, 1-1 (1B)
PH- Phillips, 0-1 ( R)
RF- Crosby, 1-1 (1B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 3H, 4BB, 6K, 5IP
Villone- BB, 2K, IP
Proctor- HB, K, IP
Farnsworth- K, IP
Rivera- K, IP

Notes:

The only disappointing fact taken away from tonight's game was that Jaret Wright, once again, only pitched five innings. Fortunately, they were 5 scoreless innings, in which he struck out 6 batters. Wright has struggled terribly in the sixth inning, so Torre decided not to mess around and to pull him before he could do any damage. The New York bullpen pitched four scoreless innings, not even allowing one hit or walk. Farnsworth, who was out with back spasms for almost a week, pitched very, very well in the eighth.

After a triple by Miguel Cairo, Jaret Wright brought him home with a deep sac fly to left field in the fifth inning. Derek Jeter had an RBI single in the seventh, and the Yanks expanded their lead in the eighth with RBI singles by Melky Cabrera, Miguel Cairo, and Johnny Damon.

Yanks Come Back Three Times, Finally Beat Phillies

2006-06-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/20/06

Yankees- 9, Phillies- 7

W- Beam (1-0)
L- Rhodes (0-2)
S- Rivera (14)

Bernie Williams doubles in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game versus the Phillies, Williams had five hits on the night.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-5 ( 1B, 3B, 2R, 2 RBI)
SS-Jeter, 1-3 ( 1B, BB, HBP, RBI )
1B- Giambi, 1-4 ( BB, R, RBI, solo HR [20] )
3B- Rodriguez, 1-5 ( 1B, RBI)
C- Posada, 2-5 ( 1B, 2R, RBI, solo HR [10] )
2B- Cano, 1-4 ( 2B, R)
RF- Williams, 5-5 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, 2B, 2B, R, RBI)
LF- Reese, 1-2 ( 1B, RBI)
P- Mussina, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

PH- Phillips, 0-1
2B- Cairo, 0-1 ( BB, R)
LF- Cabrera, 1-2 ( 1B, R, RBI)
P- Rivera, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 7H, 5R, 3BB, 4K, 5IP
Villone- R, K, 1.2IP
Proctor- R, BB, 0IP
Myers- H, 0IP
Beam- .1IP
Rivera- 2H, 2K, 2IP

Notes:

Tonight was the battle between the New York Yankees and Phillies' firstbaseman Ryan Howard. Howard drove in all seven runs for the Phillies- a 3-run homer and 2-run homer off of Mike Mussina to give the Phils an early lead. Then he tripled and drove in a couple more runs off of the Yankee's bullpen. Mussina only went 5 innings, giving up 5 runs. Mariano Rivera had to come in to the game in the eighth and pick up a two-inning save for his team. T. J. Beam earned his first major league win.

Yankee bats were on fire tonight, each starting player (besides the pitcher) had at least one hit. Bernie Williams singled in the first run for New York ( a two out single in the second, scoring Robinson Cano) , Jason Giambi hit a solo homer in the fourth, and Kevin Reese tied the ballgame with an RBI single in the same inning. After the Phillies re-took the lead, Jorge Posada homered and Alex Rodriguez came through with an RBI-single to tie the game up again. The Phils re-took the lead 7-5 in the seventh inning. Melky singled to make it 7 to 6. Damon had a huge two-run triple in the top of the eighth inning to give back the lead to the Yankees. Jeter then singled him in as an insurance run.

Yankee Slide Continues in the City of Brotherly Love

2006-06-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/19/06

Yankees- 2, Phillies- 4

W- Myers ( 5-3)
L- Johnson (8-6)
S- Gordon (20)

Alex Rodriguez tries to dodge an inside fastball by Brett Myers in the first inning of Monday's game.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-5 ( 1B, SB, R)
LF- Cabrera, 0-5
SS- Jeter, 1-4 ( 1B, BB)
1B- Giambi, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, BB, R, RBI, solo HR [19] )
3B- Rodriguez, 1-2 (2B, BB)
C- Posada, 1-3 ( BB, RBI, 1B)
2B- Cano, 0-3 ( BB)
RF- Crosby, 0-3
P- Johnson, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Williams, 0-1
1B- Phillips, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 5H, 3R, 2BB, 7K, 7IP
Farnsworth- 2BB, K, R, IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson pitched very well today, but was haunted by some sloppy defense- an error by Cano led to two Phillidelphia runs. Johnson pitched 7 innings, and struck out 7, walking only 2.

The Yankee offense continues to struggle, tonight's problems were due to the fact that they were facing crafty pitcher, Brett Myers. The Yankees as a team left 13 men on base- Cano left five (striking out and grounding out with runners on), Posada left 3 ( popping up with the bases loaded), and Rodriguez left two ( striking out with two runners in scoring position). Jason Giambi hit a monstrous home run to the upper deck in left field; Giambi also singled twice.

Yankees Suffer a Second Straight Devastating Loss

2006-06-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/18/06

Yankees- 2, Nationals- 3

W- Majewski (3-2)
L- Wang (7-3)

Yankee manager, Joe Torre, watches the ballgame.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-5
LF- Cabrera, 0-3 ( BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, SB, R)
1B- Giambi, 0-4
3B- Rodriguez, 2-2 ( 1B, 2B, 2 BB, RBI)
C- Posada, 0-1 ( 2 BB, sac fly, RBI)
2B- Cano, 0-4
RF- Williams, 1-4 (1B)
P- Wang, 0-4

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 6H, 3R, 2BB, 2K, 8.1IP

Notes:

Chien-Ming Wang pitched masterfully today over 8 innings, but gave up the walk-off two-run homer to National's Ryan Zimmerman in the bottom of the ninth. He was two outs away from picking up a complete game victory, but came up just short. Fortunately, none of the Yankee bullpen was used today, so everyone should be rested for tomorrow's game aginst the Phillies.

The Yankees only had five hits- two for A-Rod ( a single and an RBI double) and two for Jeter ( a single and a double). Robinson Cano snapped his 15-game hitting streak, going 0 for 4.

"...as bad as it can get..."

2006-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Game date- 6/17/06

Yankees- 9, Nationals- 11

W- Rouch (2-1)
L- Rivera (4-4)
S- Cordero (13)

Yankee closer, Mariano Rivera, looks back at home plate after giving up a single to Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 4-6 ( 1B, 2B, 2B, 2R, 5 RBI, grand slam [10] )
RF- Williams, 0-5
SS- Jeter, 3-5 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, R, RBI)
1B- Giambi, 0-3 ( BB, HBP)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-5 ( 1B, R, 2 RBI, 2-run HR [15] )
C- Posada, 2-5 ( 1B, R, RBI, solo HR [9] )
2B- Cano, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, BB, R)
LF- Cabrera, 0-5 ( R)
P- Chacon, 0-2 ( BB, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

P- Beam, 0-1
PH- Cairo, 1-1 ( 1B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Chacon- 6H, 6R, 3BB, 3K, 4.1IP
Smith- H, .2IP
Beam- 3H, 2R, K, 1.2IP
Myers- .1IP
Proctor- H, R, 2BB, K, .2IP
Rivera- 2H, 2R, BB, .2IP

Notes:

Through the first four and a half innings of this ballgame, the Yankees were cruising. Shawn Chacon had allowed only two runs on 3 hits. Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada hit back-to-back homers. Johnny Damon had four hits, two doubles and a grand slam! The Yanks were up 9 to 2.

The Yanks lost 11 to 9. Chacon gave up four runs in the bottom of the fifth and was pulled for Matt Smith. Beam, Proctor, and Mariano Rivera gave up a combined five earned runs and the lead. The Yankee bats were silent. After the game, manager Joe Torre said: "That's as bad as it can get...."

Robinson Cano did manage to extend his hitting streak to 15 straight games.