Thoughts On Current Yankees Moves

The Curtis Granderson trade is a good move for the Yankees. At least I wasn't so sure, mainly because of his sub .200 average against lefties but the more I think about it, the more I like the move.

With Granderson's arrival, two of the Yankees key 2009 championship contributors are likely not coming back to the Bronx. Hideki Matsui for sure isn't coming back because he signed a one-year $6.5 million deal with the Angels and the other, is Johnny Damon.

Damon and his agent Scott Boras are apparently worlds apart on their contract talks and with the Yankees signing Nick Johnson on Friday, it appears Damon's door to return is just about shut.

It's a shame because Damon was a good player in many ways for the Yanks. His personality fit perfectly in the clubhouse. His "diminished" skills were perfect for the no 2 spot in the lineup in 2009. His subpar arm and shaky fielding skills led the Yankees front office to believe he is the perfect DH for the 2010 Yanks. Damon still believes he's one of the best players in the game. I have to disagree Johnny. I guess Johnny will go where the money is. That's a shame because if he agrees to a pay cut and DH's for the Bombers, he is certain to be in the thick of another 1 or 2 championship runs in the Bronx. Only time will tell.

I still want the Yankees to grab another arm for the rotation. I'm not sold on either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes being a solid starter for a defending World Series Champion. Much talk is around Ben Sheets and taking a risk with him. I like that idea, so I hope GM Brian Cashman makes that signing. You can never have enough pitching.
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NY Weekend Wrap-up

In case you missed it and you weren't around, here's a roundup of things that went down in NY sports this weekend.

Eli Manning and the Giants snapped their four game losing streak with an overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons yesterday at the Meadowlands. Manning had a career day as he completed 25 of 39 passes for 384 yards. The G-men nearly blew a 14 point second half lead. The Falcons tied it in the final minute of regulation but after winning the coin toss in OT, the Giants got a game winning field goal from Lawerence Tynes on their first possession. The Giants are now 6-4 holding on to second place in the NFC East.

Mark Sanchez and the Jets didn't have it together yesterday in Foxboro. Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the Patriots took the rookie QB to school. Sanchez threw 4 interceptions and not all that effective. The Pats coming off a much talked about loss to the Colts last Sunday night, came in and released their fustration on their divison rivals. The Jets, after starting the season 3-0, are now 4-6 and a chance at the playoffs appears to be very slim. Brett Favre and his 8-3 start last year wasn't so bad was it?

The Knicks beat the Nets Saturday afternoon in the Medowlands and thus the Nets remain the only winless team in the NBA at 0-13. The Nets came within 1 point of the Knicks in the 4th quarter, but the Knicks started pulling away in the final minutes. The Knicks also played the Celtics yesterday at MSG and lost by 2 in overtime. A hard fought game by New York but Boston got the best of them late in OT.
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2009 Was A Year To Celebrate in the Bronx

It has been a couple days since the Yankees finally reclaimed their position as the best team in baseball and won their 27th World Championship. Although, somewhere on the streets of New York, people are still celebrating.

Why not, it took 9 years to return to the top of the mountain. For most cities, that's nothing, but in New York, it's an eternity, if you're a Yankees fan. People are still spending their hard earned money on World Series Championship merchandise. Soon enough, the money spent as a result of winning the World Series will be enough to pay for the 2009 Yankee payroll.

Now that most of the dust has settled and most of the celebrating is over, it's time to reflect on this season. There's a lot you can write about this season but not enough space here. You can write about big moments this year all the way to spring training but I'm not going to do that. What I am going to do is say, congratulations to the 2009 New York Yankees for winning their 27th World Championship and say thank you. As a fan who follows the team on a day-to-day basis and fights with the Yankee-haters of the world, I say thank you. I always knew you were the best team in baseball, I said it all year, but I guess it takes a piece of hardware and a parade down Broadway to shut certain people up. For that,I say thank you.

Johnny Damon had one of the greatest at-bats in World Series history in Game 4, in the top of the 9th. Then stole 2nd AND 3rd on the same play! Alex Rodriguez then continued his month of clutch hitting and drove in the winning run of that game. If he wasn't a real Yankee before, he is now. A bunch of clutch hits, homeruns and a World Series ring does that for you. CC Sabathia was everything you ever wanted this year. He stepped up when the Yanks needed him most. Even on short rest, even against the Angels. Mark Teixeria didn't hit much in the postseason but he got a couple big hits, homeruns to be exact. His defense all year long reminded us of the good old days when Tino used to dive and pick 'em like no other. AJ Burnett was great, then he was bad, then he was great, then he was bad. Right now, because of his greatness in Game 2 of the World Series with his team down 1-0 and in danger of going 2-0 going to Philly, he pitched the g ame of his life. He is now a World Champion.

Because of the pies in the face, because of the Championship belt given to the MVP of every Yankee win this year, because of GM Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi believing in their youth, and heck, even because of Kate Hudson, the New York Yankees are once again Champions of the World! 2009 was a special year for so many reasons....for that, I say thank you.
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We LOVE Kate Hudson



















Whatever you did, whatever you've said..it worked! Thank you Kate Hudson! Alex Rodriguez is a new man, and NOW is a TRUE Yankee!
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We Are The Champions!


NO. 27!! CONGRATULATIONS to the 2009 NY Yankees!
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I'm Ready For Andy In Game 6

Here we go again. The Yankees are again, one win away from winning the World Series. This time, if they do reach their goal, it'll be in the comfort of their own home and in front of the best fans in the world...at Yankee Stadium.

The image of the Yankees celebrating in the new home is something many people want to see and were rooting for all along in this series. Now, the time has come for it to happen.

Tomorrow night, the Yankees have Andy Pettitte going against the Phillies Pedro Martinez. As if this game didn't already have enough buzz, the matchup of Andy vs Pedro reminds us of the classic battles between the Red Sox and Yankees in the 2003 and 2004 ALCS'. Both of which had their historic moments. Tomorrow is no different. If Andy can deliver in Game 6 the way he did against the Angels in Game 6 of this year's ALCS then the new home of the Yanks will be fully christened. If Pedro can reach back and show us the Pedro of old, then Thursday night, there will be a Game 7. And from there, it's anyone's game.

A Game 7 on Thursday night means CC Sabathia comes back on 3 days rest. It means he comes back for the 3rd time in the Series. It means that Phillies Game 3 loser Cole Hamels gets the ball with everything on the line. It means EVERYONE on both rosters is avaliable. It means Mariano Rivera might have to be ready to pitch 3 innings. It means the Yankees might see Cliff Lee again, maybe in the 7th or 8th innings, coming in to put the nail in the coffin,much like Randy Johnson did for the Diamondbacks in 2001 in Game 7 of that World Series (Johnson came into Game 7 in the 9th to limit the Yankee offense so the D-Backs had a shot to make a comeback and win.....a half inning later they did.) It means ANYTHING can, and WILL happen. It doesn't matter if you're in the Bronx or in Philly. Game 7 has a life of it's own and along come moments that will etch in stone for years to come. The Yanks DO NOT want to see Game 7, the Phils would.

That's why tomorrow night, in the Bronx Andy Pettitte needs to be Andy Pettitte. That tough, gritty, give-it-his-all mentality that defines Andy needs to be there. It needs to take the ball and deliver home a World Championship. Tomorrow night is why Andy came back. One more chance to become a champion. One more chance to show the whole world why he is one of the greatest Yankees of all-time. One more chance to prove to himself he can still be one of the very best at what he does and finally...one more chance to show what it means to be a true Yankee.

The numbers don't suggest Andy will be on his game tomorrow night but at this time of the year, numbers don't matter very much. The only numbers that do...the Yanks are 1 win away from their 27th championship in franchise history. Those are the only numbers we care about. It's the only ones Andy cares about. Hopefully, after all is said and dont tomorrow night, no. 46 delivers no. 27 to the Bronx.
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Yanks One Win Away From Glory!

Today, we await a game that EVERYONE in New York will be watching. Today, we take in the game we witnessed last night. Today, the New York Yankees can become World Champions.

Last night in Game 4, CC Sabathia took the mound on 3 days rest and he pitched good. He kept us in the game and left in the 7th inning with the lead. Granted Chase Utley hit his 3rd HR of this World Series off of him, but the Yanks still led 4-3. Joba Chamberlain was lights out until that 2 strike pitch to Pedro Feliz. Feliz hit a ball into the left field stands to tie the game at 4, with 2 outs in the 8th. But then, DESTINY made an appearance in the 9th.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge got Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter for the 1st 2 outs, then got to a 1-2 count on Johnny Damon. Damon then put together one of the best Yankee at-bats of the season. He got the count to 3-2 and proceded to foul off pitch after pitch from Lidge. (This sounds alot like Paul O'Neill's at-bat against the Mets' Armando Benitez in Game 1 of the 2000 World Series. That game, because of O'Neill's at-bat, got the rally going for the Yanks to tie the game and eventually win. They later went on to the win the World Series.) Back to Damon, he got a hit to left field. Then stole 2nd and stole 3rd because no one was covering 3rd as a result of the infield shift given to Mark Teixeria. Tex gets hit with a pitch and Alex Rodriguez gets a hit to score Damon and the Yankees took off.

A-Rod has been amazing in the clutch this October and if they are able to finish the Phils off, Alex will be a World Champion. Something that has elluded him his entire career. Now, he is 1 win away from further cementing his legacy. He was brought in to the Bronx in '04 to win a championship every year. Not easy to do, but if the Yanks do win this series, A-Rod will be a BIG reason why.

Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada did their part to help the Yankees win Game 4 last night, just like they've done for the last 4 Yankee World Championships. Is there time for another one? You bet ya!

AJ Burnett takes the ball tonight on 3 days rest with the chance to win the World Series. This is why they shelled out $80 million for him last offseason. CC has held up his end of the agreement, now AJ needs to. If he doesn't, then old reliable Andy Pettitte will be waiting in the wings on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium against Pedro Martinez.

Today, will be the day the Yankees win the World Series. Today, the Yankees become World Champions!
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Game 3 Thoughts

I wonder how these next 3 games in Philly will pan out. It's not going to be an easy trip for the Yanks. I have all the confidence in the world in Andy Pettitte in Game 3 tonight, but to be honest...I am scared of that Philly offense.


They are so good top to bottom, that it's hard to relax when they're at the plate. Andy is going to keep us in the game tonight, that I know. It's the bullpen that worries me a bit. You can keep going to Mariano Rivera for 6 outs. Eventually the Phillies will get to him. Yes, they are that good. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, our stars of the future have to come up big in the present and lead us to a championship. If they can overcome their subpar October, it provide them with a huge boost in confidence for next year and the years to come.

Tonight, the Yankees go for a 2-1 lead in this World Series. A series with 2 evenly matched teams. Game 3's always are a big game, and tonight is no exception. Alex Rodriguez needs his bat to wake up. Citizen's Bank Ballpark is a hitter's park so hopefully that will help A-Rod. I hope Kate Hudson makes the trip over to Philly. We need some more October magic.
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World Series Prediction: Yanks in 6

I really like this matchup. Both lineups are evenly matched and can go blow for blow with one another. It should be entertaining, but the big difference is the pitching. The Yankees have it, both starting and in the bullpen. Pitching wins championships, and this will be no different. Cliff Lee has gotten knocked around by the Yanks in the past, but if he does hold up, he's still going against CC Sabathia. After Lee, who else can you really rely on? The Yanks have more reliable options in Andy Pettitte and AJ Burnett. The Yanks also have Mariano Rivera in the 'pen to close out as many games as possible. If he has to go 2 innings, he will. 3 innings? He will. Phillies' Brad Lidge is good, but not that good. That's all you need to know there. Advantage Yankees.


World Series Prediction:

Yankees in 6. It will be a good series but ultimately the Yankees are the better all around team and it will show in this series as it has in the previous 2. A-Rod and CC continue to have a great postseason. Meanwhile the depth of the lineup will come through and pick up where Alex cant.
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Game 1 Hype

Game 1 tomorrow night is going to be special. It's the first World Series game in the Bronx in 6 years. For some cities, that would be great, but not here in the boogie down. We're used to having it every year here but times have been rough in recent years so the World Series took a leave of absence. Now, it's back and everyone will be watching.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are set to perform their hit "Empire State of Mind" before Game 1 Wednesday night. Many people, myself included think that is the Yankee anthem for this postseason. Derek Jeter uses it as his walk-to-the-plate music so it has to be cool. The World Series in Yankee Stadium is not like anything else you've ever seen. There's alot of history there. Yes, it is a different stadium but the ghosts from Postseasons past made the trip across the street. They will be in attendance tomorrow and Thursday.

The fans will be going wild, the lights will be bright and all eyes will be on CC Sabathia, the Yankees ace. He is 3-0 this October in his 3 starts. He has given the Yanks everything they could've ever asked for. Big pitches in big moments in big games. He was named the ALCS MVP, rightfully so. He will be asked to put the Yankees ahead in a series where they might be meeting their match. Who knows, but one thing is for sure, if Sabathia is on his game tomorrow night, there is no beating the Yankees. If he comes back for another start or two and he comes up big again...there is no beating the Yankees. The Yanks will be your world champions.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves but it sure feels good to be a Yankee fan these days. It's been a long time since we've gone this far, so let's enjoy it as much as we can for the time being....because this might just be a prelude of things to come. If it is, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys may be performing on Broadway next week while the Yankees go down the Canyon of Heroes.
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The Yankees Headed to the World Series!!

The Yankees are going to the World Series! For the 40th timein franchise history and 1st since 2003, the Bombers will be in the Fall Classic.

The Yankees defeated the Angels 4 games to 2 in the ALCS to win the American League Pennant. The win puts the Yankees up against the Phillies in the World Series starting Wednesday night in the Bronx.

Congratulations to the Yankees in reaching the World Series. Time to bring one home boys!
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Game 6 Tonight....Finally

The Yankees will play Game 6 tonight after they were rained out last night. You could sense the disappointment in everyone's voice when you told them last night's game was postponed. It's the biggest Yankee game around here in 5 years.

This Game 6 feels like a Game 7 for the Yankees and their fans. Why? Because the Yanks have to win this game. You do NOT want CC Sabathia pitching tomorrow night in Game 7 with everything on the line. Not that I don't have confidence in him to send us to the World Series but that same confidence would be better suited for Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

I have faith in Andy Pettitte and feel he can get the job done. We were so close on Thursday night...and quite frankly we should've celebrated...but we didn't. So now, tonight, in Game 6 the Yankees will try to reach the World Series for the 40th time in history, 1st since 2003. Everyone will be watching. The anticipation is at it's peak, but that's ok, Pettitte and the Yanks have been here before and look to get the job done, otherwise tomorrow night the city will stop, it will drop everything they're doing and watch CC on the mound, pitching the game of his life.
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Yanks Win AL East! Ready For October

Yesterday the Yankees clinched the A.L. East, Home-field Advantage and best record in baseball with their 4-2 win over the Red Sox at the Stadium.


The Yankees are returning to the postseason for the 14th time in the last 15 years. Last season the Bombers missed out on October baseball for the 1st time since 1994.


Newcomers Mark Teixeria, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Nick Swisher got their 1st taste of what it really means to be a Yankee. They all know their is certainly more work to be done before all is said and done.

After starting the season 0-8 against Boston, the Bombers have won 9 of their last 10 against their divison rivals, a team they very well might be playing again in the ALCS in just a few weeks.


The sweep of the Sox also comes after the Yanks took 2 of 3 from the Angels in Anaheim, a demon they wanted to overcome.


I'd say these Yankees are ready to roll into October and right to a 27th championship. This team is as good as any team that has been here in recent memory, let's hope they can follow through with all the expectations and deliver New York a World Series title.
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A-Rod and Hudson Show Their Affection at the Stadium

Alex Rodriguez has been playing baseball since May 9th and for the most part this year, it's been all about baseball for A-Rod.

You would have thought that the steroid admission back in Feburary would've haunted Alex and the Yanks all season but it hasn't. As a matter of fact, Alex's hip injury was a blessing in disguise. It took all the attention about Alex's PED use and his steroid supplier of a cousin from DR. By the time A-Rod came back it was all about baseball, how his return to the lineup came at the perfect time. His team was struggling, Mark Teixeria was lost at the plate without his right hand man and the lineup wasn't hitting. Alex was the man who fixed the Yankees with one swing on a Friday night in Baltimore and the Yanks haven't looked back since.

The only thing that is getting Alex attention off the field is Kate Hudson. The two alledgely met in November in Miami and have been "friends" since. She has been spotted at Yankee Stadium on a few occasions and once in the Bombers last road trip in Anahiem. I mean could we really be naive to think they were just friends? I think not. Personally I think Hudson is a better pick up than Madonna and Alex should stick with the 33 year old blond bombshell.

Yesterday the Yankees held a family picnic on the field after the game and Alex's invitees were Kate and his daughters Natasha and Ella. Then finally Rodriguez and Hudson put all the rumors to rest and they smooched for all to see at the Stadium yesterday. Good for them. Not that it's anyone's business but it's good to see them not care about the public opinion and show their affections in public.

As long as the Yanks keep on winning, that's the only thing that will matter to the New York public and media.


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No Need For Trades Before Deadline

With the trade deadline about a week away many people are wondering of the Yankees are going to be active in the trade market. I don't think they will be. I believe they have all the pieces they need to take the division and go deep into October.

The starting rotation seems pretty good at the moment but it might be a cause for concern once Joba Chamberlain reaches his innings limit, assuming the Yanks stick with it. I find it hard to believe they would take Joba out of the rotation in the middle of a pennant race. Chien Ming Wang might be lost for the season so after CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett the rotation is up in the air. Andy Pettitte will still be a contributor but I think he's not as reliable as he once was. So maybe picking up a no. 4 or 5 starter will be in the works.

The bench seems ok at the moment but there is room for improvement. Eric Hinske was added for some flexibility and some pop and he has been just that. Ramiro Pena is in the minors getting some outfield experience so if the Yanks choose not to add any bench help, Pena can fill in at mulitple positions and provide stellar defense.

The bullpen has also been steady in recent weeks. Adding another lefty could be something the Yanks do but with Damaso Marte returning soon, the answer might be within. Everyone has assumed a role in the bullpen and know their duties. Joe Girardi has done an excellent job establishing his bullpen and it shows.

The Yanks will be in the race until the very end and they have the pieces to win it all right now. A little tinkering here and there might not hurt but isn't necessary. They're playing well now and are at a season high with their games over .500 and with their lead in the AL East, that's not by accident. It's because they are that good and everyone is performing up to their standards (minus Wang). Look for a quiet week from the Bombers as the trade deadline approaches.




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My 2nd Half Predicitions

More of my predictions at the start of the year and my updated thoughts:


In the National League:

EAST:Phillies
CENTRAL: Cubs
WEST: Dodgers
Wild Card: Mets

It's safe to say the Mets are going to be nowhere near the wild card this year. They might make a late surge but I think the injuries to them are too much to overcome. The wild card is anyone's guess in the NL, it depends on who gets hot in Septemeber. The Central will go to the Cards or Brewers. The East still belongs to the Phils and the West is a no-contest for Joe Torre's Dodgers.


In the American League:

EAST: Yankees
CENTRAL: Indians
WEST: Angels
Wild Card: Red Sox

The East and Wild Card is going to be a toss up between the Yanks and Sox as usual. The Central is up for the taking between the White Sox, Tigers and Twins. The Indians made me look bad and might end up being sellers before July 31st's trading deadline. The West still belongs to the Angels, as if that was a shock. The wild card might be a fight between the Rays,Yanks,Red Sox, White Sox, Twins and Tigers, I don't see the Rangers holding on to their strong performance until Septemeber.

AL MVP: Joe Mauer
NL MVP: Albert Pujols

Yanks 2nd Half Prediction: 44-30

Still have the Yanks winning the World Series!

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A Look At The Rotation

Before the season started I made some predictions, at the halfway point lets see how they've played out so far.

Starting Rotation:

MY PREDICTIONS
Sabathia: 18-9 4.32 ERA
Wang: 17-8 3.89 ERA
Burnett: 15-9 3.43 ERA
Pettitte: 13-11 4.45 ERA
Chamberlain: 12-7 3.34 ERA

Burnett and Joba miss some time with injuries with Hughes filling in more than expected. Hughes makes around 8-12 starts.


CURRENTLY:
Sabathia: 9-6 3.66 ERA
Wang: 1-6 9.64 ERA
Burnett: 8-4 3.81 ERA
Pettitte: 8-5 4.85 ERA
Chamberlain: 4-2 4.25 ERA

Burnett and Joba didn't miss any time because of injuries (cross fingers) and as expected Hughes has made an impact. He has started 7 games but has been lights out since joining the bullpen. Wang has been nothing more than a burden for the team and he obviously will not match the 17-8 I had him going for this year. Joba may end up in the 'pen before it's all said and done and Pettitte may very well be on his last legs. It's still a good rotation but not as strong as we once thought it would be. If the Yanks somehow can land Roy Halladay then the rotation will be a wrap, the Yanks will have the divison in their hands.



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A-Rod Enters Top 10 on All-Time HR List

For everything that was said about Alex Rodriguez over the offseason, he took it as movitation for the 2009 season. So far, you haven't heard a word about A-Rod doing anything crazy or questionable. He has let his play do the the talking. And he's talking in a big way.

He missed the first 5 weeks of the season due to his hip injury, then he comes back and hits the very FIRST pitch he sees this season out for a 3-run HR. Then on his 1st weekend back at home, he hits a game-tying HR in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Twins. He's had many highlights this season, both offensively and defensively. Yesterday was his last.

Alex hit 2 HRs in yesterday's 14-8 loss. The 2nd HR put him in the top 10 on the All-Time HR list. He passed Rafael Palmerio to get into the top 10.

A-Rod has quickly put up some good numbers. 17 HR and 50 RBI are solid numbers for someone who missed 5 weeks of the season. His average is also on the incline, he's at .263. Not something you really would be proud of but considering just a few weeks ago he was around .220 then you appreciate the .260 batting average.

He won't be participating in any All-Star Game festivities so he will be getting a 4 day rest which hopefully will help him for the remainder of the summer. It could slow his hot streak down a bit but Alex is a good enough player to start a new one come next weekend.

Alex has been ALL baseball this season and that's the way it should be. Other than the minor Kate Hudson talk Alex hasn't drawn much attention to himself. Hoepfully he keeps it that way and stays focused on the game and on winning championship number 27.


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QuickCap: Game 85

Yankees 8
Angels 14


I'm disgusted. For the second straight day the Yanks blew a 4 run lead. I just don't want to get into specifics because it was that bad. The upside, A-Rod hit 2 more HRs and is continuing his hot streak. He now is in the Top 10 on the All-Time HR list. Another good note was Eric Hinske, he hit 2 HRs yesterday. That's 3 homers in 9 at-bats as a Yankee. That's better then his 1 HR for the Pirates the previous 3 months.



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Quickcap Game 84

Yankees 6
Angels 10


I'm not too sure what exactly happened last night as the Yankees faltered against the Angels after having a 4-0 lead. This is the second straight 4-0 lead that Joba Chamberlain has given up. I still like him as a starter but he's gonna have to perform better than he has in recent outings. A bad game all around for the Bombers who lost for the first time in 9 games on the road. The lost puts the Yanks a game behind the Red Sox in the AL East.


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Yanks Keep Rollin'

Coming off the the holiday the Yankees find themselves 1 game behind the Boston Red Sox and have won 10 of their last 11. They are playing well all around again, much like their run back in May. The Yankees idlily would like to finish the first half strong and ahead of the Red Sox in the standings. At this rate, that shouldn't be a problem to accomplish.

Here are my thoughts on some of the things going on with the Yanks right now:

Phil Hughes:
This has been the biggest issue lately. What do you with the young 23 year old? I'm grown to liking the phrase "whatever helps the team" and in this case, Hughes is best in the bullpen. He's been lights out since getting there, so keep him there right now. Does he belong in the 8th inning? Well so far, he's done the job in the 8th as we've seen in recent days, so yea give him the ball in the 8th. He can let the ball go around 95, 96 and mixes it up well with a nasty curve. Reminds you of Joba Chamberlain in '07, just without all the flash. The need for Joba was in the 8th inning that season and this season, the need for Hughes is there as well. Let him rock there and see what happens, if he falters t hen you send him to the minors and stretch him out again, that simple.

Chein-Ming Wang:
Boy this guy can't catch a break. It looks like he's headed to the DL for the 2nd time this season just as he's starting to turn things around. It's a shame he's had such a down year but it's better this happens this year when the Yanks have so much depth in the rotation, rather than it happen when he's the top guy in the rotation (oh, wait that happened last year). Point is, this is going to be his down year no matter how you slice it. It's a good thing the Yanks spent all that money on CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, they're a combined 14-9, nothing spectatular, but better than the likes of Darrel Rasner and Sidney Ponson, the guys the Bombers threw out their last year in Wang's absence. Let Wang get his issues straight no, so when the strecth run comes, he's ready to go.

Alex Rodriguez:
Despite being out for the first 5 weeks of the season, Alex has pretty good numbers in terms of HR and RBI. It appears he has turned the page after having just an awful June. His production means the rest of the lineup will see better pitches to hit. Hideki Matsui has been the beneficial of A-Rod's recent surge. Robinson Cano has been hot also, but can't hit with runners in socring position. Alex has also played expectionally at 3rd base. He is the kind of player that can be hot for weeks and if this is one of those streaks, the AL East is trouble.






Mariano Rivera:
Congrats to him on recording his 500th save last week against the Mets. The best reliever in Major League history notches another milestone under his belt to further cement his place in baseball history. His class and professionalism, mixed with his dominance and consistency easily puts him in a class of his own. Though he has been shaky this season at times, he's still one of the game's best. His presence on the mound and in the lockerroom means so much, as always he is a key contributor in every run of Yankee success.


Time to take over the AL East and run away with it. Ok, that's a little premature but whenever the Yanks ride a streak like this it does get you excited. Good times in the Bronx.


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Happy 4th Of July!


Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone was able to enjoy their holiday and got to enjoy themselves.

It's been awhile since I last posted and I have to see if I can still do this. It's been hard this season to find time to write for the blog but I will try my best to update it as soon as I can.




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Mets DROP One to Yanks-HAHA!

Mets 7
Yankees 8


Oh My God!! How in the world does Luis Castillo drop a pop up and lets the Yankees win the game?? The Mets find new ways to lose!! This has to be one of the greatest endings to a game ever! It will surely be shown over and over and over again for the rest of time. Good job by Alex and Tex for running out the pop up!



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QuickCap Game 54

Rangers 6
Yankees 8

Chien Ming Wang was back in the rotation but didnt fare well. Is it time to panic yet with Wang? Almost....but the bigger story is that Melky Cabrera gave the Yankees ANOTHER game winning hit with his go-ahead 2-run homer in the bottom of the eighth. This guy has been amazing all year in the clutch, what else can you say?


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QuickCap Game 53

Rangers 4
Yankees 2

Andy Pettitte didnt have his stuff tonight and the offense couldnt get the big hit, that was pretty much the story tonight.


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QuickCap Game 52

Rangers 3
Yankees 12

Mark Teixeria getting hit twice sparked the Yankees rally in the 3rd inning against Texas and propelled a seven run inning. Not so smart of Vicente Padilla to hit Tex twice huh? Nice win for the Yanks tonight, nice to see emotion out of the Bombers.





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Quickcap Game 51

Yankees 5
Indians 2


Joba had the best start of his career as he went eight innings and made a web gem in the 5th by making a diving catch and throwing to second base to double up a runner. The win also gives the Yanks their 18th straight game without an error, that is a new ML record. Congrats to the Bombers for that.


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QuickCap: Game 49: CC Throws a Gem in Return to Cleveland

Yankees 10
Indians 3


Sabathia throws another gem and the Yanks build their first place lead over the Red Sox. Quite an impressive run by the Yanks the last few weeks. They've won 14 of their last 17 games. CC has won his last 4 starts dating back to May 8 in Balitmore. He's been a completly different pitcher since A-Rod's return. He goes 7 in his first start in Cleveland since last season's trade. You have to like watching this team play right now.


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Finally in First!


The Yankees are in first place! All by themselves. The last time that happened was October 1, 2006...971 days ago. No matter how long ago it was, they are on top right now and as a fan, I have to say it feels pretty good.

As I mentioned last week in one of my posts, things are clicking on all cylinders. They have 13 of their last 16 and are 14-5 since A-Rod's on May 8th. Jorge Posada was activated off the DL last night and returned to the starting lineup. It was the first time since June 22 of last year that A-Rod, Posada and Hideki Matsui were all in the same lineup. Things look to only be getting better for the Yanks.

It's still May so there really isn't any significance in being in first place now but it still feels good. After a dreadful April and all the injuries that have hit the Bombers so far this season the Yanks will take their cut at the top. The baseball season is about to get hot as the calendar turns to June and the temps start rising...the Yanks are already there and look to stay there.



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I Like What's Going On In The Bronx

The Yankees are having a homestand for the ages. They have 4 walk-off wins and have had some memorible moments. Who says this Yankee Stadium doesn't have any history?

We saw 3 walk-off wins in a row last weekend. When did you ever see that? A-Rod has been hitting HR's left and right. That's all he's hitting right now but we'll take it. Mark Teixeria is hitting anything and everything. Robinson Cano remembers how he hit in 2007 and so far isn't breaking stride. CC Sabathia is finally the real CC. Melky Cabrera has been money in the clutch. I mean things are clicking on all cylinders now.

What makes this homestand so great is that you can see how the Yankees are finally loosening up. Pies in the face by AJ Burnett, crazy haircuts by Nick Swisher, a WWE Title awarded to the MVP of each game by Johnny Damon. This stuff is great. Where has all this been the last few years. The relaxed Bombers are a fun team to watch. It's been a pleasure to watch. I'm glad to see the chemistry is finally coming along.

The presence of Alex Rodriguez was thought to be sort of a distraction but it hasn't. If anything he was the right man at the right time coming to a team who deseperatly needed him. He's contributing and so is everyone around him. How long is this little run of coolness going to be around the Bombers? I'd say all season but it's going to be one long summer so anything can happen. But remember...the Yankees will get healthier, Jorge Posada, Xavier Nady,and Chein Ming Wang are all expected to reclaim thier roles in the next few weeks. What happens then? Who knows, but for the time being, this is the best team to watch, beacuse if you don't, you're gonna miss something amazing.



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Yankees Crazy Homestand Recap

What a week it has been for the Bronx Bombers. Here's a recap of the insane week the Yankees have had to this point so far.

Monday:
Twins 6
Yankees 7


Teixeria and A-Rod delivered first inning homers and the Yanks never looked back. They completed a 4 game sweep of Minnesota.

Tuesday:
Orioles 1
Yankees 9


A-Rod homers in his fourth straight game! CC dominates again through seven and gets his third win in as many starts. Yanks roll to their seventh straight!

Wednesday:
Orioles 4
Yankees 11


No stopping the Bombers, as they win their eigth in a row. Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera hit three consecutive homers in the second inning. Phil Hughes struck out a career-high nine over five solid innings.

Thursday:
Orioles 4
Yankees 7


Streak hits nine as Cano hits another homer. The story of the game was the Yankees bullpen as they held down Baltimore in relief of Joba who left the game in the first after being hit by a line drive on his knee. First nine game winning streak since June of 2007.

Friday:
Phillies 7
Yankees 3


The World Champs came in and ended the winning streak via the long ball. The Phils hit four homers in the win. The Yanks did their best with three of their own, by Jeter,A-Rod and Tex but it wasn't enough to pull out number 10.

Saturday:
Philles 4
Yankees 5


A-Rod does it again! He hits another late inning homerun when the Yanks need it the most. Down 4-2 in the ninth and Alex sends a Brad Lidge pitch into the seats in right. This sets up Melky Cabrera's 3rd walk off hit this season. The Yanks are finding ways to win games, a sign of a team clicking on all the right cylinders.




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QuickCap Game 36: Yanks Win On A-Rod Walk-off

Twins 4
Yankees 6


Wow!! A-Rod with the walk-off HR to win the game in the 11th. He certainly does have the flare for the dramatic. It took him 1 pitch to get people talking this season as he hit the first pitch he saw this season for a 3-run HR last week in Baltimore, and now it took him just 2 home games to win a game with one swing. I love it!






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QuickCap Game 35

Twins 4
Yankees 5



Melky delivers in the clutch again! Wow, what a game. How bout Gardner's inside the park HR? If he's able to get on base more often he can do some special things. The Yanks are 1 game over .500 and ride a 3 game winning streak. Let's keep the ball rolling today.





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QuickCap Game 34

Yankees 3
Blue Jays 2


Matsui! Go-ahead HR in the 8th to get CC another W. Another great outing by the big man, if this is a sign of things to come, the rest of the league is in serious trouble.



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QuickCap Game 33

Yankees 8
Blue Jays 2


Pettitte stops the bleeding. Gardner hits his first career HR and the Yanks' bats woke up. A nice feel good win all around.




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QuickCap Game 32

Yankees 1
Blue Jays 5


Doc Halladay got the best of Burnett tonight. Class was in session and AJ couldn't keep up. Now 6.5 out....



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Weekend Trip To Baltimore and A-Rod's Return

Sorry for no updates this weekend as I was in Baltimore with my friend Scott. I visited Camden Yards for the first time on Friday night, just in time for the return of Alex Rodriguez and boy, he did not disappoint.

The place went nuts when he was announced for his first at-bat, then seconds later on the first pitch that he sees this season, he hits a 3-run homerun. Scott and I were on our feet cheering once he was announced and never got a chance to sit down as he hit the homerun and we went crazy. It was truly a magical moment in Camden Yards, you couldn't write out any better.

Here are some pics I took from the game on Friday night....btw Kim Jones is Hott!







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