Yankees have busy day on Friday

The New York Yankees on Friday announced the signing of veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood to a minor league deal. He will serve as insurance in AAA and he has an opt out on May 1st if he isn't called up to the Majors by then. The Yankees also traded Sergio Mitre to the Milwaukee Brewers for Chris Dickers who will serve as outfield depth. If Curtis Granderson starts on the DL which may be likely considering how conservative the Yankees are then he has a shot to come north with the team on Tuesday. The Yankees will play their final grapefruit league game on Tuesday and fly to New York after, they will work out at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday and open the season on Thursday afternoon. The Yankees will announce their roster decisions or most of them on Saturday. They met on friday and know what they are going to do but they wanted to talk to the players first. It appears that Gustavo Molina will be the backup catcher with Jesus Montero headed to AAA to continue to work on things, he is only 21 and it isn't that big of a deal although some fans will make it that. Austin Romine will be in AA Trenton and could move to AAA by some point this season depending on how he performs. They are guys worth watching and probably the future for the Yankees but why rush them when you don't have too, Francisco Cervelli will be back by the beginning of May and he will reclaim his job most likely. Montero said he will be fine with going to the minors, he said he gave it his best shot and knows his time will come. He said he will work hard down there and he will get his chance eventually. Girardi nodded his head when asked if Nova made the rotation. Girardi said Nova didn't have his best stuff on Friday night but still pitched effectively. He said that is maturing as a pitcher when you are able to do that. Eric Chavez hit his first spring homerun in his first game back from a calf injury, he just missed another and finished with three hits. He is batting 421 this spring and will the the backup infielder. He can play first and third and that is important especially with the Yankees wanting to give A-rod some time off. Curtis Granderson came through his pregame running feeling good enough that he was cleared to do some light throwing as well. Girardi said the intensity will pick up tomorrow. Joba Chamberlain, Dave Robertson, Boone Logan and Rafael Soriano all pitched and are all scheduled to pitch back-to-back so they should all get into tomorrows game as well. Nick Swishers foot was fine during the game tonight. Joe Girardi came out to argue a call at home plate tonight, he said he figures you have to practice. Chris Dickerson the new outfielder coming over from Milwaukee is flying into Tampa tonight and they aren't sure when Kevin Millwood would be coming to Tampa. Brian Cashman the Yankes GM said he isn't done shopping yet, it doesn't mean he will make another move this spring but he will keep looking around. "I feel that we have some quality choices in house, but my job is always to find people who are better than what we have." The Yankees will play the Pittsburgh Pirates at home tomorrow afternoon. The game will be on the YES network at 1:05PM.

Some notes from today

Here are some notes today from Chad Jennings of the Journal News and Lohud Yankees Blog. Marcus Thames was 0-4 today and his spring average is now down to .094. That is terrible but he does have experience and he is basically the last guy standing. Here is what Joe Girardi said "The one thing we talk about Marcus is playing against a lot of left-handers possibly. He hasn't seen a lot of left-handers this spring." The Yankees are scheduled to play Jaime Moyer tomorrow and Joe Girardi said he will be in the lineup. They will see lefty Nate Robertson on Saturday. He does have very good career numbers against lefties. Here is what Phil Hughes said about winning the 5th starter competition: "It was what I set out in the spring to do. I grew up a starter in high school, minor leagues, even my first couple partial seasons in the big leagues. It was something that I really wanted and I feel like im ready for the challenge and ready for the season that lies ahead. Im just looking to go out and put together as many quality starts as I can and give our guys a chance to win everyday. That's really all I can ask for myself. Girardi says he sees Sergio Mitre as the long man out of the bullpen but he seems open to putting whoever is earning it in key spots late in the game. He said when your pitching well you are going to pitch. This is what I love about Joe Girardi, he rewards guys that deserve to be rewarded, Joe Torre always relied on certain guys and that was it no matter what. Girardi said he isn't sure if A-rod will be available on Saturday, remember he is meeting with the FEDS tomorrow. The beat writers are going out to play some paintball with Brian Cashman, Joe Girardi, Jason Zillo and other members of the Yankees PR staff. There probably won't be much news tomorrow morning but I will see if anything gets leaked about A-rods meeting. The game tomorrow is not until 7:00PM.

Yankees Off Day

The Yankees were off today so it was very quiet in Tampa. The Yankees did send 2 more pitchers down to minor league camp today. The pitchers were Hector Noesi and Ivan Nova. The total amount of players in major league camp is now 52. If you are looking for some good minor league stuff then check out the Lohud Yankees Blog. Chad Jennings is the main beat writer and he had spend the last 7 years in Scranton covering the AAA team there. It was the Phillies at first but then became the Yankees. He was at minor league camp today with the Big Club being off. He wrote some good notes on his blog which can be found at http://yankees.lhblogs.com. It will be interesting to see if there is any A-rod news tomorrow. I hope he met with the FEDS today on the off day and then that is put to rest. The Yankees are going to have their full lineup tomorrow and Mariano Rivera is expected to make his first appearance of the spring. If you just want to see him don't turn the game on late, he will be in there early to get his work in.

Yankees sweep split squad games

The New York Yankees played a split squad affair today and won both games. They took on the Philadelphia Phillies in Tampa and won by the score of 7-5. They defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton by the score of 6-0. The 5th starter battle is between 5 men Joe Girardi has promised even though most feel it is really only between Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain. If Joe Girardi is true to his word we got a real battle on our hands. Sergio Mitre pitched his second straight strong outing yesterday and now today Alfredo Aceves who was a intregal part of the bullpen last year was outstanding. He pitched 4 perfect innings with 3 strikeouts, that is his second straight strong outing. This was the game in Bradenton and here is how the rest of the pitchers fared. Ivan Nova pitched 2 innings giving up 1 hit and 1 walk with a strikeout. He didn't allow a run. Zach McAllister pitched 2 hitless, scorless innings with a walk and Jason Hirsh finished it out with a perfect inning. Hirsh is also pitching well and trying to make it as a longshot. It wasn,t that long ago that he was a top prospect. The offense had A-rod go 1-3 with 2 rbi,s and jon weber go 2-2 with 2 rbi. Eduardo Nunez was 2-2 with a rbi. He is a ss prospect who the Yankees are high on but of course Derek Jeter is in front of him. Greg Golson was 1-2 and Randy Winn was 1-3. Juan Miranda was 2-4 with a rbi. Before the Yankees signed Nick Johnson there was talk that he could be the DH, he has done nothing but hit in the minor leagues and he is probably too good for AAA anymore but who knows if he could hit in the majors. He is having a good spring so far so the Yankees will have their eye on him if Nick Johnson gets hurt or is ineffective. The game at home in Tampa was highlighted by Javier Vazquez, he gave up a leadoff homerun but that was it. He struck out 4 in 2 innings and really looked sharp after the leadoff batter. He featured pretty much everything, fastball, changeup and his curves. Jon Albaladejo bounced back in that he didn't give up a run in 1 inning but he did give up 3 hits. Dave Robertson had a rough outing, he pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up 3 hits, 2 runs and 2 walks. Amaury Sanit pitched 1 1/3 innings giving up 2 hits and 0 runs with 2 strikeouts. Christian Garcia pitched 2 innings giving up a hit, run and walk with 2 strikeouts. Zach Segovia and Kevin Whelan were the other pitchers who appeared in the game. Segovia went 1 1/3 innings giving up 3 hits and 1 run. Whelan faced 2 batters and got them both out with a strikeout. Offensively Jorge Posada was 1-2 with a walk, Robinson Cano was 2-2 with 2 rbi and a walk. Nick Swisher was 2-3 with 3 rbi. Kevin Russo was 2-3 with a walk. He has a chance to be the utility outfielder and is playing well since coming back from illness. I still think Ramiro Pena will make the team though. The Yankees will play the Pittsburgh Pirates tomorrow afternoon at 1:00PM on the Yes Network.

Grapefruit League Game 2-Yankees at Phillies

The New York Yankees are taking on the Philadelphia Phillies this afternoon at 1:00PM in clearwarter. This is a rematch of this past seasons World Series in which the Yankees won their 27th World Title in 6 games. Roy Halladay will take on CC Sabathia but they will only be pitching 2 innings or so in this game. Here are the notes and starting lineups for the game. Derek Jeter, A-rod and Mark Tiexiera aren't making the trip so we will get to see some of the younger infielders try and make a impression. Placido Polanco is the Phillies new third baseman and longtime teammate of Marcus Thames and Curtis Granderson in Detroit. Thames and Granderson aren't on the trip of course though. Zach McAllister and Austin Romine were named the Kevin Lawn Minor league pitcher and player of the year for 2009. Austin Romine is with Jesus Montero as one of the top catching prospects for the Yankees. He is better defensively but doesn't have the power that Montero has. Zach McAllister has become one of the Yankees best young arms and may be the first in line for a callup if it is needed. Kevin Russo feels better but is getting another day off from the Yankees. Joe Girardi laughed at all the coverage the CC Sabathia and Roy Halladay matchup today is getting. "It's getting a lot of coverage like it's a regular-season game" The late inning replacements for today's game are C Austin Romine, 1B Jose Gil, 2B Eduardo Nunez, SS Reegie Corona, 3B Jorge Vazquez,LF Colin Curtis, CF Reid Gorecki,RF David Winfree,DH Jesus Montero. I am anxious to see Montero and Romine, these guys really seem to be the real deal and I could see them being a catching tandem in the big leagues. The game will be on tape delay tonight at 7 on the MLB network but not televised live at all. If you want to follow you can check out http://mlb.com/ for the boxscore and live updates. I will be back on later for some postgame reaction and the notes from the game. Yankees Lineup: Gardner(CF) Johnson(DH) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Winn(LF) Miranda(1B) Pena(SS) Laird(3B) Phillies Lineup: Rollins(SS) Polanco(3B) Francisco(CF) Werth(RF) Mayberry(LF) Ransom(1B) Castro(2B) Bocock(DH) Ruiz(C)

Mets and Yankees Hot Stove

The official start to the Hot Stove was at 12:01 yesterday morning when free agents were able to sign with any team they choose. The free agent class for this season appears to be weak and with the economy being the way it is I don't think teams will be rushing to sign anyone and these players may just have to take some deals quick otherwise risk being out there in January without a job much like last year. I am going to start off with the New York Mets since they have many holes to fill and a lot of work to do. The Mets need a leftfielder, starting pitching, a setup man, possibly a first baseman and a catcher. I think the best thing the Mets can do if it is possible is trade for Roy Halladay this would give them a very nice 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation with Santana and Halladay and would energize their fan base. These fans need a reason to come back to Citi Field next season and right now they don't have one, they aren't going to want to hear that they will get their players back healthy next year. Omar Minaya and the Mets need to make a big splash. If they can't get Halladay then they really need to look at signing John Lackey. The Mets also may need to sign a Jason Marquis or Joel Piniero and that is fine but only if they get one of the other pitchers to put behind Johan Santana. They can't go into next season with John Maine, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey and whoever else behind Johan Santana, that would be a very questionable rotation and they can't have that. I think for leftfield the Mets need to sign Holliday or Bay. I know people will say that is a lot of money to spend but the Mets have to stop acting like they are a small market team, no they can't compete with the Yankees but no one can. The Mets are the only ones that know if they got hurt by Bernie Madoff but if it is true that they didn't lose money then they have to step up to the plate and spend it. The Mets farm system is a mess and they have to build the big team up first and at least get the fans interested again. I do think the Mets really have to flex their financial might in the international free agent market and also the draft like the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox do. This is what really hurts their farm system when they aren't willing to overslot guys in the draft. If the Mets can unload Luis Castillo which I don't think they can then they could sign Chone Figgons or Orlando Hudson. I am not sure what they can do for the bullpen but Mike Gonzalez and Rafiel Soriano are out there as good options for the bullpen, maybe they will resign J.J. Putz. First base is intersting, they may resign Carlos Delgado if they think he is healthy or they could explore trades or maybe get a Mark Derosa or someone like that as a stopgap. They feel that Ike Davis their big prospect may be ready in 2011. The New York Yankees are coming off a World Series Championship and really don't have many holes. They could use a starting pitcher but if they don't they have Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain ready to become the 4th and 5th starters. I think they want to resign Andy Pettitte for one year and I think he wants to come back. If they have CC, A.J. and Andy at top they are in pretty good shape. I think they will explore Roy Halladay but he is going to cost a lot in money and prospects and unless they jump in because it looks like the Red Sox might get him I don't see the Yankees getting him. I could see the Yankees signing a Randy Wolf or Jason Marquis or someone like that as a 4th starter and then having Hughes as the 5th and keeping Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen. I also thik it will be interesting to see what the Yankees do with Chien-Ming Wang. If they do sign him and he comes back healthy then they could have a really strong top 4 but that is very questionable if he can come back and be close to what he used to be. The Yankees will try and resign Johnny Damon for leftfield and I see them giving him either a one year deal with a option or a 2 year deal. I could see 2 years 20 or 22 million. I think Hideki Matsui will be let go and they will use the DH spot for Posada, A-rod, Jeter, Damon. I can see the Yankees signing Mark Derosa who went to Bergen Catholic and would serve them well as a super utility guy. The only way I see the Yankees in on Bay or Holliday is if Damon doesn't resign.

Gold Gloves

The American League was announced yesterday and the winners were. C- Joe Mauer 1B- Mark Teixeira 2B- Placido Polanco SS- Derek Jeter 3B- Evan Longoria OF- Torii Hunter OF- Ichiro Suzuki OF- Adam Jones P- Mark Buehrle The National league was announced today and the winners were. C- Yadier Molina 1B- Adrian Gonzales 2B- Orlando Hudson SS- Jimmy Rollins 3B- Ryan Zimmerman OF-Shane Victorino OF- Matt Kemp OF- Michael Bourn P- Adam Wainwright I don't see many problems with these lists. I think Cano could have won a gold glove this year but Polanco is really good and A-rod I don't think ever gets enough credit for being a really good third baseman especially after switching from shortstop. I think this was done pretty well though and no real complaints.

New York Yankees-World Series Champions

The New York Yankees are once again World Series Champions defeating the Phillies 7-3 last night in Game 6. Hideki Matsui got the well deserved MVP especially after tying the World Series record for most rbi's in a single game with 6, Bobby Richardson was the other one to do it. Andy Pettitte continued to add to his most wins in postseason history with 18 and now has also closed out 6 series in his career also a record. Andy Pettitte also became only the second pitcher to close out all 3 series in the postseason, the other one was Derek Lowe for the Red Sox in 2004 which we try to forget about. Order is now restored to the Universe with the Yankees becoming the 27 time World Champions and making it 2 titles this decade which ties the Boston REd Sox, I hope you beaneaters were watching last night. Derek Jeter had a great World Series, what else is new and A-rod had a lot of huge hits and had the highest avg on the team for the postseason. I will have a lot more later as I am punchdrunk from being at the game last night and I have no idea how I am functioning today. Here are some pictures from the celebration above and now the Parade is tomorrow at 11.

Phillies at Yankees-World Series Game 6

The New York Yankees take on the Philadelphia Phillies tonight at 7:57 on FOX. They are looking to close out their 27th title tonight with Andy Pettitte on the mound against Pedro Martinez. Andy is on 3 days rest for the first time in a couple of years and first time in a long time in the postseason. Pedro is on normal rest but has been on extended rest his first 2 playoff games. Here are the pregame notes and lineups via the Lohud Yankees Blog. I will be at the game tonight so I may not have postgame coverage at all and the notes here may be shorter then normal. This is only the second time in WS history that a team led 3-2 in the World Series after losing Game 1 at home, winning Game 2 and then winning Games 3 and 4 on the road and losing Game 5 on the road. The other team was the 1935 Tigers who ended up winning Game 6 at home against the Cubs. If the Yankees win this World Series would they be the team of the decade?? They would have won 2 titles, been to the World Series 2 other times, lost in the ALCS once. The Red Sox would be the closest competitor with 2 titles losing in the ALCS twice but they missed the playoffs 4 times to the Yankees 1 time last year. Chase Utley has 5 homeruns this series and 4 against lefties, I think they need to brush him back tonight or pitch around him. A-rod has 18 rbi's in the playoffs which is 4th most all-time, the record is 19 held by Sandy Alomar Jr. David Ortiz and Scott Spezio. Johnny Damon has been hot going 6 for his last 9, A-rod is heated up and Matsui has been hitting when he has played going 5 for 9. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Matsui(DH) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Gardner(CF) No Phillies lineup yet but expect the same unless Victorino can't go.

Yanks lose Game 5 head back to the Bronx

The New York Yankees were defeated by the Philadelphia Phillies last night by the score of 8-6. A.J. Burnett got the start on 3 days rest and was dreadful. He lasted 2 1/3 innings giving up 6 runs. He had no location or control at all and just couldn't get anything going. The Yankees got off to a fast start against Cliff Lee with a rbi single by A-rod in the first but couldn't score anymore. Cliff Lee wasn't so great himself but was able to give the Phillies 7 innings giving up 5 hits with 5 runs, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. Chan Ho Park pitched a perfect 8th inning and then things got interesting in the ninth. Brad Lidge who got lit up the night before did not come in to save the game Ryan Madson came in as the closer and gave up a leadoff double to Jorge Posada followed by a single to Hideki Matsui. The Yankees had first and third no outs and were poised for the comeback with the top of the order coming up. Derek Jeter hit into a double play killing the rally though even though a run scored. Johnny Damon kept the game alive with a single and then Mark Teixeira who hasn't done anything offensively in this series popped out to end the game leaving A-rod stranded in the on deck circle. The Yankees had their chances even though A.J. Burnett got lit up and they were way behind. The real dagger came when it was 6-2 thanks to good relief pitching by Dave Robertson and Alfredo Aceves who pitched 4 innings giving up 0 runs on 2 hits. Phil Coke pitched the seventh and gave up 2 solo homeruns to put the game seemingly out of reach. The Yankees did comeback and those 2 runs turned out to be the game winners. Phil Hughes pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit. If it wasn't for Phil Coke's terrible outing who knows what would of happened. The Yankees though are back home in the bronx to try and close it out where there fans will be loud and crazy and Andy Pettitte will be on the mound. He is pitching on 3 days rest which is dangerous but if he can keep them in the game and give them 6 innings the Yankees will take it. The Yankees have a rested Mariano Rivera and Joba Chamberlain along with Damaso Marte to close out the game. I am sure Mariano will be used for 6 outs if need be but we will see what happens. I know Pedro pitched well in Game 2 but I don't think that will be happening again. The Yankees offense has woken up after the first 2 games and scored some runs so I look for them to jump on Pedro and knock him out early and also get to their pen, if Andy doesn't blow up the Yankees could run away with this one but that depends on Andy Pettitte.

Yankees at Phillies-World Series Game 5

The Yankees will play tonight at 7:57 on Fox, they are one win away from their 27th title. The Yankees have held a 3-1 lead in the World Series eight previous times and they’ve won the title each time (six times in Game 5, two times in Game 6). I think tonight is going to be a tough task with Cliff Lee on the mound against them but A.J. Burnett pitched brilliant in game 2 and has done very well in the past on 3 days rest. Here are the pregame notes and lineups via Sam Borden of the Journal News. The Yankees have used only three starters throughout the postseason and they are the first team to reach the World Series with a three-man rotation since the 1992 Braves (Maddux, Glavine, Avery). The last team to win the World Series with three starters came a year before that, when the 1991 Twins (Morris, Tapani, Erickson) beat Atlanta. The 15 runs scored by the Yankees in Games 3 and 4 marks their biggest World Series outburst since they scored 18 runs over Games 1 and 2 of the 1998 World Series against San Diego. The Yankees haven't been hitting but I think it is a combination of who is pitching for the Phillies and th small ballpark in Philly. Mariano Rivera made his 11th appearance of the postseason in Game 4, matching his career high (also 2001). The only games in which he hasn’t pitched are Game 4 of the ALCS and Game 1 of the World Series. Rivera has thrown more than one inning five out of 11 times and more than two innings three times, recording a 0.63 ERA in 14 1/3 innings while striking out 13. I wonder with a lead if the Yankees will go to MO in the 8th tonight with a chance to wrap things up, i am guessing yes but we will see. The middle of the Yankees order hasn’t been a consistent producer during the World Series with Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez combining to go 3-for-28 with 13 strikeouts. Rodriguez’s two hits, at least, have been meaningful – he homered in Game 3 and drove in the decisive run in Game 4. It looks like A-rod has awoken maybe by getting hit all these times they woke a sleeping giant. When Johnny Damon stole second and third base in the ninth inning of Game 4, he became the 13th player to record two stolen bases in an inning in the World Series. The last was Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton in Game 3 last year. That was such a heads up play by Damon but I think he gave a lot of people heart failure. The Yankees have been hit by five pitches in the World Series, one shy of the World Series record. Pittsburgh was hit by six in 1909 and Arizona was hit by six (from Yankees pitchers) in 2001, both of which were seven-game series. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Swisher(RF) Cano(2B) Gardner(CF) Molina(C) Burnett(P) Phillies Lineup: Rollins(SS) Victorino(CF) Utley(2B) Howard(1B) Werth(RF) Ibanez(LF) Feliz(3B) Ruiz(C) Lee(P) Ramiro Pena is replacing Melky Cabrera on the roster as he is out with a hamstring injury. The Yankees are able to replace him on the roster with approval by MLB if they feel he won't play anymore games this season. He injured himself late in last nights game running to first base.

Yankees one win away from #27

The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies tonight by the score of 7-4. They won this game in dramatic fashion. Joba Chamberlain came on to pitch the 8th inning with the Yankees leading 4-3. He struck out the first two hitters making it look easy and then boom a homerun from Feliz and the game was tied. Joba got the last out by strikeout also. Brad Lidge came in for the 9th and got Matsui and Jeter easily so there was 2 outs and no one on when Johnny Damon put together a great at bat finishing it with a single. He then stole second and kept running to third when he saw no one covering. Mark Teixeira was up next and got plunked and then A-rod came up to the plate and smacked a rbi single and then Posada hit a 2 run single. Mariano came in to finish off the game on 9 pitches. I don't know what they will do tomorrow but if I have a lead in the 8th inning of 1 or 2 runs I would go to MO to finish this thing off. Derek Jeter had a big game for the offense with 2 hits and a walk and rbi. Johnny Damon had 3 hits and a rbi. Jorge Posada had a hit and 3 rbi's and Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano each had a hit. Mark Teixeira continues to struggle with only one hit in this World Series but the Yankees are one win away from their 27th World Championship anyway and he had a great year and is still making all the plays in the field. A.J. Burnett will be on the mound against Cliff Lee to try and finish this World Series off. I think it is going to be a very tough game tomorrow as all of them have been but even more so since the Phillies are facing elimination at home with their ace on the mound. Cliff Lee was dominant in Game 1 but I am not sure he can be that good again as that was a historic performance. The Yankees want to finish it but know that if they don't they will be going home to try and finish it off. I will be going to Game 6 if there is one but I don't want to go, I would love to see the Yankees win tomorrow and let the partying begin. The Yankees are a veteran team and I don't think they will think ahead but it has to be hard not to think how close to their goal they are. The Yankees have really hit the last 2 games here in Philly and must have a lot of confidence going into tomorrow. I am sure this is the biggest game of Cliff Lee's life tomorrow and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

Yankees at Phillies-World Series Game 4

The Yankees will try to make it 3 straight over the Phillies and move within one game of their 27th World Title. CC Sabathia the Yankees horse will be on the mound against Joe Blanton who the Yankees have done really well against when they have faced him. He faced them 4 times and has a 8+era from when he was in Oakland. Here are the pregame notes and lineup via the Lohud Yankees Blog. Sabathia will be pitching on short rest for the second time this postseason though he had extra rest (seven days) before his Game 1 start. Going short isn’t a problem for Sabathia, who is 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA when pitching on short rest in his career (including postseason). The last time he did it, he went eight innings allowing just one run in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Angels. I actually think CC was a little off in Game 1 although he pitched well and expect him to be better tonight. Alex Rodriguez finally got his first World Series hit in Game 3, hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning also making history as the first postseason use of instant replay. Rodriguez was also hit by pitches twice, tying a World Series record set on five other occasions. If A-rod hits now in the World Series watch out, the Yankees are a different team when he is hitting. While A-Rod broke out of his mini-slump from the first two games, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard continues to be a non-factor. Howard fanned seven times in his eight at bats in Games 2 and 3, and his nine total strikeouts are three shy of the overall Series record (set by Kansas City’s Willie Wilson in 6 games in 1980). The Yankees would like Ryan Howard to wait until next year to break out of his slump. After struggling in his first postseason appearance during Game 3 of the Division Series, Damaso Marte has been the most reliable reliever in the Yankees bullpen ever since. He has faced nine batters and retired them all, striking out three. Marte has thrown 77 % of his pitches for strikes. Marte is finally resembling the guy the Yanks thought they traded for. Jorge Posada’s single in the seventh inning of Game 3 was his 87th postseason hit, moving him past Pete Rose and into seventh place on the all-time list. Those who were worried about Hideki Matsui coming off the bench needn’t have fretted: Matsui now has a .370 (10-for-27) career pinch hit average, including the regular and post-season. He alsoconnected for the 24th pinch-hit home run in World Series history in the eighth inning of Game 3, and that was the first since his teammate, Eric Hinske, did it for the Rays in Game 4 of last year’s Series. Of the 24, it was the eighth by a Yankee (last was Jason Giambi on Oct. 23, 2003, Game 5 at Florida). Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Cabrera(CF) Sabathia(P) Phillies Lineup: Rollins(SS) Victorino(CF) Utley(2B) Howard(1B) Werth(RF) Ibanez(LF) Feliz(3B) Ruiz(C) Blanton(P) Joe Girardi announced to the beat writers just a little while ago that A.J. Burnett will be starting tomorrow on 3 days rest and he plans on keeping the 3 man rotation. Chad Gaudin has been told to prepare for anything but unless a starter gets knocked out early I don't think he will get into a game.

Yanks take lead in Series

The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies tonight by the score of 8-5. They are now halfway to World Championship #27. Andy Pettitte got the start and after a rough beginning especially in the second inning when he gave up 3 runs he settled in nicely to pitch 6 innings giving up 4 runs. He had 7 strikeouts as well. The bullpen was outstanding tonight as Joba pitched a perfect seventh and Marte a perfect 8th. Phil Hughes got an out and then gave up a solo homerun before MO came in and got the last 2 outs easily to give the Yankees the win. A-rod broke out of his slump getting hit twice, walking and hitting a 2 run homerun. Nick Swisher had a big game with a double and solo homerun. Johnny Damon had a 2 run double and Andy Pettitte had a rbi single. Jorge Posada also had a rbi single. The Yankees will now send CC Sabathia to the mound in Game 4 tomorrow night on 3 days rest against Joe Blanton. The games aren't played on paper but the Yankees have a big advantage tomorrow and want to take advantage. Joe Blanton is 0-4 with a 8 era against the Yankees in his career and they should be able to hit him especially after the offense woke up tonight. If the Yankees win tomorrow then they will face Cliff Lee in Game 5 trying to finish it off but if not they know they will be coming home with a chance to win the title.

Yankees at Phillies-World Series Game 3

The Yankees will try and take the lead in the series 2 games to 1. The game starts at 7:57 on FOX. Andy Pettitte is on the mound against Cole Hamels who was the MVP of last years World Series but this postseason has been horrible pitching to a near 7 era. Here are the notes and lineups via Sam Borden and Chad Jennings of the Journal News. The Yankees are 3 wins away from their 27th World Title and first in 9 years. People often talk about Game 3 as the swing game in a World Series and there’s some truth to it: The team winning Game 3 has gone on to win in 35 of 53 World Series that were tied at 1, including each of the last two and nine of the last 10. The lone exception? You probably already know it. The Yankees won Game 3 of the 2003 World Series but then lost three straight to the Marlins to lose the Series. I really like Andy Pettitte in this spot and the Yankees really have a pitching advantage tomorrow so to me this is a big big game. The approximately 108 miles from Yankee Stadium to Citizens Bank Park is among the shortest distances between World Series sites. It was 1 1/2 miles from the Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadium (Yankees/Giants); nine miles from Yankee Stadium to Shea (Yankees/Mets); 15 miles between Ebbets Field and Yankee Stadium (Yankees/Dodgers); 22 miles between Candlestick Park and Oakland Coliseum (Giants/A’s); and 98 miles between Memorial Stadium and Veterans Stadium (Orioles/Phillies). Of course, the shortest distance between World Series sites is zero: In 1921 and ‘22, all World Series games were played at the Polo Grounds and in 1944 all games were played at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. It is so close in distance the teams have been taking trains to travel from one city to the other. Tonight is Andy Pettitte’s 11th World Series start for the Yankees, which is the second-most in team history. Pettitte passes Waite Hoyt and Red Ruffing, and is now only trailing Whitey Ford, who made an insane 22 World Series starts. He is 3-4, 3.90 in his 10 previous starts for the Yankees, and 0-0, 4.26 in one World Series start with the Astros. Andy has pitched really well in these spots and has been great on the road this season. He is a guy that just blocks everything out and the crowd won't bother him. Alex Rodriguez had a hit in all nine playoff games leading up to the World Series but is 0-for-8 with six strikeouts in the first two games of the World Series. In case you were wondering, the World Series record for strikeouts is 12, set by the Royals Willie Wilson back in 1980 against – yes – the Phillies. The Yankees would like to see him get going but he is a huge reason they are here to begin with. It will be intersting in this park as the ball really flys. More evidence why Derek Jeter should always be hitting, instead of bunting: After going 4-for-8 in the first two games, Jeter’s career World Series average is .314 (43-for-137) which is fifth-highest all-time among players with at least 100 ABs. Who’s ahead of him? Only Lou Gehrig, Eddie Collins, Babe Ruth and Steve Garvey. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Cabrera(CF) Pettitte(P) Phillies Lineup: Rollins(SS) Victorino(CF) Utley(2B) Howard(1B) Werth(RF) Ibanez(LF) Feliz(3B) Ruiz(C) Hamels(P) Joe Girardi said in his press conference that Matsui was never really an option and isn't necessarily the first pinch hitter off the bench. He will pick his spots to who to use, Hinske and Matsui will be the main guys I would think. He also announced CC Sabathia will pitch tomorrow on 3 days rest and that Burnett and Pettitte probably would also though he will wait tomorrow to announce the rotation further. He said he would like to save Gaudin until later on in the series out of the bullpen but if he has to be used tonight or tomorrow as a long man he could.

Yanks take Game 2

The Yankees lost last night by being dazzled by Cliff Lee. They answered back winning 3-1. A.J. Burnett pitched 7 strong innings giving up a run on 4 hits with 2 walks and 9 strikeouts. The only run scored also was a groundball that should of been handled by A-rod. Pedro Martinez was impressive himself but the Yankees remain his daddy's. He pitched 6 innings giving up 6 hits with 3 runs, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. A.J. Burnett was the story of the game though as when the Yankees needed him most he really came up big. A.J. Burnett pitched his finest game of the postseason and biggest game of his career. Mariano compledted his second 2 inning save in a row. The Yankees were up 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th when they had first and second one out. Johnny Damon hit a ball that shorthopped Ryan Howard that the umpires called a double play because he caught it in the air but it bounced and that really could of changed the game. The umpires in this postseason have been so bad and something has to be done about this. The umpires in this World Series are supposed to be the best and most experienced and they still make a call like that. The Yankees got solo homeruns from Hideki Matsui and Mark Teixeira and a pinch hit rbi single from Jorge Posada. The Yankees would really like A-rod to get going in Philly as he is 0-7 in the World Series so far. I think the next game could be a big one for him as he will face Cole Hamels in a hitters ballpark. This should be a interesting game as I think the Yankees have the advantage but the hitters haven't really gotten going in this series and your just waiting for them to explode on both sides. I think the offense's may really get going in Citizens Bank Park, of course CC and Cliff Lee could be pitching Game 4 but we will see. I think the next game is a huge game as it will be a swing game. Andy Pettitte has come up huge in these kind of spots throughout his career and the Yankees will be leaning on him once more to come up BIG. The teams will have tomorrow off as they travel by train to Philly at least the Phillies are. I could see this series being decided by the bullpens and other then MO both teams have shaky bullpens and I must say Brad Lidge has been good also in the postseason.

Phillies at Yankees-World Series Game 2(Who's Your Daddy)

The New York Yankees will be looking to bounce back from a Game 1 loss last night. They were beaten 6-1 by Cliff Lee and the Phillies. Cliff Lee was just amazing twirling a complete game 6 hitter with 2 of those hits being in the 9th inning and he allowed one unearned run. The Yankees will be facing a old friend in Pedro Martinez. A.J. Burnett for the first time this postseason will be pitching with pressure as the Yankees are down in the series for the first time. The Yankees are now 24-16 all-time in World Series openers but in 8 of the previous 15 losses the Yankees have bounced back to win the series. Here are the pregame notes and lineups via the Journal News Lohud Yankees Blog and the Yankees media notes. A-rod went 0-4 with 3 strikeouts last night snapping a 9 game postseason hitting streak from this season and a 11 game run that dated back to 2007. The last time A-rod had struck out more then once in a game was Sept. 22nd against the Angels. A.J. Burnett when he has trouble it is in the beginning of the game. The first 15 pitches of games in the regular season opposing hitters had a 797 OPS against him which is the highest OPS of any 15 pitch increment up to 75 pitches. He also gave up 8 homeruns during that first increment. A.J. Burnett has a lot of pressure on him now and lets see how he responds, in his first two starts he was following a CC win. He has seemed to step up to big challenges but this is the biggest game of his career. He faced the Phillies on May 22nd and gave up one run in the first and two in the second. The Yankees scored an unearned run in the ninth inning last night which snapped a 17 inning scoreless streak for them in the World Series. That was the third longest streak in franchise history. The longest was 21 innings in 1921-22 followed by an 18 inning streak from Games 1-3 of the 2001 World Series. Cliff Lee's 10 strikeouts in Game 1 were the most by a pitcher in the World Series since Josh Beckett also had 10 in Game 3 of the 2003 World Series. Beckett of course who was with the Marlins at the time came back on 3 days rest and finished the Yankees in Game 6. Derek Jeter was the only Yankee that had success off of Lee last night getting 3 hits. He now has 42 hits in the World Series tying him with Elston Howard, Babe Ruth and Eddie Collins for 10th on the all-time list. It was Jeter's 4th career 3 hit game in the World Series and 3rd in his last 5 World Series games. The Yankees vs Pedro has been dramatic over the years but mostly its been even. Pedro is 11-11 with a 3.20 era lifetime in the regular season against the Yankees and was 8-5 with a 3.21 era in 18 career starts at the Old Stadium. He was 0-1 with a 5.40 era in 2 ALCS starts. He also had one of his best days at the Old Stadium when he allowed one hit and struck out 17 on Sept. 10, 1999. That was a long time ago and it isn't the same Pedro but he will be sure to provide plenty of drama with his presence. Who's Your Daddy will be ringing throughout the stadium tonight. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Matsui(DH) Cano(2B) Hairston(RF) Cabrera(CF) Molina(C)

Phillies at Yankees-World Series Game 1

The New York Yankees appearing in their 40th World Series will take on the defending champions the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have appeared in 6 World Series most recently last season when they won it all. The Yankees haven't been to a World Series since 2003. The Yankees are 5-0 at home in the postseason and have gone a amazing 39-5 in their last 44 home games. The Yankees are 33-13 alltime in the best of 7 series. Here are the pregame notes and lineups via Sam Borden of the Journal News and Chad Jennings. It has been raining all day in the New York Metropolitan area but as I type this the sun is shining and it looks like we will have baseball tonight. This marks just the second time in history according to the Elias Sports Bureau that two former Cy Young award winners will face off in Game 1 of the World Series. Maddux vs Hersheiser in 1995 was the other. Lee and Sabathia met on opening day of the New Stadium in April. The Indians won that game 10-2. The two pitchers are good friends but not in this series. The Yankees have hit 14 homeruns this postseason so far which is two shy of their franchise record of 16 set in 1996. They also tied that record in 2001 and 2003. The Phillies have also hit 14 homeruns this postseason. The two teams are homerun hitting teams in homerun hitting parks although Yankee Stadium slowed down as the season went on. If the Yankees win the World Series they will be the third team to do so in the first year of their current stadium. The Cardinals in 2006 and the 1912 Red Sox did it. The Yankees won the World Series in their first season at the original Yankee Stadium 1923 and made it to the World Series in the first season of the remodeled stadium in 1976. The Yankees have comeback wins in 5 of their 7 postseason victories including 3 in the 7th inning or later. The Phillies are a comeback team also it is important to note. Jimmy Rollins hasn't hit much this postseason but in the ninth inning he has been unstoppable. A-rod enters his first World Series batting 438 in the postseason with 5 homeruns, 12 rbi's and 9 walks. He has hit safely in all 9 playoff games and 11 straight dating back to the 2007 ALDS. According to Elias, his game tying homeruns in the seventh inning or later are the most such homeruns for any player in a postseason. Suzyn Waldman the Yankees radio announcer for WCBS 880 will become the first woman radio announcer to call a World Series. Congratulations to her. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Posada(C) Matsui(DH) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Cabrera(CF)

I don't have the Phillies lineup sorry for that.

Photos of the Yankees Clinching

The Yankees win, theeeeeeeee Yankees win

The New York Yankees defeated the Anaheim Angels last night by the score of 5-2 and securing their 40th pennant in the process. Andy Pettitte got the start, the old warhorse and pitched 6 1/3 good innings giving up 1 run. Joba Chamberlain got 2 outs and then Old Reliable Mariano Rivera got the last 6 outs to secure the pennant. Andy Pettitte got the win and became the alltime leader in wins in the postseason with his 16th career victory. He passed John Smoltz on the list. The Yankees will now appear in a record 40th World Series but their first since 2003 which to many seems a long long time ago. It is a long time ago in the Yankees Universe but if you were around in the 80's or the mid 60's until the late 70's you know it hasn't been that bad. The new age fans are very spoiled and the players themselves at least the core four were spoiled but now realize just how hard it is to get to this point. Alex Rodriguez will be appearing in his first world series as well as CC Sabathia. A.J. Burnett made the world series vs the Yankees in 2003 but he was hurt and inactive so this is special to him. The young guys like Joba, Phil Hughes, Dave Robertson, Robinson Cano etc get to experience this for the first time as well. Jerry Hairston Jr. has been around for a while but never even made it to the playoffs, Eric Hinske is a guy that keeps getting on teams that make it so to him this is old hat but he will enjoy this as well. Joe Girardi with all the second guessing he has endured seemed to really really enjoy this as he wouldn't let go of the AL championship trophy last night according to the Lohud Yankees Blog. I was at the game and didn't get a chance to do a recap and that is why I am getting to you so late. I basically sleepwalked through the day today as you can imagine. CC Sabathia won the MVP which is interesting because he won 2 games and was dominant but A-rod impacted every game and was unbelievable. I thought they might go with co MVP's but that is just window dressing, A-rod said he didn't care and with this team you have to believe him, all year long they have focused on team and winning the world series. It will be interesting to see if the Yankees continue to go with the 3 starters in the World Series or use Chad Gaudin as the 4th, what they may do is use him for Game 5 so they could still use CC in games 1, 4 and 7 if necessary. The only problem with using 3 starters is everyone would have to pitch on short rest and I am not sure that is the best idea but I would use CC on 3 days rest as he has proved he can do it and do it well. There will be another day off but press conferences tomorrow and I will do a preview tomorrow.