The Yankees and Granderson catch the Tigers

The New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers by the score of 10-1 on Tuesday night. The game got out of hand late but was a close game for most of the night. A.J. Burnett started and pitched into the sixth inning effectively. He almost didn’t get out of the first inning though, the bullpen was starting to warm as Burnett struggled. He didn’t start a game for ten days and maybe that had something to do with it but whatever it was he did settle down. The offense really came to life late in the game and Curtis Granderson was the hero with two amazing catches in center field that changed the whole game and probably saved the Yankees season.
Burnett pitched 5 2/3 innings giving up one run on four hits. He walked four and struck out three, one of the walks was intentional. Soriano pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings and only threw nine pitches to get the four outs. He struck out one batter, Phil Hughes pitched a perfect innings with two strikeouts and Boone Logan struck out the side in his one inning of work. Burnett earned the victory in the game.

Derek Jeter had a hit, two RBI and a walk, Granderson had a hit and an RBI and Robinson Cano had a hit, two RBI and a walk. Alex Rodriguez had his first two hits of the series and an RBI, Mark Teixeira had a hit and Nick Swisher had a hit. Jesus Montero had two hits and an RBI, Russell Martin had two hits and a walk and Brett Gardner had two hits and an RBI. Jeter and Granderson each had a double. The Yankees were 6-14 with runners in scoring position and they left 7 men on base.

In the third inning the Yankees took a 2-0 lead on a two run double by Jeter. In the fourth inning Victor Martinez hit a solo homerun to cut the lead in half and make it 2-1. The first inning for the Yankees could have been very bad and ended their season, Burnett loaded the bases by walking three men. One of the walks was intentional and then there was a deep drive to center field that just started to take off and Granderson leapt up in the air and snaired it. If Granderson doesn’t make that catch it is at least three runs and maybe an inside the park grand slam and the whole game changes. In the fifth Granderson hit an RBI double and Rodriguez had a sacrifice fly to make it 4-1 Yankees. The Yankees broke the game open in the eighth inning. There was a balk to score a run, an RBI single by Montero and an RBI single by Gardner. A wild pitch scored Montero and Cano hit a two run single. It was a 10-1 game at this point and that would be all the scoring.

The best of five series is all even now at two games each and game five will be Thursday night at Yankee Stadium. Ivan Nova will be starting against Doug Fister which was the game one matchup when the suspended game returned to play. The Yankees feel very good about playing at home and having Nova on the mound who has been their best pitcher the last couple of months. Derek Jeter had praise for Burnett, he said he got us to play on Thursday. Burnett did settle down after the first inning but Granderson deserves most of the praise, without his two spectacular catches out in center field who knows what would of happen and there would be a different story being told today. The winner of this series will move on to the ALCS to face the Texas Rangers who clinched their series over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday afternoon. If the Yankees do win and advance it will be a rematch of last years ALCS which Texas won in six games.

Yankees Postgame after a series win over Anaheim

Here are some postgame notes after a series win over the Angels.  The Yankees will have the Rays in two for three before they hit the road traveling to Kansas City and Minnesota.

Mariano Rivera is throwing potential red flags these days. This marked his third straight bad outing. He gave up at least one extra-base hit in all three, tying the worst streak of his career. Rivera said he couldn’t care less that he still tied Trevor Hoffman’s all-time record of at least 30 saves in 14 straight seasons.  Rivera is 41 years old and everyone knows there will come a day when he just can't do it anymore, this shows how great he is.  He has a couple of bad outings and everyone is going nuts, that shows how dominant he has been for so long. 


“As long as I do my job, that’s what I want, and lately I haven’t done it,” Rivera said. “It won’t make me and it won’t break me. But games like this get me upset because I’m not doing what I should be doing.”

Is he just in a little lull or is he finally acting his age? He has five blown saves, two losses and a 2.40 ERA. Rivera said he feels fine physically and that it’s just one pitch hurting him each time. He said he isn’t concerned. But lefties are hitting .269 off him, maybe not the best sign when it comes to his signature cutter. Bobby Abreu, who hit the two-run homer off him Tuesday night and handed him the loss, and Russell Branyan, who hit the three-run shot in this 6-5 win, are both lefty hitters.  That would be the worry spot for me, the lefties and the cutter.  I don't see the cutter moving as much so I am not sure exactly what that means.

Joe Girardi did his best to calm any onset of mass hysteria.  I would tend to agree with him and this one didn't bother me as much because they won and he did get the last two outs.  The homeruns wasn't exactly crushed either, it is a Yankee stadium homerun, it counts the same but it was just a bad pitch that he hit in the air and it went out.

“I’ve seen Mo have three or four bad days and then run off a long streak,” Girardi said after this latest problem outing. “So I don’t think all of a sudden Mo has forgotten how to pitch. He’s in a little blip in the radar screen and he’ll get back on track.

“The thing I’ve noticed is he’s missed his location. That’s going to happen. As much as we want to think that he’s about as close to the perfect closer that we’ve ever seen, he’s not perfect. It’s going to happen from time to time. It’s happening now. Fortunately, it didn’t cost us today, and we move on.”

Rafael Soriano was tested in back-to-back games, and he passed. He has been looking great in the seventh. Overall, this was his sixth consecutive scoreless inning and outing since he returned from the DL July 29. This game marked the first time he had even given up a hit, and it was just a single.

“I have a lot of confidence right now and I feel pretty comfortable the way they’re using me right now,” Soriano said through an interpreter. “I think that makes a difference.”  Soriano has been incredible, he can be a huge weapon down the stretch and into the postseason if he is going to be like he was last year.  Right now he is unhittable. 

Bartolo Colon was back to being more efficient after two starts in which he combined to throw 199 pitches in 9 2/3 innings. He threw 90 this time and lasted six innings, allowing two runs and five hits. His sinker was working for him. He got a no-decision, so he’s still 8-6 and his ERA is 3.31.

“Bartolo’s kind of had a rebirth here,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s been throwing the ball harder than he has in quite a few years.”

Alex Rodriguez is set now to DH for Single-A Tampa at Dunedin Friday night, the start of his rehab assignment.  I would expect him back by the middle of next week.

Robinson Cano’s grand slam gave him 20 homers and made him just the second player in franchise history to hit at least 20 in three straight seasons as a second baseman. Joe Gordon was the other.  It is funny how everyone holds him to such a high standard and has been saying wow he is having a bad year.  If you look at his numbers, he is having a great year but to him it may be a little down.

Curtis Granderson has four homers in the last three games. This is the third time this season he has homered in three straight games.  This is the player the Yankees thought they were getting last year.  Almost everyone envisioned him hitting 40 homers in this park and this year he will do that and probably more.

Derek Jeter went 3 for 3 with a walk, including two infield hits. The Captain is batting .312 in 31 games since coming off the DL July 4.  He has been hitting the ball with more authority, driving it and picking up more extra base hits. 

The Rays come in for a three-game series starting Friday night. CC Sabathia and David Price are the starters in the opener.  This should be a great matchup, the Rays need to sweep the Yankees to have any chance of getting back in the race. 

Yankees vs. Orioles Game One of Series

The New York Yankees open up a three game series with the Baltimore Orioles tonight weather permitting at Yankee Stadium.  The Yankees lost two out of three in Boston over the weekend and will try and get back on track.  Here are some quick notes and the lineup for tonight.

The Baltimore Orioles are off to a fast start at 6-3 and first place in the AL East.  The Yankees are 5-4 on the young season.  The Yankees pitching has been erratic and the hitting has gone cold.  They are going to score runs though and every team goes through slumps.  They still have scored 50 runs in nine games. 

A.J. Burnett is starting tonight and will try to go 3-0.  He is still undefeated in the month of April as a Yankees and although he looks better this season he was 4-0 to start last year before he collapsed.  I think the main difference is that this year when Burnett does get in trouble he isn't allowing it to snowball, he is competing more and working out of things.  In the past he has looked lost and like he has given up when the going gets tough. 

Burnett will face Chris Tillman tonight, Phil Hughes will be vs. TBA tomorrow night and Thurday night it will be Ivan Nova vs. Jake Arrieta.  Robinson Cano will receives his silver slugger award prior to tonights game.  C.C. Sabathia is off to the second best start of his career in terms of ERA but has nothing to show for it.  He 0-1 in three starts with a 1.45 ERA. 

The Yankees are tied for the major league lead with 18 homeruns this season.  They have at least one homerun in seven of the nine games and at least two homeruns in six of the games.  The Yankees are 4-1 this season when holding their opponents to four or fewer runs.  Yankees batters scored in five different innings in consecutive games on Friday and Saturday in Boston marking the first time they have done that since 7/21 and 7/22/2007. 

Curtis Granderson already has two homers off left handed pitchers.  He didn't hit his second homer off of a lefty until August 24th of last year at Toronto.  Alex Rodriguez needs one RBI to pass Ken Griffey Jr. on the all-time RBI list for 13th place.  Derek Jeter needs two hits to tie Barry Bonds for 32nd on the all-time hits list. 

Yankees News and Notes-Monday April 11th

The New York Yankees are getting ready to start their second homestand of the season tomorrow night.  They will take on the Baltimore Orioles who are currently in first place in the AL East and then the Texas Rangers who are off to a 9-1 start after winning again today.  They will play two three game series.  The Yankees will send A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova to the mound against the Orioles. 

C.C. Sabathia will be greeting fans in the Great Hall before tomorrows game.  Nick Swisher was all around NYC today in different Bank Of America locations.  He was giving out tickets and merchandise.  Jorge Posada who hit three homeruns early on is now struggling going 0-15 with eight strikeouts in his last four games.  Brett Gardner is hitting only 167 and in four out of eight games started he is 0-16 with eight strikeouts and no walks.  In the other four games he has reached base nine times struck out only once and stolen three bases.  If you look at numbers too closely this time of year you will drive yourself nuts.  The point is that they change quickly, one bad game can make them look bad and one good game can make them look good. 

Derek Jeter is really struggling but it is something Joe Girardi doesn't want to deal with.  He will give him some time, preaching patience with him.  What if Jeter is still not hitting with authority come May or June though will he have the guts to drop him in the order.  It is a hard thing because he is a Yankees icon but he is getting older and could be on the decline.  He hit 270 last year by far his worst year but maybe that was the start of his decline instead of just a blip on the radar.  We will have to wait and see what happens. 

Josh Beckett looked like the old Josh Beckett last night so the Yankees can't be blamed for that.  A lot of the guys are struggling offensively but it is early and you go through strikes.  The one alarming thing about the Yankees is that they are scoring most of their runs by the homerun.  That isn't the best way to score runs if you are always waiting for a homerun.  I wouldn't worry too much overall because you know this team will score runs and the season will come down to their pitching especially their starters. 

The Yankees are hoping Alex Rodriguez will be back tomorrow night.  He had the flu bad and the Yankees weren't even going to use him as a pinch hitter last night.  Freddy Garcia being used in the eighth inning last night was to just get him some work.  Girardi said if it had been a closer game one of the late inning relievers would have pitched.  Sabathia didn't have his best stuff but he did what he could gutting through it and giving hte Yankees a chance. 

Robinson Cano has reached base safely in 16 straight games at Fenway Park.  This is the third time that Sabathia has carried an ERA below two for his first three starts it is a shame he doesn't have a win to show for it.  Mark Prior pitched the previous two days and had two scoreless innings.  He said he felt good and it is a significant step forward.  He could be up with the Yankees at some point this season. 

Yanks Defeat Tigers on Opening Day

The New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day Thursday afternoon March 31, 2011. It was a frigid cold day out at the stadium. The two top pitchers pitched well but not great each giving up three runs in six innings. Sabathia only gave up two earned runs. The Yankees showed off their strengths in their bullpen and homerun power. Joba Chamberlain, Rafael Soriano and Mariano Rivera pitched three perfect innings with a strikeout each. They didn't need many pitches to do it either. 39 pitches total from the trio, the three headed bullpen monster we can call JOSOMO. The Yankees got homeruns from Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira. The star of the game was Granderson as he was dazzling out in center field as well as hitting the game winning homerun. Russell Martin had a nice debut with a couple of hits, calling a good game, a stolen base and a couple of runs scored. Alex Rodriguez continued what he has done in the spring, he had a double and a couple of walks to be on base three out of four at bats. Derek Jeter didn't get a hit but he did have a sacrifice fly. Brett Gardner tried to bunt twice for hits and was out but just barely in both instances. The two teams will take off Friday and then resume the three game series on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A.J. Burnett will face Brad Penny on Saturday afternoon and Phil Hughes will face Max Scherzer on Sunday afternoon. The Saturday game is at 4:05 on Fox and Sunday at 1:05PM on the YES network. It is Opening Day and not even the cold could damper the spirits of the fans and players. Baseball is back and that is something that brings warmth to us all. I was out at the ballpark today and it was as cold as it has ever been but a win makes it all worth while and it was just great to be back in the ballpark. I feel it is a home away from home and it is a place that I love spending time in, there is nothing like going to a ballgame. The Yankees hope that it is the first of many victories this season on their way to a 28th Championship but for now they will savor the first one, enjoy it for a day and get back to work on Saturday.

Yankees Vs. Tigers Opening Day

The New York Yankees are set to play the Detroit Tigers Thursday afternoon Opening Day of the 2011 baseball season. C.C. Sabathia will face off against Justin Verlander. The Yankees already released their lineup on Wednesday and it is Gardner, Jeter, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Cano, Swisher, Posada, Granderson, Martin. Jeter will bat leadoff against lefties and Gardner will move to number nine with Swisher in the 2 hole. Here are some other things on the night before the season begins. The teams will take Friday off and then play Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The pitching matchup for Saturday is A.J. Burnett vs. Brad Penny, it is a 4:10PM start on Fox. Phil Hughes will face Max Scherzer on Sunday at 1:05PM on the YES Network. The Yankees placed Pedro Feliciano on the 15 day DL and have added Luis Ayala to the roster. They also added Gustavo Molina to the roster. The Yankees bench consists of Eduardo Nunez, Eric Chavez, Andruw Jones and Molina. Ayala is the last man in the bullpen, that consists of Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, Dave Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan and Bartolo Colon. The Yankees are scheduled to play 13 of their first 16 games at home, 20 of their first 28 and 48 of their first 82. The 18 April home games are the most in franchise history. Sabathia will make his third consecutive Opening Day start for the Yankees becoming the first Yankee to start as many in a row since Roger Clemens did so in 2001-03. He is one of 12 players in franchise history to start three or more Opening Days. The Yankees three scheduled starters in the series are a combined 22-14 in their careers against the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees were 95-67 last season and finished one game behind Tampa Bay for the division. They were the AL wild card sweeping the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS but losing in six games to the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. The Yankees have reached the postseason 15 of the past 16 years. The Yankees begin their third season of play in this Yankee Stadium. They own the most home wins and best regular season home winning percentage in the majors since the stadium opened in 2009. They are 109-53 over that span. The 109 wins are the most by a ML team in its first two seasons at a particular venue. The previous mark was 106. The Yankees last season led the majors with a 988 fielding percentage. They committed a major league low 69 errors. It was the Yankees all time highest fielding percentage and fewest errors in a non strike year.

Regular Season Game 12-Rangers at Yankees

The New York Yankees will go for the sweep this afternoon at the Stadium. The game is at 1:05PM on the yes network. The weather looks beautiful out although it is a little chillly. The Yankees have won their first 4 series for the first time since 1926 so they are off to one of their best starts ever. Here are the lineups and some notes. Andy Pettitte will take on Rich Harden in the pitching matchup. Mark Teixeira who is 4-40 on the season is hoping that that broken bat rbi single in yesterdays game will get him going. Today marks the 87th anniversary of the original opening of the Old Yankee Stadium. April 18, 1923. Rangers Lineup: Andrus(SS) Young(3B) Hamilton(CF) Guerrero(DH) Cruz(RF) Garko(1B) Murphy(LF) Treanor(C) Blanco(2B) Yankees Lineup: Gardner(LF) Johnson(DH) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Granderson(CF) Swisher(RF) Pena(SS) Alex Rodriguez moved into sole possesion of 8th place on the all time homerun list ahead of Mark McGwire. Jorge Posada recorded his 1500th hit of his career. He is the 19th Yankee to do it and 4th whose primary position was catcher. The Yankees are tied for third in the AL with 11 stolen bases. They have become more of a running team and manufacturing runs although they still hit for power.

Regular Season Game 9-Angels at Yankees

The New York Yankees take on the Anaheim Angels from Yankee Stadium tonight at 7:00PM. This game is the rubber game of their 3 game series. The Yankees won the first one by the score of 7-5 and the Angels won yesterdays game by the score of 5-3. Phil Hughes is making his season debut opposite Scott Kazmir who is also making his season debut. Here are some pregame notes and the lineup. The Yankees have scored 3 or more runs in all of their games this season. Today is Jackie Robinson day across baseball. His family will be at the game for a pregame ceremony. Mariano Rivera is the last player wearing the number as it was retired across baseball in 1997. The Yankees have not comitted a error in their last 6 games. I think their defense is improved from last year, their infield is arguably the best in baseball and now their outfield is solid as well. Jorge Posada needs 2 more hits to reach 15oo on his career. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Swisher(RF) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Thames(DH) Granderson(CF) Winn(LF) This is a new look lineup as Winn gets his first start and Swisher is batting second for the first time. Marcus Thames will face a lefty again which is interesting.

Yankees Postgame Notes

Javier Vazquez wasn't great but I don't know if he deserved the boos he received today. Javier didn't pitch particularly well but the fans are remembering him more for what he did his last time around in 2004. They aren't going to give him much of a chance because of that and it is something that Vazquez will have to work through. Here is what Joe Girardi said "As soon as he can get a win here, I think it will be best for all of us. Fans they remember, his next start will be on the road and it would be nice to get him a win and on a roll. Today we didn't score many runs, he could of won that game as well if we would of scored some runs today." Vazquez said it was "disappointing" to hear the boos but was upset with himself mostly. He was pressed by the media and finally admitted he thinks it is too early to be booed. Derek Jeter said "The bottom line is, they are Yankee fans. They want to cheer for you, they come here to cheer for you. Everyone has been booed at some point. You can't let it affect you. If Javy gives up three runs everytime he pitches he is going to have a pretty good year." Nick Swisher said this about Joel Piniero "I can remember him from back when he was with Seattle. He was a power guy, threw really hard. Now he still has that power in there but is using it more for movement. He threw some great sinkers today. Just when you think it is going to be in the zone it falls off the table." Robinson Cano has hit safely in all 8 games this season and has more multi hit games then one hit games. He has 5 multi hit games. Scott Kazmir will come off the DL tomorrow to make the start against the Yankees. Thanks to Chad Jennings for providing the quotes on his Lohud Yankees Blog.

Regular Season Game 8-Yankees Vs Angels

Here are the pregame notes. Some of these are from Chad Jennings who was in the clubhouse this morning. He works for the Journal News and also has the great Lohud Yankees Blog. I apologize that the game posts are backwards, the second one appears first and then the first one second. Robinson Cano has hit safely in all 7 games this season. Nick Johnson was the first Yankee to go at least 6 seasons in between homeruns yesterday since Ruben Sierra did it. He hit one in 1996 and then not again until 2003. Dave Robertson was his usual self in the clubhouse today. He has a short memory which is what you need as a reliever. He gave up a grand slam yesterday but said today is a new day. I didn't realize it yesterday but Nick Swisher was given a fake ring and was shocked to see it but wore it the whole time. Mariano Rivera gave him the real thing after the ceremony. Joe Girardi said that Vazquez was rushing in his first start which caused his arm slot to drop and "his fastball was running too much back across the middle of the plate." Joe Girardi said he is excited to see Phil Hughes on the mound tomorrow night. "I think he is much more physically and mentally prepared." He was talking about now as compared to 2008. Joe Girardi at the end of his press conference was asked how many rings he would like to win and said, Yogi has 10 and I am sure he would like to win another. He was basically saying as many as he can. It is the Yankee way to always want more and keep trying to win which is good to see that there is no complacency.

Regular Season Game 8-Yankees vs Angels Part 2

I decided to break up the game posts since the notes section was long. Here are both teams lineups for todays game. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Granderson(CF) Swisher(RF) Gardner(LF) Angels Lineup: Aybar(SS) Abreu(RF) Hunter(CF) Matsui(DH) Morales(1B) Rivera(LF) Izturis(2B) Mathis(C) Wood(3B) Javier Vazquez makes the start against Joel Piniero.

Yankees/Angels Pitching Matchups

Here are the pitching matchups for the 3 game home opening series. Tomorrow-Andy Pettitte vs Ervin Santana Wednesday-Javier Vazquez vs Scott Kazmir Thursday-Phil Hughes vs Jered Weaver The first two games are 1:00 afternoon games and then Thursday will be a 7:00PM game. Thursday will mark Phil Hughes 2010 debut as the 5th starter. Tomorrow of course will mark the home opener with all the pomp and circumstance to begin with and then you add the ring ceremony and raising of the championship flag. Bernie Williams will throw out the first pitch. There will be a fly over, huge american flag on the field and all of that. If you are going to the game the gates will open at 11:00AM for the general public so arrive early. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12:30PM so make sure you get to your seats in plenty of time. It will also be Hideki Matsuis return and he will be part of the ceremony which is nice. I don't think I will have much more tonight but make sure to check tomorrow for the pregame notes and lineup and I will make sure to have full coverage of the day tomorrow night when I return from covering it. Remember World News Vine is where you can find all of my articles on the Yankees and Mets.

Opening NIght 2010-Yankees at Red Sox

The New York Yankees will begin defense of their title at 8:05PM when they take on the Boston Red Sox from Fenway Park. What a way to begin the season on Easter against your hated rivals. Happy Easter to everyone, hope you are enjoying the day with friends and family and good food. I don't have too many notes but here is your game post. CC Sabathia will go up against Josh Beckett, they are the two aces of their respective staffs. This is the 108th season for the Yankees and second season in a row to start on the road. They lost to the Baltimore Orioles 10-5 last year. The teams will have an off day tomorrow then play Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 7:05PM. The games will be on the yes network in NY. A.J. Burnett will face John Lackey and then Andy Pettitte will face Jon Lester. The Yankees are 14-18 on Easter over the last 50 years. This is just the second time the Yankees are playing Boston on Easter over the last 50 years. The Yankees are 18-10-1 in 29 previous opening days against Boston. They are 6-4 in openers at Fenway Park. The Yankees and Red Sox last played on Opening Day in 2005. The Yankees won that game 9-2. The Yankees have been champs 26 times and went back to the World Series 16 times and repeated 12 times. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Granderson(CF) Swisher(RF) Gardner(LF)

Yanks lose finale to K.C.

The New York Yankees lost to the Kansas City Royals by the score of 4-3 tonight. They capped off a wonderful inaugaural season at the new Yankee Stadium with a 58-23 record. The Yankees of course are only temporarily done with their home ballpark as they will be back there after a weekend getaway to Tampa to close out the regular season. The story of this game was Joba Chamberlain not able to back up his good performance against the Red Sox last week. He was not very good at all today last only into the fourth inning giving up 3 runs on 7 hits with a few walks. The bullpen only gave up 1 run the rest of the way. Damaso Marte, Sergio Mitre, Phil Hughes, Mariano Rivera all pitched. Derek Jeter had 2 hits, Nick Swisher had a 2 run homerun and that was about all for the Yankees offense. They tried to stage a late rally getting 2nd and third in the ninth inning but Ramiro Pena flied out to center to end the game. The Yankees will try and get CC Sabathia his 20th win on friday and then Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett will also pitch just getting in tuneups before the postseason. It does look like the Yankees will be taking on Detroit, the Twins have to win tomorrow otherwise the Tigers will clinch the division.

White Sox at Yankees

The New York Yankees will take on the Chicago White Sox tonight from the stadium weather permitting. They will make every effort to play this game but I wouldn't expect it with the rain supposedly getting worse as the night goes on. It could be a long night in the Bronx. CC Sabathia against Mark Buehrle is the pitching matchup. Here are the pregame notes and linups as always via Peter Abraham and his Lohud Yankees Blog. I am going to put the Joba news first on here as now they have decided he needs to pitch every 5th day. Since the innings limit hasn't changed that means some games he will pitch less then 5 innings. I am guessing they will use Mitre and Gaudin as his caddies. The White Sox are 10-13 in their last 25 games and are 4 games out in the AL Central with 34 left to play. They are 1-4 in their last 5 games. CC is 5-0 with a 2.65 era in his last 5 starts. He has pitched 37 1/3 innings allowing 28 hits, 5 walks and 39 strikeouts. He has won 11 straight August decisions and is 33-9 with a 3.16 era in 51 career August starts. CC is 15-4 with a 3.77 era in 27 career starts against the White Sox. CC leads the AL in wins and innings to keep going with the CC theme. He is 8th in era and strikeouts, third in whip, third in opponents batting avg against and tied for fifth in opponents ops. CC hasn't seemed to mind pitching at Yankee Stadium going 5-2 with a 3.62 era. He has allowed 5 homers in 77 innings. This just says that if you are a good pitcher you can pitch anywhere and this is where the Yankees have the advantage because there guys are used to the stadium. Phil Coke since the all star break has a 8.10 era. Big Tex has 97 rbi's, he leads the AL, only Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols have more in the major leagues. The Yankees are 16-4 in their last 20 home games. Johnny Damon is 9 of his last 20 and is batting 288. Yesterday was one of only 5 games at home the Yankees haven't hit a homerun. This truly is a rare occurence. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Matsui(DH) Swisher(RF) Cano(2B) Cabrera(CF) Molina(C)

Yanks sweep Jays heading home for showdown with Bosox

The New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays by the score of 8-4 tonight. Sergio Mitre got the start and wasn't great again although he wasn't horrendous. He went 4 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 8 hits. Alfredo Aceves gave up 1 run in 2 innings with 1 hit and 3 strikeouts. Phil Coke retired both batters he faced with a strikeout and Phil Hughes and David Robertson each pitched a scoreless inning giving up a hit but striking out two. The offense came to life in the seventh inning when Nick Swisher led off with a homerun and then they scored 3 more after that. Johnny Damon had 3 hits and 3 rbi's, Derek Jeter had a hit, Mark Teixeira had a hit and 2 rbi's. Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano had 2 hits each and Hideki Matsui had a rbi single. The Yankees did a really nice job of coming back strong in Toronto after losing 3 in a row in Chicago and then pulling out the last one, they finish their road trip at 5-4 which is good and remain 2 1/2 ahead of the Red Sox which they started this roadtrip at. The big 4 game series starts tomorrow at the Stadium with Joba Chamberlain going against John Smoltz, the Yankees by splitting now will remain right where they are now and unless they get swept 4 in a row will be in first place after this series. It would be really nice if they can win 3 out of 4 and move to 4 1/2 ahead. The Yankees really need to come out tomorrow and play their best and get that win and move forward.

George Murray part of Hope week Passes away

There is sad news to report as George Murray passed away last night. He was part of Hope week which took place on the last homestand. He had ALS and had no use of his arms and legs, he was confined to a wheelchair and was 38 years old. He got to see a game with his wife and 4 year old son Trayson and took a private tour of Yankee Stadium with Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Phil Coke and Cody Ransom. They were also given a suprise anniversary party with several yankees. This is a sad story as Mr. Murray passed away last night. The Yankees did a great job with Hope week and I am sure they will get the family back to Yankee Stadium in the near future. My thoughts and prayers go out with the whole family as Mr. Murray was taken way too young but at least the Yankees gave him some happiness in his final days.

Yankees at Jays

The Yankees begin a 2 game set in Toronto tonight with Andy Pettitte on the mound against Roy Halladay. This is going to be a really tough game to win tonight even though the Yankees actually hit him pretty hard last time they faced him at Yankee Stadium. I don't think they will but the Yankees can't look ahead to the Red Sox they have to win at least one of these games, the Red Sox will have their hands full down in Tampa with the Rays. Here are the pregame notes and lineup from the Lohud Yankees Blog- http://yankees.lhblogs.com Peter Abraham does a great job so please check him out if you don't already do so. The Yankees are 5-2 against the Jays this year. Roy Halladay is 16-5 in his career against the Yanks with a 2.90 era. He is 8-0 with a 2.10 era in his last 10 starts against them. I don't know what the strategy really is but I think I would try to bunt on him a little and get guys on base and steal. The only good thing is he doesn't get run support so if you can scratch out a couple maybe you can win the game. Andy Pettitte is 13-5 with a 3.95 era in 19 career starts at the Rogers Centre. He is 1-1 with a 5.25 against the Jays this year. Andy since the break has been good, in 3 starts he has a 2.70 era. In 20 innings he has struck out 23 while only giving up 3 walks and 16 hits. Mo has not allowed a run since June 12th and Hughes has a 0.95 era in 20 relief appearances so the back end is very very solid. The Yankees with RISP on this road trip are batting 233, this is the one thing I don't like. Yes the Yanks lead in many offensive categories but they are not consistant at all. Melky is 15 of 35 in his last 11 games with 10 xbh, 5 rbi's, 6 walks and only has struck out twice. Derek Jeter is 6 stolen bases away from 300 in his career. The Yankees pitching has to get back on track, in their last 3 games they have given up 41 hits in 25 innings with 29 earned runs, 13 walks and 20 strikeouts. Alfredo Aceves has not done well since having his shoulder fatigue. He has given up 10 earned runs in his last 8 1/3 innings. He has only pitched twice since July 21st which is probably part of the problem. Mark Melancon has not allowed a run in his last 4 1/3 innings, could he start getting more important work, maybe but maybe not this week. Joe Girardi has been great with the bullpen in most peoples eyes. I would say this is his biggest strength. In the time since he has been manager the Yankees are 110-5 when leading after 6 innings, 120-5 when leading after 7 innings and 129-1 when leading after 8 innings. It is pretty safe to say if the Yankees have a lead after 6 they are going to win. A-rod has gone 53 at bats without a homerun. This could be the place he breaks out of his homerun drought. He has hit 303 with 31 homeruns in his career at the Rogers Centre. Jorge Posada has had a miserable road trip going 3 for 23. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Matsui(DH) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Cabrera(CF) Hinske(RF)

Getting ready for the game

I am about to head out to the stadium and I will have a lot more later on when I get back. I do not have the lineups or anything because its too early but it should pretty much be the same as yesterday until the 5th inning. AJ Burnett gets the start and Andy Pettitte will pitch the second half. I will be looking to see how much more room there is, where everything is, where I will be sitting etc. I am very excited to be going and can't wait not only to get out there but for Monday and the season to begin. I know it doesn't matter but once again with yesterdays victory the Yankees have now won 9 in a row again, maybe they need to lose today before starting the season, it kind of makes me nervous. I will be back later on with much much more, remember to check back and for anyone heading out also, have fun and don't worry the weather is going to get better.

Yanks keep on winning

I hope this continues to be a theme when the games count,the New York Yankees beat the Chicago Cubs 7-4 tonight in the first game at the New Yankee Stadium. I liked the coverage as YES did a great job with that, I really enjoyed seeing Kim Jones and Bob Lorenz around the stadium showing different things during the game. Chieng-Ming Wang looked a little off to me but he hung in there and reached the amount of pitches he wanted too. It was nice to see Robinson Cano hit the first homerun in the New Stadium and Derek Jeter get the first hit. I think Robbie Cano looks great and I think he will have a huge year. It was good to see Hideki Matsui drill one and also Cody Ransom hard not to like and root for this guy. The bullpen looked great as I don't think they allowed a baserunner between MO, Albaladejo, Veras and Ramirez. The stadium was the star of the show and I am going to talk about some things. The one thing that they said on YES and I noticed right away was how much the new stadium looks like the old on the field. The Great Hall looks great and so does the huge scoreboard in CF. It looks like people can mingle around the ballpark more and there is a ton of room. I am more of an oldschool guy that doesn't get up from my seat until the game is over but it seems nice for people that do get up and that you never have to miss a pitch since it is open. It was hard for me to tell if the upper deck is closer, i will be checking out the view from all over tomorrow when I am there and can report on that. The clubhouse looks great and I am sure Kim Jones will have fun tracking guys down in there. I can't believe the players have their own lockers for just their bats. It will be interesting to see how the field plays, which the players said to check back with them, the infield looked a little fast but it was wet and the grass hasn't had time to grow. The stadium got a test with the rain and really seemed to drain well. I can't wait to tomorrow and I will have a lot more then and Monday we start the long journey that hopefully will culminate in a World Series Title.