Derek Jeter named SI Sportsman of the Year

Derek Jeter has been named SI Sportsman of the Year. I think this is better then winning MVP. Derek Jeter leads a charmed life that is for sure, he won the World Series is dating Minka Kelly and now is Sportsman of the Year. He unlike others has stayed out of trouble on and off the field. I think Derek Jeter is truly a guy you can look up to as in this time there really isn't many that kids can look up to and aspire to be like. I am sure we will have quotes from Jeter later on. Derek Jeter is the first Yankee to win the award and 56th winner overall. He had a spectacular year batting 334 and batting 344 in the postseason and 409 in the World Series living up to his clutch reputation. He also broke Lou Gehrigs team record for most hits during the season and is on his way to becoming the first Yankee to ever record 3000 hits for his career. He also won the Hank Aaron Award and Roberto Clemente award during the postseason. Terry Mcdonell SI's group editor had this to say about Jeter, " Derek Jeter has always presented himself with class, he does numerous good work for the community with his Turn 2 Foundation. The foundation is one of the most effective and efficient foundations of its kind. Derek Jeter is extremely generous not just with him money but his time, which in many cases is more valuable. He also had another signature year on the field." Derek Jeter is the first baseball player to solely win the award since Cal Ripken in 1995.

Yankees pound the Angels

The New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim by the score of 10-1 to take a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in the ALCS. CC Sabathia pitching on 3 days rest was simply unbelievable. He is a horse and a true ace that is a throwback type of pitcher. He went 8 strong throwing only just over 100 pitches giving up 1 run on 5 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. Chad Guadin finished the game off with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. CC Sabathia was signed in the offseason for a crazy amount of money that a lot of people felt the Yankees were bidding against themselves and went overboard but he is showing that he is worth every penny. CC Sabathia has been everything and more that the Yankees could of dreamed of. He has lost one game since July 28th including going 3-0 in the playoffs with a 1.19 era. The other hero is A-rod who has just become the player everyone has been waiting for. He had a single, double, homerun. He now has a rbi in 8 straight postseason games which ties him for the ML record. He also now is one homerun behind Bernie Williams for most in one postseason in Yankees history. He is batting over 400 with 5 homeruns and 11 rbi's in 7 postseason games. Derek Jeter had a couple more hits but Melky Cabrera had 3 hits to get back on track, Robinson Cano had a couple of hits and Johnny Damon had a couple of hits once again. The Yankees offense had been struggling but got back on track this evening. The only guy that really hasn't done anything is Nick Swisher. Jorge Posada had a strong game today also. The Yankees will now have tomorrow off and have A.J. Burnett on the mound to send them to the World Series on Thursday night against John Lackey. I wonder if Joe Girardi will sit Nick Swisher and put Brett Gardner in CF and Melky Cabrera in RF.

Derek Jeter is the alltme Yankees hit king

The New York Yankees took on the Baltimore Orioles tonight and in fact after a second rain delay are still doing so. The game isn't too important though, Derek Jeter is now the alltime Yankees hits leader. He struck out his first time up at bat but then he hit a single to right field in the third inning setting off a wild celebration. The crowd was amazing, i was a part of the history making night. The place just wouldn't let him breathe and he had to acknowledge the crowd several times, he also pointed up to his parents a couple of times. Andy Pettitte got the start and battled through 5 innings, I think it was only fitting that he started and Jorge Posada caught the game that Jeter set the record as these guys go all the way back to 1992 when they played together in A Greensboro. It is amzing to think that they are all still together and playing at a high level and trying to win their 5th championship. Derek Jeter will get many more hits and it will be a really big deal when he gets to 3,000 but this should be celebrated because in the storied history of the Yankees no player has ever had more hits then Derek Jeter. I am sure he will be happy to move on but it should be interesting to see what he has to say. There is not much for the Yankees to worry about now as they pretty much have everything sealed up. The Yankees won't play another meaningful game until game 1 of the playoffs.

Orioles at Yanks(A night to remember?)

It is September 11th and we should remember all of those who were affected by this terrible tragedy 8 years ago today. There will be a special pregame ceremony tonight before the game. The game doesn't mean much but of course the story is Derek Jeter who needs 1 hit to be the alltime Yankees hits leader with 2,722. I am sure they will do everything in their power to get the game in but it is pretty nasty out. I am heading out to the stadium soon and will try and do some Jeter updates live from there. There will be no notes today but here is the lineup via Peter Abraham. Jeter(SS) Swisher(RF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Matsui(DH) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Cabrera(LF) Gardner(CF)

A Historic Night in the Bronx

The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays by the score of 4-2 but that was just a sidebar. Derek Jeter collected three hits to tie Lou Gehrig for most hits in franchise history with 2.721. It was a great moment as he stood on first and the whole crowd gave him a standing ovation, the whole dugout was out on the top steps and even the Rays stood cheering on the top steps of their dugout. Derek Jeter did tip his helmet to the crowd and point up at his parents and yes his girlfriend Minka Kelly was also there. It is fitting that on this night his best friend Jorge Posada would have the game winning hit a pinch hit three run homerun in the 8th inning. Brian Bruney and Phil Coke closed out the game in the ninth inning. The Yankees completed a 4 game sweep and moved to 41 games over 500. The story of the game though is Derek Jeter. It really is amazing to have watched his whole career and start to realize how great he is. The thing about Derek Jeter is he is always about the team and winning and the next day. He never steps back and realizes what he has accomplished and I think that is part of the fans not doing it either. When you look at Derek Jeter you look at the intangibles and the rings and I think it is only fitting that he tied this record on a day the Yankees won the game so he can look at it as well I helped the team win. He said in the postgame how it was awkward for him when he tied the record because the team was losing at the time and it is hard for him to recognize an individual achievement. The stadium though was truly rocking and it was amazing to see his family in his box react and also his teammates and the opposing team, it showed how much of a class act he is when the other team was up cheering for him. The postgame was great to watch also as he handled himself well as always, I really enjoyed hearing Jorge and Andy and Mo as they have been together all these years and you can see how proud and emotional they were. I am going to the game Friday and I can't wait, it is going to be so electric and I can't imagine what it will be like if he does get a hit to break it. I have no doubt he will do it friday and wouldn't that be fitting for him to accomplish it on 9/11. Congratulations to #2 Derek Jeter for tying the record and breaking it soon. He is on his way to Cooperstown and being immortalized in Monument Park and it has been so enjoyable to watch him all these years. It isn't over yet and Derek has many more years left and more memories and it would be great to get the record on Friday and finish it off next month with another World Championship.

Rays at Yankees(Yanks go for the sweep)

The Yankees will be trying for a four-game series sweep tonight. They have won 12 of 15 overall and have the best record in baseball. Here are the pregame notes and lineup via Peter Abraham. Tampa Bay has lost a season-high seven straight games. They have fallen to 17.5 games out of first and 8.5 games out in the wild card. Joba Chamberlain has a 7.96 ERA in his last six games with opponents hitting .330 against him. In 26 innings he has allowed 37 hits and walked 17. Derek Jeter is in a 0-12 slump but if it wasn't for the record and the Yankees huge lead no one would even really notice. They are going overboard for this record but I guess there really isn't any other drama, this isn't even drama though, he will get it eventually. The Yankees will be looking to go 41 games over .500 for the first time since Sept. 30, 2004 when they were 100-59. Alex Rodriguez 11 of his last 24 with nine RBI. The Yankees have allowed four runs on 17 hits and struck out 30 over 27 innings in this series. The Sandman has allowed one run in his last 31 innings. The Yankees are 61-1 when leading after six innings. The Yankees are 48-20 at home, winning 22 of the last 26. The Yankees are 39-13 since the All-Star break. That’s their best record since the 1938 team was 40-12. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Matsui(DH) Swisher(RF) Cano(2B) Gardner(CF) Molina(C) Peter Abraham wrote earlier on his blog that when he got to the park Francisco Cervelli was out there early, this was at 2:30 this afternoon working on things with Tony Pena. This is great to see, hopefully he will succeed, I think the Yankees are teaching these young guys the right way and it is great to see the new players being passed the torch by the older players.

Rays at Yankees

The New York Yankees will take on the Tampa Bay Rays in game 3 of the 4 game series. The Yanks took a doubleheader yesterday by the scores of 4-1 and 11-1. Chad Gaudin takes the mound today against David Price. The Yankees start today 9 games ahead of Boston for first in the AL EAst and 6 1/2 ahead of Anaheim for homefield advantage. It appears they pretty much have everything clinched so the only real drama left is when will Derek Jeter break Lou Gehrig's all time hits record, it could be tonight. He needs 3 to tie and 4 to break it. Here are the pregame notes and lineup via Peter Abraham. The Yankees are at their high water mark for the season at 39 games over 500. They haven't been at 40 over since they ended the 2004 season at 101-61. Tampa has just fallen out of really quickly losing 6 straight and 7 out of 8 and also losing Carlos Pena for the year yesterday. Alex Rodriguez is 10 of his last 20 with 8 rbi's in his last 8 games. He is now batting a season best 282. Melky Cabrera has heated up again batting 413 in his last 13 games with 5 xbh and 10 rbi's. He is now batting 281 with a 340 on base percentage. Phil Hughes has not allowed a run in his last 12 1/3 innings. Is it possible he could stay in this role and they go out and get another pitcher. I doubt it as they have said all along he is a starter also. Mo has converted 39 of 40 and 35 in a row. The Yankees pitching held Tampa Bay to 2 runs on 19 hits in 2 games yesterday and they struck out 23. The Yankees are 21-4 in their last 25 home games. They are 47-20 at home, 41-13 with A-rod. It is amazing that 2 of those losses were to the lowly Nationals. The Yankees are 10-1 in games CC Sabathia has started since the all star break. If you were looking for a true ace you got one. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(DH) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Swisher(RF) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Cabrera(CF) Hairston(SS)

No history but Yanks take 2

The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the nightcap by the score of 11-1. A.J. Burnett got the start and pitched 6 innings giving up a run on 4 hits with 8 strikeouts. This was a huge game for him as he hasn't won in 6 starts but got the win tonight. This may be the game that gets him going and now he can finish strong and into the playoffs. Edwar Ramirez, Jon Albaladejo and Mike Dunn finished off the game. It was a good game to get the backups in as Ramiro Pena, Shelly Duncan and Francisco Cervelli all got into the game. Mark Teixeira had a big night with a couple of homeruns. The story of the game was Derek Jeter and he went 0-8 combined in the doubleheader and remains 3 hits shy of tying Lou Gehrig. The important thing here is that the Yankees took both games and now their magic number for clinching the division is at 16 and 19 for homefield advantage. The Yankees in a tight game in game 1 broke through late and Phil Hughes and Mo closed the game out in fine fashion as usual. Mariano now has save 35 in a row. Chad Gaudin will make the start tomorrow and maybe get through 5 but the Yankees bullpen is in good shape for tomorrow. The Yankees have gone 50-18 in their last 68 games. The Yankees are 36-22 against the AL East which is the best division in baseball. They have also won 24 of their last 30 against division foes. Yankee relievers since Aug 5th have gone 12-0 with 10 saves and a 3.34 era. The 12 game winning streak by the bullpen is a new franchise record according to the Elias Sports Bureau. 11 was the record before by the 1940, 61, 99 and 2000 teams. Austin Jackson who is one of the top prospects went 2 for 2 today to finish the regular season at 300. In 132 games he had 67 runs scored, 23 doubles, 9 triples and 4 homeruns. He drove in 65 runs and stole 24 bases in 28 attempts. He walked 40 times and struck out 123 times. He needs to cut down the strikeouts and walk a little more but he is only 22 and this was his first season in AAA. I am sure he will start there next year and go from there.

Yanks and Rays play 2

The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays are playing a day night doubleheader today in the Bronx. It is Labor Day and what is better then a baseball doubleheader, well the fact that Derek Jeter could also break the all time franchise record for hits currently held by Lou Gehrig. Derek Jeter needs 3 more to tie and 4 to break it, so there is a pretty good chance he could do it today. CC Sabathia pitches the daygame with A.J. Burnett pitching the nightcap. A.J. needs to get a win as he has gone 6 starts without a victory and hasn't been pitching well at all. Here are the pregame notes and linup via Peter Abraham for Game 1. The Yankees start today with a 7 1/2 game lead on Boston for first place in the AL East and a 5 game lead on Anaheim for best record and homefield advantage. The Red Sox will finish their series with the White Sox today and Anaheim with K.C. It is Suzyn Waldmans birthday, happy birthday to her and continued success. CC Sabathia is 6-0 with a 2.45 era in his last 7 starts. Mo is cleared to pitch after missing 5 games with a sore groin. They may only use him in one game and Hughes may be the closer in the other, which doesn't seem to be a problem as he has done so well in that role. Shelly Duncan and Brett Gardner were recalled from Scranton, Gardner has been out with a broken thumb and they missed his speed, it will also help Melky who has been hot lately but seemed to be worn down before this recent hot streak. Shelly Duncan is a fan favorite so good for him. On a personal note him and Francisco Cervelli who is also up took pictures with my daughter a couple of weeks ago in Scranton so it is great to see them with the Yankees. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Swisher(RF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Hinske(DH) Cabrera(LF) Gardner(CF)

Yanks lose a ugly one

The New York Yankees probably played their sloppiest game of the season today in Toronto. They lost 14-8 to the Blue Jays finishing a roadtrip at 5-2 which overall is very good. They now head home for the start of a 10 game homestand with tomorrows doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett will be pitching the two games tomorrow. The Yankees comitted 4 errors today but there were a few more miscues, they just looked terrible out there. Sergio Mitre got the start and in 4 1/3 innings gave up 11 hits, 11 runs, 9 earned with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. He wasn't as bad as the numbers indicate though as the defense really failed him with the errors and then several miscues that cost him runs also. It was just an overall bad day for the Yankees that thanks to their large lead they can just forget about and move on to the doubleheader tomorrow at the stadium and the huge crowds that will await them as they move closer to clinching and also Derek Jeter breaking Lou Gehrig's hits record. Mark Melancon pitched 1/3 of an inning giving up 1 hit and 1 run with 2 walks and a strikeout. Josh Towers finished out the game with 3 1/3 innings giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 strikeout. The offense wasn't bad with Derek Jeter getting 3 hits, Johnny Damon had 2 hits, Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher also had 2 hits. Nick Swisher had another homerun on the road. Hinske, Hairston and Cabrera all had one hit each. It can't be any better then a Labor Day doubleheader with Jeter playing both games and having a chance to break the alltime Yankee hits record.

Yankees News

The great Peter Abraham of the Journal News and Lohud Yankees Blog just provided some updates from the clubhouse. Mariano River will not pitch today and will throw a bullpen tomorrow. If he feels anything he will shut it down and try again in a few days. Jon Albaladejo is all beat up after getting conked in the head by a thrown ball from Edwar Ramirez that he missed. He was worried he wouldn't get called up but he recovered quickly. Joba when asked by Peter is he needed to get better stated that he has been pitching well, this guy has to stop believing that or something. Joba in my mind is immature and has to learn how to deal with stuff, maybe he just says that to the media but we can pull out the stats for him and show him just how bad he has been, Joba may not be needed in the playoffs but at the same time he may be needed so he has to pitch better and be ready to go for October. Derek Jeter wants the hit record over and done with as soon as possible, he is not one to get all caught up over this like everyone else even though it is a big deal. Joe Girardi will not hold him out so he can do it at home if that is the case.

Yanks lose don't get the sweep

The New York Yankees lost to the Seattle Mariners today by the score of 10-3. Joba Chamberlain got the start and wasn't very good only going 5 innings and giving up 4 runs on 7 hits. Alfredo Aceves came on in relief in the sixth and ended up pitching 1 2/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 4 hits with a couple of strikeouts. Chad Gaudin pitched 1 1/3 giving up 4 hits and 2 runs. It wasn't a very good day for the pitchers who have been so good lately especially the bullpen. Chad Gaudin is still in line to pitch Wednesday. The Yankees did win 3 out of 4 in Seattle and will head off to Oakland to play 3 starting tomorrow night. The story of the day and the good news from this game was Derek Jeter getting 3 hits and setting the all time record for most hits as a SS. A-rod, Swisher, Hinske, Pena and Cano all had one hit a piece. Doug Fister the starting pitcher for the Mariners had the Yankees offense off balance all day and they really didn't muster much. Hideki Matsui was out of the lineup and had fluid drained during the game and will miss tomorrow and then be day to day. The Boston Red Sox lost today so the Yankees lead remains at 7 1/2 in the AL east, Boston also is now 1/2 game behind the Texas Rangers for the wildcard lead.