Yankees Defeat Astros with Regular lineup

The New York Yankees defeated the Houston Astros tonight by the score of 4-1. Joe Girardi has said recently that the real competition for the 5th starters spot is starting now. Phil Hughes must of been listening loud and clear because he had his best performance of the spring. He came on in relief pitching 4 innings of shutout ball, he allowed 3 hits with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. A.J. Burnett got the start and was wild. He has had 10 days off in between starts because of a couple of rainouts. He pitched 2 1/3 giving up 2 hits and 1 run with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. Here is how the rest of the team did. Zack Segovia came on in relief of Burnett and pitched 1 2/3 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts. Mariano Rivera saw his first action of the spring and gave up a hit and a walk in 1 inning but 0 runs. He also struck out a batter. On offense Mark Teixeira had a solo homerun and Derek Jeter had a hit. Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano each had a hit and Jorge Posada had a couple of hits. Nick Swisher had a hit and rbi and Brett Gardner also had a hit. The Yankees will take on the Phillies tomorrow in Clearwater at 1:05PM. Andy Pettitte will make his first start and Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to come on in relief.

Baseball News

The New York Mets made a trade today to get another outfielder with the absence of Carlos Beltran for at least the beginning of the season. They traded right handed pitcher Brian Stokes to the Anahiem Angels for Gary Matthews Jr. He isn't the same player he was at one time, but should provide pretty good defense. The reason this deal is ok for the Mets is because the Angels were so happy to get rid of him that they are paying 21 million of the 23 million owed to him over the next 2 years. This story is fascinating to me if not a little strange. A 23 yr old prospect from the Oakland A's is leaving baseball for the priesthood, this is something you don't see everyday. The really strange thing about it is that he had a great year last year and appeared to be closing in on getting to the big leagues. The Philadelphia Phillies have signed pitcher Jose Contreras. He was ok at one time, never really made it with the Yankees. I guess this is a good move for depth reasons but I just can't see him succeeding in that park. The thing to me is how are the Mets not making any moves for a pitcher when that is what they really need. Here is a nice article with Curtis Granderson, the new Yankees centerfielder. One of the quotes that came out of this article was this " When you wear it, man it is something, it pops." That was Granderson on wearing the Yankees cap. Jim Edmonds who was an elite centerfielder at one time but hasn't played since 2008 is trying to get a job, several teams have called him and apparently the Yankees are one of them. I just don't see the Yankees going for this guy, they can stick with what they have or hope to get Damon back or maybe just sign Reed Johnson or someone like that for leftfield or to caddy with Gardner out there.

The Big Unit finally withdraws

Randy Johnson aka- The Big Unit announced his retirement this evening. He finished his career with 303 wins which is 22nd all time. Here are some more of his career accomplishments: His first game was with the Expos in Sept 1988 against the Pirates. 1st strikeout victim was Orestes Destrade He played 22 years for 6 teams 1999-2002 won 4 straight Cy Youngs-won 5 overall 2001 was a World Champion with Arizona and co MVP of the World Series along with Curt Shilling He won 17 games in back to back seasons with the Yankees in 2005-06. His 10.67 strikeouts per 9 innings were 1st all-time for starting pitchers 188 hitbatsmen is 3rd all-time 4.875 strikeouts are second all-time and 1st among left handed pitchers 7.24 hits allowed per 9 innings pitched is 10th all-time 37 shutouts is 57th all-time 20 strikeouts in a game on May 8, 2001 He pitched a perfect game on May 18, 2004 He is the 5th pitcher in MLB history to pitch a no-hitter in both leagues joining Cy Young, Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan and Hideo Nomo. These stats were courtesy of Wikipedia. I will have more on Randy Johnson tomorrow, some comments he made at the press conference and other thoughts on his career.

Playoff schedule to change next year

Bud Selig announced today that the playoff schedule will be tightening up next season. I do think it was crazy this season how many off days there were. Bud Selig said " We are going to change it, I don't disagree with Mike Scioscia. I think he was right, so we're going to try and tighten that up." The Yankees played 15 games in 36 days from the end of the regular season to the end of the World Series. Baseball players are used to playing everyday, they play 162 games in 180 days. I understand that TV plays a factor and you have travel so it won't exactly be the same as the regular season but they should play as often as possible. If a series ends there is no reason that the team has to wait around for a week. I think when a series ends on a Saturday or Sunday they should be playing by that Wednesday. Bud Selig also said " When you plan the playoff schedule, you don't know how many games the first round will go so that is difficult. There were clubs that sat around, some were necessary, but some were not." Bud Selig also spoke about looking at instant replay and reworking the draft. His big thing is a slotting system to regulate signing bonuses but we will see what happens. I don't think they will do anything with instant replay yet but after all the missed calls in the postseason it has become a very hot topic and something has to be done. I don't see anything happening with the draft system but I am guessing he is trying to keep the teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers from overslotting and getting the best players that way but the thing is those teams always draft near the bottom so it is fair in that way.

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.

Yanks workout at Stadium and Angels in California

The New York Yankees worked out today at the Stadium and Joe Girardi met with the press. There wasn't much that came out of it other then him saying the weather could change things and he is considering a change in the OF, I would think the only change he could make would be to start Brett Gardner instead of Melky Cabrera and then carry Freddy Guzman as the pinchrunner and leave Marte or Hinske off of the roster. We know CC, A.J. and Andy will start the first three games in that order but we don't know after that. It is assumed and I think rightfully so in this case that CC will go in game 4 if there are no rainouts and it is a close series. I am sure if the Yankees were somehow up 3 games to none then they would let Gaudin or Chamberlain start. It is going to be cold and rainy this weekend but I don't know if it will be enough to cancel the games or a game. This could actually help the Yankees because it would slow down the Angels but we have to wait and see how the weather plays out. The Angels were more forthcoming after their workout and it was announced that their rotation will be John Lackey, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver and Scott Kazmir in that order. Mike Scioscia had a good quote about the weather and CC according to Sam Borden of the Journal News. "I'm hearing a lot of rain, we may face Sabathia 7 times. We may play one game a week, I don't know." This is what the Angels manager said which is pretty funny, meaning he can't worry about it because there could be other things that affect it. That is it for today I am sure with news, both teams will workout at the Stadium tomorrow and I am sure there will be some news then and maybe some quotes.

Jim Rice-Are you serious?

Jim Rice made some comments yesterday at the Little League World Series disparaging some current major league players like Manny Ramirez and A-rod but also Derek Jeter. He called them selfish players that only care about individual stats and money. Is he serious about Derek Jeter, this is a guy which is widely considered one of the most unselfish players and team players. He is the captain of the New York Yankees and oh yeah he has 4 rings, 4 more then Jim Rice has. He definitely didn't do anything to help his reputation as well lets face it a jerk. A interesting note on last nights game, Hideki Matsui's 7 rbi's were the most by a Yankee player at Fenway Park since Lou Gehrig did it. Hideki Matsui said he doesn't think he has done that since high school. The 31 runs were the most combined by the two teams in any game. I find this interesting if the Red Sox do make the playoffs which I would still bet on them doing, who is their 3rd starter?? It looks like it would be Clay Bucholz. Wakefield and Dice K are hurt and I don't know if they would throw them out there but I guess they could if they come back.

Yankees Draft Picks

The baseball draft is different then any other sport in that most guys don't make an impact for several years. In Football and Basketball especially guys get drafted and can make an immediate impact in the next season. In baseball it is tough, you see guys get drafted in late rounds and become great and you see first round picks never make it. The Yankees and other teams like the Red Sox and Mets and Dodgers have an advantage in that they can overpay guys to get them to sign because the slotting system is screwed up but they have the disadvantage of never picking high. The Yankees are always one of the last teams to pick so they never have a chance to sign a guy like Stephen Strasburg etc. The Yankees signed 13 of their top 14 picks and tonight announced they have signed a couple of later round picks. I know people like to go nuts over this but it is good to get these guys signed and into your system. The Yankees have guys like Ramiro Pena and Francisco Cervelli who I am sure when they were drafted no one thought much of them but they made an impact on the Yankees this year. I follow the minor league teams and like to see the young guys come up and make an impact but don't go too nuts over the draft picks, just wait and see what happens before you pass judgement.

Random thoughts and notes

Today is the 30th anniversary of Thurman Munson's death. I purchased the new book by Marty Appell called the life and death of a Yankee Captain, i have not read it yet but plan on posting a review of it when I do. It is amazing that this was so long ago and it still resonates with people. He was such a good guy and a real blue collar guy. There is a great article about Shelly Duncan by Chad Jennings the Scranton Yankees beat reporter who has a blog, you can check out the link over at Peter Abrahams Lohud Yankees Blog. The Red Sox went to Baltimore and swept them but I do wonder with the aquisition of Victor Martinez, how that will affect other guys. If he plays first base that means Youkilis moves to third and Mike Lowell sits, if he plays catcher then Varitek sits and if he is DH Big Papi sits, this should be interesting to watch. It is amazing to me how some teams own other teams and some teams own certain pitchers etc. Mark Buehrle is coming off setting the major league record for most retired batters in a row and the Yankees just batter him today like they always do, he is now 1-6 in his career vs them with a 7 something era. Jesus Montero the Yankees #2 prospect is out for the year after getting crossed up and breaking a finger. He will play winter ball it looks like but his minor league season is over. He is only 20 yrs old and will start at AA next year but I won't be suprised to see him in AAA at some point. Damaso Marte continues to rehab in Scranton, I wonder if the Yankees will call him back up. I do think there is some sort of clock where they have too. If Sergio Mitre continues to falter will the Yankees actually turn to Kei Igawa?? Jason Hirsch made his debut yesterday and tossed 6 shutout innings could he be a guy they look too?? Hirsch has been bad but he was a #1 prospect only a couple of yrs ago. The Mets have been pretty quiet and won some games lately, can this continue and can they really get back into the race?? I personally don't think so because there are so many teams ahead of them but who knows.

Washington Nationals at New York Yankees

The New York Yankees will take on the Washington Nationals tonight from Yankee Stadium. The game is on MY9 in NY at 7:00pm. CC Sabathia gets the start for the bombers. Here are some pregame notes and the lineup via Peter Abraham. The Nationals are 6-23 on the road and have gone 3-12 in their last 15 games overall. The Yankees have won 14 of thier last 19 at home. The Yankees were 93-63 in interleague games over the first 8 years but have gone 33-27 since. I think this is the time for them to play really well again playing the NL east now for 15 straight. Derek Jeter has the most hits, at bats and runs scored in interleague play. He is also batting 339 against the National League. Nick Swisher has gone 15 of his last 46 which is 326 with 11 runs scored, 8 rbi's, 14 walks and 8 extra base hits. The Yankees were 32-31 after 63 games the last 2 years and are 36-27 this year a 4 game difference. Derek Jeter has gone 9 of his last 18 with 4 rbi and 4 runs scored. He is now batting 310. Hideki Matsui is 6 of his last 16 with 2 homeruns, 5 rbi's, 5 walks and 5 runs scored. A-rod is 8 of 45 in June and is batting 178 in his last 9 games. He is in a slump but this may be a good time to come out of it against these weaker NL teams. The Yankees have committed at least one error in 10 of their last 12 games. One roster move to report also is that the Yankees DFA'D Jose Veras and activated Brian Bruney. I am very happy about this move, i was afraid they would send Robertson back down but Veras had become useless and now they ust need to get rid of Berroa and I will be really happy. Bruney may not go right into the 8th inning as they want to bring him back slowly and also won't go back to back days right away according to Joe Girardi. Yankees lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Matsui(DH) Swisher(RF) Cabrera(CF)

March Madness begins

Has everyone filled out their brackets, i know i have a couple of them I did online. At 12 this afternoon or shortly thereafter the NCAA Mens college basketball tournament otherwise known as March Madness begins. I don't really see too many upsets this year but the beauty of this tournament is you never know, in one game anything can happen. I do like the #1 teams which isn't saying much but I can see a Syracuse or maybe even a Duke or West Virginia going on a run but ultimately im not sure anyone can beat Pitt or Louisville. The top teams are just much better then the rest of the field but once you get past the top 4 or 5 anything can happen with the rest so enjoy March Madness and good luck with your brackets.

Baseball News

Manny Ramirez rejected the Dodgers latest offer yesterday which was for 2 yrs 45 million and a player option in the second year. Today Scott Boras is saying he will accept that offer but only if it is a real offer, it is thought that the Dodgers are trying to get sneaky and not really pay him that but spread it out over a few years. It will be interesting to see what happens here but they need him and he apparently needs them as he has had no other offers. The Mets got a bit of a scare yesterday when their Ace Johan Santana was scratched from a start with elbow stiffness, he will take the weekend off and try again on Tuesday. Hopefully it is nothing serious but you always worry when a pitcher has an elbow or shoulder issue. The WBC starts next week and players will start leaving their teams this weekend.