New York Yankees lose to the Minnesota Twins

The New York Yankees were defeated by the Minnesota Twins on Friday afternoon.  The game took place at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida and the final score was 7-3 Twins.  David Phelps made the start and was ok.  He had a 75 pitch limit and only got through four innings.  Dellin Betances pitched great again.  The Yankees got hits and runs in the first inning and then didn't get either the rest of the game. 

Phelps pitched four innings giving up two runs on five hits.  He walked one and struck out four.  David Herndon pitched an inning giving up a hit and a run with a walk and a strikeout, Banuelos took the loss pitching 1/3 of an inning and giving up two hits and four runs with two walks and a strikeout.  Fred Lewis pitched an inning giving up three hits and no runs with a walk and a strikeout, Betances pitched 1 2/3 perfect innings with two strikeouts and James Pazos pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout. 

Jacoby Ellsbury had a hit, Brian Roberts had a hit and an RBI and Mark Teixeira had a hit, an RBI and drew a walk.  Eduardo Nunez had an RBI, Ramon Flores drew two walks and Ellsbury and Roberts each hit a double. 

The Yankees were 2-5 with runners in scoring position and left two men on base.  Segedin committed an error.  The Yankees will play two games on Saturday.  They will play the Miami Marlins in Panama honoring Mo as part of the legends two game series.  They will also play the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, Florida. 

Mets get good News for once even though they lose game

The New York Mets lost to the Atlanta Braves today by the score of 7-6 in 10 innings. The story of the day though was that Jose Reyes appears to be ok and should be back soon. He does not have hypothyroidism according to the Mets and him. He had it temporary for whatever reason but that it isn't a permanent condition. I hope that the Mets didn't screw this one up and everything is ok and he will be back and playing for good. The Mets can't afford to be without him this season. Jon Niese got the start and pitched 2 innings giving up 3 hits and 3 walks with 2 strikeouts. Fernando Nieve pitched 3 innings giving up 4 hits and 3 runs with 2 walks. Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect inning with 2 strikeouts. Nelson Figueroa pitched 2 scorless innings giving up a hit and he had a strikeout. Eric Niessen closed out the pitching with 1 2/3 innings of 1 hit, 1 run ball with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Daniel Murphy was 2-5 today, Chris Carter was 2-3 with 4 rbi after having 2 homeruns in the same inning the other day. Russ Adams was 2-4 with a walk and rbi and Omir Santos was 1-4. The New York Mets will host the Boston Red Sox tomorrow afternoon at 1:10PM.

New York Yankees Recap and postgame Notes

The New York Yankees were beat badly once again today. The final score was 11-0, Sergio Mitre got the start and pitched well going 3 innings giving up 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and he had 3 strikeouts. Chad Gaudin pitched 2 innings giving up 3 hits and 3 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts. The real Kei Igawa decided to show up, he gave up 4 hits and 5 runs in 1 inning of work. Ryan Pope pitched a perfect inning and D.J. Mitchell gave up 4 hits and 3 runs in 1 inning. The offense was pretty silent once again. Jesus Montero continued to make the most of his appearances going 1 for 1 with a double. He is hitting 667 so far in the spring. This guy really is the real deal, he can just flat out hit and that will carry him to the majors. The Yankees aren't going to be able to keep him down for too long. Robinson Cano was 2 for 3 being the only Yankee with a mulitple hit game. Brett Gardner had a bunt single, that is a good sign because he needs to do more of that and utilize his running game. Mark Teixeira and Marcus Thames each went 1 for 3, Ramiro Pena and Brandon Laird each went 1 for 2. There weren't many postgame notes from this one as it was a long day and a long trip. Joe Girardi said he spoke with Francisco Cervelli and that he sounded pretty good, he will see a neurologist tomorrow. That is a big test and if he is cleared he should be back by mid week. Brett Gardner said he has always been challenged since he got drafted and that just makes him better and more eager to win a job. He said competition makes him better and he guesses the others better also. The Yankees have a split squad affair tomorrow, they will play in Bradenton against the Pirates and at home against the Phillies. I will have the lineups and some notes up tomorrow morning.

Mets split split squad

The New York Mets lost to the Florida Marlins 4-2 at Tradition Field and defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 7-3 in Jupiter. Jon Niese pitched 2 2/3 innings allowing a run and striking out five. Jenrry Mejia retired all 7 batters he faced and had 4 strikeouts. Ryota Igarashi pitched 2 innings and allowed a solo homerun. Pedro Feliciano allowed a hit but no runs in a inning. Bobby Parnell pitched 2 innings allowing 4 hits, 2 runs and 2 walks. He also had 2 strikeouts. He was in the upper 90's all day but just didn't look comfortable according to Matthew Cerrone. The offense saw Angel Pagan, Wilmer Flores, David Wright, Jason Bay and Rod Barajas each had a hit. Jason Bay had the lone rbi. The other runs were unearned. The game in Jupiter against the Cardinals had Fernando Nieve get the start and pitch 3 innings giving up 3 hits and 1 run with 2 strikeouts and 2 walks. Bobby Livingston pitched 2 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 runs with a strikeout. Nelson Figueroa finished off the game with 4 innings of 1 hit ball, he had 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. That is a very impressive performance by him. Gary Matthews Jr., Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis and Chris Coste all had hits. Fernando Martinez,Ruben Tejada and Sean Riggans each had 2 hits. Frank Catalanotto had a hit in his only at bat. The rbi's were 2 for Catalanotto, 1 for Jeff Francouer, 1 for Fernando Martinez, 1 for Fernando Tatis and Sean Riggans. The Mets will play the Nationals tomorrow in Viera.

Yankees lose to the Rays

The New York Yankees lost to the Tampa Bay Rays today by the score of 12-7. It was their 2nd exhibition loss in a row. Phil Hughes got the start and wasn't great but he wasn't terrible either. He gave up a solo homerun which was wind aided. He didn't give up any other hits in 2 innings and gave up a walk. Joba Chamberlain followed him and got lit up. He did lose 8 pounds and said he was probably only at 60 or 70 percent. He said you would of had to chop his legs off for him not to be out there though. He gave up 5 runs and 3 hits with 3 walks in 1 1/3 innings. Kevin Whelan gave up 2 hits, a run and 2 walks without recording an out. Kei Igawa, yes he is still around pitched 1 2/3 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts. Dave Robertson also pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout. Hector Noesi gave up a hit and a run in one inning of work and Grant Duff gave up 2 hits and 3 runs in one inning. He also had 2 walks and a strikeout. Dustin Moseley gave up 2 hits and a run in 2/3 of an inning. He also had 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Jeremy Bleich faced one batter and got him out. Derek Jeter and Eduardo Nunez each had a hit and Nunez had a rbi. Curtis Granderson went 0-3 but had 2 good at bats against lefties. He is happy he is facing them and getting more oppurtunities. Greg Golson had a rbi and Juan Miranda had a hit and a rbi. Kevin Russo had a hit, walk and rbi. Jorge Vazquez had a hit and a rbi, Robinson Cano and Francisco Cervelli were both 2 for 2. The Yankees will remain at George Steinbrenner Field to take on the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow at 1 on the Yes network.

The New York Mets explode in Win

The New York Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals today by the score of 17-11. The big buzz coming out of this game is Ike Davis who is the top prospect and first baseman hitting a absolute bomb for a grand slam. He has looked great and it is almost coming too easy to him. The Mets as tempted as they might be and it is only 3 games so you have to be careful are better served with him in the minors and if he tears it up down there then bringing him up in the summer. Here are the summaries of the pitching and then the rest of the offense. R.A. Dickey got the start for the Mets and allowed 7 hits and 5 runs in 2 2/3 innings. He also walked 2 and struckout 1. Tobi Stoner pitched 2 1/3 innings giving up a hit and a run. He also struck out 1. Jack Egbert pitched 2 innings giving up a hit and 0 runs, walking 2 and striking out 3. Sean Green pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up 2 hits and 4 runs with 3 walks. That was not a good outing for him and Dickey just couldn't get his knuckler going with the wind today. I would imagine that early on also for a knuckleball pitcher must be really hard because it is a feel pitch. Clint Everts got the save with 1 1/3 innings of 1 run ball. He did give up 2 hits and had 2 strikeouts. There is a lot to talk about with the Mets offense, David Wright hit a 2 run homerun and had a walk. Gary Matthews Jr. was 2 for 2 with a rbi. Luis Castillo was 2 for 2 with a walk and a rbi, Jason Bay had a walk but was 0 for 2 in his debut. Daniel Murphy had a rbi and Jeff Francoeur was 1 for 3. Omir Santos was 3 for 3 with 2 rbi's. The Mets said that Jose Reyes is ok and will play tomorrow and they also signed reliever Kiko Colero this afternoon. He last pitched with the Marlins, he is a pretty good pitcher that should serve as their 8th inning guy. The Mets will play the Florida Marlins at home tomorrow.

Mets win Opener of Exhibition Season

Carlos Beltran was the latest player to be involved in the FBI investigation into Dr. Galea. He was questioned last week he revealed today. He said that he did get treatment from him for his knee but never had anything injected into him. It appears that he has been cleared as was Jose Reyes. The Mets had their grapefruit league opener today and got off to a great start with a 4-2 win over the Braves. I know it is exhibition but they want to get that winning feeling going early. Nelson Figueroa started and allowed 2 hits and 2 walks over 2 innings. He struck out the side in the second inning and did not allow a run. Elmer Dessens came on in relief and allowed a run on 2 hits and then was hit on the leg by a line drive and had to leave the game. Bobby Livingston who is a non roster invitee replaced Dessens and pitched 2 2/3 effective innings. He struck out four and got the win, which I am sure made him feel good as he is a long shot that is trying to open some eyes. Top prospect Ike Davis had a couple of hits including a double. Ryota Igarashi came on in the ninth and got the save in his first North American action of his career. Jerry Manuel appeared on WFAN today and said that Jon Niese is the front runner to be the fifth starter. He also said Daniel Murphy is the front runner to be the first baseman with Mike Jacobs being a good power bat for the bench. He also sees Angel Pagan leading the race for center fielder until Carlos Beltran gets back.

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.

Yankees win a classic

The New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last night or early this morning depending on how you look at it by the score of 4-3. This game was truly a classic, leading up to this game everyone was saying how they wouldn't get it in and all the weather problems and scenarios that would or could take place and not only did they get it in they played 13 innings. A.J. Burnett got the start and was really really good except for the 5th inning where he gave up 2 runs but got out of a jam, it could of been a lot worse. He ended up pitching 6 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Phil Coke came in to finish the 7th and walked the first batter but then struck out Bobby Abreu and Joba Chamberlain finished the inning off with a strikeout. It looked for a while that the 5th inning would really come back to haunt the Yankees. They gave up a 2-0 lead and then had 1st and second no outs and Derek Jeter at the plate. I was expecting him to bunt to move the runners over with Damon and Teixeira coming up but instead he bounced into a 1-6-3 double play. Johnny Damon stranded the runner on third and for a while the Yankees couldn't get anything going after that against Joe Saunders and the Angels bullpen who were outstanding. The Yankees bullpen was also outstanding as Phil Hughes pitched 2/3 of an inning scoreless and then Mariano Rivera pitched 2 1/3 scorless innings. He gave up one hit and had 2 strikeouts. Alfredo Aceves pitched a inning and a third and actually gave up the lead in the 11th but A-rod answered back off Angels closer Brian Fuentes with a game tying homerun to rightfield. A-rod now has 3 homeruns and 8 rbi's in 5 games this postseason. All of his homeruns have tied the game for the Yankees and all were in the 7th inning or later. Damaso Marte retired the one batter he faced and Dave Robertson pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings giving up 1 hit, 2 walks and he had a strikeout. The Yankees won it in the bottom of the 13th when Jerry Hairston Jr. who was the last player on the bench led off with a single. Brett Gardner bunted him over to second and then Robinson Cano was intentionally walked. Melky Cabrera came to bat and hit one to the right side that looked like it may get through and be a game winning single but Izturis the second baseman made a nice play to get to it but for some reason attempted to throw to second, threw wildly and it went into left field and Hairston came around third and scored the game winning run. The Yankees now lead the series 2 games to none with the next 3 if needed in Anaheim. Andy Pettitte will be on the mound against Jered Weaver tomorrow afternoon at 4:15. This game was a classic lasting 5 hours and 10 minutes seeing 8 pitchers for the Yankees and 5 for the Angels. There was a blown save by Fuentes, Mariano being Mariano and A-rod being the hero again. There was a lot of great pitching and some clutch hitting with some shoddy defense on both sides, I think the weather had a lot to do with it and I am sure they will all be happy they will be in warm and sunny southern California now for a few days.

Yankees minor league updates

AAA Scranton reamains in first place with a 5 1/2 game lead in the division. Their record is 39-25. Austin Jackson is hitting 345 and playing a good centerfield as he looks poised for a September callup and a possible big league job next year with the Yankees. Shelly Duncan is hitting 309 with 20 homeruns and 61 rbi's. I really don't know what else he has to do to get another shot with the Yankees. I would think he would be nice to bring off the bench and more valuable then a Angel Berroa but that is just me. Mark Melancon continues to do well in AAA with a 2.73 era with 34 strikeouts in 26 innings and only 18 hits allowed. George Kontos has done well starting in AAA with a 3-3 record and a 3 era. He has pitched 48 innings allowing 38 hits with 19 walks and 38 strikeouts. Sergio Mitre who just came back from a suspension for PEDS is 1-0 with a 2.08 era. He has pitched 13 innings giving up 10 hits with 1 walk and 12 strikeouts. AA Trenton- Trenton is 32-30 2 1/2 games out of first place. Jesus Montero got called up not that long ago and is there big star. He is batting 281 with 1 rbi. He was batting 356 when he got called up from A-Tampa with 8 homeruns and 37 rbi. Reegie Corona is batting 306, he is the second baseman. Eduardo Nunez who impressed me in spring training playing shortstop is hitting 312 with 4 homeruns and 20 rbi's. Jorge Vasquez is hitting 294 with 7 homeruns and 33 rbi's. He was signed out of the Mexican league. The pitching is led by Zach McAllister who is 5-2 with a 1.60 era. He has pitched 67 1/3 innings giving up 54 hits with 20 walks and 49 strikeouts. Ivan Nova who was taken in the Rule 5 draft but given back to the Yanks is 5-3 with a 2.70 era. He has given up 56 hits in 60 innings with 26 walks and 40 strikeouts. Christian Garcia is 2-0 with a 0.71 era, in 25 1/3 innings he has given up 15 hits with 17 walks and 24 strikeouts. A-Tampa- Austin Romine is the star player there as the starting catcher with Montero moving up now. He is hitting 285 with 8 homeruns and 38 rbi's. Jeremy Bleich is the big pitcher, he is 5-4 with a 3.58 era with 73 hits in 73 innings and 21 walks and 50 strikeouts. Dellin Betances is also a big pitching prospect but has struggled going 2-4 with a 4.74 era. In 43 2/3 innings he has given up 45 hits with 24 walks and 43 strikeouts. A-Charleston- They are 38-26 in first place by 2 games. David Adams is batting 296 with 33 rbi's. He is the second baseman. Andrew Brackman is the big pitcher with a 1-4 record but a 3.90 era. He has pitched 62 1/3 innings giving up 55 hits with 37 walks and 58 strikeouts. Pat Venditte is the closer with a 2-1 record and 0.64 era, he has pitched 28 innings with 20 hits allowed and 1 walk and 38 strikeouts.

Yanks/Rangers recap

The New York Yankees defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 11-1 today. Phil Hughes got the start and pitched brilliantly, he went 8 innings giving up 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. He wanted to finish the game but Joe Girardi didn't let him. I have a picture of him above from today's game. He won the WWE belt that for each yankees win whoever the player of the game is gets to keep it for the day. He was wearing it in the postgame interviews and was really proud of it. Alfredo Aceves finished off the game giving up a homerun but then retiring the next 3 batters to finish the game.

A-rod always has played great in The Ballpark at Arlington and today was no different as he went 5 for 5, 3 singles and 2 doubles with 4 rbi's. Mark Teixeira had a couple of more hits and a couple of rbi's. Derek Jeter had a hit and a walk, Johnny Damon had a couple of hits and a walk. Robinson Cano had a couple of hits and a couple of rbi's. Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher and Ramiro Pena all had a hit and Kevin Cash had 3 hits. Everyone in the Yankees lineup had at least one hit and they had the most hits they have had all season with 19.

The Yankees will play tomorrow night with Joba Chamberlain on the mound trying to get the Yankees on another winning streak. The only thing I didn't like about today's game was the Red caps the Yankees were forced to wear by MLB for Memorial Day. I just thought they were terrible and the Yankees shouldn't be wearing anything different then usual. I am fine with the flag in the NY but not red caps.

Mets win opener

The New York Mets won their opener today in Cincinatti by a score of 2-1. The Mets ace Johan Santana went 5 2/3 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits with 4 walks and 7 strikeouts. It wasn't his best performance but it was a terrible day and was effective. The Mets showed off their new look bullpen today and they didn't disappoint. Sean Green, JJ Putz and Francisco Rodriguez combined to go 3 1/3 hitless innings giving up 0 runs with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. The offense saw Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church go 2-4. Jose Reyes went 1-4 and Daniel Murphy went 1-5 with a homerun and 2 rbi. David Wright went 1-3 with 2 walks and Carlos Beltran was 1-4 with a walk. The Mets are off tomorrow and will be back in action on Wednesday night at 7:05 with Mike Pelfrey on the hill against Edison Volquez. This was a good day for the Mets, but the problem they have is can they get any starting pitching after Johan Santana, lets see what happens on Wednesday.

New York Mets Recap

The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals today by a score of 8-3. Livan Hernandez got the start and went 3 innings giving up 4 hits and 1 run with 0 walks and 1k. Bobby Parnell got 0 outs and gave up 3 hits, 3 runs and 2 walks. The offensive side of things Jeremy Reed went 1-4 with a rbi. Ryan Church went 0-3, Nick Evans went 0-4. The Mets will take on Baltimore tomorrow with Brandon Knight starting in place of Mike Pelfrey who is improving but still has pain in his leg. The Mets also played Michigan in a split squad and won 18-7. Freddy Garcia went 2 innings giving up 3 hits with 0 runs and 1 strikeout. Tim Redding only pitched 1/3 of an inning giving up 5 hits and 5 runs with 1 strikeout. Sean Green pitched a perfect inning and Conor Robertson brother of Yankee Dave Robertson pitched 2 perfect innings with 3 strikeouts. Rob Mackowiak was the hitting star going 2-4 with 6 rbi and 2 walks. Bobby Kielty went 2-4 with 3 rbi. Brian Schneider went 1-2, Luis Castillo went 1-4 with a rbi.

New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers

The Yankees finally got another win tonight in Tampa beating Detroit 7-3. CC Sabathia made his debut and gave up 1 unearned run in 2 innings of work. He gave up 2 hits with 2 strikeouts. Alfredo Aceves vying for the long relief spot pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up 0 runs on 1 hit with 1 walk and 1 strikeout. Jose Veras pitched 1 inning with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts and Dave Robertson pitched a perfect inning striking out the side. On the offensive side Brett Gardner had a hit, he also made a nice catch in CF. Johnny Damon had a hit and rbi, Nick Swisher had a walk and a rbi. Jorge Posada had a hit, Cody Ransom had a hit and two stellar defensive plays at third base. Austin Jackson and Jesus Montero the 2 top rated prospects in the system each had a hit. Brian Cashman stated that as of right now surgery is not scheduled for Arod but that he is staying in Colorado for the forseable future. I am thinking they are keeping him there for a few more days to let him work out and the Dr. can watch him to see how he responds. I am guessing we should know by the middle of next week for sure if he will play or have the surgery. It looks like the Yankees are trying to get as much information as possible about this and not rush into a decision, I think arod will try and play through it but we will see, Cash has not had any contact with other teams about a trade.

New York Mets Recap

The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals today 6-4. Mike Pelfrey got the start going 3 innings giving up 5 hits and 3 runs with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. Livan Hernandez went 2 2/3 innings giving up 5 hits 3 runs with 3 walks and 1 strikeout. Duaner Sanchez pitched a perfect inning. Angel Pagan had a hit on the offensive side, Tatis had a hit and a rbi and Ramon Castro had a hit and 3 rbi. The Mets will take on team Italy at Tradition Field tomorrow. The big news of the day for the Mets was that Johan Santana threw a 42 pitch bullpen session today and felt fine, they say there is no need for a MRI and Santana says he still wants to pitch opening day.