Showing posts with label 2009 World Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 World Series. Show all posts

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Money Matsui

The Yankees and their fans don’t have to wait one more day for what they’ve already waited nine years. There will be no game seven in the 2009 World Series. The New York Yankees are the World Champions of baseball. The Bombers craftily captured their 27th title Wednesday night in the Bronx, taking the Fall Classic four games to two over the NL Phillies. Hideki Matsui was awarded series Most Valuable Player. The switch-hitting designated hitter dug into the batter’s box for his first at-bat of game six in the bottom of the second. He plastered a 3-2 offering from Philadelphia’s Pedro Martinez into the stands for a 2-0 Yankee lead. It was the Tokyo terror’s bat that buried the Phillies early, and the wood that took center stage in an historic night. Hideki knocked a two-run single of Martinez in the bottom of the third and added a double off reliever J.A. Happ in the fifth for a 7-1 Yankee advantage. Matsui tore it up and chased history as he drove in six runs for New York. The Japanese slugger matched Bobby Richardson’s 1960 World Series record for RBIs in one ridiculously devastating performance.
Veteran pinstriped lefty, Andy Pettitte, earned his 18th post-season win in the 7-3 clincher. Pettitte not only pitched on three days’ rest, but he rose to the occasion to anchor a strong pitching staff in every clinching game this post-season. Wednesday, Andy tossed 5 2/3, allowing three runs. Joba Chamberlain and Damaso Marte combined for 1-2-3 innings of scoreless relief, and Marino Rivera closed things out in typical magical Marino style. Number 42 fittingly used 42 pitches to finish of Philadelphia. Old Yankee foe, Martinez suffered the loss for Philadelphia. Save for Matsui, Pedro pitched fairly well through four fighting innings. He permitted four runs on three hits and struck out five batters. The pitching prevailed for New York in the end to make the difference. Marte was lights-out for the Bombers. His electrifying effectiveness blistered the big bats of Philadelphia. Marte fanned Chase Utley with a slingshot strike in the top of the seventh to escape a jam and trotted off the mound to salvage the four run Yankee lead. The lefty flamethrower struck out the only other hitter he faced, Ryan Howard, to lead off the eighth. The Phillies first baseman set a record with 13 World Series strikeouts. He did slug a homerun off the first pitch he saw from Pettitte in the top of the sixth to pull the Phillies within four runs. Otherwise, the conference series MVP was a non-factor, as was hotshot shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, in this Fall Classic.
A capacity crowd in the new Yankee Stadium stood on their feet as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blared from the speakers in the eighth. The song signaled the future Hall-of-Fame closer to put the clamp on the former champs. Joe Girardi called on Rivera for a five out save, and Mo wasted no time in delivering. Yankee fans had to feel comfortable with their closer in this situation. The song merely meant the beginning of the end. Lights-out Rivera struck out Jayson Werth and induced Pedro Feliz into fouling out to end the frame. Matt Stairs lead off the top of the ninth for Philadelphia as the pinch-hitter. Stairs lined out to Derek Jeter at shortstop. Catcher Carlos Ruiz, a tough out for some reason against New York, drew a walk off Rivera. The championship was never in doubt, however. With a runner on base, Jimmy Rollins flied out to Nick Swisher. Shane Victorino worked Rivera to a full count before grounding out to Robinson Cano to end the game. It was ecstasy in the Bronx all over again as countless enthralled faithful fans partied into the early morning hours.
Matsui’s bat was the real story of game six. He delivered amazing numbers this post-season and was nothing short of spectacular last night. Matsui is a money player, and I really hope New York resigns him for another season. I also hope the Yankees considering resigning Johnny Damon. Damon limped off the field last night and was replaced in the lineup after scoring in the third inning. The outfielder has quietly become one of the more likable Yankees and was very much a part of the winning formula against Philadelphia. Pettitte’s performance was also one to remember. The beautiful and blissful celebration Wednesday wouldn’t have been possible without the southpaw. He continues to stamp his name in the record books with one clutch pitching performance after another. If anyone can be counted on, it’s Andy Pettitte. Jorge Posada, Jeter, Rivera and Pettitte are the fabric of the Yankees. They are the only four remaining heroes from the Joe Torre dynasty years. New Bomber reinforcements have emerged since 2001, but it was these core players who still shined brightest. In game six, New York hurlers did not falter, and the manager deserves a tip of the cap for keeping the team focused. Writers and announcers criticized Girardi’s managerial methods all season. This World Series victory justifies all those questionable moves from spring training until November. Chamberlain exhibited his flame-throwing abilities, and Marte was utterly brilliant. All around, the Yankees looked every bit the champions they were. They beat qualified opponents and racked up wins along the way in proving themselves the top ballclub of 2009. Jeter hit .407 in the World Series and Rodriguez upped the ante, landing a 27 for 80 post-season standing. The only number that really mattered was number 27. It was special to see Posada on the outside of the celebration taking place on the mound. It was as if the passionate Posada was taking it all in, and rightly so. It’s been nine years since the Yankees have tasted this moment. After compiling 103 regular season wins, and 15 playoff victories, the best team in baseball finally won it all.

Parting Points: Song of the day- “Enter Sandman” by Metallica

Monday, November 2, 2009

Dashing Damon’s Daring Decision

Closer Brad Lidge melted like a cheese stake and the Yankee bats delivered a delicious rally in the top of the ninth to take a 3-1 lead in the World Series. Johnny Damon singled and swiped two bases before scoring the go-ahead run in New York’s last trip to the dish. Damon darted to second on Lidge’s first pitch to Mark Teixeira, sliding in safely in front of third baseman, Pedro Feliz’s tag. Feliz was covering second because the Phillies employed the shift with Teixeira at the plate. Damon instinctively pulled off the double steal when he realized third base was unoccupied. Lidge, the only post-season closer who hadn’t allowed a run before last night, plunked Teixeira to put two on with Alex Rodriguez on deck. Rodriguez smacked a double to left field to drive in Damon. Jorge Posada completed Lidge’s collapse by recording his third RBI. In doing so, the backstop gave New York a 7-4 heading into the bottom of the frame. Mariano Rivera took care of business from there. Rivera, in his record 23rd World Series appearance for pitchers, quickly got three outs for his 11th Fall Classic save. The Yankees are now 27 outs from the 27th World Championship in franchise history.
Damon’s at-bat was a memorable one before his even more remarkable base running in the ninth. He out-battled Lidge with two strikes by fouling off sliders to keep the bat alive. The nine-pitch at-bat went to a full count before Damon tagged a 94 mph offering. His heads-up play on the bases was a pivotal moment for New York. Throughout the game, the Yankees seized control and never surrendered the lead. The smugness stood until the final out. Damon hammered a fastball, Teixeira was drilled by a pitch, and Arod nailed one to the outfield for the winner. The Phillies sawed away at New York’s lead by bruising Sabathia, but were unable to ever outscore the Bombers. Damon’s risk resulted in reward. He does possess decent speed, but with two outs, the Yankees had no room for error. Damon knew this, and still chose to plunge forward. His teammates in pinstripes can’t be disappointed in that success. What they can complain about is the lousy officiating. Another poor call was made by an umpire this post-season when MVP Ryan Howard was ruled safe sliding into home. Replays revealed Howard never touched the plate and was tagged out. The Phillies showed resolve by battling back from a two-run deficit. The difference last night was the situational hitting. Philadelphia pitcher, Joe Blanton, turned in a gallant effort. He allowed five hits and four runs. The Yankees were able to hit, and didn’t equivocate in getting runners home. The Phillies came up empty in clutch hitting. New York’s hefty hurler had plenty to do with setting down the meat of Philadelphia’s order.
C.C. Sabathia started for New York, on three days’ rest. The left-handed ace went 6 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits. He gave up three runs, including a bases empty homerun by Chase Utley in the seventh. It was the second baseman’s third tater off the southpaw in the series. Utley and third baseman, Pedro Feliz, were the only Philadelphia hitters to register RBIs. Feliz rocked reliever Joba Chamerlain with a two-out solo shot to tie the game in the eighth. The Phillies slugger tied the score at two in the fourth inning when he singled off Sabathia. The Bombers responded with a vibrant fifth inning that time. Derek Jeter provided the go-ahead tally. Damon added to the corroboration the Yankees are a relentless bunch with a single to right field that gave the Yankees a two run cushion.
Rodriguez was smoldering from an earlier at bat in which he was hit by a pitch. ARod got the best kind or revenge by besting Lidge in the ninth. His grotesque World Series numbers don’t mean much because the All-Star third baseman has come through in the clutch. Damon’s aggressive and assertive base-running coupled with Rodriguez and Posada’s sizzling sticks were the difference for New York last night. Philly relievers did their part in minimizing Bomber runs by throwing two scoreless innings. But it was Lidge who couldn’t nail down the final out that would have sent the game into extra innings. One thing is certain in this World Series. Lidge can be beaten. Damon sliced the ninth pitch of Lidge’s sequence into left field. Arod and Posada knocked in runs with hard hits. Unlike last season, the Philly closer is vulnerable in his second consecutive Fall Classic. Another outlandish statistic- All seven Yankee runs came off the bats of their first five hitters. The bottom of the Bomber order did very little against Philadelphia pitching in game four. Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano represented the two hits from the six through nine batters. But now is not the time to nitpick. The Yankees are the ones with the advantage, even though they will face Cliff Lee tonight in game five. New York has a two game lead. It’s the Phillies with their backs against the Citizen Bank Park wall. Tonight in Philadelphia, it will be baseball at its best and most intense.

Parting Points: Pathetic performances from both New York football teams yesterday. Both teams have major, but correctable, problems. The Giants do get a pass because they have a beat-up and injured secondary. They are not great in coverage and teams are throwing all over them. I was pleased with Ted Ginn, Jr’s historical day. Hey, it’s hard to stop rooting for any former Buckeye once they reach pros.
Song of the day- “Shiny Happy People” by REM

Friday, October 30, 2009

Big Bats Bow to Brilliant Burnett

Massive lineups and immense hitters took a backseat to prodigious pitching for the second straight World Series contest. Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett intertwined intensity with biting curveballs and accuracy to match marvelous mechanics in game two. The Yankees pulled out a 3-1 victory in yet another come-from-behind Bomber celebration. The arbitrary ace A.J. authored an awesome answer to the Yankees’ game one loss. He pitched well enough to spoil the show and steal the stadium spotlight from Pedro. Martinez threw heat in the upper 80’s and held New York without a run through three innings. The sarcastically sullen starter for Philadelphia darted changeups past the meat of the Yankee lineup, fooling them with 70mph breakers. The 38 year old allowed three runs and scattered six hits, while fanning eight Yankees. Philadelphia skipper, Charlie Manuel, sent Pedro out to the mound in the seventh inning. The Yankees scored an insurance run off Chan Ho Park in relief during the frame. Martinez allowed a pair of singles to lead off the seventh before being pulled by Manuel. Bomber backstop, Jorge Posada, stepped to the plate in a pinch-hitting role and promptly delivered an RBI single to centerfield off Park. It was only a small lead, but enough for All-star closer, Mariano Rivera, to seal the deal for the home team. Rivera worked two innings for his first save of the series. He earned his save this time. Mariano worked out of an eighth inning jam with two Phillies on base. Rivera induced Chase Utley into a double play grounder to Robinson Cano. The double play bill preserved the two run New York lead. In the ninth, Rivera struck out Ryan Howard to complete the MVP first baseman’s “golden sombrero” night of four strikeouts. The closer got Jayson Werth out on an infield linedrive before issuing a double to the relentless Raul Ibanez. Resilient Rivera ended game two by striking out light-hitting, Matt Stairs.
Burnett was brilliant in recorded his first win this post-season. The Phillies provided the Yankees with a practical lead to overcome, and Burnett was solid until his offense came through. Both lineups drove up the pitch counts against the scheduled starters and worked deep into their at-bats. The usually wild Burnett walked just two batters in outlasting his opponent on the hill. Burnett struck out Ibanez and Stairs, both looking, in the top of the seventh. Third baseman, Pedro Feliz, hit a roller to Derek Jeter to conclude Burnett’s effort and the Philadelphia seventh. Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui belted solo homeruns off Martinez. Teixeira’s fourth inning smack tied the game at one. DH Matsui provided two hits to lead all New York sluggers. Matsui always embraces his role as an abrasive clutch hitter. When the Japanese megastar is in his element, the Yankees usually win games.
The series is notched once again. The bullpens for both clubs will be critical in determining the series. It’s important to protect the leads. Andy Pettitte and Cole Hamels meet in Philadelphia for a game three Halloween thriller. Be there, or be scare!

Parting points: Kudos to Jose Molina for throwing out a baserunner at first last night. That pick would have never happened if Jorge Posada was behind the plate. Defense wins games in these close playoff contests. Without question, Molina is better defensively at the catcher position. But the Yankees do need Posada’s bat in the lineup. It should be interesting to see how the lineup is shaped for the NL park in the next three games.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Slick Series Starting Showdown

The Phillies can hammer the ball. Yes, well the Yankees pack a pretty definable punch too. The Phillies have Ryan Howard. Okay, the Yankees have Alex Rodriguez. Cliff Lee is an ace for Philadelphia. So, the Yankees will throw C.C. Sabathia as their stopper. Philadelphia is the defending champion. This, pales in comparison to New York’s 26 titles. The Phillies don’t know how to lose. The Yankees practically made their name by not losing ballgames. Charlie Manuel is a better manager. Sure, but the Bombers have Mariano Rivera. Whatever the reason may be why each team will win the World Series, the baseball universe will begin to find out tonight. Both clubs deserve to be commended for spectacular seasons on the diamond. The series is being dubbed as one for the ages, a true Fall Classic. The proximity of the fan bases only adds to the drama and excitement. Without further ado, let’s play ball!
The series starts in Yankee Stadium, the Bronx bandbox and home of the longest balls in the American League this year. Citizens Bank Park will host games three through five. Both parks are homer-happy and both lineups can certainly sock the ball the distance. The stacked lineups will guarantee run production. It should be one explosive series, even with the quality of pitching and defense on both sides. Tonight pits two CY Young winners against two very devastating and damaging lineups. The Yankees are calling up Eric Hinske and Brian Bruney for the World Series roster. Tonight’s scheduled aces may not be able to prevent a few dingers from leaving the yard. The challenge for the hurlers will be limiting the homeruns to solo shots. Both teams boast veteran lineups, with players who have already won World Series rings. The playoff tested clubs each played nine games to reach the big dance. Tonight they start their quest for baseball dominance. Raincoats and slickers on hand, game one should be a downpour of exhilaration.
The Phillies took two of three games against New York during the regular season. The series was played in the Bronx and included the longest homerun in Yankee Stadium, a 477 foot moon shot by Raul Ibanez. The defending champs are strikingly strong against right-handed pitchers. The Bombers’ southpaw pitchers should be able to frustrate the Phillies. The team slugged a franchise record 224 homeruns in 2009. The first four hitters are all capable of winning ballgames with one swing. When Philadelphia gets runners on base, the team is deadly at the plate. The Phillies are more than capable of rallying and enduring long innings. It’s vital for the Yankee starters to get ahead in the count and induce outs. New York is a very patient at the plate and also has pop. The Yankees have the edge against lefties and tend to wear down pitchers by being selective. New York sends men to the dish who do not chase pitches out of the strike zone. Manuel’s staff must choose their pitches wisely and throw with caution to the big Bomber bats. Rodriguez commands attention with his incredible plate coverage. Pedro Martinez and Lee are both number one starters, but the Yankees have had success against the former Red Sox/Met and Indian in the past. Because New York has experience against both flamethrowers, they will be aided by past encounters. A.J. Burnett is a top-flight pitcher in his own right. Burnett has credible numbers in big games, but any Yankee fan will admit they hesitate to trust the righty slated for game two. Philadelphia relishes the role of underdogs. Their outfield defense is fleet of foot and can run down balls with precision. The key to game two for New York is not allowing the Phillies to get to Burnett, and posting runs to give the hurler a chance to win. Incorporating base hits and getting the offense involved early is the element New York will focus on accomplishing. Home field advantage becomes exactly that, an advantage, for New York in game two. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. It’s more enjoyable to soak in the first game. The Yankees haven’t reached the Fall Classic since 2003. They lost that series to the Florida Marlins. The Bombers went out and spent $400 plus million to better the club in 2009. The spending spree landed a trio of tantalizing talent in Mark Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett. This roster belongs in the World Series. As a Yankee fan, I couldn’t be more delighted to see the Yankees back with a chance to win it all. This time, number 27 will become a reality.

Parting Points: Video download of the day-“Like A Prayer” by Madonna
I wasn’t too thrilled the Rockets lost their season opening game to Portland last night. I’m hoping this is really the year Houston takes command of the west.