Should the Yankees remain fiscally responsible and not pursue Roy Halladay hard this summer, they will need performances like the one from Mark Teixeira Friday. On a night starter, A.J. Burnett, came out throwing flat, the All-star first baseman rescued New York by turning on a heater from Detroit’s injured flamethrower, Joel Zumaya.
The Yankees started the second half of the season and a 10 game homestand on the right foot after going into the All-star break losers of three straight. New York made a winner out of Phil Hughes, who pitched two scoreless innings of relief. The Yankees are not known for lighting up pitchers they have never faced before, especially left-handers. That was the case Friday when the Tigers countered Burnett with rookie hurler, Luke French.
The turbulent tossing Burnett fell behind on most Tigers hitters during the first two innings. The Tigers scored in the top of the first and the Yankees evened the contest in their half of the frame. Hideki Matsui singled to right field off French to score Johnny Damon. The AL Central leaders recanted the lead in the second on a run-scoring single by Placido Palanco. All-star outfielder, Curtis Granderson’s homerun made it 3-1 Detroit in the fifth inning. It was Granderson’s 19th long ball of the year. The Tigers committed two errors in the bottom of the fifth and it resulted in the beginning of New York’s 26th come from behind victory of the year.
Left-fielder for Detroit, Josh Anderson, allowed a Teixeira torch to skip under his glove. Damon scored on the play for his second time of the evening. Zumaya entered in the seventh inning but was not much of an effective reliever for the cats. He allowed a leadoff single by the Yankees captain, Derek Jeter, and a Damon double before the big bomb by Teixeira. Damon’s double glanced off Clete Thomas’ glove as the outfielder made a leap toward the wall. Mark then raked a 3-1 offering from the cagey Zumaya into the second deck in right field for his 22nd of the year and a 5-3 Yankee lead. You knew the ball was out of the park as soon as it left Tex’s bat. Mark has such a structured approach at the plate and it doesn’t matter how hard a pitcher throws at him. He can club the fastest fastball as long as it’s in his zone. Teixeira went 3-for-5 at the plate for the night. Zumaya will undergo an MRI this afternoon after exiting the game with serious arm pain. The runs recounted off Zumaya were the first delivered by New York ever.
Hughes bounced into action to bail out Burnett and punched out six Tigers in two innings with his 97 mph fastball on the mark. He scattered just three hits and has now pitched 15 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in his last 12 relief stints. Hughes lowered his ERA from 5.45 to 3.76 since joining the Yankees bullpen and switching from the starter role. Hughes has a 4-2 record. The shaky Burnett, who had not started since July 8th, was wild and only struck out one Tiger. Burnett gave up three Tiger tallies and six hits over six innings and 104 pitches. His pitch count continues to escalate but his production does not seem to improve. Mariano Rivera planted the seed by picking up his 24th save after a near hour rain delay in the bottom of the eighth. Rivera allowed a two-out double by Polanco and nothing else. The Yankees improved to 6-15 against division-leading teams this season. Detroit has lost three of four against New York this year, including the first at the new Yankee Stadium Friday night.
Parting points: Happy Birthday to Joe Torre.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Reporter Recount
Absorbed by the chalk-white laces of the brown bound ball
She saw the seductive spiral swirl salaciously through the sensational space
The roaring crowd reverberated remotely as the ricocheting pass made its fall
The limber receiver leaped with litheness at a launching pace
One fleeting grab guaranteed a gleeful response from the content, captured crowd
The audience approved the adjacent action and applauded the athletic acumen
Whistles and laughter lingered long after, heard high up by a hallmark cheer so loud
The season’s tug-of-war springing into sight by the stunning but stylish win
She saw the seductive spiral swirl salaciously through the sensational space
The roaring crowd reverberated remotely as the ricocheting pass made its fall
The limber receiver leaped with litheness at a launching pace
One fleeting grab guaranteed a gleeful response from the content, captured crowd
The audience approved the adjacent action and applauded the athletic acumen
Whistles and laughter lingered long after, heard high up by a hallmark cheer so loud
The season’s tug-of-war springing into sight by the stunning but stylish win
Friday, July 17, 2009
Seminole Scoop
Bobby Bowden begins his 34th year as the Florida State Seminoles head coach with a loaded, well-put-together 2009-10 football team. The ‘Noles kick off the season at home September 7th against Sunshine State rival, Miami. Off the field issues, ranging from Bowden’s future, player arrests, scandals and suspensions have absorbed the most of the NCAA’s alluring, authoritative ACC university. The Seminoles have some areas of concern on the field, but mostly are looking for a turnaround season and return to the top form of the glory years.
FSU will plug away on the gridiron when camp breaks in August without wide receivers Corey Surrency and Greg Carr. Safety, Myron Rolle, the Rhodes Scholar winner a year ago, will also be missing in action. Lou Groza recipient and versatile special teams standout, Graham Gano, also exited after 2008 concluded. Bowden’s boys still have a capable crop of upperclassmen with speed, skills and emerging talent all around. Junior quarterback, Christian Ponder, and center, Ryan McMahon, return at the line of scrimmage to call plays for FSU. Seniors, DeKoda Watson and Patrick Robinson lead the line backing and secondary, respectfully, and left guard, junior Rodney Hudson, anchors the team as perhaps the best returning Seminole.
The ‘Noles have enough pieces to take the Atlantic for the first time in four seasons. Bowden has been absent from the championship during that quartet of years but brings 309 wins back, along with high expectations, when the team begins play in September. The FSU offensive line represents a reap of young but manageable players. Last year the ‘Noles survived and thrived in a tough conference, hanging in contention until the final weeks. Tackles, Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders are a year older and should help to improve Florida State’s 9-4 2008 record. Despite being the youngest offensive line in football, Rick Trickett’s athletic receivers can pick apart defensive and the slack when the production plummets. Preston Parker, Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Furston are Ponder’s preferred targets at the receiving position. Senior tight end, Caz Piurowski, can also catch passes for an FSU team that was 8th in the category last year. One area the ‘Noles did excel in 2008 was in the backfield. They were second in the ACC in running the ball, but main carrier, Antone Smith, departed. His replacement could come in the way of viable backs, Jermaine Thomas, Marcus Sims or Furston.
Visibly, the defense in Tallahassee erupts with efficiency, terrific speed and a balanced pass rush. It’s no secret the defense will be a vital component in the reputable offensive college game. Markus White and Kevin McNeil replace Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett at the tackle spots. Both will need to emerge with excellent efforts to carve out something similar to the 19 sacks and 33 tackles produced by the exited ‘Noles. Watson at linebacker is a force and one of the most explosive players on Bowden’s 2009 roster. His blazing quickness combined with a natural power makes him the team’s top dog and defensive playmakers. Watson imposes his will as a rusher and run defender, and will be a key man during the four road game stretch Florida State faces in late October/early November.
FSU is a good second quarter team, or at least that was the case a year ago. Finishing strong is a valuable asset but Bowden must stress and emphasize getting off to a fast start. The secondary defensive backs demonstrate depth and one area the team should improve is on turnovers. The safety slot vacated by Rolle is one hole Bowden must look to fill effectively. Defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, seems to have some outdated schemes but a good understanding of how to pressure the quarterback. The team did struggle with stopping opponents from running the ball last year. It becomes a necessary goal to change that in 2009. If FSU creates some early momentum and can vilify their adversaries, they shouldn’t teeter out or be an overlooked omission in the ACC.
Parting points: The week is finally over!
FSU will plug away on the gridiron when camp breaks in August without wide receivers Corey Surrency and Greg Carr. Safety, Myron Rolle, the Rhodes Scholar winner a year ago, will also be missing in action. Lou Groza recipient and versatile special teams standout, Graham Gano, also exited after 2008 concluded. Bowden’s boys still have a capable crop of upperclassmen with speed, skills and emerging talent all around. Junior quarterback, Christian Ponder, and center, Ryan McMahon, return at the line of scrimmage to call plays for FSU. Seniors, DeKoda Watson and Patrick Robinson lead the line backing and secondary, respectfully, and left guard, junior Rodney Hudson, anchors the team as perhaps the best returning Seminole.
The ‘Noles have enough pieces to take the Atlantic for the first time in four seasons. Bowden has been absent from the championship during that quartet of years but brings 309 wins back, along with high expectations, when the team begins play in September. The FSU offensive line represents a reap of young but manageable players. Last year the ‘Noles survived and thrived in a tough conference, hanging in contention until the final weeks. Tackles, Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders are a year older and should help to improve Florida State’s 9-4 2008 record. Despite being the youngest offensive line in football, Rick Trickett’s athletic receivers can pick apart defensive and the slack when the production plummets. Preston Parker, Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Furston are Ponder’s preferred targets at the receiving position. Senior tight end, Caz Piurowski, can also catch passes for an FSU team that was 8th in the category last year. One area the ‘Noles did excel in 2008 was in the backfield. They were second in the ACC in running the ball, but main carrier, Antone Smith, departed. His replacement could come in the way of viable backs, Jermaine Thomas, Marcus Sims or Furston.
Visibly, the defense in Tallahassee erupts with efficiency, terrific speed and a balanced pass rush. It’s no secret the defense will be a vital component in the reputable offensive college game. Markus White and Kevin McNeil replace Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett at the tackle spots. Both will need to emerge with excellent efforts to carve out something similar to the 19 sacks and 33 tackles produced by the exited ‘Noles. Watson at linebacker is a force and one of the most explosive players on Bowden’s 2009 roster. His blazing quickness combined with a natural power makes him the team’s top dog and defensive playmakers. Watson imposes his will as a rusher and run defender, and will be a key man during the four road game stretch Florida State faces in late October/early November.
FSU is a good second quarter team, or at least that was the case a year ago. Finishing strong is a valuable asset but Bowden must stress and emphasize getting off to a fast start. The secondary defensive backs demonstrate depth and one area the team should improve is on turnovers. The safety slot vacated by Rolle is one hole Bowden must look to fill effectively. Defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, seems to have some outdated schemes but a good understanding of how to pressure the quarterback. The team did struggle with stopping opponents from running the ball last year. It becomes a necessary goal to change that in 2009. If FSU creates some early momentum and can vilify their adversaries, they shouldn’t teeter out or be an overlooked omission in the ACC.
Parting points: The week is finally over!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
AL All-Stars
Another All-Star game down, another American League domination. The AL ruled baseball’s annual grand stage on St. Louis Tuesday night to claim home field advantage in the 2009 World Series. The junior league controlled the senior circuit in a 4-3 victory. They came from behind for the fourth straight year to slip past the NL for the win.
Carl Crawford provided the highlight catch and was rewarded the game’s MVP. The Rays’ speedy and talented outfielder pulled back a homerun with a leaping grab in the 7th inning. The ball was jacked to deep left-center by the leadoff hitter, Brad Hawpe of the Rockies. Crawford raced to meet the ball and picturesquely picked it off the wall to preserve a 3-3 tie.
The American League jumped to a 2-0 lead early in the first inning off San Francisco starter, Tim Lincecum. The first six batters Lincecum faced reached base safely. Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki singled and New York’s Derek Jeter was hit by an inside high heater. Minnesota Twins slugger, Joe Mauer, reached on a fielder’s choice before NL first baseman and hometown crowd favorite, Albert Pujols, committed an error on a Mark Teixeira’s groundball. Jeter scored on the miscue for the first run of the hyped event. Mauer scored two batters later with Josh Hamilton earning an RBI.
Roy Halladay was the slated starter for the American League. Halladay was roughed up in the second by the NL lineup. It would be the National League’s only scoring on the night. Yadier Molina of the Cardinals singled on a two out Halladay offering to score the Mets’ David Wright. Philadelphia’s Shane Victorino also scored when Hamilton overthrew his teammate from Texas, Michael Young, at third base. The ball slided off Victorino and skidded near the third base dugout. Homerun derby winner, Prince Fielder, represented the Brewers only RBI in the All-Star game. Fielder delivered a double to give the NL a 3-2 advantage before the NL bats were silenced. Hanley Ramirez grounded out to end the inning and the AL pitchers went on to retire 18 consecutive batters. Adrian Gonzalez drew a two out walk in the eighth to finally give the NL a base runner. The red-clad Cardinals fans watched Pujols go 0 for 3 at the dish on his shining night. The first baseman who wears number five did make a pair of impressive defensive plays to rob Jeter and Teixeira of hits. It was the first time since 1966 the game was played in St. Louis.
Mauer tied the game in the fifth inning off the Dodgers’ Chad Billingsley. He clubbed a two out double to notch the game at three. American League relievers combining for 1-2-3 innings each included Mark Buehrle, Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, and Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon was credited with the win and the Yankees’ Mariano Rivera the save. Rivera pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth All-Star game save.
First time All-Star, Curtis Granderson, socked the go-ahead and eventual game-winning triple in the top of the eighth off of Heath Bell. Justin Upton, Arizona’s outfielder playing out of position in left, had a hard time playing the ball off the carom. Granderson was able to leg out a three bagger because Upton was stalled. After Boston’s Kevin Youkilis was intentionally walked, the Orioles’ Adam Jones scored Granderson with his timely sacrifice fly. Tuesday was Jones’ first All-Star appearance.
It was the same old story for the NL. The league without a designated hitter can’t seem to overcome the All-Star drought that has plagued them since 1996. The AL has now has a 40-38-2 record against their counterparts.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Everyday is a Winding Road”- Sheryl Crow
Happy Birthday to Brian Austin Green.
Carl Crawford provided the highlight catch and was rewarded the game’s MVP. The Rays’ speedy and talented outfielder pulled back a homerun with a leaping grab in the 7th inning. The ball was jacked to deep left-center by the leadoff hitter, Brad Hawpe of the Rockies. Crawford raced to meet the ball and picturesquely picked it off the wall to preserve a 3-3 tie.
The American League jumped to a 2-0 lead early in the first inning off San Francisco starter, Tim Lincecum. The first six batters Lincecum faced reached base safely. Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki singled and New York’s Derek Jeter was hit by an inside high heater. Minnesota Twins slugger, Joe Mauer, reached on a fielder’s choice before NL first baseman and hometown crowd favorite, Albert Pujols, committed an error on a Mark Teixeira’s groundball. Jeter scored on the miscue for the first run of the hyped event. Mauer scored two batters later with Josh Hamilton earning an RBI.
Roy Halladay was the slated starter for the American League. Halladay was roughed up in the second by the NL lineup. It would be the National League’s only scoring on the night. Yadier Molina of the Cardinals singled on a two out Halladay offering to score the Mets’ David Wright. Philadelphia’s Shane Victorino also scored when Hamilton overthrew his teammate from Texas, Michael Young, at third base. The ball slided off Victorino and skidded near the third base dugout. Homerun derby winner, Prince Fielder, represented the Brewers only RBI in the All-Star game. Fielder delivered a double to give the NL a 3-2 advantage before the NL bats were silenced. Hanley Ramirez grounded out to end the inning and the AL pitchers went on to retire 18 consecutive batters. Adrian Gonzalez drew a two out walk in the eighth to finally give the NL a base runner. The red-clad Cardinals fans watched Pujols go 0 for 3 at the dish on his shining night. The first baseman who wears number five did make a pair of impressive defensive plays to rob Jeter and Teixeira of hits. It was the first time since 1966 the game was played in St. Louis.
Mauer tied the game in the fifth inning off the Dodgers’ Chad Billingsley. He clubbed a two out double to notch the game at three. American League relievers combining for 1-2-3 innings each included Mark Buehrle, Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, and Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon was credited with the win and the Yankees’ Mariano Rivera the save. Rivera pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth All-Star game save.
First time All-Star, Curtis Granderson, socked the go-ahead and eventual game-winning triple in the top of the eighth off of Heath Bell. Justin Upton, Arizona’s outfielder playing out of position in left, had a hard time playing the ball off the carom. Granderson was able to leg out a three bagger because Upton was stalled. After Boston’s Kevin Youkilis was intentionally walked, the Orioles’ Adam Jones scored Granderson with his timely sacrifice fly. Tuesday was Jones’ first All-Star appearance.
It was the same old story for the NL. The league without a designated hitter can’t seem to overcome the All-Star drought that has plagued them since 1996. The AL has now has a 40-38-2 record against their counterparts.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Everyday is a Winding Road”- Sheryl Crow
Happy Birthday to Brian Austin Green.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Second Stint
The New Jersey Devils announced their new head coach yesterday. Former Devils Stanley Cup-winning coach, Jacques Lemaire, returns to New Jersey after Brent Sutter resigned his position over a month ago. Lemaire takes over for a team that has suffered two straight first-round playoff disappointments and hasn’t won a championship in six seasons. The Devils are looking for a chance to rekindle and reawaken the team with the coach who led them to their first NHL title. Lemaire left the Devils in 1998 with a 199-122-57 record.
Lemaire anchored the 1995 New Jersey Devils to the Stanley Cup and the 63 year old coached the team through five seasons. He recently resigned as the Minnesota Wild head coach after being with the team since their expansion inception in 2000. Lemaire stepped down, citing he took the Wild as far as he could. Minnesota made the playoffs three times under Lemaire’s trying tutelage.
General manager, Lou Lamoriello, assigned Lemaire the vacated job on Monday after agreeing on a contract last weekend. As a player, coach and executive, Lemaire is a 11 time Stanley Cup winner. His coaching resume includes stops in Montreal, New Jersey and Minnesota and now Lemaire will start his second stint with the 2009-10 Devils. Lamoriello also announced new assistant coaching positions for the team. Mario Tremblay, Tommy Albelin and Jacques Caron are the three assistants starring under Lemaire. Tremblay is completely new to the organization and was Lemaire’s assistant in Minnesota. The defensive leader for the Wild, Tremblay intends to be an influence in New Jersey’s progression on the rink. The Devils are a very offensive team, but it should be good to see Tremblay infuse his tactics on the defensive end. I think that is where the Devils struggled last season, and especially when they gave up two late goals to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 7 of the post-season. A bit of physicality would be a good thing if it means the Devils crawl closer to the cup again.
The team also announced in Monday’s teleconference that current assistant coach, John MacLean, would take over in Lowell, Massachusetts for the baby Devils of the AHL. I thought MacLean was the leading man to take over for Sutter, but he was once again passed over for the former feature flame.
The hiring of Lemaire is a solid move and I am pleased with the decision by Lamoriello. The organization is heading in the right direction and after eight seasons in Minnesota, Lemaire may just need a change of scenery to become the powerful leader he was in the 1990s for New Jersey. Lemaire’s defensive system propelled the prosperous Devils to their first Stanley Cup. The roster is in dire need of a firepower fine-tuning. The Wild teams under Lemaire were in the top five in goals against the last seven years. They were 22nd in scoring last season, so my only concern would be how Lemaire is going to guide the Devils offense to great heights. Some passion and hard work from the head coach might be enough to reinvent the wheel for 2009 Devils hockey.
Parting points: My favorite from Beck, “Girl”, resonating from my stereo. I love this weather and this is the ultimate summer tune.
Lemaire anchored the 1995 New Jersey Devils to the Stanley Cup and the 63 year old coached the team through five seasons. He recently resigned as the Minnesota Wild head coach after being with the team since their expansion inception in 2000. Lemaire stepped down, citing he took the Wild as far as he could. Minnesota made the playoffs three times under Lemaire’s trying tutelage.
General manager, Lou Lamoriello, assigned Lemaire the vacated job on Monday after agreeing on a contract last weekend. As a player, coach and executive, Lemaire is a 11 time Stanley Cup winner. His coaching resume includes stops in Montreal, New Jersey and Minnesota and now Lemaire will start his second stint with the 2009-10 Devils. Lamoriello also announced new assistant coaching positions for the team. Mario Tremblay, Tommy Albelin and Jacques Caron are the three assistants starring under Lemaire. Tremblay is completely new to the organization and was Lemaire’s assistant in Minnesota. The defensive leader for the Wild, Tremblay intends to be an influence in New Jersey’s progression on the rink. The Devils are a very offensive team, but it should be good to see Tremblay infuse his tactics on the defensive end. I think that is where the Devils struggled last season, and especially when they gave up two late goals to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 7 of the post-season. A bit of physicality would be a good thing if it means the Devils crawl closer to the cup again.
The team also announced in Monday’s teleconference that current assistant coach, John MacLean, would take over in Lowell, Massachusetts for the baby Devils of the AHL. I thought MacLean was the leading man to take over for Sutter, but he was once again passed over for the former feature flame.
The hiring of Lemaire is a solid move and I am pleased with the decision by Lamoriello. The organization is heading in the right direction and after eight seasons in Minnesota, Lemaire may just need a change of scenery to become the powerful leader he was in the 1990s for New Jersey. Lemaire’s defensive system propelled the prosperous Devils to their first Stanley Cup. The roster is in dire need of a firepower fine-tuning. The Wild teams under Lemaire were in the top five in goals against the last seven years. They were 22nd in scoring last season, so my only concern would be how Lemaire is going to guide the Devils offense to great heights. Some passion and hard work from the head coach might be enough to reinvent the wheel for 2009 Devils hockey.
Parting points: My favorite from Beck, “Girl”, resonating from my stereo. I love this weather and this is the ultimate summer tune.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Andy's Angels Atrocity
The demonic Angels continue to haunt the New York Yankees in Anaheim. Bronx Bombers’ starter, Andy Pettitte, was reluctantly rocked by a rallying Angels team on Saturday afternoon in California. The unfriendly West Coast loss saw the Yankees fall two games behind the Boston Red Sox in the A.L. East. Boston hammered the hapless Kansas City Royals 15-9 last night, as John Smoltz picked up his first win as a Red Sox hurler.
The pesky Anaheim offense got the better of Pettitte in a seven run fifth inning. Pettitte was pulled from the game rashly after being roughed up. Mike Napoli knocked a nifty go-ahead double off New York reliever, Dave Robertson, in the fifth, and added a solo shot in the seventh for the Angels. The Yankees clubbed a season-high five long balls, including two each by Alex Rodriguez and the newest Bomber, Eric Hinske. Still, the Yankees were defeated by the grind-it-out home team.
Pettitte turned in a subpar mound performance and failed to go the distance to salvage an overused Bomber bullpen. New York’s magnificent southpaw was provided a four run cushion, but could not sustain the advantage against the team’s Achilles heal opponent. The Yankees were vaulted into a first place tie before heading out to SoCal to face their nemesis. But, the curse of the Angels that plagued Joe Torre has also hampered current New York skipper, Joe Girardi. Anaheim has 24 runs in the first two games against the flattened New Yorkers. The stubborn Angels’ base running was no match for the defensively depleted Bombers and the stadium caused more headaches yesterday.
Pettitte was brilliant through three scoreless innings until the fated fifth frame. The Angels administered a 14-8 comeback victory on their mindless way of spanking the Yanks even without sluggers Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. Anaheim leads the majors in come-from-behind wins with 26, one more than the Yankees. The Angels punished Yankee pitchers for 16 hits, counting the seven by Pettitte. The 37 year old did not survive past the fifth because of the big blow off Brandon Wood’s bat. Wood, a Triple A prospect recalled on Friday, socked a two run homer with no outs. Howie Kendrick capped off the inning with a single, good for two more Angel tallies.
Former Yankees outfielder, Bobby Abreu, candidly contributed three RBIs against his old team. Jared Weaver started on the hill for the Angels. Weaver surrendered Rodriguez’s 569th career blast in the first. Arod would dish out a second serving later in the game to place the All-star third baseman 10th on the all-time homerun list. Hinske, an acquisition from Pittsburgh last week, homered in the second inning, his second as a Bomber. Robinson Cano extended the Yankees lead in the fourth inning to 4-0 when his single resulted in two runs. Hinske smacked his second shot in the seventh off Darren Oliver. Jason Bulger, pitching in relief for the Angels, issued Arod’s second tater, and Hideki Matsui reverberated as the very next batter.
The Yankees cut the Angels lead to two when Hinske lined out to second with the tying run at the plate. New York inched as close as they could manage before the Angels offense exploded for a second time. Anaheim tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the eighth off Phil Coke to put the afternoon out of reach for the Yankees. Pettitte took the upsetting loss, enduring his second straight. The left-hander’s 2009 stands at 8-5 and his ERA at 5.94 in his last four outings. Saturday was Arod’s first multihomer gem of the year. The Yankees are just 7-17 in Anaheim the past five seasons. Friday night Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees were on the losing side because the Angels staged a comeback from a 5-1 deficit. The opening game was perhaps a microcosm of the way things are headed as the Bombers close out the series today.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Angel of Mine”- Monica
The pesky Anaheim offense got the better of Pettitte in a seven run fifth inning. Pettitte was pulled from the game rashly after being roughed up. Mike Napoli knocked a nifty go-ahead double off New York reliever, Dave Robertson, in the fifth, and added a solo shot in the seventh for the Angels. The Yankees clubbed a season-high five long balls, including two each by Alex Rodriguez and the newest Bomber, Eric Hinske. Still, the Yankees were defeated by the grind-it-out home team.
Pettitte turned in a subpar mound performance and failed to go the distance to salvage an overused Bomber bullpen. New York’s magnificent southpaw was provided a four run cushion, but could not sustain the advantage against the team’s Achilles heal opponent. The Yankees were vaulted into a first place tie before heading out to SoCal to face their nemesis. But, the curse of the Angels that plagued Joe Torre has also hampered current New York skipper, Joe Girardi. Anaheim has 24 runs in the first two games against the flattened New Yorkers. The stubborn Angels’ base running was no match for the defensively depleted Bombers and the stadium caused more headaches yesterday.
Pettitte was brilliant through three scoreless innings until the fated fifth frame. The Angels administered a 14-8 comeback victory on their mindless way of spanking the Yanks even without sluggers Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. Anaheim leads the majors in come-from-behind wins with 26, one more than the Yankees. The Angels punished Yankee pitchers for 16 hits, counting the seven by Pettitte. The 37 year old did not survive past the fifth because of the big blow off Brandon Wood’s bat. Wood, a Triple A prospect recalled on Friday, socked a two run homer with no outs. Howie Kendrick capped off the inning with a single, good for two more Angel tallies.
Former Yankees outfielder, Bobby Abreu, candidly contributed three RBIs against his old team. Jared Weaver started on the hill for the Angels. Weaver surrendered Rodriguez’s 569th career blast in the first. Arod would dish out a second serving later in the game to place the All-star third baseman 10th on the all-time homerun list. Hinske, an acquisition from Pittsburgh last week, homered in the second inning, his second as a Bomber. Robinson Cano extended the Yankees lead in the fourth inning to 4-0 when his single resulted in two runs. Hinske smacked his second shot in the seventh off Darren Oliver. Jason Bulger, pitching in relief for the Angels, issued Arod’s second tater, and Hideki Matsui reverberated as the very next batter.
The Yankees cut the Angels lead to two when Hinske lined out to second with the tying run at the plate. New York inched as close as they could manage before the Angels offense exploded for a second time. Anaheim tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the eighth off Phil Coke to put the afternoon out of reach for the Yankees. Pettitte took the upsetting loss, enduring his second straight. The left-hander’s 2009 stands at 8-5 and his ERA at 5.94 in his last four outings. Saturday was Arod’s first multihomer gem of the year. The Yankees are just 7-17 in Anaheim the past five seasons. Friday night Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees were on the losing side because the Angels staged a comeback from a 5-1 deficit. The opening game was perhaps a microcosm of the way things are headed as the Bombers close out the series today.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Angel of Mine”- Monica
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sanchez Stunner
Baseball’s first no hitter of 2009 occurred at A T & T Park in San Francisco as the hometown Giants shut out the visiting ball club from San Diego, 8-0. Jonathan Sanchez turned in a Randy Johnson vintage-like performance in his spot start for the sidelined left-handed hurler. Johnson went on the disabled list earlier this week because of shoulder problems. Sanchez, a recently-demoted Giant and pitcher in trade talk discussion, tossed the franchise’s first no-no in 33 years. An eighth inning fielding error stood in the way of perfect game.
The Puerto Rico native Sanchez returned to San Francisco’s rotation and shined in his second chance as a starter. The 26 year old southpaw was so bad this season for the Giants he was banished to the bullpen last month. Sanchez had not started a game since June 22nd for Bruce Bochy’s staff. He held a 3-8 record before Friday night’s unbelievable accomplishment. Sanchez was slotted into the schedule and showed complete control in his showcase start for Johnson. He threw breaking balls effectively and only allowed one base runner on Juan Uribe’s error at third base. Chase Headley reached when Uribe bobbled a hard-hit but routine grounder then fumbled in two attempts to throw the runner out at first.
Sanchez struck out a career high eleven Padres, and did not issue a walk on the night. He fanned Everth Cabrera looking to end the game facing his 28th batter, one more than the minimum. The closest San Diego came to breaking up Sanchez’s no-hit bid was in the ninth. Gold Glove outfielder, Aaron Rowand, saved the Giants’ pitcher when he banged into the wall to catch Edgar Gonzalez’s long drive to center. Sanchez won for the first time since May 25th. The trend of terrific starting pitching continues to keep the 2009 San Francisco Giants in the playoff hunt. Tim Lincecum was near perfect against the Padres before Tony Gwynn’s seventh inning hit a night before. Johnson earned his 300th win a few months ago, and Matt Cain and Barry Zito are two performers who can go the distance. If the Giants can get their offense rolling in the second half, Sanchez becomes another asset the team probably did not foresee being a factor down the stretch. The team leads the majors in shutouts this year, with 13 total. The Giants have a great culture capable of clarifying and contending with their crippling pitchers.
The last no-hit gem thrown by a San Francisco Giant was in 1976 by John Montefusco. It was the 13th no-hitter in club history. Sanchez did his with 110 pitches, 77 for strikes.
Parting points: On July 11, 1985, Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first pitcher in history to record 4,000 strikeouts. Ryan notches the milestone when he fans New York Mets outfielder Danny Heep on three pitches in the sixth inning.
Happy 150th birthday to Big Ben!
The Puerto Rico native Sanchez returned to San Francisco’s rotation and shined in his second chance as a starter. The 26 year old southpaw was so bad this season for the Giants he was banished to the bullpen last month. Sanchez had not started a game since June 22nd for Bruce Bochy’s staff. He held a 3-8 record before Friday night’s unbelievable accomplishment. Sanchez was slotted into the schedule and showed complete control in his showcase start for Johnson. He threw breaking balls effectively and only allowed one base runner on Juan Uribe’s error at third base. Chase Headley reached when Uribe bobbled a hard-hit but routine grounder then fumbled in two attempts to throw the runner out at first.
Sanchez struck out a career high eleven Padres, and did not issue a walk on the night. He fanned Everth Cabrera looking to end the game facing his 28th batter, one more than the minimum. The closest San Diego came to breaking up Sanchez’s no-hit bid was in the ninth. Gold Glove outfielder, Aaron Rowand, saved the Giants’ pitcher when he banged into the wall to catch Edgar Gonzalez’s long drive to center. Sanchez won for the first time since May 25th. The trend of terrific starting pitching continues to keep the 2009 San Francisco Giants in the playoff hunt. Tim Lincecum was near perfect against the Padres before Tony Gwynn’s seventh inning hit a night before. Johnson earned his 300th win a few months ago, and Matt Cain and Barry Zito are two performers who can go the distance. If the Giants can get their offense rolling in the second half, Sanchez becomes another asset the team probably did not foresee being a factor down the stretch. The team leads the majors in shutouts this year, with 13 total. The Giants have a great culture capable of clarifying and contending with their crippling pitchers.
The last no-hit gem thrown by a San Francisco Giant was in 1976 by John Montefusco. It was the 13th no-hitter in club history. Sanchez did his with 110 pitches, 77 for strikes.
Parting points: On July 11, 1985, Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first pitcher in history to record 4,000 strikeouts. Ryan notches the milestone when he fans New York Mets outfielder Danny Heep on three pitches in the sixth inning.
Happy 150th birthday to Big Ben!
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