Juan Samuel introduced as manager

The Baltimore Orioles finally made the move that most expected weeks ago. Manager Dave Trembley was dismissed Friday morning and third base coach Juan Samuel was named interim manager. Unfortunately for Samuel, the end result was the same: an uninspired loss. Orioles starter Chris Tillman could not get out of the second inning as he allowed four runs on five hits.

However the bullpen was not any better as the Orioles lost 11-0 to the visiting Boston Red Sox. Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz was stellar as he pitched a complete game shutout. The Orioles mustered just five hits off him. Offensively for the Red Sox, they hit three homeruns (Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Beltre, and Marco Scutaro) and collected 16 hits.

AJ Burnett of the NY Yankees returned to the Rogers Centre to face his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays. He had always pitched well there, but Friday was an exception. The Blue Jays Jose Bautista hit two homeruns (his MLB-leading 18th) in his first two at-bats (he went 3-for-3) and starter Brett Cecil allowed just one run on five hits in eight innings as the Blue Jays took Game 1 of the series 6-1.

The Washington Nationals and Cincinnati Reds battled to a 2-2 tie until the bottom of the seventh. The Nationals scored two runs after a miscue in left-center field, giving reliever Tyler Clippard the win (his 8th of the season). Nationals closer Matt Capps worked out of trouble to record his 18th save. Both starters allowed just two runs, though Reds starter Aaron Harang lasted just four innings, while Livan Hernandez of the Nationals went six innings (he also went 1-for-1 with a walk at the plate).

The struggling Philadelphia Phillies used a two-run third inning capped by their first hit of the game by pitcher Roy Halladay followed by Shane Victorino’s homerun. After the San Diego Padres tied the game in the fifth inning, the Phillies scored a run in the bottom of the inning on a Jayson Werth RBI ground out to take a 3-2 lead.

Despite a bases-loaded situation in the eighth inning, reliever JC Romero got Chris Denorfia to hit into an inning-ending double-play. Closer Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth for the save. Halladay followed his perfect game performance with a not-so stellar start though he picked up the win. He allowed ten hits in seven innings, though he only allowed two runs. The Padres were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

The St. Louis Cardinals received dominant pitching from second ace Adam Wainwright as he pitched a complete game shutout. He allowed just two hits while striking out eight. Offensively for the Cardinals against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, Ryan Ludwick, Colby Rasmus, and Brendan Ryan collected two hits each, with Rasmus hitting a two-run homerun.

Justin Masterson

There were three pitchers looking to collect their first wins of the season, though only two of them finally won. Justin Masterson of the Cleveland Indians had not won since August of 2009 (a span of 17 starts) until last night. Masterson allowed one run on five hits (though he walked six) in 5.2 innings.

The Indians routed the Chicago White Sox 10-1 and collected 15 hits with Jhonny Peralta going 4-for-5 and Austin Kearns and Luis Valbuena collecting three hits a piece. Indians reliever Frank Herrmann made his Major League debut in the sixth inning with two men on base but got Gordon Beckham to fly out to end the inning. He went 1.1 scoreless innings in his debut.

The other winless pitcher, Felipe Paulino of the Houston Astros, was 0-7 this season before picking up the victory on Friday night against the Chicago Cubs. He dominated the Cubs as he went eight innings and allowed one run on just five hits while striking out seven.

For the Cubs, Carlos Zambrano returned to the rotation and allowed three runs on six hits in just 4.1 innings (he also walked three). Offensively for the Astros, Michael Bourn and Lance Berkman both went 3-for-4.

Tags:

Adrian Beltre, AJ Burnett, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Clay Buchholz, Dave Trembley, Juan Samuel, Justin Masterson, Kevin Youkilis, Lance Berkman, Livan Hernandez, Michael Bourn

The big matchup of these two-game series throughout baseball was the Tampa Bay Rays visiting the NY Yankees. Rookie Wade Davis was starting for the first time in NY and he pitched like a veteran.

Davis allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out seven. He also picked off Brett Gardner in the first inning. The Rays offense, after getting on base, ran all over Yankees starter AJ Burnett (and catcher Francisco Cervelli), as they stole six bases.

Jason Bartlett homer

Burnett struggled with his command and allowed six runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings while also walking four batters. The game began on a sour note for Burnett as Jason Bartlett homered on the second pitch of the game.

For the second straight night, the Philadelphia Phillies offense was held in check by a left-handed starter. On Wednesday night, Tom Gorzelanny of the Chicago Cubs held the Phillies scoreless through 6.2 innings, as he allowed just three hits.

Veteran Jamie Moyer of the Phillies took the hard-luck loss as he allowed two runs on just four hits in seven innings while striking out seven.

The KC Royals and Cleveland Indians were battling to move out of last place in the American League Central. Both teams received decent starting pitching (Gil Meche for the Royals and Justin Masterson of the Indians).

Kerry Wood's blown save

The Indians carried a 4-3 lead into the top of the ninth but closer Kerry Wood could not contain the Royals offense. The ninth began with a Mike Aviles triple and was capped by a Billy Butler game-tying double and a bases-clearing double from Yuniesky Betancourt.

Wood blew his first save of the season as he allowed five runs on four hits and two walks. It was the Royals first ninth inning comeback win of the season.

RA Dickey made his first start for the NY Mets as Jonathon Niese headed to the DL with a hamstring injury. Dickey, a knuckleballer, allowed just two runs on five hits though he walked four.

The Washington Nationals countered with Livan Hernandez, who allowed two runs on four hits in 6.1 innings. The Nationals offense came alive against the Mets bullpen (a combination of Raul Valdes and Fernando Nieve) as they scored three runs in the seventh inning to give rookie Drew Storen his first Major League win.

Tyler Clippard pitched a perfect eighth inning and Matt Capps survived a Fernando Tatis homerun to record his 15th save.

The Texas Rangers needed late inning heroics as their offense was stymied by the Baltimore Orioles Jeremy Guthrie. Guthrie allowed one run (a homerun by Josh Hamilton) on seven hits.

However the Rangers got to Orioles reliever Matt Albers for two runs in the seventh inning. The Orioles tied the game in the top of the eighth inning off of former Oriole Chris Ray.

In the bottom of the ninth, Michael Young led the inning off with a double. Orioles reliever Cla Meredith then walked Ian Kinsler but got Vladimir Guerrero to fly out. Alberto Castillo came in to face Hamilton, but walked him. Then came reliever Jason Berken, who allowed a sacrifice fly to Nelson Cruz for the game-winner.

jasJason Heyward celebrates

Cincinnati Reds starter Aaron Harang struggled in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves (he allowed three runs) but he settled in to only allow four runs on eight hits in six innings. For the Braves, Kenshin Kawakami was great and trying for his first win of 2010.

He pitched six shutout innings as he allowed five hits while striking out five. However the Reds scored three runs off of Takashi Saito in the eighth inning and Reds rookie Chris Heisey (who was pinch-hitting) hit a solo homerun off Braves closer Billy Wagner in the ninth inning to tie the game at 4-4.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, rookie Braves outfielder Jason Heyward delivered a walk-off RBI double (his second walk-off hit of his rookie season).

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Cleveland Indians, Jason Bartlett, Jason Heyward, Justin Masterson, Kerry Wood, Livan Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Wade Davis

The Yankees Win

“The Yankees win” was heard round the world when the NY Yankees won their 27^th title in 2009. The big three acquisitions prior to the season, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, were keys to the Yankees playoff success. When spring training opened to third baseman Alex Rodriguez’ steroid scandal and the Yankees struggled in the beginning of the season, many called for manager Joe Girardi’s head and changes to be made because the team just wasn’t good. However the Yankees got hot and the same people who were bashing them were saying that they were the best team.

The top three in the starting rotation were strong with Sabathia, Burnett, and veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte. Joba Chamberlain was also solid but management is concerned about his workload. Due to former 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang’s struggles and injuries, the fifth spot on the staff was ever-changing.

The bullpen was also a constant shuttle with Triple-A Scranton. However by the end of the season, young arms such as Phil Hughes, Phil Coke, Dave Robertson, and Alfredo Aceves (along with Chamberlain) solidified the bullpen in front of closer Mariano Rivera.

While A-Rod was out with a hip injury at the beginning of the season, the offense struggled. Once he returned, every piece fell into place. The captain Derek Jeter thrived in the leadoff spot putting up MVP numbers while playing Gold Glove caliber defense at shortstop. Rightfielder Nick Swisher, outfielder Melky Cabrera, DH Hideki Matsui, and second baseman Robinson Cano were clutch, constantly winning games late. With injuries to both catchers (starter Jorge Posada and backup Jose Molina) at the same time, rookie Francisco Cervelli stepped in and thrived (.298 in 42 games).

Burnett's pie-in-the-face

Swisher and Burnett brought a new attitude to the usually stuffy Yankees, with the pie-in-the-face becoming a signature Burnett move. This offseason has been a busy one, though GM Brian Cashman has made blockbuster trades rather than spending big money on the free agent market. The blockbuster trades have depleted the minor league system a bit, with top prospect Austin Jackson, pitcher Ian Kennedy, and lefty reliever Michael Dunn being dealt away. The bullpen has also taken a hit with lefty Phil Coke and righty Brian Bruney being traded away too. It’s a disappointing season if the Yankees do not win a World Series so Girardi has a lot to do in 2010 with free agents Matsui and Damon gone and a bullpen under renovation. Here’s their wish list:

1. Re-sign Andy Pettitte: Pettitte has always been an integral part of the Yankees. That is why re-signing him was a priority. Having Pettitte, a seasoned veteran, takes the pressure off of some of the other pitchers. GM Brian Cashman signed Pettitte to a one-year deal.
2. 

   Curtis Granderson

   An outfielder: With Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, and Xavier Nady as free agents, the returning outfielders consisted of Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, and Nick Swisher (none of them with a lot of power). So Cashman pulled the trigger on acquiring All-Star centerfielder Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers. Granderson struggled badly last season against left-handed pitchers (and overall) despite hitting for power (.249 overall with 30 homeruns but just .183 against lefties with just 2 homeruns). His defense also suffered in 2009. Hopefully the pressure will be off (he was the face of a struggling city and offense in Detroit) and he can relax and have fun. Unfortunately they had to give up their top prospect, centerfielder Austin Jackson to get Granderson. They did receive LA Dodgers outfielder Jamie Hoffman in the Rule V draft, who is considered the Dodgers (and now Yankees) best defensive outfielder. He could help off the bench.

3. A starting pitcher: The Yankees have three spots set with Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte. However the last two spots were up in the air. Cashman filled one of those spots by trading for former Yankee and current Atlanta Brave Javier Vazquez. Vazquez was dominant in 2009 with the Braves and garnered CY Young votes (15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in 32 starts with 44 BB/ 238 Ks). The last spot will be filled by either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, with the other going to the back end of the bullpen. Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre will be given a chance at beating out Hughes or Chamberlain for the final spot, as Gaudin pitched well when he joined the Yanks (2-0 with a 3.43 ERA). If anyone struggles in spring training or during the 2010 season, don’t look for the Yankees to sit back and wait for something to happen (they will probably make a deal or call someone up from the minors). Two in-house candidates are Romulo Sanchez and Ivan Nova, who both pitched well in the minors in 2009.
4. A leftfielder: Johnny Damon played solid in his years with the Yankees, as he was a huge reason why they won the World Series. As a free agent, both sides are far apart on money and years. With Granderson in center, left field figured to be manned by Cabrera and Gardner. However to get Javier Vazquez in a trade with the Braves, it cost them Cabrera. So now the Yankees are short on outfielders at both the big league level and in the minors. Many believe Damon may re-sign, but the Yankees still need another outfielder.
5. A DH: Many talked about this opening as being a good thing to get the bench players time on the field by having the stars DH. Matsui was the main reason the Yankees won the World Series (he won MVP), but he signed with the LA Angels. There seemed to be hope for former Cuban prospect Juan Miranda as he has been stuck in Triple-A Scranton. Unfortunately for him, the Yankees signed oft-injured Nick Johnson, who always hits and gets on base when healthy. The former Yankee will slide into the 2 hole to bat in front of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. The DH spot may be best for Johnson to limit his time on the field and hopefully limit the injuries.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Brett Gardner, Chad Gaudin, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, Francisco Cervelli, Hideki Matsui, Jamie Hoffman, Javier Vazquez, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, Nick Johnson, Nick Swisher, NY Yankees, Phil Hughes

The 2009 NY Yankees Parade

As the Yankees celebrate their 27th World Series title by parading around Manhattan, let’s look back to how the Yankees won the World Series by defeating the defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies.

*Starting pitching: Many questioned manager Joe Girardi’s decision to remain with the 3-man rotation, even with the pitchers having to pitch on short rest after their first start in the series. When AJ Burnett could not get out of the third inning in Game 5, Yankees fans and the media groaned about the 3-man rotation. However, this was the only poor start the Yankees had during the entire series. Outside of Cliff Lee for the Phillies, the Yankees rotation out pitched the Phillies. CC Sabathia and Burnett proved worth the cost as they pitched brilliantly in the playoffs and the World Series, both of their first times in the World Series.

* Mariano Rivera: Rivera could be the best postseason pitcher ever. His career postseason numbers are ridiculous (8-1, with a 0.74 ERA and 39 saves in 88 games) and every team wishes they had someone as reliable as him. In Games 3 and 4 combined, Rivera threw just 13 pitches to get five outs against the Phillies. If that’s not a dominant closer, I don’t know what is.

* The bullpen: Everyone questioned both teams’ bullpens heading into the World Series, but the Yankees bullpen was just a bit better. Despite losing Game 5, the Yankees bullpen pitched 6 innings and gave up just 2 runs, with Dave Robertson and Alfredo Aceves pitching 2 shutout innings a piece. Despite giving up the game-tying homerun in Game 4, Joba Chamberlain pitched well, giving up just that one run. Throughout the World Series, lefty Damaso Marte shutdown the Phillies left-handed bats, without giving up a hit. He also struck out Chase Utley and Ryan Howard on just 6 pitches. If that’s not dominant, I don’t know what is.

Hideki Matsui waves to the crowd during the parade

*Hideki Matsui: Matsui carried the Yankees in Game 6 (3-for-4 with 6 RBIs which tied a World Series record for most RBIs in a single game) and thus was awarded the World Series MVP. But it just wasn’t Game 6. Matsui was Pedro Martinez’ nemesis in both Games 2 and 6. He went 8-for-13 overall in the series with 3 homeruns and 8 RBIs. It didn’t matter who was pitching, a left-hander or a right-hander, Matsui was raking.

*Johnny Damon: Damon struggled in the ALDS and many were concerned about his production. Damon proved all of the doubters wrong by being clutch throughout the World Series. Damon’s numbers were 8-for-22 with 2 doubles, 3 walks, 4 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases, none bigger than the two he stole off of Brad Lidge in Game 4. His Game 4 at-bat against Lidge was classic as he battled to reach base and rattle Lidge, leading to the Yankees winning and taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.

The Yankees finally proved that spending money can equate to a World Series championship. Many feel that they should make it back to the World Series again next season, along with the Phillies to battle it out once again.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia, Damaso Marte, Dave Robertson, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Mariano Rivera, NY Yankees, World Series

Phillies shake hands following the Game 5 victory

Phillies 8, Yankees 6: Jimmy Rollins’ prediction of the Philadelphia Phillies winning in five games will not come true, but at least the Phillies seem to be back in the series after being down 3 games to 1. As a baseball fan, I have been hoping for a seven-game series since the teams were set. It has the potential to be a battle to the very end.

However, Game 5 did not start out well for the Phillies or their ace starter Cliff Lee. The Yankees scored first in the top of the first, capped by an RBI double from Alex Rodriguez. The Phillies returned the favor in the bottom of the inning, capped by the 3-run homerun by Chase Utley with no one out. In this game, unlike in his Game 2 start, the wild AJ Burnett appeared early and often. In the third inning, Burnett walked both Utley and Ryan Howard, leading to an RBI single back up the middle by Jayson Werth and an RBI single from Raul Ibanez, giving the Phillies a 5-1 lead and ending Burnett’s night. So much for Burnett’s stellar history of pitching on short rest (4-0, with a 2.33 ERA).

Brett Gardner crashes into wall to make the catch

Dave Robertson came in to give the Yankees two shutout innings, followed by Alfredo Aceves. Werth ripped a pitch from Aceves to center into the quirky crevices of Citizens Bank Park. Werth was running as if he hit another HR because he crushed it, but centerfielder Brett Gardner made a great running catch while crashing into the wall. Aceves then gave the Yankees 2 shutout innings before handing the ball over to lefty Phil Coke. Coke however could not keep the Phillies offense off of the scoreboard (specifically the left-handed hitters). Utley homered again on a 3-2 pitch, tying Hall-of-Famer Reggie Jackson for the most homeruns in a single World Series with 5. Ibanez came up with 2 outs and blasted a homerun off a second deck billboard, increasing the Phillies lead to 8-2.

Ryan Madson reacts to saving Game 5

The Yankees finally chased Lee from the game on a 2-run double by A-Rod. Lee wasn’t his dominant self as he struggled with his command (3 walks), yet kept the Yankees from taking control of the game. Heading into the ninth, the Phillies held an 8-5 lead and manager Charlie Manuel handed the ball over to Ryan Madson, rather then closer Brad Lidge, to close out the game. No matter who closes out the games for the Phillies, it is a nail-biting experience for fans. Madson quickly got into trouble as Jorge Posada and pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui ripped him for hits putting runners at first and second with nobody out and the captain Derek Jeter stepped to the plate as the tying run. The moans and groans could again be heard at Citizens Bank Park. Jeter could not get the clutch hit, as he grounded into a double play, though Posada scored to make the game 8-6. After Damon got another hit (he reached base 4 times in the game), Madson bared down and struck out Mark Teixeira to end the game, sending the nervous Philly fans into a state of euphoria. There will be a Game 6 in the Bronx on Wednesday night.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Alfredo Aceves, Brett Gardner, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Dave Robertson, Jayson Werth, Phil Coke, Phillies, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Madson, World Series Game 5, Yankees

Another World Series in Philadelphia Phillies means rain in the forecast. Unlike last year, at least the temperatures are warm and not freezing. Game 3 was still set to begin on-time, despite the darkening clouds and rain incoming on the radar. As many of the Phillies players’ stated, the real World Series begins now, meaning the Philly fans are going to be electric, like nothing the Yankees have ever seen. Game 3 pits the Yankees Andy Pettitte against the Phillies Cole Hamels. Pettitte is hoping to increase his all-time postseason wins to 17, which would continue to put him in first place in that category. However, Pettitte isn’t averaging more than seven innings in a postseason start, so that means manager Joe Girardi will need to use more than closer Mariano Rivera out of the bullpen. It will be interesting to see how Pettitte approaches the Phillies lineup with the two switch-hitters at the top (Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino) and the lefties after them (Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez). I suspect Howard will not see many fastballs. Hamels was last year’s NLCS and World Series MVP, though in 2009, he has not been very consistent. The Phillies need Hamels to pitch like he did in 2008 for them to be successful in Game 3. Hamels will need to keep the Yankees hitters adjusting and off-balance all night to be successful. The key to this game will be Pettitte versus the Phillies running attack and the Phillies Jayson Werth. Werth has one of the best batting averages against left-handed pitching over the last two years.

The Phillies have announced their Game 4 starter as Joe Blanton and the Yankees are leaning towards the three-man rotation, meaning Game 1 starter CC Sabathia would pitch in Game 4. Blanton had been the Phillies most consistent starter throughout the 2009 season. Blanton pitched mostly out of the bullpen so far this postseason, though he made the Game 4 start in the NLCS against the Dodgers. Many of the Yankee hitters are familiar with Blanton from his days with the Oakland A’s. Sabathia was good in his first start of the World Series, but was out-pitched by his former teammate. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts his game plan and how the Phillies hitters adjust to him. A key to Game 4 is how long Blanton goes in the game. It could be a game that is determined by the bullpens. Another key will be Carlos Ruiz. It will be Blanton’s first go-round against the Yankees in the playoffs and he’ll need to rely on Ruiz. Ruiz will also need to be big at the plate to turn the lineup over to the speed and power.

Game 5, and the final World Series game in Philly, has the Phillies sending Game 1 starter Cliff Lee probably up against Yankees Game 2 starter AJ Burnett. Will Burnett be just as dominant as he was in Game 2 or will his wild side re-emerge? The Phillies hitters need to adjust and jump on the fastball early in the count. How will the Yankees hitters react to seeing Lee a second time? A key will be Yankees catcher Jose Molina. He will need to keep Burnett’s emotions in check and to keep everything in the dirt in front of him. Molina will also need to produce at the plate or he may be the first move Girardi makes in terms of pinch-hitting. However, Girardi could go with Jorge Posada as the catcher to get more offense, but it would be sacrificing defense and stability with Burnett.

It will be interesting to see if Girardi gets Hideki Matsui some playing time in the outfield with the 3 games in Philly. He has been one of the Yankees best hitters of late (3-for-6 in the World Series so far) and I find it hard to believe that Girardi would only get him 3 at-bats as a pinch-hitter in the 3 games. We will find out how good of a manager Girardi really is as he’ll have to manage pinch-hitters and game situations, along with double-switches.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Carlos Ruiz, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Hideki Matsui, Jayson Werth, Joe Blanton, Joe Girardi, Jose Molina, Phillies, World Series, Yankees

Yankees 3, Phillies 1: The game began with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performing their hit song (and Derek Jeter’s entrance song) and most felt this was an omen that the Yankees would win. This was a game many felt would be high scoring with the bullpens battling it out, myself included. However both starting pitchers pitched gems like their Game 1 counterparts. The veteran for the Phillies, Pedro Martinez, entered the field to the expected “Who’s your daddy?” chants. He fed off the hostile crowd to, for the most part, dominate the potent Yankee lineup, a lineup most expected would kill the Phillies pitching. So far, that hasn’t happened. The Yankees are hitting .222, with the red-hot Alex Rodriguez going completely cold, 0-for-8 with six strikeouts. Pedro made just two mistakes, two sole homeruns by Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui, before being taken out in the seventh. Watching Pedro take the mound in the seventh, it reminded me of the 2003 playoffs when he was with Boston and manager Grady Little left him in the game too long (and got fired soon following). With double-barreled action in the Phillies bullpen, manager Charlie Manuel decided to stay with Pedro to start the seventh and it backfired as he gave up back-to-back hits, leading to another run.

Yankees starter AJ Burnett avoided the big wild inning, throwing first pitch strikes to 22 of the 26 batters he faced. Burnett’s curveball was working throughout the night, making the Phillies hitters look silly. He gave manager Joe Girardi seven solid innings, allowing him to go to closer Mariano Rivera for another six out save. Rivera looked hittable in Game 2, especially in the eighth inning when the Phillies had two men on and only one out. Manuel decided not to send the speedy runners (Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino) on a 3-2 count and the batter, Chase Utley, grounded into a double-play to end the inning. Utley meanwhile, extended his consecutive on-base streak in postseason games to 27 with a walk in the 3rd inning, continuing to add on to his Major League Baseball record.

Has Girardi completely lost faith in his entire bullpen? I’m not sure Girardi can continue to go to Rivera for six out saves, especially if he continues to throw close to 40 pitches an outing. We will see as the World Series continues.

Neither team is tearing the cover off of the baseball and both teams RBI machines have cooled off. I mentioned A-Rod earlier, but Ryan Howard went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts last night against the combination of Burnett and Rivera and never looked comfortable at the plate. Unlike in Game 1, Burnett only showed the fastball on the first pitch to most of the hitters and they were taking it for a strike, trying to be patient and run up Burnett’s pitch-count. That approach never really worked. The Phillies struck out 15 times in Game 2, yet only lost 3-1.

The Phillies left Yankee Stadium with a split, something they did last year in the World Series against Tampa Bay and something they just did in this year’s NLCS. They left smiling, with all of the confidence that they have retaken home-field advantage and can win three straight to celebrate in Philadelphia behind their wild and raucous fans. The Phillies have lost just one postseason game at home in the past two years (11-1).

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, NY Yankees, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard, World Series Game 2

The 2009 World Series is truly a matchup of the two best teams in baseball. There is trash-talking, with each city’s media taking things to the extreme and trying to get the players involved. One NY newspaper depicted Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino in a cheerleading skirt and called the Phillies the “Frillies”. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins predicted the Phillies would win in 5 games. Both teams expect hostile crowds while on the road and Rollins loves to silence opposing teams’ home crowds. Plus he used to being hated in NY.

Both team’s ballparks are susceptible to the homerun as they were ranked in the top two in homeruns in Major League Baseball. Both team’s lineups are the two most-prolific homerun-hitting clubs in MLB. And as Nike stated in a 90’s ad, “chicks dig the long ball”. It’s not surprising that both teams sometimes live and die by the long ball. Both teams looked beatable in their respective league championship series, but both overcame their bullpen obstacles to win and advance. Both teams are led by their RBI machines: Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees and Ryan Howard of the Phillies. A-Rod has stripped the label of “postseason choke artist” and become the Yankees best postseason offensive threat. This will be A-Rod’s first World Series appearance. Howard has continued his usual late season hot streak into the postseason, earning NLCS MVP. Both tied the MLB postseason record for consecutive games with an RBI. It will be interesting to see how the managers elect to pitch to these two sluggers.

Both teams have a few questions marks in their lineups. The Phillies Chase Utley has a 25 straight postseason games of reaching base streak, which ties a ML record. Though he has been on base, he really has not been hitting (.211 against the Dodgers). The Phillies need more than just Victorino, Howard, and catcher Carlos Ruiz to produce. Rollins will need to be the fire-starter and put pressure on the pitchers and Jorge Posada behind the plate for the Phillies to be successful. Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher of the Yankees have been struggling throughout this postseason and some have talked about benching Swisher. The Yankees are relying on Swisher becoming the clutch hitter he has been all season long and Tex to be the power-hitting, RBI machine he was all season.

Both teams have question marks in the bullpen. Ryan Madson, the setup man for the Phillies has been inconsistent all season and has mostly struggled this postseason. Closer Brad Lidge seems to have found his 2008 self. Chad Durbin has been lights-out coming in to get out of jams and if his sinker is working, double-play balls will be common. Everyone else is either hurting or coming back from an injury (Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers) or inexperienced (Antonio Bastardo, Happ). Yes the Yankees have postseason sensation Mariano Rivera as their closer, but he has been far from dominant in the last year or so. Getting to Mo has been a challenge and manager Joe Girardi has been using him for more than an inning lately. I think that the young bullpen pitchers have struggled lately mainly due to overuse throughout the regular season. Look at box scores and some pitched almost every day (like Phil Coke and his 72 games). Alfredo Aceves ended up with 10 wins, mainly out of the bullpen. Dave Robertson was in the top 5 in the AL in strikeouts per nine innings (12.98) and has been dominant. Phil Hughes has been struggling though he has been the 8th inning setup man for most of the second-half. Since Girardi seems to have lost some confidence in his bullpen, Brian Bruney has been added to the roster and could regain his role of setup man if he dominates.

The pitching staffs are evenly matched. Both have seasoned playoff veterans in Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez. Both managers have decisions to make regarding their Game 4 starters.

Game 1: Cliff Lee @ CC Sabathia
This may be the best pitching matchup that the World Series has had in a long time. They are the last two American League CY Young award winners. They were teammates with the Cleveland Indians up until last July. Lee and his Indians opened up new Yankee Stadium this year against Sabathia and his Yankees, winning 10-2. Sabathia has pitched better than ever in this year’s postseason, rather than in year’s past and is earning every penny the Yankees are paying him. Lee has made other teams look silly for not pulling the trigger and adding him to their pitching staff. Lee has been dominant in his first experience in the postseason.

Game 2: Pedro Martinez @ AJ Burnett
Pedro is sure to hear “who’s your daddy?” throughout this game at Yankee Stadium. He was not well-liked in his Red Sox/Mets days when playing at Yankee Stadium, so it should be no different being with the Phillies. Pedro dominated the Dodgers in his lone playoff game this season for the Phillies (though the bullpen blew his win), and manager Charlie Manuel is hoping for Pedro’s continued playoff success. Burnett is known to be wild but can keep the damage to a minimum if he keeps his emotions in check. Burnett got lit up by the Phillies in back in May, but that was a long time ago. Manager Joe Girardi is hoping for an ALCS Game 2 type outing (6.1 IP, 2 R, 2BB, 1 HBP) from Burnett rather than ALCS Game 5 types outing (6+ IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 1 HBP).

Game 3: Cole Hamels vs. Andy Pettitte

Pettitte is the seasoned playoff veteran and he continued his playoff dominance against the LA Angels in the ALCS, winning the deciding Game 6. That win was Pettitte’s 16th career postseason victory. Hamels was last year’s NLCS & World Series MVP. He has not been close to the same pitcher so far this year. The Phillies will need the 2009 version of Hamels to regain his 2008 form.

Game 4: Joe Blanton/JA Happ vs. Sabathia/Chad Gaudin/Joba Chamberlain
This is where the debate begins. Happ made his first start of 2009 at new Yankee Stadium back in May and dominated (though Brad Lidge blew the game). Blanton has been the most consistent starter for the Phillies and the backbone of the rotation. Both will be available out of the bullpen for the first two games and whoever pitched the least will probably get the Game 4 nod. Girardi has used the 3 –man rotation throughout this year’s playoffs, though Sabathia has been the only one to pitch on short rest. With only one guaranteed off-day (2 total) and inclement weather looming, can Girardi afford a 3-man rotation? Can all 3 pitch on 3 days rest? Gaudin only made one playoff appearance so far this postseason (1 inning) and Chamberlain has struggled out of the bullpen lately. Neither is stretched out for a long starting stint. Depending on the first three games of the series may dictate how Girardi chooses the Game 4 & 5 starters.

The Phillies won the season series in NY 2-1, though Lidge was not lights-out (2 blown saves and a loss). The Yankees are trying for their 27th World Series title (these reason Girardi wears number 27 on his jersey) and the Phillies are trying for their 2nd consecutive. Both teams have played loose throughout the postseason. On paper, the Yankees would be the choice to win, but the Dodgers on paper looked like the team to be in the World Series. It’s time to throw out all the stats and watch the two teams play ball. It should be exciting.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Brad Lidge, Brian Bruney, CC Sabathia, Chad Durbin, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Dave Robertson, JA Happ, Jimmy Rollins, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Blanton, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, NY Yankees, Pedro Martinez, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson, Shane Victorino, World Series

Angels 7, Yankees 6: At the start of Game 5 of the ALCS, it looked like the Angels were going to blow away the Yankees. Yankees starter AJ Burnett walked leadoff hitter Chone Figgins and allowed a double to Bobby Abreu. Torii Hunter followed with a 2-run single, Vladimir Guerrero followed with a RBI double, and Kendry Morales followed with a RBI single before Burnett got the first out. The three straight hits by Abreu, Hunter, and Guerrero were on three straight pitches. After the first inning, the Angels led 4-0. After the first, both starting pitchers, Burnett and John Lackey, were cruising along until the Yankees finally got to Lackey in the 7th inning. Lackey gave up a double to Melky Cabrera and walked Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter, before getting Johnny Damon for the second out. This would end Lackey’s night, without some argument from him with his manager Mike Scioscia, and began Darren Oliver’s night. On his first pitch to Mark Teixeira, Tex ripped a 3-run double to the left-centerfield gap to close the Angels lead to 4-3. The 3 RBIs were the first for Teixeira in the ALCS. Oliver had been great all season and in the postseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers (6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB in the postseason prior to the 7th inning of Game 5). After an intentional walk to Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui drove in Teixeira to tie the game at 4-4, thus ending Oliver’s night. Kevin Jepsen came in and gave up a 2-run triple to Robinson Cano. A six-run 7th inning for the Yankees gave them a 6-4 lead. The fans at Angel Stadium had become quiet (except for the Yankees fans in attendance) and so did the Thunderstix.

The Angels battled back against the combination of Burnett, and relievers Damaso Marte and Phil Hughes. Morales got a base hit off of Hughes with two outs to give the Angels a 7-6 lead. In the 3-run seventh, Abreu had an RBI groundout, his first RBI of the ALCS. Yankees manager Joe Girardi was again second-guessed for not taking out Burnett sooner (like not sending him out for the 7th inning), though in Game 3 he was second-guessed for having too quick of a hook with the relievers. Scioscia went to Game 3 starter Jered Weaver in the 8th inning, and he threw just 11 pitches, striking out both Cabrera and Jeter. The 9th inning was a bit of an adventure for Angels closer Brian Fuentes and the Angeles  fans, but Fuentes managed to go unscathed with the bases loaded, sending the ALCS back to NY for at least Game 6. The Angels Jeff Mathis yet again provided the offense at the bottom of the order, going 3-for-4, and having a hit in 6 straight postseason at-bats.

Game 6 will pit Joe Saunders of the Angels against Andy Pettitte of the Yankees. In his Game 2 start, Saunders pitched 7 innings, giving up just 2 runs. He was the recipient of 3 double plays, which neutralized the 6 hits he gave up. He received a no-decision as the game went into extra innings, a game the Yankees won. In his Game 3 start, Pettitte went into the 7th inning, giving up 3 runs, but received a no-decision as the game went into extra innings, with the Angels winning 5-4. Game 6’s weather forecast is dreary and the Philadelphia Phillies are hoping for the ALCS to go as long as possible to give them an advantage in terms of the pitching staff.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, ALCS, Bobby Abreu, Brian Fuentes, Darren Oliver, Hideki Matsui, Jeff Mathis, Jered Weaver, John Lackey, Kendry Morales, Kevin Jepsen, LA Angels, Mark Teixeira, Melky Cabrera, NY Yankees, Phil Hughes, Robinson Cano, Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero

Yankees 10, Angels 1: Yankees starter CC Sabathia was yet again dominant for the Yankees in the playoffs, allowing just one run on a Kendry Morales homerun. The only time he was in trouble was in the 5th and 6th innings, but the Angels could not capitalize. Sabathia threw just 101 pitches in his eight innings of work, allowing 5 hits and had five strikeouts. Sabathia had struggled throughout his career in the postseason, both last year with Milwaukee and in 2007 with the Indians. This year with the Yankees, the team is getting its money’s worth. In three postseason starts so far, Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA with just 3 walks and 20 strikeouts in 22.2 innings pitched. Manager Joe Girardi finally got a chance to use reliever/starter Chad Gaudin in a postseason game, letting him pitch the ninth. Gaudin sent down the Los Angeles Dodgers in order, 1-2-3. Girardi looks like a genius for pitching Sabathia on 3 days rest, one night after being second-guessed for his quick bullpen moves.

In the 4th inning, the Yankees got to Angels starter Scott Kazmir, scoring three runs, 2 on a single by clutch hitter Melky Cabrera. It could have been a lot worse for the Angels, but Nick Swisher was doubled off of third base on a fly ball out after the umpires ruled he left early. However replays showed he did not and the umpires admitted to missing the call. After Kazmir gave up a leadoff single to Mark Teixeira, Kazmir was gone and in came Jason Bulger, who had been reliable for the Angels. However, Bulger gave up a homerun to Alex Rodriguez and a walk to Jorge Posada, ending his night. From there the bullpen was solid for the Angels until Johnny Damon crushed a 2-out, 2-run homerun in the 8th inning off of Matt Palmer to give the Yankees a 7-1 lead. The Yankees broke the game wide open in the 9th, highlighted by a 2-run double from Cabrera.

The Angels are now down 3 games to one, with Game 5 to be held in LA on Thursday night. The Angels will send Game 1 starter John Lackey to the mound and are hoping for a better turnout. Lackey lasted just 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on nine hits with 3 walks. The Yankees will be sending AJ Burnett, who pitched wildly outstanding in Game 2. Burnett went 6.1 innings, giving up three hits and 2 runs, while striking out 4. However, he also walked two, hit two batters, and threw a wild pitch. Twelve of the previous sixteen teams with a 3-1 series lead have gone on to the World Series. The Boston Red Sox in 2007 came back from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat Sabathia’s Indians, but the Red Sox were returning home for Games 6 & 7. In 2004, the Red Sox came back from a 3-0 deficit to the Yankees to make it to the World Series. Yes the numbers are against the Angels but it is possible to win three games in a row.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, ALCS, Alex Rodriguez, Angels, CC Sabathia, Chad Gaudin, Jason Bulger, Joe Girardi, John Lackey, Johnny Damon, Kendry Morales, Matt Palmer, Melky Cabrera, Scott Kazmir, Yankees

Yankees 4, Angels 1: Another dominant pitching performance from Yankees starter CC Sabathia (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 7 K) and some timely hitting, to go along with poor defense and starting pitching from John Lackey, allowed the NY Yankees to come away with the Game 1 victory in the cold, rainy start to the ALCS. Expecting a good outing from Lackey, instead the Angels only received 5.2 innings. Lackey also gave up all four runs and walked three batters. The Yankees went ahead 2-0 in the 1st inning with a sacrifice fly from the hot hitting Alex Rodriguez and an RBI single from Hideki Matsui. However, Matsui’s hit was an infield popup that fell in between third baseman Chone Figgins and shortstop Erick Aybar. Matsui made Lackey pay for walking A-Rod in the 5th, ripping an RBI double and increasing the lead to 3-1. In the 6th (the end for Lackey), the defense did in the Angels, after two errors lead to another Yankee run. The two runs in the first were more than enough for Sabathia, who threw just 113 pitches in 8 innings (compared to the 114 thrown by Lackey into the 6th).

Yankees 4, Angels 3 (13 innings): The weather forecast for NY was grim for a second straight night, but for the most part the rain held out until the late innings. It was really a well-played game (for the conditions) and both pitching staffs were excellent. It took 13 innings in a hard fought battle for the Yankees to take a 2-0 series lead, heading out to warm and sunny LA for Games 3-5. The Yankees got to Angels starter Joe Saunders early (2 runs) and it looked like he was going to put together another lackluster performance like Lackey did the night before. However, he settled in to go 7 innings giving up just the 2 runs on 6 hits. He was helped out by the double play ball, as the Yankees hit into 3 of them. AJ Burnett was on early (allowed just one hit through four innings) while also being helped out by great defense at first by Mark Teixeira, repeatedly stretching for full extension to make the catches at first. However, Burnett’s wildness took over in the 5th. He gave up a leadoff double to Maicer Izturis and then an RBI single to Erick Aybar. Aybar stole second and Burnett then hit Chone Figgins. After getting Bobby Abreu out, he walked Torii Hunter to load the bases. Burnett threw a wild pitch, scoring Aybar and tying the game at 2-2. Again in the 6th, the Angels loaded the bases against Burnett, reliever Phil Coke (who also struck out Abreu), and Joba Chamberlain. But Chamberlain struck out Vladimir Guerrero on 3 pitches to get out of the inning without giving up a run. A leadoff walk by the 5th Yankees reliever Alfredo Aceves led to the Angels finally scoring another run and taking the lead in the 11th. Figgins delivered the bloop RBI double into left, giving the Angels a 3-2 lead. Aceves escaped further trouble by inducing an inning ending double play from Hunter. The lead was short-lived for the Angels as closer Brian Fuentes gave up a leadoff homerun to Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 11th, which just cleared the right field fence and just out of the reach of rightfielder Abreu. In the bottom of the 12th, Angels reliever Ervin Santana walked Teixeira to load the bases to face A-Rod. Make sense? Well it paid off, as Santana got A-Rod to pop up to end the inning. Both teams’ defenses weren’t exceptionally sharp as the Yankees committed 3 errors (2 by Cano) and the Angels committed 2. The Angels second error ended up costing the Angels. With runners on first and second in the bottom of the 13th and the clutch-hitting Melky Cabrera at the plate, Santana got Cabrera to hit a grounder towards second. Izturis gloved it and tried to throw the runner out at second (instead of the possible sure out at first). However, he threw it away, allowing Jerry Hairston to score…and the Yankees win.

Tags:

AJ Burnett, ALCS, Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Joe Saunders, John Lackey, LA Angels, Maicer Izturis, Mark Teixeira, NY Yankees