Game 75: Yankees at Dodgers

The Yankees have split the first two games in this series against the Dodgers (which has been way overblown by the media) and tonight they look for the series win against Clayton Kershaw. Here is the starting lineup via Chad Jennings…

SS Derek Jeter

RF Nick Swisher

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

C Jorge Posada

CF Curtis Granderson

LF Brett Gardner

LHP Andy Pettitte

"Joe Girardi and the Yankees will say farewell to Joe Torre and the Dodgers tonight." Photo Credit: Getty Images via Yahoo Sports.

Interleague coming to an end…

Tonight the Yankees will play their final game against a National League team in 2010 except of course if they make it to the World Series. Since the Yankees will be returning to American League style baseball and rules, I’d have to imagine we will see a roster move coming up. The Yankees could of course stick with their current bench of Colin Curtis, Chad Huffman, Kevin Russo, Ramiro Pena, and Francisco Cervelli. However, it wouldn’t be out of proportion to think that a move may be made. In addition, I’d love to see Mark Melancon or Jonathan Albaladejo brought up to help out the bullpen.

Eiland returning…

Marc Carig reports that pitching coach Dave Eiland will return to the team on Tuesday after taking time away for personal reasons. It seems many people have liked blaming any recent pitching issues on Eiland’s absence so I guess that is finally over. Anyway, I hope all is well with Dave’s personal life and I am glad to have him back.

Brackman makes AA debut…

Just the other day I mentioned that the Yankees planned to promote Andrew Brackman to Double-A in the near future and it has happened. Brackman made his Trenton debut yesterday and pitched respectably, not that numbers mean much in the minors. Mike Ashmore has excellent coverage of Brackman’s start which includes over 1000 words worth of info, 5 exclusive photos, and 12 exclusive videos. You really should check it out.

Culver debuts

2010 draftee, Cito Culver, already has two games of professional baseball under his belt (and one hit). How’s that for signing extremely quickly? Anyway, the Daily News has a great article on Culver. It’s definitely worth the read.

"A-Rod will have to say goodbye tonight to Manny for the forseeable future." Photo Credit: Getty Images via Yahoo Sports.

Game 51: Memorial Day Matinée

After taking 2 out of 3 from the Indians at home, the Yankees look to make it 3 out 4 today against Mitch Talbot. Anyway, today is Memorial Day. Most people think of Memorial Day as a day when people get together and barbeque, and that’s great. But, let’s not forget what this holiday is really about. Memorial Day is about honoring and remembering all the people who have served the United States. I digress, here is the starting lineup via Chad Jennings…

SS Derek Jeter

CF Curtis Granderson

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

RF Nick Swisher

DH Juan Miranda

C Francisco Cervelli

LF Brett Gardner

LHP Andy Pettitte

"Go get them Andy!" Photo Credit: Getty Images via Yahoo Sports.

Miranda’s long journey

Chad Jennings had a great feature with Juan Miranda and how he got to where he is today. Originally from Cuba, he escaped to the Dominican Republic on his seventh attempt. Check out the article, it is just a great story.

Posada recovering

Jorge Posada seems to be quickly recovering from a hariline fracture in his foot. Everyday the Yankees seem more and more optimistic about Posada’s return. Here’s what Girardi had to say yesterday:

“If he feels good tomorrow you might even see him run on the field. If he’s OK to do that, we could have a player fairly soon.”

Has Teixeira really been that bad?

Obviously Teixeira had a poor April, but we just chalked that up to early season struggles. But now as we near the end of May, Teixeira’s average still sits at  .221 and the general feeling is that he has been pretty bad in May as well. However, that may not be the case. Take a minute to guess what his numbers are this month. Do you have something in your head? Okay.

In the month of May this year Teixeira has put up the following line:

AVG: .281 OBP: .364 HR: 6 RBI: 25

While those numbers are quite his normal numbers, they certainly aren’t bad. In addition, Teixeira has a .233 BABIP this season compared to his career .305 BABIP. If you are familiar with batting average on balls in play (BABIP) you know that when a player hits way under his career BABIP, he is usually experiencing bad luck.

Alex Rodriguez: “One class act.”

Because I know the media and many people will quickly forget this, I wanted to bring it up. After the game in which A-Rod lined a ball up the middle that hit Indians pitcher David Huff on the head causing him to go the hospital, A-Rod went to go visit Huff in the hospital but since he was already released A-Rod called Huff to check up on him. Huff really appreciated A-Rod kindness and had this to say:

“I’d like to thank the Yankees team doctors and our training for making sure i was ok. I’d also like to thank the NY Yankees security staff for taking care of my family, they were amazing. finally, to A Rod for contacting me on his way to the hospital, one class act. Everything is good. It was a little scary but I’m out of the hospital now and with my family. Thank you all for you concern and support.”

But we all know most people will forget this in a few days but if A-Rod steps on a bug it will be talked about for months.

Game 43: Yankees at Mets

After winning game 1 of the Subway Series last night, the Yankees will take on the Mets once again tonight. Here is the starting lineup the Yankees will send out to face Mike Pelfrey via Rick Carpiniello…

SS Derek Jeter

CF Brett Gardner

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

RF Nick Swisher

C Francisco Cervelli

LF Randy Winn

P Phil Hughes

I am excited yet apprehensive to see Hughes hit tonight. Photo Credit: Getty Images via Yahoo Sports.

Fate of the Empire State Building

According to Sam Borden, the winner of this series will determine what color lights the Empire State Building will display (blue and white for the Yankees, blue and orange for the Mets). As of now the north and south side of the building are Yankee themed while the east and west are Mets themed. I really hope the Yankees win, not only because I’m a Yankee fan, but because the Empire State Building with blue and orange lights would be quite the eyesore.

The state of Javy

Last night Javier Vazquez was one hitting the Mets through six innings. Unfortunately in the top of the seventh Javy got nicked on his right index finger as he fouled a bunt off. Vazquez did lay down a beautiful sacrifice bunt on the next pitch, but he would not go out to pitch another inning. Javy wasn’t in much pain and he didn’t even realize his finger was bleeding until he took off his batting gloves. The Yankees expect to know more tomorrow on whether he can make his next start. Here are some of the things Vazquez had to say after the game.

“I feel so embarrassed because I’ve been doing this so many years in the National League and this has never happened to me.” [When asked about getting hit by the pitch on a bunt].

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to make my next start.”

Jeremy Bleich to undergo surgery

According to Tim Bontemps, Jeremy Bleich is probably going to need shoulder surgery. Bleich is a left-handed pitcher and one of the Yankees top prospects. Let’s just hope the surgery is successful and he comes back true to form because shoulder surgery is a scary thing.

Granderson progressing

Last night Curtis Granderson who is currently on the 15-day DL left the team to join the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees for a rehab assignment. Granderson is expected to play 5-6 games with Scranton and if all goes well he could be back with New York at the end of next week. Great news!

Game 38: Red Sox at Yankees

Tonight, the Boston Red Sox come to town. After making to trips to Boston, the Yankees will now take on Boston at home. However, this is only a two game series. Anyway, here is the starting lineup the Yankees will send out to face Daisuke Matsuzaka via Chad Jennings…

SS Derek Jeter

CF Brett Gardner

1B Mark Teixeira

DH Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

C Francisco Cervelli

RF Marcus Thames

LF Randy Winn

3B Ramiro Pena

RHP Philip Joseph Hughes

Photo Credit: Getty Images via Yahoo Sports

Johnson to undergo surgery

As I mentioned the other day, there was a chance that Nick Johnson would have to undergo surgery to repair his right wrist. Unfortunately, that chance has become reality. Johnson will most likely have the surgery tomorrow and miss 4-6 weeks. While this is certainly not good news, it is better that the Yankees decided quickly that surgery is necessary rather than waiting it out and further delaying the inevitable. With Johnson out for the foreseeable future the Yankees may look for a more permanent DH while Johnson is out. In my opinion, I’d stick with Juan Miranda in the DH spot and Jorge Posada when he’s not catching or sitting out. If that really seems to not work out, I might look into pursuing Jermaine Dye. Once again, just my opinion.

Why was Javy skipped again?

As you may know, the Yankees have opted to skip Javier Vazquez’s start and push him back to Friday. At first I really questioned the move. He is coming off a very good start and he needs to build on that, so why skip him? Well, Benjamin Kabak of RAB analyzed the situation well. Among his many points, one was that by skipping Vazquez the rotation is lined up well. I recommend reading Ben’s write-up for a good take on the situation.

Curtis is feeling better

As you know Curtis Granderson is on the 15-day DL. Fortunately, it looks like he is making good progress. Yesterday he performed eight 60 yard runs and said he was at about 75%. He also hit balls off a tee. Today he took some fly balls in center field during the Yankees batting practice and in Chad Jennings’ opinion Granderson looked “pretty comfortable” and he moved “better than expected.” Hopefully Granderson can get in some rehab games not far from now, although he went on the DL just 17 days ago it feels like a lot longer.

CHoP Returns

Earlier today the Yankees activated reliever Chan Ho Park off the DL and sent starting pitcher Ivan Nova down to Scranton. I’m really glad that Park is back as he has the ability to create some stability in a somewhat unstable bullpen. As far as Ivan Nova goes, I’m sure there is a less valuable bullpen arm that could have been sent down instead (*cough*cough*Boone Logan*), but in the end this was the smart decision. Why? Simply because Ivan Nova is a starter and he needs to be racking up as many innings as possible, not being used sparingly in the major league bullpen. Sorry Boone, I know my dislike is a bit uncredited.

Game 33: Yankees at Tigers

Earlier today the Yankees lost to the Tigerrs and Rick Porcello by the score of 2-0. While it is no fun to see the team lose, I can’t help but not feel too bad about the game, and I’m sure you know why. Javier Vazquez, after starting the year off poorly pitched very well earlier. He went seven innings and only allowed two runs while striking out seven and only walking two batters. Another good sign was that hitters swung and missed sixteen times against Javy. “Nice to Javier you back, Javier” Tonight the Yankees will play again in the second of game of this doubleheader. Here is the starting lineup via Chad Jennings…

DH Derek Jeter

CF Brett Gardner

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

RF Nick Swisher

LF Marcus Thames

C Francisco Cervelli

SS Ramiro Pena

RHP Phil Hughes

"Go out and end this losing streak, Phil. Do it for Javy"

Aceves to the DL

Earlier today the Yankees placed Alfredo Aceves on the 15-day DL with a bulging disc in his back. Back issues can be quite problematic, and considering Aceves has had back issues in the past, I wouldn’t expect him back soon. The Yankees may want to find out why Aceves keeps hurting his back and try to fix the problem instead of just having him rest until he feels better.

Golson back

With Aceves hitting the DL, the Yankees called up speedy outfielder Greg Golson. In the ninth inning of today’s game, Kevin Russo pinch ran for Jorge Posada. Not to knock Russo’s speed or anything, but I have no clue why Golson wasn’t running in that spot. Oh well, it doesn’t matter now. We’ve seen a lot of roster moves lately, and there will be more to come. Supposedly the Yankees have a mystery pitcher (probably Albaladejo) waiting at the hotel in Detroit just in case he is needed to be called up. Also, I would expect to see Juan Miranda called up sooner than later.

Game 31: Yankees at Tigers

After coming off yet another series win yesterday, the Yankees will begin a four game series in Detroit today. Here is the starting lineup via Chad Jennings…

SS Derek Jeter

RF Nick Swisher

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

C Jorge Posada

DH Marcus Thames – it’s a good thing he’s not in left field

CF Brett Gardner

LF Randy Winn

RHP Sergio Mitre – starting for Andy Pettitte

Not everybody is a fan of this guy, but you've got to admit he does have a pretty cool name.

Ivan Nova Called Up

Photo credit: Mike Ashmore

Earlier today the Yankees called up starting pitcher Ivan Nova. Nova will be in the bullpen for the time being. I was thinking that the Yankees should start Nova tonight and have Mitre in the bullpen, but Chad Jennings reported that Nova would arrive just before the game starts, so I guess my idea wouldn’t work anyway. To make room on the active roster, Romulo Sanchez, who pitched last night, was sent down.

Chan Ho Park on his way back

Park threw a 45 pitch bullpen session today and will throw a rehab session in extended Spring Training on Wednesday. From there he will most likely see one or two rehab games and should then return to the major league bullpen.

Dallas Braden

Yesterday Braden pitched a perfect game, and I congratulate him for that, and I thank him for beating the Rays. I have tried to stay away from writing about him, but for those of you who want to discuss his antics I recommend checking out Matthew Vereb’s of take on Braden.

Game 30: Yankees at Red Sox

After winning the first two games of this series, the Yankees will go for the sweep tonight as they take on Jon Lester. Here is the starting lineup via Chad Jennings…

SS Derek Jeter

RF Nick Swisher

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

DH Jorge Posada – back in the lineup after being out

LF Marcus Thames

C Francisco Cervelli

CF Brett Gardner

RHP A.J. Burnett

Today is Mother's Day, and players around the majors have been and will be wearing and using pink bracelets and pink bats in support of the fight against breast cancer.

Injury Updates

• Chan Ho Park threw another bullpen session today, and could see a rehab game soon.
• Alfredo Aceves may be available tomorrow.
• Andy Pettitte will return to the rotation this coming Saturday against Minnesota.

Enjoy the game!

Game 26: Orioles at Yankees

After winning the opening game of this series against the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees are looking to take game two and secure another series win tonight. Here is the lineup for tonight via Chad Jennings…

DH Derek Jeter

RF Nick Swisher

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

LF Marcus Thames

CF Brett Gardner

C Francisco Cervelli

SS Ramiro Pena

RHP A.J. Burnett

Golson up; Melancon down

Earlier today Donnie Collins reported that the Yankees called up outfielder Greg Golson. Golson assets are his speed and his glove, his bat is still however unproven. To make room for Golson on the roster, recently promoted Mark Melancon was sent down. I really wish the Yankees sent down Boone Logan instead of Melancon, oh well.

Game 24: White Sox at Yankees

First of all I would like to apologize about the lack of posts recently. I’ve been really preoccupied lately because of a death in my family. While I still may be away from the blogging world for a little while longer, I have time on my hands today.

Here is the starting lineup for the Yankees today…

SS Derek Jeter

1B Nick Johnson

DH Mark Teixeira

RF Nick Swisher

2B Robinson Cano

C Jorge Posada

LF Marcus Thames

CF Brett Gardner

3B Ramiro Pena

RHP Phil Hughes

Interesting lineup, isn’t it?

Granderson Goes Down

Unfortunately, Curtis Granderson had to leave yesterday’s ballgame with a grade II left groin strain. Will Carroll thinks Curtis could be back in 2–4 weeks, and if he is right this injury wouldn’t be too damaging to the team. As of now the Yankees have called up Mark Melancon to take Granderson’s roster spot, but we should expect an outfielder to be called up in the next few days. Chad Huffman and Greg Golson are two options waiting in Scranton.

What to Make of Vazquez

Javier Vazquez pitched in his fifth start of the year yesterday, and was once again awful. As fans, we can’t possibly know what is wrong with Javy, but I think it’s all mental now. His mechanics have always been a little funky throughout his career, which can make them hard to repeat. Javy may have started with his spirits high and just his mechanics off, but his confidence is obviously shaken now as it would be with any pitcher who has struggled as much as he has. Via MLB.com…

“It’s tough,” Vazquez said of his struggles. “I can’t hide that. But I promise everybody I’m going to keep working hard at it and battle through it.”

I think by now Vazquez is now trying too hard to fix his mechanics, causing him to think too much. The best thing for him to do right would probably just be to go out and throw without putting any thought into it. I suggest reading Frankie Piliere’s in-depth look at Javy’s mechanics.

Game 20: Yankees at Orioles

After losing rather miserably yesterday, the sun came up again today and the Yankees will get the chance to play again tonight. We are going to see the same lineup as the lineup from Opening Night, and for that I am happy. Here’s a look at it via Chad Jennings…

SS Derek Jeter

DH Nick Johnson

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

2B Robinson Cano

C Jorge Posada

CF Curtis Granderson

RF Nick Swisher

LF Brett Gardner

LHP CC Sabathia

Phil Hughes battles it out

Last night Phil Hughes clearly didn’t have good control. Many inexperienced pitchers would usually just get hammered if they didn’t have their best control or stuff. However, Hughes made adjustments. He knew he wasn’t on top of his game, and he made in game adjustments with the help of Dave Eiland and in the end, he threw 5.2 innings and only allowed one run. To me that is impressive. Pitchers are going to through several games a season without their best stuff or their best control, and how they do in those starts is what separates the good pitchers from the great pitchers. Look at Andy Pettitte, there are many times he doesn’t have his best stuff but still pitches a great game. If Hughes can do this successfully, he could become a front-end starter.

Bullpen faltering

Lately, the Yankee bullpen hasn’t been too great. Now we all know how volatile bullpens are and how quickly they can turn around. However, I have a couple suggestions to help get it going in the right direction. First of all, call up Mark Melancon and get him some meaningful innings. At this point, it doesn’t look like Chan Ho Park is returning soon so a good right handed reliever, which Melancon certainly has the potential to be, would be very useful. To make room for Melancon on the roster, I would probably send Boone Logan back to AAA, although he hasn’t been bad. Secondly, I would like to see David Robertson used in a slightly different role. So far this season, Girardi has been keen on bringing in Robertson in tough situations with men on base. I feel Robertson may be better suited to be utilized if he comes in to start innings. These are just my suggestions, and they could or could not be a good idea.

All Star Game rules modified

Certain rules for the All Star Game have been changed. They will go into effect this year. Here is a quick rundown of the changes…

• The DH will now be used in all cases regardless of whether the NL is home or the AL is home. That means no more pitchers batting (yay!). The AL DH will still be selected by the fans, but the NL DH will be selected by the NL manager.
• Any pitcher who is selected for the All Star Game but pitched the previous Sunday will not be able to be used. Instead, he will be replaced on the roster. However, the pitcher replaced will still be recognized as an All Star.
• Instead of the typical 33 man roster, there will now be 34 players. The extra player will be a position player, not a pitcher.

Overall, I like these rule changes especially the DH one, but the rules can be made better in my opinion.