New York Football Giants: Done

The New York Giants were undefeated after five games. Five regular season games. They went on to never win consecutive games at any other point this season. The weak early season schedule helped hide some of the deficiencies the Giants were outfitted with, and Eli Manning’s arm carried the team to as many wins as it could, but this team was not playoff quality for many reasons. Last season everyone screamed that the loss of a certain clumsy gun handler (#17) was the cause of the Giants failing to repeat as champions, but this year there’s no one explanation to console the Big Blue fanbase after such a failure in the final season of Giants Stadium.

Here’s hoping Bill Cowher takes the Carolina job out from under John Fox, and he can be brought back to the Giants. Coughlin could use the help.

The defense, from the coordinator (Bill Sheridan) down to the inconsistent defensive line, was atrocious. There were certainly other bad points to this Giants season, but the defense stands out as the absolute worst part of the team. There were certainly some key injuries to the secondary, and to defensive captain Antonio Pierce, but this team just could not cover their assignments. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a Giants defense that routinely gave up as many plays of over 30 yards. Every week that a quarterback dropped back named anything other than Jason Campbell, he was treated to great fields of green grass to find his wide receivers galloping upon. I seriously will be haunted by the Eagles unflinching ability to find their way into the Giants end zone this season. Justin Tuck brought up that the Giants were on a three game winning streak against Philly up until the recent streak the Eagles have started. He said no one brought up the previous streak, and if he truly watches the game film like I remember it in my head, then he should know exactly why. McNabb has felt zero pressure in any game against the G-men this season. The Giants D-line was good enough to hide a shady secondary two seasons ago, but this cast is no longer able to produce such a pass rush.

The Giants special teams were almost equally disgraceful. A kicker who doesn’t know what a touchback is, or when he’s actually supposed to be attempting field goals for that matter. A coverage team that was rarely interested in making the first few tackles attempted on returns. The worst part was possibly the inconsistency of Domenik Hixon, who seemed equally capable of breaking a big return as he was turning the ball over. Who knew losing David Tyree would make such a big difference. I don’t remember the Giants downing too many balls within the ten, unless Feagles put them out of bounds. Sometimes you take for granted how simple it seems to get a touchback on a kickoff, but Lawrence Tynes has proven to be useless at such a task. The Giants must field a new kicker in 2010.

The offense was the most successful part of this season. Eli certainly threw away the Arizona (and Panthers) game in the end, but pretty much anything positive that the Giants did this year was based on Eli Manning putting them in a position to overcome whatever it was. Brandon Jacobs was more interested in fighting the opposing team, Ahmad Bradshaw completely outplayed the big man, and he should be embarrassed with his performance. The offensive line allowed way too many hits on Eli. They also did a less-than impressive job at run blocking. Perhaps some changes need to be made in 2010. Mario Manningham is not clutch. Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Kevin Boss are. Madison Hedgecock, also not clutch. The offense still put up a lot of points and yardage, despite being inefficient in the redzone, and on opening drives (after week 5). Play calling on the offensive side of the ball lost multiple games for the Giants, the Chargers game specifically stands as evidence. Kevin Gilbride should be let go of in my eyes.

I’m happy with this pick

Top 3 offensive players

1. Eli Manning: Career offensive year, despite the w/l record. Clearly has a great grasp of the offense, and opposing defenses. He also has the ability to share his knowledge, and connect with young players at a fast rate. Still one of the most underrated players in the league.

2. Steve Smith: Breaking Giants all-time receiving records, and probably going to be the Big Blue’s first Pro Bowl selection at wide receiver. He scored a phantom touchdown to start the Carolina game, and nothing went right after that. I look forward to seeing his on-field chemistry with Eli Manning progress even further next season.

3. Kevin Boss: A guy who was hurt on what seemed like his first 10 catches this season, Kevin Boss is a great tight end, and team player. He’s a blocker, a receiver, and everything a football player is supposed to be. I wish I could say Brandon Jacobs was a top three offensive player this year, but he wasn’t even close.

Top 3 Defensive Players:

1. Justin Tuck: Triple teamed every play, constantly receiving cheap shots (from Flozell Adams), and always mixing it up for the better of the defense. The rest of this team just couldn’t keep up the intensity like JT, and that’s why most of these players won’t return.

2. Mike Boley: As a stand in for Antonio Pierce, Boley showed me that he can play solid MLB. I don’t think he’s anyone to invite to a Pro Bowl, but I’d trust him as a starter for a full season.

3. Antonio Pierce: The D was real bad pretty much all season, but the second Pierce was listed as disabled, this defensive unit was lost in a vast abyss.

This team won a Super Bowl two seasons ago, so it’s hard to be too angry or disappointed with this performance, but I sure hope they learn something from this season. On the bright side I was able to see the last ever Giants home victory live, and for New York fans, at least Derek Jeter won us a World Series!

Beat Minnesota, Jeter always does!

27 Outs Away From Number 27

The only reason the Yankees are even in this situation

The Yankees have found a way to succeed in every way in 2009. They’ve blown teams out, they’ve come from behind, they’ve walked off, and they’ve done it both on the road and at home (well, maybe not the walking off part). In an attempt to put the perfect cap on the perfect season,the Yankees have come into the home of the defending world champions, and come away with two huge victories. In one of the greatest managerial decisions in the history of my Yankee watching life, Joe Girardi has stood by his 3-man postseason rotation, and so far it’s given him the tactical edge going into the final game(s) of the year.

Some things to still be concerned about, if you believe in that kind of thing…

1.) Strikeouts… All but one starter struck out on Sunday. Against Joe Blanton and the Phillies bullpen. The Yankees have been uncharacteristically aggressive all post season, and that is never a bad thing for an inconsistent pitcher.

2.) A. J. Burnett will be pitching on 3 days rest against a well rested Cliff Lee. The Same Cliff Lee who had a complete game in a hostile, rainy New York atmosphere.

3.) The Yankees will be batting with a seven man lineup. Jose Molina has less RBI than Andy Pettitte this postseason.

Hit Hit Jose!

Onto the good stuff…

Johnny Damon stole two bases in one steal attempt. The man has come through in a big way in the last two series, and he has certainly become a true Yankee with his clutch performance.

Derek Jeter, hits in all but one game this postseason, and on base in all. The Philly fans were quoted as chanting, “Jeter sucks,” so I suppose they were referring to the way he sucks at sucking.

Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher have been a big part of the offense in Philly, 4 hits, 3 walks, 4 rbi, and both with a game winning RBI (Swisher on Saturday, A-rod on Sunday).

To quote my father… “There may not be another pitcher like Mo for another hundred years.”

Joe Girardi may be in the market for a new jersey number. Let’s go Yankees! 1 more win! Cliff Lee is human! Mariano Rivera isn’t! Get him the ball!

Yankees tie World Series or How I learned to Mute Joe Buck and Still Enjoy the Game on FOX

They should put Artie in the booth with Buck, then I’d listen.

I know the number one focus after a game like that should be how great the New York Yankees are, and how A. J. Burnett pitched the best game of his career, but I can’t get past how annoying the broadcast team for FOX network is. I muted the game in the 8th inning of game one, and watched the five innings to start this game with Buck and Co. on mute. I must say I enjoy my IPod a lot more than the ramblings of Buck and McCarver. The major downside was not being able to hear the crowd, so I hope someday, there will just be a crowd mic that could be listened to instead of the broadcast crew. On to the actual on-field stuff.

I wish A. J. Burnett could have pie’d himself.

Mariano Rivera has not made it look supremely easy, but he has still produced. He’s made four 2+ inning World Series saves in his career. If he does it again, he will have the all-time record.

The New York Yankees are still Pedro Martinez’s daddy. You can say what you want, but the man with the gleaming hair gets the loss.

Rollins, Utley, and Howard combined for 0 hits and 5 strikeouts, four of which were Howard’s.

Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui are the only Yankees with multi-hit games in this series. Matsui showed up in a gigantic way in game 2, and that’s why they call him Godizlla. The pitch Matsui hit for the homerun looked harmless until he launched it. Great piece of hitting.

Alex Rodriguez should have an error (on the Phillies lone run) to go along with his 0-8 and 6 strikeouts. If he’s going to make a play for the series M.V.P, he better do it quick.

Cole Hamels has given up 11 runs in his three starts this postseason, and has not once reached the seventh inning. Andy Pettitte has reached the 7th in all of his starts, and only gave up multiple runs once.

Saturday’s starter

Jerry Hairston Jr. didn’t set the world on fire, but he did get on base, something Nick Swisher used to do every game. I miss that Nick Swisher.

I cannot wait to watch a Yankees game on Halloween. It’s like my favorite thing in the baseball viewing world. Bring on game 3!

Thoughts on Game 1 of the 2009 World Series

Public Enemy Numero Uno

The New York Yankees have lost game one of the 2009 World Series. Do you want to hit your panic button? Maybe. Should you? Definitely not. Here’s a little statistic that may put some minds at ease, Three times before players have homered twice against the New York Yankees in a World Series opener. Davey Lopes (1978), Andruw Jones (1996), and Greg Vaughn (1998), all three years the Yankees won the World Series*.

Derek Jeter, 3 for 4 against Cliff Lee, and the lone run to cross the plate. Jimmy Rollins will always be his backup, at best.

See

Cliff Lee, nonchalant fielding, Jorge-ass patting, and all, won this game single (left) handedly. Hope the Yankees get to him earlier and often when they see him next (prob: gm 4), but now they need to step up against the lesser arms of the Phillies’ staff.

I hear Pedro Martinez has been saying some pretty confident things about his game two start in Yankee Stadium. The same guy who tipped his hat, and called the Yankees his daddy. More on this tomorrow…

Chase Utley had an entire plotline dedicated to him in last week’s It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, so he was due to have a big game following that. Now the Yankees need to get into Green Man mode, and beat the Phillies down.

Ryan Howard meet Alex Rodriguez… Thanks for showing up. Has anyone seen Nick Swisher?

Robinson Cano, can anyone make more harmless solid contact?

Phil(thy) Hughes has lost the faith of at least me. I always preferred Joba for the late inning role, and I imagine next year will see them flip flopping roles. Until then, I’m not expecting to see much more of Hughes in this series. Joe G is crazy though, so he may just pop him right back on the mound.

Hideki Matsui is supposed to play half of a baseball game, and now, even when he gets on he messes up. When someone catches a fly ball, return to your base, that easy.

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts, positive thoughts. Damaso Marte has been owning left handed batting! Bring on tomorrow!

*Stat brought to you by Jesse Spector

New York Yankees, Back in the Series!

A lot of time has passed since the New York Yankees have last played in the World Series, and even longer since they last raised their arms in victory to end one. 2009 has presented them with yet another opportunity to extend their Major American Sports Championships lead with their 27th World Series victory. The Philadelphia Phillies present no easy task, but neither did the Minnesota Twins or the L. A. Angels of Anaheim, and the Yankees dispatched of both without losing a game at home, and playing .500 baseball on the road. The New York Yankees hadn’t won a series in which they lost to a walk-off in over fifty years, nor had they beaten Mike Scioscia in a Playoff series, but now they’ve done both. Compile all this with the two walk-off wins the New York Yankees already have over Philly this season, and things aren’t looking to shabby in the eyes of the New York faithful.

Alex Rodriguez has an OBP of .548 in this postseason… Read that again. Let it settle, and then remember that it’s against American League Playoff pitching. He’s been on base 23 times (14 hits, 9 walks), while striking out five times. Dude was a shoe-in for ALCS Co-MVP, but apparently the Major Leagues see brighter things in his future.

Mark Teixeria, who was blatantly cold with the bat during the first six games of the Playoffs (even his walk-off home run seemed understated), has four RBI and four hits in the last two games of the Angels series. Nothing like your most productive RBI man stepping up big in close out games. With A-rod doing what he’s been doing, pitchers are going to be very weary about give Tex the free base, and more strikes means more hits for this guy. Did I mention he’s the most clutch defensive player I’ve ever seen?

After going hitless in two out of three games with the Twins, Johnny Damon compiled nine hits, with hits in all six games against the Angels. Damon really picked up the slack any time Jeter didn’t, and that’s exactly why he was made a Yankee to begin with. Easily his best playoff performance in pinstripes.

Mo photo by Me

Mariano Rivera pitched seven entire innings in the Angels series with four strikeouts, two walks, and an earned run (at home!!!). Much won’t be made about the run he let in, and that’s because of his masterful dealing with the situations that followed. Mo made big pitches in pretty much every game of the series (game 4 wasn’t a game, hey-o!), and also could easily have been made a Co-MVP to go along with C.C.

Derek Jeter is STILL the King of New York, not even going to look at his numbers. Dude made a play with his chest!

Step Yo Game Up! (World Series Edition)

Joba photographed by your’s truly

Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, and Joba Chamberlin each gave up runs in the Angels series in games that the New York Yankees lost. Can’t happen. This bullpen needs to keep the gap between starters and Mo bridged. More confidence will be needed, and hopefully getting to the World Series will instill that confidence.

Nick Swisher has absolutely no hits on the road this postseason. Unacceptable.

Hideki Matsui has gone hitless in three games this postseason, and only has one multiple hit game. As a designated hitter I’d like to see more (especially in the RBI and HR categories). .395 OBP isn’t horrible that’s for sure, and he’s still the smoothest looking player not named Derek Jeter.

Brett Gardener has been on the playoff roster for one reason, to run. He’s done that, and yet has nothing positive to show for it. Not sure he’s a lock for the next round, perhaps his defense puts him over.

Put Your Live Game Eyes On

For as long as I can remember watching television, I can remember watching sports. Whether it was the Giants, or the Rangers, or even the Knicks who were great when I was a young impressionable mind. I’ve always found much more interesting story lines in between the painted boundaries than I ever found on any television “shows.” It’s much more intense seeing something that no one else has ever seen, in comparison to something that was scripted, rehearsed, shot, re-shot, edited, re-edited, and aired. Don’t get me wrong, as I grew older, and HBO allowed David Chase to create “The Sopranos,” television has certainly found quality beyond athletic trials and tribulations, but even still, those good “shows” are few and far between, professional sports are still providing the greatest drama the world is allowed to see on a day-to-day basis.

Which brings me to my next point, I’ve been a sports fan for pretty much all twenty-three years of my life, and yet I’ve never seen any of my top four favorite teams in games that mattered. I’ve seen the New York Rangers play a preseason game against the Anaheim (still Mighty at the time) Ducks in Las Vegas, and I’ve caught the New York Knicks play a few Summer League games in California, and Vegas, but that’s pretty much all I’ve seen regarding the teams I truly love. I’ve seen the Mets, who I basically hate, play live in San Diego, and Atlanta, and I’ve seen the New Jersey Nets lose game four of the NBA Finals to the L.A. Lakers, which was cool because I had the chance to see Shaq celebrate a Championship, but I don’t give a damn about any of those teams. Yeah, Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin, and Jason Kidd were an awesome trio, but all three combined couldn’t compare to how much I would have rather of seen Kurt Thomas (my favorite Knick that era) play live. Then about a week ago my friend Kris called me, and I awoke to…

“So I’m looking at ALCS tickets…” and the rest is history. Come Monday morning, not even six o’clock, and I’m in the shower getting ready to see the greatest show my eyes may ever witness.

The greatest shirt I own, which I wore under my jersey

The ride to California was a rather painless one. I was accompanied by the aforementioned Kris, another gentlemen named Kris, and another friend of theirs named Allan. We listened to mostly Kings of Leon on shuffle due to Kris being the driver, and that being his favorite ear candy in his musical rotation. We traveled from Vegas to Anaheim in about four hours and some change I believe. Could have been longer, or faster, not really sure, I just know I wanted to be there before batting practice was over, but we had some stops to make coming into the stadium.

Stop #1: Adenhart Memorial

The man was killed on the same street we rode into the stadium’s entrance, the day he started a Major League Baseball game. The coward that did it still hasn’t stood trial, and no matter how much you love the Yankees, or aren’t into the Angels, there’s just no way you can boo a team that has lost a player in this nature.

Stop #2: Gene Autry Stare down

It’s not every day you get to shake hands with someone who shaped the current generation of baseball. Gene Autry was also an American League guy, which I consider myself, so I had to pay my respects…. Especially since I was going to be yelling, cursing, and jumping around like an idiot in his house.

Stop #3: BP

Nick Swisher hanging out at BP, not batting, which sums up his current problems, I feel.

We didn’t get to see a whole lot of batting practice, but we did see some, which is tons more than I’ve seen every other day of my life put together, so I’ll take it! It was cool to see some heads that aren’t exactly a part of the Playoff roster, Xavier Nady was just hanging out.

X-man with his back turned

Stop #4: Tour the stadium

Nolan Ryan, one of like 10 players I’ve seen, and wished wore pinstripes.

Kris showed me around the stadium he basically grew up in. Things aren’t as fan-friendly as they used to be according to my boy. He told me of this line you could race down, and you’d be able to race a light that clocked in at Darren Erstad’s time down the first base line, the line is still there, but there’s a table covering it now, which is ridiculous. Kris said there used to be a batting cage where you could see pitches that came out as fast as a pitcher of your choosing, which also doesn’t exist anymore. Overall, the stadium has great views from everywhere, so it’s certainly not a bad place, just sucks it’s not as extravagant as when Kris was a kid.

The Game

The Day’s starters.

I didn’t take many pictures during the game, I was too busy watching the greatness that was. For the record, I called Derek Jeter leading off with a home run, and all the Angels fans in my section heard me, and can attest to that. After that went down, the rest of the game was just gravy. Andy Pettite picking a dude off? That happened. Alex Rodriguez hitting a home run to center? That happened. Mariano Rivera and Mark Teixeria playing a two man game with no outs, and bases loaded? That happened. Saw Jorge, hit-hit, and Johnny Damon shut up the Boston fans that were sitting behind me. Hell, I got even more than I paid for, the game went into extra innings!

The last picture I took, to bookend the entire day with 42’s. Enter Sandman indeed.

I’m not sure if the best part of the game was just seeing Derek Jeter play defense, or not having to see Mike Scioscia’s fat face. I just know that I’m lucky to have seen the best game of the three in Anaheim, and that the Yankees have been in the lead of this series the whole time. Here’s hoping they close it out tomorrow in Yankee Stadium!

Yankees Series Recap #5 (vs A’s)

New York Yankees sweep series 2-0

Game one of this series was supposed to be on 4/20, but due to Mother Nature, the game was postponed. This shortened the series to two games, and gave the Yankees an impromptu day off. This wouldn’t have been as big of a deal if Wang was pitching in an effective manner, but he hasn’t even been close to effective, so it was nice to get a chance to skip his turn in the rotation.

Game one of this series saw the third straight great start from Andy Pettitte this season. This is the first time in Andy’s career that he’s been able to go through seven innings in his first three starts of the season. He’s been around since 1996, but perhaps like Mike Mussina, he’s getting more refined with age. Andy P and Mariano Rivera tied the record for most wins/saves as a duo when Mariano closed out an Andy Pettitte win for the 57th time in their careers as Yankees. An epic milestone, that I hope to see them pass by a wide margin this season.

Game one also featured every starter reaching base (Swisher the only man w/o a hit), and seems to be a turning point in Hideki Matsui’s season. Up until this two game set with Oakland, Godzilla has not seemed himself at the plate, and with fluid being drained from his knee, everything seems to be running a little bit better, tighter. With Matsui bouncing back from the slow start, and Xavier Nady not going to miss too much time, the Yankees offensive depth seems situated once again.

Miss the stache, but Giambi is no Tex.

Game two was about as exciting of a 15th game in a baseball season as you can ask for. C. C. Sabathia struggled through 6.2 innings of work, walking four and only striking out two hitters. He’s not been great with the command this young year, but he still manages to get deep into a game despite that. If he can reverse his BB/K ratio from this game, he’ll be the monster the Yankees need at the top of the rotation.

For anyone who was worried about the bullpen in New York, this game should have calmed your worries a bit. The bullpen went 7.1 innings in this game, all of which were shutout innings. Six pitchers combined to blank the A’s, and give the Yankees the chance to win this game in fourteen innings. The gutsiest performance I’ve ever seen from Jose Veras, who pitched the final 3.1 innings of the game. I couldn’t be more impressed by the bullpen as I am today. Just love to see such perseverance, even early in the season.

Mo Money

The extra innings weren’t exactly necessary, as the Yankees blew bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the eighth. Both Melky Cabrera (who hit the first ever walk-off homerun in Yankee stadium history) and Brett Gardner (who was pinch hitting) decided to jump out of the way of two pitches that could have given the Yankees a lead on a HBP. When you’re a bottom of the order guy, and you want to make an impression on your coaches/teammates/fans, you take those pitches for the team. Instead of busting the game wide open, Melky strikes out, and Brett Gardner hits a routine ball to the defense. If the Yankees lost this game, I’d be very angry at both players. Would they have risked being injured by those pitches? Maybe, but they’re both replaceable, so just do it next time, ladies.

HOT

Dude can even pitch!

Nick Swisher: The guy has been on base for the Yankees in every game this season! If he’s not getting extra base hits, he’s walking to first. I love this guy as a Yankee, and think he adds more than anyone gives him credit for. Keeps the team loose with his personality, and keeps the Yankees moving forward with his plate performances.

Andy Pettitte: Seven innings of work, no walks, no strikeouts, and a big win. He’s modified his pitching style to suit his aging arm/shoulder, and it’s come with big results early this year.

Mariano Rivera: Seven innings of shutout work this year. Still the best pitcher on the Yankees staff.

Derek Jeter: Jeter has been getting clutch hits at a ridiculous rate. His batting average isn’t anything to be amazed by, but his average with RISP is the highest on the team. He put the Yankees ahead twice in game two against Oakland, and seems to be in top form early this season.

Robinson Cano: He has hits in all but one game this year, and is batting an impressive .367. He’s been moved up the order to the five slot, which is where he may remain for a large portion of the season. He’s a notoriously slow starter, who is starting hot, something I’ll take as a good sign of things to come.

NOT

Chien-Ming Wang: Skipped…

Who?

Cody Ransom: The Yankees are lucky they have Mark Teixeira at first, otherwise Ransom may have 5+ errors in the field already. His throws barely make it to first, his bat is laughable, and his confidence doesn’t seem to exist anymore. Ramiro Pena should be starting the majority of days A-rod doesn’t, and starting in Boston, I expect that to be the case.

C.C. Sabathia: One strong start this year, and a bunch of questionable work aside from that. He’s currently at 14 walks and 12 strikeouts. He’s going to have to step that ratio up, especially at Yankee Stadium, if he’s going to become a fan favorite in New York.

Yankees Series W/L/D Record: 3-1-1

Sean Avery rules! New York Rangers are 11-2 in first round playoff games while he’s in the lineup. Fact

New York Yankees Series Recap #4 (vs Indians)

Yankees tie series 2-2

The first ever series at the New Yankee Stadium, and the Yankees just barely squeak by with a draw. They blew the first game in the late innings, got rocked in game three, but pulled out two character wins in the even games of this series. Chien-Ming Wang was blasted by the Indians in game three (third time in as many starts), and was then blasted by Johnny Damon in the press afterward. He didn’t question Wang’s ability to try, but he sure wasn’t nice about the facts. Wang has lost three games for the Yankees, made the bullpen’s lives harder, and the team cannot go on with such performances every five days.

Game one felt great at first for Yankees fans. Paul O’neil in the booth, Bernie Williams playing guitar on the field, Babe Ruth’s bat being passed around the team’s dug out, and even a Yankee with the first homerun in the stadium’s young history. Once Joes Veras entered the game, and to a worse extent Damaso Marte, they just gave the entire game away in the seventh. Veras has been inconsistent so far this season, in fact everyone in the bullpen has been shady at some point in 2009, but I expect more from players during the grand opening of the new Yankee Stadium. Jorge brought his A-game, where was everyone else?

Game two wasn’t exactly a dominant performance from the Yankees, but they manage five homeruns (all solo shots), and one of which was a game winner by the Captain, Derek Jeter. That game was exciting until the end, and it was the first win by the Yankees in their new home ball park, rightfully saved by the “Right hand of God” Mariano Rivera. It was nice to hear “Enter Sandman” for the first time at the new stadium, and it all worked out, despite giving up two hits. When a team hits five home runs, you rarely see a score as low as 6-5, but that’s how it shook out on Friday.

Saturday’s game was probably a mess, but I missed the beginning due to the New York Rangers second playoff game (2-0). By the time I had a chance to turn the game on, Wang was pulled already, and I wasn’t going to let the 12th game of a 162 game season ruin my playoff celebration. Yes, Wang is sucking, but I don’t need to listen to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver to find that out. I hope all the Yankee haters out there got their fill with this ridiculous game three loss because I doubt we’ll be seeing many more. Perhaps Wang needs to be sent down to work his mechanics out, and the Yankees can bring Phil Hughes up while we wait that out.

Hot

Getting it going…

Mark Teixeria: Received a shot to numb the pain in his injured wrist, and has nothing but good things to show for it. He hit multiple homeruns, and has an RBI in every game since his shot (prior to game 2 of this series). Not only that, but he mad a tremendous play at first base in today’s game on a shot from Victor Martinez. Best play I’ve seen a Yankees player make at first base since the championship years with Tino Martinez.

Nick Swisher: Dude has reached base in literally every single Yankees game this season. What more do I have to say? He started the rally that busted the Yankees game wide open in the finale with double after going 0-3 on the day.

Robinson Cano: Batting a ridiculous .388, which is a far cry from where he was at this time last season, Robinson is doing his best to help carry the offense until A-rod returns. He’s been solid at second, turning some nice double plays, and overall being just as consistent as Jeter is on the left side. When his confidence is up he’s a hard out, so let’s hope this carries throughout the season.

Brian Bruney: Since his first appearance he’s been lights out. He’s definitely the current set-up man to Mariano Rivera, and this is the second straight season he’s look great to start the year. Let’s hope no year ending injury comes up to bite Bruney like it did last year. It’s crazy how much weight he’s lost over the last two seasons, dude used to look like Moes Manuel from HBO’s Deadwood.

Pruitt Taylor Vince, who I think Bruney used to resemble

NOT

Chien-Ming Wang: 0-3 with a 34.50 ERA. It’s going to take at least 4 complete scoreless games for him to bring his ERA anywhere near respectability. Still could bounce back, but it’s not looking great.

Way to point out the obvious…

Johnny Damon: Dude’s arm is the reason game 2 was as close as it was, and now he’s talking jive about another Yankee? How about you don’t throw like a seven year old girl, and focus on that, instead of other people’s problems? Also, if you’re going to talk shit, you better not go 0-3 the next day, which Johnny Damon did. STFU and play baseball douche.

Yankees Series W/L/D Record: 2-1-1

By the way, I feel like a bigot having to put Indians into my title… Change your racist ways American sports… I’m looking at you Indians, Redskins, and to a much lesser extent, Braves.

Yankees Series Recap #2 (@Royals)

Yankees win series 2-1

Over-management cost the Yankees a sweep in this series. Sure, maybe Tex is injured (maybe), Jorge needed a rest, and Johnny Damon hasn’t been much of a factor either way, but under no circumstances should Phil Coke ever inherit a runner in an 8th inning during a 1-run ballgame. NEVER! Joe Girardi f’d up, and while I’m sure Joe G would admit that, I’m still posting it as a fact in my mind. Coke has been the worst part of the bullpen in this short year, and I don’t care if you perhaps want to give him a confidence boost by showing him you trust his stuff in this situation. This isn’t the Florida Marlins, and the Yankees play to win every game. Learn that now because Torre knew this from the get go, and that’s why he had a bullpen of three guys with about 100 appearances each. If it works, keep it going.

The rest of the series was rather pleasant from a Yankees standpoint. Andy Pettitte went seven innings in game one, gave up a mere three hits, and 1 run on a 2b by Mike Jacobs. The Yankees scored four times that game, and Mariano “Mo” Rivera achieved his first save in his second appearance, but first save opportunity. Derek Jeter didn’t have a hit, but grounded out for an RBI, and stole two bases with his thirty-seven year old legs. I still think he’s going to end of being the Chris Chelios of Baseball, by going well into his forties, but maintaining a high level of quality play.

It’s nice having multiple lefties again

Game two saw the pitching performance we’d all expected from C. C. Sabathia, which saw the Hefty Lefty achieve his first strikeout of the season against Kansas City’s lead-off batter (that cereal named guy). Sabathia found his way two outs into the eighth before Joe Girardi pulled him. He could have gone the distance, but Joe Girardi likes to have something to do, so he went to the bullpen. Mark Teixeira sat out his first game as a Yankee with a wrist injury (missed game three also). This wasn’t a factor due to Nick Swisher’s hot bat, quality glove, and overall charisma that he’s been supplying the team with this young season. Jose Veras finished the job on the mound, and the Yankees were above .500 for a handful of hours.

HOT

Yankees Pitching Staff (sans Phil Coke): Three starting performances that I’d take under any circumstances, a bullpen who was going strong for 5+ innings of work in the series, until Jose Vera was pulled five pitches into his Easter appearance. I’m still in awe of C. C.’s performance on Saturday, that’s the kind of pitching championships are made of. He and Andy P both managed six strikeouts against the Royals, Joba had five. I’m hoping for a bounce back performance from the Wanger (Chien-Ming Wang) against the Rays tomorrow.

Swisher and Nady (who has a hit in all 5 games he’s played)

Nick Swisher: Had an OBP of at least .545 in all three games against Kansas City. He also added four RBI in the first two games, and touched home in all three games (3 times in game 2). He makes the pick at first, and is seemingly comfortable in every position they put him in. Swisher may end up being the steal of free agency, and he’s the only player whose contract I haven’t heard any of the haters complain about. Go figure. Every World Series team needs a Tino Martinez or Paul O’Neil, and Swisher seems to be able to fill in as either whenever necessary.

Jorge Posada: I questioned his plate work in the first series on the Mykey and Ghost Show on Friday, and Jorge came back in a big way. He called the best two games of the season so far, and most importantly C. C.’s 2nd, and most majestic start. Jorge also contributed five RBI in his two games against Kansas City. The roles have been reversed for Jorge and Jose Molina in regards to series 1 and 2, but I feel the Yankees got three solid games behind the plate this go around (instead of the 1 in Baltimore).

Step Your Game Up

Phil Coke? Really Joe G?

Joe Girardi: I’ve already said most of my piece on this, but I just want to make sure everyone knows I mean it. Last year everyone let Joe G slide for his lackluster team performance, but if he doesn’t make the playoffs this year, he’s done. Also, if you keep making moves like that you’ll always be Joe G instead of just Joe, like Torre was.

Cody Ransom: Again you’re here? Zero hits in the Kansas City series (only 1 all season). The rest of the team is making things happen, but Cody Ransom is like a blank spot on a Mad Lib. Guess it won’t matter if A-rod returns before the end of April. Will Yankees Stadium boo Cody on opening day? All signs point to yes. If he kills himself a (Devil) Ray or two on this fisihing trip to Tampa, all will be forgiven.

Phil Coke: You ruined Easter.

Yankees 2009 Series W/L Record: 1-1

The Themes of Opening Day

Today the New York Yankees opened their season in Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles. They were defeated by double the runs they scored in a 10-5 game. It wasn’t pretty, it was exciting, and hopefully it isn’t too telling of what’s to come for the Yanks in their inaugural season in the new Yankees Stadium.

Theme: C.C. isn’t going to be able to handle the pressure the NY on his hate adds… This isn’t something I can see being too much of a problem in the marathon run that is a Major League season. The “hefty lefty” isn’t exactly known for having great starts to a season, but he sure does know how to close them out. I never thought C.C. should have been the opening day starter, but his contract dictated that it be so. Hopefully Wang (who would have been my opening day choice) will help the team bounce back in Wednesday’s game.

Theme: Xavier Nady will do more bad than good for this team… As much as I like Nady’s power at the plate, his lack of hustle in the field, base running mistakes, and a bat that was under .270 in a Yankees uniform last year make me skeptical. He’s like the exact opposite of Paul O’Neil, whose energy alone was worth keeping around. I don’t see his marriage with the Yankees yielding as many positive results as failures, and I hope I’m wrong, but if his career in pinstripes so far is any indication, we’re in for a bumpy ride with this guy.

Perhaps I’m too hard on the guy.

Theme: The Yankees Bullpen lacks the 8th inning bridge to Mariano Rivera… I love Brian Bruney as much as any other Yankees fan, but he’s just not the set up man that he so desperately would like to be. There’s only one man on this roster that bridges the gap between the 8th and “Enter Sandman,” and he’s currently in the starting rotation. Joba Chamberlin will have to go back to the bullpen if this team is going to have a pen it can rely on.

Theme: Brett Gardner does all the small things… He makes defensive plays, has a better arm than anyone else in the outfield (at least as good as Melky’s), and he can actually lay down a bunt. I know what you’re thinking, the Yankees don’t bunt, but if they want to win they better f’n learn. Gardner probably won’t bat .300, or even .285, but he’ll have a decent OBP, and be great in the outfield. I can live with that.

There are other themes that were in play tonight, but these are the ones I’m most watching out for. Perhaps I should mention Tex’s lack of timely hits, but I’ve been warned of his slow starts, and without A-rod’s protection, a case could be made that it’s not indicative of what we’ll be seeing the rest of the year. For now ponder these, and we’ll see what we get for Wednesday’s game. One thing is for sure, Teixeria will be getting booed heavily away from home.

*Honorable Mention: Jeter, Jorge, and Matsui all gave me reasons to smile. In fact, this game was reason to smile, it’s Mother F’n Baseball season folks!