Free Agent Spotlight: Mike Cameron

We move from the topic of pitchers on to outfielders, which believe it or not, is still a team need. Mike Cameron, 36, is one of the best available outfielders not named Bay or Holliday.
You might be wondering why the Yanks need another outfielder even though they just got Curtis Granderson. Well, with Granderson, we now have four outfielders; Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher and Granderson. Many people are anticipating the resigning of Johnny Damon. And with this, many people anticipate the trading of Nick Swisher. Which leaves us with a very good centerfielder, a decent corner outfielder in Cabrera, a fast outfielder who needs to improve his hitting, and an aging corner outfielder with no arm. Our minor league outfielders could be drafted away from us, as Shelley Duncan and John Rodriguez are expected to be drafted in the Rule 5. So we’re left with Colin Curtis, and newly signed Jon Weber and Eladio Moronta as our backups in case of injury/other needs.

photo from Sports Illustrated

Cameron has always hit for a low average and many strikeouts, but he is a perfect middle-bottom of the order hitter because of his power and speed. He hit just .250 last year but hit 25 home runs and 70 RBIs (and his home was Miller Park, typically a pitchers park). Though his speed has been decreasing over the years, he can still cover the outfield and still has a great arm, which would make his transition to a corner spot (most likely left because of said speed, and Melkys cannon for RF) much easier. He has 3 gold gloves under his belt, most recently in 2006.
Cameron would be a great fit in New York for several reasons. We know he can handle the New York media, as he spent 2004-05 with the Mets without any controversy (many remember him for his nasty collision with Carlos Beltran, breaking several bones in his face and causing him to miss the rest of the season). Second, he hits well against AL East teams for the most part in his career; 10 HR 26 RBI vs Boston, 3 HR 23 RBI vs Baltimore, 6 HR 27 RBI vs Toronto, and 5 HR 22 RBI vs Tampa Bay. Remember, his six full seasons in the AL were with Seattle and Chicago, who would face these teams a max of 10 times a year.

Scenarios with Cameron:
- Damon signed, Swisher traded for starter/reliever/minor leaguer. Cameron takes 6 or 7 spot in order and takes over RF/LF
- Damon not signed, Swisher stays- Cameron bats in front of Swisher because of speed and better clutch hitting; Swisher becomes everyday DH with ability to start in the OF when needed.
- Damon signed, Swisher kept- Cameron becomes everyday outfielder, Swisher and Damon must fight for DH job, one of the two rot on the bench, until Swisher/Cabrera traded before deadline

If the Yankees sign him, look for a 2-year, $17 MM deal.
Cameron has said that he wants to play for a team with a chance at the postseason, let’s see if the Yankees make a run at him.

New York Yankees Defeat Philadelphia Phillies in Six Games, Win World Series

The Yankees defeated the Phillies tonight 7-3, and won the World Series in six games. With tonights victory the Yankees have 27 World Series victories and 40 pennants.

Random Notes:

-Clutchest Pitcher in baseball history=Mariano Rivera

-Only the Yankees fans would go crazy over not winning a World Series in 10 years. In a place like Kansas City, making the playoffs twice in 10 years is an amazing feat.

-I was in Philadelphia earlier today and I was booed heavily (I wore a Yankees jersey)

-I was cursed at by two 80-year-old ladies and challenged to a fight by a teenage girl

-Philadelphia has great food, so they at least have that going for them

-Damaso Marte just skyrocketed his status with the Yankees fans. What a postseason for him.

-This could have been Andy Pettite's last career game.

-What a postseason for Hideki Matsui. It will be very tough not to bring him back next year....don't be surprised if the White Sox sign Damon and the Yankees sign Matsui/Bay/Holliday.

-Cano needs to step it up in the clutch.

-The Yankees won the World Series.

-Spike Lee is one impressive fan.

-Alex Rodriguez finally won a World Series.

-The Yankees won the World Series

-Tough loss for the Phillies, even tougher for dirt-bag Jimmy Rollins. (I don't mind any other player on the team)

-THE YANKEES WON THE WORLD SERIES

GAME RECAP: WORLD SERIES GAME 5

AJ Burnett gets rocked early, Yankees unable to complete the comeback late

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 6 PHILLIES 8 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Top of the 1st: Johnny Damon singles to center field. Alex Rodriguez doubles to right field, Damon scores (NYY 1, PHI 0)
• Bottom of the 1st: Jimmy Rollins singles to center field. Shane Victorino hit by pitch. Chase Utley homers to right field. Rollins, Victorino, & Utley scores (NYY 1, PHI 3)
• Bottom of the 3rd: Chase Utley walks. Ryan Howard walks. Jayson Werth singles to center field. Utley scores, Howard to 2nd base (NYY 1, PHI 4)
• Bottom of the 3rd: Raul Ibanez singles to right field. Howard scores, Werth to 3rd (NYY 1, PHI 5)
• Bottom of the 3rd: Carlos Ruiz grounds into a force out, Werth scores (NYY 1, PHI 6)
• Top of the 5th: Eric Hinske draws a 1-out walk. Derek Jeter singles to right field, Hinske to 3rd. Johnny Damon gounds out softly to first base, Hinske scores (NYY 2, PHI 6)
• Bottom of the 7th: Chase Utley homers to right field (NYY 2, PHI 7)
• Bottom of the 7th: Raul Ibanez homers to right field (NYY 2, PHI 8)
• Top of the 8th: Johnny Damon gets an infield hit. Mark Teixeira doubles to left field, Damon to 3rd. Alex Rodriguez doubles to left field, Damon & Teixeira scores (NYY 4, PHI 8)
• Top of the 8th: Nick Swisher moves the runner (ARod) to 3rd on a ground out to 1st. Robinson Cano out on a sacrifice out, Rodriguez scores (NYY 5, PHI 8)
• Top of the 9th: Jorge Posada doubles. Hideki Matsui singles to left field, Posada to 3rd. Derek Jeter hits into a double play, Posada scores (NYY 6, PHI 8)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• AJ Burnett: 2 innings, 4 hits allowed, 6 earned runs, 4 BB, 1 HR, 2 SO, 7.00 ERA
• Cliff Lee: 7 innings, 7 hits allowed, 5 earned runs, 3 BB, 3 SO, 2.81 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: Chase Utley 2-for 3 with 2 HRs and 4 RBI

OBSERVATIONS: 10 down, 1 to go.

The Comforts of Home Heal Game 5 Wounds

The Yankees were unable to close out the series last night and there really are not very many positives that came out of that game. The only things I can say are that they were able to hit Cliff Lee and that Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Damon are really picking it up during the World Series. Other than that there is not much to be pleased about.

Last night I tried to find some more positives but couldn’t. I tried to convince myself that if Mark Teixeira had found a way to get on base, Rodriguez could have tied the game for us. This seemed perfectly reasonable at the time given how well he had been playing but today it just seems unreasonable because they had no business winning the game last night. How often are you going to win when the starting pitcher goes less than 3 innings, gives up 6 earned runs, and the bullpen gives up two more insurance homeruns? The answer is pretty much never. Barring an historic collapse from Lee, the Yankees were going to go back to New York up 3-2 in the series and that is exactly what happened despite a decent effort in the 8^th and 9^th innings.

Placing aside my negativity concerning the game last night, however, I actually am not unduly worried or upset. Where normally I would be incredibly nervous about the Yankee’s chances to close it out, today I feel confident. Andy Pettitte, our wily veteran with more postseason wins than any other pitcher in history, is on the mound in Yankee stadium. Cliff Lee won’t be pitching for the Phillies tomorrow night. They are playing in a ballpark that has baffled opposing teams so far this postseason. And, there is nothing like the comfort of your own bed. Experience on the mound, not facing a dominant pitcher, and the comforts of home all lead me to believe that game 6 will be the final game in the World Series. The Yankees have too many things swaying in their favor. And, if all else fails and for some reason the Yankees cannot pull it out tomorrow, there is always the comforting fact that CC is waiting in the wings.

GAME RECAP: WORLD SERIES GAME 4

Johnny Damon steals Philadelphia’s momentum and ARod delivers in the 9th

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 7 PHILLIES 4 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Top of the 1st: Derek Jeter singles, Johnny Damon doubles to right field, Jeter to 3rd. Mark Teixeira grounds out to first base. Jeter scores, Damon to 3rd (NYY 1, PHI 0)
• Top of the 1st: Jorge Posada sacrifice to left field, Johnny Damon scores (NYY 2, PHI 0)
• Bottom of the 1st: Shane Victorino doubles to enter field. Chase Utley doubles to right field, Victorino scores (NYY 2, PHI 1)
• Bottom of the 4th: Ryan Howard singles to center field. Howard steals 2nd base. Pedro Feliz singles to left field, Howard scores (NYY 2, PHI 2)
• Top of the 5th: Nick Swisher walks on 4 balls. Melky Cabrera singles on a ground ball to 2nd base. Derek Jeter singles, Swisher scores and Cabrera to 2nd (NYY 3, PHI 2)
• Top of the 5th: Johnny Damon singles to right field, Cabrera scores (NYY 4, PHI 2)
• Bottom of the 7th: Chase Utley homers to right field of Sabathia (NYY 4, PHI 3)
• Bottom of the 8th: Pedro Feliz homers to left field of Chamberlain (NYY 4, PHI 4)
• Top of the 9th: Johnny Damon works a 2 out single. Damon steals 2nd and 3rd base. Mark Teixeira is hit by pitch. Alex Rodriguez doubles to left field, Damon scores and Teixeira to 3rd (NYY 5, PHI 4)
• Top of the 9th: Jorge Posada singles to left field. Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira scores (NYY 7, PHI 4)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• CC Sabathia: 6 2/3 innings, 7 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 3 BB, 1 HR, 6 SO, 3.29 ERA
• Joe Blanton: 6 innings, 5 hits allowed, 4 earned runs, 2 BB, 7 SO, 6.00 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: Johnny Damon went 3-for-5 with 1 RBI. He had the best at-bat of the night in the top of the 8th with 2-outs and behind 1-and-2 on the count, and topped it off with 2 stolen bases. Alex Rodriguez working on an 0-fer came through in the 9th with a 2-out double that scored Damon and the Yankees regained their lead.

OBSERVATIONS:

• For the second time in this World Series Sabathia did not look as dominant as he was in the ALCS. The Yankees gave CC a 2 run cushion to start the game, and he gave 1 right back to the Phillies on two consecutive doubles in the bottom of the 1st where he threw 24 pitches. Sabathia was getting behind on the count and had to work for every precious out. Having said that CC’s ability to grind it out, limiting the Phillies’ opportunities with men in scoring position, may make this outing more impressive than his dominance against the Angels. The bottom of the 5th was as impressive a performance by a pitcher as you will see in the World Series stage. Sabathia put men on 1st and 2nd without recording an out and he’d yet to face Utley, Howard and Werth. CC, and let’s give credit to Posada in this situation, gets Utley and Howard to pop-up before striking out Jayson Werth. Inning over.
• Alex Rodriguez got hit by a pitch at the top of the 1st. It is his 3rd HBP in this series. A-Rod could not hide his displeasure at being hit again, and one can make the argument that it affected his at-bats throughout the night. He went 0-for-3 with 1 strikeout before a huge clutch hit in the bottom of the 9th propelled the Yankees to victory.
• Damaso Marte was solid once again. Joba Chamberlain was dealing, but he made a mistake to Feliz (who was hot last night) and he made him pay for it. This may be a great learning experience for Joba and may only make him better next time around.
• Come on chant with me: Jooohnny Daaamon tap tap, tap tap tap, Jooohnny Daaamon tap tap, tap tap tap. There is nothing more gratifying to a baseball purist, a fan of the fundamentals of the game, than a heads up play that shows a player’s awareness on the field and his keen instinct. Damon’s base running exploits in the bottom of the 9th has to be in your highlight reel for years to come.
• The “Comeback Kids” did it again. 3 down...1 to go.

GAME RECAP: WORLD SERIES GAME 3

After a ghoulish start Andy Pettitte & the Yankees' bats come alive...it’s aliiiive, it’s aliiiiive!!!

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 8 PHILLIES 4 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Bottom of the 2nd: Jayson Werth homers to left field (NYY 0, PHI 1)
• Bottom of the 2nd: Pedro Feliz hits a 1-out double to right field. Carlos Ruiz walks. Cole Hamels singles on a bunt to load the bases. Jimmy Rollins walks, Pedro Feliz scores (NYY 0, PHI 2)
• Bottom of the 2nd: Bases Loaded. Shane Victorino out on a sacrifice fly to left field, Carlos Ruiz scores (NYY 0, PHI 3)
• Top of the 4th: Mark Teixeira works a 1-out walk, Alex Rodriguez homes to right field. Mark Teixeira scores (NYY 2, PHI 3)
• Top of the 5th: Nick Swisher doubles to left field to begin the inning. After Melky Cabrera strikes out, Andy Pettitte singles to center field, Nick Swisher scores (NYY 3, PHI 3)
• Top of the 5th: Derek Jeter singles to left field, Andy Pettitte to 2nd. Johnny Damon doubles to center field, Pettitte and Jeter scores (NYY 5, PHI 3)
• Top of the 6th: Nick Swisher homers to left field (NYY 6, PHI 3)
• Bottom of the 6th: Jayson Werth homers to left field (NYY 6, PHI 4)
• Top of the 7th: Johnny Damon is issued a 1-out walk. Mark Teixeira strikes out, Johnny Damon steals 2nd base. Alex Rodriguez hit by pitch. Jorge Posada singles to left field, Damon scores (NYY 7, PHI 4)
• Top of the 8th: Hideki Matsui homers on a fly ball to left field (NYY 8, PHI 4)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• Andy Pettitte: 6 innings, 4 hits allowed, 4 earned runs, 3 BB, 7 SO, 6.00 ERA
• Cole Hamels: 4 & 1/3 innings, 5 hits allowed, 5 earned runs, 2 BB, 3 SO, 10.38 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: After giving up 3 runs in the first 2 innings of work, Andy Pettitte settled down striking out 7 hitters in 6 innings. Alex Rodriguez put the Yankees on the board with a 2-run HR that seem to ignite the Yankee offense, he was on base 4 times including a walk. Nick Swisher had the breakout game he’d been waiting for, he went 2-for-4 including a double and a HR.


COMMENTARY: Halloween’s origins can be traced to an ancient Celtic festival known at Samhain. The Celts celebrated new years on November 1st and it was believed that the night before the new year the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. Aside from causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts believed that these spirits made it easier for the Celtic priests to predict the future. Over 2,000 years later can the Yankees performance on Halloween night be a predictor of what’s to come in this series?

It was a harrowing start for the pinstripes, the hour and twenty minute rain delay seemed to have quite an effect on Andy Pettitte. The Phillies were able to strike early and throw Pettitte off his game, even giving up a walk with the bases loaded. Cole Hamels was sharp and for the first 3 innings seemed to be a reincarnation of the 2008 World Series MVP. A zombie-like version of the Yankees made an early appearance in game 3, they were sloppy on pitching, hitting, and on defense.

But in the dawn of the 4th inning, after a 1-out walk to Mark Teixeira the man they call A-Rod hit on opposite field HR that would have to be reviewed, and the Yankees lineup got a much needed shot of electricity that seem to carry to the pitching as well. In a 7 game series not every win or loss can be a defining one. After they even out the series in Game 2 there were very large questions remaining for the Yankees to answer. A-Rod was 0-for-8 with 6 strikeouts, there was no consistent contribution from the bottom of the lineup, and the bridge to Mariano was non-existent.Winning the first game in Philadelphia to go up 2-to-1 in the series was big, no doubt about it. But the way the Yankees secured this victory may be an indication of how they will fare the rest of the series.

Alex Rodriguez ends his 0-fer with a 2-run HR. Rodriguez was on base 4 times, did not strike out and drew a walk in his last at-bat. He looked like someone breathed life into him, his demeanor and approach at the plate was more relaxed and deliberate and it looked like the ALCS version of A-Rod had resurfaced. Nick Swisher who has been struggling all postseason long, took his benching like a man, and returned to make big contributions with his bat hitting a double and a home run in 2 of his 4 at bats and scoring the tieing run. Chamberlain and Marte were solid, I don’t know if the bridge is complete but these two may be the pillars on which the highway to Mariano are built.

This series is far from over and there is no indication that the defending World Champions will make it easy for the Yankees to win their 27th World Series. Every game has it's own nuance, tempo and flow, but beyond the win Yankee fans should feel optimistic about the contributions that were made up and down the lineup and the performance of this much maligned bullpen.

WORLD SERIES GAME 3 PREVIEW

TALE OF THE TAPE: GAME 3 STARTERS

YANKEES - Andy Pettitte

"I just try to simplify it, whether it's a clincher, whether we'd been down, 2-0. I can't do anything else except go out and make my pitches. I can't really control anything other than that, so why worry about it?"

BREAKDOWN

• 2009 Regular Season - 14-8, 32 GS, 4.16 ERA
• Pettitte has gone 2-and-0 through 3 games in the postseason with a low ERA of 2.37.
• Andy Pettitte is the winningest pitcher in postseason history, clinching the record number 16 win to clinch the ALCS, in his only 2 career starts in Citizens Bank Park he’s 1-and-0 with a 0.75 ERA.

KEY STAT: Allowed 193 H in 194 and two thirds innings pitched.

KEY MATCHUPS

• Jayson Werth, 1-for-13 with 5 K
• Carlos Ruiz, 2-for-3, HR
  

PHILLIES - Cole Hamels

"I actually feel great right now."

BREAKDOW

• A loosing 2009 Regular Season for Hamels - 10-11, 32 GS, 4.32 ERA
• Hamels has 1 win and 1 loss through 3 games during the postseason with a high ERA of 6.75.
• Cole Hamels recorded a no decision in his only start against the Yankees in 2009, but he had an ERA of 3.00, the biggest concern for Hamels is the fact that he’s allowed 6 HRs in 3 playoff starts.

KEY STAT: Opponents hit .273 off Hamels.

KEY MATCHUPS

• Alex Rodriguez, 0-for-4
• Johnny Damon, 3-for-5, 2B

TV: FOX 7:57 PM ET

COMMENTARY: Will it be Trick or Treat for Yankee batters on a cloudy Halloween night at Citizens Bank Park? Can Hamels keep it in the yard, or will Pettitte add to his postseason luster with win number 17? As almost a full moon peeks over the clouds, one thing is certain, tonight can be a wild one.

GAME RECAP: WORLD SERIES GAME 1

The Cliff Lee & Chase Utley show derails the Yanks in Game 1

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 1 PHILLIES 6 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Top of the 3rd: Chase Utley homers to right field (NYY 0, PHI 1)
• Top of the 6th: Chase Utley homers to right field (NYY 0, PHI 2)
• Top of the 8th: Phil Hughes walks Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino to begin the inning. Damaso Marte in for Hughes. Affter striking out Chase Utley, Ryan Howard flies out to right field moving Jimmy Rollins to 3rd base. David Robertson replaces Damaso Marte. Jayson Werth walks to load the bases and a ground ball to right field by Raul Ibanez brings Rollins and Victorino to the plate (NYY 0, PHI 4)
• Top of the 9th: Brian Bruney starts the inning on the mound. Carlos Ruiz hits a 1-out double to center field. Jimmy Rollins gets an infield single moving Ruiz to 3rd. Shane Victorino singles to right field, Carlos Ruiz scores (NYY 0, PHI 5)
• Top of the 9th: Philo Coke in for Brian Bruney. Chase Utley flies out to center field, Rollins moves to 3rd base. Ryan Howard doubles to right field, Jimmy Rollins score, Victorino out at home. (NYY 0, PHI 6)
• Bottom of the 9th: Back to back singles by Jeter and Damon begins the bottom half of the inning. Mark Teixeira gounds into a force out, Derek Jeter scores (NYY 1, PHI 6)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• CC Sabathia: 7 innings, 4 hits allowed, 2 earned run, 3 BB, 6 SO, 2 HR, 2.57 ERA
• Cliff Lee: 9 innings, 6 hits allowed, 0 earned runs, 0 BB, 10 SO, 0.00 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: Cliff Lee became the first pitcher in major league baseball history to record double digit strikeouts without issuing a walk, and no earned runs. Chase Utley hit 2 HRs off CC Sabathia both on a 2 strike count.

COMMENTARY: If Cliff Lee’s historic performance last night is any indication of the toughness of this Philadelphia team, then the Yankees are in for a monumental fight. Cliff Lee was dealing last night, mowing through the Yankee lineup with apparent ease. He becomes the only pitcher in MLB postseason history to strikeout at least 10 batters, issue no walks, and have zero earned runs. Lee’s fast pace on the mound and his ability to locate any pitch he wanted had the Yankees off balance the entire night, add to that equation the fact that he did not hesitate to go after the big bats in this lineup and you have a nightmare situation for the Yankees. Teixeira and Rodriguez went 0-for-8 for the night, accounting for half of Lee’s strikeouts. It was a miserable night.

There are other side stories of note in this game. CC Sabathia and the nowhere bridge to Mariano Rivera. Sabathia had a tough night by his standards, he was behind the count on batters all night and did what he hadn’t done all year at home: give up a home-run to a left handed batter, and he did it twice, and to the same batter Chase Utley. But he got through 7 innings of work, and it was work, allowing only 2 runs which for this team is not a deficit that can’t be overcome. Sometimes when a pitcher is locked in like Lee was last night, there is little the opposing team can do. It happens, even in the World Series. Give him credit, move on, this series truly begins tonight. What should be most concerning to Yankee fans is the fact that the bullpen gave up 4 runs in just 2 innings of work and made a 6 run deficit a tall order.

Many had speculated that the Yankees had the advantage when it came to the bullpen, but outside of Rivera this bullpen may prove to be our Achilles’ Heel. Girardi has the unenviable task of figuering this bullpen out. Certainly pitching Brian Bruney who hadn’t pitched since October 2nd may not be the answer, someone in that pen must step up and fast because the Phillies have every intention of defending their Championship and they have the talent, the confidence, and the experience to do it.

WORLD SERIES GAME 1 PREVIEW

TALE OF THE TAPE: GAME 1 STARTERS (from www.yankees.com)

YANKEES - CC Sabathia

"I'll go out and try to do the same things I've been doing all year."

BREAKDOWN

• 2009 Regular Season - 19-8, 34 GS, 3.37 ERA
• Sabathia is in the midst of a solid postseason posting a 3-0 record with an impressive 1.19 ERA.
• CC has faced the Phillies once this year, it was a no decision and CC posted an ERA of 3.36. He is even through 3 games for his career against Philadelphia with an ERA of 4.35.
  

KEY STAT: Opponents batted .223 against him at home.

KEY MATCHUPS

• Jayson Werth, 0-for-6
• Ryan Howard, 3-for-7
  

PHILLIES - Cliff Lee

"I don't think I ever doubted myself."

BREAKDOWN

• Don’t be fooled by the numbers, the 2009 season record for Cliff Lee is unimpressive at first glance: 14-13, 34 GS, 3.22 ERA. Remember this includes a rough beginning in Cleveland before his transition to the National League with Philadelphia.
• He has proven his mettle this postseason, going 2-0 through 3 games with a miniscule ERA of 0.74
• It was in the season opener at Yankee Stadium that Lee began to look like the dominating Cy Young winner of 2008, allowing just 1 run through 5 2/3 innings and securing a win against Sabathia. Nevertheless his has posted a career record of 4-and-4 through 9 games against the Yankees with an ERA of 4.04.
  

KEY STAT: Opponents batted .272 overall against him this season.

KEY MATCHUPS

• Johnny Damon 2-for-22
• Derek Jeter, 11-for-27
  

TV: FOX 7:57 PM ET

COMMENTARY: The battle of the former Cleveland Indians starters is set to go off tonight in Game 1 of the World Series. The teams have gone through their preparations, the managers have carefully modified their lineups and implemented a game plan, the players have faced the media, and the media has methodically broken down every facet of this game. Now it is time to play, and for all the charts, all the Q&As, all of the analysis about the advantages of each team position by position, there are somethings that are abundantly clear: there is not a lack of confidence on either side of this series, and ultimate success will come down to pitching.

And what a pitching duel we have in store for us in game 1. Two former teammates, the American League’s last two Cy Young winners, alike in personality and style, and both having a post season for the ages. It’s almost like they are looking at each other in a mirror, that’s why it is hard to give an edge to either one of these pitchers. It is also the reason why their performance tonight may have a lot to say about how this series goes. One game does not a series make, but there is no doubt that the stakes of this duel in baseball’s cathedral tonight are incredibly high.

GAME RECAP: ALCS GAME 6

Solid pitching and defense help secure the Yankees’ 40th trip to the big show

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 5 ANGELS 2 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Top of the 3rd: Jeff Mathis doubles to center field with 1 out. Bobby Abreu singles to right field, Jeff Mathis scores (NYY 0, LAA 1)
• Bottom of the 4th: Robinson Cano Walks. Nick Swisher singles to left field. Melky Cabrera out on a sacrifice bunt that moves runners to 2nd and 3rd base respectively. After Derek Jeter is issued a 1-out walk, Johnny Damon comes to the plate with bases loaded for the second time in the game. Damon hits a line drive to center field, Cano and Swisher scores (NYY 2, LAA 1)
• Bottom of the 4th: After a Mark Teixeira infield single to load the bases, Alex Rodriguez draws a walk. Derek Jeter scores (NYY 3, LAA 1)
• Top of the 8th: Mariano Rivera comes in for an 6 out save. Chone Figgins singles on a bloop to left field. Bobby Abreu grounds out to first base, Figgins advances to 2nd base. After Torii Hunter grounds out to 2nd base, Vladimir Guerrero singles on a ground ball to right field. Chone Figgins scores (NYY 3, LAA 2)
• Bottom of the 8th: Lead-off walk for Robinson Cano. Nick Swisher puts down the sacrifice bunt and a missed catch error by second baseman Howard Kendrick puts man on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Brett Gardner comes in to run for Swisher. Melky Cabrera puts down another perfect sacrifice bunt but an error throw by pitcher Scott Kazmir moves Cabrera to 2nd and Garder to 3rd. Robinson Cano scores (NYY 4, LAA 2).
• Bottom of the 8th: Mark Teixeira out on sacrifice fly to deep center field. Brett Garner scores. (NYY 5, LAA 2)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• Andy Pettitte: 6 1/3 innings, 7 hits allowed, 1 earned run, 3 BB, 6 SO, 2.84 ERA
• Joe Saunders: 3 1/3 innings, 7 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 5 BB, 0 SO, 5.84 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: Andy Pettitte gives another solid postseason performance, in the process becoming the winningest pitcher in postseason history. A solid 6 1/3 innings with only 1 earned run. Damon, Teixeira, and Rodriguez each had 2 hits and at least 1 rbi, none bigger than Damon’s 1 out hit to center field which gave the Yankees a lead they would not relinquish. Mariano Rivera was...well Mariano Rivera.

COMMENTARY: The New York Yankees have won the 2009 American League Championship. This is the most beautiful sentence I’ve written for The Pinstriper yet. What else is there to say folks? This team with its infectious attitude, steely resolve and clear focus has secured itself an opportunity to win another World Championship. There is a lot to be said about this closeout game, the pitching, the defense, the contributions up and down the lineup, and it will all surely be dissected numerous times before the first pitch of the World Series.

I just want to pay homage to a group of athletes that never lost sight of their goal, they played within themselves, they were patient and showed everyone that their confidence in each other is not mere bravado. The Yankees looked comfortable in every aspect of this game, inning after inning they never wavered and if there were any nerves it must have come from the bleachers because this team never showed a hint of worry. After a 6 year hiatus the Yankees are headed to their 40th World Series. They arrive to the October/November classic with a combination of youth, talent and experience unlike any team I can remember, along with the confidence that they finally have the right mix that can get it done. Let’s go get it! Congratulations to the 2009 AL Champions New York Yankees!

REDEMPTION

Redemption: def. the act, process, or an instance of redeeming

Redeeming: def. serving to offset or compensate for a defect; To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of

2004 ALCS. Every Yankee fan understands the significance of that year and why it is once again a relevant topic. We should not be afraid of it folks, it is a historical fact and we shouldn't hide from the truth. To be in the history books for squandering what was thought to be an insurmountable lead on a Pennant Series, and to our rival to boot, is something we should carry as scars earned in battle. After all this beautiful game always gives its players a chance at redemption.

Before the ghosts of Yankees past do a number on your head, lets get a grip, this is not the same ’04 team. There are, you would agree, a number of players in this staff exorcising demons of past postseasons. You can't watch coverage of the ALCS without an overwhelming part of the broadcast devoted to the past and present postseason performances of Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira to name a few.

As analysts and so-called experts are asked to figure out what is accounting for the obvious reversal of fortune, the players seem to respond in unison “I feel good, I’m in a good place, and my teammates are here to pick me up.” Much is made of the overwhelming talent in this Yankee squad, as there should be, but one factor should not be overlooked: they are comfortable with each other, they are happy to be here, happy to be Yankees, and they have come to believe in team not as an abstract idea but because they have battled and proven to each other that every individual contributes to the success of the whole.

When you consider the numerous walk-off wins this year in Yankee Stadium just look at the names of the heroes: Cabrera, Posada, Rodriguez, Damon, Matsui, Cano, and then Teixeira in the ALDS. Everyone contributes. That is why the benching of Swisher, even when the numbers scream for such a change, is not becoming of this team. If this postseason is any indication everyone on this team gets a shot at redemption, and as the definition so clearly states: it happens in an instant. This postseason is far from over and before all is said and done AJ Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Nick Swisher may all get their shot at redemption. Who knows? Even Girardi may find a little bit for himself.

Author's Notes: Another writer may have held onto this story in case the Angels force a Game 7, but that would be like a Yankee fan rooting for a loss in Game 5 because they have tickets to Game 6...not cool bro, not cool.

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GAME RECAP: ALCS GAME 4

Sabathia and A-Rod combine to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead in the ALCS

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 10 ANGELS 1 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Top of the 4th: Robinson Cano reaches on a fielder’s choice, Alex Rodriguez beats Howard Kendrick’s throw to home and scores. Jorge Posada to 3rd (NYY 1, LAA 0)
• Top of the 4th: Melky Cabrera singles on a ground ball to left field (breaking an 0-26 slump by the Yankees with RISP) Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano scores (NYY 3, LAA 0)
• Top of the 5th: After a Mark Teixeira single, Alex Rodriguez homers to left field (NYY 5, LAA 0)
• Bottom of the 5th: Kendry Morales homers to left center field (NYY 5, LAA 1)
• Top of the 8th: Johnny Damon homers to right field. Melky Cabrera who had walked earlier in the inning scores (NYY 7, LAA 1)
• Top of the 9th: Alex Rodriguez doubles to begin the inning. Jorge Posada flies out to right field. Alex Rodriguez scores. Throwing error by right fielder Bobby Abreu (NYY 8, LAA 1)
• Top of the 9th: Robinson Cano walks. Brett Gardner singles to center field. Melky Cabrera doubles to right field. Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner scores (NYY 10, LAA 1)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• CC Sabathia: 8 innings, 5 hits allowed, 1 earned run, 2 BB, 5 SO, 1 HR, 1.13 ERA
• Scott Kazmir: 4 innings, 6 hits allowed, 4 earned runs, 4 BB, 3 SO, 9.00 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: CC Sabathia gives the Yankees an 8-inning stellar performance on three days’ rest. Alex Rodriguez goes 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, 1 HR, 3 RUNS.

COMMENTARY: Before the start of game 4 of the ALCS, the Fox telecast played a video montage of the first 3 games of the series. As the short piece draws to an end Joe Buck, who’s narrating, poses the following question: “so, has momentum shifted to the Angels, or will CC ease the mind of Yankee Nation” as they pan to an image of Joe Girardi in the dugout. The question, to put it more plainly was whether Sabathia could bail out Girardi after his questionable pitching change in the bottom of the 11th inning of game 3. CC not only bailed out his skipper but put the Yankees in a great position for the rest of the series and perhaps the rest of the playoffs.

Sabathia was dominant throughout the game, his demeanor and approach was that of a man who has supreme confidence in his stuff and cherishes the challenge of pitching with less than optimum rest. His 8 innings gave the bullpen a needed rest which means that everyone in the bullpen ready to close out this series. In CCs two starts in the ALCS Girardi has only used 2 pitchers in relief, compare that with a total of 14 pitchers during the prior 2 games.

The Yankees were also able to liven up their bats. From the onset it was clear that they intended to be aggressive on the bases and press the issue against the Angels. A two-out single by Melky Cabrera got the Yankees off of a 0-for-26 slump with runners in scoring position. Everyone but Swisher and Matsui had at least one hit, including Gardner’s pinch hit in the top of the 9th. But the offensive story of the night was Alex Rodriguez. I hesitate to say anything about what he has done this postseason so I won’t , I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves 3-for-4, with 2 RBI, 1 HR (he has now hit 1 HR in the last 3 games), and 3 Runs Scored.

GAME RECAP: ALCS GAME 3

The Angels beat the Yankees in walk-off fashion.

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 4 ANGELS 5 (F11th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Top of the 1st: Derek Jeters homers to left field (NYY 1, LAA 0)
• Top of the 4th: Alex Rodriguez homers to left field (NYY 2, LAA 0)
• Top of the 5th: Johnny Damon homers to right field (NYY 3, LAA 0)
• Bottom of the 5th: Howard Kendrick homers to left field (NYY 3, LAA 1)
• Bottom of the 6th: Bobby Abreu gets a 1 out single to left field, after Torii Hunter flies out to right field Vladimir Guerrero hits a 2 out homerun on a 2-2 count to even it up at 3 (NYY 3, LAA 3)
• Bottom of the 7th: Maicer Izturis out on a sacrifice fly. Howard Kendrick scores (NYY 3, LAA 4)
• Top of the 8th: After pinch runner Brett Gardner gets tagged out stealing second, Jorge Posada homers on a shot to center field (NYY 4, LAA 4)
• Bottom of the 11th: After a Howard Kendrick single, Jeff Mathis doubles to center field. Howard Kendrick scores, game over (NYY 4, LAA 5)

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• Andy Pettite: 6 1/3 innings, 7 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 BB, 2 SO, 4.26 ERA
• Jered Weaver: 5 innings, 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 3 BB, 4 SO, 5.40 ERA

KEY PERFORMER: Jeff Mathis, the backup catcher hit 2 doubles including the walk-off hit of the game.

COMMENTARY: The Angels had to be thinking when are we going to catch a break. After the speedy Gardner gets caught steeling 2nd base for the first out of the 8th inning, Jorge Posada responds with a long home run to center field that ties the game. In the bottom of the same inning, an overzealous Bobby Abreu gets tagged out at 2nd base trying to stretch a double into a triple. Then there was the bottom of the 10th. A throwing error by Mariano Rivera puts men on 1st and 3rd with no outs and the middle of the order coming up, but the Angels are unable to take advantage and go down on consecutive groundouts to 1st baseman Mark Teixeira.

But, after David Robertson makes quick work of the first 2 hitters in the bottom of the 11th, Joe Girardi decided to consult The Dangerous Book of Managers, how to over-manage in today’s game and figures on the statistical advantage of bringing Aceves to pitch to Howard Kendrick. The rest is history, Kendrick singles on a ground ball to center field and Jeff Mathis who has been dialed in gets his 3rd double of the series to give the Angels the win. To blame this loss on Girardi’s exploits is to ignore the missed opportunities: the Yankees went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position, Teixeira who has been giving a clinic on how to play 1st base went 0 for 3 with a walk and is now batting .077 for the series, Joba Chamberlain gives up 2 hits and 1 run in a third of an inning posting an ERA of 13.50. Yet it is hard to overcome the fact that sometimes you have to ignore the numbers, as Girardi put it in his post-game conference "we have all of the matchups and all of the scouting reports. We felt that it was a better matchup for us. It didn't work." No it didn’t.

WORK, WORK, WORK

To characterize this team as a compilation of superstars is to ignore the depth and more importantly the true make-up of these New York Yankees. This is not the same team we have seen in recent years, an odd combination of studded puzzle pieces that never quite fit together. Gone is the concern for individual achievements over team accomplishments, the philosophy that talent alone trumps work and team chemistry. With it’s bloated payroll and impressive lineup I put it to you that in its essence this is truly a blue collar team, a team that works through the errors, the unfortunate bounces, the opportunities lost, work, work, work.

Game 2 of the ALCS is a perfect example: How else do you explain overcoming wild pitches, 3 infield errors, hitting into 3 straight double plays, the middle of the order going 0 for 8. Work, work, work. Alex Rodriguez goes 0 for 5 after charging home plate in game 1, and in the bottom of the 9th with an 0-2 count goes yard for his 3rd game-tying HR of the post-season. Work, work, work. Johnny Damon who hit .083 in the Minnesota series has shown up big time in this series posting a .364 batting average through two games and flashing the leather in key moments tonight. Work, work, work.

These Yankees know anyone can come through in the clutch. The success of the bottom of this lineup in close games have made this team legendary in my eyes, must we recount the number of comeback and walk-off wins? The soul of this team belongs to the likes of Nick Swisher, Melky Cabrera, and Robinson Cano to name a few. This team can overcome squandering a bases loaded opportunity with A-Rod at the plate, only to see Jerry Hairston, Jr (WHO?) get a leadoff single in his first postseason plate appearance and score the winning run. Most people will discount this win to Izturis’ error, but as Captain America put it “you gotta give credit to Jerry for running hard the whole way”.

Everybody works, everybody contributes, everybody runs hard the whole way, this is the 2009 New York Yankees rallying cry. As Mariano Rivera put it when asked what it took to win a game like this tonight, “everything, it took everything, it took everything from everybody”.

About me:

I owe my allegiance to the Yankees to my Father who shared with me his passion for baseball and love for the Pinstripes. In Cuba I was immersed in baseball from a young age, it is after all a right of passage for Cubans and Cuban-Americans both in the Island and in Miami where I reside. I'm fascinated by the unexplored aspects of this game, the hidden rules about behavior on the field and in the locker room, the undefined characteristics of team chemistry, the unequivocal influence of the baseball gods, in short the intricate nature of a sport that in my humble opinion is still America's game. I hope you enjoy my perspective on things and join in the conversation. Go Yankees!

Game Recap: Friday August 28th Whitesox AT Yankees

Home runs, strong pitching, walk off wins, and whipped cream facials have been the mark of ball games played at the new Yankee Stadium this season. Last night’s game with the Chicago White Sox was right out of the 2009 playbook. Robinson Cano crushed a 3-run home run in the bottom of 10th inning to give the Yankees a 5-2 victory and made Cano the recipient of pie ala Burnett.

Left-hander Randy Williams struck out Mark Teixeira and then got some help from the wind as Alex Rodriguez‘ deep fly to center died short of the warning track. But Williams walked Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher, setting up a showdown with Cano, who had been hitless in four at-bats on the night. After working a 2-2 count, Cano launched a Williams fastball into the Yankees bullpen for the team’s 11th walk-off win of the season. The strong winds had no chance to play a factor since the ball more of a line drive than fly ball. Brian Bruney worked a scoreless top of the 10th to improve to 4-0.

CC Sabathia had given the Yankees a dominant outing, striking out 10 batters through six innings. But the big man, protecting a 2-0 lead built on home runs by Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon, ran into trouble in the 7th. If not for some key defensive plays, Sabathia may very well have left the game with the Yankees trailing.

Jermaine Dye started the 7th with a double and Sabathia issued his first walk of the game, putting Carlos Quentin aboard. Alex Rios‘ double to right cut the Yankees lead in half and put the tying and go ahead runs in scoring position. One out later, Sabathia induced a ground ball by Ramon Castro. Quentin, running on contact, was easily gunned down at the plate by Rodriguez. The Yankees third baseman then made a huge play, diving into foul territory to snare Jayson Nix‘ fair ball that barely went over the third base bag. Though he had no play to make, A-Rod’s stop prevented not only a run from scoring, but a bigger inning from occurring.

Gordon Beckham lined a game tying single to right, but Nick Swisher came up with, arguably, his best throw of the season- a one-hopper to Jose Molina, who thrust his right leg out to block the plate and tagged out his White Sox counterpart Castro for the inning’s final out.

Game Notes

Derek Jeter hit his 22nd lead off home run, putting in him sole possession of second place on the career franchise list. He’s just two home runs behind Rickey Henderson for the #1 spot. The home run was also the 223rd of his career, pushing him past Don Mattingly for 10th place on the team’s career list. The home run was his lone hit, and number 2,705, 16 behind Lou Gehrig.

CC Sabathia finished August 5-0, 2.64 and is 7-1, 2.95 since the All-Star break.

*This post was written by Drew Sarver of My Pinstripes*

Previewing the Yankees Roster Part I

Every month we will preview the Yankees 2010 Roster based on our opinions of who the Yankees will sign.

Here are the Yankees Free Agents for next year:

C-Jose Molina
1b-None
2b-None
3b-None
SS-Jerry Hairston Jr.
LF-Johnny Damon
CF-None
RF-Eric Hinske, Xavier Nady
DH-Hideki Matsui
SP-Andy Pettite

RP-None

CP-None

So here is what I project will happen with those players:

Jose Molina-No contract offered

Jerry Hairston Jr.-No contract offered

Johnny Damon-Offered Arbitration, accepted

Eric Hinske-No contract offered

Xavier Nady-No contract offered

Hideki Matsui-No contract offered

Andy Pettite-Re-Signed to a 1 Year Deal


So here is how the roster would look

C-Jorge Posada, Francisco Cervelli
1b-Mark Texeira
2b-Robinson Cano
3b-Alex Rodriguez, Ramiro Pena
SS-Derek Jeter,
Lf-Jason Bay (signed to a 5 year $85 Million deal in offseason)
Cf-Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner
Rf-Nick Swisher, Shelley Duncan
DH-Johnny Damon

SP-CC Sabathia
SP-A.J. Burnett
SP-Joba Chamberlain
SP-Andy Pettite/Jarrod Washburn if Pettite retires
SP-Phil HughesSecurity Starters (in case of injury) Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves, Josh Towers

Long Relief-Alfredo Aceves

Middle Relief- Dave Robertson, Phil Coke, Zach Kroenke

Set-Up- Damaso Marte, Danys Baez (signed to a 2 year deal, the Yankees have been wanting him for a long time)

Closer-Mariano Rivera

So, in my opinion, the Yankees will get younger this offseason, with the bench especially getting younger.

Yankees Dilemma: Damon Arbitration?

Today was a great day for the Pinstriper, as we were mentioned on MLBTradeRumors.com.

Also today on mlbtraderumors, I saw this article.

Joel Sherman of the NY Post argues that Hideki Matsui (who hit 2 homeruns last night) will not be back next year. His other argument is that Johnny Damon could not be asked back next year, like Bobby Abreu this year.

I'd like to see Damon re-signed, as the Yankees have a choice of him, Jason Bay, or Matt Holliday this offseason.

Personally, out of those three, I choose Damon at this Yankee Stadium. If they make any changes with the walls or anything I choose Bay. If the Yankees choose Bay than the Redsox don't get him. Of course the Redsox could choose Bobby Abreu, or even one of those three to fill Bay's spot.

Either way this will be a tricky situation for the Yankees.