Interview with Chad Jennings from The LoHud Yankees Blog

The following interview was conducted by Brandon Cohen. Brandon along with the staff at The Pinstriper would like to express our gratitude to Chad Jennings for sharing his time for this interview.

Without further ado, here is the interview in its entirety:

1. In a recent blog post I debated whether I would prefer Ryan Howard or Mark Teixeira for this series....which would you take?

Right now I would take Howard. He's as hot as anyone not named Alex Rodriguez, and he's even getting Rodriguez a run for his money. I got to see Howard hit quite a bit in Scranton, and he's more than just a pull-the-ball power hitter. He can go the other way. He can move runners. He's not awful at first base. On the whole, though, I think Teixeira is a more complete player. Just hard to overlook what Howard's done this postseason.

2. With Pedro Martinez starting game 2, do you think the Yankees or Pedro have the upper hand? (Which has the advantage in that matchup)

I think Pedro's a little different pitcher than he used to be. He's still mixing his pitches, but this isn't going to be the same Pedro that Jeter and Posada and the rest remember from Boston. I'm not sure the experience against one another plays a huge role, but certainly this is going to be a tough place to pitch for Martinez and this Yankees lineup is awfully dangerous. I'll take this Yankees lineup over an aging Martinez, but I'll say that respectfully. The guy can still pitch. Just ask the Dodgers.

3. Do you think the Yankees will go with a 3 man or a 4 man rotation for the World Series? Which would you do?

Four man. That's what I think they'll do and that's what I would do. I would pitch Sabathia in Game 4 and Gaudin in Game 5. That leaves a fully rested Burnett/Pettitte for Game 6, and the off day between 5 and 6 means the Yankees can burn through a ton of relievers without losing them for the next game.

4. Do you think the set-up man role is open right now? Girardi has stuck by Hughes, but if Hughes struggles?

I still think Hughes has the job, mostly because Chamberlain hasn't been lights out. He's allowed some hits of his own. I'm a huge Robertson believer, and I think the eighth inning might be his one day, but I'm not sure a few big outs by Robertson and a couple of bad innings by Hughes is enough to swap roles. Hughes earned this spot and I'm not sure anyone has done enough to take it from him.

5. Having covered the Phillies farm system in the past, can you give us some background on their core players?

Utley is the best player I ever saw in Scranton. He and I weren't especially close -- he was never particularly comfortable with the media back then -- but he's a terrific, terrific hitter. I touched on Howard, who can do more than hit home runs. He has a lot of power to left-center. Victorino isn't so underrated anymore thanks to the all-star game, but he's had a lot of talent for a long time. Good speed. Good power. Terrific arm. I've said before that I think Victorino is the kind of player the Yankees hope Austin Jackson becomes. Don't count out Carlos Ruiz. His numbers aren't good, but he's a dangerous hitter and does good work behind the plate. He works great with pitchers. That's why he's remained an everyday catcher.

6. What do you think is the biggest problem for the Yankees going into the World Series?

I think there should be a little bit of concern about the middle of the order, outside of Rodriguez. Teixeira and Matsui got it done this season, but both have been a bit cold in the playoffs and I think the Yankees need both of them to break out oit.

7. For the Phillies?

The bullpen. The rotation has some question marks, but the bullpen is full of them. Brad Lidge has pitched really well this postseason, but I don't know any Phillies fan who feels particularly comfortable with him in the ninth. And getting to him is hardly a sure thing.

8. Any bold predictions for the series?

Nothing too bold, but I'll say Teixeira snaps out of it and Utley gives the Yankees more trouble than Howard.

Quick Questions:

• Who wins, how many games? Yankees in six.
• Best starter? Sabathia.
• Best Hitter? Utley.
• Best Reliever? Rivera, with Hughes getting back on course in the eighth.
• World Series MVP? Jeter.

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.

Interview with Phillies Blogger

Just like every other Yankees fan, we here at The Pinstriper are gearing up for the Fall Classic. And what better way to prepare than to get a look inside the mind of a Phillies blogger. We did a Q&A session with Brian of the People's Phillies Blog (who you can follow on Twitter) where we each answered several questions about our respective teams.

Okay, pencils down! Here are the results:

Brandon to Brian - Scouting the Phillies

1. What would you say the Phillies vulnerabilities are?

The bullpen. Their bullpen struggles have been well-documented, particularly those of Brad Lidge. And Ryan Madson hasn't exactly lit it up this October. However, they've gotten the job done thus far and are more than capable of stepping up. That said, no Phillies fan will feel completely safe with a slender lead and the game in the bullpen's hands.


2. What player on the Phillies will be the X-Factor for whether they win or lose the series?


Cole Hamels. The 2008 World Series MVP hasn't looked like himself for much of the season, but everyone knows he's capable of dominating a game. He had a solid start against the Yankees this year allowing 2 runs in 6 innings at Yankee Stadium. He'll have an easier time in Game 3, since he won't have to face a DH. It's also worth noting that Hamels has had difficulty with left-handed hitting this October and the Yankees are a better right-handed hitting team.


3. Jimmy Rollins has begun the trash talking process. Do you feel that this will help or hurt the team in the longrun?


Rollins has a history of trash-talking a certain other New York team and it's worked out pretty well for them. Will it help or hurt? Ultimately I think it's irrelevant. Rollins and the Phillies have earned the right to talk trash, as the reigning World Champions. They are extremely confident, as they should be, and know how to win in hostile environments.


4. If you had a big game situation, who would you want on the mound?


Adam Eaton. Oh wait, I thought you meant who I want on the mound for the OTHER team. Yeah, I'm gonna have to go with Cliff Lee. He's the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner and has been nothing short of brilliant in the postseason. Upon further review, it's a question worth considering. Not because I have any doubts about Lee (though his history against the Yankees is mediocre) but because the Phillies also have the Hamels and a future Hall of Famer in Pedro Martinez at their disposal. I'd still have to go with Lee, but I wouldn't feel terrible about going into a Game 7 with Hamels or Pedro taking the hill.

5. At the Plate?

This is a much tougher choice. But again, it's because the Phillies have so many proven clutch performers. I'll have to go with Chase Utley, since he's our best all-around hitter, but you really can't go wrong. Ryan Howard has been a hitting machine this October, just as good (if not better) than A-Rod. Jayson Werth has had a great year and slays left-handed pitching. Victorino, Feliz, and Ruiz have all had their share of clutch hits this year and last. Ibanez hasn't gotten much press, but he has 9 RBI and 9 games. Two weeks ago I would have left Rollins off the list, but after witnessing his NLCS Game 4 heroics in person, I'll never doubt him again. As I said, I'll take Utley, as he's the best overall player, but lucky for me and Phillies fans everywhere, I don't really have to choose.

6. Do you think the Phillies bullpen will step up or step down? Why?


I wouldn't be much of a fan if I said "step down," would I? Seriously though, the Phillies bullpen has been impressive this October and there's reason to believe it could step up and be even better in the World Series. Brad Lidge appears to have his confidence back. Chan Ho Park is well-rested and got some good work in during the NLCS. Brett Myers, who had an impressive start against the Yankees in May, is back and (hopefully) healthy. Madson hasn't looked good lately, but there's no questioning his talent or his track record. The question with this bullpen all year has not been ability, it's been composure, and they look plenty composed right now.


7. Summarize the Phillies lineup? Strengths? Weaknesses?


American League-esque. This is a lineup that has no real weaknesses, up and down the order. The Phillies' 2 through 6 hitters made the All-Star team, and deservedly so. Rollins was left off but he's improved in the second half and is a former MVP. Feliz and Ruiz don't scare anyone, but Feliz has been good in the clutch (.879 OPS with 2 outs and runners in scoring position). Meanwhile, check out Ruiz's postseason numbers. His career playoff OPS is .838. His OPS in last year's Fall Classic was 1.188 and in this year's NLCS he posted a 1.271 OPS. And it doesn't hurt that he's a career 6-for-8 with a home run and 3 RBI against the Yankees. And then there's Ben Francisco, who will almost certainly get some at-bats, either as a pinch hitter, or as left fielder while Ibanez starts at DH. Francisco is great against left-handed pitching and he has a .928 OPS in 10 games against the Yankees.

As far as weaknesses, the one thing the Phillies have going against them is their tendency to leave runners on base. The Phillies have a lot of big hitters who take big cuts, and that can lead to strikeouts and pop-ups, so it's not altogether uncommon to see the Phillies come up empty, despite having 1st and 3rd and no outs. That said, they can just as easily crank a 3-run home run. Critics lambasted the Phillies last year as well for leaving runners on, but the important thing to remember is that if you're leaving runners on, that means you're getting runners on to begin with. It means you're working counts, tiring the starting pitching, and giving yourself the opportunity to blast those 3-run shots.

8. How about the Phillies bench?


The bench is one of the Phillies' great strengths. As mentioned, Ben Francisco is a very good right-handed bat and he's also a good baserunner and strong fielder. When the Phillies employ him in their outfield, they've essentially got 3 center fielders. Matt Stairs finished the regular season below the Mendoza line, but he posted a .357 OBP and cranked 5 home runs. As any Phillies (or Dodgers) fan can tell you, he's a home run threat every time he's at the plate. Greg Dobbs was arguably the best pinch hitter in the league in 2008. Eric Bruntlett isn't great, but he's a solid utility player and a good baserunner, with good playoff experience. Paul Bako is nothing special, but he's a veteran catcher with good defensive ability. If he had to step in for Ruiz at some point, the Phillies could do worse.

QUICK QUESTIONS:

World Series winner
Phillies in 6


MVP
Jayson Werth - Let's face it, this is going to be a hitter's series. And with the Yankees' left-handed starting pitching, the Phils may not get the kind of production from Howard as they did in the first two rounds. Werth can hit with the best of them, and even when he's not mashing home runs, he works counts better than anyone in baseball.


Most Valuable Pitcher
Cliff Lee - If the Phillies are going to win it, it will have a lot to do with Lee. If his 0.74 ERA against the NL's 2nd and 4th best offenses was any indication, he can win a game or two for the Phillies against the Yankees.


Hitter
Werth - Like I said, Werth will need to have a good series to neutralize the Yankees' left-handed starters, but frankly there's so many good players on this Phillies offense, there's no wrong answer here. Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Ibanez have shown they are capable of carrying the offense for stretches. Victorino is no slouch either and I already talked about Ruiz's playoff resume. I'm fairly confident Feliz, Bruntlett, and Bako won't be tearing it up, but otherwise, all bets are off.


Bullpen pitcher
Chan Ho Park - the obvious answer is Lidge, but the truth is, the Phillies already know who they're going to in the 9th inning. The 7th and 8th innings, however, are a tougher call. Park was the Phillies' best reliever this season and will be looked upon to get big outs, especially if Madson continues to look shaky.


Brian to Brandon - Scouting the Yankees


1. What would you say the Yankees vulnerabilities are?

I say the bullpen. The Yankees bullpen has the capability to be amazing or terrible, depending on the day. We've seen Alfredo Aceves pitch like an ace, but we've also seen him pitch like a AAA pitcher. David Robertson has been great getting out of jams, but he also got himself into those jams. Then theres Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes. Can you trust them in the 7th or 8th innings? It's becoming questionable with their rocky ALDS and ALCS performances.

2. What player on the Yankees will be the X-Factor for whether they win or lose the series?


I wanted to say Phil Hughes and even originally typed that as my answer, but I'm going with A.J. Burnett. The all-important Game 2 is a must-win game if the Yankees lose game one. Which Burnett will show up? Game 2 of the ALDS (which I was at) or Game 2 of the ALCS? He is a rocky pitcher that when he is on, hes ON, but when he is off, he is OFF.

3. Does C.C. Sabathia's 2008 struggles against the Phillies in the playoffs concern you?


No. I am biased in saying that, but I truly do believe it. When CC Sabathia pitched against the Phillies last year he was coming off a streak of many, many 3 days rest starts. This season he has only started on three days rest once. He can be the workhorse that they need, but they haven't needed that yet.

4. If you had a big game situation, who would you want on the mound?


Easy, Mariano Rivera. Rivera is the only pitcher in the MLB that I would trust in this situation. If you give me a bases loaded nobody out tie game in World Series Game 7 situation I would not even hesitate to pick Rivera. Not only is he the all-time postseason saves leader, but he has also had a very good postseason this year.

5. At the Plate?


Hmmm I'm going to go with Nick Swisher and his .125 Batting Average. Actually, never mind I think I'm going to pick Alex Rodriguez and his .438 Batting Average, 5 HR and 12 RBI this postseason. The fact that he has tied two games in the 9th inning or later this postseason just shows on its own how dependable in the clutch situations he has been.

6. Do you think the Yankees bullpen will step up or step down? Why?


This was a very hard question for me. I think that Phil Hughes will step down and Joba Chamberlain will step up. I think in at least one of the games Hughes will blow the lead in the 7th or 8th innings and then Joba Chamberlain will come in, shut the Phillies down and then the Yankees will go on to win that game. They will win that game because the rest of the bullpen will step up as well. Watch out for David Robertson. He could even take over the set-up role if he pitches well enough.


7. Summarize the Yankees lineup? Strengths? Weaknesses?


Top to bottom I would not take any lineup in baseball over it. There have been struggles with Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher, but I am confident that Teixeira at least can break ouy of it. Otherwise you have Mr. November (Derek Jeter), Mr. October of this year (Alex Rodrgiuez) and other proven postseason players (Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada) within the lineup.


8. How about the Yankees bench?


If the rumors are true, Eric Hinske and Brian Bruney (pitcher) will be added to the roster over Freddy Guzman and Francisco Cervelli. Cervelli was used as the third catcher this postseason and came in handy when needed. If Posada gets hurt now in game 2 (if Molina catches that game) then Jerry Hairston Jr. will be the 3rd catcher. Hairston hasn't ever played catcher in his career. Hairston himself can be used to pinch-run or even pinch-hit if neccessary. Hairston had never played a postseason game in his career going into this year. Of course there is Hinske who Phillies fans know for making the last out of last years World Series. He has been on the AL Champions three years in a row now and can provide some pop off the bench. Brett Gardner rounds off the bench as the big speedy guy. Fans enjoy calling him Gritty Gutty Brett Gardner (or GGBG for short) because of his instincts and base-running abilities.

QUICK QUESTIONS:

World Series winner
Yankees in 6. I tell you though, if this series was in Philadelphia I would probably pick the Phillies in 7. I think home-field advantage will be the deciding factor in this series.


MVP
Alex Rodriguez


Most Valuable Pitcher
C.C. Sabathia


Hitter
Alex Rodriguez


Bullpen pitcher
David Robertson. Watch out for him.

Thanks again to Brian for doing this interview. I hope both teams play great baseball, but the Yankees play better baseball! Check out his site and make sure to vote on the polls on the sidebar of my site. More interviews and commentary to come!

Howard vs. Teixeira--the Great Debate

Mark Teixeira seems like he thinks it is April this postseason. Teixeira hit .200 with 2 HR and 10 RBI in April this year. This postseason so far he is hitting .205 with 1 HR and 5 RBI.

Ryan Howard, on the other hand hit .287 with 4 HR and 15 RBI in April. In this postseason he is hitting .355 with 2 HR and an astounding total of 14 RBIs.

So, that brings up the question, who is the better first baseman?

Mark Teixeira hit .292 with 39 HR and 122 RBIs this year in his first year with the Yankees. Ryan Howard hit .279 with 45 HR and 141 RBI.

That gives me a 2-0 lead for Ryan Howard on who I would prefer.

Since Ryan Howard became a full-time MLB player in 2006 he has hit .278 with 198 HR and 572 RBI. Mark Teixeira has hit .297 with 135 HR and 458 RBI. While Teixeira has the better batting average, as you can see, Howard leads Teixeira in HR and RBI.

3-0 Howard.

Personally, I think defense is very, very important. Teixeira is almost a lock for gold glove at first base, so he gets a point for that.

3-1 Howard.

Finally, Howard won the World Series last year with the Phillies, so he gets a point for that.

4-1 Howard.

If you gave me an entire season and I had to take one of these two players, I would still have the toughest decision possible. I most likely would take Teixeira because of my bias, but I would not sleep for days. For this series, Teixeira has to prove that he is the better first baseman.

NOTABLE Changes

Hey guys, Brandon here! Back from my prolonged vacation (with Fernando taking over) to point out a few notable changes.

-New Poll
-Look at the bottom of the page for feeds to Mark Carigs Yankees Blog and the LoHud Yankees Blog
-You can now share my blog at the bottom of the page


So, with the Yankees in the World Series I will be here alot more, I promise!

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!

This is Nothing like 04'

All I have been hearing for the last couple of days is that this is completely like the 2004 collapse and that the Yankees are gonna blow it again. Really? In 2004 did the Yankees have CC Sabathia? Mark Teixeira? Was Alex Rodriguez actually clutch? This is nothing like 2004. The Yankees pitching is much improved and the Yankees hitting is equal if not better. All the Yankees need is one more win and they are in the World Series, just like in 2004. In 2004 the Yankees were playing the Redsox, not the Angels. In 2004 the Yankees had Javier Vazquez pitching in game 7, not CC Sabathia.

This is nothing like 2004. Even if the Yankees do lose the series, it is nothing like 2004. Not at all.

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 5

The rally monkey rears it’s ugly head, Yankees unable to clink the ALCS.

FINAL SCORE: YANKEES 6 ANGELS 7 (F9th)

SCORING PLAYS

• Bottom of the 1st: Chone Figgins walks. Bobby Abreu doubles to center field, Chone Figgins to 3rd. Torii Hunter singles to center field, Figgins and Abreu scores (NYY 0, LAA 2)
• Bottom of the 1st: Vladimir Guerrero doubles to center field, Torii Hunter scores (NYY 0, LAA 3)
• Bottom of the 1st: Kendry Morales singles to left field, Vladimir Guerrero scores (NYY 0, LAA 4)
• Top of the 7th: Melky Cabrera 1-out double to right field. Jorge Posada draws a walk. Derek Jeter walks, Melky Cabrera to 3rd, Jorge Posada to 2nd. After Johnny Damon flies out to left field, Mark Teixeira doubles to center field: Cabrera, Posada, and Jeter score (NYY 3, LAA 4)
• Top of the 7th: Alex Rodriguez is walked intentionally. Hideki Matsui singles to center field: Teixeira scores, Alex Rodriguez to 2nd (NYY 4, LAA 4)
• Top of the 7th: Robinson Cano triples to center field, Rodriguez and Matsui score (NYY 6, LAA 4)
• Bottom of the 7th: Jeff Mathis singles to left field. Erick Aybar draws a walk. Chone Figgins moves the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Bobby Abreu grounds to first base, Jeff Mathis scores (Aybar to 3rd) (NYY 6, LAA 5)
• Bottom of the 7th: After a Torii Hunter walk, Vladimir Guerrero singles to center field: Aybar scores, Hunter to 2nd (NYY 6, LAA 6)
• Bottom of the 7th: Kendry Morales singles to right field, Torii Hunter scores (NYY 6, LAA 7)
  

STARTING PITCHING (from Yahoo Sports)

• John Lackey: 6 2/3 innings, 6 hits allowed, 3 earned run, 3 BB, 7 SO, 3.65 ERA
• AJ Burnett: 6 innings, 8 hits allowed, 6 earned runs, 3 BB, 3 SO, 5.84 ERA
  

KEY PERFORMERS: John Lackey gave the Angels a very solid outing, posting 7 strikeouts through 6 scoreless innings before the top of the 7th unfolded. Both Hunter and Guerrero had 2 RBI each, as well as Kendry Morales who went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI including the game winning hit.

COMMENTARY: Like many of you, Joe Girardi’s announcement that Jose Molina would be catching for AJ Burnett during the playoffs gave me pause. Certainly loosing Posada’s bat was a concern, but more importantly what did this move say about Burnett’s psyche and overall mental state. For those of you not convinced about the importance of psyche, I give you Alex Rodriguez as proof that the mind is a powerful thing.

Now we all have seen Burnett unravel before our very eyes, sometimes a half inning is all it takes and there is no doubt that Burnett was put on the quick fire as the Angels scored 4 runs on 4 straight hits to begin the game. But Burnett settled down and worked through the Angels lineup for the next 5 innings without giving up a run, long enough for the Yankees to put up a 2-out rally for the ages in the top of the 7th scoring 6 runs and grabbing a 6 to 4 lead which at the time felt like enough to clinch the series. I thought it was important for Burnett to get those scoreless innings under his belt after such a rocky start. Think about it this way, if the lead held up Burnett would get the win and Girardi would have a confident 2 starter ready to face the Phillies in the World Series. That is why I can’t see the upside of having Burnett pitch the bottom of the 7th. Girardi had a rested bullpen and it is very different for a reliever to start the inning than to come in with men on 1st and 2nd with no outs and the speedy Chone Figgins at the plate. Instead Burnett is left with the lasting image that he gave up a walk after giving up a lead-off hit and put his team in a pressure situation that they could not overcome.

Once again Girardi’s managerial approach comes into questions, I’m not even going to mention his pitching choices in the 7th, and many Yankee fans are left wondering if the Yankee skipper has a feel for the game (it can’t all be scientific folks). There are other aspects of this game that I fail to mention in this short piece, like Teixeira and Cano combining for 5 RBI with RISP or Swisher’s failed chance at glory, forgive me for I’m emotionally drenched from the quick reverse of fortune that was the 7th inning of Game 5 of the ALCS.

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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.

The Triumphant Trio

While we watch the Yankees hammer Angel pitching, it comes time to reflect a bit on the year that was. Sure, A-Rod is putting together one of the greatest post-seasons of all-time, but the Yankees may not even be there if it weren't for three, very rich, but very talented, free agents: A.J. Burnett, CC Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira.

Those 3 were signed for, combined, over $350MM, the largest such amount ever spent by any team in one off-season. However, they might have been the best three ever signed. When the Yankees went into the off-season they had one goal: improve the starting rotation. The lineup and bullpen were after-thoughts. Well they accomplished that goal and a little extra.

Not since Mike Mussina in 2001, had a Yankee free agent really payed off. However, 2.5/3 have done that so far in 2009. Teixeira, who's 39 home runs and 122 RBIs lead the American League, will most likely finish 2nd in the MVP voting to Joe Mauer and CC Sabathia, 19-8 3.37 ERA, will be in the top 5 for the Cy Young. Plus, Burnett hasn't been half-bad (13-9 4.04). The Yankees really couldn't of asked for anything more than that.

ALCS GAME 4 PREVIEW

TALE OF THE TAPE: GAME 4 STARTERS (from www.yankees.com)

YANKEES - CC Sabathia

"I don’t think it’s that big a deal going [on] three days’ rest"

BREAKDOWN

• 2009 Regular Season - 19-8, 34 GS, 3.37 ERA
• Sabathia is 5-7 for his career against the Angels. Like Pettitte he has struggled in Angel Stadium. In 2009, Sabathia went 0-1 with an ERA of 6.75 at Angel Stadium.
• CC dominated the Angels in his last outing, and has a 1.01 ERA in four career starts with three days’ rest.

KEY MATCHUPS

• Vladimir Guerrerro, 3-for-15, 3 Ks
• Torii Hunter 20-for-68, 3 HRs, 17 RBI

ANGELS - Scott Kazmir

"I'm not going to try to do anything extra, just pitch my game."

BREAKDOWN

• A pedestrian 2009 season with a record of 10-9, 27 GS, 4.89 ERA.
• Has been very sharp with the Angels, posting a 1.73 ERA in six regular season starts with the Angels
• He’s had success against the Yankees during his career, posting a 2.67 ERA through 14 games. In 2009 he went 2-1 with an ERA of 3.20. But he allowed five runs in six innings in the ALDS.
  

KEY MATCHUPS

• Derek Jeter, 4-for-36, 11 Ks
• Mark Teixeira, 7-for-11, 3 RBI
  

TV: FOX 7:57 PM ET

COMMENTARY: Today is the start of the CC Sabathia experiment. Girardi has chosen to go with a three man rotation and everyone in the organization is confident that CC is well rested for the task at hand, including the man himself. Sabathia is 2-for-3 with a 4.63 ERA through 7 games in Angel Stadium, but has an astounding 1.01 ERA in four career starts with three days' rest. The Yankee lineup will face Scott Kazmir who was traded to the Angels because of his past success against the Red Sox and the Bronx Bombers. Though he's yet to win at his home park, Kazmir does carry a decent 3.19 ERA through 4 games in Angel Stadium. It's difficult to quantify how much yesterday's win may have done for the confidence of the Angels, Sabathia's performance good or bad may be a game changer.

UPDATE 6:50: this post was written by Fernando Arencibia but it was under my post and I wanted it on the top so I had to repost it, sorry.

Seriously?

Ok I wasn't supposed to post anything today based on my schedule but you know what I don't care. A video has surfaced on the internet that accuses Mariano Rivera of cheating. It says that he spit on the ball to get the three outs in yesterdays game.

A. Mariano Rivera wouldn't cheat. He got his powers (yes he is a superhero) from a freak accident as reported by Sports Illustrated.

B. The accusers are BLOG WRITERS who blog guess who? The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

C. No one would even consider for a second that Mariano Rivera would do this AND he was facing the umpires (outfield and 2nd base) when he did this so called action.

D. He spit. So what? 99.9% of baseball players spit during the game. Rivera just happened to spit near the ball.

This isn't a newsworthy story. This blog doesn't deserve publicity and the video should be erased. MLB has investigated and found no evidence. I guarantee you if you ask any person with any remote knowledge of baseball you will find out that Mariano Rivera is the classiest player in baseball. He did not speak to reporters after blowing a save one day.....what happened the next day? He apologized, spoke to reporters, and said he had a family matter to take care of.

If the Angels bloggers feel any bit better for writing this garbage story that doesn't deserve to be linked to by me, great for them.

This is a pathetic situation that should not be taking up your time but I am writing about it because I am furious that someone would accuse the best closer of all time of cheating the game.

Its a cutter. A cutter involves movement. It's a spit. People spit. It was near the ball OH NO. Grow up and write a reasonable story next time that maybe-just maybe-will have an ounce of credibility.

UPDATE 4:43 THANK YOU! SOMEONE GETS IT!

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.

ALCS GAME 3: PREVIEW

TALE OF THE TAPE: GAME 3 STARTERS (from www.yankees.com)

YANKEES - Andy Pettite

"I threw 3 bullpens since my last start. I'm hoping that's going to keep me feeling really sharp"

BREAKDOWN

• 2009 Regular Season - 14-8, 32 GS, 4.16 ERA

• Pettite is 12-10 for his career against the Angels, but historically has struggled in Angel Stadium. This year he posted a 0-2 record with a mammoth ERA of 7.84.

• Of course Pettite has the experience card on his side, with a 15 and 9 record in the postseason, he has over 218 postseason innings under his belt.

ANGELS - Jered Weaver

"You know, they've got guys 1 through 9 that can hurt you. But so did Boston."

BREAKDOWN

• A successful 2009 season with a record of 16-8, 33 GS, 3.75 ERA.

• Weaver has been stellar at home where he’s lowered his overall ERA by almost an entire point: 9-3, 17 GS, 2.90 ERA

• His career record against the Yankees is 4-2 through 7 games with a 4.88 ERA, In 2009 he split 2 games against New York with an ERA of 5.59.
  

TV: FOX 4:13 PM ET

COMMENTARY: Once again Andy Pettite is asked to set the tone for the Yankees as they head into their first away game of the series. Pettitte is headed into a venue where he’s had no wins this season and is 6-7 with a 4.19 ERA for his career, but he is one win shy of having the most wins in postseason history which speaks to how prolific he’s been when it counts the most. Pettitte can make his struggles in Angel Stadium a thing of the past, but the Bronx Bombers must liven up their bats in order to make this happen.

CC You in Game Four

According to the Star Ledger, Joe Girardi has official announced that CC Sabathia will pitch game 4 of the ALCS. This means that he will be going on 3 days rest. Now in the past, when CC has gone on 3 days rest in the playoffs, it hasn't worked out well for him (I don't think I need to go into what happened last year). However, this year is different. The Yankees cautiously gave him lots of rest down the stretch in hopes that it would allow him to pitch better in the playoffs, and so far, they've been right.

After looking absolutely dominant in his first two outings, CC will face his first true test as not only will he not be as well-rested, but he'll be pitching in Angel Stadium for the 3rd time this season. CC is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA at the Big A this season.

Despite those numbers, I still feel it's the right move for Joe Girardi. Say the Halos win tomorrow afternoon, making the series 2-1 Yankees. Would you really feel safe handing the ball to Chad Gaudin with the Angels oh-so-close to evening the series? If that were to happen, pitching CC in game 5 would be a lot less significant. The Yankees might be able to notch a win but would then be throwing the always-frustrating A.J. Burnett out there for game 6. Plus if CC were to lose, then those two games would become must-wins for the Yanks, a situation I can assure you they do not want to be in.

Now there is another side to this argument and that is Chad Gaudin and the Yankees bullpen. Gaudin pitched extremely well down the stretch, going into the 6th inning in 3 of his last 4 starts. Plus he didn't pitch in last night's bullpen extravaganza so he would be very well rested. If he can give the Yankees 6 quality innings (which he's proven to be able to do, even if he later falters in the 7th) then Girardi could turn it over to the 'pen to close it out.

That's one of the key advantages the Yankees have this post-season: their bullpen. Joba Chamberlain to Phil Hughes to Mariano Rivera makes up on the best back-end bullpens we've seen in a very long time. So if Chad Gaudin could go 6 or even 5 (don't forget about K-Rob) the Yanks would still have a good shot at winning. However, all of that goes down the drain if John Lackey can pitch the way he did against the Red Sox in the ALDS.

Going with Sabathia gives the Yankees their best shot at winning and I believe this to be a good move by Joe Girardi. However, my feelings don't matter in this situation. All that matters now is how Andy Pettitte the Yankees can fare in game three against Jared Weaver and his halos. Get pumped for a good one and I'll CC you in game 4