One Hit Wonder

We barely had time to enjoy Friday night's win against the A's, before the Yankees went out and embarrassed themselves, yet again, on Saturday. The Yankeed had 1, count 'em, 1 hit this afternoon. Chad Gaudin, who was cut loosely in a premature move by the Blue Jays, has started to emerge as a starter for Oakland this season. He had struggled in his last 3 starts, but took a no-hitter into the 6th inning today at Yankee Stadium.

Johnny Damon finally singled up the middle to snap the hitless streak, but Gaudin and Rich Harden combined on a 1-hit shutout as the A's won 7-0. It's the 5th time this season the Yankees have been blanked, already one more than all of last season.

Kei Igawa was up and down in his start for the Yankees. He retired the first 8 hitters he faced, then gave up back to back HRs to Jason Kendall (2nd) and Shannon Stewart (7th) in the 3rd. Meanwhile the Yankees could only manage two base runners - walks to Hideki Matsui in the 2nd and Melky Cabrera in the 5th - against Gaudin.

Igawa settled back down after getting out of the 3rd and kept the Yankees in the game until the 6th. That's when he issued a 2-out walk to Eric Chavez. Igawa nearly struck out Dan Johnson looking to end the inning, but home plate ump Angel Hernandez disagreed. Igawa then left a hanger up in the zone and Johnson (8th) pounded it into the upper deck in right for a 4-0 A's lead.

The A's picked up 3 more runs in the 7th against Scott Proctor and Mike Myers (2 batters faced - 1 walk, 1 hit- I hate this man) and the game was all but done. Gaudin went 7 before Harden, who due to arm troubles is pitching out of the pen, allowed 2 walks in a pair of scoreless innings.

~~~

In Friday night's 2-1 victory, Alex Rodriguez picked up his 34th RBI of June. It's tops in the majors and ties the amount he had in April. Imagine if he had a decent May!

Kyle Farnsworth's tantrum when he was pulled in the 8th inning of Friday's game - in case you missed he was shaking his head and muttering on his way to the dugout, then slammed his mitt from the top step - is just more reason this jerk has to go. How he even had the balls to complain is beyond me. He's been nothing short of awful in his 1+ years here and is considered a jerk by most who deal with him. And take Myers with you.

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Tonight's Lineups

Joe Kennedy vs. Mike Mussina

Time for Moose not pitch like a horse's ass.

A's
M. Kotsay cf
N. Swisher rf
J. Cust dh
E. Chavez 3b
M. Ellis 2b
D. Johnson 1b
B. Crosby ss
J. Kendall c

Yankees
D. Jeter ss
H. Matsui lf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada dh
B. Abreu rf
A. Phillips
R. Cano 2b
W. Nieves c

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Oakland Brings Their A's Game

Yankees return to the Bronx tonight to kick off a 10 game homestead against the A's. The pre-All Star break stretch ends July 8 vs. the Angels. The Yankees lost 2 of 3 to Oakland back in May. All three games were decided by one run.

Pitching Probables

Friday - Joe Kennedy (2-5, 3.98) vs Mike Mussina (3-5, 4.98) - try not to scream every time Michael Kay refers to Kennedy as "the patriarch". I need nearly put my foot through the TV when he said it during a promo on Thursday.

Saturday - C. Gaudin (6-3) vs. K. Igawa (2-1, 7.13) - Hopefully Igawa doesn't pitch like himself.

Sunday - Danny Haren (9-2, 1.91) vs. Andy Pettitte (4-5, 3.24) - 1.91, in this day and age?!

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TGIF Rumors

The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting that Oakland A's have dealt problem child Milton Bradley to the San Diego Padres for a pitching prospect.

Several sources have reported that the Chicago White Sox and Mark Buehrle are on the verge of agreeing to a 4-year, $56 million deal that will take Buehrle off the potential free agent market. And he'll be able to keep his facial hair..what a relief.

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500/3000

It was a big milestone day in major league baseball yesterday, as two long time veterans helped their efforts to gain entry into the Hall of Fame.

First it was the Blue Jays' Frank Thomas slugging a 1st inning, 3-run shot for career home run #500. In an odd twist, Thomas was thrown out of the game in the 9th by home plate umpire Mark Wegner after arguing balls and strikes.

Later in the evening, Craig Biggio had a remarkable 5 hits again the Colorado Rockies, the 3rd of which was career hit # 3000. Biggio was thrown out trying to advance to 2nd on the play, but was still able to enjoy the applause and love shown him by the home fans. The next highest hit total among active players is Barroid Bond with 2,896.

Frank Thomas' milestone HRs

1 – Aug. 28, 1990 @ MIN vs. Gary Wayne
100 – Aug. 31, 1993 @ NYY vs. Sterling Hitchcock
200 – June 9, 1996 @ BAL vs. Jimmy Haynes
300 – Aug. 7, 1999 @ OAK vs. Kevin Appier
400 – July 25, 2003 @ TB vs. Jorge Sosa
500 – June 28, 2007 @ MIN vs. Carlos Silva

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Suspend Your Disbelief

The Yankees finally had a lead late in a game last night. And then the rains came and did not want to stop. It was as if God was saying, "Thy shall not win just yet". The game, thanks to baseball's new rules, was suspended and will be completed the next time the Yankees are in Baltimore (July 27). The old rule would have had the game revert back to the previous inning, which would have meant an Orioles victory.

Chien-Ming Wang was cruising along with a 4-2 lead in the 7th when the Orioles and the first waive of rain struck. After Nick Markakis singled, Kevin Millar hit a slicing fly ball to right that fell in front of a semi-lunging Bobby Abreu (you will NEVER see Abreu dive for a ball) and rolled to the wall for an RBI triple.

The Yankees brought the infield in and Wang retired Aubrey Huff on a ground out to Robinson Cano. But Melvin Mora walked and the struggling Jay Gibbons lined a double up the gap in left-center to give the Orioles a 5-4 lead. Corey Patterson pinch ran for Gibbons and immiedately stole 3rd. To make matters worse, Jorge Posada's throw sailed into left field for a run scoring error. A walk to Paul Bako finally got Joe Torre to summon Luis Vizcaino from the bullpen.

Vizcaino struck out Jay Payton before Brian Roberts singled. Then the rains came. After a lengthy delay, Mike Myers came on to retire BrandonFahey on an inning ending ground out.

The Yankees came right back in top of the 8th, before another wave of very heavy rain would suspend the game. Orioles reliever John Parrish issued back to back walks to Posada and Abreu to start the frame. Melky Cabrera drove home Posada with a double, and Cano's RBI ground out tied the game.

Orioles' closer Chris Ray came on to retire Andy Phillips for the 2nd out, but Johnny Damon hit a tapper up the middle for an infield single, Cabrera moving to 3rd. After Damon stole 2nd, Derek Jeter singled back up the middle to bring both runners home and give the Yankees the lead back 8-6. That's when umpires decided it was time to build an ark or call the game. Melvin Mora got into a heated argument with home plate ump Tim Tschida, feeling (and probably rightly so) that the game should have been stopped sooner.

The game will replayed prior to the Yankees-Orioles regularly scheduled game on July 27 in Baltimore.

~~~

Andy Phillips homered in the 3rd inning, his first since returning to the Yankees. He also laid down a nice sacrifice bunt in the 7th that helped lead to a run. Unfortunately, he also popped out to end a bases loaded rally.

Over his last 2 starts, Wang has allowed 10 earned runs in 12.2 innings.

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Tonight's Lineups (6/28)

Wang vs. Cabrera

Yankees

J. Damon dh
D. Jeter ss
H. Matsui lf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada c
B. Abreu rf
M. Cabrera cf
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b

Orioles

B. Fahey ss
N. Markakis rf
K. Millar 1b
A. Huff dh
M. Mora 3b
J. Gibbons lf
P. Bako c
J. Payton cf

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Thursday's "Rumours"

No rumor on this one- the Angels, after failing to make a deal, the Angels have DFA'ed Shea Hillenbrand. That gives the team 10 days to get something done or see Hillenbrand walk away. Now for the rumor- According to Newsday, the Yankees are involved again in talks with the Angels.

The Minnesota Twins are the latest team to tell the Chicago Cubs, "um, no" to acquiring (or in this case, reacquiring) Jacques Jones. The Marlins balked about an earlier deal as well because the Cubs aren't willing to pick up enough of Jones's salary.

Talks between the Mets and White Sox have intesified concerning Jose Contreras. Although Contreras would rather stay put, the Chicago Daily Herald reports that Contreras is willing to waive his no-trade clause.

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Paul Simon Can't Lose

Timing is everything in life. Roger Clemens served up a 3-run gopherball to the Orioles' Aubrey Huff at about 8:56 EST tonight. Paul Simon was being awarded the Library of Congress' first Gershwin Award on PBS at 9:00 EST. Thanks for not stringing me along Rocket.

Perhaps Simon and Garfunkel were talking about the Yankees set up to Mariano when they sang "Bridge Over Troubled Waters". Of course, Simon's great hit, "Slip Sliding Away" was clearly about this season.

Simon's lyric "where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?" was a reference to the lack of any punch in the Yankees lineup. And "She wore diamonds on the soles of her shoes"- a clear reference to the $200+ million underachieving payroll.

The team is now in a stage of unwatchableness (sic) that has not been seen in about 15 years or so. Well actually, it was just this past May. I would say it's like watching paint dry, but then again sometimes runs do occur during painting.

The Yankees made another pitcher look like Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, and well, Roger Clemens all rolled into one. They managed only 5 hits off of Erik Bedard and the beleaguered Orioles pen in a 4-0 loss. For those of you keeping score at home, that's 7 losses in 8 games and 4 in a row- all to sub par teams (although they may be par compared to those fakes in pinstripes).

Roger Clemens struggled his way through 5 innings, making like Houdini a couple of times to keep the game scoreless. But it finally caught up to him in the 6th, Huff's blow the crusher.

Anyone notice that the Red Sox just got swept by the Mariners? Sadly, it doesn't matter.

Will I put on the game tomorrow? Yep, cause I'm "Still crazy after all these years".

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Clemens RHP (1-2, 5.09) vs. Bedard LHP (5-4, 3.60)

YANKEES
Damon DH
Jeter SS
Matsui LF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Abreu RF
Cabrera CF
Cano 2B
Cairo 1B

ORIOLES
Roberts 2B
Gomez SS
Markakis RF
Hernandez C
Huff DH
Mora 3B
Millar 1B
Gibbons LF
Patterson CF

Clemens is one of 7 pitchers 40-years old or older going tonight

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Torre Defenders, Time to Wake Up

Prior to the 1996 season, I was furious that Buck Showalter was let go and "Clueless" Joe Torre was hired. But in time Torre proved that circumstances can certainly make or break a manager. I wholeheartedly disagree with those who say any team could have won with the Yankees teams of '96 - '00. That's just plain garbage. Sparky Anderson used to hear the same thing when he managed the Reds teams of the '70s.

Torre pushed every right button, and used his personnel to perfection in garnering those WS championships. But over time, poor decisions by the front office and poor decision making by Torre have caught up to him.

The biggest red mark on Torre's report card is his handling of the bullpen. It was a piece of cake in '96- Mariano Rivera for 2 innings and John Wetteland to close. In the ensuing years he was able to mix and match with Mike Stanton and Jeff Nelson as the bridge to Mo. But Torre has not met the challenge of managing a less than stellar bullpen.

Torre's m.o. is to use a reliever until said reliever's knuckles are scraping the ground, while he ignores other relievers he deems untrustworthy. The 2003 World Series turned on Torre's decision to use the horrendous Jeff Weaver instead of Chris Hammond in extra innings. Weaver served up a walk-off gopher ball and the Marlins went on to win the series. In 2004, Torre overworked Paul Quantrill into ineffectiveness, then overtaxed Tom Gordon and Rivera as a result.

In 2005 he abused Tanyon Sturtze. In '06 it was Scott Proctor and Ron Villone, and this year it's, well, Scott Proctor again. Last night's loss to the Orioles was a prime example of what happens when you a pitcher is shot. Proctor had absolutely no control, but Torre let him hang out to dry.

There's no question that this year's bullpen is less than start quality, and took an early beating because of the starter's ineffectiveness. But Torre has mismanaged them to a new level.

Torre's defenders need to wake up, this isn't 2000 any more. His detractors have to give him the credit he deserves for those glory years. But Torre's 4 rings is what got him a bye after the '03 and '04 seasons, but now is the time for Torre to not pass go and go directly to the unemployment line.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The bullpen problems MUST be resolved by Brian Cashman, who along with the Tampa morons, has the responsibility for the makeup of the pen. Here are some things to shake up that leaky pen.

Kyle Farnsworth - Has to go. Having a 1 inning pitcher, other than your closer, who can't work back-to-back days is a waste of space. The Yankees overpaid him, and if that means eating a chunk of his salary, so be it. This guy is awful. (it would also end Michael Kay's constant, "he's got such great stuff" commentary).

Scott Proctor - Can still be the 7th/8th inning guy if he gets some time off. Proctor may have to beanball his way to another suspension in order to get some rest.

Brian Bruney - Doesn't matter how hard you throw if you walk the ball park. This guy should be used in critical spots until Ron Guidry gets his straightened out.

Mike Myers - The Poster Boy has to go. He's a roster spot killer. A lefty specialist who can't retire lefties. Go take your windup to a beer softball league where you belong.

Ron Villone - Could still be an innings eater out of the pen, but Torre has lost faith in him- again. Last year he practically used him every day until he was ineffective.

Luis Vizcaino - Has seemed to turn things around of late, thanks to tutoring from Mo. Should be given the chance to pitch in the crucial 7th/8th inning spots again.

Mariano Rivera - Doesn't have to be a tie game or a save situation to use your best reliever. Torre doesn't want to him wear out like he has in the past. That doesn't mean forgetting about him for days on end.

Give the Farm some tryouts.

We've gone on and on here many times wondering why the Yankees refuse to use Chris Britton. He should be up here..NOW.

Edwar Ramirez - We won't know if this guy is the goods or a dud until he gets the chance. He failed as a starter for the Angels, but has wracked up amazing numbers (74 Ks in 40.1 innings) in the Yankees system. Started the year in Trenton before being bumped up to Scranton a few weeks back.

Kevin Wheelan - Probably still too early to make the jump from Double-A, but the kid might be worth a look. He's only his 2nd full season in the minors after being selected by the Tigers in the June, 2005 draft. Eastern League opponents are only hitting .182 off of him, but Whelan has issued 25 walks in 31 innings.

Sean Henn - Had moderate success earlier in the year before old control problems cropped up. Would still rather give him a chance then Myers.

Jim Brower - the 34-year old veteran was released earlier this season by the Pirates organization. He's struck out 28 in 26 innings and walked just 5 since joining Scranton. Brower has a 2.08 ERA to boot.

Runelvys Hernandez - Picked up after being dropped by the Red Sox organization. The one time prospect could be used as a long man out of the pen. Something the Yankees are still lacking.

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Wednesday's Rumors

Shea Hillenbrand doesn't like being "put on a back-burner" and would like a trade out of LA. "The New York Yankees expressed interest in Hillenbrand a few weeks ago, but then Kotchman suffered a concussion, Garret Anderson aggravated his hip injury, and trade talks were tabled."
More (registration required)

Mets GM Omar Minaya has begun discussion with White Sox main man Kenny Williams about Jose Contreras. Rumors have been circulating that the White Sox will give Mark Buehrle a new deal, which may free up Contreras for a deal. More

With Miguel Tejada out until August, it's unlikely the Orioles will move their big hitting shortstop. Trade talks could crop up again in the off-season.

Joe Torre would still like to add a 1st Baseman with a good bat, reports the NY Post.

Asked yesterday about the lack of pop in the Yankees' lineup - the team began play ranked seventh in the AL in homers - Joe Torre indicated it's a concern that could be addressed through a trade.

"We've lost a couple of first basemen this year, so that would be one area," Torre said. "You wouldn't replace any of the outfielders and you wouldn't replace any of the infielders or the catcher, so it's a matter of finding someone who can give you a little pop or would be a threat."

Paul Konerko and Ty Wiggington are two of the names being kicked around.

The Phillies would love to move outfielder Pat Burrell, but aren't finding any takers. In addition to a no-trade clause, Burrell will make $27 million over the next 2 seasons. Mor

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Time to Say Goodnight Joe

The Yankees-Orioles games ended moments ago with Scott Proctor walking Ramon Hernandez with the bases loaded and 1 out in the bottom of the 9th. It should be the last pitch ever thrown with Joe Torre as manager.

Walks have absolutely killed the Yankees this season and Proctor (does he pitch every day or is that just my imagination?) put himself in immediate trouble by walking Corey Patterson to start the 9th. A Brian Roberts single put two men on and none out.

Did Joe get anyone warming up? No

Proctor then made a tremendous play, diving to snare a bunt off the bat of Chris Gomez. Proctor would have easily doubled Patterson off 2nd, but appeared to be shaken up on the play. With temps around 80 and high humidity, it would have been nice if Torre had come out with Gene Monahan to give Proctor a blow, but this is Joe Torre. He was too busy thinking of ways to blow another game.

Proctor then walked Nick Markakis- meanwhile we see a shot of the Yankees pen, everyone sitting nicely on the bench- to load the bases.

Was the end ever in doubt here? Proctor got away with one pitch as he nearly hit Hernandez with a wild pitch that goes to the backstop. Luck was momentarily on the Yankees side as Patterson froze at 3rd. But the inevitable was to happen.

Ball Four- Yankees lose. Now can Torre. Not in a few weeks, not after the season. NOW.

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Tonight's Lineups (6/26)

Yankees
Damon DH
Jeter SS
Matsui LF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Abreu RF
Cairo 1B

Orioles
Roberts 2B
Gomez SS
Markakis RF
Hernandez C
Huff DH
Mora 3B
Millar 1B
Payton LF
Patterson CF

Not DL'ing Damon makes no sense.

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Rags and Gator

The Yankees visit to San Fran this past weekend gave old friends Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti a chance to catch up. YES' Michael Kay got the chance to talk to the great lefthanders turned pitching coaches. Righetti and Guidry

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Rumors for a Tuesday

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are no longer in the running for Mark Buehrle. He's likely headed to the NL.

The Denver Post reports that Don Baylor is very much interested in becoming the Orioles skipper. The Post also says the Rockies have a strong interest in Octavio Dotel.

As reported by the Chicago Tribune, Cubs President John McDonough said a committee of Tribune Co. executives is in charge of the purse strings when it comes to whether to resume contract negotiations with Carlos Zambrano. Talks ended Opening Day when the company announced it planned to sell the Cubs.

"There's a group of people involved, and I think we're seeing the real Carlos Zambrano," McDonough said. "He got off to a rough start, and I think any team would love to have him."

Not a rumor, but a request - Mike Mussina sure would look good in a Braves or Phillies uniform (and out my pinstripes).

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Got a Wife and Kids in Baltimore Jack...

...I dropped 5 of 6 and I never came back. - Bruce Yanksteen

The Yankees continue their quest for mediocrity (can you tell I'm still angry) in Baltimore this week before returning to the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium. The season is hanging by the narrowest of threads and although the Yankees should probably be sellers at the trade deadline, that doesn't happen in George's kingdom.

Here are the matchups for the 3 game set

Tuesday - Andy Pettitte (4-5, 3.28) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (4-1, 2.42)
Pettitte is coming off an outing in Colorado that looked worse on paper. That's because Joe Torre left Pettitte in way too long and he took a hammering. Pettitte said after the game that he stopped being a pitcher when trouble struck, and was simply a thrower. Too bad your manager didn't recognize that before the game became a blow out.

Guthrie was once a highly touted prospect in the Indians organization, but his minor league success never translated to the majors. He's gotten a fresh start in Baltimore and the chance to work with pitching guru Leo Mazzone. So far it's paid off for the O's. Guthrie has 10 starts in his 16 appearances and he's been nothing short of phenomenal. Over the last 2 months, he's 3-0, 1.79 ERA in 9 starts and has pitched 7 innings or more in all but one of those starts.

Wednesday - Roger Clemens (1-2, 5.09) vs. Erik Bedard (5-4, 3.60)
The world's most expensive relief pitcher moves back into the rotation tonight, hoping to bounce back from a rotten outing in Denver. Clemens has faced the Orioles 44 times in his career, going 19-11. It's the Rocket's first meeting with the O's since 2003.

Bedard is 3-3 lifetime against the Bombers, including 1-0, 2.25 against them last year. The big lefty is the ace of the O's staff, but has still not quite stepped into the stardom the O's have predicted/counted on for him.

Thursday - Chien-Ming Wang (7-4, 3.51) vs. Daniel Cabrera (6-8, 4.98)
The Wanger is coming off a shaky outing against the Giants on Saturday, that may have partially been the result of a torn fingernail. Wang was bothered by it earlier this season and the Yankees keep gluing it back together.

Cabrera is hard thrower with control problems. When he's on, he's on, but when he's not he can walk the ballpark. A patient Yankees team could take advantage of that fact.

33

Believe it or not the Captain is 33 today. Ed Price of the Star-Ledger put together a funny and corny piece on what it means for Jeter to be 33.

It so happens it's also the birthday of the Jeter's teammate, the poster boy for failure. Hopefully the phrase Jeter's teammate won't be used for him much longer.

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Rumor Mill Picking up Steam

June is winding down, which means the major league non-waiver trade deadline is a little over a month away. Teams are assessing and reassessing their place in the standings. Buyers or Sellers? Buyers in early July, sellers late.

There are a lot of names dangling out there. Pending free agents, baseball legends, and players that may just need a change of scenery. We'll now take a look at some of the names and possible scenarios.

The Banged Up Bangers

Two of the top hitters being bandied about are on the DL right now and will be out for a significant stretch. Mark Teixeira (bruised quad) and Miguel Tejada (fractured arm) would be a big boost to any team's lineup. Teixeira becomes a free agent after the 2008 season, but Rangers GM Jon Daniels may want to strike while the iron is hot. The Rangers are not likely to re-sign Teixeira, which leaves 3 scenarios. 1-trade him before July 31. 2-trade him in the off-season. 3-trade him before next year's deadline. As each step goes, so goes the value of a deal. Now is when Texas will get the most for Big Tex, since they do not have to deal him.

Yankees - Will be a definite player if Tex is seriously marketed.

The Orioles have been contemplating dealing Tejada for a few seasons now. He's expressed unhappiness at times, and its been reflected in his play at the end of the season. A trade to a contender could certainly change that, though he may be forced to play 3rd Base if a team like the Angels were to acquire him.

Yankees - No interest

The Legend

Ken Griffey Jr. eclipsed Mark McHGH on the all-time HR list this weekend and is soaring towards 600 career HRs. There's also been talking of the Reds moving him in order to get more playing time for younger players. The interesting scenario here could be a return to Seattle. Jr. was admittedly nervous about the reception he would received when he returned this weekend. Those fears were for naught, as the Mariner's fans showered him with love. Jr. then got to thinking about ending his career back where it began. It certainly would help the Mariners in the box office.

Yankees - There will be interest, but does it really make any sense?

The Arms

The biggest demand at the deadline is for pitching- both starters and the pen. Actually the greatest demand at any time is pitching. There are a few big names out there that could be plucked.

Dontrelle Willis - The quirky will be arbitration eligible the next 2 years before becoming a free agent in 2010. He's still just 25 years old, and is left-handed, fitting the bill for a lot of teams. His enthusiasm and his want for the baseball would help a contending team. AL teams of course are concerned if his "stuff" would translate to their league.

Yankees - Limited interest

Mark Buehrle - A free agent after this season after spending in his entire 7 year career in Chicago. Buehrle is probably the hottest pitching commodity right now. He's a proven winner, a leader, and has already tossed a no-hitter this year. If GM Kenny Williams decides not to let Buehrle ride the year out, he'll being commanding plenty in return as he tries to re-stock his faltering team.

Yankees - Rumored interest as reported by the NY Post. Williams wants the Yankees top pitching prospects in return. I'd personally strangle Brian Cashman if he made a move like that.

Eric Gagne - Gagne made only 16 combined appearances in 2005-2006, but despite a couple of DL stints this year, has been pitching effectively as the Rangers closer. Daniels realizes that he has a hot commodity here that he had better move before Gagne gets hurt again. The biggest drawback here is the loss of "stuff" on the 2nd game of back-to-back appearances. But with so many teams needing bullpen help someone will pull the trigger.

Yankees - Interested, but let the buyer beware.


Hometown Boy

Torii Hunter has only known the Minnesota Twins in an 11 year career. He heard trade rumors throughout last season, before helping lead the Twins to the playoffs. This season, a contract year, Hunter has been phenomenal. He's hitting .306-15-57 with 10 stolen bases. And of course he still flashes the leather in center as well as anyone. There's no question that a team will want him, the question is will the Twins move him. They're not likely to give him the money he wants after this season, but he is a Twins legend and that may prevent them from making a move.

Yankees - Not likely with Johnny Damon already tied up for another 2 years.


Adam Dunn, Jacques Jones, Andruw Jones, Troy Glaus, the list goes on and on. Some will go, some will stay. Whatever happens, the next month will be an intriguing one.

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Mel Hall - More Than Just a Bad Influence on Bernie

Mel Hall was a semi-successful outfielder for the Yankees in the early 1990s. But they didn't like how he teased and tortured a young prospect named Bernie Williams. The Yankees, rightfully so, saw great things in Bernie, but not so much in Hall. So they let the Hall walk in 1992 and didn't really care if the door hit him on the way out.

Well Hall apparently has been a bad influence on others. This story from Deadspin -

Former major league outfielder Mel Hall has been charged with sexually assaulting two girls in 1998 and 1999 when he was coaching them on a select basketball team.

The 46-year-old Hall was released from jail Friday on $35,000 bail. He was arrested the previous day on charges of sexual assault of a child under 17 and aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14, police said Saturday. The second charge carries a possible life sentence because of the age of the alleged victim.

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Roid Rage

Every day and every way I get angrier and angrier at how the likes of Barroid Bonds and Sammy Steroids have tainted the game. While legitimate HR records are being approached by Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, and A-Rod, we have the daily watch of this cheating piece of human filth in San Francisco. The only thing making it worse is how the fans out there are drinking up the Kool-Aid (the Kool-Aid mascot has a smaller head than Barroid).

"He never failed a test!"

"You guys are chicken for not pitching to him"

"He should be sainted" (ok, I made that one up, but that's how it feels)

Until someone else, who is a legitimate ballplayer, comes along to break Hank Aaron's record, he is the record holder. Barroid not only disgraces himself every day, but Hammerin' Hank as well. Aaron was, and is, one of the classiest individuals to ever grace a uniform. His pursuit of Ruth's record and the racially motivated garbage that he had to put up with along way, truly makes him the all-time home run king.

I've said it before, but again I applaud him for not attending Barroid's games. Why should he taint his reputation by association with such a piece of human garbage. And the Giants fans are part of that garbage too. As well as anyone, and I mean anyone, who has tried to make this a racial issue (for that matter Barroid is a disgrace to the African-American community too).

There's no question that the dog and pony show surrounding Jason Giambi is an effort to somehow try to knock down Barroid. Only time is running out. He's only 6 away from tying Aaron.

Getting back to Sammy Steroids, who last week hit his 600th tainted home run. What was remarkable is how Sammy's ability to speak English came back! Amazing. I wonder if he went to a healer? That could be the only explanation for how he completely forgot how to speak English while in front of Congress. And that poof- it's back. What an amazing story.

Barroid, Sammy Steroids, Big steroid-filled Mac, Rafael Palmliar. The only hall they should go into is the Hall of Shame. You all disgust me- now go rot in baseball hell (Kansas City?).

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The Poster Child

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Over and Out

June 24th - mark this season done. Forget the 9 game winning streak and the 11 of 12. That was just an aberration. The team that just lost 5 of 6, the one that lost 2 out of 3 to a horrible Giants team, is the real deal. All the good feelings built up beating the garbage of the NL and the temporarily slumping Red Sox and Mets is gone. There's nothing now but disgust.

Losing to the Rockies is one thing, though it shouldn't have been 3 straight, but to lose 2 of 3 to the Giants is inexcusable. After blowing Saturday's game, it was easy to see that they would lose again today. That Joe Torre would weaken his lineup, sitting Jorge Posada, to appease Mike Mussina. That the bullpen would be garbage as it is nearly ever game.

This team needs a makeover. This team CANNOT succeed with the likes of Mike Myers, Wil Nieves, Andy Phillips, Ron Villone, Mike Mussina, Brian Bruney, Kyle Farnsworth. The list could go on and on. It's time to get rid of the old and bring in the new.

A guy like Bruney can still be good, but right now he's walking the ball park. Chris Britton had a good rookie year with the Orioles and has been dominant at Scranton, but he can't catch a break. Instead the Yankees call up garbage like Colter bean.

A career minor leaguer like Shelley Duncan should be given a chance to play 1st Base. Phillips has proven he can't hit major league pitching. Hell, bring Eric Duncan up and let him audition.

If A-Rod or Jeter don't come up big, no one does (with the exception of Posada, and occassionally Matsui).

This team is old and decrepit and disgusting.

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Jason Giambi's Official Statement

Here's what the Giambino had to say after agreeing to meet with George Mitchell. Giambi finally utters the word, steroid.

Today, I have agreed to Commissioner Selig's request that I meet with Sen. George Mitchell. In a direct conversation the commissioner impressed upon me the idea that the game of baseball would be best served by such a meeting. I will continue to do what I think is right and be candid about my past history regarding steroids. I have never blamed anyone nor intended to deflect blame for my conduct. I alone am responsible for my actions and I apologize to the commissioner, the owners and the players for any suggestion that they were responsible for my behavior.

I've come to this decision for a number of reasons. I did not want to put my family through a lengthy legal challenge in support of my position. In addition, the uncertainty of my playing status could detract from the efforts of our team to win the American League East. My focus at this time needs to be on rehabbing my injury, getting back on the field and contributing to the goals of my team. To be embroiled in a legal battle could undermine all of this and I would never put my family, my teammates or the Yankees in that position.

Accordingly, I have agreed to this meeting. As I have always done, I will address my own personal history regarding steroids. I will not discuss in any fashion any other individual. My hope is that this meeting will serve as a positive step, as all parties involved seek the best approach in dealing with the issue of "drugs in sport." That has always been the intent behind all of the comments I have made on the subject and it remains so to this day.

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I Found My Heart...in San Francisco

No, it's not the popular Tony Bennett tune. It's what the Yankees need to do a after a completely uninspired performance in Denver. The Yankees open a 3 game series tonight at Pac Bell AT&T Park, looking to snap their 3 game skid.

The Yankees haven't been out here since the 1962 World Series. There are images associated with that series. Helicopters being used to dry the rain soaked field of Candlestick Park, and Bobby Richardson snaring Willie McCovey's bases loaded line drive to end Game 7.

The only time the two teams have met, in games that counted, was a 3 game series at The Stadium in 2003. I was there for the Sunday game when Roger Clemens plunked Barroid right on the elbow. Aw shucks. Clemens and Steve Karsay pitched around Barroid the entire game, walking him 4 times. This prompted Giants fans to plead that he be thrown a hittable pitch. These are the same fans that think Barroid is a saint - "he's never failed a test".

Clemens won that day as did Mike Mussina in the first game on Friday. Mariano lost a tie game in the 9th on Saturday. In that same game, Barroid hit a 3-run shot off of Ted Lilly.

This is an exciting series for Chien-Ming Wang as there is a large Asian community in the bay area. (Wonder what the Wanger thinks about the Yankees signing a pair of pitchers from the People's Republic of China?)

The Giants' stud prospect Tim Lincecum was originally slated to pitch in the series, but was pushed back due to some recent shaky outings. Good move by manager Bruce Bochy. Bochy, who faced the Yankees in the 1998 series as manager of the Padres, is one of the most underrated skippers in baseball.

Here are the pitching matchups for this weekend. All eyes are on tonight's Yankees starter as Kei Igawa makes his return to the majors.


Friday (10:15) - Kei Igawa vs. Matt Cain
Saturday (3:55) - Chien-Ming Wang vs. Matt Morris
Sunday (4:05) - Mike Mussina vs. Non-Matt, Noah Lowry

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Disgraceland

The first 2 games of the 3 game series in Colorado were pathetic. The Yankees didn't hit, didn't pitch, didn't make the defensive plays...you get the idea. Today was all that + 1. The Rockies completed a 3 game sweep with a 4-3 win over the uninspired Yankees.

Roger Clemens had his first pour outing since his return. The Rocket man was a dud, not making it out of the 5th inning. Hideki Matsui belted a 2-run HR, his 8th, in the 2nd inning, but the Yankees managed only 1 run after that. The bullpen - primarily Mike Myers, who has redefined lefty specialist as one who gives up hits to lefties - stunk.

The team was rotten from the Captain right on down to the 25th man. Derek Jeter committed a very rare base blunder that killed a potential scoring opportunity. Jeter lead off the 6th with a double to extend his hitting streak to 15 games. But Bobby Abreu (2-10) struck out and then Alex Rodriguez hit a little dribbler to the left side. Jeter mistakenly took off for third and was easily out. Jorge Posada then singled, but reliever Jorge Julio came on to strike out Matsui.

Handed a 2-0 lead, Clemens gave it right back in the bottom of the 2nd, allowing home runs to Garrett Atkins (#8) and Troy Tulowitzki (#4). Clemens escaped a 2-on, 1 out jam in the 4th, but wouldn't be so lucky in the 5th.

With one out Kaz Matsui singled and promptly stole 2nd. Would it be too much to ask for Yankees pitcher to keep a runner close at 1st? Teams are running at will! One common theme throughout this series was pitching to Matt Holliday, the Rockies best and hottest hitter. With an open base, the Yankees chose to pitch to Holliday again and he burned them again with an RBI single for a 3-2 lead. That was it for Clemens, who threw 90 pitches in his brief 4 1-3 innings appearance.

Another mistake was then made by bringing Mike Myers. This guy CANNOT get anyone out on a consistent basis. His mere presence in a Yankees uniform sends me off into a rage. Myers once again failed, giving up a base hit to the left-handed hitting Todd Helton. Holliday easily made it to 3rd on Johnny Damon's weak throw. We won't even get into why the injured Damon is in the lineup instead of the DL! Scott Proctor replaced Myers and gave up a sac fly to Atkins for the Rockies final run.

Robinson Cano doubled in the 7th and scored on a Melky Cabrera pinch-hit sac fly, but that was it for the Yankees. They went down in order in the 9th to closer Brian Fuentes- was there any doubt Andy Phillips would strike out- and the sweep was complete.

~~~

Jeter was also thrown out in the 1st inning when either he saw a hit and run sign that didn't exist or Abreu missed it. Cano was also doubled off 2nd in the 5th inning on Damon's line drive to 3rd.

The Rockies have won 20 of 27 and showed that the Yankees are a very flawed team, especially when playing a good team. The Yankees streak of 9 straight and 11 of 12 was accomplished against poor teams or good teams going through a bad stretch (i.e. Mets). The series cost the Yankees 2.5 games in both the AL East and wild card races. Despicable.

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Giambi Agrees to Testify

Jon Heyman of SI is reporting that Jason Giambi and MLB have agreed to a deal for Giambi to testify in front of George Mitchell's committee.

Jason Giambi has an agreement to become the first active Major Leaguer to testify before George Mitchell, baseball's steroids investigator, SI.com has learned. Giambi will meet "promptly'' with Mitchell.

The agreement, which was hammered out after two weeks of negotiating sessions between MLB and Giambi's representatives, will be announced by MLB this afternoon.

By agreeing to testify, Giambi is avoiding suspension, at least for now. Baseball investigators will want Giambi to cooperate honestly and fully, however, and the decision not to suspend Giambi could be reversed if they determine he has not done so. As part of the agreement, the Yankees will not try to void Giambi's contract and leave his fate in MLB's hands.

Giambi is expected to testify about his own usage and the "landscape'' of steroid use in baseball. However, he is not expected to tell what he knows about other players, as part of the agreement that was hammered out between MLB and lawyers for Giambi and the union. MLB still is hoping to learn some things regarding Barry Bonds since Giambi knew Bonds' trainer Greg Anderson and Giambi will not be precluded from testifying about him.

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Godzilla Goes Deep

Hideki Matsui loves National League pitching. He'd probably be the next Ted Williams if he played there full time. We'll just settle for the 2-run HR he just hit to give the Yankees an early lead.

But we have to slap John Sterling for his "A thrilla, from Godzilla". Oof.

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Joba Chamberlain for the Futures

Joba Chamberlain is among the prospects named today to play in the 2007 Futures game at the All-Star festivities in San Francisco. Chamberlain will be the lone Yankees representative in the game and will be part of the US squad.

Click here for full rosters

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Today's Lineups (6/21)

First official game of Summer. Roger Clemens goes for win #350 today. He's the first to attempt it since the Braves' Warren Spahn in 1964. Spahn's catcher that day was Joe Torre.

Here are this afternoon's lineups

Yankees
CF Damon
SS Jeter
RF Abreu
3B A-Rod
C Posada
LF Matsui
2B Cano
1B Cairo
P Clemens


Rockies

CF Tavares
2B Matsui
LF Holliday
1B Helton
3B Atkins
RF Hawpe
SS Tulowitzki
C Torrealba
P Lopez

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Girardi Just Says No

WBAL-TV in Baltimore is reporting that Joe Girardi has turned down an offer to become the manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Girardi was interviewed almost as quickly as Sam Perlozzo was fired.

The Orioles hired Andy McPhail to run their baseball operations, but one has to wonder if Girardi was concerned with too many cooks stirring the pot. That was an issue when Lee Mazzilli and Perlozzo were manager. On top of that you have one of the worst owners in sports, Peter Angelos, as the main man in charge.

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Rocky Mountain Low

The Yankee juggernaut has suddenly run into a road block. After winning 9 straight and 11 of 12, the Yankees lost their 2nd straight to the Rockies last night, 6-1. Humidor or not, to only score 2 runs in 2 games is just plain pathetic. Last night lefty Jeff Francis baffled the Yankees over 7 innings, limiting them to 5 hits while striking out 9. The loss was costly as the Yankees dropped another game back in the division and the wild card races.

Derek Jeter had 2 of the Yankees hits, extending his hitting streak to 14 games in the process. He drove in the only run 6th when he followed Melky Cabrera's double with one of his own.

Andy Pettitte breezed through the 1st five innings, but it was all down hill after that. Given a 1-0 lead, Pettitte couldn't hold it in the Rockie's half of the 6th. Pettitte committed one of the biggest sins of interleague play- walking the pitcher to start the inning. Three batters later Matt Holliday smacked a two-out 2-run HR, his 13th, to give the Rockie the lead for good.

Joe Torre then made a big mistake- by doing nothing. Todd Helton followed Holliday's HR with a double and Kaz Matsui singled to left. But Hideki Matsui threw out Helton at the plate to keep it a one run game. One inning later the Rockies would blow it open.

Colorado put two men aboard on one-out singles by Troy Tulowitzki and Yorvit Torrealba. Pettitte retired Ryan Spliborghs on a foce out, but Willy Tavares singled to give the Rockies a 3-1 lead. Kaz Matsui then hit the back-breaker, a 2-run triple that finally got Torre out of the dugout. Holliday closed out the inning's scoring with an RBI single off of Luis Vizcaino.

~~~

The Yankees hesitation to put Johnny Damon on the DL despite a bad rib cage is mystifying. Damon can't swing the bat well from the injury, yet Torre is starting him in CF tonight.

Jeter now has hitting streaks of 20, 19, and 14 games this season.

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Tonight's Lineups (6/20)

Yankees

M. Cabrera cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada c
H. Matsui lf
R. Cano 2b
A. Phillips 1b
A. Pettitte p

Rockies

W. Taveras cf
K. Matsui 2b
M. Holliday lf
T. Helton 1b
G. Atkins 3b
B. Hawpe rf
T. Tulowitzki ss
Y. Torrealba c
J. Francis p

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Around the Horn (6/20)

It hasn't been a good week for veteran pitchers. Randy Johnson (herniated disk), Curt Schilling (shoulder), A.J. Burnett (shoulder), Jason Schmidt (shoulder), and Dontrelle Willis (forearm, elbow) are all hurting. Johnson and Burnett are already on the DL. Schilling went for an MRI (showed no structural damage), and Schmidt is having his shoulder scoped today. Willis hopes not to miss a start.

update - Schilling has received a cortisone shot

No more infighting for Cubs catcher Michael Barrett. The Cubs sent him and some cash to San Diego today for catcher Rob Bowen and prospect Kyler Burke.

Texas Rangers' 1st Baseman Mark Teixeira confirmed that he won't be back before the All-Star game because of his injured quad.

Craig Biggio had a pair of hits last night against the Angels, leaving him just 8 hits shy of 3,000.

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Damon DL Bound?

From today's NY Post...

Two swings in the indoor batting cage at Coors Field yesterday told Johnny Damon all he needed to know about his abdominal muscle problem that had been listed as a strain but is a lot worse.

"My rib is shot," Damon told The Post. "I am not too happy right now."

Asked if he was looking at the first disabled-list stint of his career, Damon said, "I don't know."

---

The Yankees should just stop wasting time and DL Damon already. If he can't swing the bat, what good is he? It seems like Damon aged 10 years in the off-season.

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Yankees Stink up the Rockies

"Every time I see you hit one in the air, you owe me twenty pushups." - Cleveland Indians manager Lou Brown to Willie Mays Hayes, Major League

Apparently the Yankees were unaware that their bats would be kept in the humidor as well as the baseballs for last night's game with the Rockies. That could be the only explanation for their pathetic performance against journeyman garbageman Josh Fogg. The Yankees hit one fly ball after another in a listless 3-1 loss to Colorado.

Mike Mussina was adequate, allowing 3 runs over 6 innings, but he made a big mistake in the 6th that gave the Rockies some insurance. With 2 out and none on, and the pitcher on deck, Mussina threw one right into Yorvit Torrealba's wheelhouse and the catcher deposited it into the left field seats for his 3rd home run of the season, and a 3-1 Rockies lead.

The Yankees chances were few and far between. Alex Rodriguez lined a single to start off the 2nd and center fielder Willy Tavares turned the wrong way on a Jorge Posada fly ball, turning into a double. The Yankees were set up for a big inning, but all one run came across. Hideki Matsui's ground out scored A-Rod and moved Posada to 3rd. But with the infield playing in, Robinson Cano, again showing no patience at the plate, hit a grounder right to Troy Tulowitzki at short, freezing Posada at 3rd. Wil Nieves struck out swinging to end the inning.

Just as the opponent's running game hurt the Yankees in the Mets series, it did again last night. Tavares bunted his way on in the 3rd, stole 2nd, and came home with the tying run on a Garrett Atkins single. The Rockies went ahead in the 5th when Kaz Matsui followed up his base hit with a stolen base, and scored on Matt Holliday's single to right.

The Yankees only managed 4 hits off of Fogg in 7 innings, so they were glad to see him go in the 8th. Melky Cabrera and Bobby Abreu both singled off of Manny Corpas to put two on, with two out, and A-Rod up. But Corpas was careful not to put anything over the plate and walked A-Rod to load the bases. Clint Hurdle called on LaTroy Hawkins to face Posada and Hawkins won the battle, getting Posada to ground out for the final out of the inning.

Matsui gave the Yankees one final chance in the 9th with a lead off double against closer Brian Fuentes. But again Cano didn't come through- his ground out moving Matsui to 3rd. Miguel Cairo and Johnny Damon both went down on strikes and the Yankees dropped a game back in both the AL East and wild card races.











As expected Andy Phillips made his return to the team, with Josh Phelps designated for assignment. Phillips got into last night's game- very briefly. He pinch-hit for Nieves in the 7th and lined out. But with the Yankees needing a double switch in the bottom of the inning, Phillips never even got the chance to complete an inning in the field.

Johnny Damon entered the game at 1st Base in the 8th inning as part of the aforementioned double switch. Jorge Posada played a very solid game and even saved his buddy Derek Jeter from getting an error.

Jeter double in the 3rd inning to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.

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Girardi Meeting with O's - Productive

This from Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal:

Former Marlins manager Joe Girardi and Orioles officials came away with positive impressions of each other Tuesday after an initial meeting in Chicago that lasted more than two hours.

While Girardi told FOXSports.com that he did not receive a formal offer to be the team's next manager, he remains the overwhelming front-runner for the position.

Girardi said he had a "productive" meeting with Orioles chief operating officer Andy MacPhail, executive vice-president Mike Flanagan and club counsel Russell Smouse.

A team official said that Girardi "did well" and indicated that the Orioles do not plan to interview a large number of candidates for their managerial position.

The Orioles on Monday named bullpen coach Dave Trembley the interim replacement for Sam Perlozzo. Girardi said that he and the club agreed to get back in touch in "a few days."

The team has discussed interviewing former Cubs manager Dusty Baker, former Orioles manager Davey Johnson, Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel and former major-league manager Jim Fregosi.


Click here for the complete story.

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Tonight's Lineups (6/19)

Yankees

M. Cabrera cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada 1b
H. Matsui lf
R. Cano 2b
W. Nieves c
M. Mussina p


Rockies

W. Taveras cf
K. Matsui 2b
M. Holliday lf
T. Helton 1b
G. Atkins 3b
B. Hawpe rf
T. Tulowitzki ss
Y. Torrealba c
J. Fogg p

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Phillips, Phelps, Flops, Flips...

According to Peter Abraham of the Journal News, Andy Phillips is on his way back to the Bronx. The most likely roster victim will be Josh Phelps. Phelps is a rule V draftee, so the Orioles will have a crack at getting him back if indeed this turns out to be the case.

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Rocky Mountain High, Colorado

Yankees vs. Rockies Preview

Baseballs in humidors and purple jerseys. This is NOT your father's baseball team. The Yankees open up a 3 game series tonight at Coors Field against the NL West Rockies. The last time the Yankees came here was in 2002, and the result was a pitcher's nightmare.

Tonight's starting pitcher, Mike Mussina, won that first game in '02 despite allowing 5 runs in 6 innings. Afterwards he said he never wanted to pitch there again. Should have had a word with Bud I guess.

Andy Pettitte was thrashed for 8 runs, 5 earned, in 3 plus innings in the 2nd game. But the Yankees pounded Mike Hampton and the Rockie's pen for 18 hits, including 3 home runs, in a 20-10 win.

The finale saw the Yankees blow an 8-2 lead and lose 14-11 in 11 innings on Todd Zeile's 3-run walk off HR. Relievers Randy Choate and Mike Thurman gave up 9 runs in just 2.1 innings.

The only other time the 2 teams met was in 2004 when the Yankees swept a 3 game set at Yankee Stadium. The Rockies come in hot, having won 10 of 14, including a pair from the Red Sox.

The use of the humidor has purportedly cut down on the number of runs and wild hitting affairs. That remains to be seen.

One other story of interest in this series will be the increasing rumors of the Yankees interest in Todd Helton. Helton does have a no-trade clause, but may be willing to waive it to get to a contender.

Pitching Probables - ironically it is the same pitching order for the Yankees from that 2002 series.

Tuesday - Mike Mussina vs. Josh Fogg
Wednesday - Andy Pettitte vs. Jeff Francis
Thursday - Roger Clemens vs. Rodrigo Lopez

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Giambi Ready to Talk

According to the NY Daily News, Jason Giambi is set to meet with MLB investigator George Mitchell in attempt to put the whole thing behind him. Bud Selig has given Giambi until Thursday to pass or play on speaking with Mitchell. Giambi's agent Arn Tellem has been waiting for assurances from MLB that Giambi won't have to name names.

Click for the complete story.

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Orioles Fire Perlozzo

The Orioles finally came to their senses and fired Sam Perlozzo who was never right for the job in the first place. Of course Mike Flanagan, Jim Duquette, and whoever else put this lousy team together should be fired too.

The bigger ramification here could be the status of pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who is close friends with Perlozzo. That and a bigger pay day is what got him from Atlanta.

Joe Girardi, who is currently in the YES booth, has been thrust into the spotlight as the leading candidate. Girardi may want to speak with Lee Mazzilli on how difficult it is managing an also-ran in the AL East.

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Remembering Reggie and Billy

30 years ago today, June 18, 1977, one of the most embarrassing moments in Yankees history took place. Yes, way more embarrassing than A-Rod's "Hah" moment. It was a Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. NBC's Game of the Week was in town for a national television audience.

The Red Sox had spanked the Yankees on Friday night, 9-4. On Saturday the Yankees jumped to quick 2-0 lead, but by the bottom of the 6th they trailed 7-3. Fred Lynn singled with one out against Mike Torrez. Jim Rice stepped in to the batter's box and all hell broke loose.

Rice hit a bloop into right field for a single- well it should have been a single. Reggie Jackson looked like he was moving in quick sand as he approached the ball, allowing Rice to leg out a double.

Yankees' manager Billy Martin nearly blew a cork in the dugout. After replacing Torrez with Sparky Lyle, he sent Paul Blair out to replace Reggie. Reggie was talking with backup catcher Fran Healy, Reggie's only real friend on the team, over the bullpen wall, when Blair approached.

Reggie saw Blair coming at him and gestured at himself as if to say, "me?!". As soon as Reggie hit the dugout steps, Billy's temper boiled over and he exploded at Reggie. Reggie put down his glass expecting a brawl and if not for coaches Yogi Berra and Elston Howard, there may very well have been one.

Teammate Jimmy Wynn escorted Reggie from Fenway and a tale that would live in infamy was born.

~~~

On a better note, yesterday was the 29th anniversary of Ron Guidry's remarkable 18 strikeouts against the California Angels. It was the first game where fans rhythmically clapped for a 3rd strike.

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With 6 You Get Egg Roll

Peter Abraham of the Journal News is reporting that the Yankees have signed 2 prospects from the People's Republic of China.

"The New York Yankees announced today that they have signed left-handed pitcher Kai Liu and catcher Zhenwang Zhang to minor league contracts, becoming the first Major League team to sign a player from the People’s Republic of China with approval from the Chinese Baseball Association."


Click for the full story.

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Yankees Eyeing Hillenbrand

According to today's NY Post, the Yankees have talked to the LA Angels about acquiring Shea Hillenbrand. The Yankees spoke with Hillenbrand before the season, but he was looking for a multi-year deal and the Yankees didn't want to give more than a 1 year deal. The Angels gave him a 1 year deal with an option/buyout for 2008. The option would have been automatic had Hillenbrand reach 600 plate appearance this season.

Problem is Hillenbrand has stunk out the joint this season and lost his starting job. He is hitting just .246 with 3 HRs and 18 RBI, and has had only 175 PAs.

He is an upgrade, albeit not a large one, over Josh Phelps, and may come cheaply at this point.

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Yankees Taiwan On

Bad puns aside, the Yankees bounced back nicely from Friday night's defeat to win a slugfest on Saturday. Last night was an even more complete game. Pitching, offense, and defense each took their turn in the Yankees 8-2 drubbing of the Mets before a nationally televised audience. The win was the Yankees 11th in their last 12 games, while the Mets have now droppped 7 of 8.

Chien-Ming Wang got the start for the Yankees and was completely dominant. My boy (I'm proud to say I correctly predicted that Wang would have a major impact for the Yankees during spring training in 2005. It's nice to be right now and then.) mixed in his ever more reliable change up with a slider, a great fastball, and his bring-you-to-your-knees hard sinker to strike out a career high 10 batters. And of course he had his ground ball game going as well.

Once The Wanger has the lead he rarely gives it back and Alex Rodriguez gave it to him early last night. Having already allowed a single to Derek Jeter (extending his hitting streak to 12 games), El Duque left a two-out hanger over the plate for A-Rod, who destroys them like a dry cleaners. The blast, his 27th, landed in the back left corners of the visitors bullpen. It was career HR #490 for A-Rod, who has been hitting one tape measure shot after another these days.

The Yankees added two more off of Duque in the 2nd. Miguel Cairo's two-out double to left scored Hideki Matsui, and Cairo came home on Johnny Damon's single. In the 3rd, the Bombers made it 5-0. Bobby Abreu hit a shot into the left field corner that eluded Carlos Gomez for a lead off triple. A-Rod brought him home with a deep sacrifice fly for RBI #73.

Meanwhile, Wang was breezing through the Mets lineup. He didn't allow a hit until Jose Reyes' single in the 4th. But the Yankees quickly erased that one, correctly calling a pitch- Jorge Posada's throw arriving well ahead of a sliding Reyes.

A solo HR by Damon, an Abreu HBP, and a walk to A-Rod finally drove El Duque from the game. An appreciative Yankee Stadium crowd has never forgotten how Orlando Hernandez contributed to 3 World Series championships and gave the fan favorite a nice round of applause.

The Mets finally reached Wang in the 7th when his strike 3 pitch to David Wright bounced well in front of Posada. Instead of the side being retired, Wright reached safely and scored on Carlos Delgado's double to right. With the lead cut to 6-1, Wang retired Jose Valentin on a ground out to quickly snuff out any idea of a rally.

Wang looked even stronger in the 8th, striking out the side. That included a strike 2 swing and miss by Reyes, on a Wang change up, that nearly screwed him into the ground.

The Yankees made sure there would be no doubt about the outcome, when in the 8th A-Rod lined a double to left-center and Posada followed with a line drive home run off of Aaron Heilman into the right field seats. It was Posada's 9th of the season and his 207th as a Yankee.

Wang came within 1 out of a complete game in the 9th before Joe Torre decided that 113 pitches was enough. Ramon Castro doubled and Carlos Beltran singled him home for the Mets 2nd run of the night. But David Wright grounded sharply to A-Rod who started an around the horn double play. That's when Torre opted for Mike Myers. The lefty specialist struck out Delgado looking to end a very enjoyable Sunday night.

~~~

Defense is always an important part of the game, but especially when you have a ground ball pitcher like Wang going. After homering in the 2nd, A-Rod dove to his left on a sharply hit ball by Delgado and threw him out to take away a base hit. In the 6th the Yankees doubled up the lightning fast Reyes as Miguel Cairo turned a sweet 3-6-3 double play, scooping out Jeter's throw as he got back to the 1st Base bag.

Speaking of A-Rod's defense, its been completely overlooked because of the tremendous offensive season he is having. But in case you have noticed, he's been playing an outstanding 3rd Base.

Jeter has gone 19-45 (.422) during his 12 game hitting streak, raising his average from .326 to .342.

Wang is now 6-1 in his last 7 starts with a 2.25 ERA. He's averaged more than 7 innings in those starts.

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Get Out Your Tape Measures

It didn't take Alex Rodriguez long, but the ball sure went a long way. A-Rod pounded an El Duque hanger into corner of the Met's bullpen.

Home run #27 for 2007, #491 for all-time.

Oh, and moments later he robbed Carlos Delgado of a base hit.

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Tonight's Lineups (6/17)

Mets

Reyes SS
Lo Duca C
Beltran CF
Wright 3B
Delgado 1B
Valentin DH
Green RF
Gotay 2B
Gomez LF

Yankees

Damon DH
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Matsui LF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Cairo 1B

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Around the Horn (6/17)

It's been a tough year for Carlos Zambrano. First there was the multi-year pact taken off the table when the The Trib sold the Cubs. Then there were the early struggles and erratic pitching, possibly brought on by the lack of a new contract. Next up came the fight with Michael Barrett in the dugout and clubhouse. But yesterday may have been the most frustrating of all.

Zambrano had a no-hitter going into the 8th inning. He lost is when Marcus Giles stroked a 1-out single. Zambrano would allow only one one more hit in the game, but it was one hit too many. Russell Branyan belted his 5th home run of the season in the 9th- the game's only run. Chris Young and 3 relievers limited the Cubs to hits as well.

Young didn't last too long in the game though, just 3 innings plus a batter in the 4th. That batter was Derek Lee and Young went head hunting after him. Let's take a step back though.

Saturday's incident happened because of the unprofessional demeanor of the Cubs' Alfonso Soriano on Friday. Sori hit a deep blast off the Pads' David Wells, and in the process raised the bar for admiring home runs. Sori back peddled his way down the 1st Base line, angering the Pads in the process.

So on Saturday, Young narrowly missed Lee's noggin' in nailing him. A brawl ensued with Young, Lee, Jake Peavy (who was quite outspoken on Soriano's actions on Friday), and Cubs' hitting coach Gerald Perry were all ejected. The only puzzlement in all of this is why Lee was thrown at and not Soriano.

Afterwards, the reactions were typical. First Derek Lee:

"I really don't mind getting hit, but when it's at my head, I feel like it threatened my health," the normally mild-mannered Lee said. "I don't know what his intent was, but it was at my head and he said some things to me I didn't like. It just escalated."

Chris Young:

"I will say this, I didn't throw at him and that's as far as I'll go," said Young, who didn't allow a hit in his three-plus innings before he was tossed. "I didn't try to hit him. It had nothing to do with anything in the past. I was just trying to throw a pitch inside. It got away and hit
him."

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The Bruce Froemming Love Society

An aside for a moment. What's with the sudden love affair with Bruce Froemming? Or as I like to call him, "that fat little pig". Is this all because he's retiring?

A few weeks back Joe Buck was kissing his ass on FOX and Froemming did so in return, talking about Buck's father Jack. The Yankee's broadcasters have been talking about him glowingly as well. This is the Froemming I remember.

Former pitcher/manager Larry Dierker:

"Bruce Froemming was an absolute terror at first - a cross between Napoleon and Hitler," Larry Dierker said. "(Especially if) it's a day game after a midsummer's night contest and he has to umpire behind the plate."

When Froemming was a rookie ump he cost the Cubs' Milt Pappas a perfect game. How? By refusing to call a strike. Pappas had a perfect game going against the Padres. He'd retired the 1st 26 hitters, when Larry Stahl came up. Pappas threw 4 sliders, all of which were in or around the strike zone. It turned into a 4 pitch walk and Pappas cursed out Froemming, who responded with an arrogant sneer. Then the little shit had the nerve the next day to ask Pappas for an autograph.

The latter part of that story is interesting, because it is taboo for the umps to get autographs. In 1996 Froemming went into the Dodger's locker room before a game seeking autographs, particularly Mike Piazza's. Piazza's teammate Tom Candiotti says it was even worse than that, stating that Froemming threatened to do to Piazza what he did to Johnny Bench when he refused to sign baseballs.

"I remember an incident with Froemming when I was with the Dodgers in 1996. Froemming came into our clubhouse about a half hour before a game I was pitching. He had some baseballs and asked Mike Piazza to autograph them. Piazza was on the table and the trainers were helping him stretch.

I'm getting ready to pitch -- I was about to go out and warm up -- and my catcher is trying to prepare for the game. And Froemming is telling Piazza this story about how one time Johnny Bench wouldn't sign baseballs for him, and Bench went 0-for-4 that day with three called strikeouts (or something like that). So Piazza stopped stretching and signed the baseballs. "

He stabbed his own brethren in the back. Froemming was one of the guys calling the shots when the umpires staged a mass resignation in 1999. Froemming criticized the umpires who didn't go along with the resignation, but later rescinded his and was re-hired by major league baseball. The majority of the umpires that resigned were never reinstated. (That piece of garbage Joe West was rehired too).

Froemming was to work an MLB series in Japan in 2003. The league was taking care of the flight arrangements. But Froemming decided to take care of his own itinerary. When Froemming was reprimanded he called umpiring administrator Cathy Davis, "a stupid Jew bitch.". That earned him a 10 day suspension and cost him the trip to Japan.

I for one will be glad when this piece of garbage is gone. He's never figured it out in his 36 years of service. No one comes to the game to see him.

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It is High, It is Far, It is Gone

Yanks outslug Mets 11-8

The Yankees were in mid-April form today with poor starting pitching and shaky relief by Mariano Rivera. But the offense, lead by A-Rod slugged through way through to an 11-8 win. Tyler Clippard earned himself a ride by to Scranton with an awful 3 1-3 inning performance. The Mets touched him up for runs in the 1st two innings, Ruben Gotay providing the second with his 3rd home run of the season. The Yankees tied it up in their half of the 2nd, but the Mets got the go ahead run back across home plate in the 3rd, courtesy of the Jose Reyes show.

Reyes drew his 2nd walk of the game and promptly stole 2nd base (his 2nd steak of the day and his 5th steal in 2 days). A Carlos Beltran ground out moved him to 3rd where he proceeded to dance down the line. When Carlos Delgado signaled for time out, Clippard broke from his stretch position and was called for a balk by home plate umpire Bruce Froemming. Jorge Posada and Joe Torre argued, but Froemming had never granted the time out.

The Yankees got Clippard off the hook again in the bottom of the inning when Alex Rodriguez tattooed a Tommy Glavine delivery into the back of the Met's bullpen for a 2-run shot. It was A-Rod's 26th of the season and number 490 for his career.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, Clippard threw the lead away immediately. After issuing a 1-out walk to Shawn Green, Clippard served up a gopher ball to Ramon Castro. Castro's 4th of the year put the Mets back in front 5-4. For whatever reason, Torre kept Clippard in the game for one batter. That turned out to be a single for Gotay.

Clippard's removal turned out to out to be the turning point of the game. While Glavine continued to struggle, Luis Vizcaino and Scott Proctor finally stopped the bleeding. Then the Captain stepped up.

Derek Jeter crushed a Glavine pitch and drove into the runway between the left field seats and the bleacher for a 6-5 Yankees lead. It was Jeter's 5th of the season on a day when he would go 4-5 and extend his hitting streak to 11 games. He fell a triple short of hitting for the cyle.

Glavine, who has been stuck on 295 career wins since May 19th (5 starts), exited the game after giving up a lead off double to Posada. Robinson Cano's single off of Scott Schoeneweis brought home Posada, with Cano advancing to 2nd on the play. He would later score on a Miguel Cairo base hit as the Yankees scored 2 runs for the 5th straight inning.

The Mets bullpen finally stopped the Yankees from scoring in the 7th, but Cano doubled in a big insurance run in the 8th off of Aaron Sele for an 11-6 lead. The Yankees would need those runs because Mo was hit like the Mo of April.

Delgado lead off with a ground single through the left side and Paul Lo Duca followed with a rope to right. Green flied out, but Castro singled to left to load the bases. Rivera struck out Gotay looking for the 2nd out of the inning and it appeared he may escape unscathed. But rookie Carlos Gomez ripped one back up the middle that ricocheted off of the closer's ankle for an infield single. A run scored and the bases remained loaded for the hot Reyes.

Rivera got ahead, but Reyes eventually lined a single to center to bring home 2 runs. That brought the go-ahead run to the plate in the person of Beltran. But Mo bounced back, getting the cold centerfielder to pop out in foul territory to Posada for the final out.

It certainly was written up as a game plan, but the Yankees will take the 'W'.

~~~

Clippard was demoted after the game and replaced by outfielder Kevin Thompson. After tomorrow night's game, the Yankees play the next 6 in National League parks so they can use the extra non-pitcher. In 6 starts, Clippard was 3-1, 6.33. He only had 1 effective start after his debut victory against the Mets on May 20th.

Kei Igawa will most likely be recalled to start Friday night in San Francisco. Igawa was 1-1, 2.00 in 2 starts for Tampa, and 2-2, 2.88 in 4 starts for Scranton. More importantly, he has a 27/7 strikeout to walk ratio and has gotten command of his change up.

Jorge Posada has only played 1st Base one time in the last 6 years, but Torre plans on putting him out there a couple of times this week to keep his bat in the lineup while Wil Nieves catches.

The Yankees remain 8.5 back in the east as Boston beat San Fran 1-0. The Yanks do move back to 3.5 out in the wild card after Detroit's loss to Philly, 6-3.

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Learning the Strike Zone

I love Robinson Cano. I have a Robinson Cano jersey. But as Ken Singleton pointed out, there are times in the game when you have to use your head. Cano lead off the 7th inning tonight with the Yankees in desperate need of base runners. He ended up popping out to 2nd on a pitch that was up in his neck. So here it is Robbie, learn it, use it, be it.

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Reyes Shoots Down the Rocket

Roger Clemens threw a very effective 6 1-3 innings and the Yankee bullpen was solid. But Clemens couldn't get out Jose Reyes and the Yankees offense went into a slumber against Mets starter Oliver Perez (7-5). The outcome was a 2-0 Mets win that snapped their 5 game losing streak and the Yankee's 9 game winning streak. The Yankees also dropped a game in the AL East and the wild card as both the Red Sox and Tigers won.

Tonight's game was the Jose Reyes show. Reyes was 3-3 with a pair of singles, an upper deck home run, 3 stolen bases, a walk, and drove in both Mets runs. He showed why is he is so dangerous once he reaches base.

Carlos Gomez also showed a lot of speed and he ignited the Met's first run in the 3rd inning. Clemens (1-1) had escaped a two-on, no out jam in the 1st, but when Gomez bunted his way on and stole 2nd, the Rocket had to face Reyes again. Having already singled in the 1st, Reyes took a pitch back up the middle for an RBI and a 1-0 lead.

The Yankees had early chances against Perez, but couldn't capitalize. Derek Jeter singled in the 1st and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, but Perez struck out Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees loaded the bases with two down in the 2nd, but Melky Cabrera flied out.

Abreu was stranded at 2nd in the 3rd, but the Yankees came right back again against Perez in the 4th. Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano drew back-to-back walks, but free swinging Josh Phelps chased some bad pitches and flew to right. Miguel Cairo also became the hero when he drove one to deep left, but a leaping Gomez took away, at the very least, an extra base hit, and doubled off Matsui who apparently had a brain cramp.

In the 5th Reyes struck again and struck hard, hitting a Clemens offering off the facing of the upper deck in right. It was Reyes' 3rd HR of the season and 30th RBI. Clemens started the 7th by retiring Julio Franco, who is actually older than the Rocket, but he was pulled after Gomez's 2nd bunt single of the game. Luis Vizcaino, Mike Myers, and Brian Bruney combined for 2 2-3 scoreless innings, but the Yankees still couldn't push a run across.

Perez, who got the Yankees to swing at bad pitches all night, was finally knocked from the game with one out in the 8th when Derek Jeter doubled to right. But Pedro Feliciano retired Abreu on a deep drive to center, and Joe Smith got A-Rod to ground out sharply to 3rd. Billy Wagner came on and breezed through the 9th, striking out a pair for his 15th save.

~~~

David Wright extended his hitting streak to 16 games, while Abreu's streak ended at 13. Derek Jeter has hit in 10 straight, the 3rd time this season he has reached double figures.

Clemens' final line - 6.1 IP 7 H 2 ER 1 BB 8 K

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