We Apologize

For last year's questioning of why Chris Britton wasn't given a chance to pitch. We admit our mistake. If he never puts the Pinstripes on ever again, it will be too soon. (that wasn't really good English, but we're pissed).

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Trade Deadline Recap

This was one of the most active trade periods in recent memory. Not only were a number of deals that got done, but a number of high profile players exchanged places. Let's take a look at today's big deals and a couple of ones that had already taken place.

3 Hall of Fame Players - Manny Ramirez, Ivan Rodriguez, and Ken Griffey Jr. were all dealt today. There have been rumors of Jr. to the White Sox on and and off for a couple of months. He finally went today, after waving his no-trade clause, for infielder Danny Richar and pitcher Nick Masset. Richar was thought to be the starting 2nd baseman for the White Sox this season before injury stalled his year. Eventually Alexi Ramirez made Richar expendable. Masset is a mediocre reliever who will just add some depth to the Reds pen.

Ivan Rodriguez gives the Yankees much needed punch at catcher while the Tigers got some much needed help in their bullpen with the acquisition of Kyle Farnsworth.

By adding Manny Ramirez to their lineup, the Dodgers have an excellent shot at overtaking the Diamondbacks for the NL West crown. Who ever would have thought Joe Torre would be managing the Man-child, and for that matter, Nomar.

The Red Sox get back a very solid player in Jason Bay. He's not Manny, but he's still a good addition. The biggest difference will be no protection for David Ortiz.

The poor fans in Pittsburgh, those who actually pay attention to baseball, get back 4 prospects. Reliever Craig Hansen, who was once thought to be closer material, and outfielder Brandon Moss, who has tremendous upside. He's a good outfielder with a decent bat, and will be just 25 in September.

From LA, the Pirates got Andy LaRoche, who joins his brother Adam, and pitcher Bryan Morris. The younger LaRoche will see time at 3rd base and eventually could supplant his brother on the other side of the diamond. He's got good power and will finally get the chance to see if he can live up to his hype. Morris is in just his second minor league season after missing 2007 due to Tommy John surgery. The 21-yr old's best pitch is his curveball.

The Reigning AL Cy Young Winner - CC Sabathia has been outstanding since his trade to the Brewers, going 4-0, 1.82 in 5 starts. The Indians have the chance for an outstanding bat in Matt LaPorta who was hitting .288-20-66 in 84 games in Double-A. He's made a slow transition to the Indians team in Akron, hitting just .212-1-7 in 14 games. Last year he drove in 31 runs in 30 games.

The Stud - Rich Harden finally won his first game as a Cub today. And yes, we are being sarcastic. Harden hasn't given as many innings as Sabathia, but his arm has to be cared for a lot more. Nonetheless, he's been outstanding, putting together a 1.11 ERA in 4 starts. He's also struck out 39 batters in 24.1 innings. Sean Gallagher is in the A's rotation and projects to be a number 3 or 4 starter. The reports on outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson are mixed. Murton, soon to be 27, did well in 2006, hitting .297-13-62 with an .809 OPS. But he's tailed off since. Patterson is getting a shot now after tearing the cover off the ball in 14 minor league games after the trade, and has the bigger upside.

The Big Bat - Mark Teixeira is playing in his second game in an Angels uniform tonight. After going 0-4 against Boston, he's 2-4 against the Yankees and drove in his first run in for the Halos. This was a great deal for the Angels. Casey Kotchman will be a very solid defender for the Braves, but the jury is still out on his bat. Pitcher Steve Marek is a hard thrower, but is pretty much a crap shoot.

So there you have it. Big names, big deals, big difference makers.

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Yankees Getting Crushed by Angels

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Breaking News: Dodgers Get Manny Ramirez

Jon Heyman is reporting that Manny Ramirez has been sent to the Dodgers as part of a 3-way deal that will send Jason Bay to the Pirates.

Update 4:45 P.M. EDT

The Pirates are said to be receiving 4 minor leaguers, though which teams they are coming from is not known.

Ramirez had dropped his no-trade clause ahead of time in return for the options for 2009 and 2010 being dropped from his contract.

UPDATE 4:50 P.M. EDT

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Pirates will receive Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris from LA and Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen from the Red Sox.

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Yankees Deal Alberto Gonzalez

The Yankees have traded minor league shortstop Alberto Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals for pitcher Johnny Nunez.

We don't quite get this one unless the Yankees needed to make room on the 40-man roster and didn't want to just lose Gonzalez.

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Breaking News: Rays Do Not Acquire Bay

It has not been confirmed yet, but MLB.com is reporting that the Rays will acquire Jason Bay from the Pirates for highly regarded prospects, shortstop Reid Brignac and pitcher Jeff Niemann.

UPDATE 4:15 P.M. EDT
Ken Rosenthal says the deal is dead. MLB.com was premature in reporting the deal, which is not likely to happen at this point.

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Yankees vs. Angels - July 31

The Yankees begin a tough 4-game series with the Los Angeles Angels and their new slugger, Mark Teixeira, this evening at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees haven't fared well in recent years against the Halos and the addition of Teixeira won't help to change that.

The Yankees will have their new acquisition, Ivan Rodriguez, in the lineup as well. It's not know where he will hit yet, or for that matter what number he wears. I-Rod usually wears number 7, which of course is retired in honor of The Mick.

Here are the pitching probables for the series, which is the first meeting between the two teams this season.

Thursday: John Garland vs. Andy Pettitte
Friday: Ervin Santana vs. Sidney Ponson
Saturday: Jered Weaver vs. Mike Mussina
Sunday: John Lackey vs. Darrell Rasner

As you can see, two of the match ups swing very favorably in the Angels direction.

UPDATE 4:20 P.M. EDT

Here is tonight's Yankees lineup with Ivan Rodriguez wearing number 12 and hitting 8th.

Damon DH
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Nady LF
P. Rodriguez C
Cabrera CF

As expected, Chad Moeller was designated for assignment. Unexpectedly, Chris Britton has been recalled from Scranton.

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Tampa's Bay

With the Manny Ramirez talks apparently dead, Jayson Stark is reporting that the Rays are back in discussion with the Pirates for Jayson Bay. The Rays have been reluctant to part with any of their top prospects, but no deal will get done unless they do.

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Manny Deal Appears Dead

Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark have joined Peter Gammons in saying that the three way deal between the Marlins, Red Sox, and Pirates, concerning Manny Ramirez, is dead.

The Pirates are apparently blaming the Marlins and vice-versa. Word is that the Marlins want more money.

I hate the idea of contraction, but the Marlins should have been contracted a long time ago.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. EDT

ESPN's Peter Gammons reported that Florida asked Boston for 2 million additional dollars beyond the amount to cover Ramirez's contract, plus two prospects. Like we said, contract the Marlins.

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Yankees Want Southpaw from the North Side

ESPN's Jayson Stark is reporting the Yankees, as well as the Red Sox, are among the teams going after Cubs left-handed reliever Scott Eyre. With Damaso Marte expected to have a prominent role, Brian Cashman would want another left-hander to serve as a specialist.

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Junior Heading to the South Side

Ken Rosenthal reports that Ken Griffey Jr. has accepted the trade from the Reds to the White Sox. In exchange for Junior, the Reds will receive pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar. Cash will be exchanged as well, but the details are not yet disclosed.

With Jermaine Dye and Carlos Quentin in the outfield, and Jim Thome as DH, the White Sox will probably move Nick Swisher to 1st base, thereby descreasing Paul Konerko's playing time.

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Around the Horn - 7/31

The Phillies and Mets continue to play leap frog in the NL East. The Phils took a half game lead last night with an 8-5 win over the Nationals. Chase Utley and Shane Victorino both went deep to help Jamie Moyer pick up his 240th win, 12th best (tied with Frank Tanana) among left-handers.

The Mets meanwhile couldn't hold an early lead and red hot Mike Pelfrey was cooled off by the Marlins 7-5. The Marlins sit just 1.5 games back.

Garret Anderson put up a 4-hit, 4 RBI night as the Angels beat the Red Sox 9-2. It was LA's second three game sweep of the Red Sox this month. The Rays gained a game on Boston with a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Colorado still can't make up its collective mind as to buy or sell today. Had they lost three straight to the Pirates they probably would have been sellers. But the Rockies snapped the 2-game losing streak last night, 7-4, as Aaron Cook won his 14th game.

Dan Haren won his 11th game of the season in the Diamondbacks 7-3 win over the Padres. That kept them one game ahead of the Dodgers, who got a complete game shutout from Chad Billingsley in a 4-0 win over the Giants.

The Diamondbacks have to wonder what their offense would be like had they kept Carlos Quentin. The White Sox outfielder continued his breakout season with his 28th home run and drove in 4 runs in the Chisox 8-3 win over the Twins. Quentin has 83 RBI for the season.

The Cubs beat the Brewers for the third straight night, this time 7-2, behind a strong outing by Ryan Dempster, who picked up his 12th win. The Brewers will try to salvage the finale of the series, but they're up against Rich Harden.

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The Mustache Hates the Shift

Kudos to Peter Abraham for coming up with this. We're figuring this was prompted by Jason Giambi losing a 2-run single earlier in the game due to Brian Roberts playing short fielder.




UPDATE - Some asshole apparently complained to youtube about the video and its been removed.

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Deadline Deal Rumors

The Manny Ramirez, three team trade is of course the biggest rumor out there. Jayson Stark of ESPN quoted an official in the know as saying there's a 50/50 chance it will happen.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause to accept a trade to the White Sox. No details on the trade itself. The White Sox are reportedly interested in relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt as well. The Chicago Sun-Times also reports the White Sox are interested in acquiring A's closer Huston Street to serve in a set up role to closer Bobby Jenks.

The Twins continue their search for a 3rd baseman. Much talk has been made about their interest in Adrian Beltre (Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins or Denard Span), but the Mariners are reportedly asking for too much in return. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Twins have turned the sights on a lesser player such as the Giants' Rich Aurilia. (Yankees should send them Wilson Betemit..NOW). The Giants are also listening to offers for catcher Bengie Molina and shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The Mariners have clearly lost their minds. Jarrod Washburn has been on a tremendous roll, but their asking price for him is crazy, especially considering he's set to make $10.9 million next season. The Mariners asked the Rockies for top prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers, and were looking for a Jon Niese or Fernando Martinez type prospect from the Mets. The Mariners are also shopping closer J.J. Putz.

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Miami Manny?

Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus is reporting that the Boston Red Sox are ready to ship Manny Ramirez to the Florida Marlins as part of a three team deal. The Pittsburgh Pirates would send outfielder Jason Bay and left-handed reliever John Grabow to Boston. The Marlins would send outfielder Jeremy Hermida and two prospects to Pittsburgh, with another prospect coming from Boston.

The deal would be contingent on Manny waving his no trade clause.

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Hawkins Gets Jettisoned to Houston

Wow, two in one day. The Yankees, who DFA'ed LaTroy Hawkins recently, dealt him and cash to the Houston Astros for minor league infielder Matt Cusick. The cash will pay for the remaining money on Hawkins one year, $3.75 million deal.

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Yankees Crush Orioles in Finale

The Yankees Yankees took whatever frustrations they have felt the last three days out on the Orioles this afternoon, pounding the Baltimore squad, 13-3. Bobby Abreu had a huge day with a pair of home runs and Alex Rodriguez also went deep to help Joba Chamberlain earn his 4th win of the season.

The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on an Aubrey Huff single, but it was all Yankees after that. They took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 1st when Alex Rodriguez's single scored Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu came home when Nick Markakis' throw sailed over the head of catcher Guillermo Quiroz. A-Rod came across when Quiroz mishandled a Dennis Sarfate pitch for the first of two run scoring passed balls on the day.

Singles by Brian Roberts, Brendan Fahey, and Markakis cut the lead to 3-2 in the third, but Chamberlain rebounded, retiring Huff on a line out and Melvin Mora on a ground out to Robinson Cano.

The Yankees began to break things open in their half of the inning when Johnny Damon drew a lead off walk and two batters later Abreu hit his 12th home run of the year. The Yankees then put things away with a pair of 4-run innings in both the 6th and 7th frames.

Brian Burres was the victim in the 6th when Jason Giambi, Abreu, and Xavier Nady produced run scoring hits. In between the innings, Edwar Ramirez made the fastest exit in recent memory. His first pitch to Kevin Millar sailed over the Yankee killer's head and was immediately tossed out of the game by home plate umpire Mark Wegner.

Though Joe Girardi came out and argued vehemently, Ramirez didn't see upset, as though the pitch "didn't slip". If that's the case it was in retaliation for Daniel Cabrera hitting Alex Rodriguez on Tuesday night. It would be a lot better though if the Yankees pitcher stopped head hunting and drilled some ribs.

Back to baseball, Abreu and A-Rod hit back to back home runs in the bottom of the 7th. For Abreu it was his first two home run game as a member of the Yankees, and 13th of the season. A-Rod's home run, his 23rd, was the 541st of his career.

July 30, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Baltimore	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0		3	6	1
NY Yankees	3	0	2	0	0	4	4	0	X		13	11	1

Baltimore	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Roberts, 2B	4	1	1	0	0	2	1	.284
Castillo, A, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Jones, CF	4	0	0	0	0	2	3	.274
Markakis, RF	4	0	2	1	0	0	1	.294
Huff, DH	3	0	1	1	0	0	3	.302
a-Castro, J, PH-DH-SS	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	.146
Mora, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	0	4	.249
Scott, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	.256
Millar, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.245
Quiroz, C	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	.215
Fahey, SS-2B	3	1	1	0	0	2	1	.244
Totals	34	3	6	3	1	9	15
a-Homered for Huff in the 8th.
BATTING HR: Castro, J (1, 8th inning off Robertson, 0 on, 2 out). TB: Roberts; Markakis 2; Huff; Castro, J 4; Fahey. RBI: Huff (72), Markakis (56), Castro, J (2). 2-out RBI: Huff; Castro, J. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Mora; Scott; Roberts. Team LOB: 5. FIELDING E: Markakis (2, throw). PB: Quiroz (3).

Baltimore	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Sarfate (L, 4-2)	4.0	2	5	3	3	5	1	4.00
Burres	1.1	4	4	4	0	1	0	5.64
Cabrera, F	0.2	3	3	3	2	2	2	4.80
Castillo, A	2.0	2	1	1	1	3	0	2.08

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	2	1	0	1	2	1	0	.316
a-Christian, PH-LF	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	.280
Jeter, SS	3	1	0	0	1	3	3	.284
b-Betemit, PH-SS	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.242
Abreu, DH	4	4	3	3	1	0	0	.288
Rodriguez, A, 3B	4	2	2	2	0	0	1	.328
c-Moeller, PH-3B	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.227
Giambi, 1B	3	1	1	1	0	1	1	.256
Sexson, 1B	1	1	1	0	1	0	0	.222
Cano, 2B	5	1	1	0	0	1	2	.266
Nady, RF	4	2	2	2	0	1	0	.325
Cabrera, CF	3	0	0	0	1	0	1	.245
Molina, C	3	0	0	0	0	2	3	.226
Totals	35	13	11	10	6	11	13
a-Singled for Damon in the 7th. b-Struck out for Jeter in the 7th. c-Struck out for Rodriguez, A in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Abreu (29, Burres), Nady 2 (28, Burres, Castillo, A). HR: Abreu 2 (13, 3rd inning off Sarfate, 1 on, 1 out; 7th inning off Cabrera, F, 0 on, 0 out), Rodriguez, A (23, 7th inning off Cabrera, F, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Christian; Abreu 10; Rodriguez, A 5; Giambi; Sexson; Cano; Nady 4. RBI: Rodriguez, A 2 (65), Abreu 3 (71), Giambi (62), Nady 2 (60), Damon (44), Christian (5). 2-out RBI: Damon; Christian. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Jeter 2; Betemit. Team LOB: 5. FIELDING E: Cano (8, fielding).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Chamberlain (W, 4-3)	6.0	5	2	1	0	6	0	2.24
Ramirez	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.35
Robertson	2.0	1	1	1	1	3	1	4.91
Giese	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.76

Cabrera, F pitched to 3 batters in the 7th.

WP: Cabrera, F, Robertson.
Balk: Chamberlain.
IBB: Cabrera (by Cabrera, F).
HBP: Molina (by Castillo, A).
Pitches-strikes: Sarfate 68-39, Burres 27-18, Cabrera, F 35-18,
Castillo, A 33-20, Chamberlain 98-60, Ramirez 1-0, Robertson 40-26, Giese 10-7.
Ground outs-fly outs: Sarfate 2-5, Burres 2-1, Cabrera, F 0-0,
Castillo, A 2-1, Chamberlain 5-7, Ramirez 0-0, Robertson 1-2, Giese 2-1.
Batters faced: Sarfate 17, Burres 8, Cabrera, F 7, Castillo, A 10,
Chamberlain 24, Ramirez 0, Robertson 8, Giese 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Cabrera, F 2-2, Castillo, A 2-1.
EjectionsNew York Yankees pitcher Edwar Ramirez ejected
by HP umpire Mark Wegner. (7th).
Umpires: HP: Mark Wegner. 1B: Jeff Kellogg.
: Sam Holbrook. 3B: Chad Fairchild.
Weather: 82 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 6 mph, In from LF.
T: 3:08.
Att: 54,296.

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Farnsworth Dealt for Pudge

Well this is certainly not breaking news, but we received a stunning phone call out on the golf course today (thank you Mrs. MM!). The Yankees sent set up man Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers for catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Farnsworth's, who will be a free agent after the season, value has never been higher since he joined the Yankees and he was deemed expendable when the Yankees acquired Damaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Yankees have been looking for a catcher with offensive punch since they realized Jorge Posada's season was done. Pudge, also a free agent to be, is not the hitter he once was, but he is still a major upgrade to the offense that Jose Molina and Chad Moeller, who will probably be designated for assignment, bring to the table.

Farnsworth seemed shaken when the news was announced, and both Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi felt bad for him on a personal level. Rodriguez was surprised, to the say the last, but realized that anything can happen in baseball, and looks forward to joining the Yankees pennant race.

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Yankees vs. Orioles - July 30

The Yankees will try to salvage the final game of their 3-game series with the Orioles this afternoon at the Stadium. Joba Chamberlain will go up against Dennis Sarfate, who is making his first big league start after60 relief appearances.

Here are the lineups courtesy of Peter Abraham:
YANKEES (58-48)

Orioles
Roberts 2B
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Huff DH
Mora 3B
Scott LF
Millar 1B
Quiros C
Fahak SS

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu DH
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Nady RF
Cabrera CF
Molina C

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Hughes and Pavano Take the Hill

We don't believe it was a full moon last night, but Phil Hughes and Carl Pavano both pitched...off the same mound. Pavano started for the Charleston River Dogs last night and Hughes was the next pitcher to follow.

Pavano's line - 2 innings, 1 hit and 1 walk allowed. He threw 28 pitches, 18 of which were strikes. His fastball clocked in the upper 80's.

Hughes also threw 28 pitches, but went 3 innings since he was so efficient. He relied primarily on his fastball, which clocked in the low 90's. He allowed 2 hits, a walk, and struck out 1.

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Hump Day Rumors - 7/30

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the Tampa Rays are in serious talks with the Pirates for outfielder Jason Bay. So far the Rays, who are notoriously difficult to deal with, aren't willing to part with a top prospect or a cache of prospects.

Adam Dunn is available, but apparently there are no takers for the moment.

Miguel Tejada was assured by the Astros front office that he won't be traded.

Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies and Red Sox are in deep talks about Manny Ramirez, and that the Phillies are the most likely destination. Speculation is that Pat Burrell would be sent north. The Marlins are also trying to work a Jeremy Hermida based deal.

The Dodgers are also interest in Manny and are thought to be putting together a deal centering on Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, though a deal doesn't seem likely.

Before sending Mark Teixeira to the Angels, the Braves turned down a package of Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks.

The talks with the Yankees have gone cold, but the Denver Post reports that the Rockies are interested in Jarrod Washburn. The Rockies are also taking a look at their former pitcher Josh Fogg, and Tim Redding. Of course they still don't know if they are buying, selling, or combining the two.

Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun would like to be dealt, but GM J.P. Ricciardi said there's no interest.

Royals outfielder Jose Guillen is shooting down reports that he doesn't get along with manager Trey Hillman and wants out of Kansas City.

CBS Sportsline reports that Padres pitcher Greg Maddux said no to a trade to the Phillies.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have joined the Twins in having an interest in LaTroy Hawkins.

UPDATE - 12:03 P.M. EDT

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins are close to acquiring left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.

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Skid Hits 3 as Rally Falls Short

The Yankees climbed out of a hole in the 9th inning tonight, turning a runaway into a one run ball game with the tying run on 2nd base and just 1 out. But as we've seen time and time again this year, they come up short when needing the big hit. This time it was Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit both going down on swinging strikes as George Sherrill barely preserved a 7-6 game.

Darrell Rasner kept the Yankees in the game, leaving in the 7th with two on, two out, and the Orioles ahead 2-1. The Yankees newest Damaso Marte had a chance for heroics, but failed miserably. After a bloop single by Nick Markakis loaded the bases, Marte temporarily escaped trouble when Aubrey Huff's blast into the upper deck in right field faded into foul territory. But Marte wasn't so lucky with his next pitch.

Huff drilled a Marte breaking pitch into the gap in left-center to clear the bases and put the Orioles on top 5-1. Melvin Mora added an RBI double for Marte finally worked out of the inning. Huff would narrowly miss a home run again, in the 9th against Mariano Rivera, but later in the at-bat he tied a career high with his 4th hit, yup, a home run against Rivera in the same at-bat.

The Yankees lone run until the 8th was Alex Rodriguez's 22nd home run off of Daniel Cabrera. Down 6-1 in the 8th Cabrera was ejected after hitting Rodriguez in the shoulder with a high fastball. Home plate ump Chad Fairchild felt there was intent though manager Dave Trembley strongly disagreed. Cano would deliver a 2-run single that would cut the lead to 6-4 and put the tying runs on base with no one out.

But Jim Johnson struck out Betemit (gee, what a shock that was), retired Melky Cabrera on a line out to center and struck out pinch-hitter Xavier Nady (you think he wishes he were back in P-Burgh?) looking.

Huff's home run off Rivera would prove to be crucial when the Yankees rallied in the 9th against closer George Sherrill. Johnny Damon's lead off single was followed by a walk to Derek Jeter and an RBI double by Bobby Abreu. It was suddenly a 7-5 game and A-Rod was up. But Sherrill won the showdown, throwing a high fastball past the reigning AL MVP for a strikeout.

Jason Giambi came through, lining a pitch off of the mound, and nearly Sherrill, for a 2-run single. Down a run, pinch-runner Justin Christian swiped 2nd, putting the tying run in scoring position. But Sherrill K'ed Cano on three pitches and threw a 2-2 pitch past Betemit to hand the Yankees their third straight loss.


News and Notes

Alex Rodriguez's home run was the 540th of his career. It put him 8 behind Mike Schmidt on the all-time list.

Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to 10 games, in which he's hitting .318 (14-44)

Kevin Millar homered for the second straight night. Why does no Yankees back him off the plate?

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Why is Wilson Betemit Still a Yankee?

Anyone?

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Pedroia Breaks Up Lackey No-No

The Los Angeles Angels already had a tremendous day going, having acquired Mark Teixeira earlier today. Tonight, pitcher John Lackey nearly made history in attempt to no-hit the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Lackey entered the 9th inning having allowed just one walk through 8 innings. He struck out Jacoby Ellsbury to start the 9th, but Dustin Pedroia ripped a single through the left side to break up the no-hitter. Kevin Youkilis then ended Lackey's shutout bid with a 2-run home run.

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Breaking News: Angels Acquire Teixeira

ESPN's Keith Law is reporting that the Angels have acquired Mark Teixeira from the Braves for 1st baseman Casey Kotchman and minor leaguer Stephen Marek, one of their top ranked pitching prospects.

It's hard to imagine that's all they've given up, but maybe more players will be in the mix when the deal is announced.

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Around the Horn - 7/29

The Cubs and Brewers started their big 3-game series last night with left-handers Ted Lilly and CC Sabathia facing off. The lead seesawed back and forth with the Brewers' Russell Branyan hitting a game tying home run in the 8th. The Cubs prevailed in the 9th when Derek Lee doubled in a run and Mark DeRosa followed with an RBI single. The Cubs now lead the Brewers by 2 games in the NL Central.

The Mets have to be concerned after John Maine left yesterday's game with the Marlins with shoulder stiffness. They have to be even more concerned with a bullpen that flat out stinks. They blew 2-0 and 3-2 leads before losing 7-3 to the Marlins.

Greg Maddux's winless streak finally ended at 14 games when the Padres topped the 1st place Diamondbacks last night, 8-5. It was career win number 351.

Neither the Dodgers or Rockies could gain ground on the Dbacks as they both lost as well. The Dodgers nearly rallied from a 7-0 deficit to the Giants, but lost 7-6. But Joe Torre has a new fan. The Rockies had an early 3-0 lead but fell to the Pirates 8-4.

The Angels put a six spot on the board against Dice-K and hung on to beat the Red Sox 7-5. The Angels are 4-0 against the Sox this month.

The Blue Jays beat the Rays 3-1 behind 7 stellar innings from A.J. Burnett. The right-hander, who struck out 10, will not be dealt before the trade deadline, according to GM J.P. Ricciardi.

The Twins got back to a 1.5 games of the White Sox behind a complete game shutout by Kevin Slowey. The 4-game series continues tonight with rookies Clayton Richard and Glen Perkins squaring off.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Braves right-hander Tim Hudson may have to undergo season ending Tommy John surgery.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 7/29

By now you know the Yankees and Jorge Posada have mutually agreed that his shoulder surgery should be done now to allow him enough rehab time to get ready for 2009.

Phil Hughes' rehab was delayed one day due to foul weather in Florida. He'll be on the mound in Charleston today rather than Tampa.

Hideki Matsui took 20 swings off the tee yesterday and 5 swings with soft toss. He's hoping to be back in 2 weeks.

Carl Pavano will be pitching, could this really be happening?, for the Charleston as well today.

Mike Ashmore reports that Mark Melancon and Chase Wright have been promoted from Trenton to Scranton. Steven White is going in the opposite direction.

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Drubbed Again, Naturally

The Yankees could have shaken off Sunday night's miserable loss to Boston by starting out their homestand on the right foot against Baltimore last night. But Mike Mussina was knocked around like Jerry Quarry and the Yankees were thrashed for the second straight night, this time by the last place Orioles, 13-4. The offense was also anemic once again, this time against Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie.

It's games like these last two that makes it difficult to fully get behind this Yankees ball club. The Yankees offensive numbers over the past 10 games, of which they have won 8, looks quite impressive. But they did nothing in three games against Oakland and weren't effective against two of the three Red Sox starters.

It didn't help that Mike Mussina put his teammates in a quick hole. Moose escaped the 1st inning unscathed, thanks to a relay from Xavier Nady to Derek Jeter to Jose Molina, to nail Brian Roberts at home plate. But Yankees killer Kevin Millar struck in the 2nd inning, blasting a 3-run home run. Millar is now hitting .300-20-54 in 103 games against the Yankees. Ramon Hernandez went back to back with Millar for a 4-0 Orioles lead.

The Yankees went down in order in the first three innings before Johnny Damon led off the 4th with a single. That was quickly erased when Derek Jeter bounced into, yet, another double play. Bobby Abreu followed with a walk, but Alex Rodriguez tapped out to Hernandez to end the inning.

The Orioles extended their lead in the 5th when Adam Jones followed Roberts' double with an RBI triple and scored on an Aubrey Huff sac fly. A 6-0 lead after 5 and Mussina's night was done. The Orioles slammed David Robertson and Kyle Farnsworth for 7 more runs, including a grand slam by Jones.

Down 11-0 in the 7th, the Yankees finally got on the board on Xavier Nady's first American League home run and a 3-run shot by Damon. But it was much too little and definitely much too late.

Things don't get easier tonight with the erratic Darrell Rasner going for the Bombers against Daniel Cabrera. A feel good 8-game winning streak could easily become an ugly 3-game losing streak. The Yankees only bit of good fortune last night was losses by both the Rays and Red Sox.


July 28, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Baltimore	0	4	0	0	2	5	0	2	0		13	17	1
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0		4	9	0

Baltimore	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Roberts, 2B	4	2	2	0	2	1	0	.286
Jones, CF	6	3	3	5	0	1	4	.280
Markakis, RF	4	0	1	0	1	1	2	.290
Huff, DH	4	1	2	3	0	1	2	.295
Mora, 3B	4	1	1	0	0	1	2	.249
a-Fahey, PH-SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.241
Scott, LF	5	2	2	0	0	2	1	.262
Millar, 1B	5	2	3	3	0	1	0	.245
Hernandez, R, C	4	1	2	1	0	0	2	.252
Castro, J, SS-3B	5	1	1	1	0	2	3	.135
Totals	42	13	17	13	3	10	16
a-Popped out for Mora in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Markakis (30, Mussina), Huff (31, Mussina), Roberts (39, Mussina), Millar (17, Veras). 3B: Jones (6, Mussina). HR: Millar (15, 2nd inning off Mussina, 2 on, 0 out), Hernandez, R (12, 2nd inning off Mussina, 0 on, 0 out), Jones (7, 6th inning off Robertson, 3 on, 1 out), Huff (21, 8th inning off Farnsworth, 1 on, 2 out). TB: Roberts 3; Jones 8; Markakis 2; Huff 6; Mora; Scott 2; Millar 7; Hernandez, R 5; Castro, J. RBI: Millar 3 (53), Hernandez, R (43), Jones 5 (48), Huff 3 (67), Castro, J (1). 2-out RBI: Huff 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Huff; Scott; Jones 2. SF: Huff. Team LOB: 7. FIELDING E: Roberts (5, throw). DP: (Roberts-Castro, J-Millar).

Baltimore	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Guthrie (W, 7-8)	6.1	3	1	1	2	4	1	3.49
Cormier	0.0	2	3	2	0	0	1	4.05
Bierd	1.1	3	0	0	1	2	0	1.47
Walker	1.1	1	0	0	0	0	0	4.70

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, DH	5	1	2	3	0	1	3	.317
Jeter, SS	3	0	1	0	0	0	1	.285
Betemit, SS	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.254
Abreu, RF	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	.279
Sexson, 1B	2	0	1	0	0	0	1	.219
Rodriguez, A, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	.323
Moeller, 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.225
Giambi, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	2	3	.249
Christian, RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.250
Cano, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.267
Nady, LF	3	1	1	1	0	1	1	.323
Cabrera, CF	4	1	1	0	0	0	1	.250
Molina, C	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.229
Totals	36	4	9	4	3	6	14
BATTING 2B: Molina (15, Cormier), Cano (23, Bierd). HR: Nady (14, 7th inning off Guthrie, 0 on, 1 out), Damon (7, 7th inning off Cormier, 2 on, 1 out). TB: Damon 5; Jeter; Betemit; Sexson; Cano 2; Nady 4; Cabrera; Molina 2. RBI: Nady (58), Damon 3 (43). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Giambi 2; Damon 2. GIDP: Jeter. Team LOB: 10. FIELDING Outfield assists: Nady (Roberts at home).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina (L, 13-7)	5.0	8	6	6	1	4	2	3.56
Robertson	0.1	4	5	5	2	0	1	4.97
Ramirez	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.35
Marte	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	3.38
Farnsworth	1.0	2	2	2	0	2	1	3.65
Veras	1.0	2	0	0	0	2	0	2.86

Cormier pitched to 3 batters in the 7th.

WP: Robertson.
HBP: Nady (by Guthrie), Rodriguez, A (by Guthrie),
Hernandez, R (by Veras).
Pitches-strikes: Guthrie 102-62, Cormier 23-15,
Bierd 38-21, Walker 19-13, Mussina 95-63, Robertson 31-14,
Ramirez 7-6, Marte 15-9, Farnsworth 22-13, Veras 18-12.
Ground outs-fly outs: Guthrie 9-6, Cormier 0-0,
Bierd 1-1, Walker 1-3, Mussina 5-5, Robertson 0-1,
Ramirez 0-2, Marte 0-1, Farnsworth 0-1, Veras 0-1.
Batters faced: Guthrie 25, Cormier 3, Bierd 8, Walker 5,
Mussina 23, Robertson 7, Ramirez 2, Marte 4, Farnsworth 5, Veras 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Walker 3-0, Ramirez 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Sam Holbrook. 1B: Chad Fairchild.
2B: Mark Wegner. 3B: Jeff Kellogg.
Weather: 83 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 8 mph, R to L.
T: 3:31.
Att: 54,120.

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