Breaking News: Sabathia to Brewers

ESPN is reporting that the Brewers and Indians have agreed to a deal that will send reigning AL Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee. Double-A stand out Matt LaPorta is the only player named thus far to be headed to Cleveland.

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Results for Wang Poll

First off, thanks to the 76 respondents of our most recent poll. We asked what the Yankees should do to replace the injured Chien-Ming Wang in the rotation, and unlike past polls, there was no clear cut answer.

What may represent a change in fan attitude, paralleling the front office, is the largest margin (42%) selected to use a pitcher within the organization, rather than trading for a player on another team.

32% of you did want to go for the big gun though- a C.C. Sabathia, Ben Sheets, or A.J. Burnett type.

The final tally was a split between going after free agent Freddy Garcia, and trading for a less stellar pitcher, such as Randy Wolf or Kevin Millwood.

One things for sure, Sidney Ponson is NOT the answer.

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Indians Trying to Keep C.C.

Ed Price of the Star Ledger is reporting that the Cleveland Indians are making one last effort to sign their ace C.C. Sabathia to a long term contract. That according to a major league executive familiar with the situation.

Negotiations on a new deal broke down during spring training and Sabathia said he did not want to negotiate during the season. He's believe to be looking for a deal similar to the 6-yr, $137.5 million contract Johan Santana received from the Mets.

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Around the Horn - 6/23

Weekend Interleague Recap

Interleague play continued this past weekend and will finish up this coming Sunday. Here are the latest results.

In a rematch of the 2004 World Series, the Cardinals finally won a pair of games. Too bad some of them couldn't have been 4 years earlier. Boston salvaged the finale only after Jon Papelbon blew his 4th save of the season. He only blew 3 saves all of last year. Kevin Youkillis provided a 13th inning walk off winner on Sunday. AL:1 NL:2

The Cubbies took the battle of the windy city in a clean sweep. The Cubs are now a remarkable 32-8 at home this season. Ryan Dempster's win on Sunday gave him a 9-0 record in Wrigley. Aramis Ramirez slugged a walk off winner on Friday and hit his 3rd in two days in Saturday's win. AL:0 NL:3

The Angels had no problem going into the "City of Brotherly Love" and beating the Phillies 2 of 3. Angels pitching held the Phillies to just 4 runs in the 3 games. Francisco Rodriguez became the fastest closer to earn the 30 saves when he closed out Sunday's win in the Angels 76th game. AL:3 NL:0

The Royals won their series with the Giants thanks to a big comeback in the finale. Down 6-0 to Tim Lincecum, KC rallied to an 11-10 win. It made up for blowing a 4-0 lead on Friday. AL:2 NL:1

The Astros and Rays played three 1-run games at the Trop. Roy Oswalt out dueled Matt Garza in the opener and Brandon Backe out pitched Scott Kazmir in the finale. In between the Rays won on Gabe Gross' pinch-hit 2-run single in the bottom of the 9th or it could have been an Astros sweep. The best part of the series was the Astros donning their old '70s uniforms. AL:1 NL:2

The Pirates made it a tough return for Cito Gaston, winning 2 of 3. The two teams were scoreless until the 12th on Friday when John McDonald made a rare error to give the Pirates a 1-0 win. The Blue Jays gave Gaston his first win since 1997 with an 8-5 win in the series finale. AL:1 NL:2

The Rangers and Nationals started their series with a 14th inning marathon, won when Elijah Dukes, who had tied the game with a home run, singled in the game winner. The Rangers got strong pitching performances, how often is that said, from Kason Gabbard and Vincente Padilla to take the next two. AL:2 NL:1

The Twins took a sweep of the NL West leading Diamondbacks, including a win against ace Brandon Webb on Sunday. Scott Baker, Livan Hernandez, and Nick Blackburn helped hold the Dbacks to just 6 runs in the series. AL:3 NL:0

Jim Riggleman got a present in Friday's 10-2 romp by the Mariners over the Braves, but it was downhill after that. Mark Texeira belted 3 home runs on Sunday for the second time in his career. AL:1 NL:2

Aubrey Huff hit a pair of home runs on Friday as the Orioles topped the Brewers for their 4th straight win. But the Brewers owned the rest of the series behind home runs from Prince Fielder and Corey Hart. AL:1 NL:2

After putting together no offense in a weekday series against the Yankees, the Padres put 6 runs on the board Friday to beat the Tigers, 6-2. They managed to score 5 and 3 the next two games, but this time the pitching let down and the Tigers took both. Justin Verlander won on Sunday, but continued his odd season, walking 5 and striking out 10 in 5.1 innings. AL:2 NL:1

The injury riddled Indians still managed to take 2 of 3 from the struggling Dodgers, dropping the finale on Sunday. The first two games went extra innings and included a 6-run 11th inning for the Indians on Saturday. C.C. Sabathia started that game, allowing 1 run over 7 innings and recorded 10 strikeouts. He also hit his first home run of the season. The big man is 2-0, 1.50 in his last 3 starts. AL:2 NL:1

The A's and Marlins played a thriller to start their series on Friday night. Dan Uggla's 2nd home run of the season tied the game in the 9th against Huston Street, but Kurt Suzuki doubled in the game winner in the 11th. Saturday's game came down to the 9th again, and again Uggla delivered, this time with a game winning 3-run double. The A's took the series with a laugher on Sunday. AL:2 NL:1

FINAL TALLY
AL: 22 NL: 20

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Giese for Now, Who for Later?

Dan Giese will step into Chien-Ming Wang's cleats (don't hurt yourself) this Saturday (we erroneously reported Sunday yesterday) against the Cincinnati Reds. But the question remains, will it be a long term solution, will the Yankees look inside the organization, or elsewhere. Let's take a look at the option.

Dan Giese: Let's start right with the guy who gets the first crack. Giese was a journeyman who had only appeared in 8 games last season with the Giants. But he blossomed as a starter (4-2, 1.98 in 13 games, 10 starts) this season at Scranton and that earned him the right to be Joba Chamberlain's back up for his first two starts. Now that Joba is ready to go out and throw 90-100 pitches, the plan would have been for Giese to be the long man out of the pen. Wang's injury changed all that.

Internal Options:

That guy incredibly bad import from Japan: We so don't want him back here we won't even mention him by name. But you know who he is and how bad he is. 'nuff said.

Ian Kennedy: Kennedy was tremendous last season, dominating at 3 levels in the minors and getting the notice of fans with an impressive September debut. But this year he has been just plain awful. He already made one very brief trip down to Scranton and then was DL'ed with a Lat injury shortly after his return. This is guy whose confidence has to be shaken right now since he has never had anything other than success prior to this season. At the moment he's a number 5 starter. With Wang out, possibly for the season, the Yankees need better than a number 5.

Dan McCutchen: McCutchen has made just 5 starts at the Triple-A level and from Brian Cashman's comments yesterday, doesn't seem like a viable solution for that precise reason. His numbers at Scranton have been decent (1-4, 3.62 21 K/4 BB) after an outstanding start at Trenton (4-3, 2.55 52 K in 53 IP).

Alan Horne: Horne missed two months of the season with a bicep injury and has thrown only 18.1 innings this season. Cashman won't throw him into the fire.

Jeff Karstens: Karstens is a decent pitcher who can't seem to stay healthy. He looked like he was going to go north with the club out of spring training and got hurt. He was nearly done with his rehab and got hurt. Now he's coming back again, but we already know what he can do and its not fantastic.

Jason Jones: This would be a very long shot. Jones has spent a year and a half at the Double-A level and is having an outstanding season (8-2, 2.30), but Cashman doesn't like to rush the Yankees prospects and is unlikely to pull up a guy who hasn't pitched at Triple-A.

Outside Solutions:

Obviously the biggest name out there is the biggest guy out there, C.C. Sabathia. The left-hander is set to become a free agent after the season and, you would have to think, the Yankees would want a window to negotiate a new contract with him before approving a deal. Indians GM Mark Shapiro is also going to want a bundle for him. Brian Cashman would look foolish if he threw a package of Phil Hughes and others together to get him after turning down a deal for Johan Santana. At worst, the Indians will get 2 draft picks as compensation if Sabathia stays the season and leaves as a free agent.

Ben Sheets: Sheets will turn just 30 this summer, but has spent significant time on the DL. He hasn't made more than 24 starts since 2004. He's missed some time this season already with triceps stiffness. Sheets is off to a great start this season (7-1, 2.42), but the Brewers are scuffling after being in contention all of last season. Sheets will also be a free agent after the season.

Randy Wolf: Another pending free agent who will be starting tonight against the Yankees when the San Diego Padres come to town. The up side is that he's left-handed, the down side is that he's not fantastic. He's got a career ERA of 4.23 (5-4, 3.83 in '08) with all 10 years of major league service in the National League. We've seen how average NL pitchers do in the AL and so it doesn't make sense to us unless you can get him cheap. He also had Tommy John Surgery and missed significant chunks of 2005 and 2006. He also suffered from shoulder soreness last season.

Rich Harden and Joe Blanton: A pair of talented right-handers from Oakland. Harden is a free agent after the season while Blanton can't be a free agent until 2011. He is arbitration eligible. GM Billy Beane would surely command a king's ransom for either pitcher just as he has when he dealt Dan Haren, Mark Mulder, and Tim Hudson in the past. Harden, when healthy is fantastic (4-0, 2.53 67 K in 53.1 IP in '08), but that's a big if. He threw 72.2 innings combined in '06 and '07 and has spent time on the DL this year as well. Blanton has control trouble at times, but is still a very good pitcher. The biggest down side as we mentioned earlier is that Beane would want too many prospects back.

Freddy Garcia: Garcia is sitting at home right now, getting in shape for when the phone rings. He had 7 seasons of 200 or more innings and it seemed to catch up to him last year when he threw just 58 innings due to a shoulder injury. Whether he's got enough left in the tank remains to be seen.

A.J. Burnett: The much embattled, much injured right-hander has worn out his welcome in Toronto. GM J.P. Ricciardi publicly questioned his heart and guts and Burnett recently made comments that he wouldn't mind playing for the Cubs. He then threw grease on the fire by saying he didn't care what the fans reaction to his comments would be. The guy's got talent, no doubt, but his physical problems and mental toughness probably will make Cashman shy away (we already have Carl Pavano). He still has 2 years remaining on a 5-year, $55 million deal, but he can opt out of it after this season, which makes his departure from Toronto even more likely.

Gil Meche: He's in the 2nd year of a 5-year, $55 million deal with the Royals. After having an outstanding season in '07, he's been pretty mediocre this year and the Royals are floundering. His contract really isn't that bad by today's standards and the Royals need someone to put in the seats, so its not likely he would be available.

Erik Bedard: Would seem to be odd for him tobe on the market already, but the Mariners stink and there's a question of just how focused Bedard is on baseball. The Blue Jays were thought to be very interested in him, but have backed off.

There are other names (Jarrod Washburn, Livan Hernandez, Kevin Millwood, etc.) that we are sure will be bandied about, but none really intrigue us. We would give Giese the job for now, but would definitely take a look at how Garcia is progressing, and start making the rounds calling up about guys like Sabathia. With so many teams still in division and wild card hunts though, it's not likely that a major deal would get done too soon.


So what would you do? Please participate in our poll at the top of My Pinstripes.

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Interleague Weekend Recap

This past weekend we had the second set of interleague games in the 2008 battle of the AL vs. the NL.

Red Sox vs. Reds

This was the first time the Red Sox were playing in Cincinnati since the 1975 World Series. The Reds rubbed that in a little by having their World Series trophy on hand and showing highlights. But the Red Sox would take 2 of 3 this time around. Jay Bruce and Adam Dunn homered on Friday to help lead the Reds to their sole victory of the weekend, 3-1. Kevin Youkilis and Coco Crisp hit back to back home runs to take Saturday's contest 6-4 in 10 innings after Jon Papelbon allowed a game tying home run in the 9th to Edwin Encarnacion. No such trouble on Sunday as Crisp homered again, drove in 4 and Josh Beckett dominated in a 9-0 win. AL:2 NL:1

Rangers vs. Mets

The Willie Randolph death watch continued, but the Mets took 2 of 3 to help their skipper keep his job for now. The Mets won the opener on the dominant performance of Oliver Perez, who also drove in 2 runs in the 7-1 win. Saturday's game was rained out, so the two teams split a twinbill on Sunday. The Mets 8th and 9th inning rallies fell short in game 1 as the Rangers hung on 8-7. Robinson Cancel's pinch-hit 2-run single snapped a 2-2 tie in the 6th to give the Mets the nightcap, 4-2, and a series win. AL:1 NL:2

Cubs vs. Blue Jays

The Blue Jays took the opener on Friday 3-2 behind the pitching of A.J. Burnett and back to back home runs by Matt Stairs and Scott Rolen. Then Burnett told the press how he wouldn't mind playing for the Cubs and listed all of his friends on the team. We think there's a good chance J. P. Ricciardi will send him somewhere. Jason Marquis and Ted Lilly pitched the Cubs to wins in the latter two games of the series, 6-2 and 7-4. Reed Johnson got some revenge against his old team with a 3-run home run off former mate Roy Halladay in Saturday's game. AL:1 NL:2

Marlins vs. Rays

The battle of Florida went to the Rays, who took 2 of 3 at the Trop. Eric Hinske and Dionner Navarro drove in 2 runs each to win the opener 7-3, which also marked the return of closer Troy Percival. Luis Tiant threw out the first pitch on Saturday and watched Matt Garza dominate in a 4-1 Rays win. No fisticuffs with Navarro this time either. Ricky Nolasco came within one out of his first career complete game as the Marlins salvaged the finale of the series, 9-3. Nolasco struck out 12 in throwing 132 pitches. Wes Helms and Mike Jacobs hit 3-run HRs. AL:2 NL:1


Braves vs. Angels

Despite a rash of injuries to their starting rotation and freak injury to Chipper Jones, the Braves took the first 2 games of the series before the Angels salvaged the finale last night. Jo Jo Reyes beat John Garland on Friday, 5-2, with the help of that household name Gregor Blanco, who drove in 3 runs. Charlie Morton won his first major league game in defeating Ervin Santana and the Angels 9-4. Mark Texeira drove in 3 and Brandon Jones hit his first major league home run. Joe Saunders became the fifth 10-game winner when he lead the Angels to a 2-0 win. Casey Kotchman's home run accounted for all the runs. AL:1 NL:2


Dodgers vs. Tigers

Look out the Detroit Tigers are on the move. The Tigers built off their 3-game sweep of the White Sox with a 3-game sweep of the Dodgers. Armando Galarraga got things going on Friday by throwing 7 innings in the Tigers 5-0 win. Marcus Thomes and Magglio Ordonez homered. Thames and Miguel Cabrera went deep on Saturday as the Tigers outscored LA 12-7. Brad Penny was tagged for 7 runs in 3-plus innings. Nate Robertson tossed 6 shutout innings as the Tigers held on in the finale 5-4. Thames homered for the 3rd straight game and Brandon Inge went yard too. AL:3 NL:0


Pirates vs. Orioles

The O's took 2 of 3, starting with a 9-6 win on Friday after trailing 6-1. The Orioles honored members of the 1979 team, including former Yankees Scott McGregor and Grant Jackson, that beat the Pirates in the World Series after being down 3 games to 1. The Orioles trailed 7-6 in the 9th inning on Saturday after Adam Laroche hit a 2-run home run off closer George Sherrill. But Oscar Salazar hit his first major league home run since 2002 to tie it and Ramon Hernandez singled in the game winner. The O's came from behind yet again on Sunday, tying it in the 9th on Brian Roberts 2-run home run, but LaRoche's RBI single gave the Pirates a 5-4 win in 10. AL:2 NL:1


Padres vs. Indians

The Indians outlasted the Padres and the rain in a 9-5 win on Friday. Grady Sizemore homered twice in the game, 5 hours apart. The Padres took the middle game of the series with an 8-3 win in 10 innings. Tony Clark drew a bases loaded walk to break the 3-3 tie and then Kevin Kouzmanoff put the game away with a grand slam. The Padres won their threw back uglies. The Indians took the rubber game of the series behind a dominant performance by C.C. Sabathia (8 IP 10 K). Ben Francisco hit an early 3-run HR off of Greg Maddux, who dropped to 3-5. AL:2 NL:1


Twins vs. Brewers

The Twins scored 19 runs in the first two games. Friday night was a big game for Twins starter Kevin Slowey. 8 innings of 5-hit ball for the win and 2 hits and 2 RBI at the plate in a 10-2 win. Russell Branyan homered off of Joe Nathan in the bottom of the 9th to tie Saturday's game at 4-4, but the Twins struck for 5 runs in the 9th, 4 of them coming home on Michael Cuddyer's triple. It was 4, because Cuddyer scored too on Mike Cameron's throwing error. Cameron helped make up for it with a 2-run home run in the series finale as the Brewers got a good performance from Seth McClung and the bullpen in a 4-2 win. AL:2 NL:1


A's vs. Giants

The battle of the bay wasn't much of a contest as the A's swept the 3-game series at Pac Bell Park. The A's pitching dominated the series, allowing just 4 runs. Omar Vizquel accounted for the only Giants run in the opener by stealing home. Greg Smith and three relievers allowed just 5 hits and Jack Cust drove home 2 runs in a 5-1 A's win. Rich Harden topped Smith's performance with 6 innings of 1-hit, 9 strikeout ball in a 4-0 win on Saturday. Matt Cain struck out 11 in taking a tough loss. The A's finished things off yesterday with a 5-3 win lead by a strong start from Dana Eveland and Eric Chavez's 3-hit 2 RBI day. AL:3 NL:0


Rockies vs. White Sox

The suddenly struggling White Sox, coming off a 3-game sweep by the Tigers, thought they had turned things around when they rallied for a 5-4 win on Friday. Juan Uribe delivered the game winning 2-run single in the 7th. But four Rockies pitchers limited the Chisox to 3 hits on Saturday and both runs scored on White Sox errors in a 2-0 Rockies win. The Rocks took the series with a 5-3 win on Sunday as Aaron Cook won his 10th game. The White Sox had a chance in the 9th against closer Brian Fuentes when they loaded the bases with 2 outs. Joe Crede hit a pop up to shallow left that left fielder Matt Holliday and shortstop Carlos Quintanilla converged on. The ball went in and out of Holliday's glove, but the quick thinking outfielder caught the ball with his bare hand to end the game. AL:1 NL:2


Nationals vs. Mariners

This is the series that ultimately helped end Bill Bavasi's tenure as GM of the Mariners. The Nationals swept the M's in Seattle with tennis like scores- 7-6, 5-2, 6-2. AL:0 NL:3

Royals vs. Diamondbacks

A surprise here as the Royals took 2 of 3 including a 12-3 pasting in game 2. The Diamondbacks only win came on Chad Tracy's walk off home run to break a scoreless tie in the 10th inning of game 1. David DeJesus hit a grand slam and drove in 5 to take the finale 8-3. AL:2 NL:1

Final tally - AL: 22 NL: 17

In the lone intraleague series the Cardinals took 2 of 3 from the Phillies despite losing 20-2 on Friday.

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Around the Horn - 6/11

From the injury front:

Braves pitcher John Smoltz's shoulder surgery revealed a torn labrum. It will be a long road back if he decides to return. The Braves got more bad news when starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens stumbled on a stairway and sprained his ankle. He's been scratched from his start today. And Tom Glavine has been put on the 15-day DL with a sore left elbow.

Mariners closers J.J. Putz had to leave this afternoon's game with the Blue Jays in the 9th inning due to a sore arm. Putz missed significant time earlier this season with a rib cage injury.

Blue Jays outfielder Shannon Stewart will be out at least a couple of weeks with a high ankle sprain.

The Padres will get Jake Peavy back from the DL tomorrow.

The Dodgers will be without Rafael Furcal for all of June due to a bad back.

Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki is set to begin rehab at Single-A as part of his recovery from a torn quad muscle.

Game News

Hideki Okajima had a pretty easy time of it in his 2007 rookie campaign, but that has not been the case this year. Okajima lost his 2nd game of the season last night in a 10-6 Orioles win. More importantly he was credited with his 6th blown save of the season and 2nd in his last 4 games.

Orioles veteran pitcher Steve Trachsel was designated for assignment. It could spell the end of his 17-year career.

White Sox starter Jose Contreras was on the losing end of a 6-4 game with the Tigers last night. It was the first time in 8 starts that Contreras allowed more than 2 earned runs.

The Royals bullpen was at it again last night. This time they blew a 5-1 lead against the Rangers, who eventually won 6-5. Josh Hamilton drove in his major league leading 70th RBI in the game.

Willie Randolph could only watch in horror as his awful Mets pitching staff got pounded by the Diamondacks, 9-5. Four different Dbacks went deep in the game.

C.C. Sabathia moved down the Twins last evening with a complete game 5-hit shutout. After posting a 7.88 ERA in April, he's put up a 2.42 ERA since.

With the Rockies playing so poorly this year, Aaron Cook's season has gone mostly unnoticed. The right-hander improved to 9-3 last night in the Rockies 10-5 win over the Giants. Cook, who has a 3.21 ERA, has more than one-third of the team's 25 wins.

Hanley Ramirez continued his torrid June with a solo home run in the Marlins 5-4 win over the Phillies. In 10 games this month, Ramirez has slugged 6 home runs, drive in 9 runs, scored 11 runs, and stolen 3 bases. He's also hitting .350 for the month.

Lance Berkman's been on a tear all season, though he entered last night's game in a 2-14 skid that dropped his average to .372, the lowest it's been since May 8. He responded with 3 hits, including a home run, and drove in 5 runs. He's 3rd in the NL with 53 ribbies for the season.

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Around the Horn - 6/6

"I was at a boxing match last night and a hockey game broke out". An oldie, but goodie. Last night a brawl broke out at the Rays-Red Sox baseball game. Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp became a marked man after his questionableslide into 2nd Baseman Aki Iwamura (yeah the same guy Shelley Duncan spiked) the night before (Crisp said it was in retaliation for Jason Bartlett blocking the bag earlier in the game). In the 2nd inning of last night's game Rays starter James Shields drilled Crisp in the leg and made no doubt about it afterwards that it was intentional.

"I think what (Crisp) did (Wednesday) was an absolutely dirty move, bush league and not supposed to be in the professional game of baseball... He’s not a professional player. I lost all respect for him... We’ve been getting stomped around the last 10 years and that’s not going to happen any more," said Shields.

Crisp charged the mound and ducked a haymaker from Shields before landing a punch of his own and was then tackled by Rays catcher Dionner Navarro. While on the ground, Crisp was pounded at by Rays DH Jonny Gomes (yeah, him again) while Shields was buried under another pile.

The Red Sox won the game 7-1 behind Manny Ramirez's 5 RBI, but Ramirez also got into it in the dugout with teammate Kevin Youkilis. The two had to be separated in the dugout 5th inning. Boston may have a big loss though. Jacob Ellsbury rolled on his wrist while making a catch and for the moment is day-to-day.

Chipper Jones slugged his 400th career home run in the Braves 7-5 win over the Marlins. He became just the 3rd switch-hitter, along with Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray to hit the 400 mark. And in case you haven't noticed, he's still hitting .418.

C.C. Sabathia is definitely not making the most of his pending free agency. He allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings in the Indians 9-4 loss to the Rangers last night. Sabathia is now 3-8, 4.65 on the season.

Jose Contreras has very quitely put together a solid season. He was on the winning end of the White Sox 6-2 victory over the Royals. The Cuban native is now 6-3, 2.76 and has allowed just 7 earned runs in his last 42 innings. Jim Thome hit career home run #519.

It was a "Land of the Rising Sun" showdown in LA last night when the Cubs met the Dodgers. Tied 2-2 in the 9th, Kusoke Fukodome singled in the game winning run against Takaski Saito.

The Cardinals and Nationals split a twinbill. Todd Wellmeyer went to 7-1 in the Cardinals 4-1 win in the opener. After blowing a 6-0 lead in the nightcap, the Nationals came back from a 1-run deficit on the 10th, winning it on Elijah Dukes' 2-run walk-off home run.

Scott Schoenweis had a night against the Padres he'd like to forget. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th, the lefty hit Pete McAnulty to force in the winning run. Hard to pin that one on Willie Randolph.

Cole Hamels beat Homer Bailey and the Reds 5-0 in a complete game effort. Most of the post-game discussion though centered on reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins, who was pulled from the game by manager Charlie Manuel after not running out a pop up.

Garrett Olson improved to 5-1 and George Sherrill be came the majors 2nd closer with 20 saves in the Orioles 3-2 win over the Twins. Adam Jones' home run was the decisive blow.

Jason Michaels' 3-run home run propelled the Pirates over the Astros 4-3. Paul Maholm won his 3rd straight start.

In case you missed it, here's the Rays-Sox fisticuffs.

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Around the Horn - 5/21

Whatever good feelings the Mets and their fans may have had after the weekend sweep of the Yankees went out the window yesterday when the Braves took both ends of a doubleheader from the Flushing crew.

Mets fans are still mad at Tom Glavine's horrid performance in the season finale last year and are probably pissed off even more now after Glavine retired the last 17 men he faced in beating the Mets in game 1, 6-1. Jorge Campillo earned his 1st major league win in the nightcap when the Bravs won again, this time 6-2.

The Phillies and Nationals hooked up in a scoreless pitching duel until Greg Dobbs' pinch-hit RBI double gave the Phillies a 1-0 win in the 9th. Tom Gordon got the win after Cole Hamels struck out 11 in 7 innings.

The Brewers bounced back from their awful weekend in Boston with a 7-2 pasting of the Pirates. Mike Cameron and Corey Hart homered to help Manny Parra win his 2nd of the season. Eric Gagne had to leave the game in the 9th with shoulder stiffness.

Tim Lincecum improve to 6-1 after the Giants edged the Rockies 6-5. Lincecum has a road best ERA of 0.39. Rich Aurilia and Fred Lewis each homered. Rockies injured shortstop Troy Tulowitzki took fielding practice for the first time since ripping a quad muscle at the end of April.

The Cardinals' Joel Pineiro was shutting down the Padres into the 6th when Kevin Kouzmanoff belted a go-ahead 428-ft, 3-run home run. The blast held up in the Padres 3-2 win. Greg Maddux got no decision after giving up 2 runs in 5 innings.

Dan Uggla belted his 14th home run and Mark Hendrickson struck out 7 in 5-plus innings as the Marlins edged the Diamondbacks 3-2. Micah Owings was solid, thought he went hitless, for Arizona, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings while striking out 10.

Chad Billingsley tossed 7 scoreless innings in the Dodgers 4-1 over the Reds. Adam Dunn has his (shared) team record of 5 straight games with a home run stopped, and also had an 8-game RBI streak ended. Ken Griffey Jr. has gone 86 at-bats without a home run.

Hunter Pence belted a 4th inning grand slam in the Astros 4-2 win over the Cubs. Miguel Tejada doubled in the game for his 1,800th career hit to help Chris Sampson even his record at 3-3.

There was no no-hitter for the Red Sox last night, but the KC Royals went down just as meekly. Justin Masterson won his first major league game as he and the Sox bullpen limited the punchless Royals to 5 hits. Sox reliever/spot starterJulian Tavarez passed through waivers and expected an assignment to Pawtucket.

Justin Verlander finally won his 2nd game as the Tigers out scored the Mariners 12-8. Edger Renteria enjoyed a 4-hit, 5 RBI night, as he, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, and Curtis Granderson all went deep.

Left fielder Emil Brown lost Dionner Navarro's 8th inning line drive in the lights enabling 3 runs to score to give the Rays a 3-2 win over the A's. Navarro was credited with a 3-run double after the play was initially ruled an error. It ruined a great effort from Greg Smith who was tagged with the loss. Frank Thomas hit his 518th career home run.

John Lackey won his first game of the year with 7 stellar innings in the Angels 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. Francisco Rodriguez walked the bases loaded in the 9th, but escaped with his 18th save. Angels shortstop Erick Aybar dislocated his pinky during the game. X-Rays were negative, but he may miss some time.

The Twins pounded the Rangers 11-4 to earn Glen Perkins his first major league win. Texas expects to activate Hank Blalock this weekend. He'll be starting at his new position, 1st Base.

Jose Contreras won for the 3rd straight time out in the White Sox 4-1 win over the Indians. He lowered his ERA to 3.17 in the process of beating C.C. Sabathia. Carlos Quentin and Jim Thome (#515) homered for the Chisox.

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Around the Horn - 5/15

C.C. Sabathia kept the Indians starting pitch streak alive - not a run allowed in 43 innings now after Sabathia blanked the A's 2-0 on 5 hits. The big lefty also struck out 11.

For the 2nd straight night the Red Sox blew a 3-0 lead to the Orioles. Luke Scott hit the big home run on Tuesday and last night it was Jay Payton belting a grand slam to give the Orioles a 6-3 win.

The Royals are now 5-0 against the Tigers after Luke Hochevar and company shut them down 2-0. Justin Verlander pitched very well, but dropped to 1-7.

The Seattle bullpen blew a 3-2 lead, but Miguel Cairo bailed them out with the go-ahead RBI single in the Mariners 12-inning 4-3 win. Jarrod Washburn recorded the final outs for his career save.

Carlos Quentin belted an 8th inning grand slam to snap a 1-1 tie as the White Sox beat the Angels 6-1. After a bad start Jose Contreras is 4-2, 2.57 in his last 6 starts.

Matt Stairs belted a grand slam to help Roy Halladay overcome a rough outing in the Blue Jays 6-5 win over the Twins. Justin Morneau hit his 7th home run for Minny.

Look out National League, Alfonso Soriano is red hot. Sori homered for the 3rd straight game and is 10-19 over the last 4 games. The Cubs beat Jake Peavy and the Padres 8-5.

That wasn't Eric Gagne closing for the Brewers yesterday, but Guillermo Mota did his best, or is it worst, imitation. Mota gave up 3 runs in the 9th including a go-ahead to run double by Juan Pierre as the Dodgers pulled out a 6-4 win.

Todd Wellemeyer threw 2-hit ball for 7 innings as the Cardinals prevented the Pirates from reaching .500, 5-1.

Ryan Zimmerman homered and Tim Redding threw 2-hit ball for 6 innings in the Nationals 6-3 win over the Mets. That Nats have taken 2 of the first 3 games of the 4 game set.

The Astros blew a 3-0, but beat the Giants 6-3. Miguel Tejada (.345) had 3 hits including the game winner. Lance Berkman belted his 14th home run.

The Braves nearly blew an 8 run lead, but held off the Phillies 8-6. Chipper Jones smacked his 397th career home run. Tom Glavine picked up his 304th career win.

Micah Owings went 0-4 to drop his average to .370, but more importantly he threw 6 shutout innings in the Diamondbacks 4-3 win over the Rockies.

The Reds blew a 6 run lead in the 9th inning, but then beat the Marlins in 10, 7-6. Paul Janish had been recalled earlier in the day to replace the injured Jeff Keppinger and singled in the game winner.

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Big Win Tempered by Posada Injury

The Yankees won by the book this afternoon- a strong outing by their starting pitcher, and Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera to close things out. But most of the talk after Chien-Ming Wang's masterpiece win, 1-0 over the Cleveland Indians, was about the possible long term loss of catcher Jorge Posada.

Earlier in the day a published report in the NY Times stated that an MRI had shown Posada had a tear in his subscapularis muscle of his right shoulder. But after the game Joe Girardi vehemently denied that any such MRI had taken place.

He did admit though that Posada will be heading to Atlanta to see Dr. James Andrews, the world renowned orthopedic specialist. The Yankees never would have designated Chad Moeller for assignment had they realized Posada was headed to the disabled list. Moeller cannot return to the team unless he passes through waivers. In the meantime, the Yankees will likely call up veteran back up Chris Stewart from Scranton to take Posada's spot on the roster.

The game itself was an excellent pitcher's duel between Wang (5-0), a 19-game winner a year ago, and the reigning AL CY Young Award winner, C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia (1-4) had struggled through his first four starts, three of them losses. But after throwing a strong 6 innings in his previous start, Sabathia was overpowering in his 8-inning stint on Sunday. But Wang was even better.

With his sinker hitting its mark, Wang got a bit of redemption for the two playoff humiliations he suffered at the hands of the Indians last October. He limited the Tribe to 4 hits over 7 innings, walked 2, and struck out a season high 9 batters. Remarkably, he only recorded 5 outs via his trademark ground ball.

The game was scoreless until the 5th, but not before a busted play nearly cost the Yankees a chance to score. Struggling 2nd Baseman Robinson Cano lead off with a single, but broke to soon for 2nd Base on a hit and run. Sabathia threw to 1st Baseman Ryan Garko whose throw to Jhonny Peralta covering the bag easily beat Cano for the out.

With no one on, centerfielder Melky Cabrera decided to take things into his own hands. He smashed a high Sabathia offering into the left field seats for his 5th home run of the season and the game's lone run. Melky, who only had 8 home runs all of last year, has been one of the most consistent Yankees this season. His .291 average is third best on the team.

The Indians didn't get many opportunities against Wang all day. They had two men on with one out in the 1st, but Victor Martinez flied out and Garko got caught looking at a third strike. Jason Michaels lead off the 3rd with a double, but was stranded.

In the 5th, Franklin Gutierrez lead off with a single, but was thrown out stealing by Jose Molina. Later in the inning, David Dellucci drew a walk and stole 2nd, but Wang struck out Asdrubel Cabrera to end the inning. After a 113-pitch effort Wang gladly turned things over to the Yankees 1-2 punch in the 8th.

Chamberlain, who was unavailable on Saturday due to hamstring soreness, and Mariano Rivera both struck out a pair in retiring all six men they faced. For Rivera it was his 7th save in as many tries. He is yet to be scored upon this season.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.275
Jeter, SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	2	.280
Abreu, RF	4	0	0	0	0	1	3	.281
Rodriguez, 3B	3	0	0	0	1	1	1	.292
Duncan, S, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	3	.091
Ensberg, DH	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.257
Cano, 2B	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.158
Cabrera, CF	3	1	1	1	0	0	0	.291
Molina, C	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.267
Totals	31	1	4	1	1	8	9
BATTING 2B: Jeter (3, Sabathia). HR: Cabrera (5, 5th inning off Sabathia, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Damon; Jeter 2; Cano; Cabrera 4. RBI: Cabrera (11). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Duncan, S 2; Abreu. Team LOB: 4. BASERUNNING CS: Cano (1, 2nd base by Sabathia/Martinez). PO: Cano (1st base by Sabathia). FIELDING PB: Molina (3).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Wang (W, 5-0)	7.0	4	0	0	2	9	0	3.23
Chamberlain (H, 5)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1.74
Rivera (S, 7)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.00

Cleveland	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Dellucci, LF	3	0	1	0	1	0	1	.275
Cabrera, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	2	3	.219
Hafner, DH	3	0	0	0	1	1	1	.226
Martinez, C	4	0	1	0	0	0	2	.366
Garko, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	3	3	.238
Peralta, SS	4	0	0	0	0	2	2	.247
Blake, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	2	1	.219
Gutierrez, CF	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.227
Michaels, RF	3	0	1	0	0	2	0	.173
Totals	30	0	4	0	2	13	13
BATTING 2B: Michaels (3, Wang). TB: Dellucci; Martinez; Gutierrez; Michaels 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Garko; Hafner; Cabrera. Team LOB: 6. BASERUNNING SB: Dellucci (1, 2nd base off Wang/Molina). CS: Gutierrez (1, 2nd base by Wang/Molina). FIELDING E: Garko (1, fielding). Pickoffs: Sabathia (Cano at 1st base).

Cleveland	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Sabathia (L, 1-4)	8.0	4	1	1	1	8	1	7.88
Kobayashi	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.59

HBP: Garko (by Wang).
Pitches-strikes: Wang 113-73, Chamberlain 10-7, Rivera 11-9,
Sabathia 111-78, Kobayashi 12-8.
Ground outs-fly outs: Wang 5-6, Chamberlain 0-1, Rivera 0-1,
Sabathia 8-7, Kobayashi 0-3.
Batters faced: Wang 27, Chamberlain 3, Rivera 3,
Sabathia 29, Kobayashi 3.
Umpires: HP: Marty Foster. 1B: Derryl Cousins. 2B: Angel Hernandez. 3B: Eric Cooper.
Weather: 57 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 5 mph, L to R.
T: 2:54.
Att: 31,598.

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Yankees vs. Indians - April 25

The Yankees return to the scene of the crimemidges tonight when they start a four game series with the Cleveland Indians. Like the Yankees, the Indians have started off slowly. Their doubleheader sweep of the Royals yesterday raised their record to 10-12.

C.C. Sabathia was last year's CY Young winner and the Indians had one of the strongest bullpen. However, none of that has come to fruition this year. Sabathia finally won his last start, a 6-inning, 11-strikeout performance in which he did not allow a run. That lowered his ERA considerably...to 10.50. Jake Westbrook has just landed on the DL with an intercostal strain, and erratic closer Joe Borowski is on the shelf with strained triceps muscle.

Thankfully for the Yankees they'll miss the Indians best starter this season, Cliff Lee, unless manager Eric Wedge decides to bring him back on three days rest to pitch in the series finale on Monday.

The strength of the Indians bullpen has been their set up men, primarily Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez. Betancourt has temporarily moved to the closer's role and picked up his first save yesterday. But he had been struggling this season in the setup role to the tune of 4.00 ERA and a league average against of .300.

Perez was fantastic last season, a 1.78 ERA and .187 opponents batting average. He also put up a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio. But this season Perez has been battered around. His ERA is 6.52 and he's allowed 15 hits and 5 walks in 9.2 innings pitched.

The very hittable Paul Byrd (0-2, 4.43) will get tonight's start and the Indians will recall Jeremy Sowers from the minors to go on Saturday.

The last time the Yankees faced the Indians was of course the 2007 ALDS when Fausto Carmona and the Indians pen dominated them. (With the doubleheader yesterday, Carmona would also be going on three days rest should he pitch on Monday.) Joba Chamberlain says he's over the experience, but you can bet he's hoping for no bug attacks tonight. We're sure the Indians fans won't let him forget it.

Yankees vs. Paul Byrd (1-4, 4.44 8 games)

Bobby Abreu 2-5 2 RBI
Melky Cabrera 3-5 1 HR 6 RBI
Robinson Cano 2-8 1 HR 1 RBI
Johnny Damon 3-19 2 RBI
Jason Giambi 3-14 1 HR 1 RBI
Derek Jeter 11-27 3 RBI
Hideki Matsui 1-5
Chad Moeller 1-6
Jose Molina 1-3
Jorge Posada 3-18 2 RBI
Alex Rodriguez 4-15 1 HR 2 RBI

Indians vs. Andy Pettitte (6-7, 4.50 16 games)

Asdrubel Cabrera 1-3
Jamey Carroll 0-7
Ryan Garko 1-3
Franklin Gutierrez 1-3
Victor Martinez 2-6
Jason Michaels 3-8 1 RBI
Jhonny Perhalta 2-5 2 RBI
Grady Sizemore 1-3

Quick update already- The Indians are going with Aaron Laffey on Monday.

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Around the Horn - 4/23

The Mets have to be glad to be their series with the Cubs was only 2 games. The North siders thumped the Flushing crew for the second straight game, this time 8-1. Ronny Cedeno belted a grand slam and drove in 5 to help Ted Lilly earn his first win of the year.

Eric Gagne blew his 4th save already, but the Brewers pulled the game out, 9-8, in 12 innings on Gabe Kapler's RBI single.

Xavier Nady drove in 2 runs to give the Pirates a 3-2 win over the Marlins and Paul Maholm his first win of the season.

The Diamondbacks overcame a 3-0 deficit to make Brandon Webb the first 5-game winner in the majors. Webb helped his own cause, delivering a 2-run double in the Dbacks 5-4 win over the Giants. Barry Zito dropped to 0-5 for the Giants.

John Smoltz (3-1, 0.78) picked up his 3,000 career strikeout, but despite allowing just 1 run in 7 innings, also picked up his first loss in the Nationals 6-0 win over the Braves. John Lannan went 7 innings for his first win of the year.
Jerry Hairston Jr. celebrated his recall from the minors with a 4-hit, 3 RBI day as the Reds thumped the Dodgers, 8-1. Edinson Volquez improved to 3-0, 1.21 with the win.

Pat Burrell drove in 3 runs, giving him 22 RBI for the month of April, and Jayson Werth homered in the Phillies 8-6 win over the Rockies.

Jose Valverde blew his 3rd save this month, but the Astros scored 4 times in the bottom of the 8th for an 11-7 win over the Padres. Miguel Tejada remained red hot, going 4-5 to raise his average to .370. Jake Peavy allowed 4 run in his 6 inning start for the Padres.

C.C. Sabathia finally got his first win with 6 innings of shutout ball. The big left-hander struck out 11 and the Indians pounded the Royals 15-1. Casey Blake was 4-4 with a grand slam and 6 RBI.

Justin Verlander picked up his first win too in the Tigers 10-2 drubbing of the slumping Rangers. Verlander allowed 1 run in 6 innings to send the Rangers to their 5th straight loss. Ramon Santiago hit his first home run in 4 years and Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez also went deep. Ordonez picked up his 1,000th career RBI in the process.

The Red Sox won their 6th straight, and has become custom lately, won it late. Dustin Pedroia doubled in the go-ahead run in the 8th to give the Sox a 7-6 win over the Angels. David Pauley was the emergency starter for Josh Beckett who was scratched with a stiff neck.

Craig Monroe hit a game tying home run in the 8th and Jason Kubel singled in the game winner in the 9th in the Twins 5-4 win over the A's. Monroe was hitting just .231 entering the game, but capped off his 3-hit day with his first home run of the year.

Arthur Rhodes won his first game in two years in the Mariners 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jose Vidro's 2-run single in the 8th snapped a 2-2 tie. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez was effective (7 IP 2 ER 7 K), but got no decision.

Dionner Navarro made a triumphant return from the DL with a 3-hit, 2 RBI night, and Eric Hinske matched him in the Rays 6-4 win over the Jays. Hinske also homered and James Shields picked up his 2nd win.

News and Notes

Wednesday's Pitching Match up of the Day - Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers. Dan Haren (3-0, 1.80) vs. Derek Lowe (1-1, 2.59)

The San Fran Chronicle reports that the A's are considering bringing back Frank Thomas, who had big year for them in 2006.

Blue Jays 3rd Baseman Scott Rolen has started his rehab assignment, going 0-6 in two games. He returned to the infield after DH'ing the first game.

The Tigers defense wasn't helping their cause any, so they decided a defensive switch was in order. Shaky 3rd Baseman Miguel Cabrera was moved across the diamond to 1st Base, and 1st Baseman, and former shortstop, Carlos Guillen was shifted to 3rd.

Gabe Gross scored the Brewers winning run in the 12th inning yesterday- and then was traded. With a glut of outfielders, the Brewers sent Gross to the Rays for minor league pitcher Josh Butler.

Braves oft-injured pitcher Mike Hampton says he's ready to start a rehab assignment. Good luck with that.

The Star-Ledger's Jeremy Cothran has a feature today on how Carlos Delgado's struggles are dragging down the Mets and his career.

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Around the Horn - 4/17

The Tigers bats have come alive. The team that was shut out 4 times already, has scored 30 runs on the last 3 games. Last night it came at the expense of reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of awful this season, and the Indians. He was banged around for 9 runs in 4 innings last night and now has a 13.50 ERA. Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam, and he and Miguel Cabrera drove in 5 runs each.

Felix Hernandez scattered 8 hits in picking up a complete game victory in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A's. The King struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.47.

Gil Meche picked up his first win as the Royals held off the Angels, 3-2. The top 3 batters in the Royals lineup-Joe Gathright, Mark Grudzelienak, and Mark Teahen- went a combined 8-14.

Jim Thome broke out of his slump with career home run #510 in the White Sox 3-1 win over the Orioles. Thome's blast accounted for the all Chisox runs and gave Jose Contreras his first win of the season.

The Rangers took 14 innings to beat the Blue Jays 7-5. Former Jay, Frank Catalanotto scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. A.J. Burnett, the 9th Jays pitcher used, made his first relief appearance since 2004 and was saddled with the loss.

Mike Lamb's sac fly in the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie and gave the Twins a 6-5 win over the Rays. Shawn Riggans, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske homered for Tampa.

The Cubs blasted the Reds 12-3. Geovanny Soto drove in 3 runs and Derek Lee homered to help Carlos Zambrano pick up the win. Zambrano has cut down on caffeine to help stop the muscle cramps he's been getting during games. The Cubs placed Alfonso Soriano on the 15-day DL with a strained calf.

Adam Wainwright homered and picked up his 2nd win in the Cards 5-4 triumph over the Brewers. Skip Schumaker also homered as the Cards improved to 11-4.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each hit their first home runs of the year in the Mets 5-2 over the Nationals. John Maine picked up his first win and sent the Nationals to their 11th loss in 12 games.

Brandon Webb had a 2-run single and became the majors first 4-game winner in the Diamondbacks 4-1 win over the Giants. Mr. Mediocrity, Barry Zito, turned in another mediocre performance with 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 walks allowed in 6 innings.

Michael Bourn homered and Roy Oswalt picked up his first victory in the Astros 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Mike Jacobs and Luis Gonzalez homered in the Marlins 6-5 win over the Braves. Tim Hudson lasted just 3 innings in picking up his loss. Mark Hendrickson improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Dodgers thumped the Pirates 8-1. Rafael Furcal went 4-4, including a home run.

Mark Redman and four relievers limited the Padres to 3 hits in the Rockies 10-2 drubbing of San Diego. Garrett Atkins lead a 15-hit Rockies attack with 4 hits.

News and Notes

The Rays expect starting catcher Dionner Navarro to be back next week. Navarro has been on the DL since the first week of the season after cutting his hand in the Yankee Stadium visitor's dugout.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney got some good news. His arm has no structural damage and he can begin throwing in 3-5 days.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz threw a 41-pitch bullpen session yesterday, but there's still no target date for his return from a rib injury.

The Twins will have to wait longer for outfielder Michael Cuddyer's return than his scheduled Sunday eligibility date. His broken finger has been slow to heal.

Angels starter John Lackey is on schedule to be back in about 3 weeks.

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