The Pennant Race - 9/23

The Mets players may deny they are uptight about the last week of the season, but who can blame them. After last year's momentous collapse, the Mets are on the brink of blowing another playoff opportunity. Last night, for the second time this season, the Mets were burned by an opposing pitcher's grand slam. The Cubs' Jason Marquis joined the Mariners' Felix Hernandez in the Mets record book by taking rookie starter Jon Niese deep with the bases loaded. The Cubs went on to a 9-5 victory, which dropped the Mets lead in the wildcard to a half-game ahead in front of the Brewers.

The Phillies also pushed their advantage in the NL East to 2.5 games ahead of the Mets with a 6-2 win over the Braves. The game was tied 2-2 in eighth inning when the Phillies went ahead on a fielder's choice. Pat Burrell then put the game away with a 3-run home run, his 33rd long ball of the season. Chase Utley also picked up his 100th RBI, the fourth year in a row the second baseman has achieved the feat.

Brandon Webb picked up his 22nd win and the Diamondbacks moved to within 2 games of the idle Dodgers in the NL West with their 4-2 defeat of the Cardinals. Stephen Drew reached the 20 home run mark for the first time in his career and Brandon Lyon escaped a 2nd and 3rd, nobody out, jam in the eighth inning.

The Rays moved 2.5 games in front of the Red Sox in the AL East with a 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jason Bartlett's RBI double snapped a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning. Last year's number one amateur pick, David Price, made his first major league start, going 5.1 innings, with one earned run allowed.

The Indians' Zach Jackson won his first MLB game in two years in the Tribe's 4-3 win over the Red Sox. Jamey Carroll and Shin-Soo Choo singled in runs off of Josh Beckett in the fifth inning to give Cleveland the lead for good.

News and Notes

The Indians' Fausto Carmona (6 games) and the Tigers' Gary Sheffield (4 games) were each suspended for the role in the bench clearing brawl between the two teams on Friday night. Indians' Victor Martinez and Asdrubel Cabrera also were suspended for 3 games each.

The Red Sox J.D. Drew received a cortisone shot for his bad back, but it remains to be seen if he'll play again this year. Teammate Mike Lowell could be back in the lineup this week though.

Speaking of bad backs, Rays' closer Troy Percival will be getting a second epidural this week.

Share

The Pennant Race - 9/17

Is it Deja Vu all over again? The Mets have lost three straight and are suddenly in second place, one-half game behind the Phillies in the NL East. It all started with a blown two run lead in the ninth to the Braves on Sunday, and has been followed up by two straight losses to the suddenly competitive Nationals. The Mets and Pedro Martinez got spanked on Monday, 7-2, and were shut down last night by Mr. Cy Young himself, Odalys Perez.

Meanwhile, Ryan Howard continues his MVP surge in Philly. The Phils trailed the Braves 7-6 in the eighth inning lats night when Howard unloaded his 45th home run of the season to put the Phillies ahead 8-7. Brad Lidge escaped a bases loaded jam in the ninth to move the Phils into first place.

The Mets also got bad news when they found out Fernando Tatis is probably done for the year with a separated shoulder.

The Rays wrested sole possession of the AL East lead from the Red Sox with a 2-1 walk off win. Dionner Navarro delivered a bases loaded single in the bottom of the ninth.

The Twins rallid from an 8-0 deficit to the Indians to take a 9-8, but ultimately lost 12-9 in extra innings on Victor Martinez's walk off home run. The loss dropped Minnesota 2.5 games behind the White Sox in the AL Central.

The Mets may be out of first place, but they do have the wildcard lead thanks to the Cubs. CC Sabathia lost for the first time since Milwaukee acquired him as he was out pitched by Chicago's Ryan Dempster, who won his 16th game, 5-4.

No movement in the NL West- the Dodgers beat the Pirates 6-2 behind three hit games from Manny Ramirez (.401) and Casey Blake. Dan Haren kept Arizona 4.5 behind the Dodgers with a complete game, 4-hit, 12 striekout shutout over the Giants. Solo home runs by Chris Snyder and Stephen Drew provided the runs in the 2-0 win.

Share

Yankees Keep Stumbling Along

Ian Kennedy was better than he's been, but one bad inning put a sour note on his performance yesterday. The Yankees got him off the hook, but couldn't stop Cleveland from coming away with a 4-3 win yesterday at the Jake. Tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 9th and no Joba Chamberlain to turn to, Joe Girardi opted for Ross Ohlendorf.

Ohlendorf struck out Casey Blake to start the inning, but then gave up consecutive singles to Grady Sizemore and David Dellucci. A wild pitch moved the runners up and forced the Yankees hand. An intentional walk was issued to Travis Hafner, which meant Ohlendorf had to face Victor Martinez with the bases loaded and just one out. Moments later Martinez singled to left field to score Sizemore with the game winner.

Kennedy had plenty of pressure on him in this one. He knows that he could be just one more bad start away from being sent to the bullpen or, more likely, down to Scranton. And in yesterday's 2nd inning was as bad it gets. Singles by Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubel Cabrera put two aboard with no one out, and Franklin Gutierrez moved the runners up with a sac bunt.

Kennedy pitched from behind for much of the game and walked Blake to loaded the bases. A 3-2 pitch to Sizemore missed for ball four and a 1-0 Indians lead. Dellucci's sac fly brought home a second run and Hafner hit a blooper to center for an RBI single and a 3-0 lead. Martinez finally flied out to end the frame. Kennedy was done after just 5 innings and 105 pitches.

The Yankees had at least one base runner on each in the first 5 innings against Indians emergency starter Jeremy Sowers, but could nothing with it. Finally in the 6th they were able to break through.

The Yankees loaded the bases with one out on a single by Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi's hit by pitch, and a walk to Shelley Duncan. Indians manager Eric Wedge sent for right-hander Jensen Lewis with Morgan Ensberg due up. Girardi countered with Robinson Cano, whose miseries continued with a called third strike for the second out of the inning. But Jorge Posada, pinch-hitting for Jose Molina, delivered in the clutch. The less than fleet footed catcher tripled to left to tie the game, and in usual Yankees fashion, he was stranded.

The Yankees had one more chance in the 9th against Masa Kobayashi when they put two men aboard. But Derek Jeter's hard hit grounder through the middle was deadened by the mound and ended up an inning ending double play.

That's the Yankees this year- no clutch play and no luck, except for bad.

News and Notes

Jorge Posada's pinch-triple was the first by a Yankee since Paul O'Neill in 1995.

Johnny Damon stayed hot with a 4-5 that raised his average to .273.

April 26, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0		3	12	0
Cleveland	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1		4	8	1

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	5	0	4	0	0	0	0	.276
Cabrera, CF	5	0	1	0	0	2	4	.289
Jeter, SS	5	0	3	0	0	1	2	.282
Rodriguez, DH	4	1	2	0	0	1	3	.302
Giambi, 1B	3	1	0	0	0	0	4	.177
Duncan, S, RF	2	1	0	0	1	0	3	.143
c-Abreu, PH-RF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.293
Ensberg, 3B	2	0	0	0	0	1	3	.281
a-Cano, PH-2B	2	0	0	0	0	1	3	.152
Molina, C	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.286
b-Posada, PH-C	2	0	1	3	0	1	0	.302
Gonzalez, 2B-3B	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	.316
Totals	37	3	12	3	1	8	23
a-Struck out for Ensberg in the 6th. b-Tripled for Molina in the 6th. c-Struck out for Duncan, S in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Damon 2 (9, Sowers, Lewis, J). 3B: Posada (1, Lewis, J). TB: Damon 6; Cabrera; Jeter 3; Rodriguez 2; Posada 3; Gonzalez. RBI: Posada 3 (11). 2-out RBI: Posada 3. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera; Ensberg; Gonzalez; Giambi. GIDP: Cabrera; Jeter. Team LOB: 9. BASERUNNING CS: Giambi (1, 2nd base by Sowers/Martinez). FIELDING DP: (Gonzalez). NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Kennedy 5.0 4 3 3 4 2 0 8.53 Hawkins 2.0 1 0 0 2 0 0 8.56 Farnsworth 1.0 0 0 0 2 2 0 3.97 Ohlendorf (L, 0-1) 0.1 3 1 1 1 1 0 6.48

Cleveland	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Sizemore, CF	3	1	1	1	2	0	0	.266
Dellucci, LF	4	0	1	1	0	1	1	.271
Hafner, DH	3	0	1	1	2	0	1	.233
Martinez, C	4	0	2	1	1	0	2	.373
Garko, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	0	3	.247
1-Carroll, PR-3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Peralta, SS	3	1	1	0	1	1	1	.259
Cabrera, 2B	2	1	2	0	2	0	0	.232
Gutierrez, RF	2	0	0	0	0	1	3	.222
Blake, 3B-1B	3	1	0	0	1	2	2	.229
Totals	28	4	8	4	9	5	13
1-Ran for Garko in the 8th.
BATTING TB: Sizemore; Dellucci; Hafner; Martinez 2; Peralta; Cabrera 2. RBI: Sizemore (12), Dellucci (8), Hafner (14), Martinez (9). 2-out RBI: Hafner. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Garko; Martinez; Gutierrez. S: Gutierrez 2. SF: Dellucci. Team LOB: 11. BASERUNNING SB: Carroll (3, 2nd base off Farnsworth/Posada). CS: Sizemore (1, 2nd base by Hawkins/Posada). FIELDING E: Sowers (1, missed catch). DP: 2 (Blake-Cabrera-Garko, Cabrera-Blake).

Cleveland	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Sowers	5.1	7	3	3	1	3	0	5.06
Lewis, J (BS, 1)	1.2	3	0	0	0	3	0	4.15
Kobayashi (W, 1-0)	2.0	2	0	0	0	2	0	1.74

WP: Ohlendorf.
IBB: Cabrera (by Farnsworth), Hafner (by Ohlendorf).
HBP: Giambi (by Sowers).
Pitches-strikes: Kennedy 105-60, Hawkins 22-8, Farnsworth 22-10,
Ohlendorf 15-7, Sowers 98-55, Lewis, J 32-24, Kobayashi 23-16.
Ground outs-fly outs: Kennedy 7-6, Hawkins 1-3, Farnsworth 1-0,
Ohlendorf 0-0, Sowers 4-8, Lewis, J 1-1, Kobayashi 4-0.
Batters faced: Kennedy 23, Hawkins 7, Farnsworth 5, Ohlendorf 5,
Sowers 24, Lewis, J 8, Kobayashi 7.
Inherited runners-scored: Lewis, J 3-3.
EjectionsCleveland Indians Manager Eric Wedge ejected by
2B umpire Derryl Cousins. (8th).
Umpires: HP: Eric Cooper. 1B: Marty Foster. 2B: Derryl Cousins. 3B: Angel Hernandez.
Weather: 64 degrees, sunny.
Wind: 16 mph, L to R.
T: 3:27.
Att: 35,765.

Share

Around the Horn - 4/4

The Nationals had a chance to go to 4-0 yesterday, but blew a 6-1 lead to the Phillies. They would eventually lose in 10, on a bases loaded walk, 8-7.

The Pirates nipped the Braves in 10, 4-3, on Xavier Nady's RBI single. The Braves also lost Mike Hampton yet again. Hampton was originally slated to start Thursday's game, but instead ended up with a strained pectoral muscle and landed on the 15-day DL. This guy should get together with Carl Pavano.

The Cards' Brian Thompson and 3 relievers blanked the Rockies 3-0.

The Padres took 3 of 4 from the Astros, finishing it off with a 3-2 win on Thursday. Trevor Hoffman notched career save #526.

The Cubs salvaged the final game of their series with the Brewers with a 6-3 win. Kerry Wood earned his first major league save.

The Reds beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 behind rookie phenom Johnny Cueto. The 22-yr old had an MLB debut to remember - 7 innings of 1 hit ball and 10 strikeouts. He retired the first 15 batters he faced.

The Royals completed a 3 game sweep of the Tigers as Zack Grienke out pitched Jeremy Bonderman, 4-1. The Tigers loaded lineup was without Curtis Granderson for all 3 games, and Miguel Cabrera for the last one, but that still doesn't explain the complete lack of punch.

The Angels beat the Twins 5-4 to take 3 of 4 in their opening series. Torii Hunter gave his old fans a treat with his first home run of the year. K-Rod, despite a loss in velocity due to an ankle induced adjustment, picked up his 2nd save.

The White Sox managed to take the final game of their 3 game set with the Indians, 2-1. John Danks and Jake Westbrook hooked up in a good pitcher's duel, but Joe Crede was the hero with a game winning home run in the 8th.

The Rays-Orioles series finale was rained out.

The Royals are likely to be without David DeJesus this weekend due to his injured ankle. No word yet if it will land him on the DL.

The Tigers will have Miguel Cabrera back in the lineup at DH tonight after missing Thursday's game with a sore quad. Gary Sheffield ripped a tendon in his finger, but should be able to avoid the DL.

The Indians are optimistic that Victor Martinez, who left the first game of the season with a strained hamstring, will be back in at catcher tonight. He was able to pinch-hit in Thursday's game.

The Twins were expected to recall Francisco Liriano after 2 starts in the minors, but they may revamp that plan after yesterday's season debut. Liriano gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings to Class 'A' hitters.

Share

The Seesaw

Up and Down 2nd inning for IPK. Retired the first two, but then issued back-to-back walks. That's 3 in just 2 innings. The inning could have been over before the 2nd walk as Jose Molina had Asdrubel Cabrera picked off of first, but Jason Giambi swung and missed with his tag attempt. Victor Martinez flied out to deep center to end the threat.

Share

Meet the Indians

The Yankees and Indians met just 6 times this year, one series at each home ball park. So now its time break down the AL Central title holders, the Cleveland Indians. Today will start out with the position players.

DH - Travis Hafner
The man they call "Pronk" had an off-year by his standards, but by driving in 23 runs in September, he finished with 100 RBI for the 4th straight year. His home run total of 24 was the lowest since he began playing full-time, as was his .266 average.

vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 1-6 with 3 walks
Clemens: 0-3
Mussina: 1-10 w/4 walks, 1 RBI
Hafner has not faced Pettitte or Hughes
Farnsworth: 1 walk
Rivera: 0-4
Vizcaino 3 walks
Villone: 0-5

C - Victor Martinez
V-Mart put up MVP numbers in the 1st half, hitting .324-16-68. He slumped to .273-9-46 after the All-Star break, but still set career marks in HR and RBI as well as finishing with a .301 average. He's work at his defense, fielding a .995 percentage, but is not good at throwing out would-be base stealers.

vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 2-9 w/ 2 RBI
Pettitte: 2-6
Clemens: 0-2
Mussina: 2-19
Hughes: 1-3
Farnsworth: 0-2
Rivera: 2-7 w/1 RBI
Vizcaino: 5-5
Villone: 3-5

1B - Ryan Garko
Garko did a fine job in his 1st full season as the Tribe's 1st Baseman. He put up .289-21-61 with 29 doubles in 484 at-bats. Is still prone to strikeout as evidenced by his season total of 94.

vs. Yankees pitching

Pettitte: 1-3
Mussina: 1-3
Hughes: 0-2
Garko hasn't faced Wang or Clemens
Rivera: 0-1
Vizcaino: 0-2

2B - Asdrubal Cabrera
The Indians disappointment with Josh Barfield gave Cabrera a chance to win the 2nd Base job and he jumped all over it. The 21-year old hit .283-3-22 in 159 at-bats, with 17 walks and 30 runs scored. Only hit .250 at his home park.


vs. Yankees pitching

Pettitte: 1-3
Mussina: 1-1
Rivera: 0-1
Villone: 0-1

SS Jhonny Peralta
The Tribe's shortstop, who is still only 25, bounced back from a mediocre '06 campaign to hit .270-21-72, 82 runs scored. But 14 HRs and 50 RBI came before the All-Star break. He's also struggled on the road, hitting just .243.

vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 2-6, 1 RBI
Pettitte: 2-5, 2 RBI
Clemens: 0-5
Mussina: 6-17, 1 HR, 4 RBI
Hughes: 1-3
Farnsworth: 0-2
Rivera: 1-5
Vizcaino: 0-3
Britton: 1-4
Villone: 0-1

3B/OF Casey Blake
The under appreciated veteran has average 21 HR and 72 RBI over the last 5 years. He hit a pair of walk-off HRs, 2 of only 4 he hit in the 2nd half, down the stretch to help the Indians nab the AL Central title. His 14 errors at 3B was the 3rd highest total of his career.

vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 1-3
Pettitte: 1-5
Clemens: 3-9
Mussina: 6-15, 1 RBI
Hughes: 0-2
Farnsworth: 0-2
Rivera: 1-4, 1 RBI
Chamberlain: 0-1
Vizcaino: 3-7, 2 RBI
Britton: 1-3
Villone: 1-2
Rivera: 0-1

LF Kenny Lofton
The former Yankee split the season between Texas and Cleveland. This is his 3rd stint with the Tribe, with whom he had his most success in the '90s. The 40-year old hit .296-7-38 with 23 steals and 86 runs scored.

vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 1-3
Pettitte: 4-29
Clemens: 14-62 (.226), 10 BB/19 K
Mussina: 14-54 (.259), 2 HR, 6 RBI
Hughes: 1-5
Farnsworth: 2-2
Rivera: 1-10
Vizcaino: 1-4
Chamberlain: 0-1
Villone: 4-8, 3 BB

CF Grady Sizmore
The 25-year old's game is still blossoming as he nears elite status (we disagree with those who say he is already there). Hit .277-24-78 in the lead off spot. Also walked 101 times, but did strike out 155. Stole 33 bases in 43 attempts. Has made just 9 errors in his 4 seasons. Keeping him off the bases is the key for the Yankees pitchers.

vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 3-9, 1 HR
Pettitte: 1-3
Mussina: 2-15, 6 K
Hughes: 0-3
Farnsworth: 2-4
Rivera: 0-4
Vizcaino: 2-5, 2 RBI
Chamberlain: 0-1
Villone: 2-4
Britton: 1-2

RF Franklin Guitierrez (added 10/4)
The one-time Dodgers phenom is still only 24-years old and had a chance to make an impact for the Indians this year. Hit .266-13-36 in 271 ABs. High strikeout ratio - 77 Ks. Is getting the nod over Nixon in game 1 and since Pettitte is going in game 2, probably then too.

vs Yankees pitching

Wang: 1-3
Pettitte: 1-3
Mussina: 0-3
Rivera: 1-1, 1 RBI

RF Trot Nixon
The long time former Red Sox outfielder hit .251-3-31 in 99 games. Went 10-43 with no HR or RBI in August and September.


vs. Yankees pitching

Wang: 1-13
Pettitte: 1-9
Clemens: .371-3-10 - but this is not your father's Nixon
Mussina: .289-3-12 see above
Hughes: 0-2
Farnsworth: 0-2
Rivera: 3-17
Vizcaino: 0-2
Chamberlain: 0-1
Villone: 1-4

Bench:

Backup catcher Kelly Shoppach, the one time Peter Gammons' highly touted Red Sox prospect, had a fine season backing up Martinez. He hit .261-7-30 in 161 at-bats. His HRs and RBI before and after the break were about the same, but he hit .330 and .178 before and after the break. As we mentioned earlier, Josh Barfield played himself out of the starting 2B job by hitting just .243 with 90 strikeouts, and a .270 on base percentage.

(Added 10/4)
Jason Michaels and Chris Gomez round out the bench.

photos courtesy of AP and mlb.com

Share