Yanks Lose

Brett Gardner was 0-3 with a stolen base in his major league debut tonight. But even his sizzling speed couldn't make his new teammates grind against a series of very mediocre Texas pitchers. They wasted a quality start by Mike Mussina and strong relief from Edwar, Veras and Giese. What's even more disconcerting than their lackluster offense and record, is the fact that they may be in the process of trading for Randy Wolf, he of the sub-100 ERA+ over the last few years. Something's got to change.

Yanks Lose

The Yanks lost their last ever game at Shea today. Girardi tried an all righty line-up (save for Damon) against Oliver Perez and it just didn't work. They had their chances late, but pinch hitters were either not used or failed when used. David Robertson made his major league debut and gave up 1 run in two innings of work. He seemed to have some jitters and wasn't throwing his curveball for strikes in his first inning of work. He had some presence, though, and once he and the catchers get together, he should produce some K's. Back home against the Rangers starting tomorrow.

Andy is Dandy Again

Andy worked around a 53 minute rain delay to give the Yanks 6 innings of 2 run ball. Fortunately, the Yanks had 3 runs, and Veras, Farnsworth and the Immortal One, made em stand up. Yanks can take the series with a win tomorrow. Go Yanks!

The Return of Sir Sid

After Yankee pitching got hammered in the Yankee Stadium half of today's split stadium double dip with the Mets, the oft released and oft incarcerated Sir Sidney Ponson gave the Yanks 6 innings of shutout ball at Shea. Yankee bats woke up around 4 hits by Abreu and a resurgent Jeter and Cano for 9 runs. Farnsworth returned from several days off with a hand injury and pitched a scoreless seventh. Veras took over in the 8th and added another scoreless frame, and Kei Igawa, who was called up between games, closed out the 9-0 shutout. Now win the series, Yanks!

PS: Gardner and Robertson could finally be on their way.

Knicks Stun Their Fans

With Bayless, Gordon and Augustin still available, the Knicks used their highest lottery pick in twenty years to select Italian league teen forward Danilo Gallinari. As of right now, they have no other picks, and they have no point guard to run coach D'Antoni's offense. Here's hoping this works out. Go Knicks?

Jobamania Runs Wild in Pittsburgh!

Joba Chamberlain continued his great work tonight with 6.2 innings of shutout ball. Tonight, he featured more change-ups and curves than he had in his past starts and as a result elevated his PC a bit. While Joba pitched, his teammates got back to grinding against Pittsburgh pitching. Jeter, Cano and Abreu looked good at the plate for a change, and Ross Ohlendorf was dominant contributing 3K's through 1.1 innings. Jose Veras pitched a scoreless 9th as the Yanks won 10-0. Go Yanks!

Yanks Lose

The Yank appeared in Pittsburgh for the first time since the 1962 World Series. The result was the same, though not nearly as dramatic. Terrible pitching for Rasner and similarly bad AB's from half of the offense lead to an embarrassing and lopsided win for the Buccos. Right now, it looks like the Yanks may not have seen .500 for the last time this year. Joba goes tomorrow, maybe they will hit for him. Go Yanks.

Snee Stays Put

The Giants have apparently locked up their best OL for the next 6 years. Terms of the deal have not been announced, but it is said to make Chris Snee one of the 5 highest paid Guards in Football. While the media has been focused on Shockey and Plaxico, the Giants have been focused on keeping their core together. This is a great move. Look for a few more before camp. Go Giants.

Rest in Peace

George Carlin was one of the funniest and brainiest stand-up comics to ever hold a microphone. His records and specials were groundbreaking and you alway knew that under his increasingly curmudgeonly and anti-social routines, beat a kind and caring heart. He could be funny with curse words and funny without them. It was a pleasure growing up with him. Rest in Peace.

Yanks Finally Beat Reds!

In a game that featured more poor ab's then good ones from the Yanks, and a rain delay, it was Jason Giambi's opposite field two run double that ultimately created some separation for the Yanks. Pettitte pitched 6 shutout innings, then Edwar worked a 9 pitch 7th. Farnsworth gave up a homer to Junior in the 8th before leaving with an injury suffered on a comebacker. Mo came in for the prolonged, 4 out save. Tomorrow is an off day, then it's on to Pittsburgh and let's win there. Go Yanks.

Rangers Pick Del Zotto!

After pricing out various options, the Rangers decided to stay put and #20 and took the most gifted offensive defenseman in the draft. Wait, didn't they do this two years ago when they took Bobby Sanguinetti? Indeed they did, but I'm glad they did it again. Michael Del Zotto has absolutely sick passing and shooting skills, and special vision. He'll take a little time learning when to stay back and when to go for the big play, but it's the same challenge all of these special kids face. They know they can make plays but they have to learn when. Word is he'll learn. Back in the late seventies, the Rangers had both Ron Greshner and Mike McEwen. Then they trade Mike. Back in the nineties, the Rangers had both Brian Leetch and Sergei Zubov. Then they traded Zubov. Here's hoping they commit to keeping both Sanquinetti and Del Zotto. This was a great pick for the Rangers. The rest of the draft is tomorrow, but they've already had a good one. Go Rangers!

So Endeth the Streak

Yanks ran into Volquez, and he was tough. But for a misplay by Johnny Damon, this game could have turned out differently. A new streak starts tomorrow. Go Yanks!

Sweep!

Joba K'd 9 and gave up a single run in his 5.2 innings, 100 pitch start. Three walks were a bit of a problem and certainly raised his pc at a faster than acceptable rate, but 4 hits were not. Joba showed great make-up getting out of two walk related jams, but left with the game tied and was not entitled to the win. Veras got it. He, Farnsworth and Mo shut the Pads down in a tightly contested 2-1 Yankee win. Molina and ARod supplied the RBI's. Melky and Jeter stole bases to get themselves in scoring position for the two runs. Joba's got to work on the walks, but he is getting very close to superdominance. Now, let's sweep the Reds. Go Yanks!

6 Straight!

The Yanks beat NL Cy Young award winner Jake Peavy tonight, and they did it without the benefit of a quality start from Rasner, or solid relief from Edwar and Farnsworth, who gave up 3 HR's in 3IP combined. But the O outside of Giambi tonight (he was DHing) was clicking on all cylinders. ARod had the only homer, but there were walks, doubles and SB's aplenty. When the O being this efficient, it can tolerate some mediocre pitching. Mo kept it 8-5 and got the save. They go for the sweep tomorrow at 1pm. Go Yanks!

5 in a Row!

Andy Pettitte worked 7 shutout innings, as he and the O really responded to Wang's injury. Giambi homered twice, ARod added a homer and a double, Cano is waking up, and Jorge and Abreu keep going strong. They socked it to Randy Wolf and Veras, Traber, and Mo completed the 8-0 shutout. The Yanks go for 6 in a row against Peavy tomorrow. Go Yanks!

4 Games Over

ARod hit a homer, drove in 4 and made a really amazing play at third in the Yanks 13-0 demolition of Roy Oswalt and the Astros. Po, Matsui and Damon kept contributing great AB's, and Cano, who also made some great plays, looks like he's finally coming around at the plate. Of course, the downside about the whole thing is Wang's injured right foot. The extent of injury is not yet known. The Yanks moved to 4 over .500 for the first time since last year. Keep it going, Yanks!

Wang Hurt

Wang will win his 8th game today, as the Yanks are currently up 11-0 in the 7th, but he hurt himself in the top of the 6th, rounding third to score, as antiquated National League rules require him to do when playing in one of their parks. Obviously, the Yanks cannot afford to lose him for long. Apparently, it's been called a "right foot injury." This cannot be good.

260!

Mike Mussina gave up a 3 run homer in the first, then settled down to give the Yanks 5 more scoreless innings for a quality start and the 260th win of his career. He's continuing to compile a very good case for the Hall of Fame. He got those 260 wins in the steroid era, when he clearly wasn't doing them. ARod had a homer and more big hits came from Giambi, Melky, Molina (!), Cano and Betemit. Ohlendorf gave up a run in the seventh. Farnsworth pitched a strange but scoreless 8th. With a 4 run inning, Edwar Ramiro started the 9th off by giving up a single, then finished it by striking out the next two hitters and getting a flyball from Ausmus to end it. The Yanks are now a season high 3 games over .500. Go Yanks!

Yanks Win!

In his third start, Joba Chamberlain gave the Yanks 6 innings of 1 run ball. His walks were up and his K's were down, but he didn't give up many hits and held the Astros to 1 run. Jose Veras got the win, going two perfect innings, and Farns got the save for a resting Mo. The difference in the game was a Derek Jeter homer as the Yanks took it 2-1. They are now 2 games over .500. Go Yanks!

Yanks Win!

Andy Pettitte pitched 8 innings of 1 run ball, Mo got a save, but the birthday boy, Hideki Matsui hit a grand slam in the 6th that turned a 1 run deficit into a three run lead, and without that the Yanks might have been shutout. Hopefully that hit was the turning point we're all been waiting for. Go Yanks!

Wang!

CMW won his first game in over a month by pitching 7.1 innings of 1 run ball and getting DP's whenever he needed them. Veras pitched .2 scoreless (but featuring 2 walks) and Mo came in for his 4th game in a row and got the save. The game was a tight 2-1 contest through 8, but Melky Cabrera's homer in the top of the ninth gave Mo some breathing room. Good win and just the kind of game we lost on Friday and Monday. Let's hope this team if finally taking off. Go Yanks!

Yanks Lose

They weren't able to pick up Mo after he gave up another 9th inning homer. They go on the road tomorrow, and hope to get on a roll.

On the positive side, the Yanks are signing a bunch of their draft picks today, and a list could be available later.

Thanks, Michael

Fox Sports is reporting that Michael Strahan is retiring. Normally, I'd question this report, however, Mike has long been rumored to be going to Fox as soon as he retires, so I have the sinking feeling that this is true. Michael Strahan is one of the greates Giants ever and one of the greatest two way DE's ever to play football. He will skate into the Hall of Fame as he should. Not only did he make play after play and sack after sack for the Giants, he made all of his teammates better. How else could Chad Bratzke get a big free agent deal from the Colts? He was also the emotional leader of the Giants and it was only right that he lead them to a championship in his final year. Thank you, Michael, your large shoes will have to be filled by committee.

Yanks Win Again

Joba was better, but not yet great in his second start. The bullpen was great as Dan Giese entered the game with 1 out and 1 on in the 5th, and he, Veras and Mo went the rest of the way without giving up a run. Abreu and Giambi homered. Giambi's proved the game winning hit as the Yanks won 6-3. That's two in row and they are now 1 game over .500. Baby steps, people. Go Yanks!

Yanks Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Johnny Damon went 6 for 6 today, including his game winning hit. Why? Because he had to. Pettitte and Mariano were just not up to the job today, so the O had to grind out a season high in hits to pick up both of their long time heroes. Giambi and ARod had homers, and Po hit one in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game at 11. Then, Betemit walked, Melky got an infield hit, and Damon stroked his 6th hit of the day into the right field corner! The second HUGE WIN in three games. The O is getting responsive. Go Yanks!

Yanks Lose

They waste a great effort from Rasner and an ump screws Giambi on a 3rd strike call in the 8th and that was basically the ball game. Ridiculous.

On the bright side, the Yanks had another good day at the draft. I'll discuss the individuals as they sign. It was like a continuation of last year.

Yanks take Bittle then Adams

Scott Bittle was the second round pick. He's the cutter throwing closer form Ole Miss who K'd 130 in 70ip. He doesn't have a blazing fastball but has a sick cutter and change. In the third the Yanks took UVA 2B David Adams. He's in the same vein as Sublett and Snyder. College middle inf with some pop. Recently hit a walk off homer for UVA.

Yanks Add Bleich

The Yanks added Stanford lefty Jeremy Bleich in the sandwich round. He's battled some injuries at Stanford but is said to have a moving fastball, a good curve and a good change. I don't like reaching for LHP, so I'm gonna trust Damon Oppenheimer that we didn't. Hopefull they'll had more high upside kids as the draft wears on.

YANKS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Giambi capped a comeback 9th with a 2 out, 2 run, pinch hit, walk-off homer off of Jays closer BJ Ryan. The Yanks had been down 5 after a Melky Cabrera error lead to 5 Blue Jay runs. This was an absolutely HUGE WIN for the Yanks. Betemit also hit a two run homer, earlier to start eating into the Jays lead, but they blew opportunities after that, and things looked really ugly. Huge! Go Yanks!

Yanks Pick Gerrit Cole!

Yanks just took Gerrit Cole, a big high school righty who has touched 100 in recent workouts. This is a great pick for the Yanks. The kid has an electric arm, and they've been great at developing pitchers. The way things are looking, they're gonna have another monster draft. Great first pick!

Yanks Win!

Moose was brilliant again, and Betemit, Cano, Molina, Melky, Damon, Matsui and Jeter all had big hits in the Yanks 5-1 win over the Blue Jays. Ohlendorf, Farnsworth and Mo pitched three scoreless innings. Farnsworth and Mo were dominant. Derek Jeter's hit put him ahead of Mickey Mantle on the Yanks' all-time hit list. And that deserves a picture. Go Yanks!

Joba Shorted in his First Start

Joba used 62 pitches to get through 2.1 innings and his entire first start. Nerves, Molina, and the homeplate ump made things extra-tough, but he only allowed one hit, off a bat handle, and he'll have more pitches to work with next time out, and the time after that. Dan Giese who was called up to be the long man gave up one run from the 3rd to the 7th, but Veras, Edwar and Hawkins were atrocious in the 7th, giving up 6 runs in the half inning. The Yanks weren't able to get much going as Cano and others continued to struggle. Seems like they need to make some moves. Let's see what they do. They cannot be this bad.

Yanks Lose

Another weird game. Joba goes tomorrow, let's hope he gives the Yanks some momentum.

Rest In Peace

One of rocks founding fathers has shrugged off this mortal coil and is now going on the immortality tour with God's all star band. Rest in peace, Bo, we cannot thank you enough.