Results tagged ‘ Francisco Cervelli ’
Forecast: Cloudy with a Chance of World Series!…
Mostly cloudy and 58 degrees…
So, that’s the forecast for the first workout scheduled on Thursday for pitchers and catchers. It seems very appropriate that the Yankees would face cloudy skies on their first official workout. The skies, during the upcoming season, are sure to be filled with dark clouds, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. Nobody said it was going to be sunny skies on the road to a repeat World Series championship…
The Yankees will attempt to repeat without World Series heroes Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, or regular season “Pie King” Melky Cabrera. The team also said goodbye to Phil Coke, Jose Molina, Jerry Hairston, Jr., and Brian Bruney.
UPI
But newcomers Curtis Granderson, Javier Vazquez, Nick Johnson, Randy Winn, Jamie Hoffmann, Marcus Thames, and Boone Logan intend to give Yankees fans another summer to remember. Curtis Granderson was penciled into centerfield, particularly after the trade of Cabrera to Atlanta for Vazquez. However, talk in recent days has Grandy receptive to a potential move to left if Manager Joe Girardi decides to go that direction. Somehow, I think Grandy will always say and do the things that exhibit a ‘team first’ approach. Personally, I think Grandy should have gotten #28. However, he stepped aside so that Girardi could upgrade his number from 27 to 28 as the Yankees pursue their 28th World Championship. He’ll wear the number immortalized by Lou Piniella instead (#14). Hopefully, Girardi will hold the number for just one season and then switch to #29!
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The presence of Javier Vazquez in the starting rotation should pay dividends. At various points during last season, there were times when the Yankees didn’t know what they were going to get out of their starting pitching outside of CC Sabathia. Vazquez should ensure no long losing streaks, and give consistency to the middle of the rotation. With slots 1 through 4 secure in the rotation, the battle is for the 5th spot. Best case scenario, in my mind, is Phil Hughes in the starting rotation, and Joba Chamberlain setting up Mariano Rivera. The others (Sergio Mitre, Chad Gaudin, and Alfredo Aceves) can vie for long relief.
Winslow Townson/SI
While it is sad to see Jose Molina go, I am excited for Francisco Cervelli. He proved last year that he is a capable backup, and I look forward to watching him in a more critical role this year as Posada will see more time at DH than years’ past. Of course, Cervelli is just keeping the plate until Posada’s replacement, Jesus Montero is ready, but it will still be good to see his attitude and play during the upcoming season. If the Yankees decide to carry three catchers, the most likely candidate is veteran Mike Rivera.
Nick Laham/Getty Images
If the newcomers can quickly adapt to New York, and some of the younger guys can step up their play, the Yankees will be in good shape for another championship run. I know, it’s not a given that they will win, but they should be in position to determine who will be. For the upcoming season, I am most fearful of, in no particular order, the Boston Red Sox (don’t tell Julia!), the Seattle Mariners, the Tampa Bay Rays , and the Texas Rangers. I think the Los Angeles Angels will contend once again, however, their off-season losses outweighed their gains. I also think the Baltimore Orioles will be much improved and of course you can never count out the Minnesota Twins. It should be a very challenging and competitive run to the American League Championship!
On the National League side, I don’t really see any team that will dethrone the current NL champs, the Philadelphia Phillies. With Doc Halladay at the top of the rotation and starving for a championship, the Phillies will be in a league of their own. I’d like to see Joe Torre and the Los Angeles Dodgers make it to the World Series, but they weren’t able to do enough this off-season to bridge the gap with the Phillies. The Phillies do need to solve their bullpen woes, but I suspect they’ll make the necessary moves (with or without Brad Lidge).
Steven M. Falk/philly.com
Best wishes and prayers to longtime Yankees head trainer Gene Monahan. Monahan will miss his first spring training since 1963 with a “significant illness”. The Yankees also announced that he will most likely miss the first portion of the season as he undergoes treatment. Here’s hoping Gene makes a successful recovery and is able to resume his normal duties in the not-too-distant future…
Frank Franklin II/AP
–Scott
No Time for Sleepless in Seattle…
A well deserved day off while the Yankees head to Seattle…
Speaking of Seattle, I am always appreciative of the fact that Tom Paciorek no longer plays baseball. For my generation, he was the original Yankee killer. I know that there were many before him and many since, however, he was the first player that I personally witnessed as a single-handed destruction force against anything pinstripe-related.
It was an interesting week. Monday saw the Yankees defeat their nemesis, the Los Angeles Angels, in a makeup of the May 3rd rainout.
Bill Kostroun/AP
Tuesday was a mess. A brawl left Jorge Posada and Shelley Duncan with three-game suspensions. Posada, who had taken exception to an earlier pitch, threw an elbow at Jays pitcher Jesse Carlson, while scoring on a double by Brett Gardner. There were several bench clearing moments, and the latter occurred following the elbow by Posada. Hitting coach Kevin Long and pitcher Edwar Ramirez were also fined for their involvement in the fracas. Any way you slice it, it was an ugly representation of baseball. The Yankees dropped the game, 10-4.
Kathy Willens/AP
Wednesday, the teams were more amenable to each other. The Yankees fell behind the Jays early and trailed 4-2 in the 7th inning. I had started to become concerned that the Yanks were on the verge of their second consecutive loss, but Hideki Matsui allayed my fears with a two-run homer in the 8th to tie the game. At that point, I had confidence that the team would mount yet another walk-off win. I was not denied, although I was a bit surprised by the source. I will first start by saying I love watching Brett Gardner work the base paths. Following a lead-off single in the 9th inning, he stole second. Derek Jeter grounded out to short, but it advanced Gardner, the winning run, to 3rd. That brought catcher Francisco Cervelli to the plate. His single to left scored Gardner, and the Yankees had a new recipient for the pie of the day…
Ron Antonelli/New York Daily News
This morning, I was looking at the AL East standings, and was surprised to see that the Red Sox were only 5 games behind the Yanks in the loss column. Boston has been playing very well lately as evidenced by the 7-game winning streak. Julia is quick to note that this team reminds her of the 2004 and 2007 World Championship clubs, and the way they’ve been playing, I do not necessarily disagree. Nevertheless, I have confidence in my guys and their ‘no-quit’ determination. Given that the Texas Rangers have performed the baseball equivalent of hara-kiri, there is no much mystery left regarding whether the Yankees and Red Sox will make the play-offs. The only question is who will take the AL East crown, and right now, the Yankees have the advantage. The Yankees continue their quest for the best record in the AL, but they cannot lose sight of the team in their rearview mirror. I learned long ago not to underestimate the Red Sox.
The Red Sox did see the end of their 7-game winning streak tonight, as they were clipped by the Angels, 4-3. The Yankees magic number has been reduced to 10, although the Angels were able to pick up a ½ game on the Yanks.
Charles Krupa/AP
The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees were unable to defend their International League crown. They were swept in the finals tonight by the Durham Bulls with a 3-2 loss in the third and final game. The Yankees did pick up championships in two other minor leagues. Class A Tampa won the Florida State League, while the Staten Island Yankees won the New York/Penn League. I’m thinking “three’s company”, so let’s go big league Yanks!
In a somewhat shocking announcement, Peter Abraham of the Yankees LoHud Yankees Blog announced that he will be moving to Boston to work for the Boston Globe. His blog has long been one of my personal favorites, and I will miss his Yankees insight. I am sure that he’ll provide Red Sox fans with the same robust and reliable information that we Yankee fans have been accustomed to, not to mention the quick wit. Pete Abe made a comment that some will call him a traitor, but I will not. He is a class act, and his decision was made for family reasons, which is a very admirable trait. I would like to thank him for his work over the years, and I wish him the very best in Boston. Of course, he’ll miss out on writing about the 2009 World Series Champions…
My fantasy football team faces a huge dilemma this weekend. My starting QB is Tom Brady, while my defense is the Jets D. So, I have one player working against another since the Patriots face the Jets this weekend. Who do I pull for? Yikes! As an 0-1 team (thanks to LaDainian Tomlinson’s ankle), I have to hope that best case scenario plays out.
I will close with a photo of my pride and joy. She has been the master of self portraits since she was very small, and has developed a great sense of humor (despite her dad)…
–Scott
No Competition for Wakefield…
So much for quality starting pitching to rival Boston’s staff…
Matthew West/Boston Herald
There was a time this season where you could trust the starters, but had to worry about the bullpen. My, how times changed! Suddenly, Joba Chamberlain has become the starting rotation’s version of Jose Veras, and Andy Pettitte is its Damaso Marte.
Sunday’s game turned out well (a win), but it was Joba’s worst outing yet. He couldn’t get out of the 4th inning, and gave up 8 runs on 9 hits and 1 walk. Fortunately, for Joba’s ERA, only 3 of the 8 runs were earned. But games are won or lost on runs, earned or unearned, and Joba gave up a lot of them. He threw 86 pitches in 3 2/3 innings, and failed in his 9th try to win at the new Yankee Stadium. To me, Joba isn’t improving each time out and he is not even forcing the “to the pen” chants to percolate, but rather he looks like is auditioning for a possible future start in Scranton/Wilkes Barre or Trenton.
The Yankees have been very fortunate for Alfredo Aceves to find his niche in long relief and prove he is the guy the Yankees have been seeking for years to replace Ramiro Mendoza. Aceves’ four innings of one-hit, scoreless relief allowed the Yanks’ comeback to stand, as they beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 10-8. Aceves picked up his first save of the season in relief of Jonathan Albaladejo, who picked up the win.
William Perlman/The Star Ledger
All-Star starting shortstop Derek Jeter had four hits and delivered the key go-ahead two-run homer in the bottom of the 5th inning.
William Perlman/The Star Ledger
Monday, on the other hand, did not turn out so well. After a solid outing in his last start, Andy returned to his inconsistent ways. By the top of the 7th inning, the Blue Jays had built a 7-1 lead against Pettitte and Brian Bruney. Pettitte gave up 6 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings. He walked 3 Toronto batters.
Chris Faytok/The Star Ledger
The Yankees attempted to rally, scoring 5 runs over the final 3 innings. However, with the tying run on first in the 9th inning, Eric Hinske struck out to end the game as the Yankees fell to the Jays, 7-6. To Hinske’s defense, he had homered earlier in the game and also had several outstanding defensive plays in right. So, the loss cannot be saddled on Hinske. But Pettitte? He gets full credit for this loss. Well, Derek Jeter’s failed attempt to swipe third didn’t help. Tag or no tag, it was a bad play on DJ’s part…
Reuters
I am definitely concerned about both Chamberlain and Pettitte, and both guys need to get it together. With Chien-Ming Wang on the DL, the Yankees cannot afford for the only source of consistency to come from CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Plus, CC has not performed like the ace he is paid, so that places even more pressure on the back half of the rotation.
When Girardi stretched Aceves out to four innings and let him close out Sunday’s game, I suspected that he was giving Aceves for length for a possible start. Sure enough, Aceves will start on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. I was probably more in favor of bringing up Sergio Mitre, but if the Yankees feel that Wang will be back in a month, then perhaps Aceves is the best option. But long-term, I’d hate to lose the long relief star.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Tonight, the Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins, 10-2. CC finally pitched like the ace he is, and he only gave up three hits and one run in 7 innings of work. So, the streak of poor starting pitching is over. Hopefully, Chamberlain and Pettitte will follow CC’s lead as we move into the second half of the season…
Mone/AP
In addition to Derek Jeter, the 2009 American League All-Stars will include Mark Teixeira at first base. Mariano Rivera was among the pitchers selected. Congratulations to DJ, Tex and Mo!
Kathy Willens/AP
The Toronto Blue Jays have indicated that they’ll entertain offers for pitcher Roy Halladay, 32. I’d be very surprised if the Jays dealt with either the Yankees or the Red Sox. If they did, I am sure that the price would be significantly greater than what, say, the Philadelphia Phillies would have to pay. But a note to Jays’ GM J.P. Ricciardi, if you receive a phone call from someone named Epstein with a 617 or 857 area code, don’t answer it. It’s probably just an annoying sales call! 
Getty Images
It sounds like Francisco Cervelli is headed back to Scranton/Wilkes Barre, possibly tomorrow, to make room for the returning Jose Molina. Bummer, I will definitely miss Cisco’s energy and hustle. He had definitely made his mark on the team, and hopefully, he’ll be back sooner rather than later…
There is no love lost as the Yankees play their final series in the Metrodome. The Twins will move to their new home, Target Field, in downtown Minneapolis next spring. Now, if the Vikings could only figure out a way to get out of the Metrodome…
Sorry Julia, it’s still just one game…
–Scott
Making His Presence Felt in Atlanta…
To borrow the words of Johnny Cash, the Man Comes Around…
Posted on YouTube by MadSin69
The other Cash arrived in Atlanta, and made his presence known.
DeCrow/AP
GM Brian Cashman, who apparently was supposed to watch AAA-Scranton/Wilkes Barre play, opted to travel to Atlanta for the Yankees game against the Braves. He did not go with axe in hand, but he met with manager Joe Girardi and the players. Clearly, he, like the rest of the fans and organization, is frustrated with the Yankees recent offensive slump and knows that the team is better than this.
Cash insists that the team does not need to make any player acquisitions to improve. As I said yesterday, the team has the talent and ability to succeed so the answer lies within. I still think the bench could use some upgrade, along with the pen. But from the top to the bottom of the order, the team is fine so long as they can snap out of the recent slide that has left them tied with the Toronto Blue Jays, 5 games behind the Boston Red Sox.
Xavier Nady should be back soon, and that will certainly help. But after watching the continued play of catcher Francisco Cervelli, I have to admit that I really do not want to see Jose Molina come back. I liked Cervelli’s throws to first, his intensity, the way he was openly communicating with pitcher Joba Chamberlain in the dugout between innings, his energy, his excitement…and of course, his first home run! So perhaps the Yanks should look to move Molina upon his return from the DL. As for Damaso Marte, I am hopeful that we’ll see the reliever who was among baseball’s best when he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates upon his return. There is no reason that he can’t be that player again. Cash might be right that the answer lies within. If the team’s response to Cash’s visit, an 8-4 win over the Braves, can be sustained in the coming weeks and months, I like the Yankees’ chances come October.
As for the game, I do want to send Braves pitcher Kenshin Kawakami best wishes for a speedy recovery. I am thankful he was not more seriously hurt when he was struck at the base of the neck by a ball hit by Joba Chamberlain. At the time, Kawakami had pitched three perfect innings and it looked like he was in the midst of a great game. He has a contusion, but it sounds like the ball didn’t hit a bone. Kawakami will be re-evaluated in a couple of days to determine if he’ll be able to make his next start. Hopefully, he is back in full action shortly.
John Bazemore/AP
The Braves scored first on a 5th inning home run by Jeff Francoeur. Considering that Francoeur hasn’t really hit anybody this year, it was disappointing to see him get untracked against the Yankees. Nevertheless, the Yankees came back at the top of the next inning. Brett Gardner walked to start the inning, becoming the Yankees first base runner. After a few pick-off throws, the Braves got lucky when Gardner was called out even though his hand had clearly reached first base before he was tagged out. The play brought manager Joe Girardi out of the dugout and although his tirade got him tossed, it served as the catalyst the Yankees needed to snap out of their offensive doldrums. Cervelli followed with his first career home run, and a few batters later, Alex Rodriguez, who had entered the game with a .207 BA, drilled a two-run single.
Curtis Compton/MCT
Although the Braves kept fighting back, the Yankees never relinquished the lead. In the 8th inning, with Brian Bruney struggling (two walks, a single and a run scored), Girardi brought Mariano Rivera into the game with two outs. Rivera struck out Kelly Johnson to end the inning. Rivera, who hadn’t pitched since June 16th, showed no signs of rust. The Yankees scored a couple more runs at the top of the 9th to pad their lead, but they were unnecessary runs as Rivera struck out the side in the bottom of the inning to end the game. Vintage Mo, and it was sweet!
The Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rays all won, so there were no changes in the standings. But the victory was definitely something for the team to build upon. One game at a time. The path to the Red Sox is not that far away…
Jim Davis/Boston Globe staff
As expected, the Yankees designated Angel Berroa for assignment prior to the game to make room for infielder Cody Ransom. I was surprised to see that the Yankees were actually able to get cash for reliever Jose Veras (from the Cleveland Indians). I thought the Yankees would have to pay to get someone to take him. Peter Abraham of the LoHud Yankees Blog had the best line when he said that the cash involved was “at least three figures”. Good luck in Cleveland, Jose…you won’t be missed. Of course, now that you are in Cleveland, you’ll probably start pitching lights out…
Denny Medley/US Presswire
Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad…
A “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” kind of weekend…
On Saturday morning, when I saw the Mets starting pitcher (an unknown, at least to me, by the name of Fernando Nieve), I figured that the Yankees were going to have an offensive field day. Unfortunately, I forgot that the Yankees just don’t play very well against pitchers they’ve never faced before. Nieve, a former Astro, got his first win since June 25, 2006 by allowing only 4 hits and 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Meanwhile, Andy Pettitte looked pathetic.
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Former Yankee minor leaguer Omir Santos hit a two-run homer in the second inning to set the tone for the day.
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
The Mets pounded out 17 hits enroute to the 6-2 victory. Every Mets starter had at least one hit, and Gary Sheffield homered against his former team for the second straight day. It was not a fun game, and it was obvious that the Yanks had mentally checked out of this game. When you watch the Boston Red Sox, they never give up and battle to the end. So, it was disappointing to see the Yanks throw in the towel…
On Sunday, after the Yanks disappointing performance the previous day and Johan Santana on the mound for the Mets, it didn’t look promising. My only hope was for A.J. Burnett to try and keep it close so that perhaps Tex or A-Rod could come up with a key hit in the later stages of the game. What I saw shocked me, to say the least. When you analyze the line scores for the two starting pitchers, you’d assume that Burnett must have had a bad day…
Pitcher A
|
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
HR |
PC-ST |
|
3.0 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
82-48 |
Pitcher B
|
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
HR |
PC-ST |
|
7.0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
8 |
0 |
111-66 |
Fortunately, Pitcher A was the Mets’ Johan Santana, who suffered the worst start of his career.
Nick Laham/Getty Images
A.J. Burnett pitched a terrific game. Of course, it helps when your team stakes you to a 13-0 lead after only four innings. But the Burnett of the last few starts, excluding the debacle in Boston, is the pitcher the Yanks thought they were getting in the off-season when they signed him to the big contract.
As the Mets did the previous day, the Yankees pounded out 17 hits, including three by catcher Francisco Cervelli. Jose Molina who?…
The Yankees got the scoring started in the second inning with run-scoring singles by Cervelli and Derek Jeter, as well as a two-run single by Johnny Damon. I guess he is over his “fluttering eye” issue…
What, no homers? Don’t worry; they were on the way…
In the 4th, the Yankees scored 9 runs and ran Santana out of the game. The weekend birthday boy, Hideki Matsui, hit a two-run homer to start the scoring. Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon knocked in runs with an infield single and a double, respectively. Jeter scored when Alex Rodriguez hit into a double-play. Robinson Cano followed with a two-run homer, scoring A-Rod. Melky Cabrera capped the scoring with a two-run double, but he ended the inning attempting to stretch out the double to a triple.
Sipkin/New York Daily News
Four innings, a 13 run lead, and Johan Santana in the showers…the game was effectively ended at that point. The Yanks did pick up a couple more RBI’s by Ramiro Pena and Robinson Cano in the 7th inning, but the Fat Lady had already sung…
Phil Hughes looked like he was going to ruin the shutout in the 9th inning, when he allowed two base runners. But he settled down, and got the final outs. So, thanks largely to Friday’s gift from Luis Castillo, the Yankees won the Subway Series, two games to one.
The Red Sox lost to the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizen’s Bank Park, 11-6, so the Yankees closed the gap back to two games.
Ron Cortes/Staff Photographer, Philly.com
The two teams have a much needed break on Monday, before they resume interleague play. The Red Sox return home to Fenway Park to face owner John Henry’s former team, the Florida Marlins. Meanwhile, the Yanks will see old friend Nick Johnson when the Washington Nationals travel to Yankee Stadium. Of course, I wonder who the manager of the Nationals will be…Manny Acta or someone else…
Brian Blanco/AP
It’s been a great day…almost perfect, in fact! The only thing that could be better would be the crowning of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers as the 2009 NBA Champions!
Chris Carlson/AP
Go Lakers, but more importantly…
Go Yankees!
–Scott
No Fair, It’s Not Supposed to Happen to Me!…
Aarrgghh, I hate walk-off wins…
Well, at least when the Yankees are on the road! For some reason, they just seem so much sweeter at Yankee Stadium…
Frank Franklin II/AP
Without going into all the gory details, David Robertson gave up a run-scoring single by Jhonny Peralta in the bottom of the 9th inning to allow the Tribe to escape with a 5-4 victory. Robertson and Phil Coke both walked a batter in the 9th to set the table for Peralta’s game-winning hit.
Tony Dejak/AP
But the burden of defeat cannot be placed squarely on the shoulders of Robertson and Coke. Brett Gardner was also responsible with several poor plays. In the 5th inning, Gardner misplayed a fly ball by Asdrubal Cabrera, which turned into a double. He wasn’t charged an error, but I’d have to say that I am a little ashamed that the Yankees tied the Boston Red Sox with their 17th consecutive game without an “error” when, in my mind, it was an error in judgment.
Gardner also helped extinguish a 9th inning rally by the Yanks. Hideki Matsui walked, and Ramiro Pena came into the game to run for him. Nick Swisher sacrificed Pena to second. Gardner then reached first base on an infield single. Despite the steal sign from the dugout, Gardner stayed at first and did not attempt a steal. Jorge Posada subsequently hit into an inning ending double play. Had Gardner stolen second, the Yanks would have had two men in scoring position with two outs. By scoring a run or two, the Yankees would have brought Mariano Rivera into the game to close it rather than relying upon the unproven late inning duo of Coke and Robertson.
Larry W. Smith/EPA
Mark Teixeira almost single-handedly pulled the game out for the Yanks. He hit a two-run homer in the 6th inning against Carl Pavano. He also hit a two-run double in the 8th against Matt Herges (one of the runs was charged to Pavano, who allowed a single to Derek Jeter earlier in the inning). Clearly, the Yankees had their opportunities against Pavano. I guess if there’s a positive in the loss, it is that Pavano walked away with a no decision thanks to Teixeira.
Tony Dejak/AP
Phil Hughes had a disappointing outing, giving up 4 runs in 5 innings.
Tony Dejak/AP
Chien-Ming Wang continued his audition for regaining his spot in the starting rotation by relieving Hughes with three innings of shutout ball. If this game is the determining factor, I’d say that Hughes next start will be in Scranton/Wilkes Barre and Wang will be back in his regular spot in the rotation.
Greg Fiume/Getty Images
With the loss combined with a Red Sox win, the Yankees lead in the AL East has fallen back to ½ game over Boston.
As of 5/31/09
|
AL East |
W |
L |
Pct |
GB |
Home |
Road |
Last 10 |
Streak |
|
Yankees |
29 |
21 |
.580 |
— |
14-9 |
15-12 |
6-4 |
Lost1 |
|
Red Sox |
29 |
22 |
.569 |
0.5 |
17-6 |
12-16 |
5-5 |
Won1 |
|
Blue Jays |
29 |
24 |
.547 |
1.5 |
18-7 |
11-17 |
2-8 |
Lost1 |
|
Rays |
25 |
28 |
.472 |
5.5 |
13-11 |
12-17 |
4-6 |
Lost1 |
|
Orioles |
23 |
28 |
.451 |
6.5 |
16-13 |
7-15 |
7-3 |
Lost2 |
I know, Julia, I hear your footsteps…
With one run scored, Derek Jeter now stands two runs away from 1,500. Once he achieves that mark, he’ll join the exclusive trio of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle as the only players with 1,500 runs scored during their Yankee careers.
To my disappointment, Buster Olney mentioned in his ESPN column that the Yankees probably will not be aggressive in their pursuit of Boston left fielder Jason Bay (wipe that grin off your face, Julia!) since they’ll be looking to keep the spot open for a possible switch of Derek Jeter from short to left as he continues to advance in age.
Speaking of Jeter, his current hitting streak now stands at 15 games with a lead-off single in Monday night’s game against the Indians.
Catcher Jose Molina re-injured his left quad during an extended spring game today, so he’ll head back to New York for further evaluation. This most likely means that his return is not imminent. The Yankees may be disappointed, but I’m not. It means that Cervelli will remain on the roster, and will have the opportunity to continue to show why he deserves the backup spot to Jorge Posada.
Tonight’s starting lineup has Alex Rodriguez at DH, and Angel Berroa at third. Ugh, that’s not a good sign…
I know, I need an attitude adjustment…
–Scott
Random Thoughts for a Tuesday…
A-Rod Surgery – The Day After…
By all accounts, the surgery performed on Alex Rodriguez’s hip for the torn labrum by Dr. Marc J. Philippon was successful. Alex should be able to resume playing in 6-9 weeks.
Many people have questioned whether the Yanks really need to seek a replacement since A-Rod can conceivably be back in action after 23 games. I say yes, because I feel an upgrade is necessary for the long haul…not just the first 23 games of the season. Cody Ransom is labeled as a good defender, but he can’t hit for average although he does have some power.
Kathy Willens/AP
I think the Yankees need someone who can fill in, provide good defense, and hit well enough to keep pitchers honest. Alex will need more rest than in years past, and more rest for Derek Jeter is probably not a bad idea as he begins the downside of his career physically-speaking.
Someone did ask A’s manager Bob Geren if Bobby Crosby was being showcased at third base for the Yankees and he chuckled and replied “no”. Bobby wants to play, and he probably sees third as his best option given the health of 3B Eric Chavez in recent years.
So, maybe the best deal is no deal, but I sure wish I had more faith and confidence in either Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa…
Starting in Centerfield…
Granted, Brett Gardner hasn’t won the job yet, but he continues to impress in camp. On Monday, he hit this third homer of the season (which leads the team).
He continues to make things happen, and I’d be surprised to see Melky Cabrera to take the job from Gardner. It’s definitely exciting to have his presence in the lineup.
Michael Kay mentioned on a recent telecast that the Yankees haven’t had a weapon like this on the base paths since Homer Bush. I agree…
Italy ousts Canada
Italy defeated Canada 6-2 on Monday to eliminate the Canadians from WBC play. Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli was 0-for-3 with a walk for the Italians.
I caught Mike Piazza’s comments about Cervelli this morning (no pun intended). “He’s so talented back there, you can’t say enough,” Piazza said. “He worked hard back there. His enthusiasm, you could tell.”
“His enthusiasm from the start of the game was just sky-high. He hustled. He’s got an amazing arm.” Piazza went on to say. “I’m jealous – in a good way – because I see player with a great future ahead of him. He’s going to get better with the bat. He’s going to get a little quicker.”
He’s not the prospect that Jesus Montero is, but he’s a few years older (23) and closer to major league action. I am anxious to see competition between Cervelli and Kevin Cash (and even Jose Molina) when he returns to Yankees camp after the conclusion of the WBC.
Just as I am concerned about back up support at third, I have the same concerns at catcher given Jorge Posada’s age and his return from injury last season. At this point of his career, Jorge is not going to improve and will only continue to deteriorate. It remains to be seen if he can continue to perform at the level he’s been accustomed to, but the odds are against it. Jorge needs a solid backup who can spell him on occasion. Perhaps it is Jose Molina, but I do feel that when you look at the players with greatest odds for getting hurt, Jorge is at or near the top. Therefore, if Cervelli can continue to take his play to a higher level, he’ll have a say in the Yanks’ backup catching plans.
Odds and Ends
Mike Mussina was a visitor to Yankees camp today, and true to form, doesn’t regret the decision to retire. He also turned down Manager Joe Girardi’s offer to wear a uniform for the day.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Moose was a class act, and he’ll be missed. He was, at times, misunderstood, but I always thought he was honest and straightforward.
I saw Jake Peavy’s quote earlier in the week, and I am definitely glad that the Red Sox never became his destination. “Boston was a place that I told the Padres I would certainly be interested in playing,” Peavy said Monday at the Team USA workout. “I don’t know if there were any talks. I gave the Padres a list and Boston was on that list. Boston was a place I told the Padres I would be interested in playing at. Set that straight for sure.” Yikes! To borrow the old adage, sometimes the best deal is the deal never made! J
With the plethora of evidence building up against him, when is Roger Clemens going to come clean and admit steroids use? For a guy I used to consider a hero, I am so disappointed…
I liked Randy Johnson’s description of Tim Lincecum as the fourth Jonas brother…
Okay, I find the headline of “U.S. teammate Dustin Pedroia thinks World of Derek Jeter” to be very disturbing! There’s way too much love going around. “They go at it constantly,” Chipper Jones said of Jeter and Pedroia. “It’s fun when Yankees and Red Sox go at each other, because you know they’re going to hate each other in a month.” Whew! I needed that perspective. Thanks Chipper! I was starting to get this visual image of Yankees and Red Sox players hugging each other and trading high 5′s before games…
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