Tagged: Ivan Nova
Deadline Over And Done With!
A weekend series against the Orioles was a series I thought the Yankees had to win. It’s the kind of thing where you know your team is better, and they have to beat up on the bad teams. I’m always bad at predicting things, so I didn’t know what to think coming into this weekend. The doubleheader I thought would be tough, and the trade deadline I thought would be a distraction. I didn’t know if the Yanks would make any moves. I HATE the trade deadline, and I’m glad it’s over and done with.
Oh, and I’m glad the Yanks took 3 of 4 from the O’s.
After they lost the first game of the series, I was kind of annoyed. But they bounced back to win the next 3, winning the 4-game set the hard way.
After winning the 1st game of the doubleheader on Saturday by the score of 8-3, my Grandma said to me, “Ooh I hope they saved some runs for tonight’s game.”
Uhh…hahaha.
No worries, Grammy!
Let’s just say the Yankees got off to a historic start in Game 2:
Top of the first, 1 out. Curtis Granderson singles.
Looked harmless enough.
Mark Teixeira walks, Cano drives in a run with a single. 1-0 Yanks.
Okay.
Swisher knocked in a run via an Orioles error. 2-0.
Then things get a little crazy.
Andruw Jones RBI double, 3-0. Russell Martin RBI single, 4-0. Eduardo Nunez RBI single, 5-0. Then Brett Gardner got an infield single to load the bases.
Derek Jeter drove in 2 with a double, 7-0. This is when I started to feel a little bad. But it didn’t end there.
Mark Teixeira doubled in 2 runs, 9-0. Robinson Cano singled in one, 10-0. And Nick Swisher hit a 2-run bomb, making it 12-0.
12-0!!! In the first inning! That was the most runs the Yankees EVER scored in the first. Wow.
The Yankees went on to win that one 17-3. Although the offense was a huge pleasure, my favorite part of this game was seeing Ivan Nova again. I was beyond annoyed when they sent him down to make room for the stinky Phil Hughes. I mean, isn’t the idea to have the best players on the team? Nova was better than Hughes then, and he still is.
I was worried that the Yankees would do something stupid at the trade deadline. So while many may think that Yankees fans are upset about the inactivity at the deadline, I for one am extremely satisfied with this decision. So other contending teams made moves…so what? Overall, I’m very happy with the state of the Yankees. When I heard about the Ubaldo Jimenez rumors, I was scratching my head. The Rockies wanted prospects Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Jesus Montero, and my Ivan Nova? And the Yankees were considering doing that? No offense, but Ubaldo Jimenez just is not worth the entire Yankees farm system. I know you can’t give up nothing and expect something, but I really think that deal would’ve been ridiculous. And the Nova thing drew the line. Why trade for Jimenez when Nova is doing an amazing job? He, I think, can and has helped this team more than Jimenez ever could.
My brother told me this, so I don’t know if it’s true, but he heard that the Yankees and Rockies negotiations went sour after the Yanks replaced one of the guys the Rockies wanted with Phil Hughes. LOL. I don’t blame the Rockies – I’d be insulted by that, too. But then I heard from the YES Network that the Yankees didn’t want to make the deal after the Rockies refused to give Jimenez a physical. So whatever. Good luck to the Indians with him. I’d rather stick with my guys.
Speaking of my guys, I’m sure most people are aware of my unbridled admiration for Francisco Cervelli He’s a cutie. Well in today’s series finale, I witnessed a Francisco-First.
HE PLAYED SECOND BASE TODAYYYY!!!!!!!!
Ahh, yes. If only it wasn’t under these circumstances: Derek Jeter was hit in the hand (right middle finger, precisely), and eventually came out of the game. Eric Chavez (another sexy beast…probably the hottest Yankee) was playing 3rd, and Nunez was playing 2nd because Cano was the DH. So when Jeet eventually left the game, the defense was messy…so Nunez moved to short, and, instead of losing the DH in the 4th inning my moving Cano, they put my CERVELLI at 2nd base! I was going crazy. He actually fielded a grounder in the 6th and didn’t mess up! In fact, he looked pretty darn smooth over there, going for the lead runner instead of the sure out at first. He pivoted nicely and fired a strike to shortstop to get the out. Ahh, Cervelli…such a cutie.
Now that the trade deadline is over, I can breathe I sigh of relief. -SIGH- I don’t have to worry about my cuties leaving me for a player that I don’t even want. I love my boys, and it’s not easy for me to let go of any of them.
Even if the no-deals at the deadline mean we don’t win…I’m okay with that. Why jeopardize the bright future? It’s not like Ubaldo Jimenez is going to guarantee a championship anyways. I’m happy with this team we have now, and no matter what happens this year, I know Yankees fans have a lot to smile about.
GO YANKEES! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Old Timers’ Day!
Yanks Win Series, All-Around Fun Afternoon
Old Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium is one of the days I mark on my little Yankees schedule. I just love seeing all the “old” guys come out, I love commenting on how high they wear their pants, and I love how the exciting atmosphere at the Stadium is transferred through the TV into my own home. I love Old Timers’ Day every year, but this year, it was even better than usual.
Old Timers’ Day is always fun for Yankees fans of all ages, but I think this time it was especially exciting for those of my generation: those who grew up during the dynasty of the late 90s. The return of Joe Torre, Lou Piniella (who I loved to watch as a manager when he has his…”episodes”) Bernie Williams, and Tino’s home run brought back many fond memories for me. Tino Martinez was my first ever favorite. He was the first player I remember seeing, and for that reason, he became my “favorite.” I remember crying when he went to the Cardinals, then my Dad bought me a Cardinals cap, which I would wear all the time along with my Tino Yankees tee. I remember being him for Halloween when I was in 2nd grade, I remember going to Tino Martinez Bobblehead day on my birthday in 2001 – I could go on and on. Seeing Tino play with Bernie, smile with Posada, and hit that homer…that alone made my day.
What made the day even more special was the ceremony honoring Gene Monahan. 49 years with this great organization…that is insane. And he has done a fantastic job throughout his time. He seems like a really sweet man, and I hope the Yankees can win it for him this year. Oh, and he was nervous about throwing out the ceremonial first pitch? Pshh…He threw a perfect strike! Maybe he can teach Barack Obama how to throw like a man…
Another thing about that first pitch: I liked how Jorge Posada had the honor of catching it. He looked so at home and at ease in his catcher’s gear, and throughout the entire day, he had a genuine ear-to-ear smile on his face. It was the happiest I saw Jorge all year, and that too reminded me of the past.
The Old Timers’ GAME is always fun. In the top of the first, Oscar Gamble led off with a single off Ron Guidry, followed by a LONG single by Jesse Barfield. Goose Gossage relieved Guidry, and got Lee Mazzilli to fly out to Bernie Williams (which set off the crowd). In the bottom of the first, David Wells served up a double to Bernie, and was then relieved by David Cone, whom Tino hit the 2-run bomb off. Tino would have loved hitting at this new ballpark. In the top of the 2nd, Doc Gooden and Jeff Nelson retired the side. Nelson then remained in the game, and pitched for the other team in the next half inning. I love how no rules are applied whatsoever to these games. They played another half inning, but there was no need to complete that inning because the BOMBERS were ahead of the CLIPPERS (lol). The Bombers beat the Clippers 2-0 on the strength of my Tino’s HR, while David Cone received the loss.
It was all fun and games during that game, but it would have been even more fun and games if Derek Jeter was there. I feel incredibly bad that he missed the day. And on his BIRTHDAY too…aww, Jeet. That calf better be healing up. Happy Belated Birthday, Derek! 37 years young.
As for the ACTUAL game that was played, it was intense. The Yankees didn’t get a man on base until the 5th inning, and by then they were down 3-0 and making me nervous that they wouldn’t win on a day that they really needed to. After Robbie Cano got the team’s first hit out of the way, Nick Swisher got them into the run column with his MONSTER 2-run homer. Then, my happy Jorge went deep back-to-back with Swish, tying up the game at 3.
Nova battled yesterday. After the Yankees worked so hard to tie up the game, he allowed a homer to Ty Wigginton (again) which gave the Rockies a 4-3 lead. But he stopped it there.
In the bottom of the 6th, Brett Gardner led off with a bunt single…perfect execution. He’s been playing like the player I always thought he was recently, and he’s finally starting to make me look good, instead of looking like I’m his little fangirl who thinks he can do no wrong. After that bunt, Gardner stole 2nd, which really set me off…I always thought speed was sexier than home runs (sorry Swish and Posada!). After a Granderson walk, A-Rod drove in the tying run with an RBI single.
In the 7th, Boone Logan actually did his job and retired the heavy hitting lefty, Carlos Gonzalez. In the bottom half of the inning, Eduardo Nunez drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single. The Yankees FINALLY had a lead, and it was padded by Mark Teixeira’s homer in the 8th. Robertson and Mo finished up the remainder of the game. The Yankees won it 6-4, and with that win, won the series.
Currently, my Yanks are a half a game ahead of Baahston in the standings. With hitters like Nick Swisher, Jorge Posada, and Brett Gardner heating up as the weather does, and with Jeter and Colon soon to be activated, I’d say my boys are in good shape.
GO YANKEES!
3 Wins: 1st Nerve-Racking, 2nd Bittersweet, 3rd Comforting
Yanks Take First Three From Tribe
I shouldn’t complain too much…I mean at least we are winning this time. Then again, the Cleveland Indians are not the same Cleveland Indians of the earlier months. But, then again, the Yankees aren’t the same either. So they’re both different, so I guess that balances out. So these three wins for my Yankees WERE legit.
Game 1 was the first game in a long time that I sat down and watched from beginning to end without falling asleep! Ivan Nova toed the rubber, and had a surprisingly dominant outing. The offense was surprisingly alive as well, exploding for 11 runs with RBIs from Robbie Canooo, SwishyNicks, Jo-P0, Ahh-the-GrandyMan-Can, Brettiboo, A-Rod, Texy-Wexy, from up and down the loaded lineup. I’m proud to report that Brett Gardner has been playing much better baseball of late, as well as Mr. Jorge Posada, whose batting average is now way over that Mendoza line (and it appears it will only continue to rise above it). Maybe Jorge wasn’t hitting because his son was going to have ANOTHER surgery, and you know, maybe since he’s a man with a heart, maybe he was nervous/stressed/upset/unfocused because of it? And maybe since his son is now recovering and the worst is behind him, maybe Jorge can concentrate fully on baseball and breathe a sigh of relief? So maybe he’s not done, so stop pushing him out before his time?
Game 1 was fun to watch in regards to Nova and the offense, but it made me nervous at other times. Like after Curtis Granderson homered in the 2nd and Mark Teixeira was immediately plunked high up on his back – if he didn’t duck it could’ve hit is head – and a fight almost broke out between Joe Girardi and Indians skipper Manny Acta. That made me nervous/infuriated because I HATE WHEN MY BOYS GET HIT. But it was all good. The Yankees added on a bunch of runs after that. So HA-HA.
The other thing that made me nervous in Game 1 was the bullpen. Yeah. My fears are realistic. The bullpen was horrendous. Utterly dreadful. The Yankees, in the 7th , had an 11-2 lead, but they had to call on Mariano Rivera to get the final outs, because the bullpen just couldn’t do it. Just thank GOD for Mo…without him, we’d really have NO ‘pen whatsoever.
I missed the entire Game 2 because I was at Marist College’s Orientation! It was a spectacular day: I got to know some students, toured the campus, and felt comfortable there throughout it all. It’s nice knowing I picked the right place! But while I was enjoying my day, the Yanks had a game to play. Bartolo Colon, according to my brothers, had his typical stellar performance, but it was cut short after he hurt a hammy covering first base. He was taken out of the game, and he is now on the 15-day DL – and he says he will return in the 15 days, but they always say that…
That is a HUGE blow to this team. Bartolo Colon is one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. He’s better than CLIFF LEE. <<Yeah. I said it. And he’s a WAY better value. He, to me, is the Yankees #2 starter. And now he’s gone. The bullpen sucks, I don’t want the starting rotation to suck that badly. So the news of that 4-0 win was not as sweet as I would have hoped for.
Game 3 was extremely comforting, because I was saying how the starting rotation without Colon needed to step it up a notch, and Freddy Garcia stepped it up a few (especially when I remember his last outing…eeek). Freddy was phenomenal. 6.2 innings, 1 run, just everything the Yankees and I could have hoped for. And the offense? Explody once again, with contributions from everyone! INCLUDING those two guys I mentioned above – Brett Gardner and Jorge Posada – who are continuing their hot-hitting. Oh, and Jeet’s getting closer to #3000!
So after an icky bad stretch, the Yankees have themselves a modest three-game winning streak. The offense looks more alive, and I’m hoping overall they can be more consistent and keep this going. The starting rotation took a big blow with the loss of Colon, but if everyone can just do a littttttle bit more like what Freddy did, then maybe we can survive these “15 days” Colon promises. And the bullpen, well, I don’t know…(don’t ruin it, Virginia! You have to end on a good note!).
And um, I graduate a week from today! And my college is awesome!
The Yanks go for the SWEEP tomorrow.
GO YANKEES!
Reverse Psychology FOR THE WIN!
Yanks Take Series Against Rangers!
I’m going to be honest here: coming into this series against the Texas Rangers, I wouldn’t have thought it would have turned out the way it did. I still had memories of last year’s ALCS, (see post here for the many silly reasons why I hate them http://southernbelle.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/10/why-i-hate-the-texas-rangers.html), and I was just worried the Yankees would remember it, too. And after they lost a tough game in Game 1, I feared the worst.
Ivan Nova was extremely wild in his Game 1 start. Russell Martin wore himself out behind the plate, and I knew he would have Game 2 off.
“Oh great,” I thought. “Now we have GUSTAVO MOLINA AND HIS CAREER .122 BATTING AVERAGE catching FREDDY GARCIA…Really? How are we supposed to win?”
Well, they must have heard me. The battery of Freddy Garcia and Gustavo Molina in Game 2 proved to be surprisingly dominant. Freddy pitched 6 2-hit shutout innings against the best lineup in the AL aside from that of my Yankees.
I was beyond impressed, considering the situation: it was Garcia’s first start of the season, since his other ones were skipped over or rained out. And he was doing it on an icky rainy day – against the Rangers. So yeah, the pressure was on. He really proved me wrong.
On the strength of 2-run homers by Teixeira and Cano, and solid pitching, the Yanks took Game 2 by the score of 5-2.
The rubber game was a fun one, though I didn’t see the whole thing because I am addicted to the Celebrity Apprentice.
They played on ESPN, and the announcers were really pissing me off. At this point in the game, the Yanks were behind. And the announcers were going on and on, saying:
“Well, you know the Rangers have just come right in here, and they don’t even let the mystique of the Yankees bother them. They are beyond that.”
“They have completely overmatched the Yankees, like last year in the ALCS.”
“Oh, Beltre and Young have just torn the covers off the balls this series.”
“Oh, the Rangers!”
Jesus. Sounded like Chris Matthews talking about Obama.
I was BEYOND offended when they mentioned the “lack” of mystique. I mean really?
It got to the point where I couldn’t take it anymore,
“JESUS GOD ALMIGHTY! What is wrong with these guys? And I thought Miller and Morgan were bad announcers…how could they say such things?!”
“Shhh…relax,” said my Mother, “Let them keep singing praises about the Rangers, then watch the Yanks go ahead.”
Oh, Mommy. Mommy knows best!
It took them awhile, but the Yankees DID come back and hold the lead. My sweet Eric Chavez drove in the game-winning run with an RBI single in the bottom of the 8th, (I changed the channel back just in time to see it) and Mariano nailed down the save for the 6-5 Yankee win.
I wound up staying up until midnight because I was dying to see Eric Chavez be interviewed. It was worth the wait….my GOD he is hot. I think right now Eric Chavez is the hottest player on the Yankees. Like, looks wise. And he’s pretty hot with that bat of his as well 😉
Haha Alex Rodriguez WHO? Yeah…Chavez is hotter. Maybe A-Rod should miss games more often…I don’t mind his replacement haha.
I was thrilled. I didn’t think my boys would win 2 of 3, but they did! Is there anything this team can’t do?
Maybe I should stop being so surprised when they win. I mean they ARE the Yankees. But then again, this reverse psychology thing seems to be working.
I don’t know. Maybe I should stop thinking altogether and just enjoy the baseball.
GO YANKS!
Jobianamo
Yankee Bullpen Stellar in Win
It was the first Monday night in a LONG time that I had something to look forward to. Instead of procrastinating on my homework like I usually do, I made sure to get right to it, so I would be free for 7:00.
Oh, the beauty of baseball season.
The game didn’t disappoint. It was a good one, and the Yankees played very well. I know it’s waaaay early to say stuff like this, but they really look like a championship-caliber team, especially in last night’s 4-3 victory.
The Yanks didn’t have that much offense, but they got the big hits. A-Rod and Posada each had 2-run homers and were responsible for all of the Yankees’ 4 runs. A-Rod has gotten of to an amazing start so far this year…can you say MVP? (I know it’s early, but you heard it hear first!). And Posada…my Jo-Po. He has adjusted to his DH role very well.
Last night’s game was important, because it was Ivan Nova’s first start of the season. And unlike last year, Nova this year is here to stay. So it was important for him to show he belonged in the Bigs.
Nova said that he had a plan last night, and that he didn’t expect the Twins to even get 1 hit off him. Way to set the high-bar, Ivan!
Well, Nova didn’t throw a no-no last night, but I thought he pitched wonderfully. He didn’t allow a hit until 2 outs into the 4th. I was worried a bit because he had trouble getting the final out – the Twins rallied with 2 outs and scored 2 runs that inning. Nova also allowed a run in the 5th, and before I knew it, the Twins crept their way back into the ballgame.
I was nervous when he went out to pitch the 6th, but Nova managed to make it out alive, and set himself up for the win. After striking out Jim Thome for the final out, Nova showed a little emotion on the mound with some fist pumps. Kind of reminded me of that old Joba Chamberlain…
SPEAKING of Joba, I’m in love with this bullpen. OMG. If the Yankees don’t have the best bullpen in baseball, then no one does. I’m betting on it:
THE YANKEES WILL FINISH 2011 WITH THE BEST BULLPEN IN ALL OF BASEBALL.
Joba Chamberlain did his thing in the 7th, Rafael Soriano was stellar in the 8th, and Mariano Rivera was Mo in the 9th. These guys are so good, they need a name. People have been calling them, “Jo-So-Mo,” but that just doesn’t FLOW.
My name is better: Jobianamo.
Joba, Soriano, Mo.
Jobianamo.
7th, 8th, 9th.
Yankees win.
Catching Up: Cliff Lee, College, Christmas
A lot has happened since the last time I posted, and I’ve had more than enough time to reflect. Yesterday was Christmas, and all I wanted was some Green Day sheet music and Cliff Lee. I got my music (yay!), but not Lee…he signed what seems an eternity ago with the Phillies. Little coward…At first I was devastated about Lee, but after awhile I began to think: he NEVER wanted to be a Yankee, so why the heck did I even want him in the first place? Baseball players, especially pitchers, are fragile creatures. If they aren’t happy, they will not be successful. Cliff Lee was to scared to come to NY, so whatever.
In other news, I found out on Thursday, December 17 that I was accepted into Marist College and received a hefty scholarship. It was my first and only choice, so thank God I’m in. I hope to Major in Sports Communications. Now that that big weight has been lifted from my shoulders, I can concentrate on more important things, like the blog. Being a nerd, I will still do all my schoolwork, but I won’t have spend as much time on it (it’s time to enjoy senior year). Instead, I will spend time doing fun stuff, like playing piano and putting myself on youtube, learning guitar, and blogging.
Although I haven’t blogged in awhile, I have been staying on top of the baseball news. Johnny Damon is available, and I heard the Yankees might be interested in signing him. But I then heard that it will be “unlikely” for the Yanks to sign him. Personally, I’d love to see him back. I was crushed to see him go in the first place. Johnny Damon is a fan-favorite, and I think the Yankee organization owes it to the fans do make a move like signing Damon, especially since they couldn’t make the Lee thing work out. Damon can still play, and if he’s happy (in New York) he will be even better. And he’s such a good clubhouse guy…he might even be able to help straighten out A.J Burnett! I miss his smile, I miss is hair, and I miss his shirtless interviews…Aww, Johnny I hope you come back.
I’ve learned this offseason to not take anything for granted. So for now, I’ll just expect NOT to get Damon. So if the Yankees do get him, I’ll be extra happy.
It’s been a pretty dull offseason for the Yankees, minus the whole Derek Jeter saga. They signed former-Met Pedro Feliciano to be a leftt-specialist with Boone Logan. They also signed former-Dodger catcher Russell Martin, which I don’t like. I mean he’s a fine player and everything, but I’d really rather see Jesus Montero play. I don’t care how “ready” he is. I know the offseason is not over, but I’m just not expecting the Yankees do make any big moves. And with their starting rotation in the shape it is right now, I honestly do not think they have what it takes to contend in 2011. Sabathia, Burnett, Hughes, Nova, Mitre…not too good. So if that is the case, then why don’t they just use Montero?
I have been saying it ever since the Yankees missed out on Lee: if they aren’t going to win next year, all I want is to see Jesus Montero, this phenom, get a full year in the Bigs under his belt. If the 2011 season started tomorrow, I wouldn’t expect to win. And I’d be okay with that. I think many Yankees fans, especially ones like me who are 17 years old, have been a bit spoiled: all we’ve ever known are Yankees who win. But every once in a while, even the best teams go through periods where they are not on top. And if 2011 is the start of that period, that’s okay: I’ll still be a fan with things to look forward to, like Montero. I’m just praying that they don’t trade him.
My Mom keeps saying that I’m not being a good fan because I’m “counting them out already.” I’m just being realistic. To win, the team has to have a dominant rotation. CC Sabathia is an ace who we can count on. A.J. Burnett is too inconsistent – actually last year he was consistently BAD. Phil Hughes is a question mark – he needs to prove that he can do it again. Ivan Nova? Yeah…young, we don’t know what we are going to get. And Sergio Mitre….now I love the guy, but he’s not good enough to pitch every five days for the Yankees. With that, the Yankees won’t win. But my Mom keeps on saying “the offseason is not over, maybe they are working on something we don’t know about.”
Okay Mommy, we’ll see…I think you are wrong.
But I hope you are right…
Swishy Saves the Day Once Again
Yanks Avoid Sweep and Win in Walkoff Fashion
I always liked the Orioles. I always felt that they had some of the cutset players in the league, such as Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott, and my new favorite Brian Matusz. And when they started playing better, I thought they were even cuter. But they weren’t too cute when they were beating my Yankees. A Yankees loss yesterday would have been devastating, especially since the Yankees haven’t lost 4 in a row yet this year. And looking ahead to the series against the Rangers, I didn’t have good thoughts: I was thinking the Yankees would be swept. Javy Vazquez would pitch game 1, A.J. Burnett game 2. And Moseley, who has been pretty okay, would go up against Cliff Lee in game 3…which hisn’t fair. So if the Yankees lost that finale, that would have made it a 4 game slide…and my calculations of them being swept in Texas would mean a 7 games slide. I don’t want my Yankees to lose like the Padres. The Orioles finale was crucial..a loss in that game would have been heartbreaking….but it wasn’t meant to be.
I stayed home from school yesterday – and it was all because of my Yankees. My grade was going on some kayaking and hiking trip so we could “bond as a senior class.” LOL. We’ve been together for 13 years…if we haven’t “bonded” by now, we never will. When I realized that the game on the day of the trip was a day game, a lightbulb went off: “Hmm…we aren’t going to do any work in school…and the Yankees play in the day…what’s the harm in skipping that day?”
The best part was, my parents didn’t even object.
I let my Fan-dom take over yesterday. I skipped for my Yankees. It was crucial that they won.
Ivan Nova started for the Yanks, and boy he was good….he’s really something. He made just 1 mistake…and I thought it was going to cost him. With a 3-0 count, Nova laid a cookie right over the plate for Matt Wieters, who didn’t miss it. That 2-run homer changed the whole complexion of the game, and gave the O’s a 2-1 lead.
For some reason, Brad Bergesen was unhittable yesterday…6.1 innings, 4 hits, and 1 run, courtesy of a Brett Gardner RBI double. He deserves some credit. But also, the Yankee bats were pretty dead yesterday. The at-bats were disgusting. The game was a little boring, and honestly, I was frustrated. I was beginning to wonder if I skipped school for no reason.
At least the pitching was good. Nova made just that one mistake, but otherwise he was splendid. David Robertson, Boone Logan, and Joba Chamberlain were lights-out. The fact that they were pitching so well gave me a teeny bit of hope that maybe, just maybe, the Yankees would come back.
In the 9th, A-Rod singled. Tying run on base…
With 1 out, it was Swisher’s turn. He got ahead in the count, just like he always did, and he got a good pitch to hit. And much like Matt Wieters, he was ready for it. Swish put a good swing on it, and drove it deep to left field. Deep….AND GONE! Nick Swisher has 1/2 of the Yankees’s walkoffs this year. That home run changed everything. Watching him round the bases almost brought tears to my eyes. He was limping…his knee still hurts from the other day. He’s so tough, and such a great guy. As usual, Nick Swisher proudly received his pie in the face. He’s enjoying every minute in pinstripes.
Nick, I’m enjoying every minute with you. I hope you will be a career Yankee…because I’d hate to see you on any other team.
Thank you, Nick Swisher, for this Drama Club win. Hopefully, this is the start of another long winning streak.
The Power of Positivity
Yanks Lose Heartbreaker to O’s 4-3
I’m blogging from school, and I’m kind of upset. I’m not particularly upset that the Yankees lost to the Orioles. I’m just upset that they lost. The Orioles are as hot a team as anybody lately. I think I jinxed the Yankees and their winning streak, because since I mentioned it, they have lost 2 in a row. And that bothers me. But I must try to remain positive. The season has less than a month left, and we are still in first. It’s just hard to accept a loss when the team shouldn’t have lost. I’m not taking anything away from the Orioles, but I think Joe Girardi let this game get away from my Yanks.
Pitching Analysis: A.J. Burnett toed the rubber for the Yanks yesterday in search of another solid outing. In all honesty, I expected to see the Bad A.J. yesterday. But he wasn’t that bad…in fact, he was pretty solid. 7 innings, 4 runs, 7 hits, that’s not too bad at all. What I liked about A.J. yesterday was that he didn’t let the game get away from him. He prevented the Oriole offense from exploding, allowing just 1 run at a time. But this proved to be fatal for A.J….and once again, I just don’t understand Joe Girardi.
Let’s flashback to Friday’s game: Ivan Nova, the cute new rookie sensation, was pitching an okay game. He wasn’t that great. But in the 5th inning, just 1 out away from a win, Girardi gave Nova the hook. The Yankees went on to win the game.
Then on Sunday, it was Javier Vazquez. He was scuffling along. And in the 5th inning, Girardi took him out, and he didn’t get the win. But that was okay, because the team did.
Fast-forward again to yesterday’s game: A.J. Burnett has been struggling, and finally he was having himself a solid start. But he kept letting the lead slip away. In the bottom of the 6th, the Yankees had just tied up the game at 3. A.J. started off the 7th by walking the leadoff man.
Aw, A.J….don’t be so down….turn that frown upside down 🙂
Okay, hold on. Isn’t that right there enough of a RED FLAG to make Girardi make the hook? I don’t get it. He didn’t. And the inning got away from A.J. He wound up allowing that fatal 4th run, when that didn’t have to be. Girardi wanted to end Nova’s outing on a positive note, so he took him out before things got out of hand. Same with Javy. He didn’t let him lose.
Why, then, would he leave A.J., whose confidence is as unstable as anything, in the game? ESPECIALLY after he walked the leadoff man?
I don’t know. It’s just another Joe Girardi blunder.
Offensive Analysis: I have to give credit to that cutie southpaw Mr. Brian Matusz on the Orioles. He really pitched a good game. The Yankees barely could make a scratch in his armor. He was rock solid.
Alex Rodriguez made history with his solo homer in the 4th, becoming the only player in the history of the game to have 100 RBI in 14 seasons in a row. My oh my.
Nice to have you back 😉
A-Rod had another RBI in the 6th with a sac fly, and Robbie Cano drove in a run. But that was it. Offensively, it was a pretty boring game.
I’m annoyed that the Yankees couldn’t find a way to win. Thankfully, the Red Sox beat up on the Rays, so the Rays didn’t gain any ground. With the Red Sox sitting so far behind in the standings, I can actually root for them when they play the Rays! Thank you, Red Sox.
The Somebody Needs a Hug goes to….of course, A.J. Burnett. A.J., I’m proud of you even though you lost. You didn’t unravel. That’s a good sign, and something to build on. I just wish Joe Girardi took you out. Now you feel like the loss is your fault, but it’s not. You should be positive. I will, too.
It can get you a long way.
It’s So Easy to Fall in Love…
…especially when he gets his first career “W.” On a normal day, I would be gush-gush-gushing it up about my sweet Francisco Cervelli and his career-high 4-hit game yesterday, AND that he threw out a runner trying to steal. Don’t get me wrong, I am SUPER proud of Cervelli. He needed a game like that. But unlike so many Yankees fans, I knew Cervelli was capable of success like that (even when he struggled, I still believed in him).
I love you, Francisco.
But what I really love is when I watch a game, and grow pleasantly surprised by a certain someone’s effort out there on the field. Mmmm…and I’m SUPER proud of my SUPER Nova….
Novaaa ♥
On Ivan Nova’s debut, I was more excited than anything else. I had heard so much about him, and was elated to finally see him pitch. I thought I loved him then – especially after he threw “at” Bautista. Nova pitched very well that night, but the Yankees lost. So my admiration for him was pushed aside, because I was angry about the loss. But yesterday, it was all Nova….and we won…and HE won….
Now I have this little fantasy of Nova being this rookie sensation who carries the Yankees on his shoulders, and helps them repeat as World Champions. Oh, Ivan! In his postgame interview, he said he is never nervous. Oh, how macho! His confidence level is through the roof, and yet he doesn’t even come off as arrogant. Nova is quite the guy. Maybe my fantasy will become a reality – maybe Nova really CAN carry my Yankees!
Maybe I’m getting a little ahead of myself.
Or maybe not.
Okay, okay…I know Ivan Nova has had just 2 Major League starts. But he pitched against two of the hottest hitting teams in the AL. The Blue Jays have hit more homers than any team in baseball (even if they aren’t all legit…ahem Bautista). And the White Sox have a better team batting average than the Yankees do, at .270. So I don’t think his success is a fluke. The Jays and White Sox are quality hitting teams. I can see Nova succeeding in the postseason against even better hitting teams….
The Yankees’s starting rotation has been pretty icky this entire month, aside from CC. The Yankees need a guy they can depend on to give them a real chance at winning every 5 days. And with the rotation now being “reevaluated,” I think Nova will be that guy.
Franciso Cervelli is used to me gushing about him for entire blog posts (actually, he probably doesn’t even know I exist…but please don’t say that…it’ll break my heart). I don’t think he, or any of the other Yanks, would mind if I talk about Nova all day long.
And if Ivan Nova really can carry the Yankees, then EVERYBODY will be talking about him.
Bautista Bombs
Nova Pitches Well in Yankee Loss
Uuuuuggghhh. I think I have a new #1 on my “Who do I really wanna kick in the balls” list, and his name is Jose Bautista. I’m just warning you now: I am going to say some very nasty/insulting things about Bautista in this post. Cuz I hate him. The Yankees lost 3-2 last night…and they really shouldn’t have.
Pitching Analysis: Everyone knows I love rookies. So when I heard that Ivan Nova was going to make his starting debut, I couldn’t wait to watch. And he didn’t disappoint me…6 innings, 2 runs, and he looked good doing it. For a rookie, he really holds his head high….I like that. The 2 runs Nova gave up were via a Jose Bautista homer. And Bautista really was obnoxious. He flung his bat and trotted about 2 miles per hour around the bases, really showing up the Yankees and Nova – the ROOKIE. Wow, you’re cool. You homered off a rookie. Nova didn’t like that. And I don’t blame him.
I like this rookie…♥
The next time he was up, in the 6th, he hit a foul home run. The next pitch from Nova was almost in Bautista’s ear. And he didn’t like that too much. He starting shouting back, trying to start something. The benches cleared. The bullpen brigade came in for reinforcements. Nothing happened other than words being thrown around. But what I really liked was how Nova didn’t back down. Bautista shouted, Nova shouted louder. Good for you, you little cutie.
Bautista then flied out. Hahaha.
But then he hit a homer off David Robertson later on which…kinda cost the game.
Defensive Analysis: In the first inning, Nova got into a bases loaded none out jam, probably courtesy of rookie butterflies. But thanks to an AMAZING defensive play, the Yankees didn’t allow a run that inning. Vernon Wells hit a fly ball to Gardner, who caught it. Fred Lewis tried to tag from third. He tried. But he failed: Brettiboo fired a perfect strike to my Cervelli, who blocked the plate and applied the tag perfectly. Beast. Then the next guy struckout.
Thatta boy Cervelli 😉
Offensive Analysis: The Yankees scored a run early against Morrow, thanks to an RBI double by Robbie Cano in the first. But after that, they couldn’t do much. They tacked on another run in the 6th on a Jorge Posada RBI double. But that was it. I don’t think it was because they were bad. Brandon Morrow was a beast last night. He deserves some credit.
Speaking of deserving credit, I don’t think Bautista deserves any. I don’t think he’s clean. He must be on juice. Why? Because someone who had 59 career home runs before this year doesn’t hit 40 in one year. That just doesn’t happen by “altering the swing.”
And even if he happens to be legit, I still hate him. He shouldn’t show up the other team like that. Who does he think he is? He’s never been good before. He doesn’t have the right to brag. The Yankees do, and they don’t brag because they have class. I hate Jose Bautista and I always will. The guy looks like a frickin’ terrorist.
And Bautista’s 2 bombs last night make me hate him even more.
If Bautista sat next to me on a plane and I didn’t know who he was, I’m sorry: I would get a little suspicious. I wish Nova did hit him. I’m sorry. I can’t stand this guy. I hope tonight something happens…He needs to stop thinking he’s all that.
It was a tough loss last night. It shouldn’t have happened this way. If another Blue Jay, a nice one who doesn’t look like a terrorist and doesn’t show up the other team hit the game-winning home run, I wouldn’t be as annoyed. But no. It had to be one of Bautista’s bombs.
The Somebody Needs a Hug recipient for last night is Ivan Nova. Ivan, I know people are going to hate you for throwing at Bautista. But I don’t care what they think. I love you…and I think it was a good baseball move. Gotta back him off the plate, haha. I hope you pitch again soon, and I hope you get rewarded with the “W” next time. You pitched very well, and I’m very proud of you…I have a feeling you are going to be one of my favorites ♥
GO YANKEES!
Live, Eat, and Breathe Yankees 