Tagged: Johnny Damon
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…
“It Ain’t Fittin’…It Just Ain’t Fittin’….”
I enjoyed this weekend’s series win against the Mariners. Except for the first game. Just looking at the pitching matchup, I knew we would lose that one: A.J. Burnett vs Felix Hernandez. Yeah…so instead of wasting my time watching that loss, I decided to watch my all-time favorite movie, and in my opinion, the best movie ever made: Gone With the Wind.
My parents say I sometimes remind them of Scarlett O’Hara, and I take that as a compliment. Scarlett is a beast. She was strong, and survived the Civil War. Not to mention, she married the HOTTEST guy around, Mr. Rhett Butler…
So if I am at all like Scarlett, then I’m proud of myself. Anyway, every time I watch this movie, I can’t stop thinking about it for like the next week of my life. It’s that amazing.
I enjoyed the game 2 win when the team picked up Javier Vazquez after another bad start. And I really enjoed game 3, where Cano kept on beasting and CC pitched another vintage C “Cy” game. That 10-0 win was fabulous. But now, that seems so trivial. Because today, I heard news that broke my heart. Kind of like when Scarlett was at the barbeque at Twelve Oaks and she had every guy around her…but then she saw Ashley with Melanie, and her day was ruined (Yes I am assuming you know this movie).
Today, I heard that Johnny Damon might go to the Red Sox.
“It ain’t fittin’….it just ain’t fittin,” as Mammy says. How could Damon do that?
The Tigers put him on waivers. Rumor has it, the Red Sox made a claim on him – just to prevent him from going to the Rays or Yankees.
But Johnny has a no-trade clause or something, so maybe he will reject this. I hope so. What will I do if my beloved Johhny goes to the Red Sox?
I have no clue what I’d do. I know I would feel bad for Johnny. He doesn’t want to be there. Why would he? It’s not like the Red Sox are much better than the Tigers – both teams aren’t going anywhere. (Sorry Red Sox…you can have all the “pride” you want. But you ain’t going nowhere this year.) Boston was so cruel to him after he left, I don’t think they will want him back. He’s going to be miserable there.
I wish my Yankees never got Nick Johnson….what a waste. If they didn’t get him, then maybe Johnny Damon would have stayed where he belongs – with the Yanks. Oh, how I hate Nick Johnson for this…he looks like that crazy fat guy who kills himself in “Full Metal Jacket.”
It’s just disgusting. Johnny, I hope you don’t go to the Red Sox OR the Rays. I already feel awful that you didn’t come back to New York, and if you switch teams now and still don’t come back to New York, I’m going to feel even worse.
“Oh Rhett Johnny, if you go, where shall I go? What shall I do?”
“I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.”
I’ll Go For Nady Now
-Sigh-…..So, uhh….I guess everyone heard the news….-painful sigh-….Matt Holliday agreed….to a 7 year $120 million deal with the Cardinals…..so he left me….So much for he wanted to be a Yankee….disgusting….I’m really annoyed….I mean, I pretty much knew the Yankees weren’t interested, but I couldn’t make myself believe it….I’m only writing about this because it really upset me….and..well…because it gives me an excuse to put up a picture of this handome, strong, irresistable man…
-Sigh- Oh, Matt…I guess we were never meant to be….
I can’t help but to be mad at Matt. I mean is this really what he wanted? He wanted the most money? More than Pujols? It’s ridiculous. This song really explains how I feel: angry, disgusted, and betrayed.
Okay…I got that out of the way. Now what other options are there for the Yanks for left field? I love Johnny Damon and adore him, but I think he blew it. He wanted way too much. Unless he is willing to hurt his pride and settle for less, Johnny won’t be back next year. So, my new pick for who I want for left field is Xavier Nady.
I always liked Xavier Nady. I have his rookie card, and I always thought he was a cutie When he came to the Yankees along with Marte in ’08, I was glad. Nady did well for the Yanks in 2008, hitting .268 with 12 HR and 40 RBI in 59 games. I thought that he would be even better in 2009 because he would have adjusted to the pitchers. But sadly, Nady’s 2009 season was cut short: way too short.
That’s my card! Only mined isn’t signed.
Nady only played 7 games in 2009. I remember when he got hurt. He fielded a ball in right, and fired a rocket throw back into the infield. And that was it. His elbow “popped,” and he had to exit the game. He tried rehabing it, but with no luck. Tragically, Nady had to have his 2nd Tommy John Surgery, and miss the rest of the season. Sometimes I saw him in the dugout with the rest of the boys, wearing jeans and a Yankee sweatshirt. It upset me to see him like that. You could tell that was not where he wanted to be.
One thing I love about Xavier is that, well, he’s adorable. Unlike most baseball players, Nady has quite a nice head of hair. I just want to run my fingers through it…it’s so nice and thick and smooth!
Gorgeous.
Another thing that is really cute about Xavier is that to me, he always looks like he is in deep, deep thought. I can’t really explain, he just looks like he is thinking about the most complex things. Take a look at his expressions on some of these:
Deep, deep thoughts.
What’s on your mind?
Why so serious?
I think I know what he’s thinking in this one. He might be thinking: “I’m hurt.” Poor baby…
I hope the Yankees give Xavier Nady another shot, because he never really had a fair one this first time. Xavier, I love you. I hope your arm feels better, and that you are enjoying your offseason. AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR!
…Matt Holliday….-ugh-….I’m so over him.
A Win Closer
Yanks Take Series Lead!!!
I’m getting excited. I can’t help myself. The Phillies have won 11 of their last 12 postseason home games, and the Yankees beat them last night! No matter what, the Yankees will not lose this series on the road. Game 3 was a great game. I didn’t do anything for Halloween, it was just my quintessential Saturday: watching my Yankees win. What could be better? The Yankees beat the Phils 8-5.
Pitching Analysis: Andy Pettitte started last night, and he did a pretty good job. He went 6 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, and struckout 7. He had a rough 2nd inning in which he allowed 3 runs. Werth homered, the bases became loaded and he walked in a run, and the Victorino got a sac fly to give the Phils a 3-0 lead. Andy served up another solo shot to Werth in the 6th.
Another postseason win for Andy.
The so-called “shaky” bullpen was not shaky last night; in fact it was quite solid. I have to admit, I was nervous when Joba came out to start the 7th. But he really did a nice job, pitching a 1-2-3 7th. In the 8th, it was Damaso Marte’s turn, the only reliever besides Mo whom I had confidence in. And he really dealt. He pitched a 1-2-3 8th, and struckout 2 of 3 hitters. Phil Hughes started the 9th. He got 1 out, but then served up a solo homer to Ruiz. I don’t know what to think about that. I mean, they had a 4 run lead, so I don’t blame him for throwing strikes. But when he was good, he threw strikes and struck everyone out. I don’t know. Anyway, after allowing that homer, Hughes was pulled for Mo, who got the next 2 guys out to nail down the victory for the Yanks.
Offensive Analysis: The offense did explode last night, but it took the Yanks awhile to get something started off Hamels. Finally in the 4th, a rally begun. The Yankees were down 3-0 at the start of the inning. Mark Teixeira drew a seemingly-innocent 1 out walk. Then the big man game to the plate. Alex Rodriguez, who was previously 0-8 in this World Series, looked to provide a spark for the Yanks. He hit a ball deep to right that was heading out, but it bounced back into the park in an odd way. I thought it was a homer, but they said it was a double. The Yanks asked for instant replay, and the umps correctly ruled it a homer. Yay! 3-2 now.
Is is gone?
Hell yeaz!
In the 5th, the Yankee bats were loud. Nick Swisher led off with a double. I think it is safe to say he broke out of his slump last night. Melky Cabrera then struckout, and I was like “Darn, Melky, now Pettitte has to bat. Way to strand the runner.” I spoke too soon. Andy Pettitte smashed a solid single up the middle, which scored Nick Swisher! An RBI single for Pettitte? Hey, I’ll take it! And a funky, awkward slide by Swish.
Nice.
WTF?
…..okay then,……that’s Swish for you……
The Yanks weren’t done yet. Jeet singled, and Johnny Damon drove in 2 more runs with a double! That gave the Yanks a 5-3 lead, a lead that they would never give up.
The Yanks added on 1 run in each of the next 3 innings. In the 6th, Swish hit a solo homer to give his team a 6-3 lead. In the 7th, Jorge drove in a run with an RBI single to make it 7-4. And in the 8th, Hideki Matsui came off the bench and hit an opposite-field solo homer to make it 8-4 Yanks. It was nice to see some extra runs.
This game was pretty exciting. The Yankees were down 3-0, and wound up coming back and winning 8-5. The heroes for this well-played game are Andy Pettitte, for pitching nicely and for being clutch with the bat, Nick Swisher, for coming out of his slump, and Arod, for proving that he is not slumping and for proving wrong the stupid FOX announcers. Haha. It’s Ryan Howard who stinks. He was 0-4 with 3 K’s last night. He’s a bum.
Great job, Yanks. We are so close!!! The closest we’ve been in years!!!! AAAHHH!!!
Lemme see this 2 more times!!!!
GO YANKEES!!!
Whoa….They Made It….
Yanks Advance To Ultimate Goal
Whoa. Just, whoa. For the first time since 2003, my Yankees are making an appearance in the World Series. This is marvelous. This is phenomenal. This is…..beautiful. I’m touched. Last night was the biggest night of my life (lame life, I know….). Watching the Yankees beat the Angels and celebrate because they are going to the World Series was the greatest thing. I almost cried. The Yankees beat the Angels 5-2, and move on.
Pitching Analysis: Who better to get this win than Andy Pettitte? A classic Yankee, one of the Core 4, Andy toed the rubber for the Yanks. And he was as dandy as an Andy could be. Pettitte went 6 and 1/3 innings and allowed just 1 run, and he struckout 6 Halo hitters. Andy looked sharp from the beginning. He had that stare, that intimidating, serious, I’m-gonna-kill-the-hitter stare. And when he has that, you know that he is on. This win was Andy’s 16th career postseason victory, which is a new ML record. Congradulations, Andy. We love you.
Pure Dandiness!!!
Joba pitched the rest of the 7th and managed to get everyone out. Mariano went for the 2 inning save as he pitched both the 8th and the 9th. He allowed a run in the 8th thanks to an RBI single by Vlad Guererro, but it didn’t mean anything. We won!
Defensive Analysis: Nick Swisher has a brain. In the 2nd, Guerrero led off with a single. Then Morales flew out to Swish. But Swish has keen eyes. He noticed that Guerrero strayed far off the first base bag, so he fired to Teixeira, and Guerrero was doubled up! A nice heads-up play by Nick Swisher. That should have shut up the FOX announcers. All they talked about was how Nick Swisher is in a slump. Well, to prove them wrong, Swish had a single, scored a run, and made that great play. Haha McCarver, wrong again.
I know why he’s out of the slump! Because the Swish-hawk is back! Great hairstyle. Too bad his hat is on in this picture.
Here’s the Swish-hawk!
Offensive Anlaysis: There wasn’t much offense, but there was enough. I like the way the Yankees played the game last night. If you noticed, they didn’t hit any home runs last night. The Yankees built all their runs, and they forced the action. They MADE the Angels make the plays, and the Angels couldn’t make them.
The 4th is where the offense started. The Yanks were trailing 1-0. Cano led off with a walk, Swish singled, and my man Melky laid down a BEA-U-TI-FUL sac bunt to advance the runners. Jeter walked to load the bases. So with the bases loaded and 1 out, Johnny Damon came up. He delivered a CLUTCH 2-run single, which gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead. But they weren’t done yet. Texy-wexy got an infield single, and Alex Rodriguez forced in a run via the walk. That gave the Yanks a 3-1 lead, and it gave me feelings and hopes of advancing.
The Yanks scored again in the 8th, and the rally started the same way: a leadoff walk by Cano. Then Nick Swisher bunted, and reached on a error. Then Melky bunted, and the ball was thrown crazy! A run scored, and the Yanks had a 4-2 lead. Later on in the inning, Mark Teixeira came through with a sac fly. This 5-2 lead was enough. My boys went on to win it, and they broke out the bubbly.
I wish I was in the middle of this.
Aw, how sweet.
BUBBLY!!! Hopefully I will see one more of these celebrations….
Well, they did it. My Yankees are another step closer to the ultimate goal. The heroes for the victory are Andy Pettitte, Johnny Damon, and everyone else. I can’t leave anyone out. I’m in too good of a mood. WE ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!! This is like my first post in awhile. Sorry about that. There were off days and I was busy, and after that loss the other day I couldn’t sit down and think about the game. But hey, I’m blogging now.
A quick message for my Yankees: Hey guys. I just wanted to say thanks, again. This season has been magical, and this was just another chapter of the story. Thank you for taking me along with you on this amazing ride. We are coming down the final stretch now. This is it. The World Series. It’s do or die now, boys. I know the Phillies are going to be tough. But if anyone can beat them, you can. You have my support, my prayers, my love. And as always, I will be right there with you, cheering you on the whole way.
GO YANKEES!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥
WHY! Why, Why, Why, Why, WHY???
TELL ME WHY!!!!!!!!!
Okay, the word “why” is starting to look and sound really weird. I must have pondered that decision for hours. Girardi is an idiot. Seriously. I am really mad at him right now. My anger didn’t subside yet. It won’t until they win tonight. My God. How can anyone be that stupid? Watching them lose to the butt-ugly-non-cutie Angel team made me sick. I managed to avoid throwing my shoe this time, but I did go on a cursing rampage. Ask A.J. over at “Yankee Yapping.” He’ll tell you how infuriated I was. I also punched my thigh and it still hurts a bit. When the Yankees lose like this, I get angry. It is not healthy. If they care about me even just 1% as much as I care for them, then they would win tonight so I don’t kill myself. My Yankees lost game 3 of the ALCS 5-4.
Pitching Analysis: Andy Pettitte was great yesterday. It’s really a shame that they lost. He allowed 3 runs over 6 & 1/3 innings. Andy did his job very well. Joba came in with 1 out in the 7th, and was totally ineffective. He let the go-ahead run score. Coke and Hughes pitched the 8th, and Hughes also pitched the 9th, and gave up a leadoff double to Mathis in the 10th. He was pulled for Mo, who gave a gutsy performance and escaped a bases loaded jam without allowing a run.
David Robertson got two EASY outs in the 11th. And, for some unknown reason, Girardi pulls him for Aceves. WHY? I-friggin-DK. Ace gave up a run in game 2, but thanks to Arod that was erased. Taking out a dominant guy and replacing him with a not-as-dominant guy who allowed a run the other day is an absolutely inane, brainless move. And sure enough, Aceves eff-ed things up for the Yankees, and for me. I don’t even want to think about it. Do you have any idea what seeing THIS sh!t does to me?:
GET THIS CRAP OUT OF MY BLOG!!!
GET THE F*** OUTTA HERE!!!
I don’t wanna see this. EVER AGAIN. The YANKEES are the walkoff guys. Not the Angels. STOP CELEBRATING!!! YOU SUCK! YOU ONLY WON BECAUSE GIRARDI IS A MORON!!! IT WASN’T BECAUSE OF YOUR SKILL! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CELEBRATE!
Okay, on to offense.
Offensive Analysis: The Yankees’ 4 runs came on the strength of 4 solo homers. By Jeet, Arod, Johnny, and Jorge. That was it. Just homers. Now I love the longball, but they need to score in other ways. The Yankees were horrible with runners in scoring position yesterday. They had a ton of chanced to break the game open, and they couldn’t do it.
Okay, so I was miserable after this loss. But hey. At least we have a 2-1 lead in the series. And at least we are in the postseason. C “Cy” tonight, I think he’s the perfect guy ot have on the mound for tonight. GO YANKEES! I STILL LOVE YOU! AND I ALWAYS WILL!!!
They WON Game 1!!!
Game 1 Of The ALCS Is A Yankee Victory!!!
Yes. Yeeeeeees. YEEEEEESSSS! This series couldn’t have started in a better way. GOD, am I happy! I watch the game last night, but in the back of my mind I kept thinking about the PSAT, wondering if I should be looking things over for it. But I couldn’t. I just couldn’t. I didn’t want to do anything but sit there on the lucky right side of the couch and watch my babies. So that’s what I did. And they won. My Yankees beat the Angels 4-1.
Pitching Analysis: CC Sabathia, our expensive ace, was FABULOSO last night. I was worried that the brisk, chilly air would effect him. He heavily depends on his changeup as one of his finish pitches. But I had no need to worry. CC was beyond great, and he kept the Angel hitters off balance all night long. CC went 8 innings of 1 run ball, allowing just 4 hits, and striking out 7. Yesterday I had an art sketch due. Guess what I drew? CC! It looked awesome. I got a 99 on it (my art teacher never gives 100’s because he says no one is perfect). I think that is partly why he did so well last night. I LOVE YOU, CC!
Our hefty-lefty was great once again. I want to give CC a big hug, if I can fit my arms around him 🙂
Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless 9th, nailing down a save, and the win for the Yanks.
Defensive Analysis: The Yankee defense was very good last night. In the 6th, Johnny Damon made a lovely sliding play on an Abreu liner. Johnny seemed to have turned things around in this game 1 with his bat, too.
JOHNNY!!!
In the same inning, CC and Tex combined for a great play. Torii Hunter tried to bunt for a single. CC got off the mound quickly, and fired the ball to Tex. Tex literally did a split, and held on for the out! I think I should call him Texy-Flexy. Seriously, that split looked like it hurt. I love Tex. He looked so cute with those ear warmers under his hat. And I love him with the goggles. I hope I get to see that again 🙂
Offensive Analysis: The Yanks jumped out to an early lead in the 1st. Arod knocked in Jeet on a sac fly. With 2 out, Matsui popped on up to shortstop between Figgy and Aybar. When Matsui hit that, I was like, “Ugh. Matsui! Why’d you do that?” But I didn’t have to scold Matsui after all. For some unknown reason, neither Aybar nor Figgins caught the ball! It fell right in front of Aybar, and Damon scored, giving the Yanks a 2-0 lead! Sloppy “D” from the Angels? Wow. I guess it was too cold for them.
A cheap RBI. I’m sure he’ll take it.
The Yanks added a run in the 5th and 1 in the 6th. Matsui had another RBI and Jeter had one. That made it 4-1, and that was the final score.
I had no need to worry even a little about my Yanks. And I guess I didn’t have to worry about the PSAT either. I took it this morning. I grudgingly woke up at 6:30, on my Saturday, and was at the school by 7:30. My proctor was my history teacher from last year. He went to this game. Lucky guy. Anyway, the test was…okay. I survived. It was 5 sections: 2 critical reading, 2 math, and 1 writing skills. The first 2 sections were hard, but it got easier. Whatever. I don’t find out my results until December, so I don’t have to worry. Tonight, I can sit back, relax, and (weather permitting) watch my boys go at it in game 2 versus the Angels. The heroes for the game 1 victory are CC Sabathia, for his stellar performance, Hideki Matsui, for his 2 RBI, and Johnny Damon, for breaking out of his slump with 2 hits and a defensive play.
Yesterday my math teacher told me when the Yanks won the ALDS, he was thinking about me. That’s nice. He asked me what I am going to do when the season is over. That’s a very good question. I know I will be blogging, I know I will be writing for fanhuddle.com, I know I will be busy. But I will be lonely. Without my Yankees, what am I going to lay in bed at night and think about? Hmm….well, I guess I can lay there and think about how the 2009 Yankees had an amazing season, and how they hopufully won #27. Ahhhh…what sweet dreams……
Another Random Loss….But It Doesn’t Matter, Right?
Yanks Lose To The Team I Now Hate
We lost again. That was our third loss in a row. But it doesn’t matter, does it? We already clinched, so we are in for sure. But are these losses ruining the momentum of the Yankees? Are they trying their best? Is it wise to rest the players so much, or will they lose their groove at the plate? I don’t know. I hope Girardi knows. The Yankees lost last night 5-3.
Pitching Analysis: Andy Pettitte started for the Yankees. He wasn’t too good, but he wasn’t too bad. They took him out early to give the relievers some work. Andy went 4 & 1/3 innings of 5 run ball (just 3 were earned). His line could have looked better if he pitched longer, but it was more important to test the relievers.
Andy’s game face.
Alfredo Aceves and Chad Gaudin pitched in relief last night, and they both did an excellent job. If it wasn’t for that error, maybe the Yankees would have had a chance to win.
Defensive Analysis: In the 5th after Andy was pulled for Aceves, something stupid happened. With 1st and 2nd and 1 out, Ace had the runner picked off who was breaking for 3rd. He threw to Hinske, and the ball went off the top of Hinske’s glove, and into left field. 2 runs scored, and I was a bit annoyed. Those runs were charged to Andy, and the error was charged to Aceves. I thought it was Hinske’s error, because he did get a glove on it. Whatever. The runs scored, it doesn’t matter whose fault it was.
Offensive Analysis: The Yankees struggled at the plate once again. They scored just 3 runs on 9 hits. They out-hit the Rays, but they failed to get the big hit. I started to get mad at the Rays again. They hit Jerry Hairston twice, the first time in the kidney and the second time in the shoulder. Poor Jerry.
In the 5th, Johnny Damon got himself a much-needed RBI single, which was followed by an RBI single by Tex. In the 6th, Jerry had an RBi infield single. Other than that, the offense didn’t do anything.
What I liked seeing last night was the running game. Gardner had 2 stolen bases, Guzman had one, and Jerry tried to steal but was caught. That’s okay, though. I would rather see them get out stealing than just standing there on the base and letting the hitters make out. Stealing bases forces the other team to make the play. If they do, it is no fault on your part, they just deserve credit.
So the Yankees lost again, but I don’t think Girardi managed the game to win. He put in all the second-string guys and he pulled Andy early. Is this a problem, though? Shouldn’t he try to win so the Yankees have momentum going into the playoffs? Well, in 2000 the Yanks had a rough September and they won it all. This year, we aren’t really having a rough September. We clinched early and now we are just casually heading into the postseason. I shouldn’t be worrying. The Yankees are the best team; they will be fine. GO YANKEES!
It’s a Beautiful Thing
It Was Perfect!!!
I had to fight the tears yesterday. I truly did. I can’t believe it. It couldn’t have been more storybook. The Yankees beat the Red Sox to complete the 3-game sweep, it was their 100th win, they clinched homefield advantage AND the AL East, and they got to celebrate in the Bronx. What could be better? I am so proud of my Yankees. I love them. The Yankees beat the Red Sox 4-2, and it was a Drama Club game.
Pitching Analysys: Andy Pettitte really pitched well yesterday. A typical Andy outing. He didn’t come out with his best stuff, but he found it and settled down and pitched a very nice game. In the 1st, all with 2 outs, Andy loaded the bases. Lowell hit a comebacker off Andy’s foot, and it wound up being an RBI infield single. In the 3rd, Andy got into another bases loaded jam, this time with 0 outs. He induced a double play, but a run scored. After that, the Andy shut down the Smelly Sox. In total, he went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 4. Nice job, Andy.
The bullpen was great yesterday. Brian Bruney was excellent. He got 5 outs without allowing a man to reach base. When Girardi came to take him out, the crowd gave Bruney a standing ovation. Bruney was so touched, that he cried. Aw! That is so cute. I am proud of Bru. I hope he pitches his way onto the postseason roster. He’s a good guy. Coke got the last out of the 8th, and Mo nailed down his 44th save of the year. I almost cried when he got Ellsbury to ground out for that final out. I knew what it meant. 🙂
Defensive Analysis: Brett Gardner made a nice play in the 1st, making a sliding/diving catch on an Ellsbury fly ball. In the 9th, the defense got a bit sloppy. I guess they were excited about the celebration! In the 9th, Gardner lost a ball in the sun, which dropped for a single. Then Robinson Cano booted a grounder, which was ruled an error. He was trying to make the fancy play and get the out at second, and he wound up making no play. But that’s okay. Mo got everyone out, and then the Yankees partied.
Offensive Analysis: It took the Yanks a little while to get on the board. My man Melky hit a solo homer in the 3rd, cutting the deficit in half. It was 2-1 now. YEAH, LECHE!!!
In the 6th, all with 2 outs, Tex got a hit. Then Arod had a fabulous at-bat, about 10 pitches, and he singled. A wild pitch let the runners advance. With 2nd & 3rd and 2 outs, Matsui delivered. He singled to right, and 2 runs scored, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead! Yay! In the 8th, Tex provided some insurance by sending a Tex message. He hit a solo homer, and gave the Yankees a 4-2 lead. And then they won. And I almost cried. And they celebrated. 🙂 The celebration was beautiful. I loved seeing the boyish nature of the Yankees come out.
Oh boy…they know what’s coming…look how high up Swisher is! He is crazy.
Look how cute and happy they are!
I spy Sergio!
There’s Cervelli! Girardi said there is a chance that he may be on the postseason roster!
Johnny gets CC!
Melky douses Arod!
Jeter douses Arod!
Tex and Swisher. How cute are they?!
There’s Kim Jones. Now you see why I want her job!
So they did it. They clinched the AL East. I guess I don’t have to say how big the lead is in the division anymore (8.5!) because we are in! The heroes for the victory are Andy Pettitte, for a solid start, Brian Bruney, for his dominant performance, and Hideki Matsui, for that clutch single. The Yankees have about a week to rest guys, test guys, and get ready for October baseball! I’m so excited!!!! It’s a beautiful thing, baby! #27, HERE WE COME! GO YANKEES!
C “Cy” Is A Beast Worth Every Penny!!!
Yanks Beat Smelly Sox Again!
That was an amazing game. Definitely a Drama Club win. It was dramatic! Every pitch…it was so suspensful! And the offense….Thank God we won! The Yankees beat the Red Sox 3-0 yesterday.
Pitching Analysis: CC Sabathia is a frikin’ beast and I love him! He went 7 innings of 1 hit shutout baseball. He struckout 8 along the way, and recorded his league-leading 19th win of the season. He was beyond fabulous. CC was perfect for 3 & 2/3, and then he walked Victor Martinez. In the 5th, Lowell led off with a single, erasing the no-no. But whatever. CC proved himself once again, and he showed that he is capable of pitching in important games against playoff-caliber teams. I think CC deserves the Cy Young award. He has the most wins, is in the top 5 in the other categories, and he has done it all in the AL East, the best division in baseball! To me, it is a “no duh!” that CC wins the Cy Young.
C “Cy” pitched a helluva game. HE IS A BEAST!!!!
Hughes pitched a dominant scoreless 8th, in which he struckout 2, and Mo nailed down his 43rd save of the year. It got a little intersting in the 9th. Mo had allowed some baserunners, and I was about to start panicking. But then I remembered something: he’s Mariano Rivera. Right after I said that, he struckout Lowell to end the ballgame. He gets the ball, he throws the ball, he takes a shower. Perfect. Who is going to be the next Mo? I think Phil Hughes. He is developing that cutter! Don’t make him a starter! KEEP HUGHES IN THE ‘PEN! HE IS THE NEXT MARIANO!!!! LISTEN TO ME!!!! Do you think they will listen to a 16 year old girl? Probably not, but when they screw up Hughes, they can’t say I didn’t warn them!
Defensive Analysis: There were a lot of great plays made yesterday. In a close game, those plays matter so much more. In the 3rd, my man Melky made an excellent catch. Lowrie hit a DEEP fly ball to center, and Melky ran it down, jumped against the wall, and made the catch! YEAH, LECHE!!! In the 4th, Jeter made a nice leaping catch on Pukilis’s blooper, keeping the no-no alive. In the 6th, Jeet started a lovely 6-4-3 inning ending double play. Mark Teixeira made a sparkling play in the 8th, diving and saving a double. Good defense is very fun to watch.
Offensive Analysis: The Yankees had a chance to score in the first 5 innings, and they failed every time. I was a bit worried about the lack of production with runners in scoring position. Couldn’t they at least get a sac fly? The way CC was pitching, I figured only 1 run would do the job. In the 6th, Robbie Cano led off with an opposite field solo homer. Yay! 1-0 Yankees! Stupid Tim McCarver was saying how it barely went out. SHUT THE F— UP!!! It was a homer, what do you want? I love it how the FOX announcers openly root for the Red Sox. Very professional, guys. They never let anything go. On that check swing incident in the 3rd with Ortiz, they would not stop saying how he didn’t foul tip it. And then in like the 7th, they showed that replay again! LET IT GO!!! THE RED SOX WERE GOING TO LOSE ANYWAY!!! Jesus! Tim McCarver is just a senile old man who knows nothing. He bothers me so much with his stupidity. I get mad just thinking about him. I love it when we win on FOX.
ROB-BIE!
In the 8th, the Yankees had the bases loaded. After Jeter struckout, I thought they were going to let another rally pass by. But Johnny Damon had other thoughts. With loaded bases, he got himself a typical Johnny broken bat single, bringing in 2 runs. Of course, the FOX announcers gave Johnny no credit, saying it was a cheap hit. Johnny did a nice job on that hit. Wagner threw a good pitch, and Johnny used his strong, sexy hands to fight it off. He managed to get enough wood on it. Good hitting, Johnny. I appreciate it 🙂
It was a very good game yesterday. And another one starts in like 10 minutes! Sorry I blogged so late today. My little brother beat me to the computer. I set my alarm, and I slept through it. I know, I know, you must be thinking, “She set her alarm on Sunday? What a nerd!” I am a nerd, hahaha. I set my alarm because I love my blog and all of you so much, and I want to post something as often as I can. There is 1 computer, and 3 teenagers in this house. If I want it, I have to sacrifice sleeping in. But that’s okay. I love my blog and all of you more. (♥) That’s for you. Anyway, the heroes are C “Cy”, for his brilliance on the mound, and Robbie & Johnny, for their offensive support. The Yankees’ magic number is now 1! Think about that. If they win today, I might break out the champagne, too! I’m that excited! Ahh…life as a Yankee fan sure is sweet. Thank you, boys. I love you all. GO YANKEES!!!
It’s a beautiful thing. I’m right there with you in spirit, boys! I love you with all my heart and beyond! Now beat those Smelly Sox for me today so we can PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Live, Eat, and Breathe Yankees 