Big Bats Back Hughes: Yankees Roll
[picappgallerysingle id="9568171"]Today’s game started off looking like a pitchers duel between two of the better younger talents in baseball. Rick Porcello looked like he had real good stuff today, and Phil Hughes was much sharper today than he has been in awhile. The Yankees offense decided to explode in the bottom of the 6th for 9 runs. It always helps to hit for the cycle in an inning, and usually that means a crooked number on the scoreboard. This is still a real good offense, and their doing the things they need to do to win. Every game from here on out is going to be super important as the Red Sox are still hanging around, and the Rays are still a half game back going into tonight’s game.
Hughes went 6 innings striking out 6 while allowing 2 runs on 4 hits to get the W. Sergio Mitre got the mop up duty, and didn’t pitch all that well- but when you have a 9 run lead with 9 outs to get…you should win 100% of the time. Robinson Cano continued his chase for the MVP award with his 3-5 day with a homer, double, 3 runs scored, and 3 runs driven in. Derek Jeter had a 2 run triple in the big 6th inning before getting pulled to rest.
It was a fine performance all around. If the Yankees can get starting pitching like Hughes did today more often, it would take a LOT of pressure off the offense. This offense will usually score at least 4 runs a game…which definitely should be enough most of the time for a staff. This team is going to go as far as their rotation takes them…today was a step in the right direction.
Rocket Grounded: Clemens Indicted on Perjury Charges
[picappgallerysingle id="9568309"]Roger Clemens was indicted on perjury charges this morning. Not a very good day for the former cy young winner, and would be hall of famer without the juice.
I really don’t have much to say about this outside of I think Rocket is stupid for putting himself in this position. If he admitted it like say…Arod- we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You lie and deny, lie and deny- well the truth always comes out. I don’t blame JUST the players when your talking about steroids in baseball. There wasn’t substantial testing- MLB’s fault. The players were getting millions and millions and millions thrown at them by the owners- and a way to get some of those millions was to get bigger, faster, stronger- Owners Fault. A player shouldn’t have to put drugs in their body to reach baseball’s peak. It’s sad to say a lot of people sacrificed their own morals for these reasons- The players fault. Look- people make decisions…good and bad ones. It’s about honesty. Roger Clemens failed to remember that people forgive mistakes because we all make them. He was a hall of famer if he admitted to it. And now- that door is likely closed forever and that’s a shame because Clemens was dominant.
I’m also going by what I’ve been able to research. Was Clemens injected by Brian McNamee? Who knows. I wasn’t there. Would I be surprised either way? No. But keep in mind- Brian McNamee isn’t exactly a stand out citizen in his own right. In fact- I think he’s even shadier than Roger. Let’s say he did inject Clemens. Who in blazes keeps the needle used to inject his buttcheek? That’s…weird….Not to mention…who throws their friend under the bus when the rainstorm clouds over their head? Nice play McNamee. You’re just as guilty as anyone.
Dare I even mention…well…could this be a conspiracy? McNamee has been working with the authorities to help himself get a better deal…who knows…but it wouldn’t be the first time.
Either way…it’s still a sad day for baseball fans everywhere. It’s a shame to see this going on in a game you and I love. It’s too bad it’s no longer …just a game.
Ivan Nova- Help on the Way?
[picappgallerysingle id="8783754"]The New York Yankees have been struggling a little bit with their rotation. Andy Pettitte is now going to be out longer than expected, Javy Vazquez has complained of a tired arm, and AJ Burnett needless to say, hasn’t earned his money yet this year. With the trade market seemingly not an option for the Yankees at this point, the only help they’ll get is if they dip into their thin system.
Ivan Nova might be able to give a little bit of a shot in the arm to this club. Nova has thrown the ball exceptionally well at AAA, and even though he might not have the power stuff other guys have, I think he’ll be able to keep the ball down, and work his infield real nicely. He’s a kid that goes deep into ball games, and frankly- the Yankees could use a little more of that right now. If he could come into a start and go 6, the Yankees POSSESS the arms to shut the door after that…will they? Maybe…but that’s not he point. The point is- this team could use some help- and if guys continue to pitch the way they’ve pitched- they don’t deserve the starts their getting. I don’t care how good Javy was last year. He’s pitching terribly right now, and every game is extremely precious from here on out. Nova, I believe, can come in and do some good things. He’s allowed only 45 runs this year in AAA while throwing 140 innings. His last 10 starts, he’s been able to go 6 plus. Who cares if he’s only 24. If he can get the job done- why not use him? That is the frustrating thing with the Yankees. They seem to forget they do have some help on the farm sometimes, and especially in a time where they need the help. I hope that stubbornness doesn’t keep them out of the postseason this year. Nova does have some big league experience, so I think it’s time to see what else they have in this kid.
Could the Yankees be in on Zack Greinke if Cliff Lee Signs Elsewhere?
[picappgallerysingle id="8848913"]Most people have Cliff Lee signing with the New York Yankees this offseason and why not? It would make sense seeing as the Yanks would just throw the bank at him and hope for the best. Not to mention- playing for a title every year with good friend CC Sabathia could be a good sell. Problem is- when Cliff Lee hits the market, everyone is going to be in on home. I wouldn’t guarantee Lee to be a Yankee, but they’ll be in the running. The question I have is simply…What is the Yankees backup plan? Clearly with Andy Pettitte looking at retirement once again, they’re going to want to make a big move somewhere.
Zack Greinke makes the most sense as a plan B. Greinke is being rumored to be very unhappy in Kansas City. I could understand that because I also wouldn’t enjoy losing 100 times a year, having the worst offensive support in baseball, and no light at the end of the tunnel. If he’s available- you can bet Brian Cashmen will be calling, and Jesus Montero will be his selling chip. The problem is- I don’t know if the Yankees have enough to get a deal done with Kansas City if other teams get in on the action, because the Yankees system is poor at best. They’d definitely have to move Zach McCallister, Montero, and probably 2 more top prospects, but their top prospects aren’t nearly as good as other organizations. With that said- it’s possible Cashmen could try and get a third team involved to help a deal get done. I don’t know who will want to be involved in Greinke going over to the Yankees- but crazier things have happened.
I actually think Greinke wouldn’t be a good fit in a market like the Yankees. As a young kid with social anxiety issues, you have to wonder how living in New York would affect his mental approach to pitching. I don’t know everything about Greinke’s issues, but if your going to trade your best prospect, you better make sure he can live up to the beat…if not looking elsewhere anyway.
Hanging Tough: CC Outpitches Verlander
Thank goodness for CC Sabathia. I don’t know where the Yankees would be without him- and I don’t think I want to. CC went heads up with ace Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers, and CC won. CC went 7 strong striking out 9 while being backed up by some real strong baserunning from some of the quicker Yankees. You figured this one would be a battle against the hard throwing Justin Verlander, but the Yankees made the 6 runs seem like 15 the way CC pitched tonight.
It’s real good to see Brett Gardner spark the top of the lineup. With Arod out for a few days- the running ability Gardner has could really spark RBI opportunities for Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano. Another good sign to see is Curtis Granderson looking about ready to bust out. He homered tonight along with Robinson Cano, and honestly that was all that was needed. Mariano was Mariano, but I thought the 8th inning was real important and David Robertson was real efficient.
Big win for the Bronx Bombers with Tampa also winning big. The Red Sox also won- so still very much alive in the East.
