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LoHud had the lineup and it's basically Game 1 without Matsui.  Swisher is back in right and hitting 7th.  In addition, the Yankees are giving CC the ball in Game 4. 

Can't say the lineup is a shocker, but I wonder if Girardi would put Matsui in the outfield in a double-switch?  I can't imagine it would be a good idea- who knows what Matsui's defensive abilities are at this point.

As for CC, I say go for it.  He showed he can do it in the ALCS and he gives you a better chance to win that Gaudin.  However, if the Yankees head into Game 5 with a Series lead, I say you pitch Gaudin then. 

More on twitter during the game and more here afterwards.

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

According to multiple media outlets, the Phillies are starting Joe Blanton in Game 4.  I have two thoughts on this

1- No way they do this if they are down 2-1 and I wouldn't do it up 2-1 either

2- If they still do it, thank you Charlie!

Very big game tomorrow, expect lots of posts along the way (and some tweets)

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

The Yankees head to Philly with the Series knotted up and some big challenges ahead.

Start with the bullpen.  Joe will have a tough choice to make in a close game.  Does he use Rivera for more than 3 outs knowing it will probably keep him out of the next game?  I would say yes because you never know what happens tomorrow. 

Deeper into the bullpen, who is going to get the big outs between the starter and Rivera?  If it is a lefty, I use Marte.  If it is a righty, things get interesting.  I think the Yankees will have to play mix and match.  One thing I hope is that if Joe Girardi brings a reliever in and he is effective in the 7th, he sticks with him for the 8th. 

What does he do with Matsui?  He hasn't played in the field at all this year, but Matsu is one of the few Yankees who is currently hitting.  I would start Matsui in left for Game 3 and Swisher in right.  Here's my reasoning.  You want his bat in the lineup and he destroyed lefty pitching with a .618 slugging percentage this year.  Furthermore, Damon hasn't done much in the season and is much worse against LHP and away from Yankee Stadium.  (over .100-point difference in OPS in both cases)  Swisher, on the other hand, has almost the exact same OPS numbers against lefties or righties.  And finally, if Matsui's knee does swell up, you have Games 4, 5 and an off-day to rest him (or use him for one pinch hit appearance) before he has to DH again.  The time for this move is Game 3 or don't make it at all.  

And who will  going to start Games 4 and 5?   This one really comes down to if the Yankees believe AJ can go on three-days rest.  If they do, you put Sabathia in for Game 4, no matter what.  If they are unsure, you see what happens in Game 3 and if you win pitch Gaudin and if you lose, go to CC.  Something tells me the Yankees won't give us an idea of this until they have to. 

One thing that is interesting is that Cliff Lee has never pitched on three-days rest.  Never, not once.  And, he threw 122 pitches on Thursday.  I didn't understand why Manuel brought him back in the ninth, considering the lead the Phillies had, so I wonder if Manuel is planning on saving him for Game 5?  (And, Manuel's managing has been interesting so far.  No idea why he kept Pedro in to start the 7th, but thanks)

So, get you best Halloween costume ready and prepare for a big Game 3. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Well the lineup is in and Molina is catching AJ but we also have a change in right.  Swisher is on the bench and...HARISTON is in?

I looked it up and the reason has to be that Hairston has hit .333/.407/.500 against Pedro in his career.  Of course that is off of a whopping 24 AB's.  

And to make matters worse, Hairston is batting 7th, in front of Melky.  

If you bench Swisher, you have to go to Hinske in my mind.  You also don't go to Hairston with Molina already in the lineup.  This is panic, plain and simple and the wrong kind.

Tonight's game is fascinating.  I expect the Yankees to pound Pedro and I would not be shocked if the Phillies returned the favor to AJ.  Then again, Pedro could author a gem.  Made me think of that great Vin Scully quote in "For the Love of the Game"

And you know Steve you get the feeling that Billy Chapel isn't pitching against left handers, he isn't pitching against pinch hitters, he isn't pitching against the Yankees. He's pitching against time. He's pitching against the future, against age, and even when you think about his career, against ending. And tonight I think he might be able to use that aching old arm one more time to push the sun back up in the sky and give us one more day of summer. 

See yolu after the game.

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Not a lot of analysis needed when Cliff Lee pitches like he did tonight.  That was a pretty amazing game he pitched and the Yankees looked way too tight all night. 

For those of you looking for a reason for optimism, I give you the fact that the Phillies are starting Pedro and Hamels the next two games.

For those of you looking for a reason to despair, I give you the fact that the Yankees' bullpen looks broken and AJ Burnett is pitching tomorrow.

Honestly, I have no idea what to feel.  

Game Two tomorrow night. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Predictions are mostly worthless, so I will save you mine.  But, I think the Yankees and Phillies have similar lineups and similar starting rotations.  The difference to me is the bullpen- Philly has more questions.  But, the Phillies have been here before, 20-of-25 Yankees have not.  In addition, I think Charlie Manuel is a better manager than Joe Girardi. 

Put it all together and you have the makings of a classic series.  I could see the Yankees winning it quickly.  I could see the Phillies taking it in 6 or 7.  I think the Yankees have a slight advantage, but Girardi could punt that away with bad decisions.  This is why you play the games and I can't wait for tonight.

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Sounds like Hinske and Bruney are in and Guzman and Cervelli are out. 

The Hinske move was the obvious one and had to be done.  Normally, I wouldn't want to add a 12th pitcher at the expense of a batter, but in this case I like it.  With Games 3-4-5 on consecutive days, Girardi will probably avoid using any of the relievers in all three contests.  Bruney gives you some choices and some other options in that case.  

And while Cervelli gave you the chance to do some other things with the catcher spot, remember these facts.  Girardi still used Matsui at DH when Molina caught AJ and in the NL parks, Matsui is the first option to pinch hit even if Posada is on the bench.  That makes the move a pretty safe one in my mind.

Final rosters are due at 10am.  We will see if this checks out officially then.

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So the idea was get up Sunday morning and head down the Turnpike.  Pull into the parking lot around 10am and tailgate before the Giants-Eagles game.  Go to the Giants-Eagles game at 1 and then comeback out and tailgate before heading into Game 4 of the Series. 

It was a neat idea my friend had, but the only problem is we would never live to see Monday.  12+ hours behind enemy lines while rooting for the Giants and Yankees?  I don't think it's possible, but there is a chance (if some tickets come together) that I will try and find out.  

So, make sure to come to this blog a lot over the next few days, after Sunday you may only have Andy writing it.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are leaning towards using a rotation of CC-AJ-Andy-CC-AJ-Andy-CC in the World Seires meaning Sabathia would make 3 starts (two on three-days rest) and Andy and  Burnett would make two (the second on three-days rest)  

I find it interesting that the Yankees would be this aggressive.  Starting AJ in Game 5 and having Molina catch him would leave the Yankees with two holes in the lineup.  And you are also assuming that AJ could handle getting the ball on three-days rest.  (I am not worried about Pettitte in that regard)

Furthermore, this will put a lot of strain on the bullpen.  You would assume Girardi will keep the starters on tight pitch counts (well maybe not Sabathia) if he goes this route.  Couple that with his reluctance to use relievers three-straight days and you could have a very dicey pitching situation.  For example, if you assume you get six innings out of AJ and Andy and seven out of CC you would have eight innings to cover over Games 3,4 and 5 and Joe would be reluctant to use any of the pitchers all three days. 

But, the Yankees might also have to do this.  Chad Gaudin has pitched 2-1/3 innings in the past month.  I assume the Yankees have been keeping his arm strength up, but remember that Girardi said he could use him for "75 pitches" as one of the justifications for all of his bullpen moves in Game 2.  It makes me think that Gaudin is a limited starter at best at this point.  

If they go this route, I think the Yankees probably add Bruney to the roster for the pitching depth and drop Cervelli.  I think that puts Molina back on the bench, but after AJ's first inning implosion Thursday, you can make the case that Molina doesn't help him very much.

We know the Phillies plan on using Cliff Lee for Games 1,4 and 7 and they are leaning towards Pedro in Game 2.  It could be a fascinating week of pitching moves by both teams.

UPDATE (2pm) In a radio interview on WFAN, Joe Girardi said that "You should not assume the Yankees will use three starters"  It sounds like he is going to base it on how the games go.  He also sounded as if he would add Hinske for Guzman and could add Bruney to the roster, but the 11 pitchers currently on the roster are safe.  He said that he was likely to have Molina catch AJ, but it was not definite.  Even if they don't carry Cervelli, they would still consider using Molina to catch AJ.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 08:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It seemed like the perfect plan at the time.  My wife wanted to go see a play and since the actors were changing near the end of October, I looked at the playoff schedule and picked out the various dates where the Yankees would be off.

And that's why I was sitting in front of the tube last night with an extra rooting interest.  The date we had settled on was tonight, October 26th, or the potential date of Game 7 after Saturday's rainout.  I had various plans.  One involved food poisoning- "I can't go honey, too sick."  One involved the MLB.Com app, an IPhone and an earpiece, but I knew I was screwed if the series went to Monday.  I would probably have ended up hauled out of a Broadway theatre for screaming for no apparent reason in the middle of a play.  

Thankfully it never came to that and the play was pretty good as well. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Sorry if your comments have not been showing up, it seems the spam filters are overheating and pulling some legitimate comments into its black hole of darkness.

I have gone in and pulled out the comments that are legitimate and I will try and keep an eye on it going forward, but feel free to email me peter@yankeesredsox.com if you have any problems.

UPDATE: Wow that wasn't good. I pulled about 40 comments from various posters over the last month or so. They are all published.  I reset the site and rebuilt it would will hopefully fix things.  Sorry again

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So they did it, they won Game 6 and I can't stop watching the highlights.  Game six wasn't a classic, it was a sloppy game by the Angels, but it certainly had some moments.  One of the strange things last night was the Yankees didn't hit a home run, in fact that they didn't even have an extra base hit.

But, they used a formula they have used a lot this year, pitching, defense and Mariano.  Nice to see Girardi not overthink it and just go to Rivera in the 8th.  Things are going to get very interesting in the Series with pitchers hitting and double-switches.  Joe could get very twitchy.  

The Yankees need to set their roster for the Series.  Unless you commit to pitching Sabathia and A.J. both on three-days rest you will need four starters.  My guess is you see Gaudin get the ball in Game 5 because unless they are up 3-0, I think Sabathia goes in Game 4 on short rest.  That would also keep A.J. out of the lineup, something the Yankees should do because having him and Molina in the lineup would be a real drag on the offense.  

With Gaudin needed to start, I think the Yankees carry 11 pitchers and could possibly add a 12th.  If they go that route, I think Bruney gets added to the roster.   If not, I think the pitchers stay exactly the same.  

The obvious swap is Hinske for Guzman.  You need to pinch hit for those pitchers and Hinske's bat becomes valuable in that role.  One guy who is probably not an option, but should be is Shelley Duncan.  I mentioned this at the start of the playoffs, Duncan would have been a very useful bat to have on the bench in the World Series.  But, the Yankees didn't send him to Tampa, so I assume he isn't in playing shape. 

I don't see much point in adding Ramiro Pena, Hairston does everything he does and more.  Sergio Mitre is the only other guy in Tampa and I can't imagine adding him.  

The Phillies are going to be one tough club to beat.  Their lineup is scary.  Lots of power and good speed.  They played the Yankees in May and took two-of-three at the Stadium.  But, the one game the Yankees won was a comeback against the Phillies' bullpen.  I think that is the key to the series, will Lidge pitch like he did last year or like he did in 2009?  If it's like last year, the Yankees are in trouble.  If not, this series could be over quickly.

But, I will preview all of it later.  For now let's just enjoy winning the pennant.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

They just called the game according to WFAN. 

This makes things very interesting tomorrow night.  Do you start Sabathia on full rest, knowing that doing so means he would have to start Game 1 of the World Series on short rest?  Or do you pitch Pettitte, knowing if you lose that you would use Sabathia in Game 7 on Monday and not have him until Game 3 of the World Series?

It's a brutal choice.  A loss tomorrow with Pettitte means a World Series rotation like this:

Game 1- AJ

Game 2- Pettitte (on short rest) or Gaudin

Game 3- Sabathia

Game 4- Gaudin or AJ on short rest

Game 5- Pettitte on short rest or AJ

Game 6- Sabathia or Pettitte

Game 7- Sabathia or Pettitte

That's ugly.  If you pitched Sabathia tomorrow night, even if he lost you could setup a World Series rotation like this.

Game 1- AJ

Game 2- Sabathia on short rest

Game 3- Pettitte 

Game 4- Gaudin or AJ on short rest (bet on Gaudin)

Game 5- Sabathia on short rest or AJ (bet on AJ)

Game 6- Sabathia 

Game 7- Pettitte

Seems to me like the best choice is go for the knockout with Sabathia, but you could sway me either way.  

Bottom line is that the rain out is a HUGE disadvantage to the Yankees.   Besides all of this, Lackey becomes an option now for the Angels in Game 7. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 06:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The lineups are in and the Yankees' should look familiar.  So Swisher is getting the start, which doesn't shock me, but if he doesn't hit tonight and they lose, I would bet on a change tomorrow.

What really bugs me is the note Chad posts at 4:40 which basically states that Hairston would have started instead of Gardner if they had benched Swisher.  That shows to me that Girardi is way too obsessed with lefty-righty and isn't reading the numbers because Gardner hits lefties better than Hairston!  Ultimately, if my choice was Swisher or Hairston- I will take Swisher everytime out.  

The big question is the weather.  (Think the Yankees are regretting that they didn't shell out for a retractable roof now?) Things aren't too hot in NYC right now, and there is a big blob of yellow all over New Jersey.  It will be interesting to see how MLB handles this.  We could be in for a long night.

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

You can find almost any date in October and find something good that happened to the Yankees on it, but today is the 13th anniversary of Game 5 of the 1996 World Series.  Yup, the game where Andy Pettitte shut the Braves out for 8-1/3 and Paul O'Neil made a game-saving catch. 

Something tells me FOX might show a highlight or two of it tonight.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I fully expect the Yankees to get to the World Series this weekend.  There I said it, but when you have Andy Pettitte and C.C. Sabathia both ready to go on full rest, at home and you only need 1 win, I don't think I am taking a making waves.  But, the timing of victory is very important when you think of what lies ahead. 

If the Yankees win Game 6, they can line up their pitching exactly as they have in the first two playoff series.  But, if they lose- or the game is rained out- then the pitching choices become interesting.  If they have to use Sabathia in Game 7 of the ALCS, then A.J. Burnett gets the ball in Game 1 of the World Series.  

You would then have to chose between Sabathia on short rest or Pettitte on full rest in Game 2 with the other guy going in Game 3.

What would you do in Game 4 then?  Your choices are Burnett on short rest or Gaudin.  And if you choose Gaudin you probably bring Burnett back on full rest in Game 5, but that's at Philly where you won't have the DH.  Do you really want Molina and the pitcher hitting?  That would leave you with C.C. and Andy in Games 6+7, but maybe you don't get to those games.

And that's why a win tomorrow is vital.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

That one hurt, but the Yankees still have a 3-2 lead and Pettitte and Sabathia backing them up while they head home.  Anyway, it's late and here are my thoughts.

A.J. showed up as "Mr. Hyde" in the first and I hope that dispells the notion that Molina has to catch him.  It certainly didn't help tonight.

If you killed Girardi for pulling Robertson on Monday (like me) you can't kill him now for sticking with Burnett in the 7th.  A.J. looked great after the first and had only thrown 80 pitches.  Plus, Aybar hits better against lefties than righties, so would pulling A.J. after the first batter to put in Joba make a lot of sense?

Where you can question Girardi is the 8th.  Why wasn't warming up the minute Rivera doubled?  It didn't matter in the end, but it could have.

Another move I didn't like that also didn't matter was lifting A-Rod in the ninth for Guzman.  Alex is fast enough and unless you are going to order Guzman to steal that base (he obviously didn't) do you really gain much of an advantage?  Plus, if the game is tied up you have now lost your best hitter by far and you have to bring in someone (Hairston) to play third.

Finally, Nick Swisher looks lost right now.  This is where Hinske would be a nice choice off the bench.  Facing a lefty in Game 6, I can't imagine the Yankees going to Gardner in center and Melky in right, but it wouldn't be a terrible idea.  Nick is 3-33 in the postseason with 10 K's and has that look A-Rod used to. 

More tomorrow 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Robert Louis Stevenson penned the classic tale of the good Dr. Jekyll who would turn into the mosterous Mr. Hyde at night 120 years ago.  It's almost like he foresaw the Yankee career of AJ Burnett. 

Burnett has been amazingly good in spots and disasterously bad in other spots.  Sometimes this shows up on a start by start basis sometimes it happens inning by inning. Saturday it was one bad inning, the fifth, where AJ went off the rails.  Luckily, it was just that inning and the Yankees recovered to win.  

Tonight will be interesting to say the least.  The pressure is on the Angels, but the Yankees would like to wrap things up.  AJ was much better at home in 2009 than on the road (over a run difference in ERA) but he pitched well in his one start at the Big A going 5.2 while striking out 11.  So which AJ do we get tonight?  I don't think anyone, including AJ, knows for sure.

And while it is way to early for pieces like this, I do like the name "The Turnpike Series"  Jerseyans will be absolutely thrilled to hear that. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

I lived in Boston for 10 years and when New Yorkers hear this they inevitably express their sympathy that I had to put up with those fans for a decade.  They usually shake their heads and ask how I could have survived in that climate while rooting for my teams.  But for me Boston wasn't the worst place to be a New York fan.  It wasn't good, but there was a worse place and that was Philly.   

Now it toally depends on what "type" of New York fan you are.  If you are like me (Yankees/Giants)  Philly is enemy #1. But, if you like the Yankees and Jets, you probably view Boston as the center of evil. (And yes, I am assuming that eveyone roots for the Rangers and Knicks.  The Islanders, Devils and Nets may exist, but I don't have to recognize them)

For the Yankees/Giants fan, you obviously don't like the Red Sox, but the Patriots never really caused you much worry.  There was that Super Bowl a few years back, but that ended ok.  The Knicks are sort of like the Red Sox of old, always chasing the title against the better team, in this case the Celtics, but the Rangers-Bruins rivalry hasn't been hot in a long time.

Now think of Philly.  Yankees-Phillies hasn't been an issue since 1950, but things go south from there.  I am not sure the Giants have a more hated rival than the Eagles.  If you support the Giants, you HATE the Eagles.  It was bad enough for the Giants to lose at home in the 2009 playoffs, but for it to happen to the Eagles, AAARRRRGHHHH!

Likewise, if you are a Rangers' fan, the Flyers are absolutely hated.  Think about all the games.  Think about Eric Lindros (I heard he was a Ranger at one point, but I refuse to recognize it) Think about Ron Hextall.  

Now that your blood is up, think about Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, Mo Cheeks (Still don't think he was a Knick) and you get my point.

Flyers/Eagles/Sixers are three teams you hate if you are like me and that outweighs Celtics/Red Sox

Next week we may get a chance to add the Phillies to the mix. Did I mention that November 1st the Giants go to Philly to face the Eagles and the Phillies will host Game 4 of the World Series? 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

If you are like me, you watch the NLCS not only because it's baseball, but because you are "scouting" a potential future opponent.  After watching most of the first four games, I can say that the Phillies are one tough team. 

I was discussing this with Andy last night because he and I both agree that the NL is vastly inferior to the AL.  My argument was that may be true overall, but Philly is different.  I think they could survive and thrive in the AL East and there are probably no other NL teams I would say that about.

So, I will be rooting for the Dodgers tonight.  It would be good for the NLCS to be a bit longer and it might be better for the Yankees to face LA. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Joe Girardi rolled the dice and he won.  C.C. Sabathia made a start on short rest and came through brilliantly. Now the Yankees are in control of the ALCS and have the luxury of knowing Sabathia is waiting there in Game 7 if they need him.   

But, you have to hope it never comes to that.  AJ is up on Thursday and hopefully he is ready to deliver the goods.  If I am Girardi, I start Posada and see what happens.  A 3-1 lead lets you do that.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Personally, I hate the phrase "must win".  You really only must win a game when your season ends if you don't.  But, tonight's game is pretty close to that definition because the Yankees are using C.C. on short rest.

If they lose, the Angels are tied up and holding all the momentum with A.J. Burnett and his crazy head taking the ball for New York.  If they win, the Yankees are one win away with two more games at home to fall back on.

Let's hope Girardi settles down a bit tonight.  There is no rule that says you have to use the entire bullpen everytime out.  I would expect the Yankees to hope that Sabathia gives them six and then they turn it over to Coke, Joba, Hughes and Mo.

I will be twittering throughout the game and posting afterwards.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 06:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This one comes via Scott Boras.  (And isn't it weird to see Boras standing right behind home plate next to Pat Sajack at the Big A?)  Here is what Boras said to the Daily News about Johnny Damon

"Not that I've been thinking about this, but players who can get on the field every day and score 100 runs, how many guys do that?  Johnny just plays, and he's got the body type that allows him to do that.  If stem-cell research were around, you'd want to tap into that gene pool.  He's (35), but has a 30-year-old's body. He plays much younger."

Some thoughts about this

"Not that I've been thinking about this" yeah right. 

I guess he has the arm of a 70-year old?

And, Boras may not have realized that stem cells are around, but I think he meant to say cloaning.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

For those of you who follow us on Twitter, you saw my first-guesses tonight, for those of you who don't here they are:

Why do you bring Gardner in to pinch run for Matsui when it costs you your best defensive outfielder?  You could have used Gonzalez here.(And this move would ultimately cost the Yankees their DH)

Why do bring in Coke to start the 8th when Marte (also a lefty) got you out of the 7th?

Why do you put Hairston in for Gardner against Fuentes when Gardner has a better OPS against LHP? (.781 vs. .741)

Why do you use Cervelli to pinch hit for Rivera when Rivera probably has about the same chance to get on base and he could start the 11th?

And finally, why do you pull Robertson in the 11th after only two batters when he is pitching well to bring in Aceves?  This move also leaves you with only Gaudin in the pen.

It's 2-1 and I put the blame for that on Girardi.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 08:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

When the NLCS and ALCS were scheduled, there were three overlap days- days when both series would have games.

The first was Friday and the Dodgers played at home @1:37 (local) while the Yankees played at home @8:07 (local)

The second is today when the Angels will play at home @1:37 (local) while the Phillies will play at home @8:07 (local)

In both cases the California team at home gets the early game while the eastern team at home gets the late game.  This doesn't make sense from a scheduling standpoint.  Why not let the team at home in the western time zone play the later game?  And it doesn't make sense from a weather standpoint, it's nice in LA, not so nice in NY and Philly.  

Now we all know that TV rules everything with scheduling, but this is one I don't get.  You could have scheduled both games to start late afternoon local time which would presumeably mean more eyeballs on the screen.  I imagine Angels fans will do their best today, but watching a 1:37 game is going to be a challenge.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Maybe it's just me, but I get the sense Joe Girardi wants to show he is smarter than Mike Scioscia.  I think it bugs him that everyone handicapping this series thought Scioscia would run circles around Girardi in the startegy department and he is out to prove them wrong.  Maybe I am making too much of it, but I thought several of Joe's moves last night were odd. 

Why do you pull Joba after 10 pitches?  He got a grounder than could have been an out and a strike out.  Why not use him for at least part of the 8th?

And then, why pull Hughes after he blew Gary Matthews Jr. away?

Even if you excuse all those moves, how about lifting Aceves in the 12th with one out and nobody on for Marte?  Aceves has actually been better against lefties than righties and Marte is Marte. Plus, by doing that you leave yourself having to bring Robertson in which leaves you with only Gaudin in the pen.   

Hey everything turned out fine in the end, but if they hadn't I bet we would be talking about some of those moves for a loooong time.  For now we can look ahead to tomorrow.  The forecast is beautiful for the rest of the week in Anaheim, so expect two? or three days of baeball without worries about weather.  Makes you want to go back there for a World Series, doesn't it? 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 06:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I think it is safe to say Mystique and Aura moved across the street.  The Yankees kept trying to lose that game and they ended up winning on another error (or two?) by the Angels. 

The Yankees' errors bothered me, but more concerning to me was Joe Girardi's managing.  It seems like Girardi is intent on making every move he can.  From being a little too aggressive to pinch run, to almost burning through the entire bullpen in 13 innings, I think Joe needs to take a deep breath. 

But, I will dig into that more later today.  For now the Yankees held serve at home.  California here we come.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

I just sent my niece and nephew off to Game 2 dressed in 45 layers of clothing, they are going to need it  I am not in my blog home office of Brooklyn, but rather about 35 miles north of Yankee Stadium in Westchester County. I can report that here at 6:15pm, there are clouds but no rain and it is a balmy 45 degrees.  MLB controls everything in regards to playing tonight.  They will make a call on starting the game, suspending the game, etc..  One thing I can say, the later it gets tonight, the worse the weather is supposed to be.  And, tomorrow is supposed to be pretty lousy as well.

So, if they want to play tonight, they better get going on time and hope for a crisp game.  Otherwise, we may have a repeat of that World Series game from last year that ended at 2:15am or so as I remember.  

Molina is catching tonight which means we may get a look at Freddy Gonzalez.  If Molina reaches base in the middle stages of the game, I would expect Girardi to pinch run.  I was kind of shocked last night that he didn't do that with Matsui, but I bet he does it here.

And, Hughes and Joba could each probably pitch 2 innings tonight, so the Yankees have to hope AJ gets at least five in before the skies really open.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Forgot to mention something new that Joe Girardi is doing.  In close games he no longer replaces Swisher for defense, but instead he replaces Damon.  He did it in Game 3 of the ALDS and he did it again last night.  I wish they broke defensive numbers down by month because it would help confirm what my eyes are telling me- Damon is becoming an awful outfielder.  

Let's face it, Damon was only a good outfielder because he had the speed to get to balls, his arm has always been a joke.  And maybe that's where we should look to see what Damon is up to.  He only stole 12 bases this year, despite a .365 OBP.  Now granted, he wasn't the leadoff hitter, but it is an interesting number, the lowest in his career over a full season.  Furthermore, eight of his twelve steals came before the All-Star Break.  I don't know if it is merely a coincidence, but throw in the fact that you can see Damon taking bad routes on balls and you have to wonder about it.

For now the Yankees should just keep replacing him in close games.  But, it will be something they really need to think about when they put together the 2010 Yankees.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Yankees won the first game of the ALCS thanks to a great start from C.C. Sabathia.  What I found interesting was Girardi's decision to use him for eight innings.

Though seven, the Yankees had a 4-1 lead and Sabathia had thrown 98 pitches.  If you are planning to use him in Game 4, this was the time to take him out.  But, Girardi didn't and after 113 pitches, it is going to be interesting to see what the Yankees do on Tuesday.  

But we should worry about that Tuesday, for now it's up to AJ and the Yankees to take control of this series.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

I am a little bit baffled by the Yankees' decision to replace Hinske on the roster with Guzman.  Fast Freddy is a Herb Washington clone, all run and no hit. A stolen base can be important, but Guzman seems to me the kind of luxury you afford yourself if you only carry 10 pitchers.  With 11 pitchers, you now have a bench (most nights) of Gardner, Molina, Hairston, Cervelli and Guzman.  If you needed to pinch hit, who do you select?  Probably Gardner, but wouldn't you feel better with Hinske on the bench?  I imagine the Yankees will go back to Hinske if they make the World Series, but this is a curious choice.

As for tonight, it's all about the weather.  Yesterday was one of the more miserable days I can remember aroudn here.  Today seems much drier, but the weather folks are predicting doom.  Assuming it is as bad as they say, how about the Yankees try something different?  How about warming up Sabathia and Gaudin?  If the game starts and it is pouring, put Gaudin in until the rain delay.  You could always pull him if the weather gets better.  It's a risky move, but Girardi has done it before. The worst case result is pitching Sabathia for two innings and then having to sit through a two-hour delay that knocks him out of the game. 

One thing you won't see at the Stadium tonight is Ronan Tynan.  I have stopped trying to figure out how people do stupid things like this, but if the person who his comments were directed to accepts his apology (she did) I hope we all can move on quickly. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Over the coming days, weeks and months, I will be discussing the various trade talks, free agent signings and rumors to hit the wire.  The Hot Stove hasn't quick warmed up yet, but because the Red Sox got swept out of the playoffs, I am forced to contend with a Tepid Stove.

So we now know the "Final Four" and baseball must be very excited. New York (#1 media market) vs. LA (#2) and another LA team vs Philly (#4 media market). 

And the storylines are all interesting.  You have the Yankees trying to finally beat the Angels when it counts.  You have the Dodgers seeking revenge against the Phillies.  You could have a "Freeway Series" between the two  LA teams.  You could have a rematch of the 1950 World Series.  And, you could have the story that Fox has to be rooting for: Joe Torre vs. The Yankees.  

No more baseball until Thursday, but I will be blogging a lot over these "empty" days.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

There are some numbers from the ALDS that are worth thinking about. 

Johnny Damon went 1-for-12 in the divisional series, not a very big sample size, but when you consider his September .247/.350/.315, something to worry about.  Perhaps Hinske should get a shot at Lackey in Game 1?

Damaso Marte failed miserably on Friday, but the Yankees probably want to keep two lefties in the pen.  The Angels have three hitters, Abreu, Morales and Figgins, who do significantly worse against LHP. 

Melky Cabrera was 1-for-12 with 5 K's in the series.  When you think about what Brett Gardner can do and the type of game the Angels play, wouldn't it be smart to put Gardner in there?

Joel Sherman mentions the Yankees are thinking about using C.C. Sabathia on three-days rest for Game 4 if the Yankees find themselves trailing the series.  Because of the extra off day, they could then bring him back on regular rest in Game 7 if needed.  It makes a ton of sense and the Yankees might want to do it no matter what.  Sabathia is 3-1 in his 4 career starts on three-days rest and has an ERA of 1.01. 

Phil Hughes was shaky in the ALDS, five hits in two innings.  Would the Yankees consider moving him into 7th and Joba into the 8th?

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

October 9, 2004, the 100+ win Yankees eliminated the Twins in four games to head to the ALCS.  It took just over five years for the Yankees to match that feat and advance to another ALCS. 

For Yankees fans like me who truly came of age in the 80's, five years without a playoff series win is a walk in the park.  For fans who came later, this has been a tougher stretch. 

It doesn't really matter now.  The Yankees are headed to the ALCS and they are going to be able to pitch Sabathia in Game 1.  We will have much to discuss tomorrow, but for now just enjoy this.  After all, it's been five years. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Back to Game 1's lineup which isn't a surprise, but I would have like to have seen Gardner get a shot to run on the turf. 

This game just got a little bigger for the Yankees because the Angels are now in the ALCS and will have Lacker, Weaver and Kazmir lined up for Games 1,2+3.  If the Yankees don't win tonight Sabathia pitches tomorrow, which eliminates him from Game 1.

So, let's just take this today.  I will twitter some during the game and then post after it.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The scheduling Gods have given a lot of New York sports fans an incredible day.  Giants-Raiders start things off at 1pm.  You then have a Rangers game at 5pm before the Yankees cap things off at 7:07. 

Now the Yankees' game is clearly the biggest event of the three and the one that could send them into the ALCS.  To make things incredibly intriguing Carl Pavano is pitching for Minnesota.  We all know the Pavano story, so how nice would it be to see the Yankees stomp on him and advance to the ALCS? 

I will be posting again when the lineups are in and for those of you of the Red Sox persuasion, Andy will probably be making a post at some point.  We are both twittering@yankeesredsox during games as well.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

It's the offense stupid.  Hitting .131 and scoring 1 run over 2 games is a recipe for a sweep.  Where's the Fiyah (fire for the rest of you).

Lester and Beckett weren't great, but they should expect there batting brethren to do more than they've done.  Back at Fenway on Sunday, the answer is simple, hit the ball and score runs, otherwise break out your golf clubs.

If ever there was a team to come back down 0-2, it's the Red Sox.  Per TBS, only 4 teams have done so in the Division Series era and the Red Sox were 2 of them ('99 and '03).  Let's hope they make it 2009 too.

What this team clearly is lacking is that otherworldly bat.  Too bad Manny Ramirez got sick of Boston (and did steroids and got old).  St. Louis has Pujols, the Yankees have...too many to list and while Jason Bay is a very good hitter, he isn't that top-five hitter, the game changer necessarily.

Back to Boston with a 3-game sweep needed to keep it going.  Buchholz is going in game 3 and there's talk of Lester coming back for game 4.

Posted by Andy (Red Sox) at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Short of actually seeing the Yankees win the World Series in person, I can't think of a better playoff game to attend than tonight's.  The crowd was wild, the drama amazing and the ending epic.  My heart rate just dropped below 100 again and I think I might get my voice back by Sunday, but here are a few things I saw.

1- I think everyone can stop the crap about A-Rod and choking now.   That home run was as big as it gets.

2- Glad to see Mark Teixeira get over the hump as well.  He was looking a little tight before the 11th innings

3- Molina and AJ is a combo we should see again and again.

4- Umpiring in the playoffs is awful.  Mauer was robbed in the 11th and the umps originally gave the Twins a run on that play where Swisher threw the guy out at second.  

5- Carl Pavano trying to stop the Yankees from sweeping on Sunday.  It will be fascinating to see which side karma comes down on.  

More tomorrow, for now enjoy this one.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

MLB has announced the remaining schedule for the Divisional Series.  The Yankees will play at 7:07 Sunday (I guessed 6pm), 5:07 Monday and 6:07 Wednesday.  (Monday and Wednesday if needed)

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Ok, so this is putting the cart before the horse, but Joba is apparently in the bullpen for the duration of the playoffs. 

It's an interesting idea and one that I really can't argue with, Gaudin was better than Joba down the stretch. Furthermore, Gaudin was better than Mitre, but I guess Joe Girardi didn't agree with me about that one.

My one hope if this is true is that it doesn't lock the Yankees into their current playoff roster.  Shelley Duncan has enormous value as a pinch-hitter.  Freddy Guzman could be a big weapon as a pinch-runner. Despite the plan to have Molina catch AJ, do you really need 3 catchers?  If you have Joba and Aceves in the bullpen, doesn't that give you 5 innings of relief right there at minimum?

It will be nice to have to debate these issues at a later date.  One thing we do know right now is there will be at least three games played on Sunday.  Considering the potential home teams: Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and maybe St. Louis, it is probably a decent guess to say the Yankee game would start at 6pm.  We shall see.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 08:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have been to two MLB playoff games in my life, neither of which took place at Yankee Stadium.  In 1986 I went to Game 2 of the Mets-Red Sox World Series.  I still remember that sickening feeling in my stomach as I walked out of Shea after that game and thought how the Red Sox were going to win the World Series. 

More recently I went to the 1999 ALCS between the Yankees and Red Sox at Fenway Park.  A friend who was a Red Sox fan and I secured two seats in the second row of the bleachers.  It was Game 4, the day after Pedro and the Sox obliterated Clemens and the Yankees to make it 2-1 New York.  The crowd was rocking and it promised to be an emotional game.

Sitting in dead center, my friend and I made a half-hearted deal.  If a home run came to us and it was hit by a Yankee, I would get it. If a Red Sox hit it, he would get it, no matter who caught the ball.  Considering where we were sitting, this seemed like a longshot at best.

But, in the ninth, the Yankees busted open a 3-2 game highlighted by Ricky Ledee hitting a towering shot to center- right at us.  We both jumped to our feet and got ready.  I could see the ball was coming right at us, maybe a little to my left, or right where my friend was standing.  He reached out with his left (glove) hand and the ball came down right into it.  But, he did not close his hand in time, and the precious ball, MY precious ball, rolled into the row in front of us where an elderly gentleman in a Red Sox jacket picked it up and threw it back onto the field.

The old guy was arrested, my friend swore he really tried to catch it and I was left in a sea of angry Boston fans.  I mention this because tomorrow I will have the pleasure of attending a Yankee home playoff game for the first time and I am wisely bringing another Yankee fan with me.  You just can't trust Red Sox fans to make the catch. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 07:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Andy (Red Sox) at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There were a lot of positives from tonight's game, starting with the fact that the Yankees won.  But here are a bunch of other ones in no particular order

Sabathia looked good and pitched well.  Considering his career postseason numbers that's a big thing. 

A-Rod getting two hits and two RBI's will shut all that "can't handle the pressure" talk for awhile.  Considering how his first two AB's looked, that hit in the fifth was enormous.

Matsui just keeps hitting.

The Yankees repeated their successful formula from the regular season.  They worked the pitcher and then started hitting the second time through the order.

Hughes, Coke and Joba in front of Mariano is very formidable, talk about shortening the game.

Of course there is one thing not to like and that was Posada's catching.  I don't know if he is sulking over his upcoming benching, but that passed ball was terrible and he needs to snap out of it.

But, that obviosuly won't be an issue on Friday because he isn't catching. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 09:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

6-2 right now in the bottom of the sixth and seeing Jeter hit the first postseason home run at the new place made me want to ask this question:

Who hit the first postseason home run at the old place?  I will give you one hint: he is a Yankee legend.

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Marte and Cervelli made it, Guzman did not.  Yankees chose to take 11 pitchers which seems like a colossal waste.  With Aceves and Joba already on the roster, did they really need another long guy in Gaudin? 

I imagine this will also mean Gardner stays on the bench as the pinch runner with Melky in center.  

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Here come the Twins riding a huge wave of momentum.  But, as Joe Torre always said, "momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher"  That means the Yankees have C.C. Sabathia and for the Twins Brian Duensing.  Duensing walked the ballpark when he faced the Yankees in July, but he was pitching very well until his last two starts. Still, he is no match for Sabathia and when you consider that the Twins are going to come to the Bronx after a 12-inning game and sometime early in the morning, the Yankees had better take advantage of that and win Game 1.

And with the Yankees having picked to start the ALDS tomorrow we have only one more question to answer, what will the playoff roster look like?

Here is what we know (I am summarizing reports from Lohud, the Post, the Times and Daily News) 

Sergio Mitre, Ramiro Pena and Brian Bruney are not on the ALDS roster, but they are being sent to Tampa to work out for a possible spot on the ALCS roster. 

In addition, Edwar Ramirez, Mark Melancon, Albie and Shelley Duncan no longer have lockers in the clubhouse meaning they have probably been sent home for the year. 

It sounds like the roster right now is: 13 hitters- Posada, Molina, Teixeira, Cano, Jeter, A-Rod, Hairston, Matsui, Damon, Cabrera, Gardner, Swisher, Hinske and 10 pitchers- CC, AJ, Pettitte, Joba, Mo, Hughes, Coke, Robertson, Aceves, Gaudin

That leaves two spots for the remaining candidates who appear to be only Cervelli, Marte and Gonzalez.  You would have to think that with the Twins having a lefty like Mauer, Marte probably makes it.  You would also have to guess that with Molina catching AJ, Cervelli probably makes it as well.  I am kind of surprised that Gaudin makes it, but that seems to be the consensus.

One other piece of analysis.  Sending Duncan home right now is a mistake.  Duncan is a big righty bat.  He may not help you in this round or even the next one, but if the Yankees made the World Series, he could be a potent weapon when you need to pinch hit for the pitcher.  Why not at least send him to Tampa to keep working out?   

Anyway, tomorrow we will preview the ALDS and get ready for some baseball.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Really, 9:37pm ET for a playoff game?  Ouch.  2 playoff games?  Ugh.  A 9:37 pm ET start for a ALDS playoff game is tough to chew.  That's a late start, isn't it?  I know the LAAofA fans need time to get home from work, but seriously, they don't really care that much about these games anyway, do they?  I mean, they'd have an NFL team if they cared for sports, no?

Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy (or older and grumpier).

No matter, the Red Sox are going to throw Lester, Beckett and Buchholz (and then pray for...can't think of anything that rhymes).  Talk has it the Angels don't handle power pitchers that well while talk also has it that the Angels are going to run their pants off against the Red Sox.  We shall see.

Given his monster sized slump in the second half, Jason Varitek should not play an inning this post-season as Victor Martinez has proven himself the far-superior bat and at least an adequate backstop.  It's sad to say, but I think Varitek is a fringe major-league at this point.

The only other question is with Alex Gonzalez.  He received a pitch to the hand in the last week of the season and it was questionable if he'd be able to play.  With Jed Lowrie not 100% and Chris Woodward at home with his new baby and wife, the Red Sox told Gil Velásquez to hold off on his off-season job at the Home Depot.

Good news seems to be in, as Gonzalez's hand wasn't broken.  My bet is he plays.

Certainly the Red Sox have the psychological advantage having won 9 of the last 10 against the Angels in post-season play, but the Red Sox have found themselves facing such history before and prevailed, so they need to stay focused and avoid the Miguel Cabrera all-nighters.  Now get some rest.

Posted by Andy (Red Sox) at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Multiple outlets are reporting that Jorge Posada was informed Sunday that Molina is going to catch AJ Burnett in the ALDS. 

As much as I hate Molina's bat, Jorge and AJ don't seem to click.  It's along the lines of Mussina and AJ last year.  Pitching wins championships they say and the best way to maximize your pitching in this case is to go this route.  The interesting quesiton is which game does AJ pitch?  If he pitched Game 2 then he would be in line for a potential Game 5 as well.  I would assume that means Posada doesn't catch that game either.  I can't imagine Jorge being very happy about that or any of this, but it's something he needs to get used to.  38-year old catchers don't usually thrive and I would expect the Yankees to cut back his workload in 2010.  This is the first step. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Well today is the playoff game between the Twins and Tigers and that means that TBS will start their postseason coverage. TBS will cover all the Divisional Series games and the NLCS with TNT providing overflow coverage.

The good news is that TBS has cancelled "The Frank Calliendo Show"   Calliendo is one of my favorite comedians, his impressions are just great, (the Robin Williams bit at the 5 minute mark is amazing) but I was preparing to boycott him entirely if I had to sit through another postseason with those commercials.  Sadly, I am sure there will be some new show that TBS chooses to overpromote during these playoffs.

The bad news is that for those of us watching the Yankees we will be subjected to Chip Caray.  I don't like to be unkind, so I will let someone else do it for me.  Here's a review of Caray's work in the 2007 ALDS.  The only good thing about being subjected to Caray and Craig Sager and his ridiculous outfits is that Ron Darling is the third member of the broadcast team.  Darling is a treat to listen to and this season he and his boothmates on SNY were about the only reason to watch the Mets.   

Even with Darling in the booth, this may be a series where you use the mute button a lot.  Of course if the Yankees win the ALDS, they will head to the ALCS which means we get Joe Buck and Tim McCarver...sigh. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, how did I do in my yearly effort to predict the future? 

Well, the Cubs aren't going to win the World Series, so that's out.  The Mets are certainly not the NL Wild Card and the Tigers won't finish last in the AL Central.

But, if Minnesota wins tomorrow then I went 4-for-4 in predicting the AL playoff field and I had the Phillies and Dodgers winning their divisions.  

I missed on some comments like "The Padres are the worst team in baseball" but also hit on some like " I like a lot of things about Tampa, but this year they are not going to surprise anyone, they will be expected to win.  I think those expectations will be tough to live up to for a young team and they won't repeat as division champs or even make the playoffs."

I had the Yankees winning the AL East and beating the Twins to advance to the ALCS with Boston beating the Angels to meet them there.  I also had the Yankees losing the ALCS in the 17th inning of Game 7 because A-Rod went to a photo shoot. 

Let's hope I am wrong on that last one.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 01:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I was reading an article about the Twins today and it mentioned how the Metrodome is the 7th-oldest baseball stadium and   That kind of blew my mind.  But it makes sense considering how many new parks have been built in the last 20 years. 

Now, just for fun, take a guess at the six oldest parks.  The first three should be easy, but the last three might take you awhile.  No cheating and I will post the answer later today.   

And, in case you were curious when the Metrodome is replaced next year the venerable Landshark Stadium will become the 7th-oldest.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

With the Tigers and Twins winning today the AL Central will come down to a one-game playoff on Tuesday.  That means the Yankees have to pick the longer ALDS. 

It's a no-brainer at this point.  The eight-day ALDS starts Wednesday which means the team that wins the Central playoff comes in with no rest and a presumeably exhausted bullpen.  

So, while I would never recommend betting on my predictions (see tomorrow's post) expect Game 1 to be at The Stadium Wednesday @ 6:07. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 10:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

With their season on the line, the Twins are bringing Carl Pavano back on three-days rest today.

Yankees' fans, do I need to write anything more than that?   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Hey, did you hear about this QB they got in Minnesota?  Brett someone or something and apparently he has a big game Monday. 

What does this have to do with baseball?  Well, if the Twins and Tigers need to have a playoff game (Minnesota won already today keeping the pressure on Detroit) it will have to be Tuesday because of the football game.  

At the very least, the AL Central will not be decided tonight and since the Twins, Tigers and Yankees are all playing at nearly the same time tomorrow, the Yankees should have their regular season completed before having to pick which ALDS series they want. It also means Verlander will probably have to take the ball for the Tigers tomorrow, knocking him out of a potential Game 1 in the ALDS. 

I have thought about this a couple of different ways and I think the best result for the Yankees would be for the Twins to force the playoff, but lose it to the Tigers.  Either way, both teams having to play on Tuesday would be a big advantage for New York. 

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 06:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I think we all know what David Price was trying to do last night to Mark Teixeira and I think we can all agree that the Yankees and Teixeira were smart not to take the bait. 

But, I would expect this one has gone into Joe Girardi's mental file cabinet.  It won't happen this weekend, but I can bet you the first time these teams meet in spring training, something will happen.  Some pitcher will "lose control" of a fastball and someone like Carl Crawford will have to duck.  

As for last night's game, don't get too hung up on Sabathia's start.  In 2007 Chien-Ming Wang allowed 2 runs over seven innings in his last start and then got shelled in the playoffs.  Andy Pettitte got shelled in his last start that year, giving up nine runs and then he pitched 6-1/3 shutout innings in his playoff start (aka "The Midge Game")  My point is, draw conclusions from the last start of the season at your own risk.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Are there any Yankees' fans who feel good about seeing Joba pitch in the playoffs?  <crickets> Yeah, I thought so. 

Joba's performance last night was a familiar sight and it really seems that since they gave him eight days off in late July and started rationing his starts he hasn't been the same pitcher.  On July 29th Joba pitched eight shutout innings against Tampa and lowered his ERA to 3.58.  Since then he has made 11 starts, thrown 45-2/3 innings and amassed an ERA of 7.68.  Is it a coincidence that his numbers went in the tank at that point?  It certainly could be. There could be a lot of reasons for his performance, but the fact is that right now he is nothing more than a mediocre pitcher.

And, the Yankees have to be very, very careful what they do with him from here. Yes, they could put him in the bullpen for the ALDS, but does anyone know if he would be any better in the bullpen?  I imagine they will have him pitch an inning out of the pen this weekend on his throw day, just to see what happens, but will that prove anything to anyone?  

I think Joba sealed his fate last night and that fate is to be on the sidelines for the ALDS.   

Posted by Peter (Yankees) at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)