Yankees 2 Rays 0; Successful Recipe Returns
I was in and out of the game this afternoon since I was hosting family, but I got to catch up on things. Very impressive pitching from the Yankees, starting with Wang who was fantastic--6 IP, 4 hits, no runs, 2 walks and an unlikely 6 K's on 96 pitches/56 strikes. He didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning, but seemed to tire a bit in the seventh, allowing consecutive singles to begin the frame and leaving a first-and-third, no-out situation for Joba. Not to fear, however, for Joba recorded his only strikeout right away on Aybar, then got big-time help from Cano who made a leaping catch and doubled Hinske off first to end both the seventh and the last credible threat the Rays mustered. Joba pitched a perfect eighth, and Mariano fanned two in the ninth to record his third save.
To recap, thus far the Yankees have struggled to score runs, only getting two today on a two-run blast to right from Matsui--who has had a very good start, batting .350. Yet they have three wins thus far, all in close games--two one-run wins and today's two-run win--and all coming with strong starting pitching, Joba playing Mariano the 1996 middle relief monster, and Mariano closing it down. That's a potent combination that other teams will struggle against, and Girardi knows it. Joba and Mariano have been dominant and, just as importantly, very efficient. In part helped by the seventh-inning DP, Joba only threw 16 pitches, while Mariano only required 12 to end the game. I very much like Girardi's aggressiveness and confidence in the bullpen tandem, and fans should certainly expect to see more of this successful, dominant formula in tight games. That the Yankees could give Bruney and Ohlendorf a blow today is not to be overlooked, for they've pitched well and, given Hawkins and Nuke's struggles, the two youngsters might see more action in crucial situations.
Wang's strong start to the season is another big plus--two very good starts, one win, an ERA of 1.38, and a WHIP of 1.08. Wang's sinker has been strong, but expanding his repertoire has as much to do with his success as anything. He's returned to throwing a slider more often, and today it was his strikeout pitch. He has also incorporated a change-up that he's used early in counts and the game. Wang is becoming a well-rounded pitcher--bad news for opponents. Also, he's young and only in his fourth year. That's easy to overlook with the much younger Joba, Hughes, and Kennedy on the staff. Wang is a veteran of sorts, but certainly young enough to stick around for some time to come, and to still require patience as he makes adjustments. I'm relieved that he's started strong this season, and impressed with his dominance today.
The Yankees struggled offensively, but again less to get runners on base than to score them. They left 8 on today, 4 in scoring position. Most notably and problematically, the Yankees again left the bases loaded today, when Matsui struck out looking to end the fifth. However, this will no doubt change, for the Yankees will plate runners soon enough. It only stands to reason. That offense will not continue to score only 2-3 runs a game. Key to today's win was the 4-5-6 slot production of A-Rod, Matsui and Cano, going 6-11 collectively with both runs and RBIs. It is worth adding that in the few games he's played, Melky has started well, hitting .364 with his single today. While Damon and Jeter are still getting slowly out of the gate, each had a single today. In sum, more Yankees are beginning to hit than in the first few games--not good news for opponents.
Tomorrow night's game is big, for a win would not only split the series against an improved and confident Rays team, but would push the Yankees back above .500. Given the slow starts the club has had in recent years, and how last year's poor start helped cost them the division, a win tomorrow has significant value. Tomorrow night is also an HDLR game, so feel free to drop by and have fun during the game. Excellent pitching to halt the short losing streak. I can easily get used to the pitching recipe the Yankees have developed.
To recap, thus far the Yankees have struggled to score runs, only getting two today on a two-run blast to right from Matsui--who has had a very good start, batting .350. Yet they have three wins thus far, all in close games--two one-run wins and today's two-run win--and all coming with strong starting pitching, Joba playing Mariano the 1996 middle relief monster, and Mariano closing it down. That's a potent combination that other teams will struggle against, and Girardi knows it. Joba and Mariano have been dominant and, just as importantly, very efficient. In part helped by the seventh-inning DP, Joba only threw 16 pitches, while Mariano only required 12 to end the game. I very much like Girardi's aggressiveness and confidence in the bullpen tandem, and fans should certainly expect to see more of this successful, dominant formula in tight games. That the Yankees could give Bruney and Ohlendorf a blow today is not to be overlooked, for they've pitched well and, given Hawkins and Nuke's struggles, the two youngsters might see more action in crucial situations.
Wang's strong start to the season is another big plus--two very good starts, one win, an ERA of 1.38, and a WHIP of 1.08. Wang's sinker has been strong, but expanding his repertoire has as much to do with his success as anything. He's returned to throwing a slider more often, and today it was his strikeout pitch. He has also incorporated a change-up that he's used early in counts and the game. Wang is becoming a well-rounded pitcher--bad news for opponents. Also, he's young and only in his fourth year. That's easy to overlook with the much younger Joba, Hughes, and Kennedy on the staff. Wang is a veteran of sorts, but certainly young enough to stick around for some time to come, and to still require patience as he makes adjustments. I'm relieved that he's started strong this season, and impressed with his dominance today.
The Yankees struggled offensively, but again less to get runners on base than to score them. They left 8 on today, 4 in scoring position. Most notably and problematically, the Yankees again left the bases loaded today, when Matsui struck out looking to end the fifth. However, this will no doubt change, for the Yankees will plate runners soon enough. It only stands to reason. That offense will not continue to score only 2-3 runs a game. Key to today's win was the 4-5-6 slot production of A-Rod, Matsui and Cano, going 6-11 collectively with both runs and RBIs. It is worth adding that in the few games he's played, Melky has started well, hitting .364 with his single today. While Damon and Jeter are still getting slowly out of the gate, each had a single today. In sum, more Yankees are beginning to hit than in the first few games--not good news for opponents.
Tomorrow night's game is big, for a win would not only split the series against an improved and confident Rays team, but would push the Yankees back above .500. Given the slow starts the club has had in recent years, and how last year's poor start helped cost them the division, a win tomorrow has significant value. Tomorrow night is also an HDLR game, so feel free to drop by and have fun during the game. Excellent pitching to halt the short losing streak. I can easily get used to the pitching recipe the Yankees have developed.
I too love the way the Yankess have been winning these close games lately , by pitching and defending good . That is the sign of a true warrior team . Like you already pointed out , Nuke and LaTroya Poppins have been struggling , and will continue to do so the whole year .Look for them to be moping up games or getting traded . The same fate should befall to Giambi and Damon . They are defensive liabilities ( when we are stupid enough to let them put on the leather gloves ) , and I just don't think they fit into Girardi's philosophy . They are old, lusterless , dull stars that may cost us games more than once because Girardi will have this team in a position to win alot of 1 run games and their defensive limitations could be the difference too many a time , especially come October . And , if you think deeply about it , having Giambi and Damon on our team is really having two left handed DH's . At least one we have to make a deal for . Get a solid guy at first , maybe a starter (Mussina is three horrible starts away from beig benched or traded ). Also , Ian Kennedy could be some trade bait . Like I said , this team will be winning alot of those 4-2 , 2-1 games from now on , that is why we must really make strive to make our team a defensive lockdown . I know we will be able to be a good offensive club , but this team will make a name for itself by winning close , clutch games , who knows . All I know is I absolutelt LOVE a good defensive and pitching team , alot more than I like an offensive juggernaut ( e.g. Championshipless editions since 2000) .
Wouldn't you agree with me , Jason ?
Will forever say ,
first thing in the morning :
Go Yankees !!!
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i only got to see the end of this one too J, great to see wang coming out like gangbusters. at the least the team is hitting somewhat; just not when it really counts.
i must disagree with sentinel. johnny damon plays an excellent left field and don't start in with the weak arm. he can get to almost any ball out there to make the catch which is the most important job of the outfielder. and to be quite frank, giambi has made some excellent plays at first. neither one is going to be traded and neither is moose...sorry but it just isn't realistic.
i see you want to trade ian kennedy as well. what would you like to get in return for him?
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Wang really pitched a great game. Almost a similar style as that game against the Mets. He was doing a good job of pitching inside, and his slider was great. I guess all my worrying about his confidence was for not. JD and Jeter really have to start getting on base, and I am sure, at least Jeter will find his groove soon. The combo of Joba and Mo, well," nuff said."
I have to say, the Jays are looking mighty fine. I know that Boston have had a long trip, but the Jays bats are hot right now. In my opinion they have one of the best pitching staffs, that can shut down alot of teams. If they stay healthy, as opposed to last season when they were plagued with injuries, they will be contenders. It seems that everyone thinks that Boston is the team that the Yankees have to worry about, but the last couple of seasons the Jays have been knocking on the door. We just can't let them in.
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I like the pitching and defense approach also, but my fear is that it's eventually going to break down and if the offense doesn't kick in wuith some runs we'll start to lose the close ones. The abts need waking up. Soembody get Pedro Cerrano on the horn and ask him if Jobu is available.
Wang definitely solidifed himself as the ace (and stopper) of the team. It was great to see him be effective with more than just the sinker. Who would've thought that 3 years ago we'd be saying that?
J-boogie
http://boogiedownbaseball.blogspot.com
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Of course I realize this isn't a hockey blog, but my beloved Canadiens took #1 in the Eastern Conference. Go Habs! Also , when I put 'Nuff Said in quotation marks, it's because I feel like it's my daughter's own words. Wanted to clear that up for those of you who may think I am not a grownup.(Kidding).
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PS how BOUT those tigers?! ( and red sox)
HA!
congrats on your team dianna
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Great and lively comments, and I'll try to address them in the order in which they came. Sentinel, I'm less willing to write off Hawkins than Nuke LaFarnsworth at this point primarily because Hawkins was very effective last year and this Spring, but his sinker hasn't been working. Nuke inspires no faith in me. On Damon, I agree with Mike that he's been an asset in left which, in Yankee Stadium really does almost require a center fielder's speed and judgment. I believe, or am still hopeful, that he'll have a good year. He's just has a bad start, as has Giambi. But credit where due, Giambi had a tough second game of the year but has otherwise been pretty good, sparing Jeter a couple errors and making some diving stops. Giambi's best skill at first is his ability to scoop the ball, but he lacks range and an accurate throwing arm. But the Yankees seem willing to stick with these guys, probably with the (rightful) notion that they'll hit soon enough. I wouldn't trade Kennedy. The kid knows how to pitch. Though he got roughed up in his one start this year, I doubt he'll have another start in which he throws fewer than half his pitches for strikes, as he did a few days ago. This team will be fine as long as it's healthy.
I don't blame you for concerns about wang, Dianna. We shared them about his stuff. His expanding repertoire was a great move, keeping the Rays really off balance yesterday. I agree about the Jays. they play with confidence, and have the arms to compete. Certain pitchers like Marcum and Litsch need to keep the ball down or get pounded, but when they do they're quite effective. Burnett's health will go a long way to determining the fortunes of the Jays, as will the return of Ryan. He'll make that a really tough bullpen.
I agree about the offense, J-Boogie. It needs to pick it up soon. I'm confident it will. The team is just too loaded for it not to happen. It is a good sign that the Yankees have pitched as well as they have, both the starters and most of the bullpen. Personally, I'm impressed with most of the bullpen this year, and the fact that the Yanks seem to have some options in the minors. Albaladejo has real potential and, were it not for the Hawkins-Nuke flameout, might have spared Kennedy the L with some more runs.
Dianna, the Habs are really rolling. They impress me, and Quebec and others (such as yourself) must be very excited about their chances for the first time in a while.
Mike, the Tigers' 0-for-2008 start and Boston's slow start make the Yankees' offensive woes much easier to take. It could really be worse and, on a positive note, should the Yankees continue to get good pitching, look out. The Yankees WILL score without question. It's just a matter of time before they score 30 in a three-game series, or average six per game for a month straight. They're due, and they've faced very good pitching thus far.
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Thanks Mike, and yes Jason, I am VERY excited. I can't wait for the first puck to drop. Haven't won the Cup since 1993. I guess being both a Yankees', and Canadiens' fan, one can become a little spoiled.
Moose on the mound tonight. I have a feeling the bats are going to wake up a bit. Now would be the time, as the schedule looks to be very grooling.
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