SABATHIA: THE MAKING OF A MONSTER

CC Sabathia was never this good, but with the Yankees, he as seasoned as some of the greats, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax. That’s right, I put the guy in that category because who else can either be so incredibly dominant on his best day, on on his worst day, grind out and reinvent himself to scratch out a win, or at least go down trying. Gamer? I’d say so.

Not sure if you know why I refer to CC as CC Monster but my explanation is simple. To me, the guy is a monster. He stands on that pound in that big frame, larger than life and just chucks it in as if to say “Just try and hit it.” You’d want your entire rotation to be that confident. Message to AJ, this is your teammate, ask questions and learn how to get some balls out there. So, yeah, CC is a monster but there’s another reason. My 2 little guys watch Sesame Street religiously. Cookie Monster is one of their favorites, so between the 2, one of my older sons starting toying with the idea of putting CC and Cookie Monster together… a mashup if you will and I started to like it. I have a 9 year old brain, what do you want from me? I’m running with it and maybe it’ll catch on.

When CC came on the scene back with the Indians I never thought he was anything special. A work horse, yes. Someone who could eventually be dominant? Yes, but damn did we get lucky. It seems that CC really came into his own right around his Milwaukee stint and when he came to the Yankees, the guy just was all sorts of awesome.

As a Yankee fan, I look forward to every time CC is out there. Like I’ve said, when he’s not dominant, it’s brilliantly masked with the invention of pitches and grinds better than anyone. He never gives up. I was listening to the radio the other night. Someone asked Johnny Damon out of every pitcher in the American League, if you needed to have 1 guy out there for your team in a Game 7 of the World Series, who would it be. Now remember, this is a former teammate of CC’s on the 2009 Yankees and now on the rivalry Tampa Bay Rays. Johnny Damon paused like he does… then he said “It’s got to be CC.” How the hell don’t you proud at that moment hearing that?

Check out the past 3 seasons with the Yankees:

2009: 19-8, 3.37 ERA, 230 IP, 197 K, 67 BB, WHIP 1.148

2010: 21-7, 3.18 ERA, 237.2 IP, 197 K, 74 BB, WHIP 1.191

2011: 19-8, 3.00 ERA, 237.1 IP, 230 K, 61 BB, WHIP 1.226

CC will not get his 20^th win this season. The plan is to rest him and get him to do a bullpen session or simulated game today and prepare him to start game 1 of the ALDS. Read about it HERE. CC was close to getting 20, but 19-8 is great for the big guy and huge for the Yankees.

One more thing about CC. He was nominated for the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award. This award is given to players who make efforts to improve their communities. CC Sabathia leads the charge with his terrific Foundation called PitCCh in Foundation he runs with his wife. CC is a stand up guy and gives back. Take a moment, vote for CC for the Roberto Clemente Award HERE and check out PitCCh in HERE.

(Shoutout to Topps Cards who let me borrow the image of Roberto Clemente's 1955 card image.)

The playoffs are coming Ladies and Gentlemen and we have one of the best starting pitchers in the AL right now. CC is on a mission once again and with the help of the Yankees, hopefully there will be a strong following by the rest of our starters and we will reach our goal in our Quest for 28. After all, without CC Monster, let’s face it, we’d be just another ball club. That’s a fact.

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WHY BYB YANKEE NOTES ARE AWESOME

Lots of Yankee name dropping and lots of information coming out of Yankeeland, take a look:Mariano Rivera: The New York Times has a story about how Mariano Rivera saying he’d like to play center field at least 1 time before the end of his career. Sure after 600 saves, that’s the logical next step, but let’s be honest, even though I’m curious about how he’d do, why are we talking about this? We in sports are constantly talking about how we hate old guys in the outfield, right? Even when Johnny Damon was here, many thought he just couldn't hack centerfield, and he was younger than Mo and a trained outfielder. When the discussion came about about Derek Jeter eventually moving to the outfield (Read it HERE), sports writers were suggesting how silly it was. Outfield is about youth and speed out there. I will say this though, Mo is one of the most athletic pitchers out there and he’s got some speed in him. I bet if anyone was to do it, Mo could. Read about it HERE.

Francisco Cervelli: If you didn’t know, you know now; Cervelli was put on the 15 day DL because of concussion symptoms. Read about it HERE. The Yankees also have a lot of catchers right now, so what’s the rush, right? Between Russell Martin, Austin Romine, Jesus Montero and maybe Jorge Posada, we got home plate covered. According to Billy Eppler, a Yankee scout, this was done so there is a record of it. I can see it now, they’ll give Cervelli a clean bill of health…and he’ll fist pump.

Pedro Feliciano: With rotator cuff surgery just completed for Feliciano, you can kiss this lefty goodbye. I just read Dan Barbarisi’s piece HERE and it pretty much maps out the fact that Feliciano will never pitch as a New York Yankee. I was fun while it lasted. Actually, no it wasn’t, this was a silly signing because it was suggested he was hurt when he came to the Yankees. Pedro pitched a lot for the Mets and it’s clear, they killed this poor guy's career. Maybe one day he’ll get back out there, but not in New York, that’s for sure.

Ian Kennedy: Anyone notice one of our old babies is “All groweds up” as Vince Vaughn famously said in Swingers. Ian Kennedy is 19-4 with the Arizona Diamondbacks this year. Good for him. I never really cared for Kennedy because I probably bought into all the hype of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes at the time. One things for sure though, Kennedy is surging and he’s the only one having a good season out of the three. It makes you think, that’s all. Read about Kennedy HERE.

When more names and more info is available on anything Yankees, we'll give it to you. Keep it here on Bleeding Yankee Blue.

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WHY HE'S STILL JOHNNY BRAVO

Being a Yankee fan, I was always envious of any team that had Johnny Damon. Before the Red Sox had him, I thought for sure the Yankees were going to snag him. I think it was around the time when he was with the Oakland Athletics. I always loved the way Damon worked, his speed and his grit in the field. It was clear to me he wanted a win more than anyone out there.

When he came to the Yankees, it was beautiful the way it unfolded, taking him away from the evil Red Sox, and the New York sports media rubbed it in the Boston fans faces nicely with terrific headlines, but the reality was, it was quite a few years later and who really knew if Damon would contribute successfully in pinstripes. Well, he did, and I loved him as a New York Yankee and for him to get a championship with us in 2009, it was icing on the cake.

So,2 nights ago when Johnny Damon slid into second base, he stole his 400^th base. 400 isn’t easy. It proves 2 things, he’s old as dirt and has been around for a long time (that’s a bad joke), and he’s still got the speed, a valuable tool in baseball. Stolen bases have always been my thing. I remember growing up in awe of Rickey Henderson and Tim Raines as they dominated back in the 80’s and all I wanted to do in Little League was break the stolen base record and hold up second base like Rickey did. Little did I know that Little League did not compile stolen base stats at the age of 9 back then. It was however fun to compile them in my head. The point is, speed fascinated me because if players like Rickey, or Brett Gardner or Johnny Damon are able to get on base, eventually they could get around to score. I knew that because I did and I learned from the best.

Damon is now on the list of players that have compiled 400 stolen bases and 200 home runs in 1 career. Let's be honest, I didn't know they had such a list but I like that they do. Damon currently has 229 home runs. The list includes players like Joe Morgan, Craig Biggio, Rickey Henderson, Roberto Alomar, Marquis Grissom, Paul Moliter, Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonds. Pretty nice company.

This post is to congratulate a great player and a great Yankee. Congrats Johnny Bravo. Keep going pal, keep going.

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WHY THE RAYS PUT ON A CLINIC AGAINST SABATHIA

(Photo: Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News)

It was a marquee match up on Friday at the Stadium. CC Sabathia for the Yanks and David Price for the Tampa Bay Rays. But only one of those guys stepped up in this one, and it wasn't CC as the big fella gave up a career high five home runs, all of which were solo shots.



It's now back to back starts that CC has not pitched up to his capability. He went eight innings though, so at least he gave the bullpen a breather. He allowed 10 hits, five which left the park, while not allowing a walk and seven strikeouts. The home runs he allowed came from Casey Kotchman, Kelly Shoppach, Johnny Damon, Elliot Johnson, and Evan Longoria. Maybe the six man rotation is messing him up a bit. We'll find out his next time out as the six man rotation will end on Monday.(Photo: Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News)

Meanwhile, Co-Ace David Price was great in this start. He went eight innings, allowed six hits, one run, two walks and four strikeouts. The Yankees as a team are now 0-5 in games in which CC and Price oppose each other.

Obviously with Price dealing the Yankees couldn't muster up much on the scoreboard. They were able to get a two out rally, which was started by a Robinson Cano single, a Nick Swisher walk, and an Andruw Jones double to right center. Robbie scored on the double, but Swish got thrown out on a close play at the plate. Tough luck for Nick.



Final Score: Rays 5 - Yankees 1



The Yanks now fall to 19-20 in series openers. Not good. But, Phil Hughes (2-4, 7.11 ERA) will try to make his case to stay in the rotation as he faces Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.05 ERA) on Saturday.







--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer









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WHY HITTERS RESPECT DAVID ROBERTSON

(Photo: Getty)
George A. King III of the New York Post does it better than anyone out there and he had this nugget the other day I wanted to share and it’s got to make someone like David Robertson feel good. Read his story HERE.

“According to Johnny Damon, American League players have anointed David Robertson the top eighth inning reliever. ‘The players you talk to say he is the best setup man in the game…He has opened some eyes.’”

(Photo: Getty)

That’s mad respect and I’ll tell you why. This is Johnny Damon and while there’s no bad blood between he and the Yankees, it’s unusual that you hear such a thing when 2 teams are playing against each, or were, in a 4 game rivalry game series. Also, you have to take into account that Robertson was put in that role for a reason. Yes, his talent was a factor, but it was also luck. He was literally the next man after the others got hurt. Rafael Soriano went on a shelf and Joba had season ending surgery. We were left with David Robertson, which, by the way, was a good problem because DRob has always needed a role and now he’s proven himself ten-fold.

In 41 games this year, DRob has a 1.17 ERA and a 3-0 record. Now, I worry because the last thing I want to see is Robertson lose his job to Soriano who is literally a week or 2 away from returning. I keep reading August 1^st so, it’s coming.

So, what will happen? Rafael Soriano was supposed to be our setup guy and that’s why he came to New York in the first place. Mariano Rivera was the closer and convinced the Yanks to take a chance on RaSo. When he got here, Mo took RaSo under his wing. It was loosely billed as the guy who takes over the closing role when Mo retires. Well, if he’s not setting up now, will he get the same opportunity to be a future closer in New York in a few years and will he be the 7th inning guy when he returns in a week? If not, why would Soriano want to stick around? You see what I mean? I see Soriano coming back and not being all too pleased. I see a conflict in the clubhouse and I hope to God I’m wrong about this. Can you tell I don't feel like Soriano is team player?

One thing is for sure though, David Robertson is our Golden Boy and the future of the New York Yankees and DRob needs to be in that setup role. He deserves it, he’s proved himself and he’s absolutely lights out. It’s like having 2 closers in 1 game, and you have to love that 1, 2 punch.

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WHY RAYS HAD YANKEES NUMBER

(Photo: Getty)
Wins against division rivals is the most important part of making it to the playoffs. The second most important part of that equation is winning each series. Tonight the Yankees lost to a rival with a chance to win the series tomorrow. It makes tomorrows game much more important now, doesn't it? Yes, it's easy to beat the teams that don't mean anything, but winning when it really matters, like beating the Rays to a pulp, every time is much more important, especially in the second half of the season.(Photo: Getty)
Bartolo Colon was on the mound tonight and he did pretty good, he had a strong performance. I must say, there wasn't the worry I thought I would have. He went 6.1 innings pitched, and 5 hits gave the Rays 3 runs. Colon also had 9 strikeouts. He literally was able to keep the Yankees in the game but Jeremy Hellickson did great job tonight too. Oh well, it sucks, but it's true.
(Photo: Getty)
Robinson Cano continues his great season, hitting his 16th home run tonight and was able to get the 2 RBIs of the game tonight, but that was it for New York. No more runs, they were just unable to hit Hellickson.

Now, onto alittle rant. I don't like piling on Boone Logan because I think that in the back of my mind I don't feel it fair to rip on our only lefty specialist, but tonight I have to. Logan allowed a sacrifice fly and go ahead run and the Yankees lost because of it. To me, you can't come in against lefties and allow lefties to hit against you, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR JOB IS TO GET THEM OUT. Yes, Granderson made the catch but at that point, it was do or die for the Rays and it's more about the hit happening in the first place. And, of all people Boone, you had to allow it to Johnny Damon, didn't you? Damn it! You can't let that happen Boone, you just can't. So, tonight I'm praying to the Gods that put Sergio Mitre on the Disabled List today for alittle more action on my behalf:

Dear God who I love so much,

You were able to make Sergio Mitre go the the DL (read HERE), can you please just give Boone Logan alittle abdominal pain, or blister or something so he can join Mitre on the DL? Then we'll be forced to find a lefty immediately in the farm or in a trade and move on. Thank you.

-Casey

P.S. I've been good all year so far...tell Santa

Look, you know how I feel about playing baseball. If you know you have a certain job to do, for example, getting out lefties, or fielding the ball cleanly without making errors, or just hitting in the clutch, damn it, you just have to do it. That's why you get a pay check. I'm annoyed at Logan tonight, and I think it's time to go.

The Final Score tonight: Rays 3 - Yankees 2. Tomorrow's a must win boys, win that and you must win 1 more to win the Series. Garcia vs. Price tomorrow. Do it Yanks!

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WHY IT'S MORE THAN 3000, IT'S DESTINY

(Photo: Getty)

Where were you on July 9, 2011 at 2pm EST? Were you at home watching the Yankee game with friends and family? Maybe were you lucky enough to be at Yankee Stadium? No matter where you were, you got to see something that has never been done by any other Yankee before.



Yankee fans already know how special our Captain, Derek Jeter, is and we will tell anyone who wants to listen. We watched him pass Lou Gehrig as the all-time hits leader with 2722, and on this past Saturday….we watched him go five for five with a home run to left field marking his 3,000th hit.When I think about everything Jeter has accomplished throughout his career, I have my favorite moments just like everyone else does. Although it is hard to choose just one, the “dive into the stands” against the Red Sox on July 1, 2004 ranks near the top.

The Captain selflessly risked his own health to make a play that only he could make. I remember his cheek swelling, the gash on his face, and the way he walked off the field, like it was no big deal and it was just part of a hard day’s work. This game has a permanent reserved space on my DVR, and is always there to remind me of how he is “Captain Clutch.”I also remember Game 4 of the 2001 World Series where the Yankees took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. I can still see the 3-2 pitch leaving Byung-Hyun Kim’s hand in the 10th inning and Derek’s bat depositing it in the seats.

(Photo: NY Daily News)

As I sit here and write about our Captain and his amazing career, I reminisce about everything I saw on Saturday. I appreciated how first baseman of the Rays, Casey Kotchman, tipped his cap as Jeter ran past him and how former teammate Johnny Damon left the dugout to stand on the field and applaud Derek as he took his victory lap. Perhaps the biggest impression that the Rays left on me was when David Price leaving his glove on the mound and went back to the dugout to let Jeter enjoying his time in the spotlight…that was respect. Of course, the celebration at the plate was even better to watch. To see Jorge Posada be the first one to greet him at home plate and hug him brought a smile to my face. (Photo: Getty)

To watch his entire team crowd around him to hug and congratulate him, and to hear Alex Rodriguez on an opened mic say “That’s unbelievable!” gave me chills.



I have so much respect for the game and I analyze everything, and I find myself asking if there is more meaning behind this. Baseball is a game of superstition; ask any baseball player they have their beliefs….and in this case, so do I.(Photo: Getty)

Anyone notice that Derek is only the 28th player to achieve the 3,000 hit mark? Of course, we all know that this year we are back in the hunt for World Series championship #28 as well. I also draw reference to the ball that Jeter hit today, similarly to his hit in the 2001 World Series; it was also on a 3-2 pitch. I can’t help but look at these points and just think that this is more than just a coincidence….this is destiny. Time will only tell because there is still a lot of baseball left to be played….but I will always believe.







--Jeana Bellezza --BYB Writer and Editor







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WHY PRECEDENCE HAS BEEN SET

Jorge Posada’s struggles are no secret. And I don’t want to kick a man when he’s down…. But I’m saying it now: Jorge won’t be back in a playing capacity with this organization next year. How do I know? This is the Yankees and we’ve seen this show before.

Exhibit A: Jorge is currently batting .169 (.209 vs. Righties & a whooping .000 vs. Lefties) It's gotten so bad he’s been benched against Lefties.(Photo: Getty)

Exhibit B: Russell Martin is hitting .236 which is on par with the rest of the AL catchers. It doesn’t hurt that Martin is also handling all of the Yankees starters without much issue. Remember Burnett’s issues with Posada last year?

Exhibit C: When the Yankees make a decision that someone is old and expendable, they don’t hide it. When the organization decides someone is “washed up”, they move them to DH and replace them with a younger model. It’s like buying a car or a new electronic gadget.I know you all are saying, “Lem, this is all your opinion” WRONG! Fact: In 2006, Johnny Damon was signed as the new center fielder displacing longtime fan-favorite Bernie Williams. Williams was in the last year of his contract, and the organization determined Bernie was done. 2006
was Bernie’s last year, where he hit .281, 12 HR, 61 RBI.
(In photo: Ken Griffey Sr.)
Isolated case? WRONG! They’ve been doing this for a long, long time.... In 1983, the Yanks had a decent first baseman. Ken Griffey hit .306 and played decent defense. In 1984, Griffey was moved to the outfield and later to DH, only to be replaced by a fresh-faced kid from the cornfields of Indiana waiting to take Griffey’s job. Don Mattingly went on to win the AL batting title in ‘84 and the AL MVP in ’85, while Griffey bounced around the league for another 6 seasons.

Look, I’m a huge fan of Jorge Posada’s. I’ve met him on 2 different occasions and he couldn’t have been nicer. But lets face it, time isn’t on his side and the precedence has been set. I believe he should be a no-doubt Hall of Famer, and at this point might want to consider bowing out gracefully. I thank Jorge for everything he’s done while he’s here, but this is a younger man’s game.

By the way... Jeter, Rivera, A-Rod take notice…..


-- Lem Allen, BYB Freelance Writer
bybcurmudgeon@gmail.com


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