WHY IF THE ALDS ROSTER WAS A TEST...

I'd get 2 wrong. So I’m not a total screw up, am I? The Yankees ALDS roster was revealed earlier today and if you read WHY I KNOW THE YANKEES 2011 ALDS ROSTER, you know that I chose a few players that others disagreed with. That’s why this is a blog, so I can give my opinion and you can give yours.Chris Dickerson was a name I mentioned for bench help. He has an OK bat but more importantly, he has wheels and can play the outfield. To me, he was a perfect choice for the ALDS bench. I was right. He’s joining the Yankees on this trip.

You’re Welcome.

Look, let’s be honest, I had a tough time thinking about having Dickerson or Andruw Jones on my roster. In the end, Jones didn’t make the cut. The reason was because I wanted an extra lefty pitcher and I picked Raul Valdes. Because of that, I lost a bench spot. Now, it turns out the Yankees are sticking with 1 lefty, Boone Logan in the pen for this Series. In turn, they picked Andruw Jones to join the rest of the bench. Good choice.

I also made a bold statement and went against the grain on 1 more pick. Because I believed Hector Noesi earned a spot on the ALDS roster, I picked him over an often injured and non-battle tested Phil Hughes. To me, it was obvious. Noesi was pitching all season and really handled himself. Hughes, on the other hand was hammered with injury and didn’t really do anything this season. I was clearly overruled. The Yankees picked Hughes over Noesi. I’m fine with that, I just thought my reasoning made sense.

Every other roster spot was correct. It just made me smile, that’s all. Am I still just a blogger who gets it wrong more than I get it right? Yes, I don’t take myself too seriously, I just thought it was cool. That’s it.

Whatever the roster, one things for sure, it’s ALDS time… Sabathia vs. Verlander. LET’S GO YANKEES!

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WHY THE YANKEES BENCH WILL BE KEY

There is no doubt that the Yankees have players that have contributed in every way this season and the bench is pretty decent. But not all of them can come to the ALDS. Let's check out some of the names this year that have contributed.

Andruw Jones did what we needed him to do hitting lefties and hitting home runs this year. It’s clear that Andruw Jones has slowed down, but I was happy he was there. Here are his numbers this year:

This season he's 46 for 186. He has 12 home runs and 32 RBIs. His average is .247.

In my ALDS scenario, Andrew Jones will not be joining us. Although looking at the way guys like Chris Dickerson and Greg Golson contributed to last night's loss to the Rays...Golson getting picked off third with a chance to win the game, Jones may now make my list. You know what I mean? The other factor that comes in consideration is whether or not Jesus Montero is OK. Last night he was lifted from the game and there were concerns about his availability in the ALDS. We will have to see. If Montero is healthy, clearly I would platoon with Jorge Posada in the DH role. Again, maybe Jones gets to be there too.

I like speed as you know and that’s where Eduardo Nunez and Chris Dickerson would have come into play in my scenario. Although, Dickerson didn't impress me last night.

No doubt Eduardo Nunez has a terrific bat and great speed to do damage on the base paths. I would never suggest putting Nunez in as a late inning defensive replacement, because, let’s face it, he’s not good defensively. Last night he made his 20th error of the year. How embarrassing. But in a tie game in the 9^th inning at home, I’m pinch-running him no doubt.

Eric Chavez is a must have and apparently he's probably a starter now that word is out that Alex Rodriguez has a cranky knee. Read about that HERE. The reason I like Chavez... he gets on base. He seems to be clutch at the right time, plus, as I've stated, he plays third base and first base, if things get desperate. I’ve always liked Chavez, I just hope Mr. Fragile can hold it together.

Jorge Posada is our Designated Hitter, but in the event he doesn’t get the call for the DH against lefties, he is clearly a late inning pinch hitter, he can substitute at first if needed, as we saw last night and if the world came crumbling around Yankeeland, we could slot him in at catcher. We have options.

Options are good Ladies and Gentlemen and our bench looks good. If things click, we have incredible shot to win the ALDS, whomever it will be. After all, we’re the God damn New York Yankees, right? We can do this, I have faith.

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WHY THIS YANKEES LOSS STINGS

Leave it to the Yankees and Red Sox to go extra innings in the last game of the year between the 2 clubs. No one ever said it would be easy and while the Red Sox are dear death, they clearly aren't dead yet. Long game.(Photo: Getty)
Mark Teixeira had a beautiful 2 run double in the first inning for the Yankees, it appeared we were on our way. Chris Dickerson had a sac RBI in the game.

Ivan Nova pitched OK. In 6 innings, he gave up 4 runs on 8 hits. He's been better, but I ain't made at him. After Nova, the Yankees used 7 pitchers and held down the Sox until Scott Proctor blew it but, more on that in a moment.

(Photo: Getty)
In the 6th inning, an amazing play by Austin Romine tagging Dustin Pedroia trying to get home. The picture above clearly captures the out. But look, this is athletic on both ends and for Romine, a rookie to be thrown into that and succeeding is something special. They always said Romine's defense was great, here's a great example of that.

In the extra innings, there was a horrendous call at first. Dustin Pedroia sliding into first and a running quick throw from Ramiro Pena at third to Nick Swisher at first base. Pedroia was clearly out with the naked eye, but when I saw the play in YES-mo, I became a crazy person. Joe Girardi was right to fight that battle and he getting thrown out, was better than risking Nick arguing the call and getting tossed. It also was a tactic to energize the Yankees who weren't hitting in the later innings, but it didn't work.

Scott Proctor, who's really not too great, allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to give one a ride in the 14th inning, a 3 run shot to make it 7-4. Not too good. The Yankees really wanted this game, and it was a mistake by Proctor and perhaps, may I suggest, a mistake by Tony Pena to put him in. Look, I like Scott Proctor, but the numbers don't look too good. Clearly there's a reason why he let up that home run to Ellsbury. Why wouldn't we use Luis Ayala? He was available. Well, what can you do.

One final thought. Anyone hear Baba O'Riley by the Who being played when Brett Gardner came out? My take on this is simple, that's Paul O'Neill song. It's sacred and it shouldn't be played for any other player ever. Just saying, I loved the Warrior and everytime I hear that song, I think of Paul O'Neill.

Final Score of Game 2: Red Sox 7 - Yankees 4

Don't look now, the Red Sox aren't dead yet.

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WHY THE YANKEES DE-THRONED KING FELIX

The Yankees needed this win, no doubt. They lost 2 of 3 in Anaheim to the Angels and they wanted to get off on the right foot against the Mariners in Seattle. But going into the game it looked like a tough task. King Felix Hernandez was going for the Mariners against Phil Hughes. So it was their ace against our number five guy. But, as John Sterling says; "You just can't predict baseball". He's right, as the Yankees were able to knock Felix around for the tune of six runs in six innings during the win.The Yankees were able to use a little small ball in the third inning to get their first run off Hernandez. A couple of singles by Brett Gardner and Chris Dickerson put runners at the corners and the Captain, Derek Jeter, drove in Gardner on a grounder after Dickerson stole second. The offense then exploded in the 5th as Mark Teixeira hit a solo shot--his 37th of the season--Chris Dickerson hit a mammoth two run homer, while Eric Chavez and Brett Gardner each had RBI hits. Also, catcher Austin Romine went 1 for 4 and picked up his first career big league hit. Good job Austin, hopefully that's just the first of many.
Phil Hughes was pretty good in this one. He went six innings, allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three. It's now back to back good starts following his two sub-par outings against Oakland and Boston. Scott Proctor and Luis Ayala pitched the final three frames when the game was 9-1. Too bad they didn't have Andrew Brackman or Dellin Betances pitch in this one.

Final Score: Yankees 9 - Mariners 3

It's always good to win the first game of a three game series. The Yankees now have their biggest lead in the AL East this season, and it's at four games ahead of the free falling Boston Red Sox. The Yanks send out A.J Burnett (9-11, 5.27 ERA) to square off against Charlie Furbush (3-8, 4.84 ERA) tomorrow evening.




--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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THE YANKEES GANG OF 6

I wanted to just break down the September call-ups for you. These guys have a great opportunity here and will help energize and already hot Yankees team:



Raul Valdes: Finally, my wish has come true. Another lefty in the pen to help out Boone Logan on consecutive days. Many don't see the reason for this because the bullpen is so hot, but to me, it makes sense, sometimes you need to play the odds with lefty hitters and lefty pitchers and Valdes could prove helpful. In 7 appearances last year for the Cardinals he had a 3.38 ERA.Scott Proctor: He's back and older and wiser, we hope. In the four years with the Yankees, Proctor had a 4.29 ERA in 190 appearances. To me, Scott Proctor was the early 2000's David Robertson, before we knew how great David Robertson could be. While in Scranton this year, after 7 innings, he posted a 2.57 ERA. Welcome Back Scott Proctor.



Lance Pendleton: I like this kid and I'm glad he's back. In 14 innings pitched this season in Scranton, Pendleton has a 3.21 ERA with 8 strikeouts.Chris Dickerson: He provides the speed and has a decent bat and good defense. He's a perfect late inning bench guy and I love the kids energy.



Brandon Laird: He had a shot earlier this year and did well getting his first hit and first RBI in the Bronx. What a way to start. Another guy that can be a good addition to the bench, plus he can play 3rd base and outfield. Utility is good.Jesus Montero: What can I say that hasn't already been said. The rising of Jesus is all over Yankeeland and we are happy to have him. Slow start in his major league debut although he did get a big run off of Russell Martin's triple against the Sox the other night. I believe that his presence will be an asset to the Yankee team. Youth can bring energy and the hype surrounding this kid is incredible.



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WHY THE YANKEES SMASHED THE O's...AND I LIKE IT

Saturday was a great day for the Yankees all around. They played a day-night doubleheader against the last place Baltimore Orioles. Going into the day, I knew for sure the Yankees would sweep this double dip especially after losing the first game on Friday, and sure enough I was right. Not only did the Yankees sweep the doubleheader, but they destroyed the Orioles and more importantly, Buck Showalter. Let's get right to the action.

In game one Bartolo Colon got the start. He was good, not great, but he picked up the win. He went five innings, allowed two O's to score, and he punched out six.
Big Bart did get plenty of support in this one. But it was from the bottom of the order. Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez, Jorge Posada, Chris Dickerson, and Francisco Cervelli combined to go 10 for 19 with six of the eight runs driven in. The top of the order--Brett Gardner, Eduardo Nunez, Mark Teixeira, and Robinson Cano--combined to go 1 for 17 with two Brett Gardner RBI. I guess it doesn't matter who drives in the runs, just as long as the runs get driven in.

In game two of this series, the Yankees went on an historic offensive barrage in the first inning. The Yanks got out to a quick 12-0 lead after the first inning. That is the most runs in the first inning ever by the Yankees. If you watched this one, you saw something that has never happened in the history of the Yankees. Amazing.
Anyway, since there was a ton of scoring--17 runs to be exact--there had to be key contributors. In fact, everyone contributed. All nine starters got at least one hit and scored at least one run. Robinson Cano got a career high five of the Yanks 24 hits, and a game high five RBI. Nick Swisher clubbed his 14th homer of the season in the 12 run first, while Andruw Jones hit a mammoth shot in the third.Ivan Nova got the start in this one, and with scouts in the ballpark, he impressed. The young right hander got his 12 run lead and ran away with it. He went seven strong, allowing two runs, and he struck out six. Remember, Phil Hughes had a 12 run lead against Oakland and he couldn't get out of the fifth.

Also a quick note in game two of the doubleheader; Rafael Soriano made his first appearance since May 13th against the Red Sox. He pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning, and he struck out two batters. It was his first 1-2-3 outing since Opening Day. Nice to see, all be it in a 14 run game.

Final Score:
Game 1: Yankees 8 - Orioles 3
Game 2: Yankees 17 - Orioles 3

I could sense that doubleheader sweep, and I sense another Yankees win today. Freddy Garcia (9-7, 3.23 ERA) will continue to try to defy the odds as he matches up against Jake Arrieta (10-7, 5.12 ERA).



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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WHY TIME IS TICKING FOR JORGE

The DH job was Jorge Posada’s if he wanted it. I remember when it went down. It was the winter and we all had a whiff that Posada’s days as the Yankees catcher were over. Russell Martin was signed and the rise of Jesus was coming. There was no other place for Jorge Posada but the Designated Hitter role and when Laura Posada tweeted it, it was all but confirmed.

Now, on June 2^nd, everyone is questioning if even that role is where Jorge should be. Joe Girardi tries to fool the media all day long. The latest is his quote about Jorge hitting against lefties where he said the following:

“ It’s not that I’m going to completely take Jorgie away from every at bat against left handers. I can’t say that I won’t, but I can’t say I necessarily will.”

Translation.

“Out of respect for Jorge, I’m not giving you an answer, but there’s no way in hell I’m putting him in.”

Let’s face it, Jorge Posada has not faced a lefty since May 7^th when the Yankees faced Texas and Derek Holland. I’d say Joe Girardi knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s not going to put Posada in against lefties…that’s it.

I disagree with this Joe and I’ll tell you why. I say you need to put Jorge in against lefties and the reason is simple…closure. Look, Jorge Posada is on the decline, no question, but like I’ve written so often, confidence is key in baseball and wouldn’t you rather work out all the kinks and scenerios with Jorge now and know what you have exhausted them all by the All-Star break? I say bat Jorge against lefties and righties, keep him in there for 5 or 10 games, get him into a rhytmn and then look at that small batch sample and make a determination after that. You can’t keep putting him in and then pulling him out and kill the dude’s rhythm. That goes back to those dark days of Posada-gate. The poor guy was fed up. I was fed up. We were seeing this champion dying in front of our eyes, and it was not right.

Look, my scenario will work, for many reasons, you give Posada a final full shot at DH before you make changes and in the meantime you can rest your outfielders, throwing Andruw Jones and Chris Dickerson in on occasion to give Swish, Grandy and Gardy a breather. This way Jones still gets at bats and keeps moving and Dickerson can dazzle them in the outfield.

And yes, there will be days that Alex and Derek will need a day off from the field and you want to put them in the DH spot, but I say run this test first, see what happens and if we’re going to give Alex a day off we just give him a full day off, not a DH day. You know what I mean?

Look, there’s no question, Jorgie’s in a bad place but only Jorgie can get out of it and if you don’t play him, we will watch this leader shrivel up. To me, it’s disrespectful, it’s unfortunate and it’s unfair. Girardi needs to stop analyzing the binder and start going with his gut. To me, sometimes managing that way gets positive results and keeps morale high in the clubhouse. High morale brings happiness and eventually hits and great plays. I believe that. Stop being a robot Joe, start thinking about what these guys mean to the Yankees, before it’s too late.

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