Tiger Woods charges to lead in US Open

Happy Father's Day to me!

It's a major sports watching day.

Mets game starts at 1:00, Yankees start at 2:00, and Tiger Woods seeks his 14th major at 3:00 at Torrey Pines in California.

I watched Tiger play the back 9 and come charging back, not just to get in contention, but to take the lead. And everyone knows Tiger is nearly unbeatable when he is in the lead going into the final day.

His knee is in bad shape. He grimaced with nearly every hard shot. But again, those back 9. It was described as a lifetime highlight reel for most golfers.
An eagle on the 13th, and another on the 18th put him in the lead. For good measure, he made a miraculous birdie on the 17th. That chip shot in the 17th was so phenomenal. I watched Tiger's face, because he thought he screwed it up, but the ball one-hopped right into the cup. It appeared to hit the stick. Words just can't describe it.



Meanwhile, the Yankees have been playing well. They are finally 3 games over .500, and looking good. Mussina, who was all but written off in spring training is tied for the league lead in victories with 10. This is his 17th straight year with double digit wins. He will most likely make the All-Star team. Don't forget to vote for position players in the online poll, BTW.

Go Yankees

I Was Ready to Give Up

Baseball nicknames have pretty much been lame for the last few years. Sure the Yankees have Joba and A-Rod (A-Rod isn't really that good, it's just short for Alex Rodriguez) and, of course, Moose, short for Mussina.

Look back to the 50's and 60's when the lineup included Moose (had nothing to do with his last name) Yogi (where did that come from?) Scooter, Joltin' Joe, Old Reliable, Whitey, and The Mick. They were managed by Casey. Even the 70's had Goose, Sparky, and Catfish.

What happened?

Sure, today, there are still some good nicknames. The Twins starting pitcher is Boof Bonser. What a great baseball name. You have your Big Papi, and a few Coco's, but not a whole lot of great names.

But compare that to some of the names from the past. Names so well-known, that most fans couldn't give the players real name.
Try these on for size
Satchel Paige
Babe Ruth
Vinegar Bend Mizell
Honus Wagner
Boog Powell
Oil Can Boyd
Casey Stengel

How many can you give the real first name without using Google?

Go Yankees

Yankees Make it 4 straight

Mike Mussina pitched well enough to notch his 7th victory yesterday as he hung on for 5 innings while giving up 4 runs. It wasn't exactly a quality start, but it was good enough as the Yankees continued their assault on Mariners pitching with a 16 hit, 12 run blowout. The final score was 12-6, but it wasn't even that close. The bullpen did well, allowing only 2 runs in 4 innings of work (Farnsworh gave up a 2-run HR in the 8th.) Joba Chamberlain continued his program to get in shape for the starting rotation by tossing 40 pitches in his 2 shoutout innings.

Giambi continued his hot hitting by belting a big HR in addition to a double and a single as he has raised his average 50 points or so since A-Rods return. Cano also had a multi-hit game, going 4-4 including 3 doubles.

The only starter without a hit, for the second game in a row, was Jeter. His average has dipped into the .280's. Even Molina got a hit, so it looks like it's time for the Captain to man up and put on the thong.

The only thing that bothered me about all this is the pitching coach for the Mariners was one of my favorite Yankees when I was a kid. Mel Stottlemyre was a really good pitcher with some of the worst Yankee teams of all-time. During the mid-late 60's, he won 20 games 3 times, and his ERA was around a half-run per game under the league average. I hate to see him look bad. I hope after the Yankees drub the Mariners today, the M pitchers toss a few shutouts to make Mel happy.

Today, Wang is on the hill, going for his 7th win (1:05 on TBS and YES.)





The Giambino is on a hot streak

Go Yankees

Yankees unload on Seattle to win 3rd straight

I predicted yesterday that it was going to be a low scoring game, and Pettitte did his part, holding the Mariners to just 2 runs in 6 innings while striking out a season high 9 batters. The bullpen continued to do a fine job, shutting out the Ms the rest of the way.

The explosive Yankees offense did just that, putting up a baker's dozen 13 runs
based on 13 hits, including a couple doubles, and my personal favorite weapon--the 3- run homer. Shelley Duncan provided all the offense Pettitte and the Yankees would need with his big fly in the second. The team put the game away in the 5th with 8 runs to chase Bedard.

This is my type of game. While I enjoy a tight 2-1 game as much as any purist, my favorite game is as described by the late Jacob Ruppert; the Yankees score 10 runs in the first and then slowly pull away.

Every starter reached base, and every one except Jeter reached via a base knock.

And the good Yankee news keeps on coming. Giambi, of the traveling gold lame thong, continues his hot hitting with a single, double and a pair of walks to raise his average to .217. Cano continues his rise to respectability with another pair of hits and 3 RBI. Just a few days ago, half the team was below the Mendoza Line, but as of today, they are starting to show the signs that they are one of the powerhouses in the AL.

Mussina starts today at 1:05 on YES. Moose will be going for his team high 7th win.

In other news, Posada is due back in 3 weeks or so. And Bobby Murcer's autobiography, Yankee for Life, is out. Old time fans remember the day he was traded for Barry Bonds with sadness. He came back after a few years, and has been a member of the family ever since.



Go Yankees

A-Rod is back

A-Rod rejoins the Yankees today against Baltimore, and not a moment too soon.
When Moose takes the mound at 7:05 tonight (on YES) at the Cathedral, he'll be able to see Alex at 3rd, rather than whoever is wearing Giambi's gold lame thong.

A-Rod just makes the entire lineup better. Look for them to start putting up some runs. I'm looking for the whole team to be up, and knowing Jorge Posada is on the way only makes the future brighter.

I have my A-Rod jersey on, sitting here at 9:30 a.m. and I can't wait for the first pitch. Rain is a possibility, but I'm pretty sure they'll get the game in.

Just because I was thinking about vacations on my other blog, (Joy of Toast) I thought I'd do a tie in. At Yesterday's Heroes Ballpark Cafe in Cape May, NJ, my favorite piece of a former Yankee player's memorabilia is on display. It belonged to Joe Pepitone. Any idea what it is? Check back tomorrow, I'll try to find a picture of this unique, one of a kind, bit of Yankees nostalgia.

Oh and congrats to Lester of the hated Red Sox for pitching a no hitter. He was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma around 2 years ago,and he has come back, not just to play, but to excel.

Stupid Red Sox.

Alex gives a final test for his quad. He's feeling good.


Go Yankees

So, what's going on with the Yankees?

Yesterday was rained out, so Rasner will miss his start as Pettitte takes the hill today against the rival Mets (1:05 on YES.) Amongst the fans this rivalry nearly equals that of Yankees-Red Sox. Pettitte was given the nod because he has always been a big game pitcher.

As much as I respect Andy, I think Giradi is making a mistake. He already pushed Rasner back to start the Mets series, and now he's pushing him back again. It's not just an issue of fairness, it's an issue of long term effect for the Yankees. While Pettitte, Wang, and Mussina have been doing well, the Yankees need 2 more dependable starters, and Rasner has done well in his 2 starts. I know the long term plans are for him to be a long reliever/spot starter but the rest of the staff is breaking down. He has earned the respect of a regular spot in the rotation. I don't know if he'll be there when Hughes comes back, but until he loses the job, it should be his.

At the quarter season mark, how does this team look? It's hard to give an accurate assesment. They are in last, but only 5 games off the pace. At only two (2) games under .500, they are not terrible. They have been wracked by injuries to key players. It's hard to score when 2 of the biggest bats are out, especially when their replacements are awful. The team struggles continue as half of the team is at or below .200.

But fans always look for the bright side, the light at the end of the tunnel. I've found the light. A-Rod is due back Tuesday, and Posada is starting to throw, so he is not far behind. Getting those big bats back in the lineup makes everyone better. Cano is showing some signs of life at the plate. The big 3 pitchers have delivered thus far. The pen has been strong, and Girardi seems to be using them well. Farnsworth is pitching like he should, and Joba and Mo are nearly lights out every time, while Hawkins and the rest are getting the job done consistently.

Lastly, quite a few teams in other divisions are having problems, so the all important wild card slot may be wide open.

I have hope they will get through this once the team is back at full strength, the Yankees will be back and challenge for the AL East title.

Go Yankees

Yankees Win, finally (Caution Red Sox Photo included)

It wasn't pretty, but I'll take it. 2-1 against the division leading (I'll never get used to saying that) Rays wasn't exactly a huge victory, but it's a start. Mussina was great as he picked up his 6th win as he pitched 6.1 innings of one run ball. The bullpen then nailed the door shut. Joba struck out 3 in his one inning of work, and Mo picked up his 11th save.

The offense, as has become their habit lately, was awful.
5 singles (4 by Cano who finally got his average over .200) along with a couple doubles (Matsui, Abreu) really is sad.

Tonight, Ian Kennedy takes the ball against Kazmir at 4:10 at Trop Field. Only good thing I can find about this is at least the game will be over early.

Looking around the league, Manny (the only Red Sox player, ever that I don't hate--yeah, sure, Sean Casey I like, but he's only a Sox temporarily. Plus he's a Jersey guy) Ramirez made a play for the ages last night. It is protected by MLB copyright, so I can't put it here, but I'm sure it is available at MLB.com or the RedSox.com. It can still be found on some video (Google Manny Ramirez catch) but it's being removed almost as quickly as it is posted.

It has been on ESPN all morning. Basically, Manny made a running catch, and to stop, he had to take a step up the wall at Camden Yards. He then high 5'd a fan, came down, and doubled the runner off first.

Here's an AP still as he hi-5's the fan.



Go Yankees

Pettitte to start tonight

Due to the rainout, Pettitte will start tonight against the hard hitting Rays at Tropicana Field.

In other news, Jeter was scheduled to bat clean up if the game would have been played against the Tigers. It would have been only the second time in his career that the Captain hit in that spot. The rainout may have changed the rotation. Girardi hasn't decided yet whether he wants Rasner to face the Mets on Friday, or go with Igawa as originally planned. The rotation against the Rays will be Pettitte, Wang, Moose, and Rasner, unless Girardi holds him back. Otherwise it will be Igawa against the Rays. Whatever game Igawa pitches, I hope the infielders wear Kevlar. They have had enough injuries this year.

And on the injury front, A-Rod is due back this week, while Posada is scheduled to work out with the team. Giradi expects Jorge back in the lineup on June 1st. Karstens has made some rehab appearances and may be back with the big club in a few weeks. That's the good news.

Now for he rest of the injury report.

Albaladejo will not require surgery, but he will need more than two weeks of rehabilitation at the club's Spring Training facility in Tampa, Fla. Betemit is on the DL along with Bruney and Hughes. This is not the team Girardi brought north with him. So many early injuries. : (

Go Yankees

Yankees follow blueprint and win

Yesterday everything went according to plan, which means the Yankees blasted home runs, and the starting pitcher gave them almost 6 innings (actual blueprint for success calls for 7 strong innings, but at this point, take what we can get.)
Moose did ok, then Ohlendorf held the lead until turning it over to Joba and Mo. Mo continues to be "lights out" as he has not allowed a run yet in his 9 saves.

It would be nice to say the offense really came through by scoring 6 runs, but I am a little disappointed. Giambi, Cano, Damon, and Betemit all homered, while Cano chipped in with a double, too. With that kind of power explosion, the team should have pushed across anywhere from 8 to 12 runs or more.

Today, the Yankees go into Comerica Park and try to get even for getting swept last week by these same Tigers.

Igawa gets his first start of the season against Kenny Rogers. I'm looking for a lot of Yankee runs, and, unfortunately, probably a lot of Yankee relievers.

Matsui quietly continues having a good year. His average is up to .345, and once the offense gets going, I'm sure his RBI total will start to rise. Right now, he is on a pace for a respectable total, but below his usual 100+.




Go Yankees

Yankees make it 2 in a row

Yesterday's win was a big one. It finally got the team back to .500. And, they started to hit as they combined for 13 base knocks, 9 of which were singles. Moose pitched well, picking up his third win by pitching 6 innings of one run ball. I hate to complain following a nice win (6-1) but this is Seattle, not one of the strongest teams around. Damon had 2 doubles and a HR, the rest of the team just some singles. Seattle played sloppy, and I would have liked to see the Yankees do a little more. 20LOB is sad.

Today Rasner (0-0) starts against Silva (3-0) at the Cathedral of Baseball.

1:05 0n YES.

Go Yankees