Sorry about the late post. Curiously enough, I was in Chicago the whole day, getting updates from a friend about the game in New York. Unfortunetly he is a Cubs fan, so he wasn't as excited as I was about all the runs and what it means.
In case you haven't heard, the Yankees won 10-1 against the Chicago Cubs in New Yankee Stadium to bring an end to their two game exhibition series and an end to training all together. This is both good and bad. Ever since the Yankees season has ended last year, prematurely if you ask me, I have been waiting for this next season. I have worn something Yankees everyday, leading some of my friends in Indiana if I, too, was getting paid by the Yankees to promote them. No no, I wear it out of pride, for what it stands for. Anyways...
RECAP:
Soriano hit the only Cubs run in the third inning, a home run over the left field wall.
The Yankees, with 10, scored 1 in the second, Robinson Cano single for Matsui to score, 4 in the third, Jeter home run to score himself, Ransom and Gardner, and Teixeira hit a single home run, 3 in the forth, Teixeira home run to score himself, Ransom, and Damon, and 2 in the eight, Duncan home run and an RBI double by Cabrera.
I wish i could say the Yankees looked great tonight with 11 hits, 10 runs, and 0 errors, but I could not watch the game. In two games, 7 home runs, 4 multiple to score multiple runs, I'd say the Yankees are feeling great, looking great, doing great, and are ready for this season.
At the end of spring training, the Yankees end with a 24-8-1 record, winning 19 of the last 21, finishing 2nd over all. They were only behind the Angels by 1.5 games. With the Yankees outscoring the Cubs 17-5 in the last 2 games they are looking great for the start of the season.
Since it is 12:13, I am very tired. I'll read all the reports about the games tomorrow, watch sportscenter when I get back to Ball State and report on it all and how it looks.
Opening Day is just 2 days away. The Yankees start it all off in Baltimore on Monday at 4. I will be watching it on ESPN, probably watching all the games that day.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
3 Days Before Opening Day: Exhibition game against the Cubs Part 2
The Yankees got off to a slow start tonight against the Chicago Cubs. Just in the first inning the cubs had 2 hits with a sacrifice fly to score first. Then in the second Wang got into some more trouble with runners on first and second. Aaron Miles doubled to score 2 in the second for a 3-0 lead.
But later in the second, Posada singles and then Cano hit a home run to bring it to a one run game. Then in the third Jeter singles to get on base for the second time and Matsui makes it count by hitting a home run to give the Yankees the first lead of the game at 3-4.
But in the top of the forth a triple by Reed Johnson later turns into a run for a 4-4 tie.
After a single by Cano and a lost pop fly by Nady, Ransom hits a 3-run homer off the left field pole to give the Yankees some breathing room in the bottom of the forth.
In the sixth inning the Yankees had 2 on second and third, in the seventh they had bases loaded, and in the eighth, they had bases loaded again, but they could not get the runners in. The Yankees are hitting, but there could be some struggling in scoring those runs again like last year.
The Yankees finish just as it was at the end of the fourth, 4-7. Congrats Yankees, with 13 hits, 3 of them multiple RBI home runs, you brought a W to Yankee Stadium in the first game.
During the game Joe Girardi was talking with the announcers and gave the comment that the Yankees were getting used to winning again. It doesn't matter that it is spring training, he wants the mentality.
Side Note, after the game MLBTV announced Gary Sheffield is a New York Met. Wow, good for him. I hope we have another Subway Series for the World Series at the end of it all.
But later in the second, Posada singles and then Cano hit a home run to bring it to a one run game. Then in the third Jeter singles to get on base for the second time and Matsui makes it count by hitting a home run to give the Yankees the first lead of the game at 3-4.
But in the top of the forth a triple by Reed Johnson later turns into a run for a 4-4 tie.
After a single by Cano and a lost pop fly by Nady, Ransom hits a 3-run homer off the left field pole to give the Yankees some breathing room in the bottom of the forth.
In the sixth inning the Yankees had 2 on second and third, in the seventh they had bases loaded, and in the eighth, they had bases loaded again, but they could not get the runners in. The Yankees are hitting, but there could be some struggling in scoring those runs again like last year.
The Yankees finish just as it was at the end of the fourth, 4-7. Congrats Yankees, with 13 hits, 3 of them multiple RBI home runs, you brought a W to Yankee Stadium in the first game.
During the game Joe Girardi was talking with the announcers and gave the comment that the Yankees were getting used to winning again. It doesn't matter that it is spring training, he wants the mentality.
Side Note, after the game MLBTV announced Gary Sheffield is a New York Met. Wow, good for him. I hope we have another Subway Series for the World Series at the end of it all.
3 Days Before Opening Day: Exhibition game against the Cubs
The first game in New Yankee Stadium. The day has arrived. Many of us have been waiting for this day since they announced the decision to build a new one and broke ground in 2007. This is a very historic day, the beginning of a New Era, right across the street from The House that Ruth built. No more visions of the legends who played on the 76 year old field, the men who built the stadium to having the reputation is has today. That era, unfortunately, has passed, and is now across the street from the new Yankees home.
The legend lives on, however, through the stars of today, Jeter, the superstar captain, Rivera, the Closer that ended 4 world series with wins for the Yankees, Cano, the young rising star, Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, and Chamberlian, the starters who all the fans place their faith in to end games before they start with wins for the Yankees. Today is the beginning of the first year in New Yankee Stadium, much presure on all the starters and the bullpen pushing for the first win in the new stadium.
The Yankees have released the projected starting lineup, starting pitchers rotation, and bullpen;
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that even with all the success in spring training, there are still hurtles for the Yankees before things really get started;
"Girardi harbored major concerns coming into the spring, and with good reason. Catcher Jorge Posada is coming off a serious right shoulder surgery, closer Mariano Rivera had a procedure on his pitching arm, Wang missed half of last season with a right foot injury and Hideki Matsui needed surgery on his left knee. All four made it through the spring healthy, but with A-Rod already missing about six weeks, another injury to a major veteran could be a crippling blow."
The legend lives on, however, through the stars of today, Jeter, the superstar captain, Rivera, the Closer that ended 4 world series with wins for the Yankees, Cano, the young rising star, Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, and Chamberlian, the starters who all the fans place their faith in to end games before they start with wins for the Yankees. Today is the beginning of the first year in New Yankee Stadium, much presure on all the starters and the bullpen pushing for the first win in the new stadium.
The Yankees have released the projected starting lineup, starting pitchers rotation, and bullpen;
Projected starting lineup |
| 1. SS Derek Jeter |
| 2. LF Johnny Damon |
| 3. 1B Mark Teixeira |
| 4. DH Hideki Matsui |
| 5. C Jorge Posada |
| 6. RF Xavier Nady |
| 7. 2B Robinson Cano |
| 8. 3B Cody Ransom |
| 9. CF Brett Gardner |
Projected rotation |
| 1. LHP CC Sabathia |
| 2. RHP Chien-Ming Wang |
| 3. RHP A.J. Burnett |
| 4. LHP Andy Pettitte |
| 5. RHP Joba Chamberlain |
Projected bullpen |
| Closer: RHP Mariano Rivera |
| Setup: RHP Brian Bruney |
| Setup: LHP Damaso Marte |
| Middle: RHP Jonathan Albaladejo |
| Middle: LHP Phil Coke |
| Middle: RHP Jose Veras |
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that even with all the success in spring training, there are still hurtles for the Yankees before things really get started;
"Girardi harbored major concerns coming into the spring, and with good reason. Catcher Jorge Posada is coming off a serious right shoulder surgery, closer Mariano Rivera had a procedure on his pitching arm, Wang missed half of last season with a right foot injury and Hideki Matsui needed surgery on his left knee. All four made it through the spring healthy, but with A-Rod already missing about six weeks, another injury to a major veteran could be a crippling blow."
Thursday, April 2, 2009
4 Days Before Opening Day part 3
Jeter unofficially the first Yankee to hit a home run in New Yankee Stadium. That's right. During batting practice today Derek Jeter hit a home run over the left field on just his third pitch. Something tells me some of the Yankees feel right at home in the bigger Cathedral.
On Sportscenter tonight they were talking about Yankees pitching. It was funny because they said that all 5 of the starters could match up against any other starter. That is amazing to hear as a Yankees fan. I do remember last year and the absence of a rotation. This 5 starter rotation is a dream come true. Not only that but when the starters come out the bullpen gets put in and is said to be so much better than anyone thinks. Then Rivera to finish the game up and we all know how good Rivera is.
Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, Chamberlain..A Force to be reckoned with.
ALSO, Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who landed the impaired US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Yankees' exhibition game vs. the Cubs on Saturday. Quite an honor to throw the pitch against two of the most popular teams in American history.
On Sportscenter tonight they were talking about Yankees pitching. It was funny because they said that all 5 of the starters could match up against any other starter. That is amazing to hear as a Yankees fan. I do remember last year and the absence of a rotation. This 5 starter rotation is a dream come true. Not only that but when the starters come out the bullpen gets put in and is said to be so much better than anyone thinks. Then Rivera to finish the game up and we all know how good Rivera is.
Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, Chamberlain..A Force to be reckoned with.
ALSO, Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who landed the impaired US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Yankees' exhibition game vs. the Cubs on Saturday. Quite an honor to throw the pitch against two of the most popular teams in American history.
4 Days Before Opening Day part 2
Here's something I didn't know;
"The left-handed ace (Sabathia) was struck in the meaty part of his glove hand by a Jason Ellison line drive in the second inning on Wednesday, drawing gasps from the home dugout. But Sabathia stayed in the game, hurling 3 2/3 innings of two-run ball in the Yankees' 8-5 victory over the Phillies (MLB.com)."
I didn't know he was hit yesterday. Anyways he stayed in and did what he had to do, so I guess theres nothing to worry about. "I'm ready to get the season started," Sabathia said. "I feel good. I'm just going to get my work in and go forward."
He did great in spring training camp, with a 3-1 record, a 4.26 ERA in five starts, walking three and striking out 21 in 19 innings. His next start is baseball opening day on Monday against the Orioles in Baltimore. Not only does Sabathia get the honor of starting the Yankees season on opening day, but he also gets the honor of starting the season in New Yankee Stadium on April 16 in New York.
"The whole club really played very well in Spring Training," Girardi said. "We've still got a couple of games to go, but CC was great. You just go down the line. Guys played really well and really hard and did a lot of good things."
Side Note, NL WEST Predictions, Dodgers first Giants 9 games back.
4 Days Before Opening Day
Derek Jeter moves up in the batting order. Instead of batting second he has moved to first in front of Damon as lead off hitter for the start of the 2009 season. I am assuming that the batting order will follow the last couple of games in spring training so it will go;
Jeter
Damon
Teixeira
Matsui
Posada
Cano
Swisher
Ransom
Gardner
This will be it, at least until Rodriguez gets back into the order. When Rodriguez does get back he will most likely fall back into his 4th spot.
On 1st and 10 this morning they talked about this, saying Jeter is getting too old to be in the number 3 or 4 spot because he isn't a power hitter anymore, and his on base percetage has gone down year after year.
Also, they brought up the simulated results of next year, being, Red Soxs winning with the Rays 2 games back and the Yankees 2 games further back. I do not think this is right, the Rays had their fun, everyone will be gunning for them, I don't think the Rays will be as good as they were last year. They don't have the advantage of surprise anymore, their guys have been there, no more excitement anymore.
Jeter
Damon
Teixeira
Matsui
Posada
Cano
Swisher
Ransom
Gardner
This will be it, at least until Rodriguez gets back into the order. When Rodriguez does get back he will most likely fall back into his 4th spot.
On 1st and 10 this morning they talked about this, saying Jeter is getting too old to be in the number 3 or 4 spot because he isn't a power hitter anymore, and his on base percetage has gone down year after year.
Also, they brought up the simulated results of next year, being, Red Soxs winning with the Rays 2 games back and the Yankees 2 games further back. I do not think this is right, the Rays had their fun, everyone will be gunning for them, I don't think the Rays will be as good as they were last year. They don't have the advantage of surprise anymore, their guys have been there, no more excitement anymore.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
5 Days Before Opening Day
Today was the mark of the end of the spring training season. The Yankees celebrated their last game at home with a win over the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5. The Yankees had 9 hits, 3 of which came off the bat of Mark Teixeira, who went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs. he finishes the spring training with an avg. of 444, good for him. Matsui also had a big day going 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Sabathia gets his third win for spring training pitching 3.2 innings with 5 strike outs.
I put last night that I might be the only one who thinks the Cubs won't make the playoffs. Well I stand by that and here are my predictions for the post season:
AL EAST Red Soxs, with Yankees Wild Card
AL CENTRAL White Soxs
AL WEST Angels
NL EAST Braves
NL CENTRAL Cardinals, with Brewers Wild Card
NL WEST Dodgers
AL CHAMPIONS Yankees, NL CHAMPIONS Dodgers
Reasons; The Yankees, Angels, Brewers, Braves, Cardinals, and Red Soxs all did very well during spring Training, finishing at the top of their respected leagues. The reasons why I choose the Dodgers and White Soxs before the others is because the Dodgers, with Manny, will be a lot better this year at the beginning and won't have the worst record going into the playoffs like last year. The White Soxs I through in for some variety, if nothing else.
The next game is against the Cubs on Friday which won't be on ESPN which I am very disappointed about. Anyways it will prolly be on WGN for all of you Chicago people. Nope, just checked, I guess its not on WGN..? Anyways, I will be in Fort Wayne that day, trying to check up on the score if I could, not likely though.
I put last night that I might be the only one who thinks the Cubs won't make the playoffs. Well I stand by that and here are my predictions for the post season:
AL EAST Red Soxs, with Yankees Wild Card
AL CENTRAL White Soxs
AL WEST Angels
NL EAST Braves
NL CENTRAL Cardinals, with Brewers Wild Card
NL WEST Dodgers
AL CHAMPIONS Yankees, NL CHAMPIONS Dodgers
Reasons; The Yankees, Angels, Brewers, Braves, Cardinals, and Red Soxs all did very well during spring Training, finishing at the top of their respected leagues. The reasons why I choose the Dodgers and White Soxs before the others is because the Dodgers, with Manny, will be a lot better this year at the beginning and won't have the worst record going into the playoffs like last year. The White Soxs I through in for some variety, if nothing else.
The next game is against the Cubs on Friday which won't be on ESPN which I am very disappointed about. Anyways it will prolly be on WGN for all of you Chicago people. Nope, just checked, I guess its not on WGN..? Anyways, I will be in Fort Wayne that day, trying to check up on the score if I could, not likely though.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
6 Days Before Opening Day
The Yankees won today against the Cincinnati Reds, 6-3. Chamberlain pitched great again, 5.1 innings pitched, 6 strike outs, 3 walks, holding to only 2 runs. He improves to 4-0 in the spring training season. Cabrera's double in the fourth and sacrifice fly in the sixth scored three of the runs. Gardner had three hits, but he got doubled off in the first inning and was thrown out stealing second in the third. Jeter, Rodriguez, and Cano did not play today and I don't know why. Anyways, the Yankees have won 6 straight and 14 of their last 16. Wow.
This is one of the reasons why I don't think the ESPN predictions were right. The Yankees pitching is doing amazing in spring training and half the starters didn't play today but they still got a W.
Tomorrows game marks the end of the spring training season in Tampa. It is the last game in George Steinbrenner Field and it is against the Phillies. After that game the first game in New Yankee Stadium, against the Cubs? I'm confused as to why the Cubs are the first in the new stadium. Shouldn't the first game be a slaughter of one of the other AL East teams? Not a NL Central team. Whatever, it is the first game in the New Yankee Stadium and I'm jealous of all the people going to it.
One last thing, I want to put on here that I think I am the only one in the US that thinks the Cubs are going to miss out on the playoffs this year. I do not think they will make it. I think they may play like they did in the post season last year, errors, droughts in batting, ect. Also, I think half their team is over rated and won't produce as they are expected too. Oh well, just thoughts from me.
This is one of the reasons why I don't think the ESPN predictions were right. The Yankees pitching is doing amazing in spring training and half the starters didn't play today but they still got a W.
Tomorrows game marks the end of the spring training season in Tampa. It is the last game in George Steinbrenner Field and it is against the Phillies. After that game the first game in New Yankee Stadium, against the Cubs? I'm confused as to why the Cubs are the first in the new stadium. Shouldn't the first game be a slaughter of one of the other AL East teams? Not a NL Central team. Whatever, it is the first game in the New Yankee Stadium and I'm jealous of all the people going to it.
One last thing, I want to put on here that I think I am the only one in the US that thinks the Cubs are going to miss out on the playoffs this year. I do not think they will make it. I think they may play like they did in the post season last year, errors, droughts in batting, ect. Also, I think half their team is over rated and won't produce as they are expected too. Oh well, just thoughts from me.
Monday, March 30, 2009
7 Days Before Opening Day part 2
The Yankees won today against the Blue Jays, 3-1. Pettitte had a great start today with 6.2 innings pitched allowing only 1 earned run. He had 7 strike outs with no walks. I believe he will reach a 20 win season. Jeter started the game off with a double off of Purcey, then a walk to Damon put runners on first and second. Teixeira hit a double then, Jeter came around from second to score. The other 2 runs were from doubles in the 7th and 8th innings by Teixeira and Berroa. The Blue Jays had one 1 run in the 6th inning, Barrett singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on a ground rule double by Scutaro. The Yankees had 7 hits and no errors while the Blue Jays also had 7 hits and no hits.
The Yankees play at Cinncinatti tomorrow (March 31). When i went to their spring training camp during spring break i saw them play the Reds and they won. I was impressed with Joba's start, again holding a team to one unearned run. He starts again tomorrow against the Reds. I am hopeing for anouther great start by Chamberlain and some more good hits by the starters.
I know it does not matter now because its only spring break but the Yankees are second behind the Angels in the AL Standings with the second best record.
The Yankees play at Cinncinatti tomorrow (March 31). When i went to their spring training camp during spring break i saw them play the Reds and they won. I was impressed with Joba's start, again holding a team to one unearned run. He starts again tomorrow against the Reds. I am hopeing for anouther great start by Chamberlain and some more good hits by the starters.
I know it does not matter now because its only spring break but the Yankees are second behind the Angels in the AL Standings with the second best record.
7 Days Before Opening Day
So the 2009 Baseball Season opens in 7 days. With only 4 more games until opening day the Yankees are 20-10. I was really impressed with how they did down in Tampa. With A-Rod out because of his hip, Jeter and Cano gone for the baseball Classic, and most of the other starters injuries I wasn't expecting them to do this well. I saw on ESPN today that a computer projected the Red Soxs to be in first, then the rays 2 games behind, then the Yankess 2 more behind. I do not think that can be right because they are doing so well in spring training and they have a rotation for pitching again.
The only reason I started this page is because I do not like basketball and March is a bad month for people who don't like basketball, with all the NCAA basketball games going on. I have never made a bracket before, nor will I ever. I was happy though because my colleges women's basketball team, Ball State University, beat Tennessee. It was a big deal here. Since I don't follow basketball at all I didn't know that Tennessee had always made it to the sweet 16, except for this year. With our football team having a 12-0 season and womens basketball beating Tennessee our school is really getting better.
I have been waiting for baseball season ever since the Yankees season ended last year. I watched the playoffs even though they weren't in it. I was really pulling for the Rays to take it all, but the Phillies winning is fine with me. I just did not want the Cubs or Red Soxs to win it; Cubs because I want that streak to keep going and Red Soxs because, come on, I am a Yankees fan.
I will get more into whats going on with the Yankees when the season actually starts. These next 7 days will be just me getting used to this cite. New Stadium, New Momentum.
The only reason I started this page is because I do not like basketball and March is a bad month for people who don't like basketball, with all the NCAA basketball games going on. I have never made a bracket before, nor will I ever. I was happy though because my colleges women's basketball team, Ball State University, beat Tennessee. It was a big deal here. Since I don't follow basketball at all I didn't know that Tennessee had always made it to the sweet 16, except for this year. With our football team having a 12-0 season and womens basketball beating Tennessee our school is really getting better.
I have been waiting for baseball season ever since the Yankees season ended last year. I watched the playoffs even though they weren't in it. I was really pulling for the Rays to take it all, but the Phillies winning is fine with me. I just did not want the Cubs or Red Soxs to win it; Cubs because I want that streak to keep going and Red Soxs because, come on, I am a Yankees fan.
I will get more into whats going on with the Yankees when the season actually starts. These next 7 days will be just me getting used to this cite. New Stadium, New Momentum.
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