The Pickup Truck Architect: What's Old is New, What's New is Old

The Pickup Truck Architect: What's Old is New, What's New is Old

Game 6 Recap: The End of the Road

The Good

The Bad

The Ugly

I couldn't help myself.

The 2010 Yankees' demise in the ALCS reflected all the issues the team had during the regular season, particularly down the stretch.  Lack of big hits, inconsistent starting pitching, and erratic middle relief.  I'll give my thoughts on the reasons why and where I think the Yankees should/could be heading this offseason.  Until then I'll reminisce on 2009 for solace and congratulate the Texas Rangers on their first AL pennant.

Time to take down the flag.

ALCS: Game 6 - Starting Lineup: Diehard 2, Dieharder

1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Curtis Granderson, CF
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Lance Berkman, 1B
6. Nick Swisher, RF
7. Jorge Posada, C
8. Marcus Thames, DH
9. Brett Gardner, LF


Phil Hughes, P


CC is available for one possibly two innings.  


The last time the Yankees came back from a 3-1 deficit in the postseason was in the 1958 World Series.  They beat Warren Spahn in Game 6 and Lew Burdette in Game 7 in Milwaukee.  We shall see.

Game 5 Recap: We're Not Dead Yet!

• CC bends but doesn't break.
• Rangers turn into bad news bears.
• Swish-Cano go belly to belly.
• Wood builds the bridge.
• Mariano makes an appearance!

On to Texas!

ALCS: Game 5 - Starting Lineup: Save Us Big Man!

"You look tasty."


1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Nick Swisher, RF
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Marcus Thames, DH
6. Lance Berkman, 1B
7. Jorge Posada, C
8. Curtis Granderson, CF
9. Brett Gardner, LF


Carsten Charles Sabathia, P


Although Tex is out, I like Cano hitting 3rd.  Preview of 2011.

Game 4 Recap: I Hate Baseball

The Good:  Absolutely nothing.  I think nobody died, how's that.

The Bad:  Everything.  Tex done for what's left of the season.  Yankee fans at game, of little faith, especially those in the lazy-boy sections gone early.  Offense lost.

The Ugly:  One pitch away from AJ getting out of 6th and then Molina went Molina.  Girardi micro-managing his way out the door.  Mo apparently being saved for the winter league season.

Silver Lining:  Fat Bartman didn't cost Yankees game.  Gets to show face at work today.

ALCS: Game 4 Lineup - The Quest for Redemption

1. Jeter, SS
2. Granderson, CF
3. Teixeira, 1B
4. A-Rod, 3B
5. Cano, 2B
6. Swisher, RF
7. Berkman, DH
8. Gardner, LF
9. Cervelli, C

AJ Burnett, P

I would have normally opposed this move catching Cervelli for AJ's "comfort" but given the way Posada's been hitting, can Cervy be any worse?

Gun to his head, take away their salaries, who would be pitching tonight? My bet would have been Mosley.  Not because he's been spectacular but because he's done enough to at least give you the expectation that he'll keep the team in the game.  With AJ, who knows what's going to happen?  All I know is that they need to score runs early and often and then score some more.

Game 3 Recap: Blame the Mariners!

Thanks to the Mariners holding the Yankees over a barrel and preferring to trade within their division, Lee dominated the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS from the enemy camp.  The trade for Justin Smoak and a couple of rosin bags was somehow better than slugging catcher Jesus Montero.

Here's Smoak vs. Montero's AAA numbers:



Year   Age  Tm  Lg Lev Aff   G  PA  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO   BA  OBP  SLG  OPS  TB
Smoak AAA (2 seasons)    104 462 380 58 99 24  0 13  53  0  0 74 85 .261 .383 .426 .809 162  14   4
Montero AAA   2010         123 504 453 6613134  3 21  75  0  0  46 91 289 .353 .517 .870 234  14   1  0  4

Long term, Yanks may get the last laugh as, especially after his stellar tryout last night, Lee joins the rotation via free agency and he can pitch to Montero, as the catcher of the future.

The GB&U from last night:

The Good:  Future Yankee Cliff Lee is better than Koufax.  Andy was great.  If not for a cheap shot into the short porch the game could have been 0-0.

The Bad:  Yankee offense MIA.  Obviously Lee had something to say about this but .194/.296/.584 for the series thus far is muy horible.

The Ugly:  D-Rob's line:  1 out, 5 Run, Pukefest.

The Silver Lining:  Offensive explosion any time now?  They don't face Lee until Game 7.

The Headscratcher:  Girardi going to pen underlings instead of Mo?  Better be seeing multi-innings the next few day.

ALCS: Game 3 - Starting Lineup

Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Marcus Thames DH
Jorge Posada C
Curtis Granderson CF
Brett Gardner LF


Andy Pettitte P

We'll Miss You Freddy

Daddy, Ava, Doe, and Freddy.

Hughes Loss

On second thought. maybe he hasn't quite arrived.

The Good:  Bullpen, 0.00 ERA in Games 1 and 2, Cano (1.889 OPS, can you say raking?)

The Bad:  Hughesy, CC, 13.50 ERA

The Ugly:  Tex, A-Rod, Swish. Georgie (4-32)

Silver Lining?  Series tied 1-1.

ALCS: Game 2- Starting Lineups, Late Edition

Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada C
Lance Berkman DH
Brett Gardner LF

Breaking Hearts Deep in the Heart of Texas

Before





After



Offense/bullpen  picks up the big man after rough start.
Redbull kicked in by 8th.
Speed kills:  Gardner gets things started with infield single.
Mosley holds the line.
Where was Ian Kinsler going?

ALCS: Game 1 - Starting Lineups

CC vs. CJ (Check out my scraggly sideburns!)

Here are the lineups for Game 1 of the ALCS tonight:

NEW YORK YANKEES                TEXAS RANGERS
1. Derek Jeter, SS              1. Elvis Andrus, SS
2. Nick Swisher, RF             2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B            3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B           4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH
5. Robinson Cano, 2B            5. Nelson Cruz, LF
6. Marcus Thames, DH            6. Ian Kinsler, 2B
7. Jorge Posada, C              7. Jeff Francoeur, RF
8. Curtis Granderson, CF        8. Matt Treanor, C
9. Brett Gardner, LF            9. Jorge Cantu, 1B

That’s the same lineup the Yankees used against left-handed starters Francisco Liriano and Brian Duensing in their ALDS sweep of the Twins. Marcus Thames gets the nod over Lance Berkman at designated hitter, with Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner both in the lineup against a lefty while Austin Kearns rides the bench.

Rangers manager Ron Washington is turning back to Jorge Cantu after he sat out Game 5 of the ALDS against left-hander David Price. Matt Treanor draws the start behind the plate over Bengie Molina because he’s essentially C.J. Wilson’s personal catcher.

Time to take out the trash!

It's All Set: Yanks to Face W's Old Team

From:  http://riveraveblues.com/2010/10/lining-up-the-alcs-rotation-36820/


The preferred ALCS rotation

If the Yankees want to take advantage of their situation, this is how they’ll lineup the ALCS rotation. I’ll also take a stab at the Rangers’ rotation just for fun.

Game 1: CC Sabathia vs. C.J. Wilson
Game 2: Andy Pettitte vs. Colby Lewis
Game 3: Phil Hughes vs. Cliff Lee
Game 4: CC Sabathia vs. Tommy Hunter
Game 5: A.J. Burnett vs. C.J. Wilson
Game 6: Andy Pettitte vs. Colby Lewis
Game 7: CC Sabathia vs. Cliff Lee

But since the Yankees might not start Sabathia on three days’ rest, it will likely line up like this.

Game 1: CC Sabathia vs. C.J. Wilson
Game 2: Phil Hughes vs. Colby Lewis
Game 3: Andy Pettitte vs. Cliff Lee
Game 4: A.J. Burnett vs. Tommy Hunter
Game 5: CC Sabathia vs. C.J. Wilson
Game 6: Phil Hughes vs. Colby Lewis
Game 7: Andy Pettitte vs. Cliff Lee

I agree that the preferred option above is the way to go.  I like CC going in potentially 3 of 7 games including a potential showdown with Lee in a Game 7.  The tough thing is where to stick AJ in.  God help us if they are down 3-1.  I wonder at that point if the whole full rest thing would be scrapped altogether and we'd have Pettitte and Hughes going in games 5 and 6 respectively.  Thoughts?

Minka Kelly called "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire magazine - NYPOST.com

Derek Jeter is due to have a run of bad luck.

Minka Kelly called "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire magazine - NYPOST.com

AJ Gets Chance at Redemption

Careful, that's my pitching hand!

Burnett to get Game 4 nod.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703794104575546464137037090.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The Cream Rises: Yanks Sweep Minnesota Palookas

Phil Hughes has arrived.  http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/10/10/eiland-hes-well-on-his-way/

Yanks put Twins to bed, strike early and often.  http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/hughes_bombers_sCR35oViBCK99dHL3eIHfL

Thames being Thames:  the reincarnation of Cecil Fielder.  http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/it_thames_time_KBfUIFMUZEGx6GHV2a1YAI

Wood shaky, but pen Logan, D-Rob pick up the pieces.

Mo is not Mr. May, tucks Twins in for the winter.

Let's Go Rays!

Losers lament:  http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/104642129.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUeyDiDEic:_QEkD_hEKU

ALDS Game 3 - Starting Lineup

MINNESOTA TWINS

Denard Span, CF
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Jim Thome, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Danny Valencia, 3B
J.J. Hardy, SS

Brian Duensing, LHP

NEW YORK YANKEES

Derek Jeter, SS
Nick Swisher, RF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Marcus Thames, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Curtis Granderson, CF
Brett Gardner, LF

Phil Hughes, RHP

Read more:  http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/2010/10/alds-game-3-lineups-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nydnrss%2Fblogs%2Fyankees+(Blogs%2FBlogging+the+Bombers)#ixzz11u48pd1t

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck may team up on Yankees movie | OnTheRedCarpet.com

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck may team up on Yankees movie | OnTheRedCarpet.com

Coming soon to your supermarket DVD aisle . . .

Games 1-2 Recap: Same Old Song

There are times when it's difficult you be a Yankee fan.  I know we're spoiled by all the winning, greatest sports franchise in history, blah, blah, blah.  What comes with that vaunted status, however, is a cadre of non-fans and media "experts" that look to point out every little flaw or potential crack with the team.  It's like pointing out the specks of dust on a Ferrari.  When you start the season, anyone on the team who hasn't won a World Series MVP is deemed suspect and questionable.  Any injury is catastrophic and Mariano "looks like he may be losing it." (Don't they know he's not human).  Most of this is wishful thinking projected into actual articles and talking points in the media but as a whole make Yankee fans, or at least this Yankee fan, live in a semi-constant state of unrest.  When is the other shoe going to fall?

I say all this because as this years postseason approached and the Yankees did their best to back their way into the wild card, all the long knives were out.  The Yankees we're old, the pitching was suspect, their offense was too home run happy (is that really a problem?).  There was a genius scout quoted as saying the Yankees were the worst team of playoff teams (worst than the Reds?).

The other popular narrative was that facing the Twins was a bad thing.  The Twins were not the same perennial playoff doormats.  This team was better, better pitching, better offense, and a better Jim Thome.  All that and they play that spunky, solid fundamentally sound Twins baseball.  Baseball the way it's meant to be played.  All this hype and Carl Pavano, an unbeatable combination.

When will I learn?  Probably never.  The reality thus far of the 2010 ALDS is "deja vu all over again."  In both games, the Twins took an early lead.  The Yankees came back and either tied or took the lead.  In both games the Twins did tie it up again but to only have the Yankees strike the final blow and pull away.  New faces Granderson and Berkman played the roles of Damon and Matsui amiably, Tex came up big, Pettitte was vintage, and Mo was Mo, one night for four five outs, last night for three, game over, lights out, commanding 2-0 series lead heading home to the Bronx.

DMMA Update:  So far, by my estimation, Curtis Granderson is leading in the chase for the DMMA.  Hitting .500 (4 for 8) with the booming, bases clearing, triple in Game 1 followed up with a double last in Game 2.  If he had been able to hold onto that ball hit by Delmon Young he may have locked up the award already.  Berkman jumped into the running with his double and home run last night.  Tex's home run in Game 1 got him going but he's being judged on a different scale.  He's going to have to pull a Reggie, '77 Game 6, to truly win the prize.

ALDS: Game 2 - Starting Lineup, Late Edition

Here's your Yankees lineup for tonight:

1. Derek Jeter, SS

2. Curtis Granderson, CF

3. Mark Teixeira, 1B

4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B

5. Robinson Cano, 2B

6. Nick Swisher, RF

7. Jorge Posada, C

8. Lance Berkman, DH

9. Brett Gardner, LF

ALDS: Game 1 - Starting Lineups

Yankees

Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Marcus Thames DH
Jorge Posada C
Curtis Granderson CF
Brett Gardner LF
CC Sabathia LHP

Twins
Denard Span CF
Orlando Hudson 2B
Joe Mauer C
Delmon Young LF
Jim Thome DH
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Jason Kubel RF
Danny Valencia 3B
J.J. Hardy SS
Francisco Liriano LHP

YES 2010 Highlights

How did we ever win 95?

Who Will Win the Damaso Marte Memorial Award?

Formally knows as the Brian Doyle Cup

The Yankees secured the 2010 AL Wild Card with a Machiavellian scheme of losing just the right amount of games to ensure they will not have home-field advantage throughout the postseason with the added bonus of starting play in the sub-arctic open air of new Target Field.  Given their sub-optimal play of late, it's hard to gauge their chances at bringing home the 28th title.  Will it be a replay of '07's death by midges or will they take the path of the numerous WC teams that carved a path to the Fall Classic after stumbling down the stretch (see '06 Cardinals and Tigers).

The answer to that lies in what I call the Damaso Marte factor.  After an inglorious season as the lefty specialist in which he posted a 9.45 ERA, Marte emerged as a combination of Lefty Grove, Whitey Ford, and Graeme Lloyd in the '09 postseason giving up zero runs while neutralizing the Phillies big lefties like Ryan Howard.  I believe it will take someone playing over their skis in this second season to lay claim to another flag.  Here is my list of the most likely candidates:

Joba Chamberlain
Remember when Joba was the toast of the town?  Seems like only yesterday.  Somewhere between innings limits, pitch counts, midges, and Joba/Torre rules the man lost his mojo.  There's been little glimpses here and there but nothing like the electricity he created like a second coming of Goose Gossage.  Supposedly Kerry Wood has been mentoring him hopefully not on how to cope with being a washed up former phenom.  Maybe his very average season (4.40 ERA) belies a big postseason.  Hopefully frigid Minnesota will keep the midges away.

Curtis Granderson
Granderson has had the type of year (.247/24/67) which seems indicative of a guy playing below the back of his baseball card as he transitions to the big town.  Will he be a younger, more athletic version of Johnny Damon or the second coming of Danny Tartabull.  We'll see in 2011.  For now, he has some big shoes to fill this postseason as Damon pulled his own Marte last year and produced some clutch hits and, of course, his wily steal of third in game 6.  Perhaps the crisp autumn air will give us a preview of Granderson's sophomore Yankee campaign as he gets a clean slate in the second season.

Mark Teixeira
This may be a little picky as Tex has put together another relatively solid season.  You really can't complain about another 30/100 campaign backed up with solid defense at the initial sack.  However, postseason-wise he's got a little bit of the A-Rod disease.  He did hit a game-winning HR last year against the Twinkies but that was about it.  A player of his capability could put a streak together that carries the entire team.  Maybe 2010 will be the year.

A.J. Burnett
If anyone was set up to take home the DMMA it is Allan James Burnett.  After having one of the worst seasons for a pitcher in the history of the organization he can't go anywhere but up.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) he may not see the mound this fall.  Sometimes, though, the baseball gods give you the opportunity to redeem yourself and you never know when an injury or an extra-inning game may give you a chance to make everyone forget your past sins.

Derek Jeter
GASP!  BLASPHEMY!  I know, how can I go there.  Well I did.  But as you know Jeter seems to have lost his "Edge" in 2010 hitting 50 points below his lifetime average and generally looking like he's lost a few steps (who hasn't by 36, I know I have).  This is his time of the year, though, and might be the viagra Mr. November needs to add to his scrapbook of clutchness.

Honorable Mention:  Chad Gaudin, Lance Berkman, Austin Kearns, and A-Rod (just because)