THE YANKEES REALITY CHECK

Well. That was brutal.

The boys faced the Mets last night in the final game of the Subway Series. A series they had already lost. For whatever reason, the pinstriped pitchers chose this week to implode, just as Yankee bats went cold.

But tonight would be different. Last night they faced Dillon Gee, who had 2-6 record and 6.34 ERA. Sure they lose the Series but they would get back on the winning track and face the surging Sox on the right foot. Right?

Wrong. Dillon Gee chose to pitch one of the best games of his career. He went 7.1 innings and rang up 12 Ks. He allowed one run, a solo shot to Robinson Cano, and stranded every other Yankee hitter. His ERA last night was 1.23.

Meanwhile, Mets bats struck almost as early as the previous night. Marlon Byrd swatted a two run dinger in the second. In the 8th, Joba Chamberlain topped 98 mph on his fastball, but was wild. Mets runners advanced to second and third when Austin Romine lost the handle on one. John Buck subsequently slapped a slow roller that scored the Mets’ third run.

So. Disappointing Subway Series. Where to start with what went wrong? Hard to do. David Phelps imploded; Mariano Rivera zapped with authority; Vernon Wells ice cold; Jayson Nix with defensive bobbles; Reid Brignac bringing a good glove but not quite a bat.

It’s easier to talk about the silver linings. Brett Gardner has a seven game hit streak going and was super impressive defensively, you’ve seen his catches. Ivan Nova gave a glimmer of hope in relief during game three; Robinson is still very much a Cano.

And, perhaps it is best the Yankees get slapped now. A wake up call is a good thing. Perhaps we were all strutting a bit much. I know I was. The team is held together with spit and bailing wire. The wheels came off this week in a big way. With a closer look, it’s a wonder they didn’t fall off long ago.

The Mets gave the Yankees a reality check. A wake up call. A slap in the face. A huge warning not to get complacent. The Red Sox arrive tonight to determine the leader of the Division. Let’s hope this splash of cold water brings the Yankees back to life.

Mets sweep the Yankees in the Subway Series. Don’t look away from it. Let it sink in. Let it make you angry. Don’t get complacent again.

Final score tonight: Mets 3 - Yankees 1


 
Chad R. MacDonald
BYB Writer
Facebook: New York Yankees the Home of Champions
My Blog: ChadRants


Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

LOOKS LIKE THE BLUE JAYS ARE CLOSE ON RA DICKEY

Damn... talk about getting dicked, right? RA Dickey totally treated with disrespect by the New York Mets, Dickey defends himself and he's called selfish by the Mets.  Well, screw them Dickey, glad this trade may work out in your favor!  Finally, when all is said and done, it looks like the spat between Dickey and the Mets may be over. 

It's being reported that the Mets are trading Dickey to the Blue Jays along with Josh Thole, and a prospect for 3 Toronto players, John Buck, Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard.  All this information is coming from Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports, HERE.

Here is the kicker though; The Jays have a hard window of trying to lock Dickey in with an extension. If they don't do it by Tuesday at 1pm, the deal falls apart most likely.(HERE)

Stay tuned for this. Sure, you may not care about RA Dickey, but you should care about the Blue Jays if you're a Yankee fan, they're stacking themselves to be contenders.

 Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

BLUE JAYS GET MOTHERLOAD IN TRADE WITH MARLINS

It appears the the Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins have made a trade that is being reported to be EPIC.

The names involved are Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck. According to Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal, the Marlins "will receive a package that includes shortstops Yunel Escobar and Adeiny Hechavarria, major-league right-hander Henderson Alvarez, minor-league left-hander Justin Nicolino, center fielder Jacob Marisnick, catcher Jeff Mathis and minor league right-hander Anthony DeSclafani." They also reported that "One source said starter Ricky Nolasco could be the next Marlins player dealt." If I'm the Yankees, I'm giving the Marlins a call on Nolasco.  Anyway, you can read all about it HERE.

Huge trade and I'm sure there will be plenty of reaction tomorrow, but we wanted to fill you in tonight.  The Blue Jays have some immediate help and I believe will be more effective in the American League eastern Division with guys like Reyes and Johnson.  It's got to be disappointing to the Marlins fans who had high hopes last season, only to now be slowly picked apart.  What a disaster down there.  

 Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHAT THE BUCK?!

So if Posada is the permanent DH for the New York Yankees, and Jesus Montero is getting a shot as the first string catcher. How's this going to play out?

I've been reading a lot of rumors about Cashman not ruling out getting a vetran catcher in the mix behind the plate to contribute to the team. If the rumors are true, and they usually are, then I like that idea.. But, my suggestion to Cash is this... .make sure whomever it is, they can throw out baserunners.

All of 2010 everyone, including myself, loved Posada's bat but were very critical of his defense. And with good reason, he was exposed. You can see an obvious decline this year in Jorge no doubt and having Francisco Cervelli behind the plate as a backup didn't make anything much better either. Yes, Cervelli has passion, my number 1 attribute in a ballplayer, but he's got to hit. Now that I think about it, I don't think Cervelli had 1 homerun all year. To me, that's a 3rd string catcher. Now, all my "Team Francisco" pals are going to rip me, but come on. I love the guy but we can't wait for him to perform in the majors, that's what the minors are for.

So, what's the solution? First off, you have Jesus Montero, Austin Romine and Cervelli show up in spring training. Fine. Then, you throw a veteran type in the mix and its game on. May the best catcher win. Let's mke this simple people.

But who is that veteran? It's a Chad Moeller type, but is it Chad Moeller? John Buck? Buck is not a Moeller type, he's better. He's consistant, a veteran and a good hitter and defensively he'd be a better choice. He'd also be more expensive. How about 53 year old Gregg Zaun. I joke about his age, but the guy's still got it, don't be fooled. But, back to Buck, If he were the guy, along with a Montero or Romine, I like what I see there. Now, even if Romine kicks ass in Spring Training, your gut has to tell you that Yankee Brass have already made their mind up about Golden Boy Montero and he most definitely will be on the Roster in 2011. The question is; would it be Cervelli as the 3rd string to a veteran (1) and Montero (2). OR is it Montero (1), Buck type (2) or Cervelli 3. A lot of catching questions. One thing is fact though. Posada, a stud and standup guy has his catchng days numbered. Yes, if he needed to fill in, it could happen sure. But, a 39 year old catcher who just had knee surgery... Well, that sounds like the end may be near. Thank god Jorge can still hit, Having him in the DH slot is great. I just hope he finds his rhythm as the DH role fast so there's no drop off from that bat.

So, what would you do? Would you try and sign a veteran at a bargain for 1 year? Someone like John Buck? Would you keep Posada as the head catcher? Use Montero? Romine? Cervelli? Gregg Zaun? Tell me what you think. And look to vote on this page. We'll give the results after Thanksgiving.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.