FROM "A GREAT OFF-SEASON" TO "DOUBT"

Thanks again Joel Sherman for starting my week off wrong...

Joel Sherman put a piece together yesterday in the New York Post to state that while the Yankees spent alot of money this off-season bettering their club, they also signed a bunch of guys that have had injury filled pasts.  OK then... thanks for starting my Monday off right. That's sarcasm for anyone that didn't get that.

Sherman writes:

"... They have areas of real fragility and little in the way of strong second-tier options. In 2013, as they used a franchise-record 56 players, that meant fire-drill acquisitions of underwhelming players such as Ben Francisco, Lyle Overbay and Vernon Wells, and too many at-bats ultimately for lightweights such as David Adams, Reid Brignac and Luis Cruz. 

It was “The Day After Tomorrow” as age, lack of emphasis on the bench and a woeful farm system finally caught up with the Yankees, leading to a playoff-less season.

Well, “The Day After Tomorrow 2” is in pre-production."

Why the Yankees let this guy into their facility is beyond me.  I mean, yes, Sherman's doing his job and he has the right to criticize all he wants. I mean, even us fans know that the idea of some of these guys on our payroll is "rolling the dice", like a Jacoby Ellsbury for instance, but what Sherman is failing to understand is "What happens if we didn't do anything?" or better yet, "Who else is out there?"  I don't mind criticism if you write about the Yanks and their "bad moves" as he's suggesting, but here's an idea, if you criticize, have a suggestion on what you would have done better. I mean, there is never a good suggestion box when it comes to Sherman. He just spews out annoying columns to get Yankee fans riled up... and for what? To sell papers? Stop already.

(In Photo: Zoilo Almonte)
We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue have offered our own backup plans, like slowly sprinkle the kids in. Slowly bring up guys like Tyler Austin or Zoilo Almonte and get them prepped for the Bigs.  But Sherman even slams the Yankees minor league system writing:

"... the farm system still isn’t ready to help much, the depth remains iffy and the frontline is brittle enough to suggest the Yankees are going to need way more than 15 really good players, even if the plague doesn’t hit again to cause the need for 56."

You know what Joel? That's what the minors leagues is for... let the kids develop and you know what, every once in a while you throw a kid a bone.   Look at the Core Four. Look at Bernie Williams, All started out slow and all developed into superstars over time.  But that's what we need... time, not criticism every time we open your column bro.

And in the future, make a solid suggestion. What's your plan... these guys that you wrote about?

"...they were outbid on Jhonny Peralta and Omar Infante, and tried hard to acquire Logan Forsythe from the Padres, who was instead dealt to Tampa."

Hmm. It seems like those suggestions are like 2013 all over again. It also seems like you're contradicting yourself.  Plus, are we really gonna give a guy like Peralta a shot? He's dabbled in PEDs just like Alex Rodriguez. You know, the guy you rip for being a liar?  What's the difference between Jhonny and Alex? 

Sure Omar makes sense, but it was clear the Yankees wanted cheaper and so they went Brian Roberts.  After all, they were saving what they could to get Masahiro Tanaka at that point. Look, what's to say Omar doesn't get hurt this season? What's to say Brian Roberts doesn't have a great season? We don't know. The Yanks made moves based on what they thought was right.

Here's a good idea for your next column... Write about what you would have done if you were the Yankees and don't give me guys that have already been signed... really think!  It appears that what the Yankees did was pretty significant this off-season, many of us believe that. And while the future doesn't look bright in the minor leagues as you suggest... don't tell those kids that, because they don't believe it for 1 second.   I know them... they want it more than anyone, they just want a chance.

Dear Yankees... ignore the haters... go win in 2014!

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

LUIS CRUZ IS HEADED TO JAPAN

We are fans of Luis Cruz here at BYB.  A while back we lost track of where Cruz was after the Yankees, then we discovered him.  Read THANKS TO THE FANS, WE FOUND LUIS CRUZ.  It turns out he was headed to Mexico and was finally cleared to play after his injury.  That was in October.

Now, good news. Thanks to Josie, a fan of the Yankees, Luis Cruz and BYB, she tweeted us this about the latest on Luis:

@BleednYankeeBlu Luis Cruz signed w/ Japan for 1 yr. MT @MLB_Mexico: jugador @CochitoCruz firma con Marines en Japón: http://t.co/bC3gVuoIWI
— Josie (@YANK33_FAN) January 4, 2014

In other words, Cruz is headed to Japan. He's signed with the Lotte Marines. This is the Associated Press story about it HERE.

Nice work Josie and good luck to Luis! You were a good solider for the Yankees and we wish you well.

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fasted growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

THANKS TO THE FANS, WE FOUND LUIS CRUZ

Not sure if you guys realized it, but you did my research for me when it came to Luis Cruz.

I literally posted our piece titled WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LUIS CRUZ? while I was at my kid's baseball game.  I rushed it and I meant to go back and update it, but I forgot and thank god for the BYB readers and fans, because you kept me in check and kept the BYB readers informed... thank you.  You're all very smart when it comes to baseball and the players... I appreciate you.

First off, Josie Tweeted this to me the other day:

MT “@BleednYankeeBlu: WHERE IS @CochitoCruz ? http://t.co/ihacvNFFM3” /based on his TL, he was headed to Mexico. He's been cleared to play.
— Josie (@YANK33_FAN) October 30, 2013

And then, in the comments section, Kirk Davenport updated you all as well:

"As of today (11/2/13) Luis Cruz is in the Mexican Pacific Winter League batting .333 with the Tomateros de Culiacan team. I have no idea if he is under any MLB contract. I expect he is a total free agent. Dodger fans loved him  last year - I hope he gets an invitation to some MLB Spring Training somewhere. Great teammate, good glove, inconsistent hitter."

So... I thank you... and I bow to you, you're good people. I appreciate you guys keeping me in the loop.

And hey, reach out to Luis, wish him good luck. His Twitter handle is:  @CochitoCruz

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LUIS CRUZ?

So, Scott Williams a Facebook Bleeding Yankee Blue reader was checking out our piece titled THE IMPORTANCE OF BRENDAN RYAN. Basically it's a piece about how good Ryan is defensively and I'd like to retain him in 2014.  Scott agreed, but asked me this:

Now, life goes pretty fast and in this crazy Yankee world, you tend to forget little details.  I went back and wanted to find out what the hell happened to Luis Cruz. I mean, I knew the guy was signed by the Yankees, but then he got hurt... like everyone else on the Yanks, but where the hell did he go?

Well, this is what we know...

After the Yankees signed Cruz, he was a good soldier, but like I stated earlier, he got hurt... He sprained his knee, read HERE. Shortly after that, the Yankees DFA'd Cruz to make room for Mark Reynolds.  This was in August.

Then, 3 days later, he was released by the Yanks.

His location is unknown, but I would hope the dude's doing OK. I'm sure he is.

So Scott... this post is for you. Enjoy it.

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THE ALEX RODRIGUEZ BASHING CONTINUES...

CBSSports.com's Gregg Doyel asks the question no one is asking. I kid... everyone is.  "Are you as done with Alex Rodriguez as I am?"

I get it. I wrote about it in ALEX RODRIGUEZ IS LIKE AN OLD PENNY,  "Alex Rodriguez is always around us. It’s not so much because of Alex Rodriguez, but instead because of how the media will jump on his every word, or everything he does.  The guy is like an 'old penny' my friend Randy says, and he’s right.  ARod's always there... somehow, somewhere, sometimes annoying, and rarely ever helpful… like an old penny, like an old "ARod"…it’s the same old story."

I was correct. "Oh, you mean "Bad Penny!" No, I don't actually... I mean old, as in the "same old story." Am I sick of ARod's media attention? YES. Am I sick of ARod as a player? No, I want him back.  I root for this guy and call me a fool for doing it, but in this atmosphere of loss and aggravation, we need Alex Rodriguez.  I will tell you this; IF Alex comes back and he's helping to get us wins, you will forget all the crap and root for ARod.  Sure, there is a huge chance he comes back and shits the bed, but I'm fine taking that chance right now... especially 7 games out of first place and a lot of baseball to be played.

Now today it's being reported that ARod is having an MRI (Read HERE) for his "quad strain" and hopefully it's nothing, but as I've said before, injuries don't discriminate and if it is an injury, I wouldn't be surprised... it's just our luck this year.

But let's hope it's nothing and he comes back and shines, because I don't know... there is something incredibly odd to me watching our Yankees play and seeing guys like Luis Cruz in the lineup every night... no offense to Luis Cruz.

If there's an update on ARod, of course we'll bring it to you, right here on Bleeding Yankee Blue. 

Try and smile today.

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YANKS LOSE AFTER NAPOLI WALK-OFF

(In Photo: David Ortiz undressed Mike Napoli. Why? I have no idea.)
Mike Napoli is not a champion.  Napoli can be clutch at times and last night he hit a homer at the right time.  The Yankees lost.  You can stop reading here and I'd be OK with that... but don't... there's more.

On a night of a lot of Yankee offense, we were competitive against the first place Red Sox. We scored 7 runs and we stayed in the game all night.  One problem... the Red Sox kept coming... and in the end, they pulled it out.  CC Sabathia went 5 innings allowing 9 hits and 7 runs.  Again, not his finest hour.  Luckily the Yankees offense kept us in the game.  He was followed by our bullpen consisting of Preston Claiborne, Boone Logan, David Robertson, Shawn Kelley and Adam Warren.  They allowed no runs until Warren gave up the Napoli solo shot in the bottom of the 11th.

Sabathia gave up 2 home runs last night. Keep an eye on that. Alot of Yankee starters are giving up alot of home runs lately... not sure if Rothschild is taking notes... but he should.

The hitting went like this: Brett Gardner and Ichiro scored in the first.  In the second, Robinson Cano knocked in Chris Stewart. In the 6th, Gardy knocked in a run and then Cano knocked in Stewart again.  In the 7th, Stewart bunted home Vernon Wells and Luis Cruz grounded out but knocked in Eduardo Nunez in the process. Tied at 7-7, we went into the 11th where Napoli ended it. 

Final: Red Sox 8 - Yankees 7.

I'm not happy... we need a shake up ladies and gentlemen.

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YANKEES' CRUZ IN BOSTON!

Luis Cruz was in on every play today!  He's no superstar, but he wants it and watching the way the Yankees were knocking in runs today, it was clear to me that they do in fact understand how to get runs across home plate.  Small ball works and the Yankees may have figured that out finally, or, at least for today. Sacrifices, singles and the men on base scored..ducks on the pond left the pond...  Thank God.

As far as pitching is concerned, Hiroki Kuroda went 7 innings for the Yanks and looked good. He gave up 5 hits and just 2 runs. Boston applauded Mariano Rivera today as the Mo Tour continued...a standing ovation. 

It was pretty awesome and classy to see the Boston fans appreciate what Mo has done for the game all these years, and it didn't even matter that he was wearing a Yankee uniform. You gotta love that.

Here's how we scored today. In the 5th, Brett Gardner singled in Luis Cruz.  Later on  in the 7th, Cruz then singled in Eduardo Nunez.  That same inning, Robinson Cano singled in Cruz.  Next, Lyle Overbay singled in Ichiro Suzuki.  In the 9th inning, Cano again sacrificed in Cruz. Cruz was cruising! 

The best play of the game was a Chris Stewart laser beam to second to complete a double play after he jumped into the stands to make a catch moments before!  Twitter blew up when it happened... and it was awesome.  The funniest Tweet after it happened was this one:

@JackCurryYES @BleednYankeeBlu l have such a crush on his arm!! #amazingthrow
— Kerry Corredine (@Kerco21) July 20, 2013

Final Score: Yankees 5 - Red Sox 2

Hey, maybe we can get another win today? What do you say Yanks?

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BAD NEWS FOR JETER

Derek Jeter has been placed on the Disabled List.  According to Hardball Talk (HERE), Aaron Gleeman:

"Jeter used the All-Star break to rest up, hoping to avoid a return to the disabled list, but the Yankees have placed the shortstop back on the shelf...Because the move is retroactive Jeter is eligible to return on July 27, but obviously that’s far from guaranteed."

I know you know this, but this is all because of his quad strain the day he returned from his broken ankle stint.  It was diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain.

 (In Photo: Brent Lillibridge)
The Yankees called Brent Lillibrige up from Triple A and they will use Luis Cruz and Eduardo Nunez at shortstop until Jeter comes back.

There you go... great start to the second half of the season. Why do I feel like a vulture is hanging over my shoulder?

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NUNEZ, ERRORS & LIABILITY INSURANCE

I miss the Captain. I miss Derek Jeter and I am praying daily that he will come back soon because I just can't stand looking out at shortstop and he isn't there. Finding a good shortstop is like finding a needle in a haystack or a four leaf clover. They are rare. No offense to the backup, but it just isn't working out.

I understand why people like Eduardo Nunez because I see how funny and likable the guy is.....but the Yankees really don't have use for him and honestly, I don't either. I used to, but not anymore. It sounds harsh but it is true. I like Nunez's speed on the bases. I like his sense of humor, and I love how his helmet flies off of his head every time he motors around the bases. I don't like his glove at all and his bat isn't so good that it makes up for it. I'm not the only one who seems to think so either.

Rewind back to March. Sure, it is a while back but if you read HERE Brian Cashman said the same thing and this was before the season even began. It was before he had a lackluster start to the season and then got injured. I quote...“That’s not a great offensive player." There you have it. Sure, he runs into the ball and he can be productive but I tend to agree. He is more effective running on the bases. Aside from that, he is a liability.

The Yankees needed him to work out this season. They were desperate for him to fill in and succeed. We put a ton of responsibility on a bench player who struggled in that role. Did the Yankees really expect him to just magically get better in a regular role? It was a risky roll of the dice. Now with Derek Jeter and Jayson Nix out with muscle strains we are expecting Nunez to get the job done. That scares me.

For whatever reason, Cashman and company believe that Nunez is destined to be an everyday shortstop and the heir replacement once Jeter finally calls it quits. That is supposedly where he has the most value. Where is this value? Looking at stats so far this year he has 5 errors. That's quite a few considering how much time he has missed over the season due to injuries. In his 4 years so far, he has committed a total of 33 errors. 23 of those come from playing shortstop. His other errors come from playing second and third base. Sure, putting him at either of those positions won't be an option considering we have Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano.....but that should tell the Yankees that he just does not have a feel for the position.

He should have a feel for the position by now, he's had plenty of play time there over the years. Maybe he needs some confidence? Maybe he needs the good old Scott Hatteberg "Moneyball" treatment. You know the part in the movie where Billy Beane is sitting in his office during the first day of spring training and his coaches tell him that he just "doesn't have a feeling for the position" and "the nice way to put it is....he lacks confidence." Billy Beane answers that with, "well....give him some!" (Yes, I have watched this movie about a million times). I think the Yankees have given him plenty. They have utilized him in some important games and he doesn't always pull through.

I just don't understand why the Yankees continue to hold on to this guy aside from the injury epidemic this year. He is a defensive liability, and considering how our offense isn't running on all 4 cylinders some nights scoring 3 runs is an uphill battle. Putting Nunez in the game and committing just one error could be the difference between a win and a loss, sad to say but true. At this point, I feel more confident with Luis Cruz. Shortstops are hard to find, but it makes me wonder what we could have gained if the Yankees had traded him to the Atlanta Braves when they were showing interest last year.

Nunez is a nice guy, but the Yankees need to stop trying to make this guy something he isn't. I don't know what the answer is without Jeter....but I am convinced it isn't him.

--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ

 

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WITH THE YANKEES, IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS...

Don't look now, but the Yankees won!

The score was 2-0 and Hiroki Kuroda was the starter and the winner.  He's 8-6 this season and as far as I'm concerned... I like what he's done as a New York Yankee. 

The guy's OK with me.  He went 5 innings tonight, allowed 6 hits, 0 runs and was followed by Preston Claiborne, Boone Logan, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera who got his 30th save of the season.  30 saves for a guy who is leaving at the end of the season forever and who hasn't even hit the All-Star break yet, and he still has 30 saves!  Outstanding.

Sure, the Yankees only had 6 hits to the Twins 8, but it was the runs in this game that truly mattered. The Yankees scored 2... the Twins... zero.

In the 5th inning, Brett Gardner singled and Luis Cruz scored.  Alittle while later, Robinson Cano singled and scored Gardy.  Yes, it may not have been wonderful. It may not have been dynamic... but a win is a win is a win.  This was a win...I'll take it.

Again, the final: Yankees 2 - Twins 0

Go Yanks!

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THAT YANKEE DESIRE IS BACK WITH JETER'S RETURN

I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't hear Empire State of Mind playing in my head today when Derek Jeter came out.  It was a great day.  Seeing the Captain back is symbolic for so many reasons.  Obviously he's missed, but it just shows that hope and desire to win when he's out there.  It's not the Yankees without him,  that's the bottom line.

Many cautioned to not get nuts when Jeter returns because he's got to take it slow.  We all get that. No one is rushing the guy. We just want him back...baby steps is fine, as long as there are steps forward and none back.

The Yankees won today.  Jeter started it off batting second and being the DH. He got a first inning hit, he appeared to run on the grass to first in every at bat.  I never noticed him do that before, but maybe he never has. Maybe he was doing it on purpose.  Maybe he's always done it.  Who knows, I know this, seeing him run to first base was great.  Seeing him score was better.

Andy Pettitte started today. He went 5.2 innings and he allowed 8 hits and 4 runs, 3 of them earned.  He only struck out 1.  While it wasn't vintage Pettitte, it was Pettitte and he always gives us a chance to win.

The hitting was great today.  11 hits, 8 runs and it went like this: Vernon Wells sacrificed Derek Jeter home in the 1st. In the 2nd, Austin Romine doubled in Eduardo Nunez.  Ichiro then singled in Romine.
Later on with the Yankees down 4-3, it was Lyle Overbay to knocked in 2 to put us ahead and that was followed by Zoilo Almonte and Eduardo Nunez each driving in a run. In the 6th, Jeet knocked in Luis Cruz on a ground out.

Final today: Yankees 8 - Royals 4.

Special Note: Jeet came out of the game in the eighth with a tight quad, read HERE.  He said that he hopes it's "no big deal".  Look, chalk this up as reality.  The guy may have been working to get back all this time, but he hasn't really played consistently until this week or so.  It's bound to happen, and let's hope this is nothing.

Welcome back DJ... you're a class act and the desire is back!

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IS AROD HEADED FOR SUSPENSION?

Let the long wait begin. We have waited all year to see what was going to happen with the Biogenesis scandal. We may be getting closer. But if the rumor mill is correct we may have to wait until next week. But let the rumors continue to fly, let's discuss the latest.

It is being reported by numerous sources that suspensions to Alex Rodriguez and more than 20 other players could be issued next week after the All Star game, read that HERE. While it is believed that suspensions will not come until after the All Star game, we don't know how soon they could come. One thing we do know for sure, is that Bug Selig is gathering any and all evidence to use to his advantage if players are indeed suspended.

Ryan Braun is also in the hot seat, and despite being exonerated back in 2011 this time he may not be so  lucky. He could face up to a 100 game suspension, and as serious at that is he isn't answering anymore questions.  Considering how serious these charges are it doesn't look good to refuse to cooperate with MLB at this point which is what he supposedly did on June 29, read that HERE. It looks more suspicious when Rodriguez is reportedly cooperating and is set to speak to MLB officials on Friday, read that HERE.

What would a possible suspension mean for the Yankees? Well, a lot. We are coming up on the trade deadline, and if Rodriguez was in fact suspended it could force them into making a trade. Sure, Luis Cruz could play in that position amongst others....but the Yankees really need a bat. Now that Rodriguez has been rehabbing the Yankees have been hopeful that he is going to come back and contribute offensively and give Joe Girardi another much needed right handed bat to break up the lineup.

But what if that doesn't happen? What if he is suspended? Well, he has the right to appeal. If he does an appeal can take some time. An arbitrator would need time to look at all of the evidence in the case and they would give their ruling. This could take months, it doesn't mean it would....but I'm sure his lawyers would make things interesting. Also worth noting, if the case is taken to arbitration he would still be allowed to play while it is under review. He would not start serving suspension unless the arbitrator ruled to uphold the suspension....so this could take a while.

This is important to both the Yankees and baseball in general. It will be interesting to see what comes from the Rodriguez interview on Friday. Who knows what will happen with this. But this could be far from over. We will of course keep you updated on any suspension news, Yankees related or otherwise.

Anyone else tired of the mention of PEDS? Raise your hand.

Casey will have his own commentary on Bleeding Yankee Blue over the next 24 to 48 hours... he has a different take...

--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ

 


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WHO IS LUIS CRUZ?

Last week the Yankees made a move. They signed Luis Cruz on July 3rd. To many, the name sounded familiar, and to others it was "Who?"

Jayson Nix was placed on the 15 day DL, so the team signed and brought in Cruz, (Read NIX TO DL.) Was it a big signing? No. It was a move to fill a hole... something the team has been doing all year with an injury riddled roster. It's something we should all expect now. Players get designated for assignment all around the league.

(In Photo: Cruz flips to Cano to start double play against Twins)
For as long as the Yankees are in need, they will likely find work here. Nothing new. Cruz is one of the latest additions to the team. Luis Cruz came from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization where he turned down his minor league assignment and subsequently became a free agent. He isn't known for having a solid bat, having just a .127 BA with the Dodgers. However his fielding is really good. He plays 2B, 3B, and SS. It's always great to have a utility guy like this to give Robbie Cano, David Adams, Eduardo Nunez and Derek Jeter rest here and there. In his first 5 games as a Yankee he's hitting with .222 BA, and has 3 RBIs. On the field, he has flashed the glove. I like the energy this kid has brought with him. He's making his plays. He just wants to come in and contribute. Why not? You were just signed to the biggest stage in baseball. I am a firm believer, a change of scenery can be helpful. Maybe he is excited for a fresh start in a new place. I hope to see this continue for him down the line, it's nice to have eccentric people in the clubhouse.

With that, let's say it……….Welcome to the Bronx, Luis Cruz.

-- Rudy Laurens, BYB Writer
Facebook: House of Champions



 
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YANKEES ROLLIN', ROLLIN', ROLLIN'

The Yankees appear to be on a streak.  6 in a row for the Bombers and whatever the Orioles did to them last week, they're handing it back to them now.  The Orioles are competitors, don't get it twisted, but right now, the Yankees are playing real well together and clicking nicely.

Andy Pettitte is now 6-6 and yesterday he went 6.2 innings, allowed 9 hits and gve up 4 runs, 3 of them earned.  He struck out 4.  He was followed by Shawn Kelley, the great David Robertson and then Mariano Rivera came in and shut the door... Save 29.

In the second inning, Luis Cruz knocked in Travis Hafner.  Then Eduardo Nunez flew into a sac double play, but in the play Zoilo Almonte scored. In the 5th inning, Ichiro Suzuki knocked in Nunie and then later Robbie Cano hit in Chris Stewart.  In the 6th, it was Nunie again knocking in another run... Lyle Overbay scored.

Hand it to Nunie, he was in on every play yesterday.

And tip your cap to Chris Davis... he hit his 33rd home run this season and he brings an energy to the Orioles you need to admire.

Final: Yankees 5 - Orioles 4


The Yankees Rollin' right now... keep it going boys!


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THE WELLS-NOVA COMBO MAKES THINGS HAPPEN

What a difference a Wells makes...  and Nova too.  5 in a row ladies and gentleman and last night it was against a division rival!  Things are happening again in Yankeeland. You best believe it.

Tonight, Vernon Wells had 2 hits.  He was the only one on the Yankees with 2... plus he got the walk-off... more on that in a minute.   Ivan Nova went a complete game tonight.  I'm not kidding.  9 innings allowing just 3 hits and 2 runs.  He also struck out 11. Magnificent.  As far as runs, it went like this:

Luis Cruz singled in Vernon Wells in the 4th. Then, more happened in the 9th.  Travis Hafner walked with the bases loaded forcing in David Adams.  Next, Vernon Wells singled in Brett Gardner... and just like that, the Yankees win!

Final: Yankees 3 - Orioles 2.

5 in a row bitches... 5 in a row.

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