THE TANAKA SIGNING GETS THE LINE MOVING

Don't forget that there was a huge log jam with pitching in Major League baseball while everyone was waiting for Masahiro Tanaka to choose the team he wanted to be with.  Once he signed with the Yankees... the line started moving and pitchers are now being snatched up quickly.

Today we learn that Matt Garza had signed a 4 year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.  It's worth $52 million.  According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

Source: Garza in agreement with #Brewers, four years, $52M, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2014

But that's not all. Grant Balfour was also snatched up.  The Tampa Bay Rays signed him.

Ken Rosenthal again ladies and gentlemen... with a funny nugget attached to it:

Sources: #Mets made offer to Balfour that exceeded #Rays’ two-year, $12M bid. Balfour preferred to be closer to his home in Clearwater, Fl.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2014

The poor Mets can get anyone, except for Curtis Granderson of course... and that's a good get.

Then... after the whole Orioles / Balfour spat about Grant's health... Aaron Laffey signed with them! That comes from Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish:

Confirmed: Aaron Laffey has minor league deal with #Orioles.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 23, 2014

Alot happening now and look for guys like Bronson Arroyo and Ervin Santana to go within the next several days. 

Now that Tanaka is finally settled and coming to the Bronx, there will be teams moving to finalize their rotations.  Truth be told, I'm shocked by the contract Garza got.  Look, I like the guy, he's a good pitcher, but I would have never offered him 4 years. 2 maybe...

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

 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.

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT; YANKEES SWEEP JAYS

Even with a 7-3 record in the last ten games and a four game winning streak, the New York Yankees held only a paltry half-game lead in the AL East Division race entering the series finale with the Blue Jays.  Perhaps an even scarier part of the equation is the lack of a safety net.  The Yankees do hold a 4.5 game lead over the Angels for the final wild card slot, but all you really get from that is a "play-in" opportunity for the the real playoff show.  This new playoff structure makes wining the division crown an essential ingredient for a chance at long-term survival in October. 

 

The Yankees got help from aging veterans Andy Pettitte and Ichiro Suzuki yesterday in the sweep of a double-header, as they moved on toward that elusive division championship.  The Yanks would need plenty more of the same on Thursday night and for the remainder of the regular season schedule.  Unfortunately, the game did not start particularly well for the Bombers.  The offense looked anemic for two innings, mustering only a Russell Martin walk. 

 

Meanwhile starter Phil Hughes allowed a pair of early runs on two doubles, two walks, two hit batsmen, and a single.  The Yankees trailed 2-0 after 2.5 innings. 

 

In the bottom of the third, the Yankee offense stirred a little and produced a run on an Ichiro Suzuki solo HR to right field that cut the Toronto lead to 2-1.  In the fourth, Toronto's starter Aaron Laffey faltered and second baseman Kelly Johnson committed a costly error.  The Yankees took advantage of three walks issued by Toronto pitchers around the Johnson error.  Red-hot Ichiro ripped a double to right field to make those Jays' transgressions costly. 

Ichiro's hit scored two runs (Martin and Granderson).  After another walk, to Jayson Nix, and an RBI single by Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher powered his third grand-slam HR of the 2012 season.  It was also the 10th grand-slam HR of the season by the Yankees, equalling the team high in that category.  The Yankees lead was 8-2 after four innings.

 

Phil Hughes seemed intent on keeping Toronto in the game.  He allowed a two-run HR to Moises Sierra in the fifth and the Jays cut the lead to 8-4.  Hughes was removed after that fifth inning having thrown 102 pitches.  Hughes did manage to strike out four batters in the fourth inning, becoming only the second Yankee pitcher to achieve that feat in club history, but overall his outing was less than satisfactory and required an already over-worked bullpen to pitch nearly half of the game.

 

After the Yankees added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth on a Granderson double, a Nix double and RBI, and an RBI single by Jeter, Derek Lowe righted the ship with two scoreless innings.  In fact Lowe pitched so well that pundits were wondering aloud why Girardi had removed him from the game at that point with New York holding a 10-4 lead.  The decision almost proved costly as Cory Wade and Joba Chamberlain conspired to yield three runs on five hits in a scary eighth inning.  Suddenly, the seemingly safe lead was down to 10-7 and Girardi was forced to warm Raphael Soriano for the fourth time in three days.

 

Soriano could not go, and David Robertson was assigned the closer role for the night.  DRob was more than up to the task as he struck out the side in the top of the ninth.  Robertson earned his second save of the season and preserved Phil Hughes' 16th win of 2012.  The Baltimore Oriole juggernaut was off on Thursday, so the Yankee win gives the club a full game lead in the standings with only thirteen games to play. 

 

The ugly, but very happy, final on Thursday night:  New York 10  Toronto 7.       

--Frank Gentry, BYB Writer

Twitter: @yankeefrank23

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YANKEES SWEEP DOUBLEHEADER BEHIND ICHIRO SUZUKI

The Yankees and Blue Jays were rained out on Tuesday, and because of that they had to play a doubleheader on Wednesday. In case you missed it, the Bombers won the first game of the double dip 4-2. Read PETTITTE & YANKEES ARE A-O-K IN GAME 1 for the recap. In game 2, the Yanks got some serious help from Ichiro and spot-starter David Phelps in a 2-1 win.

Let’s start with the man of the hour, or in this case, the man of the day; Ichiro. In game 1 he went 3-for-4 out of the lead off spot with a double and two runs scored, to go along with a spectacular basket catch in the eighth inning to preserve the lead. However, in game 2, he one-upped that performance by going 4-for-4 out of the eighth spot with four steals and the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth. On the day, Ichiro went 7-for-8 with four stolen bases, two runs scored and one huge, huge RBI. With the 7-for-8 in the two games for Ichiro, he raised his average as a Yankee from .288 to .317. But the thing is, we shouldn’t be too terribly surprised by what Ichiro has done because we knew he would provide a needed spark for this team. Read TRUST ME: WITH ICHIRO, THE YANKS HAVE THE EYE OF THE TIGER.

With the rain out, the Yankees would eventually need a spot starter. Smartly, Joe Girardi planned ahead and used his spot starter, David Phelps, against the weaker Blue Jays instead of waiting for the weekend to use him against the contending Oakland A’s. Also, the move means they can put him back in the bullpen for the A’s series, if needed, after a few days. Anyway, Phelps was fantastic as he allowed just one run in 6.2 innings. He gave up just three hits while walking three and striking out six. Phelps was also able to throw a career high 110 pitches. In fact, he had not thrown 100 pitches in an outing in his big league career.

Following Phelps were the trio of Boone Logan, Cody Eppley, and Rafael Soriano. Logan came on to clean up Phelps’ bases loaded mess in the seventh, and in total he retired all three men he faced including two strikeouts. Eppley retired the only man he faced, Brett Lawrie, on a strikeout to end the eighth. Finally, after collecting four outs on 23 pitches in the day game, Rafael Soriano needed just nine pitches to retire the Jays 1-2-3 in the ninth. The save was his 42nd of the season.

You know the rest of the offense didn’t do much when Chris Stewart is your second biggest contributor on the night. He actually had a pretty good game overall, though, as he went 1-for-2 with two walks, an RBI, and a stolen base while throwing out Rajai Davis at second in the second. The run he drove in came on a ground rule double off Ricky Romero in the second. Other than that, there wasn’t much offense as Derek Jeter, who made a throwing error in his return at shortstop, Nick Swisher, and Robinson Cano each singled. Jeter’s hit was his 200th of the season, the eighth time he’s done so in his illustrious career.

Final was 2-1, Yanks.

It was imperative that the Yankees swept the doubleheader since the Oriole continue to prove that they’re for real. The lead in the AL East is a slim ½ game, and the Yanks will be looking to sweep their series against the Blue Jays, as the O’s travel to Boston. Phil Hughes (15-12, 3.96 ERA) will match up against former Yankee Aaron Laffey (3-5, 4.55 ERA) in the series finale.




--Jesse Schindler, BYB Lead Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @SchindlerJesse


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WHY BYB YANKEE NOTES MAKE YOU SMILE

Just a few things you need to know about as we are just hours away from 2012.Aaron Laffey: Laffey signed a split contract with the Blue Jays. Read about it HERE. Remember Laffey, the lefty that showed up in the Bronx for a short amount of time? He did OK for us, but it was clear he wasn't going to be around long. In 11 games for the Yankees, he posted a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings. Good Luck to Laffey.
Darren Oliver: Gone. This lefty was signed by the Blue Jays, or at least close to it. Read HERE. This deal was a 1 year contract and a club option for 2013. Oliver is 41 and has been around, but having stability like him in the pen is important. Good for the Jays. We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue mentioned a need for a lefty like Oliver in a piece titled IF YOU TRADE FOR IT...THEY WILL COME from back in November. It's a piece that discusses how no real Free Agents are too exciting this off season, but if we had to pick, Oliver may be one we would consider.
Matt Garza: The Tigers are the latest team to jump on the Garza bandwagon. Read HERE. That makes it the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Blue Jays and the Tigers, who all have a legit shot to get him in a trade. But based on what the Yankees have done this off season, it wouldn't be in their pattern to trade for Garza. We'll have to see. Read WILL THE YANKEES TRADE FROM MATT GARZA? and a more in-depth piece on why the Yankees need Garza will be posted later today on Bleeding Yankee Blue. Look for it.

If anything happens, we'll post it on BYB, so check back.

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THE STATE OF THE YANKEES PITCHING

First, let me give you alittle Yankee pitching news. 3 names have moved on according to LoHud, read it HERE.

Aaron Laffey was apparently claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals. Scott Proctor elected free agency as did Raul Valdes.

Now, for other important stuff coming out of Yankeeland. The next logical target for the Yankees as far as starting pitching is concerned is the Rangers lefthander CJ Wilson in my opinion. Yes, the 2011 rotation did much better than anyone anticipated, but there is definitely a need for improvement, so why not “Pretty Boy” Wilson, as Casey calls him? CJ Wilson has improved on his 2010 breakout year, proving more than capable as the ace of the Rangers staff. He finished the season with a 2.94 ERA, 206 strikeouts (8.3 K/9), and a career high 223.1 innings pitched.

Adding Wilson behind CC, assuming CC Sabathia returns, would certainly give the Yankees the most dominant pair of lefties in the game, which could prove to be a valuable commodity when facing the lefty laden lineups of Boston (who despite collapsing, is still an excellent offensive team) and the Rangers. That said, I don’t see the Rangers letting CJ get away. Don’t forget, the Rangers lost out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes too and have plenty of money sitting around to make sure he stays. Losing their ace in back to back off-seasons would be a PR nightmare, especially given the current free agent market. Sure, the Rangers could abandon CJ and make a run at Yu Darvish, but should they fail in that pursuit, they’re left with a staff led by… Derek Holland and Colby Lewis. And, could Neftali Feliz truly succeed in a starting role with only two pitches? As much as I’d like to have CJ Wilson, I don’t see him going anywhere. He seems to love playing in Texas and the fans love him back. Additionally, I don’t see how a 31 year old with all of 2 years experience starting in a division with the Athletics, Mariners, and Angels is a sure thing to perform in the AL East. If Yu Darvish doesn’t work out (Read WHY I’LL CONVINCE YOU ON YU), I’d go for CJ.

Clearly, Manny Banuelos is another lefty that could prove reliable and dominant for the Yankees, very possibly in 2012. And speaking of Banuelos, what do we do with those other B’s? If their performance in AAA is any indication of how they’ll look at the beginning of next year, Betances and Banuelos should be given a chance to make the rotation out of Spring Training and boot Phil Hughes to the bullpen, but more than likely they need to be sent back to Scranton Wilkes-Barre (or I guess Rochester seeing as they’ll playing most of their “home” games there next season) and given their chance to dominate.

As for Andrew Brackman, I say he should be in the bullpen on Opening Day 2012, ready to work late innings. He proved last season that he has huge flaws as a starter, but towards the end of the season, he was an utterly dominant setup man for the Yanks’ AAA affiliate. His fastball + power-curve combo works fantastically out of the bullpen, and adding him into a bullpen with Joba Chamberlain, Rafael Soriano, David Robertson, and Mariano Rivera would pretty much a guarantee that the Yankees have the best bullpen in baseball for the second year in a row.
If all went according to my plan, we’d have a rotation resembling Sabathia, Darvish, Ivan Nova, Phi Hughes, AJ Burnett for Opening Day, and as the season progresses, I believe Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances could both try their hardest to beat out the latter three. That’s a damn nice 1-2-3, and if Hughes maintains the form he displayed in the end of the season, he’ll be one of the better 4th starters in the game.

Finally, an important part to all of this is an extra lefty in the Yankees bullpen. Casey has been ranting about the need for an extra one in the pen, and he’s right. Boone Logan is a fine relief pitcher, but a lefty specialist he is not. We were all set for Pedro Feliciano to be our hero, but his entire career may be in jeopardy, so forget about depending on him in 2012. Damaso Marte was never any good, except of course the 2009 postseason, but let’s face it, that was 2009. I’m not sure who’s out there, but it has to be done.

Look, at the end of the day, I have a plan, it may not be perfect or realistic to some, but in my opinion, I think it could work. Do you agree, maybe disagree? You can comment… let me know what you would do.

--Grant Cederquist, BYB Staff Writer



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YANKEES CLINCH! DIVISION TITLE NEXT!

Today was pretty exciting. The game itself was slow going because James Shields was very very good today. In fact, he was dynamite. Finally, after the 7^th inning, things changed. The Yankees had 1 run until Eduardo Nunez cranked out a homer to tie it up.

Then , in the bottom of the ninth, Robinson Cano knocked a 2 run double to bring the Yankees ahead 4-2. But let me back up. If Brett Gardner didn’t slash that opposite field single to start off that inning and Derek Jeter didn’t work a walk, Robinson Cano's hit means nothing. That’s team work, that’s the Yankees offense, that’s a team hungry for the postseason.

Hector Noesi started the game for the Yankees today. He was a last minute add because Phil Hughes was scratched with back spasms. Noesi pitched 2.2 innings, allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits and struck out 2. Like I’ve said in WHY THE YANKEES PEN IS THE BEST IN BASEBALL, Noesi is a team player and does what is asked of him. He did it again today, this time starting and you have to tip your hat to this kid, he handled it well. But that’s not all, the pen was incredible and they deserve much of the credit in keeping the Rays held to 2 runs the rest of the game. The combination of Raul Valdes, George Kontos, Aaron Laffey, Cory Wade, Boone Logan, Luis Ayala (who earned the win), and Mariano Rivera was brilliant for a day game before this night game. Girardi mixed up the pitchers, righty to lefty and kept the Rays off guard. Terrific job today.

1 heads up base running situation that I wanted to point out which took place today and I loved it because you know I love speed if you read Bleeding yankee Blue. Eduardo Nunez stole second and third in the same inning (I believe the 5th.) No, it didn't give us a run, though it's important because it shows agression and pure grit. Gotta love it.

Final Score: Yankees 4 –Rays 2

Congrats to the Yankees for making the postseason for the 16^th time in 17 years. That is incredible. But no celebration yet. The Yankees have a night game with the Rays and CC Sabathia is on the mound right now. After a win tonight, then let's talk about party time...one game at a time.

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WHY MO'S SIMPLY THE BEST

(Photo: AP)
If I told you it was the most satisfying win in 2011 for me personally, would you believe me? Well, it was. This game had everything I wanted, it was like Christmas; Alex Rodriguez is hitting at the right time after an injury plagued season. Curtis Granderson may have broken out of his mini-slump and he's hitting homers again. Mariano Rivera has tied Trevor Hoffman for the most saves ever in Major League history. Oh, and the Yankees came back to win a big game today, just the way I like my Saturday, how about you?
(Photo: AP)
It didn't start well at all. In fact, it was a train wreck and Bartolo Colon was the conductor. My, how the mighty have fallen. This is a guy we were calling the Yankees 2nd ace back in July. This is a guy that I wanted the Yankees to start making merchandise with his name all over it. This guy was on the fast track to a "Rudy-esque" bio pic. But, let's face it... Bartolo Colon is no longer good enough to be in the Yankees rotation ladies and gentlemen. In short spurts, Colon could be valuable in the pen, but his starting days in New York are over. They have to be, because if the Yankees offense didn't explode today, We'd be looking at another loss and it would be all Colon's fault. Luckily, we had a comeback today. Colon went only 4 innings today, and he allowed 6 runs on 7 hits.Alex Rodriguez homered today and not only that, he started a big rally in the 6th inning when he cranked out a 3 run home run. the Yankees scored 4 in that inning. Alex today was 2-4 and according to Marc Carig of the Star Ledger, he felt good: “I definitely feel good, and I definitely feel energized,” Rodriguez said.

Curtis Granderson hit his 40th homer of the year today and he was the big bat of the game. Grandy gave the Yankees the lead in the 7th inning to top off the comeback. It was a 2 run shot over the center field fence.

The combination of Scott Proctor, Aaron Laffey, Hector Noesi and Rafael Soriano shut down the Jays today and did not allow a hit. When momentum takes over a team, you can see it in everyone. Hats off to these guys today, fantastic bullpen. More times than not, the Yankees pen kicks some ass, today was one of those days.

The story of the day goes to Mariano Rivera. Coming in today and getting save 601 was history and just fantastic. Mariano deserves every great thing that happens to him in life. He's an amazing teammate, a terrific pitcher and iconic in not only Yankeeland, but in baseball. Congrats to Mariano for tying the All-time save record. 601. Wow.Finally, Joe Girardi reads BYB. If he didn't he would have put Jorge Posada in to catch Mariano Rivera's 601st save and my theory in WHY SAVE 602 SHOULD BE MARIANO TO POSADA would have been watered down. Luckily, for save 601, Girardi used Russell Martin setting up what will ultimately be my dream come true, having Jorge Posada catch Mariano's 602nd save. Now, tomorrow is the 3rd game of the Blue Jays series in Toronto. Hopefully, Girardi does the right thing and let's David Robertson close out the game if needed so Mariano can close 602 at home. If he was to do that, and Posada caught it... well... let's just say I'll be a happy man.

Final Score: Yankees 7 - Blue Jays 6

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WHY OUR YANKEES FELL SHORT

The Yankees only have 3 hits last night and 1 of them was a home run by Jesus Montero. We can celebrate Montero's talent since being called up all we want, but the reality is, it's not as sweet if the Yankees don't win. Last night the evil Red Sox lost and being on the West Coast, they knew about it by the time they started. More incentive to push harder.
Jered Weaver pitched well, striking out 11, walking only 2 and allowing only 3 hits. We knew the Yankees were going to have a tough time. But we also knew Weaver was beatable, in his last 5 outings he struggled a bit. It was the right time for New York. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. We needed the Yankee pitching to do the same and they did for the most part. Bartolo Colon was awesome last night, as I suggested he needed to be. He only allowed 1 earned run.David Robertson, who may be the greatest set up man in Yankees history, pitched a perfect 8th inning. In the ninth, Aaron Laffey gave up a single and quickly Girardi's Binder went into panic mode. Quickly Laffey was replaced by Luis Ayala. Vernon Wells singled and the runner advanced the third. Ayala then hit Peter Bourjos by a pitch and that loaded the bases. Maicer Izturis hit a deep fly that scored the runner from third and that's the ball game, Angels win.

My own observation after tonight. I love extra lefties in the bullpen but I feel like Aaron Laffey is a poor man's Boone Logan. It's time to try out Raul Valdes. I feel as though Laffey gets into trouble too much. But what do I know, I'm a blogger.

Final Score: Angels 2 - Yankees 1.

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THE MARTE & FELICIANO COMEDY HOUR

This amazes and it should you too. Not that I really thought it was possible that Pedro Feliciano or Damaso Marte would return this season, but I had a glimmer of hope, but I just may need to give it up. Read about it HERE.

I recently wrote THE EXTRA LEFTY THE YANKEES NEVER HAD and in it, I described how there were several opportunities out there to gather a lefty and we even had one for a moment in Aaron Laffey and then he disappeared after 1 appearance in pinstripes. Sad, I even remember a feature in which he was interviewed saying how it was a dream come true. Read it HERE.

That being said, I also wrote about how Feliciano and Marte were going to pitch in a Gulf League game on their road back. One problem. Both experienced soreness. Trust me; these characters will not be back this season. It’s the school of Carl Pavano. I’m not saying they’re faking it, I’m saying the signings are ridiculous.

So what’s next? Luckily, we have a few options. Manny Banuelos is in the minors and while young, he’s a definite option. Cashman has stated that he doesn’t want to bring the kid up, but there’s nothing wrong with having an extra lefty in the pen, especially if we are making a run for the playoffs.

There is also that thing called a waivers deadline. Cashman is already doing it, and by doing it, I mean scoping out which lefty pitchers are out there that teams placed on waivers. Believe me, if there is an option, Cashman will do it, but I know he won’t force it. Why? Because he already forced it with Feliciano and Marte and he’s paying for it.

Look, the Yankees are winning, that is a good thing, but we’re stumbling through some days and all I’m saying is, a little extra help can’t hurt, that’s all.

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THE EXTRA LEFTY THE YANKEES NEVER HAD

Boone Logan is the Yankees lefty specialist. He’s the lone lefty in the Yankees pen who has good days and bad days, mostly bad, but lately decent. That being said, one things for sure in my opinion, Logan can’t do it alone. There are some times where the Yankees could really use another lefty out of the bullpen, yet, things don’t seem to be working out and I’m not sure why.

The lefties the Yankees hoped to be there with the team have amounted to nothing. Let me rephrase that. Damaso Marte, who is expected to pitch in the Gulf Coast League today had an amazing playoff run in 2009. That’s right... 2009! He's been hurt more than he's played. Pedro Feliciano was signed to give us some extra lefty support, but he’s been out with injury too and hopefully this Thursday he’ll also join Marte, that's the word from ESPN at least. Read HERE. Who knows if we’ll see them this season, I doubt it.

It’s not like there weren’t lefties available at the deadline, it’s not like we don’t have lefties in the farm system, they’re around. In fact, for some strange reason, the Yankees never even gave JC Romero a shot when they signed him to a minor league deal. He was later released and signed immediately with the Rockies. The Yankees picked up Aaron Laffey. He came in, pitched in 1 game and was designated for assignment. Hmm. What’s going on here?

Then comes this report suggesting the Brian Cashman doesn’t want to bring up Manny Banuelos this season...read HERE, another lefty who I believe is worth giving a shot. Yes, I understand Cashman’s mentality here, but let’s just see what the kid has, right?

There was talk of Sean Burnett from the Nationals, but that ship has sailed as well. John Grabow from the Cubs? No... nothing.

Now, if fairness, the Yankees bullpen is clearly the best in baseball and they are shutting down the competition. Is that Cashman’s thinking? Is Cashman thinking that because we’re so good out of the pen right now, the need for an extra lefty in the pen to help Boone Logan is not needed? What do you think? Do you think that Boone Logan should be the only lefty out of the bullpen for New York? Should we bring up Manny Banuelos to help? Should have held onto JC Romero? Aaron Laffey? Vote in our poll, I’d love to get your thoughts on this, because, as you can see… I’m confused.

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WHY IT'S TIME TO PULL AJ BURNETT

(Photo: Getty)
Well Yankee fans, what can you say that hasn't already been said about AJ Burnett? I mean, I guess I can spend the rest of the time writing this recap talking about how AJ is an embarrassment in pinstripes. Or how AJ couldn't hit the side of a barn even if he was standing three feet away. But I won't do that tonight. Why? Because he is not worth it. But, here is what I will say. I certainly do not know AJ Burnett "the man off the field". So I would never judge another man without having first walked a mile in his shoes and even then, who am I to judge? You will not find any of the BYB writers ever attacking another player on a personal level. That is not how we roll at BYB. But one thing I do know is AJ Burnett, the pitcher for the New York Yankees is just plain awful. And he has the nerve to show up his manager and his team when rightfully being yanked from the game? Are you kidding me? You know, when Joe Girardi was asked about what AJ said to him when he left the mound Joe took the high road. He played "dumb" saying AJ's anger wasn't directed at him. Look, we all know that AJ said something to Girardi and Girardi probably jacked him up when he followed him into the clubhouse tunnel, but what is he suppose to say? Girardi is the manager of the New York Yankees, he isn't going to sit there and sell out one of his players to the media. So I am not gonna get on him for the way he answered questions after the game. In fact, I give credit tonight to Girardi for showing class and leadership. Bottom line is this: AJ Burnett and the New York Yankees need to come up with a "mystery injury". This cannot go on any longer! It must end and it must end NOW!
So here's the recap; In the bottom of the 1st inning, AJ Burnett gets the leadoff hitter out, but then the Twins proceeded to hit back to back doubles and a wild pitch by Burnett gave the Twins and early 1-0 lead. After a sacrifice fly, AJ retires the side.

So after one inning, the Yanks were down 2-0, but it wasn't the end of the world. There was a glimmer of hope that maybe AJ settled down and found his groove. But, that was not the case...
After the Yanks went down again 1-2-3 in the top of the 2nd the Twins came up and by the end of the inning, this game was over. In fact, Burnett could not even make it out of the 2nd inning. And, to add insult to injury, when AJ reluctantly left the mound with the bases loaded the Twin fans gave him a standing ovation! How embarrassing is that? Pathetic. Here is AJ's final line for tonight:

1.2 IP - 5 Hits - 7 ER - 3 BB - 1 K - 2 Wild pitches -- 61 pitches thrown and now AJ's ERA for the season is 4.96!

Offensively, the Yankee bats were frozen against Francisco Liriano. To Liriano's credit, he was given a big lead and pitched accordingly. He went after the Yankee hitters and never let them string anything together. When Liriano is on, he is really on. Eduardo Nunez was the only Yankee with more than one hit going 2-4 with a run scored. The Yankees only had a total of 7 hits for the entire game and most of them came late, not against Liriano.

So tonight I ask the Yankees to do us all a favor and end this AJ nightmare. Please yank this guy from the starting rotation. We don't care how you do it, all we care is that you do it.

Some Other Game Notes:

• Andruw Jones smacked another home run tonight -- his 9th of the season.

• Curtis Granderson got his 97th RBI of the season. Incredible.
  

• Although newly acquired lefty Aaron Laffey gave up two runs tonight, credit needs to be given to him for "taken one on the chin" giving his new team 3 innings worth of work. Also, the bullpen combo of Ayala, Wade, and Noesi pitched 3.1 innings giving up just 3 hits and no runs. Bravo.
  

Final Score tonight: Minnesota Twins 9 -- New York Yankees 4

Can you tell I'm disgusted? Well, I am.

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com

Twitter: @MikeyBlu23



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