REMEMBER CASEY MCGEHEE? THE GUY'S STILL GOT IT!

Just a quick note about former Yankee Casey McGehee.  He was traded to the San Francisco Giants.

According to Juan Rodriguez, who's on the Marlins beat, the Giants received McGehee and the Marlins get back 2... Kendry Flores and Luis Castillo:

#Marlins getting RHPs Kendry Flores and Luis Castillo from #Giants for Casey McGehee.
— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) December 20, 2014

The Giants needed a 3rd baseman fast.  Think about it.  Pablo Sandoval signed with the Red Sox.  The Yankees then snatched up Chase Headley. 

They needed to make a move... and now they did.

McGehee didn't play in the Major Leagues in 2013.  He played in Japan.  When he returned in 2014, it seemed like whatever he learned over there "took".  He appears to be an improved player.  Gotta love that.

Anyway, just wanted to keep the BYB audience in the loop.

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CASEY MCGEHEE HAS SOME DIRT ON TANAKA

Casey McGehee knows Masahiro Tanaka.  Don't forget, McGehee played ball in Japan after he was with the Yankees for a short time.  Well, since his return and all this Tanaka-Mania, Casey McGehee has been interviewed... a lot, because he was Tanaka's teammate in Japan.  Here's what he says about Tanaka's talent:

“You could see from day one he’s kind of a different animal... He’s unbelievably competitive. The jury is out on how many pitches he has, but he’s got at least three that are weapons, not just pitches he uses here and there. He can lean on any one of his fastball-slider-split at any time... His forkball is the best one I’ve seen.  A lot of guys over there throw one. He’s the one guy that was able to manipulate it and have it do what he wanted. He could throw it for strikes. He could take speed off of it. He could throw it harder. He could bounce it. He was really special with that pitch."

"Whoever gets him…it’s going to be money well spent.”

I love this kind of stuff.  I wanted to bring it to you this morning and good work by the Sun-Sentinel for getting that interview with McGehee.

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.

IBANEZ, CHAVEZ & CASEY MCGEHEE WALK INTO A BAR...

 

...one signs with the Angels, one re-signs with the Diamondbacks and one signs with the Marlins.  The end.

What a shitty joke. Maybe I should have thrown a nun in there or included Shin-Soo Choo rejected them all or something.  I feel like Buddy Young Jr. in an old Billy Crystal Comedy Special...whatever man...


Anyway, today there was some news with some ex-Yankees and I wanted to share it with you.

Raul Ibanez: According to CBSSports.com , "The Angels and Raul Ibanez have agreed to a one-year contract... The deal is worth $2.75 million with incentives that could push the total value to $5 million."

I like Ibanez. I would have loved him back in the Bronx. I guess it was clear to him the Yanks just didn't want to have him back, and he probably wanted to at least secure a contract somewhere. Good for him for not waiting too long.

Eric Chavez: Chavy will go back to the Diamondbacks today, agreeing to re-sign with them, according to the Associated Press.

Casey McGehee: He was a Yankee for a minute or 2, but now he is a member of the Marlins, according to the Miami Herald who writes: "McGehee, a 31-year-old free agent who spent last season playing in Japan following five years in the majors, has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Marlins, according to a source with knowledge of the agreement."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/18/3825832/marlins-sign-casey-mcgehee.html#storylink=cpy

And there you have it. Have fun with this one. Share it. Why? Because I am clearly a funny guy... like Buddy Young Jr.... or something.

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.

IT'S YANKEE "HOLE FILLING" TIME AGAIN

In the past, the Yankees made moves to offer alittle pop, defense and bullpen help.  The names are familiar, usually popular, but at the end of their careers... plus, the result was always the same... an early exit from the playoffs.  It's been that way since we won the whole damn thing in 2009.

It's what I call "Yankee hole filling", and as of late, I feel like we're always doing it just to get by. Think about it... back in 2011, we had Lance Berkman who was convinced by friend Andy Pettitte to make a stop in the Bronx.  We have Kerry Wood, who I loved in New York and did a great job.  We also had Austin Kearns... that's about it with Austin Kearns.

Last year, we needed someone like Ichiro Suzuki and in July, I predicted him being a nice fit.  Read ICHIRO TO THE YANKS IS MY PIPE DREAM. Suddenly, he was a Yankee and has been a great one ever since.  There was also the addition of Casey McGehee... yup, Casey McGehee. 

So what will happen now in 2013? Luckily for us, Derek Jeter has returned and hasn't skipped a beat.  Curtis Granderson is almost back, Michael Pineda is "close" and you have to wonder if the Yankees, who are 7.5 games back in the American League East can get the parts they need to win.

Sure, Alfonso Soriano could prove to be a brilliant move by Cashman, but even though yesterday was glorious, it's 1 game... and it's just to early to tell.

Brian Cashman stated recently, "We've wanted to improve things for some time... I think all Yankee fans have seen this team -- we're fighting, we've got a lot of guys who are professionals and they're competing their tail off, but on the offensive side we've been limited due to injury, so we have had an interest for quite some time to upgrade when we could."

I hope he also sees that we're frustrated.  And for the record, working hard is very different from getting results.  I hate when people say they are working hard or "working their tail off", because at the end of the day, if they aren't proving results, it doesn't mean a thing. We Yankee fans want action...we wants results... championships... made up with the best players to put on the field. Why? Because we're the Yankees. 

We will make moves. Who knows if Michael Young or Cliff Lee or anyone else is on the Yankees "hole" list.  Who knows if Phil Hughes stock has dropped or if Joba Chamberlain is appealing to teams anymore.  I do know this... we need a shake up... and now, with the trade deadline just a few days away... we need to make moves... WE MUST, or we are never making the playoffs in 2013. That I know.

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IT WAS FUN CASEY MCGEHEE...

 Well, what do you know... Andruw Jones was the first dude the Yankees had last season, that suddenly decided to go play in Japan with the Rakuten Golden Eagles when he became a free agent.  Now, Casey McGehee, another former Yankee has also signed a deal. The source on this is NPB Tracker and Patrick Newman, HERE, writing " Multiple reports out of the Japanese media machine say that the Rakuten Golden Eagles have agreed to a contract with third baseman Casey McGehee..."

The deal will be for 1 year, and 1.3 million...and it's pending a physical... of course.

Casey came to the Yankees and filled in when needed.  He was a good soldier, but it was clear the guy wouldn't have much of a career in New York and he knew it. At one point he was sent down to Single A Charleston, read HERE.  Look, the guy's 30 years old and has alot of baseball to still play.  I guess if certain teams call, even in Japan, if it becomes enticing enough, you go for it.

Good luck to Casey McGehee, and Andruw Jones for that matter.  I'll try to give you guys updates once in a while on their play overseas with the Eagles.

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KEVIN LONG, MCGEHEE, PENA & KATE UPTON

Kevin Long: I think I'm going to barf.  Today is September 5th and last night Kevin Long said the most ridiculous statement you could ever hear from a batting coach in September.  "We're gonna get back to basics...You're gonna see some guys bunt."
This is what the batting coach for the New York Yankees has come up with? Bunting... in September? How disappointing is this?  I have been screaming about small ball all season.  Back in May I wrote YANKEE BASEBALL: THE BASICS OF HITTING. It doesn't take a genius to know that situational baseball is missing from the Yankees lineup and the fact that the Yankees batting coach just suggested the Yankees start bunting in September is absolutely ridiculous.  Open your eyes...

Casey McGehee: The Yankees have recalled McGehee from Charleston single A ball yesterday.  McGehee was send down to play for the Riverdogs back on August 28th, but now he's back... hell, maybe he'll light a fire under some of the starters asses.  Read all about McGehee HERE.

Ramiro Pena: When Chris Dickerson was called up to the Yankees 40 man roster the other day, someone had to go. Ramiro Pena was designated for assignment.  Read about it HERE. It's important to note that Pena cleared waivers and was sent to Triple A Scranton.

Kate Upton: Kate Upton is everywhere, so why can't she also be on Bleeding Yankee Blue? She can, because this is America.  Bikini.com has this ridiculous YouTube video out below and it's clearly for women AND definitely for men too if you know what I mean.  Anyone who feels like they won't want to see this, don't. This is a warning.

As things develop in Yankeeland...and in the world of Kate Upton, we'll be sure to bring that information to you.  Man, I have to tell you, I've been real bummed lately... I could really use some Yankee wins.  I'm getting tired of this.

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HELLO PEARCE, GOODBYE LAIRD

(In Photo: Steve Pearce left / Brandon Laird, right)

I may be one of the very few to be a little concerned with this signing….or should I re-signing of Steve Pearce (read HERE), but I will debate this anyway. On Monday, the Yankees claimed Steve Pearce from the Houston Astros and I’m not sold. I know there is logic behind it, and I understand it but I still can’t shake this nagging feeling that it isn’t going to pan out the way the Yankees want it to. So you may be asking, “what is the problem here?” and in a nutshell my problem is…..I think the Yankees gave up too much.

The price tag for Pearce was cash and then to make room for him, they designated Brandon Laird for assignment. I’m relieved to see that the Yankees are only giving up a check for him, but I have watched Brandon Laird for years now and I am sad to see him go. I know, the common argument is “he has no future as a Yankee,” and yes….I can see that. The life of a minor league infield prospect is not an easy one with Cano, Jeter, Tex, and ARod standing in the way and realistically, the only playing time on the big stage would come in a bench role or as a fill-in during an injury.

However, Laird has been solid for the Yankees and he has had a long-term job here as opposed to Pearce who was signed in March but then chose to opt out in June when he wasn’t called up. He chose to leave the Yankees and move on.

Didn’t I just mention Yankee infield prospects have limited opportunities? Oh but….one of those opportunities can pop up during an injury. I’m sure you can see where I am going here. I like Laird, and he has been a major contributor to the Scranton team clinching a playoff spot this year and has had some major highlights, and in July he had a .313 BA. We saw Laird last year so he is no stranger to us and while Pearce is versatile….so is Laird.

Both players can play first base, third base, and the outfield. They both can hit for power so they share a lot of the same talents. One difference here is that he has seen playing time as a Yankee. With Tex out with his calf strain, and ARod still working on his rehab, I understand the need for more help, and Laird could’ve been that help, I believe that.

(In Photo: Steve Pearce)
So, why didn’t the Yankees give Laird a shot? Well, in short….Pearce has more success against lefties. I know I have been praising Laird here, but I am not trying to discredit Pearce. Without ARod out there, there has been a noticeable difference with success against lefties, and the Yankees will see a lot of lefties as we go through a long stretch of games within our division. Pearce has proven that he can hit lefties; he has a .490 slugging percentage to back it up.  He does have more major league experience, but not much and he has a higher career batting average at .254 as opposed to Laird’s .190 BA; but is that really fair? Pearce isn’t exactly a veteran, he has only played in 49 games and Laird has shown some improvement this year, his stats prove that. You can’t improve if you aren’t given a shot.

I see both sides to the argument, but if I am good at nothing else in this world, it's playing devil’s advocate. I look at how much our AAA team has changed and had to endure this year. We have signed several big name infielders this year and then cut them, see Russell Branyan, Jack Cust, and his recent demotion of Casey McGehee to the Charleston River Dogs, read HERE.

(In Photo: Casey McGehee)
I understand those names, they were depth but a common theme amongst Yankee fans is that we let go of our farm players too often. Sure, we don’t rant about it too much when we gain a player that is a long-term investment, but I just don’t see Pearce being this kind of player. I worry that Pearce is a short-term rental because I just can’t envision him staying on this team past 2012, plus he's already been a Yankee and he opted out to pursue other opportunities. True, Laird may not have a spot on this team and he will benefit if he goes elsewhere, but if I am giving up a good farm player I want a good return. What makes us think that Pearce won’t share the same fate as the names above, or leave again and if any of these possibilities happen how can that price tag be justified? I’m not sure how to answer this one.

I wish Pearce the best of luck here, I really do. I like it when the Yankees prove me wrong and if they do, I will be the first one to admit it. When it comes to our farm system, I am very protective though.

I already watched Jesus Montero leave and it left a bittersweet taste in my mouth so I don’t want to see the same thing happen here without any sort of payoff. Laird is valuable somewhere, even if it isn’t here. That being said, what’s done is done and it is time to focus on the chase for #28.

Welcome to pinstripes, Pearce…again!

--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Writer and Editor

Twitter: @NyPrincessJ



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NOT OUR DAY YANKEELAND, NOT OUR DAY

On Monday of this week, David Phelps recorded his third win of the season with a creditable five-inning outing against the Rangers.  Today... well, let's just say it was a different day. The Boston Red Sox knocked the luster off that victory over the Rangers in the very first inning. Boston's second hitter Carl Crawford singled to left, stole second, and came home on an opposite field HR by Adrian Gonzalez.  The Red Sox led 2-0 and really never let the Yankees up for air the rest of the day.

 

The Yankees put the first two batters of the inning on base in the bottom of the first.  Derek Jeter walked and Nick Swisher followed with a single to left.  In what would be a harbinger of the Yankee performance, Robinson Cano struck out, Andruw Jones grounded out weakly to third, and Casey McGehee struck out to leave both runners stranded.  Jon Lester was masterful in the first and through the remainder of his seven innings of work.  He ran his career record  against the Yankees to 9-4. 

 

Jon Lester threw 105 pitches, 61 were strikes.  The story of Lester's day was that many of the strikes were out of the zone.  He worked down and in to right-hand batters and down and away to left-hand hitters.  The Yankees showed little or no pitch recognition ability and virtually no plate discipline.  Lester recorded 13 of his 21 outs via the ground ball.  Red Sox third baseman Nick Punto recorded seven assists, while shortstop Pedro Ciriaco recorded another three assists as the Yankees beat balls into the ground for routine putouts.

 

Ciriaco was also a major story on the offensive side for Boston.  He went 4 for 4 on the day and scored a run.  He is now 15 for 29 against the Yankees this season.  Ciriaco also had a 4 for 4 day against New York on July 7th.  He has officially staked his claim as the current holder of the "Yankee-killer" title. We've said it before here at BYB, this kid's something special to watch. Unfortunately, we don't need him playing well against us Yanks.

 

The Yankees managed a lone run in the fourth inning on a solo HR from Curtis Granderson, his 32nd of the season.  Otherwise the Yankee offense was miserable.  They never managed more than a single hit in any inning.  New York batters also struck out six times on the day, and managed to get only a very few balls into the outfield.  Robinson Cano's day personified the Yankee futility.  Cano struck out in the first, lunged at a ball in the third and was put out on a weak fly to center.  Cano recorded another bad at bat in the sixth, as he swung weakly at the first pitch of the inning, and rolled out second to first.  Robinson also loafed down the line on the ground out.  Cano's final at bat was another ground out into a 3-6-3 double play to end the eighth inning. 

 

Apart from the Granderson HR, Nick Swisher did manage two hits and Ichiro Suzuki added one more to his total.  Ichiro has now hit safely in 20 of his 22 starts as a Yankee.  Suzuki also stole a base in the fifth inning following his only hit of the game. 

 

In addition to the first inning runs, Boston scored on Nick Punto double in the fifth inning.  His hit plated Ciriaco who had reached base via one of his four hits.  Boston added another run in the ninth on a wild pitch.  Scott Podsednik scored after he singled to lead off the inning and was pushed to third by a Ciriaco double.

 

This was an ugly game for New York.  The Yankees seemed to have pop-singer Adele on their minds, or at least lyrics from her song, "Rumor Has It."  The Yankees played like they had their collective "head in the clouds."  A beautiful 78-degree day was turned ugly by a lackluster Yankee performance, the final was Boston 4  New York 1.  

--Frank Gentry, BYB Writer

Twitter: @yankeefrank23



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JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE. YANKS BEAT SOX

Despite the fact that the Red Sox are falling apart, coming in three games under .500, this was an important game to the Yankees. It felt like the home run derby in the first two innings of the game, as Franklin "Yankee Home Runs" Morales gave up three solo home runs. Nick Swisher got his first of two in the first inning, followed by Curtis Granderson and Russell Martin with back-to-back home runs to right field in the second inning. 

Later in the fifth inning, he gave up the fourth solo home run, this one to Derek Jeter. Those four brought his season total to eight home runs allowed to the Yankees.  He has only given up three to all other teams combined.

Phil Hughes had a great night, though the box score may lead you to believe otherwise. He retired the first six batters he faced before allowing the first two batters in the second to reach in the third. It was the third inning where he gave up all his runs. After a lead off base hit to Mike Aviles, he got an easy double-play grounder back to the box from Scott Podsednik. However, unable to get a good grip due to the wet conditions, Hughes threw it away and the Red Sox had men on first and third. A ground ball by Pedro Ciriaco scored from third for the Red Sox first run.  Then the real damage - a three-run home run by Dustin Pedroia - put the Red Sox on top for the time being. However, Hughes was able to settle himself down and retire 15 of the next 17 batters. He finished his outing retiring the last eight consecutive Red Sox hitters.

After Jeter tied the game with his homer in the fifth, the Yankees were able to take back the lead in the bottom of the sixth. After back-to-back hits by Casey McGehee and Curtis Granderson, the Red Sox went to the bullpen and Clayton Mortensen came in. Jayson Nix brought in McGehee for the go-ahead run with a short single to right field.  The Yankees were able to tack on another insurance run, when Nick Swisher got his second home run of the night. The first was from the right side, the second from the left. It was the 12th time of his career when Swisher hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game.

Honorable mentions:

 

• Rafael Soriano recorded his 30th save of the season, retiring the side in order.

• Russell Martin made a fantastic catch in the second inning, fighting off the glare of the lights and the rain, catching a pop up that was lost in the sky for a few seconds.
• Mother Nature, for allowing this game to be played. Okay, you might not think this one's big, but the Yankees getting a win against their arch rivals, and avoiding a double-header make-up game in a crowded schedule is important.

So, every win against the Red Sox is important. I mean, it's the Red Sox! Also, they are in the middle of a grueling stretch of their schedule, playing against some of the best hitting in baseball. These wins mean a lot. It was also a night when the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Detroit Tigers, allowing the Yankees to extend their division lead.

Final Score: Yankees 6 - Red Sox 4

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon



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NOVA & MCGEHEE BEAT JAYS. YANKS WITH 4 GAME WINNING STREAK

The story of this game was Ivan Nova. He looked sharper then ever finally ending his losing streak. He worked 7 and 1/3 innings in his best start since the All-Star break. He worked fast changed speeds and threw strikes. That's what we need right now. August has to be our big stretch!

Coming into the day Nova was 0-3 with a 8.36 ERA in 5 starts since the All-Star break. He finally turned it around and we got to see the Nova we've always known and loved.

The Yankees broke it open in the 4th. today when Mark Teixeira and Andruw Jones both walked and Jayson Nix being his old clutch self scored Tex on a single. Casey McGehee then broke it open with a huge 3 run home run. This gave the Yankees a 4-0 lead.

Nova's perfect game was broken up in the forth by Rajai Davis and he moved over on a Nova balk. Edwin Encarnacion would bring him in with a single. Despite that run, Nova was impressive just because his past performances he'd given up countless runs with men on base.  This game he buckled down by making quality pitches.  Also, something that can't be overlooked from today.... Chris Stewart blocked some key breaking balls which could of lead to more runs, he's a great defensive catcher no doubt.

McGehee was back at it in the 6th when he hit a double and later scored by a Derek Jeter ground rule double.  That would be the Yankee 5 runs.

After Nova came out, David Robertson came in and only had to throw one pitch as he got Omar Vizquel to hit into a inning ending double play. Rafael Soriano shut the door in the 9th and got his 28th save and put the Yankees winning streak to 4 games..untuck, game over.

Player of the Game: No doubt Ivan Nova. He needed a big win and he got one today.

Key Highlight of the Game: Casey McGehee's 3 run home run was the difference in this one. He got his first career home run for the Yankees, you gotta love that.
Final: Yankees:5 - Blue Jays:2

W: Ivan Nova (11-6) L: Aaron Laffey (3-3) S: Soriano (28)

--Sam Thaler, BYB Contributer
Twitter: @samt1836


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JOHN STERLING MIGHT NEED A VACATION

John Sterling may be losing it, or, maybe he's just being John Sterling.  There is so much about him in the past 2 days, I'm starting it right now... Sterling may need alittle vacation. Why? a few things. For one, this photo of him in the lobby of the Westin Hotel in Detroit...he, in a bathrobe is slightly awkward.  I mean, how does that conversation go when you see him? Then, secondly, he just seems like his heads not always in the game lately.  Don't know what I mean? Well, keep reading...

Now listen... I love listening to John and Suzyn. I find them entertaining.  Many want them to leave the broadcast booth. I disagree, because like Cinderella has said...Don't Know What You Got, Till It's Gone, I too subscribe to that. They make me laugh. They aren't the greatest, but they clearly don't have to be and know this, the day they're gone, there will just be 2 other people in there that don't offer what John & Suzyn offer.

I'm going  to make this statement right now...They are staples in New York Yankees culture. They are the brunt of jokes, openly mocked... but in the end, they entertain and make their color and play by play fun and call it like it is... OR like it ain't, like this incredible piece of audio mixed in with Boomer and Carton breaking down what may have or may not have been a hit by Casey McGehee on August 8th.
Now Carton mocks John and he has that right I guess. John clearly doesn't know what happened in the play and Suzyn is in fact backing up John even though she knows he blew it. Hey, good for her, you need to give Suzyn kudos for that. But in this day and age, does he think he's fooling anyone?

Now sure, we have done some ripping of John and Suzyn in the past here on Bleeding Yankee Blue. I can tell you that on a personal level, I have no beef with either of them in the booth. Some of our BYB writers do, they are entitled to their opinion, I'm not one of them.

Read THERE'S ACTUALLY NO SECRET TO JOHN STERLING'S HOME RUN CALLS and WHY IT'S JUST BASEBALL SUZYN and WHY THE YANKEES NEED TO BORROW A PAGE FROM ESPN to get alittle perspective on that.

Clearly though, John and Suzyn are borderline iconic at this point in Yankeeland and they need to stick around. They may not be perfect, but I'd love to see all these haters get in the booth and try to do what they do...believe me, it ain't easy. Message to John though...take a vacation and come back fresh. After all.. "It's just baseball...you never can predict it."

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IT WAS A YANKEE RUN PARADE IN MOTOWN

Game three in the series with the Detroit Tigers had more twists, turns, and subplots than space or time will allow us to discuss.  The Yankees entered the night having lost their last eight one-run decisions; that is the longest such streak that the Yankees have endured since 1944.  New York was also a miserable 6-12 in their last eighteen games played.  Conversely, Detroit came in riding a ten game win streak in games played at Comerica Park.  That total represented the longest home winning streak for the Tigers since 1949.

 

The Yankees also had lineup issues.  Curtis Granderson was 2 for 20 in his five game stint as lead-off hitter in the New York order.  Manager Girardi dropped Granderson to the six-hole and returned Derek Jeter to the lead-off spot.  Girardi's move paid immediate dividends as Jeter went 2 for 6 and sored two runs.  An added benefit was Granderson's night.  He went 3 for 5 with four RBI and two runs scored.  Granderson's immediate turn-around suggests that he was uncomfortable in the lineup's top spot.

The Yankees scored early pushing across two runs in the first inning on RBI singles from Eric Chavez and the aforementioned Granderson.  Staked to the 2-0 lead, Yankee starter CC Sabathia struck out four in the first three innings.  Meanwhile the Yankee offense flourished against Tiger starter Anibal Sanchez.  The Yanks added three runs in the third inning on a three-run HR by Curtis Granderson.  The Granderson blast was preceded by a hit batsman (Cano) and a walk to Chavez.  When Sanchez hit Cano, the home plate umpire issued warnings to both teams.  Cano was the third batter hit by pitch in only two and a half innings of play.

 

In the fourth inning New York gave the Tigers a dose of their own medicine by beginning the inning with three consecutive hits.  Casey McGehee doubled, Jeter singled, and Nick Swisher singled to right scoring McGehee.  Jeter later scored on a sacrifice fly by Teixeira.  The Yankees were up 7-0 in the middle of the fourth inning.  The Tigers pushed across a single run in their half of the fourth on a single from Brennan Boesch that scored Jeff Baker who had doubled to right with two out.  Yanks led 7-1 through four.

 

In the sixth and seventh innings, disaster befell the Yankees.  Sabathia yielded two runs on three consecutive Tiger hits as Jeff Baker hit CC again, this time for a two RBI single to left that scored Prince Fielder and Delmon Young.  That action cut the Yankee lead to 7-3 after six innings.  In the seventh, CC faltered again allowing two more runs on a hit by Austin Jackson and an error by third baseman McGehee.  CC was removed by Girardi having thrown only 94 pitches.  David Robertson relieved.

Robertson's performance nearly cost the Yankees a shot at a victory.  He faced eight batters, five men got hits; the last hit was a solo HR by Omar Infante.  In fairness. one Robertson hit was an infield single and another glanced off Teixeira's glove, as he made a questionable decision in attempting to field a ball that appeared playable by Cano.  Nevertheless, three runs scored, and the Yankee lead was 8-7.  New York held the lead after seven only because the Yanks had added a run in their half of the seventh on a Granderson double, a fielder's choice, and an infield RBI single by Ichiro Suzuki.

 

The Yankees needed some help, and it came from the beleaguered Tiger bullpen.  Even though Robertson allowed the Infante home run in the eighth, Detroit pitchers Phil Coke and Bryan Villarreal each yielded two runs in the eighth and ninth innings.  In the eighth, Coke allowed three Yankee hits, in succession, and Swisher and Cano scored.  In the ninth, pinch-hitter Jayson Nix and Jeter had back to back, two-out singles.  A balk by Villarreal and a single by Cano scored both runners in the ninth inning.

 

Boone Logan and Rafael Soriano retired the last four Detroit batters.  The torture was over and the Yanks had a much needed win on a night when Sabathia and Robertson both gave sub par performances.  Thankfully the offense carried the day against the Tiger starter and bullpen.  

 

The Wednesday night final was New York 12  Detroit 8.      

 

 

--Frank Gentry, BYB Writer

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