ANALYZING STEPHEN DREW: THE FANS SPEAK

I am always a fan of solid fan banter when it comes to BYB and our audience. That's why we are here and you guys get it. I love that!

I wanted to share this great discussion between some of our readers and our writer Steve Skinner. The dialog too place after we posted his terrific piece REPLACING DEREK JETER.  The discussion surrounded Stephen Drew and his possible future with the Yankees.  Check it out:

Mister D writes:

"I am always, always, always in favor of giving kids a shot, and am not in favor of bringing back Drew, but arguing as the devil's advocate: Drew had an uncharacteristically down season. He should rebound, and can likely be had on a cheap, 1 year deal. The Yankees clearly have other holes to fill, and shortstop will be one of the hardest. 

With JJ Hardy signed, and Hanley a risky and expensive FA alternative, there don't seem to be many good, safe options for them. They can live with mediocrity at one position, and Drew can act as a placeholder while they shore up their problems in other places. At the very least he can play Tony Womack and provide insurance for Pirela. 

If Pirela works out, they can release or trade Drew with little regret."

Steve Skinner writes:

"I have to disagree with you. The last time Drew played in 150 games was 2010. Since then, he's managed to hit .250 twice. Uncharacteristically down season? I think it's more like a trend for him. A. He's not going to put in a full season and B. He's not going to hit his weight. How much longer do you think we need to wait? Pirela is 24. What more does he have to prove in the minor leagues? Honestly, the Yankees lineup is not strong enough to carry a player who is basically an automatic out at the plate. Pirela at least has a ceiling...Drew's has come and gone... "

Todd Stanfield writes:

"Steve; this is a great piece and I wholeheartedly agree that this is what Cashman should do. I would rather see him do this and fail than spend all those millions on dried up prunes and fail."

Steve Skinner writes:

" Thank you for the comments and compliment. I truly appreciate it and hope that Cashman now realizes his need to change..."

That's just good, smart conversation and most of all respectful.  I appreciate Mister D and Todd commenting and I loved  this piece by Skinner.  Good work all around.

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THE NEXT YANKEE SHORTSTOP WON'T BE JJ HARDY

There was talk, banter and chatter that JJ Hardy would be a good addition to the Yankees now that Derek Jeter had retired.  In fact, for a moment there, it seemed like a neat idea. Hardy didn't shy away from it either. The New York Post wrote just a few weeks ago:

"Hardy will be a free agent and is not surprisingly aware of the upcoming job opening at shortstop.

'Of course I’ve heard it,' Hardy said before Jeter began his final series at Yankee Stadium. 'It’s not something I can look into the future and see what’s going to happen. I’ve just got to focus on helping our team right now and obviously the playoff this year. But if it comes to it, I’ll have to think about it more.'

And since he’s not about to be the first prospective free agent to declare he has no interest in the Yankees’ money, Hardy said he would listen if they called.

'Of course,' Hardy said."

In that report, Hardy also said Baltimore was his first choice.

Well now, there's news:

Sources: #Orioles close with shortstop J.J. Hardy on extension, believed to be three years with an option, north of $40 million.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 9, 2014

So there you have it. Hardy won't be a Yankee.  The shortstop position is wide open. Weird, right?

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BIRD WATCHING IN THE BRONX: YANKS BLOW A SWEEP

Commanding the savage birds in the Bronx, Hiroki Kuroda pitched a three-hit shut out but it wasn’t enough today to shut the door on the Orioles and sweep the series on this blistering day at Yankee Stadium.  Following a four-game sweep in Minnesota, the Bombers came back to the Bronx carrying with them the momentum of champions again.  Since the Red Sox dropped a lead and then the game in Anaheim last night and they don’t play until later tonight, the Yankees could have sat 4.5 games out of first place with a win today

Kuroda silenced the bat of AL Homerun leader Chris Davis and the rest of the O’s offense, who by the way have the most starters in the upcoming AL All Star roster- Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy and of course Chris Davis.  Kuroda only threw 80 pitches by the end of the 7^th inning and Eduardo Nunez knocked the only run of the game until the 9^th with a sacrifice fly in the second inning.  Excitement in the bottom of the 7^th saw Chris Stewart steal a base albeit a bad call by the second base umpire; it was fun to see Buck Showalter all fired up.  I thought he would burn right through his Orioles’ jersey.  

David “Houdini” Robertson 9-pitched the O’s in the 8^th.  Mariano came in to shut them down in the 9^th and blew another save (six on the year according the Michael Kay, but 2 in actuality) on an Adam Jones homerun deep to left center field.  The on-fire Mo was cool today as he allowed three-hits in the ninth.  Prior to this, Mariano had 41 saved home games going back to 2011. 

Next up, the Royals come into town for a four-game stint at the Stadium.  We could see the Captain in the next week or so.  Let’s not think about this loss too much and move on- so much at stake as we head into the All-Star Break in just a week.  

Final: Orioles 2 - Yankees 1

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Opinion Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof





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ORIOLES GET PRONKED IN CAMDEN YARDS!

(In Photo: Travis Hafner)
The Yankees are in Baltimore for a 3 game series against the Orioles. CC Sabathia took the mound against former Yankee pitcher Freddy Garcia in first game of this set.

Robbie Cano "Doncha' Know" made some noise with his bat in the top of the first with a solo HR (13) making it 1-0 before the Orioles even got their first at bats. In the top of the 2nd David Adams hit his first career HR as a Yankee giving the Yankees their 2nd run of the game. But Chris Davis gave the O's a run back with a solo HR of his own making it 2-1 Yankees in the bottom of the 2nd.

Things stayed quiet for a few innings until Nick Markakis singled to center scoring Steve Pearce in the bottom of the 5th tying things up at 2 a piece. But, Lyle Overbay was swinging for the fences in the top of the 7th and gave the Yankees back the lead 3-2.. But Nick Markakis hits another RBI double to left center scoring Alexi Casilla, tying the game up again.

Then J.J. Hardy scores Markakis on an RBI double ending the night for Sabathia in 6.1 innings. CC struck out 2 batters and was hit 11 times 5 of them were doubles and no walks. Shawn Kelley came in for relief work and maintained the Yankees 1 run deficit. He pitched one inning and gave up one walk, and struck out 3 before being replaced by Boone Logan in the bottom of the 8th to face pinch hitter and former Yankee and BYB favorite Chris Dickerson who singled to center.

Logan held the Orioles to just that one hit, and kept the Yankees within one going into the top of the 9th. Then Travis Hafner went deep off Orioles closer Jim Johnson tying the game yet again 4-4 after Cano grounded out. David Robertson entered in the bottom of the 9th in hopes of bringing the game into extra innings. He did just that with a fly out by Manny Machado and then struck out J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis. Ichiro Suzuki started the top of the 10th with a double down the RF line off of Pedro Strop and later scored on a ground-rule double by Vernon Wells.

Hafner went up to the plate and scored the insurance run by bringing Wells home making it 6-4 Yankees after the Orioles went to the bullpen bringing in Brian Matusz. Then it was Mo' time in the bottom of the 10th. Mariano Rivera did his thing and closed the door in a 1, 2, 3 inning for save number 625, and handed the Orioles their 6th consecutive loss.

Oh, and a big Congratulations to David Adams on collecting his first MLB career home run, and great defense at 3rd.

Final score from Baltimore- Yankees 6 - Orioles 4.

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



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HOW THE YANKEES STACK UP: SHORTSTOP

So far we've written about how the Yankees stack up when it comes to CATCHER, FIRST BASE and SECOND BASE.  We have made it to Shortstop... and that means Derek Jeter.

Shortstop

By now everyone is well aware of how shortstop Derek Jeter’s season came to a crashing halt (with a broken ankle) in the American League Championship series.  Many claimed that the captain’s age would slow down his off season recovery and that the Yankees would be without his high level of play for much of the first half of 2013.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

On January 15^th, the New York Daily News reported that Jeter says his rehab is right on schedule and he expects to be in the lineup on Opening Day at the stadium when the team faces our rivals from Boston.

We never doubted the future Hall of Famer did we?

In evaluating how we match-up against the rest of the division at this position, I am going under the premise that Number 2 will walk out to his familiar spot in the diamond in the top of the first inning on April 1^st at 1:05 pm.

Each time many have written the 38 year-old off, he seemingly bounces back stronger, and better.  There should be no reason for any of us to doubt his ability to once again defy time. 

In 2012 Jeter had one of his finest seasons, hitting .316 with 32 doubles, 99 runs scored, and lead the league in hits (216).  He was named to the All-Star team for the 13^th time and won his fifth Silver Slugger award.

How do the rest of the AL East teams stack up against Derek?

Toronto Blue Jays: One of the Blue Jays most publicized acquisitions this off season was Jose Reyes.  The long-time Met comes to Canada via Miami, and after years of cross-town comparisons of shortstops, New Yorkers will get to see the head-to-head match up throughout the season.  Reyes sports tremendous speed and an above average bat and glove.  He is a worthy opponent to our captain, but only time will tell if he can make the adjustment to the American League style of play.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays benefited from the Miami Marlins fire-sale of 2012 by acquiring Yunel Escobar (as part of the back-end of the Toronto deal) for some minor league prospects.  Escobar will give them a solid glove and bat, as well as some “flare”.  He is familiar with the AL East, having spent the past three seasons in Toronto and hit .304 against the Yankees in 46 at-bats in 2012.

Baltimore Orioles:  JJ Hardy has given the Orioles a powerful bat (52 HR and 148 RBI in two seasons) and solid glove (2012 gold glove winner) at the shortstop position.  However, as his power has increased his batting average has dropped, and in 2012 he had a career low .238 average to go along with a career high 106 strikeouts.  That being said, he hit .286 with six home runs, 13 RBI, and 12 runs scored against out boys in the Bronx.  The RBI and runs scored were the most he had against any team last season.

Boston Red Sox: Ah the Boston Red Sox and the shortstop position.  It seems every year that the BoSox are trying a different approach at short, and this season’s “flavor du jour” is Stephen Drew.  Boston signed Drew to a one-year contract and hope that his injury plagued years are behind him (he’s played more than 150 games only once in the past four seasons).  When healthy, Drew gives the Sox a powerful bat (he averages 15 HR per “full” season) and decent average (career .265).  In the field he’s not quite up to par with the rest of the AL East (he has a .978 fielding pct), but should be adequate for what Boston is looking for.  Given his recent history, the Red Sox fans better hope there is a “Plan B” ready to go into effect when Drew is unable to take his spot in the field.

So, where do the AL East shortstops rate?

Here is my take, what is yours? Comment.

1.       Yankees (Jeter’s “intangibles” give him the edge)
2.       Toronto (I think Reyes will become a fixture for the Jays)
3.       Baltimore (Hardy is just plain solid)
4.       Boston (only if Drew can manage to play in at least 140 games)
5.       Tampa Bay (Escobar is only slightly better than Drew in the field, and not as good at the plate)


 
--Steve Skinner, BYB Guest Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1






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YANKEES DON'T CLINCH; ORIOLES FORCE A GAME 5

It started as a somber night, as manager Joe Girardi announced the passing of his father Jerry Girardi this past Saturday. We at BYB offer our condolences to the Girardi family, and we admire Joe's resiliency in continuing to manage during this difficult time. His leadership was needed and appreciated this night.

Phil Hughes came out for a big game. Not only was he looking at completing the series win for the Yankees, but also he had the opportunity to let the Yankees start the ALCS with Sabathia starting Game 1. Hughes looked masterful at getting into and out of trouble. He retired the side in order in the second and the sixth innings. He allowed runners to reach scoring position in every other inning.

Hughes started the game by allowing Nate Mclouth and JJ Hardy to reach base before retiring the next three batters on fly balls. He walked MannyMachado and gave up a double to Mclouth before inducing bouncer back to Hughes, which resulted in an out at the plate. Hughes then retired the next two batters to end the third. In the fourth, Hughes allowed men on first and third as the result of a Matt Wieters walk and a Ryan Flaherty base hit, before striking out Manny Machado to end the inning. In the fifth, the Orioles finally got to Hughes as he left a fastball out over the plate to Nate Mclouth. Mclouth put it in the right field seats. Nevertheless, that was all Hughes would allow, as he finished having pitched 6 2/3 innings and recording eight strikeouts.

Joe Saunders held the Yankee batters to just one run over the first six innings. He did not allow more than one base runner in any inning until the sixth inning. Derek Jeter led the sixth off with a double to right field and Ichiro Suzuki sacrificed him over to third. Mark Teixeira worked a walk when Robinson Cano hit a bouncer to second. Instead of going for the inning-ending double play, second baseman Ryan Flaherty chose to throw to first, allowing Jeter to score. Ryan Flaherty would make another blunder in the field in the bottom of the seventh, when a routine pop up by Russell Martin bounced out of his glove.

We cannot say enough about the failures to bring in runners in scoring position, and it was the story of the night. The only one we brought in was on a weak grounder. In total, they were 0 for 9, ending an inning with runners in scoring position four times, including three of the final four innings of the game. This is not going to be a successful campaign without an improvement in this category. It was just a painful set of extra innings during the Yankees turns at bat, watching one opportunity after another evaporate. The Yankees only got one base hit and one walk after the 8th inning.

Joba Chamberlain came in to relieve Rafael Soriano in the top of the 11th, and retired the side in order. The first batter in the top of the 12th, Matt Wieters got a broken-bat single. Unfortunately, the broken bat landed on Joba's pitching elbow, ending his night. David Phelps came in to replace Joba, but there is great concern for Joba's health and ability to continue in the postseason. Phelps did his part, retiring each batter he faced that inning. Ultimately, he gave up the double to JJ Hardy that would become the go-ahead run in the 13th.

Honorable mentions go to Boone Logan, David Robertson, Rafael Soriano. They came in and provided excellent relief, keeping all Baltimore batters but one from reaching base. That one that reached was erased by an awesome pick off of Lew Ford at first by Soriano. Another honorable mention goes to Alex Rodriguez, who maintained a good attitude despite the famous pinch-hit for the night before. He reached base twice on a walk and a base hit.

The bottom line is that getting hits when the runners are in scoring position will win you games. Each failure to score with a runner in scoring position is an opportunity for the opposition to stay in the game. The Yankees kept giving the Orioles opportunities until they finally scored in the 13th. So, on to a winner-take-all Game 5. We look to CC Sabathia to get us to the next round of postseason play.

Final Score: Orioles 2, Yankees 1

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon

My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row

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ALDS GAME 2: YANKEES EFFORT NOT ENOUGH IN TOUGH LOSS

This one hurts. Well, all losses in the postseason hurt, so what are you expecting me to say? The Yankees had some chances on offense and came through a couple of times, but they weren’t able to get that one big hit to tie or take the lead. They got a good pitching performance out of Andy Pettitte, but it wasn’t enough in a 3-2 loss on Monday night.

Like Sunday night’s game, the Yanks were able to put a run on the board before the Orioles got to take their first hacks. That’s huge as it gave the Yanks early momentum. Hopefully they’ll keep it up in the next two (or three) games at the Stadium. Anyway, the run came from a two out RBI double from Robinson Cano. He drove in Ichiro from first, and before he scored, he had to make two incredible, acrobat-like moves to avoid not one, but two tags from catcher Matt Wieters at the plate. More on that in a moment.

Before this, however, Alex Rodriguez lined into a double play. Second baseman Robert Andino made a great diving play and doubled off Derek Jeter at second. If that ball got through, the Yanks could have scored multiple runs that inning.

The Yanks did come away empty in some big spots, most notably in the fourth inning. They loaded the bases with one out on a Mark Teixeira single, Russell Martin walk, and Curtis Granderson single. Eduardo Nunez popped up weakly to second and Jeter grounded out weakly to Manny Machado at third. It was very frustrating, especially the Nunez at-bat because all he needed was a deep fly ball to drive in a run.

Nunez, however, did help create a run in the seventh as he led off the inning with a hustle bloop double before Jeter drove him in to make it 3-2. Also, in that seventh inning, the Yanks had second and third with two out, but Nick Swisher flew out on a 3-2 pitch to left against reliever Brian Matusz. Most of this came against O’s starter Wei-Yin Chen who allowed two runs (one earned) in 6.1 innings. Also, in case you’re wondering, the Yanks offense went 2-for-8 with RISP.

Andy Pettitte started, and he pitched a very solid game. He allowed three runs in 7+ innings (He surrendered a leadoff single to Chris Davis in the eighth) on seven hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. What really stings, though, is that the Orioles scored two runs off of him in the third after Jim Thome and Machado made two quick outs to open the frame. Robert Andino singled to start the rally (The O’s first base runner of the game) before Nate McLouth and JJ Hardy reached on a single and a walk, respectively. Chris Davis then knocked two home on an RBI single to right.

The third and final run Andy allowed came in the sixth on a Mark Reynolds single to right. This came after Matt Wieters led off the inning with a double, and on the Reynolds single it looked like Cano had a chance to at least dive and knock the ball down to keep it in the infield so the runner couldn’t score. Maybe he didn’t have a great chance since he was playing so close to the bag at second, I don’t know. Overall, it’s tough to blame Andy. He pitched well; the offense had a hard time scoring in the big spots.

On Twitter, everyone seemed to pile on ARod, which I’m not surprised of. He did have a tough game (1-for-5 with two strikeouts including the game-ender against Jim Johnson), but c’mon, there were plenty of other reasons why the Yankees lost, at least be somewhat objective here.

Play of the Game: Again, the heroics from Ichiro Suzuki in the first inning running home, dancing around an awkward Matt Wieters to score.  Just amazing. Many thought that would be the momentum the Yankees needed to win Game 2... I guess not.

O’s win 3-2

 

Like I said, this one hurts, but we need to shake it off. These two teams take a day off on Tuesday before playing Game 3 in the Bronx. It’s a best-of-three now, and thankfully all three (if necessary) will be at the Stadium. Hiroki Kuroda (16-11, 3.32 ERA) makes arguably his biggest start in his MLB career against Miguel Gonzalez (9-4, 3.25 ERA) on Wednesday.

 


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


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ALDS GAME 1: CC MONSTER & RUSSELL MARTIN POWER YANKEES

Wow, what a win. There was a 2 hour, 41 minute rain delay before this ALDS Game 1 in Baltimore even began, but it was well worth the wait. With the stupid 2-3 division format this year in the LDS, the Yankees need to, at the very least, win one of two in Baltimore so they could go back to the Bronx for Game 3 with at least a split. The Yanks took care of that behind the clutch home run by Russell Martin and the power pitching from CC Sabathia in a 7-2 win.

Let’s start with the Russell Martin homer. Leading off the ninth inning against Jim Johnson, who compiled 51 saves on the season, Martin was able to drive a 2-0, two-seam fastball over the left field wall to make it a 3-2 game. Raul Ibanez and Derek Jeter followed with singles before Ichiro drove in Ibanez on a soft infield single to make it 4-2. Robinson Cano then ripped a two-run double to left to make it 6-2, thus chasing the ace Baltimore closer. Nick Swisher capped off the ninth inning rally by sac-flying Cano.

The rest of the offense came from an Ichiro RBI double in the first and a Mark Teixeira RBI single in the fourth. Tex ended up getting thrown out at second on a great throw by right fielder Chris Davis, and this came after Baltimore taking the lead the previous half inning. It’s always great being able to respond after your opponent scores the prior half inning, especially in the postseason. Those run scoring plays came off of starter Jason Hammel who allowed two runs in 5.2 innings pitched.

CC started, and he was absolutely fantastic, once again. He pitched 8.2 innings of two run, eight hit (six singles), seven strikeout, and one walk ball. His biggest inning came in the eighth when it was a 2-2 tie. JJ Hardy led off the inning with a double, but CC responded by striking out Adam Jones, popping out Matt Wieters, and inducing a weak grounder from Mark Reynolds to escape the jam. Joe Girardi pulled his ace in the ninth with two out following a Lew Ford double, though it would have been nice if he left him in to get the complete game. Either way, David Robertson picked up the final out in the ninth to seal the Game One win. CC was absolute money, and if the Yanks play their cards right, his next start will be in Game One of the ALCS on Saturday.

Yanks beat the O’s 7-2.

The Yankees will look to sweep the Baltimore portion of this series later tonight, as Andy Pettitte (5-4, 2.87 ERA) will oppose Wei-Yin Chen (12-11, 4.02 ERA). There’s no one I’d rather want pitching in the postseason than Pettitte, as he’s arguably the greatest postseason pitcher ever. Plus, the Yanks have had success against Chen this year (5.25 ERA in four starts, 24 IP against NYY), so hopefully everything works out. Let’s win Game Two and head back to the Bronx up 2-0! Go Yanks!
 


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


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YANKEES LEFT IN THE DARK IN LIFELESS EFFORT

Last night was a nightmare game for Yankees. They didn't get crushed, but they showed nothing.  What should have been the most important game for them in a 3 game series against Buck and the Baltimore Orioles became another loss as they see their lead in the AL East shrinking. This is a game that we all need to forget about. Also, understand this... the Yankees have been struggling but I do believe once ARod and Mark Teixeira are back in the lineup there will be major change. Both of their presence helps the whole team.

Hiroki Kuroda wasn't as sharp as he usually last night. The Orioles got to him in the 2nd inning as the inning started off with singles by Jones and Matt Wieters, then Chris Davis hit a sac fly which scored Jones. Mark Reynolds followed that with a long home run which put Baltimore up 3-0. After that, Kuroda settled down but in the 6th, he gave up a solo home run to JJ Hardy.

The Yankees threatened in the bottom half of the 6th but their runners in scoring position struggles continue. Miguel Gonzalez, who was excellent for Balitmore, buckled down to get out of trouble. Mark Reynolds hit his 2nd home run of the game in the 9th and Nick Markakis hit an RBI single which lengthened their lead and put the game out of hand. Curtis Granderson got the Yankees on the scoreboard in the 9th but that was not nearly enough as the Orioles would hold on to win Game 1 of the most important series of the season for both teams... 6-1. The Yankees need to come back today and get a victory.

Keys of the Game: The Yankees had a textbook rally going in the 6th but their RISP struggles set the tone for the game.

Key player of the Game: Mark Reynolds. Mark Reynolds had two home runs tonight for 3 RBI's and scored half of the Orioles runs.

Final: Orioles- 6 Yankees- 1

W: Gonzalez (6-3) L: Kuroda (12-10)

If anyone is interested here are the 6 players that will be called up tomorrow: Catcher Francisco Cervelli, Infielder Eduardo Nunez, Outfielder Chris Dickerson, and pitchers Cory Wade, Adam Warren, and Justin Thomas. 

--Sam Thaler, BYB Contributor
Twitter: @samt1836



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YANKEES WIN BIG BUT FANS EXPECT MORE

The Yankees won today, and Yankeeland has rejoiced... but it's not just about this win today, it's about the beyond.  We need a streak of wins, 5 or 6 or 8 to really get us back in the groove us fans are used too.  It's August... we need to start pulling away. Today may be the beginning of it.

The Yankees avoided a three game sweep in the Bronx at the hands of the Orioles.  They were able to punish two Baltimore pitchers for 10 hits, 2 of which were HRs, 4 walks, and 11 runs.  All of this occurred in the first three innings.  The highlights were a Curtis Granderson home run off Zach Britton, a two run single by Derek Jeter and a grand slam home run by Robinson Cano off reliever Kevin Gregg.

Oriole starter, Zach Britton, entered with a 1-0 record and 5.74 ERA.  Yankee fans may recall Britton as being the Oriole pitcher that once allowed 9 runs in one-third of an inning.  That had never happened before and has not happened since.  The Yankees were not facing a pitcher who could legitimately be characterized as a quality starter.

The Yankees led 11-1 after three innings.  Yankee starter Phil Hughes also did not pitch great, but he survived even though he allowed nine hits and two walks in six innings of work.  He threw 107 pitches, 70 for strikes, in recording his 11th win against 8 losses.  Hughes was aided by Orioles futility with runners in scoring position, as they managed an 0 for 15 day in that circumstance.

Joba Chamberlain also pitched for the first time in a year.  Coming off Tommy John surgery and an injured ankle, Chamberlain was OK...he got the rust off.  He allowed a HR to JJ Hardy in the seventh.  Hardy was the first batter he faced.  Chamberlain allowed three more hits, a walk, and another run on an Endy Chavez double in his 1.2 innings of work.  Yankee PR hype had promoted Chamberlain as throwing a 95-97 mph fastball during rehab.  It never happened.  The Joba fastball hovered around 91-93 in this outing. Interesting.

The Yankees tacked on a run in the eighth inning.  Two walks and a hit batsman were followed by a sacrifice fly RBI off the bat of Yankee newcomer, Casey McGehee, who also walked twice and scored two runs in the game. 

Today's final:  Yankees 12  Orioles 3.  Tomorrow is an off day for the Yankees.    

--Frank Gentry, BYB Writer

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