BENOIT & THE NEW YORK YANKEES

That rumor mill is running, ladies and gentlemen! The deadline is at 4pm, and teams are moving. And our Yankees are throwing their names into the mix. The latest? Joaquin Benoit on the Yankees radar.

According to Jon Heyman (HERE) the Dodgers and the Yankees are both pursuing the reliever. San Diego hasn't said whether or not they actually intend to trade Benoit. Chris Cotillo, of MLB Daily Dish, thinks there is a "good chance" that they will trade him (HERE). The Padres just traded reliever Huston Street to the LA Angels.

I'm not against the idea of Benoit. He's not terrible. My main concern is, what happens to Dellin Betances and David Robertson if we do get Benoit? We don't really need three potential relievers. We just need one that is reliable. I like Robertson. His Houdini acts are the reason I have several mini heart attacks a season, but he gets the job done. I have gone on and on about my love for Betances. He IS the hometown hero. He isn't only homegrown through the farm, but a native New Yorker. If they trade away Betances, I may riot.

I'm sure there will be more to emerge from this story soon. MLB is moving fast, folks! Stay tuned!

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
  

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YANKEES TARGETING JOAQUIN BENOIT

Interesting nugget... I'm not sure what to make of it yet.

According to Bob Nighengale of USA Today, the Yankees have had many "internal discussions" about the possibility of bringing in Joaquin Benoit to the Yanks bullpen.

The #Yankees would love to grab two relievers and have had lots of internal discussions about Joaquin Benoit
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2013

Now I have had plenty of discussions with BYB freaks about the possibility of David Robertson closing for the Yankees.

I personally think the guy is ready, but I also liked the idea of a guy like Joe Nathan.  He's gone though.  Then, I chatted it up today with people about Grant Balfour as the Yankees' next closer.  Mixed reviews on that one.  Now I wonder if the Yankees have any intention of signing Benoit to close, or if they'll have he and DRob compete for the job.

It's hopefully going to get interesting at the Winter Meetings now for the Yanks.  Just so you know, here's alittle background: In 2013 for the Tigers,  Benoit had a 2.01 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 73 Ks in 67 innings.

Keep checking back to us here at BYB and we'll tell you what happens next.

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WHAT THE YANKEES CAN EXPECT FROM THE DETROIT TIGERS

They’re back...and so are our old foes from postseason past. Fans haven’t forgotten what happened last year, and neither have our boys in pinstripes. It’s time for some revenge! It’s time to be the last one standing and make it back to the World Series. 

The Yankees beat the Tigers 6-4 in their match ups this year, but don’t let that fool you…. the Tigers are going to “roar” their way into Yankee stadium and our boys have a fight on their hands. The Tigers are not unstoppable, but they have to execute in a few key areas to neutralize a very powerful team. 

The Tigers are a stacked team, and they have some potent bats. The Tigers built their team around offense,  but even with powerful hitters like Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera the offense hasn’t lived up to all of the expectations. That being said, they can change the course of a game with one swing of the bat and the short porch in Yankee stadium can be very enticing for these two, so switching speeds and locating will be crucial for our pitchers. 

• Miguel Cabrera: He can be especially dangerous because he can hit anything, in any count, and pull the ball in any direction. I guess this is a big reason why he and his .330 AVG, 44 home runs and 139 RBI won him the Triple Crown this year. To keep the Tigers from tacking on extra runs the Yankees need to keep the Tigers who bat in front of him off of the bases. I always feel like Cabrera does the most damage when he has runners on so if the Yankees can keep the first two batters off of the bases they cripple the Tiger offense.   

Even if the Yankees keep Cabrera from slugging home runs if he gets on base they still have to deal with cleanup hitter Prince Fielder. Then Tigers have a dangerous 3-4 hitting combination, some say it could be one of the best in baseball. If the Yankees fool Cabrera but don’t get to Fielder he can also do some damage. Also worth noting, Delmon Young hit three solo home runs in last years ALDS, and he also has good numbers against Andy Pettitte going 13-for-24 against him. If the Yankees can eliminate big rallies from these key batters they will be in good shape. 

The Tiger pitching is the strength of this team. The Yankees will face all right-handed pitchers this series starting off with Doug Fister, the same pitcher who was on the field for Game 5 of the ALDS last year.  Sanchez, Scherzer, and of course the always dangerous Justin Verlander will test the Yankees. Considering that the Yankees will face all righties, as long as the Yankees execute at the plate the lineup will be matched up better when compared to all of the lefty pitching we saw at the end of the regular season.

• Justin Verlander: He's slated to pitch in games 3 and 7, so the Yankees have their hands full. The key to success against him is to get to him early. Usually as pitchers go deeper into the game they lose a little of their edge; but it is the complete opposite in Verlander’s case. Often times, he gains velocity on his pitches as the game progresses and hitters have less success off of him during the second and third turns though the lineup. 

As dangerous as the Tiger starting rotation is if the Yankees can get into the bullpen they can do some damage. He bullpen has not been as dependable lately. Set-up man Joaquin Benoit has really struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark and has allowed too many home runs lately. Another concern, Jose Valverde really struggled against the Oakland A’s during the ALDS and actually gave the Tigers their loss in Game 4. If the Yankees can shake these guys up a little on the field it could be key to a close game.

The ability to play small ball is going to be key in this series. I know I am not about to introduce a new concept here, it’s the same theme from the rest of the season but considering how both teams can do damage with the long ball, the Yankees HAVE to manufacture some runs when needed. While our offense is struggling lately, so are the Tigers and with the depth we have on the bench they can really make a difference in the game. If we can get our guys into scoring position and bring them home with a base hit, the Yankees CAN win this series, but we need to score more than one or two runs to do it. 

There are too many people out there who seem to think that the Yankees are underdogs in this series, and I’m not so sure about that! Sure, 2006 and 2011 didn’t give us the outcome we were looking for. Now it’s time to look ahead and be strategic. If people want to call us the underdog then so be it! After beating the Orioles our energy is renewed and we are up for the challenge, so let’s get it started. 

GO YANKEES!!!

--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Writer and Editor

Twitter: @NyPrincessJ


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WHY THE DROB-MARIANO COMBO IS THE BEST IN BASEBALL

It’s been well documented here at BYB that the David Robertson-Mariano Rivera 8th inning-9th inning combo is the best in baseball. It’s a joy to watch both of these guys slam the door in the final two innings, and as Yankee fans we’re very lucky to have these guys on our team.

David Robertson has been dynamite out of the ‘pen in 2012, as well as 2011 following two solid seasons in 2009 and 2010. He’s yet to allow an earned run so far this year and he’s struck out 18 while walking just three. In fact, Robertson hasn’t allowed a run since August 29, 2011 at Baltimore when he allowed a solo homerun to JJ Hardy, his only homer allowed that year.

As of now, Robertson has pitched 24.2 consecutive scoreless innings, and TBS’ John Smoltz went as far as saying last Sunday that Robertson could break Orel Hershiser’s consecutive scoreless innings streak of 59 set back in 1988. I’m not sure if that’ll happen, but it’s nice to see the outside media, and someone who knows a great deal about the game, praising someone like DRob.

Now onto the second part of this dynamic duo: Mariano Rivera. Rivera is once again beating father time. We all know what he’s accomplished; most saves in big-league history, the only pitcher to ever appear in 1,000 games with one team, lowest ERA and most saves in postseason history, etc., etc. But in what seems to be his final year in his big league career, Mo is off to another great start.

Rivera has appeared in nine games and has pitched to a 2.16 ERA. He also has five saves, and he hasn’t allowed a run since Opening Day when he blew the save and eventually lost the game to the Tampa Bay Rays. Mo is one of those guys that I have zero worries about even if he blows a save or two in a row. He’s just been so good for so long that I feel very confident about him no matter what happens on the field.

It’s that simple; the Yankees have the best 8th inning- 9th inning combo in the sport and there really isn’t much of a debate. I know there are some other impressive 8th inning-9th inning combos around Major League Baseball. Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde in Detroit, or Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel in Atlanta come to mind, but those guys don’t have quite the track record these guys have. They don’t have to play under the bright lights in the Bronx, which always isn’t the easiest thing to do. I know the Yankees have their share of problems right now, but just realize that this team has the 8th and 9th inning covered with these two guys. There aren’t many teams with that luxury, and we should remember that.

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


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THE DAY THE LAUGHTER DIED

We were in the Bronx. We were with our family, in pinstripes, bleeding blue, ready for the Yankees to beat the Tigers and advance to the ALCS. It's the Yankee way, it's destiny. I never like to climb back in games to win, but that's exactly what the Yankees have done so many times before in the playoffs, maybe tonight would be along the same lines. I tell you what though, I was kicked in the gut as soon as the game started.
The first inning was horrible for Ivan Nova and it made me mad nervous. Yes, Austin Jackson got a quick K as did Miguel Cabrera but Don Kelly and Delmon Young both cranked solo shots.
Now it's 2-0. Fister looked good, but hittable. The Yankees usually go through the order before they start hammering, so, I'm not getting crazy yet. Luckily Mark Teixeira cranked a double. To bad they couldn't get him around to score.
The 3rd inning Phil Hughes came in to relieve Ivan Nova. Apparently Nova had tightness in his arm. I was surprised actually, I was expecting another inning. Hughes struck out to first 2 batters he faced. Delmon Young got a single and then he got Miguel Cabrera to ground out.The bottom of the third, Brett Gardner singled. Jeter struck out and Curtis Granderson worked a walk. Robinson Cano came up and I had hope. Cano popped out to center field. Inning over.One thing I need to point out. The strike zone again was horrible. There were pitches that game in too low or off the plate that were called strikes and strikes that were definitely balls. There were many questions by the Yankees tonight and with good reason. Bad calls. Alex Rodriguez had a very very bad night.

The 4th inning gave me another surprise, after the first out and a single, Girardi made yet another pitching change. I'm thinking... man I hope it's not going to be one of those nights. I prayed at that point that Yankees offense would turn it around and the Girardi binder doesn't insert itself all night, otherwise, there's no way to win this damn thing. Boone Logan came in. I groaned. Yes, Boone struck out the side the last time out in the ALDS, but you never know what your going to get with this guy. I started to get pissed, what the hell is Girardi doing? Logan pitched to lefty Alex Aliva, and of course, the guy gets his first hit of the ALDS. Now we're in trouble, men on first and second. Peralta flied out which was great. Luckily with 2 men on Boone Logan got a strikeout.

The top of the 5th brought Alex Rodriguez to the box. I noticed ARod had a quicker swing in the last game. I'm hoping I'm right and he cranks it out. I told someone on my train expect hits by ARod tonight. Yeah right... who am I kidding? Luckily ARod walked this time. Nick Swisher then singled to right. 1 out. Jorge Posada came to the plate. A huge single and now the bases were loaded with 1 out. After a Martin pop up, Brett Gardner was up, our hottest hitter and the whole stadium was into it, Gardner popped out. I was crushed.
CC Sabathia came in to start the 5th. So strange to see him in relief. He allowed a run to score and at this point it's 3-0. I am shocked and I know the Yankees are running out of time.

The bottom of the 5th there were 2 quick outs in Jeter and Granderson. Wimpy outs. Then Robinson Cano came up. He buried the ball into the right field seats and suddenly it was 3-1. I realized right then that this was Yankee Stadium, the best place you want to be in a playoff game. I realized, we can do this, but our pitching needs to be solid and keep the Tigers from scoring. Luckily our pitching was great, the hitting was crap.

Rafael Soriano came into relieve CC in the 6th inning. He immediately got the double play. Good job RaSo.

Looking at the bottom of the 6th, Max Scherzer came in. Mark Teixeira was the first Yankee batter and flew out to Austin Jackson. Nick Swisher continues to disappoint and ground out and then Jorge Posada had a single. Russell Martin came to the plate with Jorge at first. He struck out. Way to kill a rally.

Rafael Soriano had a good second inning in relief. The Tigers looked off balance at the plate, I placed my Bucky Dent / Mike Torrez autographed bat on the floor in front of the television. I was desperate.In the bottom of the 7th, Delmon Young came out of the game. I felt the ghosts of Yankee Stadium coming out. I prayed this game would be in our favor. Gardner came to the plate and struck out. Jeter came up and fought hard waiting for his pitch, then, he beat out an infield single and at that point I saw a glimmer of hope. Say what you will about old man Jeter, he can easily set the tone. At this point Scherzer came out and Granderson came to the plate against Joaquin Benoit who had an enormous band-aid on his face and Girardi strategized and asked to have it removed, hopefully it rattled Benoit. Granderson rips one for a single. Now, men on first and second and Robinson Cano comes to the plate. An easy dribbler next to Benoit and he missed it. Bases loaded for ARod. Alex struck out. Unbelievable! Something's got to be wrong with this guy. How could that happen? Teixeira then came to the plate. He walked. 3-2 at this point and the bases are still loaded for Nick Swisher. If anyone needs to deliver tonight, it needs to be Swisher. Swisher struck out. The biggest opportunity of his career and he blew it. Based on this post season alone, I would not pick up Nick Swisher's option. You can't be all flash and show no bash in the playoffs. Pathetic.

David Robertson came in the top of the 8th and showed me why we love him. The inning went quick. The bottom of the 8th needed to be big for the Yankees, they needed 1 run. I took out my 1956 autographed Mickey Mantle Sports illustrated. I was clearly desperate at this point.
Jorge Posada came up in what could be his last at bat as a New York Yankee. Posada has been one of the hottest Yankees all playoffs. He needed a hit right now. We all did. He grounded out. Martin came up and he was overdue. I was sure he'd deliver here with a base hit. Martin struck out. Are you freaking kidding me? 2 outs and we look like crap. Shortly later, with Gardner on base, Jeter cranked one high to the wall, but caught by Don Kelly. So close...but not close enough.
Mariano Rivera came in in the 9th inning. The score is still 3-2 by the way, I'm not getting this, but whatever, this is what Girardi does, he either doesn't pull the pitcher quick enough, or the binder tells him all about match-ups and changes pitchers like Kool-aid. Mo was brilliant, a 1,2,3 inning.

This is it, 3-2 game. The Yankees are down in the Bronx. I have been at games and seen games on TV that have blown me away, always with the ghosts coming out and always with the Yankees winning. I've prayed, I have all my favorite collectibles out. We need alittle hitting now to win this God damn ball game. I do not want to see this clown Valverde dance in the Bronx, we must beat him.

Granderson came up and popped up. Robinson Cano had a broken bat hit that was caught all the way in center field by Austin Jackson. Then, once again it was up to Alex Rodriguez...and with a strikeout, the Tigers won.
Just like last year, Alex Rodriguez strikes out for the last out. Remember when he struck out and Bengie Molina jumped up and ran out to the mound to celebrate? I'm so crushed right now.
(Photo: 2010)
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am. The Yankees season is over. Jorge Posada's career is probably over in pinstripes. I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 4 days or so, you start hearing whispers of CC Sabathia wanting to opt-out and questions about whether or not Nick Swisher should come back. After having the best record in the American League, the Yankees lost to the Tigers. The Tigers didn't beat the Yankees, the Yankees beat the Yankees tonight. The pitching was good, the timely hitting was not.

Tip your hat to Jim Leyland, I love that man. He's a true baseball guy and he managed a good team.

If Bleeding Yankee Blue takes a day off, I know you'll understand.

Final Score: Tigers 3 - Yankees 2

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