Open Thread: Recapping an early weekend marathon
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The Yankees have played three games in the last twenty hours or so, meaning we haven’t had much time to recap all the action. Last night’s game against the Red Sox was a forgettable one, as the only regulars in the lineup were Brett Gardner and Xavier Nady, and even those two are fighting for starting jobs. Chien-Ming Wang made his third start of the preseason and didn’t fare to well, giving up seven runs (only one earned) and six hits in 1.2 innings, victimized by Juan Miranda throwing the ball into center field as he tried to turn a 3-6-3 double play. Both Mike Lowell and David Ortiz took the Wanger deep, Ortiz’s being a uber-clutch two run job in the second inning with his team leading by five.
Other than that, not all that much happened in that game. Brett Tomko threw 3.1 strong innings while Kei Igawa chipped in another scoreless frame. Xavier Nady doubled while Cody Ransom tripled, and Angel Berroa picked up two hits to raise his spring batting avg to .444. Boston won 8-4.
AJ Burnett flashed his greatness in today’s game, twirling four perfect innings on just 40 pitches. He was so efficient that he had throw an extra ten pitches in the bullpen. The fastball was an effortless 94-96, and the curve was dropping in for strikes at the knees. I know it’s just March, but Burnett had no-hit stuff today, and even a lineup of All-Stars wouldn’t have touched him. Johnny Damon hit a first inning solo homer before the Yanks tacked on two unearned runs in the fourth. Cody Ransom picked up another two hits, he’s been really impressive since A-Rod went down. Edwar Ramirez made his spring debut, and although he struggled to locate his fastball he still pitched an effective frame. Jason Johnson picked up the save in his debut, nailing down the 3-1 win.
As Burnett was carving up the Astros, Phil Hughes had his first rough out of the spring an hour south against the Pirates. He gave up first inning solo homers to Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche, and finished the day with two hits and three walks allowed in 3 IP. He said afterward that he was working on his changeup, but overall he just didn’t have it today. Mark Melancon also had his first bad outing, allowing seven baserunners (six hits, one walk) and five runs in just two-thirds of an inning. It was bound to happen sometime, but as Ben noted in an email, this probably guarantees he’ll be in Triple-A Scranton to start the year.
The offense was highlighted by the Yanks’ two best prospects, as both Austin Jackson (pictured) and Jesus Montero knocked a ball out of the park. Montero’s shot was a salami, and he now has two career Spring Training homers to his credit, both grand slams. Mark Teixeira struck out in all three of his at-bats, so he clearly can’t handle the pressure of New York and is a bust. Doug Bernier drew three walks, Nick Swisher just one (today). The Yanks swept today’s split-squad action with a 13-10 win.
Andy Pettitte will take to the mound for the second time this spring tomorrow, when the Twinkies come to Tampa. Otherwise here’s your open thread for the night. The only local team in action tonight is the Devils, who are up in Montreal. Marty Brodeur has a chance to tie Patrick Roy’s NHL record 551 wins tonight, and me thinks it has to happen just because of all the stars lining up (Roy will be in the house, he played for Montreal, etc.). Talk about whatever your heart desires, just be nice.
Photo Credit: Keith Srakocic, AP
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The Tyler Austin Watch
Hughes: Bust
Tex: Choker
Melancon: Bust
At least Hughes being a bust will (somewhat) quiet the B-Jobbers until Hughes pitches well again.
After bad outings he shall be called: Mark Melancholy.
http://instantrimshot.com/
I’ll be here all week.
dont forget to tip your waitress.
Pamela Anderson: Bust
Paris Hilton: Choker
Kim Kardashian: Bust
Gardner made a defensive miscue today when he back-pedaled and lost the baseball that got hit over his head. I think he could’ve made the catch but slowed down too soon. With that speed, not too many balls hit towards the warning track should go over Gardner’s head unless he’s playing a shallow CF.
Reggie, Ye shall never make point out alleged mistakes by Gritt Gritner, because THEY DON’T HAPPEN. Gritt missed that ball on purpose. It’s the only rational explanation.
They said it was really windy today to go along with a bright sky. I saw alot of balls played badly in the outfield. Wasnt just Gritner on that one play.
Not the first time I’ve seen that happen to Gardner in ST. He’s doing well at the plate, but he’s had a couple of bad defensive lapses.
Our top two minor leaguers hit hr’s and we had to watch the freaking Astros game. Thanks YES.
Couldn’t agree more.
failed attempt to embed a pic?
Your smartest comment yet…
A.J Burnett was very impressive today, his curveball was amazin he looked like if he was in midseason form.
He’s on the DL already?
Well…he’s no Brad Penney, but I guess he’s alright.
Wow USA down 4-0.
Jake Peavy hates America.
“He said afterward that he was working on his changeup, but overall he just didn’t have it today.”
I keep reading that. Can we all just agree Hughes can’t throw a change up?
Can we all just agree Hughes can’t throw a change up?
That would be why he’s working on it. His main goal for AAA was supposed to be to work on his changeup, but then he got called up way too early and stuck to the pitches that got him through the low minors.
Not Looking so good for Team USA. Puerto Rico offense is pretty good the score 6-0.
If the US loses is that the end?
I hope so.
nah like is it single elimination?
Manimal its a double elimination like the last round.
k thanks, I know at some point its single elimination but I forget when that is.
I don’t think it is. I wish it was , though. Hell, I wish it didn’t exist.
Here is a link of the bracket how the classic works.
http://web.worldbaseballclassi.....ackets.jsp
Word, thanks.
Everything AJ’s been doing indicates he is both very greatful to the organization and pumped to be here. Hes definitely not trying to take the club on a Pavanoesq ride and seems like a real good guy. Now lets just hope he holds up. The way the A-Rod thing has shaked out, I hope they are on top of all things health related to the extent which we fans all basically assume they would be.
Jeter has no range.
BTW, Yanks should offer Pudge a minor league deal. He might be pissed but what other deal does he have on the table?
Jeter has no range.
In other news: the sky is blue. More at 11.
Latest on MLBTR has 3 teams (Twins, Giants, Marlins) looking at him. The sticking point seems to be playing time, not so much money.
It’s the opposite in Pedro Martinez’s case. He wants 8 mil guaranteed, which no one will give him. He could get a 1-2 mil deal with incentives tomorrow.
If I were the Mets, I sign him to an incentive laden deal at whatever the market will bear. A motivated Pedro could be a bargain, and their 5th starter situation is a disaster right now. I also like the idea of Pedro having to earn his $, he doesn’t have a rep for being rehabbing like he should or being a gym rat.
People are really interested in pudge? I had no idea. Its not like some egotistical jackass singlehandedly took over ESPN’s news coverage for like a month and a half.
PS: I still can’t believe Manny got 25 mil.
Think of all the awful hitting catchers there are out there, even a diminished Pudge is better than most of them. I’m surprised someone hasn’t given him a deal, although I didn’t like Pudge as a defensive catcher much last year.
BTW, Yanks should offer Pudge a minor league deal. He might be pissed but what other deal does he have on the table?
The Marlins and Astros both want him. The holdup is he wants a starting job, they’ll only offer him a backup job. If the 2nd catcher job isn’t good enough for him, no way he’ll sign on to be the 3rd catcher.
I heard that’s he willing to play other positions like third base and first base.
Where his diminished bat makes even less sense.
Not only can Pudge not hit but he cant cant call a game and pitchers hate him. Why bother (again)?
Looks like Julio Lugo could have a meniscus tear in his knee.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3980744
Did he get it from beating his wife?
lol hahahaha!!!!!
This is actually bad for the yankees. He was such an easy out. He hit .107 against the yanks last year with 7 k’s
I am torn…is lazy because he’s Dominican or gritty because he’s a Sawk?
“is Lugo lazy”
Hes Not lazy he just sucks.
If you are not white, you cannot be gritty. Therefore, he is lazy.
End of story.
Here comes USA with a Rally.
my sister changed the tv to fucking cartoons and I missed everything except the derosa strike out, what happened?
They scored one run on a Brian McCann double so Dunn score. Victorino left runners on second and third by flying out to left field.
thanks
Here’s the ESPN Gameday
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....d=3836483#
I Guess not.
“Marte’s initial evaluation indicates left shoulder inflammation. Cano’s initial evaluation indicates right shoulder tendinitis”
damn
I wouldn’t overreact. Marte is downplaying his injury and Cano’s doesn’t affect his swing. He played today. Let’s wait till the MRI’s come out before we react. Neither sounds serious at this point.
One thing, though. Marte being shelved for a week or two would scratch him from the opening day roster. With Edwar just seeing his first game action today, he might not be ready either. That TWO more bullpen spots (4 total) that are up for grabs.
Maybe Melancon DOES head north with the team after all.
HAVE MERCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that you, John Stamos?
Time for a mini-rant, this is as good a place as any. Spent weeks tweaking my blog look, making sure everything is perfect, and that idiot Lombardi changes his theme to the same one three weeks later. So not cool.
Your Teixeria comment was priceless dead-pan.
But wait, the lead-headed NY press might read it and think that your comment confirms their plans on a “Tex is a Bust” article, in March already!!!
Mike,
Hughes gave up the homeruns to Doumit and the infamous Nyjer Morgan (his was of the Rickey-Henderson-leading-off-the-game variety). Even worse than serving two up to regulars like McLouth & LaRoche…