Zac's Yankees Blog

Everything and More

zachirsch — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:40:16 +0000

CC Sabathia notched win number 17 of his Cy Young caliber season as he set a franchise record making 16 consecutive starts pitching at least 6 innings while allowing 3 runs or fewer. Sabathia owns an 11-0 record at Yankee Stadium this season and dating back to last July the large southpaw is undefeated in his last 20 home starts thriving in front of the home crowd. The workhorse has logged 417.2 innings and is 36-13 with a 3.20 ERA during his tenure in the Bronx. Most importantly, Sabathia was a vital piece of 2009 postseason pitching 36.1 innings with a 1.98 ERA paving the way to championship number 27. CC has been a leader on and off the field displaying a positive attitude and winning demeanor, which has greatly impacted his teammates. CC strives to finish every game he starts setting an excellent example for the rest of the pitching staff. Sabathia is in the prime of his career and in an era of many free agent pitchers that have failed in the Bronx the big lefty is everything and more the Yankees organization could ask for.

CC Sabathia is just writing the beginning chapters of his Yankee career and his legacy will only continue to grow.

A Swing in the Right Direction

zachirsch — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Alex Rodriguez carried the Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Royals as the slugger launched three majestic home runs totaling 1270 feet vs. three different pitchers. Since belting his 600th home-run on August 4th A-Rod has hit .315 while driving in 12 runs and mashing four home runs. With the milestone home run in the rear view mirror A-Rod seems to have a loose and relaxed approach no longer pressing at the plate. As we are half way through August A-Rod has already matched his July home run total and he is on pace to have his best month of the 2010 season after failing to consistently incorporate power into his game. Despite the fact Alex is on pace to hit well below his career average in home runs, he leads the league with 97 RBI and if he retains his power swing he will drive in a plethora of runs during the final and most crucial leg of the season. Alex has had a stellar approach at the plate through-out the season, but he has displayed the impact he can have on the game when his swing is firing on all cylinders.

A-Rod seems to have found his power stroke and should he retain it he will have a major impact on the division race.

Texas Massacre

zachirsch — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:27:24 +0000

The Yankees completed their three game sweep of the Texas Rangers behind lights out starting pitching as CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Andy Pettitte combined for a miniscule total of three earned runs. The front three displayed their ability to pitch deep into games as Sabathia tossed a complete six-inning rain shortened game, Burnett cruised through seven shutout innings, and Pettitte rolled through eight innings baffling the Rangers. The Yankees offense was relentless and grinded out each at-bat allowing the Texas starters an average of 4.1 innings before departing the game dejected. The ruthless offense scored 17 runs and flashed their speed, recording six infield hits and swiping six bases. Brett Gardner served as a spark plug for the offense during the sweep as his blazing speed put pressure on the Rangers defense due to the havoc he wreaks on the base paths. Although Gardner shined during the series the Yankees assaulted the Rangers with a balanced approach of pitching, defense, and timely hitting. This balanced approach results from a “team first” mentality and Joe Girardi has locked all of his players into this system, which was perfectly displayed during the Texas Massacre.

The Yankees swept the Rangers behind contributions from a variety of players and a “team first” approach. Joe Girardi should be credited for pushing the right buttons during the young season.

Grand Opening

zachirsch — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:52:36 +0000

Curtis Granderson excelled in his first series donning the pinstripes as he mashed two colossal home runs, collected four hits, stole a base, and scored three runs. Granderson displayed his mental toughness refusing to let the immense pressure of his debut against the archrival Red Sox rattle him. The centerfielder demonstrated composure and power at the plate in the 10th inning of game three pulverizing a Jonathan Papelbon 0-1 offering deep into the night silencing the Fenway Faithful. While it takes most newly acquired Yankees a substantial amount of time to achieve their first true Yankee moment Granderson achieved this feat only three days into his promising Yankee career. Not only did Curtis display power, but he also flashed his leather and speed making an impressive catch in game one slamming against the center field wall. Although Granderson will certainly experience his low moments as a Yankee his grand opening will only make his Yankee transition smoother alleviating a small dose of pressure.

It is rare the Yankees prized off-season acquisition makes an instant splash, but Granderson has achieved this feat paving the way to a series win over the ultimate nemesis in Boston.

Bright Philled Future

zachirsch — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:19:25 +0000

After years in the making the Yankee organization has slotted Phil Hughes into the starting rotation with confidence and assurance. Hughes, 23 years old, out pitched all competition throughout spring training to secure the 5th spot in the Yankees 2010 starting rotation and write a new chapter to his promising career. Hughes truly shined during the 2009 season as he posted a dazzling 3.03 ERA and struck out 96 batters in 86 innings. The young righty was an unstoppable force out of the bullpen and was as an integral part of the 2009 championship team. Hughes pitched with poise during the 2009 campaign displayed through his body language and swagger, which he lacked during the 2008 season when he posted a career low 6.62 ERA and went 0-4. The talented pitcher now has the chance to record career high numbers, as he will square off against opposing teams number five starters behind the Yankees mighty offense. Hughes has only has 192.2 major league innings under his belt and he will assuredly continue to make strides and adjustments with the help of the Yankees exceptional coaching staff. Hughes transformed himself mentally over the course of the last two seasons and the question now becomes what level can he take his game to as he continues to develop and mature.

Phil Hughes only 23 years old offers an exciting element to the Yankees 2010 season. He will only continue to grow as a player and a person and he should contribute greatly to the team now and in the future.

Yanks, Pettitte Cruise Past Royals

zachirsch — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:19:41 +0000

Andy Pettitte charged the Yankees to a 4-1 victory as he pitched 7 remarkable innings, yielding only one run on three hits. Pettitte pitched effectively and economically returning to vintage form and he would most likely be a number two or three pitcher on most other teams, displaying the depth and prestige of the Yankees starting rotation. Brian Bruney tossed a scoreless 8th inning while striking out two and he has the stuff to emerge as Mariano Rivera’s setup man. Rivera notched his first save of the season and the bullpen has surrendered only one hit in the last 10 innings. The offense has scored 16 runs the last two games behind the blistering hot bats of Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano. Cano is batting .571 while riding a 15 game hit streak dating back to last season and Swisher has 6 RBI in the last two games. Jorge Posada provided the team with a big two out, two-run single, as he continues to rebound stoutly from shoulder surgery. Starting pitching is the key ingredient to winning games and the much-hyped starting rotation is beginning to come to fruition. Tomorrow CC Sabathia looks to rebound from his dismal season opening performance as he duels Horacio Ramirez.

Andy Pettitte has the chance to win an overabundance of games matching up against other clubs number four starters.

Yanks Squander vs. O’s

zachirsch — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:34:18 +0000

The Orioles prevailed over the Yankees 7-5, as the Yankees starting pitchers continue to struggle. Chien-Ming Wang struggled tremendously in his first start since injuring his right foot last season, surrendering 7 runs on 9 hits in only 3.2 innings of work. Wang was not able to get his signature sinking pitch to function properly and most of his pitches were elevating to high in the strike zone, as he failed to locate his pitches. Wang may have been slightly jittery in making his first start in nearly 8 months and he will assuredly improve. The bullpen was forced to begin relieve work in the 3rd inning and they were up for the task, as Edwar Ramirez, Jonathan Albaladejo, and Jose Veras combined for 4.1 hitless innings. For the second consecutive game the offense was facing a large deficit, but showed scrap. Derek Jeter belted a two-run homerun in the 9th inning and Mark Teixeira followed up by recording his first Yankee hit driving in Jonny Damon. The offense has struggled with runners in scoring position in the young season going 3-for-19 in these scenarios and this will be an area the team will improve in as Mark Teixeira settles in and the offense finds it beat. Despite starting the season 0-and-2 the 2009 Yankees team has a glut of promise. Once the starting rotation realizes its potential the team will be an absolute force. Its quite difficult win games when the starting pitching is in disarray and AJ Burnett looks to reverse the trend tomorrow when he faces Alfredo Simon.

Chine-Ming Wang failed to locate his pitches and his sinker was ineffective, but he will find his rhythm along with the rest of starting rotation.

Yanks Fizzle vs. O’s in Season Opener

zachirsch — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:43:09 +0000

The Yankees dropped their season opener vs. the Orioles 10-5, as CC Sabathia provided the Yanks with an extremely ineffective start in his much-anticipated debut. CC pitched a measly 4.1 innings surrendering six runs and 8 eights while walking 5. Sabathia did not record a single strikeout and his last start in which he did not log a strikeout was July 25th, 2005 vs. Oakland. CC looked uncomfortable on the mound and had no command of his fastball making his secondary pitches ineffective. The Yankees bullpen kept the offense in the game until the 8th inning when Phil Coke and Brian Bruney yielded two runs apiece allowing the Orioles a contented lead. Despite nearly climbing back from a 6-1 deficit the offense left 11 men on base and Mark Teixeira accounted for nearly half the men left on base, as he faltered alongside CC Sabathia in his Yankee debut going 0-for-4. The team played scantily overall, but many signs of a transformed 2009 roster were present. Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui each launched a home run and if they can stay healthy the duo will bring stability and equilibrium to the lineup. Also, Joe Girardi showcased the much and improved bench as Nick Swisher delivered a pinch-hit double in the 8th inning only to be replaced by pinch-runner Ramiro Pena, displaying the Yankees will have more versatility through the bench than seasons past. There are 162 games in the season and the Yankees will improve vastly through their dynamic bench and bolstered starting rotation. Tomorrow Chien-Ming Wang gets his first start since injuring his right foot June 15th, 2008 as he squares off against Koji Uehara.

CC Sabathia had one of his worst outings since July 2005 failing to strikeout a hitter, but he will significantly improve as he finds his comfort zone.

Gardner Becomes Center of Attention

zachirsch — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:37:46 +0000

Brett Gardner has triumphed over Melky Cabrera claiming the Yankees 2009 center field position. Gardner demonstrated his excellent speed and defensive skills throughout spring training, while batting at an outstanding .418 clip with a .468 on-base percentage. The 25-year-old lefty adds a new element to the Yankees lineup through his scorching speed and if he can post an average on-base percentage expect him to steal a minimum of 30 bases. Gardner also vastly improves the Yankees outfield defense through his exceptional range, which will benefit the aging Jonny Damon and average defender in Xavier Nady. The Yankees have not had a consistent base stealer in the everyday lineup since Alfonso Soriano and Gardner presents himself as a threat every occasion he is on base putting pressure on the opposing defense. The scrappy center fielder is certainly Joe Girardi’s type of player, as he approaches the game with grit and grind. Selecting Gardner as the centerfielder implements the hustle style of play in the Yankees culture, which will complement players such as Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira. The Yankee teams of recent years have exhibited a lackadaisical style of play and Gardner provides the lineup with a fresh injection of youth and hustle.

The gritty Brett Gardner immensely improves the Yankees defense and speed, which are two key elements for a winning team.

Tex Marks the Spot

zachirsch — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:09:08 +0000

In a time of scrutiny and uncertainty clouding the Yankees primetime offensive producer, one player has the chance to rise above the turmoil and bring solidity and reliability to the Yankees clubhouse and lineup. Mark Teixiera has the leadership, defensive skills, offensive burst, and intangibles to improve the flow of the Yankees lineup and bring immovability to the clubhouse. Teixiera boasts a career .290 batting average and has drilled over 25 homers in each of his six seasons, while only producing under 100 RBI his rookie season. The slugger has won two gold gloves and owns .996 fielding percentage making mind-boggling defensive plays year after year. The incredibly talented player thrives under change, as he crushed a home run in each of his first three games as an Atlanta Brave and hit .358 after being traded to the Angles last season in helping them achieve their first 100 win season in franchise history. Despite being an incredibly unswerving offensive and defensive threat, Teixeira has always been a dependable teammate and had a positive influence on the clubhouse, even in situations where he knew a trade was inevitable, such as his tenure with the Rangers and Braves. Teixiera has never been part of a lineup that offers him protection the 2009 Yankees lineup does, and the pieces are in place for him to don the pinstripes in dominant fashion. While many Yankee free agent signings have disenchanted in recent years, Mark Teixiera will assuredly do just the opposite.

Mark Teixiera plays with passion and intensity, but more importantly he prides himself on camaraderie. He has the intangibles similar to those of Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neil, and many of the great contributors of the dynasty years.