Yanks/Mets

Yanks/Mets
A play at the plate and two sides of a baseball night in New York

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 10- Much of the Tuesday night post game discussion in the Bronx with New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi centered on a play at home plate in the fifth inning that did not become a run for the Yankees in their loss to Tampa Bay.  A run that further diminished their slim playoff chances could also be blamed on a continued and experimental rule to avoid collisions.

And across the Robert Kennedy Bridge at Citi Field, 10,000 or fewer fans watched the cross-town Mets take the second of three games from the lowly Colorado Rockies.

Take it as it is, but with 17 games remaining for the Mets and 20 for the Yankees, both teams are within five-games for the last wild card in the National and American Leagues. Realistically the chances for October post season baseball in New York are not going to happen.

Then there is the David Wright side of this baseball night. The Mets captain is shut down for the season because of a continued problem of inflammation to the rotator cuff in his left shoulder. Better safe than never is the Mets terminology as they look to have their captain healthy and back to form in 2015.

The hope is, that Wright will avoid surgery. He will undergo a six-week rehabilitation program to strenghten the shoulder. Wright was talking with optimism and perhaps he should have been shut down sooner after injuring the shoulder sliding head first in a game on June 12th.

He disputed the bad numbers at the plate were attributed to the shoulder, though the speculation all along has been a bad shoulder led to a bad David Wright.

Since the All-Star break, Wright did not have the numbers. He hit .238 with seven extra-base hits, no home runs and was trying to pull the ball to no avail.

"I don't know,” Wright said about the shoulder being an impact on the sub par season. "As I've said all along, I'm not one to make excuses. This season has left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm confident that after getting healthy, I'll return to doing what I'm capable of."
And that is what the Mets hope for. Because a healthy and productive David Wright can only make them that much better if they intend to contend next season.

That play at the plate in the Bronx was attributed to a rule that still has the baseball insiders confused.

Rays’ left fielder Matt Joyce threw out Stephen Drew in the fifth inning because catcher Ryan Hanigan blocked Drew who was sliding. Earlier, Major League Baseball issued new guidelines to teams and their umpires  on what the catcher can do under that circumstance.

It was one of many plays this season that continues to cause confusion and needed further clarification. Though at this point, clarified or not, the Yankees needed the call to go their way after Girardi called for the review.

Girardi commented, “Wish the rule was back to normal. If I’m a baserunner I’m going to run him over.  At least the catcher has gear.Think you have to look at it,” he said about making some revisions about a rule that was implemented to prevent concussions via the collision.

“I know they’ve accomplished what they’ve accomplished   but when you are playing for spots, I’m sending my guy home.  In baseball you have to win everyday, that’s the bottom line.”

The Yankees were a half game out of that wild card a month ago. The effort, according to Girardi is still there and he said, “I’m not frustrated because I see what they go through.”

Yet it is frustrating to see the Yankees season dwindle down to a few remaining games and miss the post season a second straight year. But is is more optimistic to know that David Wright will be on a full road to recovery with some rest and proper treatment.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Jeter Says Goodbye

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Jeter Says Goodbye: Still a Class Act (Photos by Gary Quintal) Derek Jeter gives his preliminary goodbye in the Bronx By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, SE...

Jeter Says Goodbye

Still a Class Act

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

Derek Jeter gives his preliminary goodbye in the Bronx

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 8- The assumption is Derek Jeter will be on the field at Yankee Stadium for the last time as an active player in three weeks because the Yankees in all probability will miss the postseason for a second straight year. So on Sunday afternoon the Yankees gave him a fitting and preliminary goodbye tribute.

You can say that the Yankees gave him an early 

goodbye retirement party in order to keep fans in the stands and to profit on Jeter commemorative patches, shirts, and anything that sells with his name. The good thing is the Yankees and their fans still have Derek Jeter for another three weeks.

And for the next 21 games, assuming Jeter plays everyday, he will still be here. As he did so many times over an illustrious 20-year career he answered every question. Jeter never turned down an interview for a daily newspaper reporter, or for that matter someone who was not seen often on the Yankees beat writing for a weekly publication.

And as much as we all want Jeter to reevaluate his decision about retiring from the game of baseball, one that that places him among the greats, it will become

more difficult to say goodbye.

Because it is always difficult saying goodbye to a New York sports icon, and Derek Jeter may have been more than that.

“Today you think about it about all the things that are being said, but today I was trying not to think about it,” Jeter said about closure from the game, and that there are still games to played with his team having an outside chance to be that second wild card team.

He added, “Fortunately there is a little more time.” The hope was always that this final season would result in the Yankees going to another postseason and to do it for the Captain.

But the Yankees from the onset of this season have

never been able to resemble a playoff team. As it was again on Jeter’s day, they failed to score runs and were shutout for a second time in three games by the central division leading Kansas City Royals.

Said Jeter about his day after he came off the playing field, “It was awesome, something I will always remember. The Yankee know how to throw big ceremonies. This is a day I will remember forever.”

He thanked the fans on the field and again when he met the media in the Yankees press conference room. Jeter has never been comfortable speaking about this farewell to baseball, but those extended family of fans made it easier.

“Anyone who is here today, anyone who is at home

watching, anyone who has ever been over the course, over the last 20 seasons, thank you very much. You guys have watched me grow up over the last 20 years. I've watched you, too. Some of you guys are getting older, too. I want to thank you for helping me feel like a kid the last 20 years.”

Jeter was surprised by a few of the dignataries that showed up for his day, including another world champion he has associated with over the years, Michael Jordan, who knows something about farewell tours, saying thank you to the hometown fans and about being a good teammate, and leader on numerous championship teams.

“I appreciate it. I did not go into any expectations,” Jeter said. This retirement tour of ballparks has been different from the one Mariano Rivera received last year. Jeter is an everyday player as Rivera continued to become baseball’s all-time closer.

Jordan offered some advice, along with Dave Winfield and another legend, Cal Ripkin Jr. who all have been a part of the Derek Jeter legacy in one way or another.

“He’s prepared for this, he chose to step away from the game,” said Jordan. “His knowledge of the game is strong, he’s going to sit down with his family and think his next step.”

Jeter wants to move on with his life beyond baseball. He will be financially secure enough that could one day keep him in the game of baseball as an owner or in another capacity. Whatever he does, regardless, it will be successful.

On the field an era is coming to an end. The Yankees “Core Four” of Jeter, Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte has come to an end and there may never be another four similar in the years to come.”

“It was very strange kind of a different situation with three weeks left, a unique situation kind of tough to explain,” Jeter said about the ceremonial day in his honor. “At the same time, I am still trying to play a game.”

And at the same time, and as the days dwindle to a precious few it will harder to say goodbye to Derek Jeter.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankee Bats Awaken to Defeat Royals, 6-2

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankee Bats Awaken to Defeat Royals, 6-2: Yankee Bats Awaken to Defeat Royals, 6-2 By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 7- Despite announced threats of rain for later in t...

Yankee Bats Awaken to Defeat Royals, 6-2

Yankee Bats Awaken to Defeat Royals, 6-2

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 7- Despite announced threats of rain for later in the afternoon, the Yanks and Royals each took batting practice before Saturday’s contest. Each team only hit safely three times during the previous night’s game. The lack of hitting by the Yankee batters has made their attempt to secure a Wild Card position a very difficult task.

Yankee skipper Joe Girardi set up a starting lineup geared to face a left-handed starter on Saturday. To the dismay of both managers, the lefty for Kansas City, Danny Duffy, was removed from the game after throwing one pitch to Yankee lead-off batter Jacoby Ellsbury. It was later announced he was taken out of the game because of left shoulder soreness.
The right-handed replacement for Duffy could not prevent the Yankees from scoring. Seven Yankee batters hit safely during the game paced by Martin Prado with three hits. The recent Yankee acquisition doubled with two out in the first and scored the game’s first run on a single by Mark Teixeira.

The versatile Venezuelan singled two innings later. In the fifth, he again doubled and was brought home by a double off the bat of Carlos Beltrán. Prado has been red-hot at the plate in the past few weeks. In his last 17 games he is batting .403 with 14 runs scored and 11 runs batted in. The veteran Beltrán stated, “He’s [Prado] a good hitter. I liked him in the National League.”

Girardi explained the importance of Prado to the team, “I thought he did a really outstanding job swinging the bat. He’s a big part [of the lineup.]” It’s uplifting. The last 20 games, he’s been unbelievable.”

Another effective batter and marvelous fielder in the outfield is Ellsbury. He drove in a run with a triple in the third. In his most recent 17 games, he is batting .359 with 11 runs scored and 13 runs driven in.

Of the centerfielder, Girardi commented, “He covers a lot of ground. He’s the best there is.”
Catcher John Ryan Murphy, recalled from the minors four days earlier, got two hits and called a good game behind the plate. Yankee closer David Robertson, who pitched a perfect ninth frame said of the catcher, “He’s young, but he has a lot of talent.”

The ageless Ichiro Suzuki, who entered the game in the fifth, had a multi-hit game in only two at bats.

Yankee starter Brandon McCarthy took advantage of the Yankee hitting by pitching a fine game. In 6.2 innings, he yielded six hits and two earned runs to record his eighth win in his last 13 starts. The Yankees only scored a total of five runs in the four games he lost in that period.

Girardi was impressed by his performance, “He had a lot of groundball outs, good sinker and good curveball.”

Although no one can predict the future performances of any individual with any exactitude, pitcher Brandon Finnegan experienced a very exciting MLB debut. The 21 year-old was a student at TCU three months ago. He was drafted by Kansas City in June and on Saturday pitched two perfect innings against the Yankees.

The day before the game and two days before Derek Jeter day, he commented on the forthcoming experience, “Every person my age grew up watching Derek Jeter. He’s a legend. He’s one of the best that ever played, so it’s cool. Being here is definitely awesome.”
After the very successful two inning stint, Finnegan looked back upon the event with awe, “Getting to face him [Jeter] was an honor. But striking him out made the day a little sweeter.”
Ned Yost, the manager of the Royals, talked of the newcomer, “His stuff was good. He threw strikes. He wasn’t overwhelmed.”

Sunday is Derek Jeter day, a game between the Yanks and Royals will be played after the ceremony.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks can't afford any more losses

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks can't afford any more losses: Yanks can't afford any more losses (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 6 - The loss was tough to ta...

Yanks can't afford any more losses

Yanks can't afford any more losses

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 6- The loss was tough to take Friday night against the central division leading Kansas City Royals but the New York Yankees can’t afford to lose many more ballgames. If they don’t want to miss the post season for a second straight year they are aware what the obstacles are. James Shields was dominant on the mound and limited the Yankees to three hits over eight innings.

He was the latest obstacle for the Yankees in the Bronx as the Royals took the first of a three-game series 1-0. 

Yes the Yankees were dominated by Shields who improved to 13-7 and could be considered among voters in the Cy Young award category. Contrasted to the last time they faced him in a makeup game out in Kansas City, 11 days ago , the Yankees could not get anything going and of course it happened at the wrong time in September

The Yankees were shutout for the seventh time this season, also not the proper time for that to happen, especially now, when every pitch and every at bat comes into play with 23 games remaining. 

“It’s frustrating because you lose by one run,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. “We never got anything going against him (Shields).” Any loss for the Yankees at this point is detrimental to their playoff hopes as the second wild card, and there are two more with the Royals Saturday and Sunday.

It won’t get easier. Girardi knows how difficult this task  has become.

“They’re all dramatic at this point because it makes it that much tougher,” he said. “It’s much easier when you have the lead.” Except, Shields was sharp from the beginning and retired the first 11-Yankees, allowing only two base runners to reach second base. The changeup and fastball paved the way for six strikeouts, three by Mark Teixeira, and he induced seven ground ball outs.

To say the least, there was a contrast in the clubhouses of both teams. The Royals recorded their 11th shutout of the season and improved to a season high 17-games over the .500 mark ,and siince July 22 have posted a major league best 30-11 record.

The Yankees, though, 25-20 since the all-star break have not had a consistent and prolonged winning streak that could inch them closer to three teams ahead of them for that final willd card. And this was another loss that put them 4.5 games behind tied with the surging Cleveland Indians. 

Scoreboard watching? “You can’t predict what teams are ahead of you are doing,” said Girardi. “But we’re going to have to win most of them,” he commented when asked about the huge task that the Yankees have in order to become that final wild card team. 

The lone run off Yankees starter Michael Pineda, who has become a highlight of this dismal season, was unearned. He looked as good as Shields limiting the Royals to three hits. Alcides Escobar hit a sharp grounder to third that Chase Headley could not handle. The ball came off the heel of his glove and went for a two-base error. Nori Aoki sent a ball up the middle and that was it,

Shields and the Royals, barring a late collapse in the final weeks, are going to be one of those teams going to the post season. The Yankees in all probability will soon play out the season and hope for better next year. 

So that Yankees post game clubhouse had the look of a loser. There were no players in sight. And can you blame them for not talking and answering the same questions, as they obviously realize every loss leads to their post season chances having to wait for another year.

Wade Davis smoked one by Carlos Beltran and got his first save of the season to end the game and extended his major league leading scoreless streak to 28.21 innings.    

Headley, the hero with a walk-off ninth inning home run the night before against the Red Sox was making no excuses. The play should have been made but the way Shields was pitching there was no room for error.

“Obviously, it’s frustrating,” said Headley, “I don’t want it to sound like I’m not disappointed, but on the same token, if it’s something I did mechanically wrong, that tends to bug me more than the ones that are tough plays that evade your glove.”

He added, “It sucks that that happened. I wish it hadn't but there’s not a whole lot you can do about it after it does."

And there is not much more time for the Yankees. They say 90-wins would do it to get to October, and that seems impossible at this juncture. But with this Yankees season of failure, getting to the post season was never going to be easy.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso   www.newyorksportsexaminer.com