Yankees complete sweep in Oakland
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jun 01, 2011 
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First they beat Trevor Cahill, then Brett Anderson and now Gio Gonzalez. Nick Swisher’s three-run home run made the difference, sending the Yankees to a 4-2 win that completed a three-game series sweep against the Athletics. A.J. Burnett pitched seven innings and settled in after allowing a two-run homer in the first. The Yankees have now won four in a row heading into tomorrow’s off day.
Associated Press photo
Nice win and now a well deserved day off tomorrow
REPOST
I wish the Yankee players would support DRob’s High Socks for Hope charity by all wearing their pants high for the upcoming home stand. Maybe we could start a donation drive by each donating something for every home run and/or strikeout made by a player wearing high socks
Merely having good pitching is not a guarantee of success, as the Oakland athletics have just learned. This is why daunting road trips aren’t necessarily going to be season killers.
so much for that idiot Girardi putting on the bunt for Swisher, huh? The only ones looking stupid are the ones on here complaining about it. Nothing unusual about that. For some, it’s a 10 times a day happening.
But I thought pitching wins championships?
Nice sweep plus the Sox also swept. All is good.
Great pitching will keep your team in the game,but you still have to score runs…A’s have always had good pitching, but they often don’t have the hitting side of the equation…
From MLBTR
Dan Haren tweaked his back during a bullpen session Wednesday.
Uh oh. We’re currently awaiting further word about his status, but Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register writes that he left the field in “obvious discomfort.” Haren is currently scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Yankees
This team continues to defy the RS-centric sports media.
Yankees (+69) have BY FAR the best run differential in baseball.
Nobody else is close. That speaks to the success of the bothmthe offense and the pitching. keep the momentum going!
Angels this weekend, then another off day?
Good setup for this road-trip for the Yankees to come home to start 14 straight.
“I wish the Yankee players would support DRob’s High Socks for Hope charity by all wearing their pants high for the upcoming home stand. Maybe we could start a donation drive by each donating something for every home run and/or strikeout made by a player wearing high socks”
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Nice idea.
Also, HOW IN THE WORLD CAN WE POSSIBLY FEND OFF THE RED SOX!? IS IT EVEN REMOTELY POSSIBLE!?
Yankees:
OPS+: 1st in the AL
ERA+: 2nd in the AL
SoS June 1st, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Burnetts era is at 3.86. What does it have to be at as a #2 starter? I say hes pretty damn close. Nice bounce back after the first inning.
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There’s been perhaps only one start this year that burnett has not kept the game close enough and he’s had at least 2 games that he deserved the win. The same can be said about both Colon ang Garcia. As a rookie, all Nova needs to do is keep getting past the 6th inning and hold the score down and he’ll win 12 games. he’s been doing that, for the most part.
LGY – Damn, they better get Posada out of here soon he’s killing us.
Keep getting those Yankee All-Star Game votes pouring in!
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-.....id=6616164
What does it matter what number a starter is?
Depending on the matchups, if a playoff series started today, I would start Colon in Game 2.
Cone’s night life looks like it’s catching up to him. Looking a little ragged.
“Cone’s night life looks like it’s catching up to him. Looking a little ragged.”
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I was thinking the same thing. He looks pretty awful…
Pitching has been a pleasant surprise. Asked this earlier today. Where does Hughes go when he comes back? Starter or bullpen?
Does Rivera catch Hoffman this year? He needs 28 more saves to tie him.
“LGY – Damn, they better get Posada out of here soon he’s killing us.”
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Just saw this on RAB:
“Yankees’ designated hitters have combined for -0.6 fWAR. That’s not just Jorge Posada, that’s everyone that has filled in at DH at one time or another this year. Astros’ pitchers have been worth -0.3 fWAR at the plate this year.”
Good teams win in a variety of ways…..not just with pitching. Great pitching is nice to have of course but even with a team ERA of 3….you still have to score 3 or 4 runs to win most nights.
Great series for the Yanks…..just like that they’ve won 11 of 14 and are 3 games up in the LC. I guess the sky didn’t fall after all
this is a good team that still hasn’t hit its stride offensively yet.
Yeah I saw that this morning LGY, they do some good research over there. Another article today showed how Burnett has pitched exactly the same this year as last, but is simply getting better results.
The storm just showed up here, wooo
“Yankees’ designated hitters have combined for -0.6 fWAR”
Run prevention strategy?
“Pitching has been a pleasant surprise. Asked this earlier today. Where does Hughes go when he comes back? Starter or bullpen?”
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Starter, replacing Nova.
They aren’t painstakingly building him back up piece by piece just to put him in the pen.
Furthermore, I think he’s earned his stripes and hence the opportunity to not have to earn his way back into the rotation.
I still think he’s the key to whether this is a good playoff team or a championship caliber team, although I’m confident we’ll make a very deep playoff run either way.
A playoff front four of Sabathia, Hughes, Colon, and Burnett, with Garcia riding shotgun in case of an early blow up, would be very, very strong. Fingers crossed that everyone remains healthy and effective.
Cash was on with Kay today. He said that Po gets more time because of his past contributions and because he is switching positions, but if you read between the lines, he probably won’t get that much longer, I would guess the AS break.
Rich in NJ June 1st, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Cash was on with Kay today. He said that Po gets more time because of his past contributions and because he is switching positions, but if you read between the lines, he probably won’t get that much longer, I would guess the AS break.
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I would guess trading deadline…perhaps Beltran…then they DL for a month and bring him back in September when rosters increase.
LGY June 1st, 2011 at 6:21 pm
But I thought pitching wins championships?
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You’re catching on; there’s hope yet.
A playoff front four of Sabathia, Hughes, Colon, and Burnett, with Garcia riding shotgun in case of an early blow up, would be very, very strong
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Think I’d go CC, Colon, Burnett, and Hughes.
Colon is former Cy Young (should have had 2) and a great pitcher….should #2. If Aj continues throwing like this, I’d put him #3…of course, Hughes will dictate where he pitches by how well or poorly he does upon return. Hopefully, they solved the problem.
BoJo
According to Cot’s, their payroll is at $207,047,964. I don’t think they’d add Beltran’s salary without an offset.
Balance wins championships, but it’s fun to hear/read that pitching canard.
Rich in NJ June 1st, 2011 at 6:47 pm
BoJo
According to Cot’s, their payroll is at $207,047,964. I don’t think they’d add Beltran’s salary without an offset.
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Why?
They had money for Andy…Beltran will have less than $8M left, and Mets probably eat some to get prospects…I suspect they are looking at $6M for remainder of season…easily fits in.
Hopefully Hughes has been working on reviving that nasty curve he used to have. He cant just rely on the cutter.
Of course, as bad as things are getting in LA, they may need to hold a fire sale and get rid of Kemp….Wouldn’t mind that.
SoS June 1st, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Hopefully Hughes has been working on reviving that nasty curve he used to have. He cant just rely on the cutter.
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Why do I somehow doubt it?
You need both pitching and hitting obviously, but in the post-season, especially in short series when you are likely to face the other team’s top guns, runs can be hard to come by. Good pitching stops good hitting. Good pitching wins championships.
“Rich in NJJune 1st, 2011 at 6:47 pm
BoJo
According to Cot’s, their payroll is at $207,047,964. I don’t think they’d add Beltran’s salary without an offset.”
Cash can transfer Sorianon’s salary to Levine’s department to make room for Beltran.
David June 1st, 2011 at 6:53 pm
“Rich in NJJune 1st, 2011 at 6:47 pm
BoJo
According to Cot’s, their payroll is at $207,047,964. I don’t think they’d add Beltran’s salary without an offset.”
Cash can transfer Sorianon’s salary to Levine’s department to make room for Beltran.
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Is that the “Department of Silly Walks?”
“Why?
They had money for Andy…Beltran will have less than $8M left, and Mets probably eat some to get prospects…I suspect they are looking at $6M for remainder of season…easily fits ”
I’m skeptical that they want their payroll to be at $217m.
Can we also transfer Igawas salary to some department to get a player to be named later?
Or even $214m, which would be an all-time hiigh.
I’m not sure where Hughes fits in on this team right now.
All he has is potential–since mid 2010 he’s been atrocious. Color me skeptical on this one–anything the Yankees get will be a pleasant surprise. He has yet to pitch in a simulated game, and he’s already being slotted into the playoff rotation by some here.
If one of Colon or Garcia will break down (possible)–at that point he can spell them. If Nova has a meltdown (who seems to be getting better and more consistent as the season progresses)–put him in then.
How about this blasphemy: Hughes plus Montero for King Felix at the deadline? Now we’re getting a creative use out of this guy.
nice win today. I hope Swish goes on a tear now.
AJ must be easily the most under-appreciated pitcher on the staff, and possibly the most under-appreciated pitcher in the league this year. Yes, he can be erratic and infuriating at times, but every 5 days he gives the Yanks a chance to win the game. Very quietly, he is on pace for an 18-game win season this year, despite all of the complaints about him.
I’m skeptical that they want their payroll to be at $217m.
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I totally DO NOT see it as an issue for a few reasons.
First, IIRC, the season tax is calculated based on what the number is early in season, not later…so adding payroll does not affect salary cap tax.
Second, there is no commitment for 2012 to the player, and overall salaries are dropping (so far) for team payroll.
Third, they have the operating income to cover it, and of course, if it means the difference into going further in play-offs, the money is quickly made up.
“How about this blasphemy: Hughes plus Montero for King Felix at the deadline?”
Based on Cash’s comments before the season (that he went all-out to get him), they offered that and more, and were turned down.
He’s not available.
The 2010 Giants are the only team I can think of recently that won a title with a pitching centric team……and they only won because their offense got crazy hot for 3 weeks in October. You have to have balance most years to win the WS.
I don’t know why people keep on bringing up a trade for Hernandez as if it were an even remote possibility.
But you gotta admit, it’s nerve-racking when AJ pitches. I’m holding my breath half the time, actually 3/4 of the time. I wonder what the catcher must feel like. His pitches bounce in the dirt so often.
I believe King Felix has immunity and will be staying pat on his island. Kershaw wouldnt be a bad idea. Id give half the system for him.
Rich in NJ June 1st, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Or even $214m, which would be an all-time hiigh.
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In ten (or maybe even 5 years), we’ll look back on tat number as we currently do for $120M.
Salaries go up every year…doesn’t ring like a good reason to me. No disrespect intended, of course, but I think we are talking small change…
blake June 1st, 2011 at 7:00 pm
The 2010 Giants are the only team I can think of recently that won a title with a pitching centric team……and they only won because their offense got crazy hot for 3 weeks in October. You have to have balance most years to win the WS.
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White Sox
I don’t think the King is going to be available this year now…..the only shot was for the Mariners to really stink again and be woefully out of it by July. I guess that could still happen but its not looking likely.
On that note…..many mock drafts are predicting the Mariners to take Cole with the 2nd pick. Felix, Pineada, and Cole……talk about rotation upside.
The White Sox had some bats…..I guess they were pitching heavy but they weren’t all pitching.
Wang IS Taiwan June 1st, 2011 at 7:01 pm
But you gotta admit, it’s nerve-racking when AJ pitches. I’m holding my breath half the time, actually 3/4 of the time. I wonder what the catcher must feel like. His pitches bounce in the dirt so often.
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No doubt.
I again ask “WHY DO WE NEED MORE PITCHERS?” Our rotation is crazy good right now, Hughes is coming back, we have several promising kids at SWB, and of course Carlos Silva!
I really don’t think we need anyone unless a major injury occurs.
“In ten (or maybe even 5 years), we’ll look back on tat number as we currently do for $120M.”
Yes, that’s called inflation.
But there’s a CBA negotiation coming up, and I don’t think they want to give the anti-capitalists small revenue teams any more ammo.
On that note…..many mock drafts are predicting the Mariners to take Cole with the 2nd pick. Felix, Pineada, and Cole……talk about rotation upside.
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Makes me sick.
BoJo June 1st, 2011 at 7:06 pm
I again ask “WHY DO WE NEED MORE PITCHERS?”
QFT
blake June 1st, 2011 at 7:05 pm
The White Sox had some bats…..I guess they were pitching heavy but they weren’t all pitching
——
Perhaps they did, but the stars of that show was undoubtedly their starters. I don’t remember it well enough to say they had as poor of a line up as the Giants did.
I’d also agree that winning the World Series takes a balance, and the Giants hitters miraculously came through in the right moments. A bad line up in general, but they clicked when it mattered.
Rich in NJ June 1st, 2011 at 7:07 pm
“In ten (or maybe even 5 years), we’ll look back on tat number as we currently do for $120M.”
Yes, that’s called inflation.
But there’s a CBA negotiation coming up, and I don’t think they want to give the anti-capitalists small revenue teams any more ammo.
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Hal doesn’t strike me as timid. If he believes it wins a title, I think he opens the checkbook.
BoJo June 1st, 2011 at 7:07 pm
On that note…..many mock drafts are predicting the Mariners to take Cole with the 2nd pick. Felix, Pineada, and Cole……talk about rotation upside.
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Makes me sick
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A succession of 12-game Cy Young Award winners, with that offense.
A succession of 12-game Cy Young Award winners, with that offense.
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LOL!
BoJo June 1st, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Rich in NJ June 1st, 2011 at 7:07 pm
“In ten (or maybe even 5 years), we’ll look back on tat number as we currently do for $120M.”
Yes, that’s called inflation.
But there’s a CBA negotiation coming up, and I don’t think they want to give the anti-capitalists small revenue teams any more ammo.
____________
Hal doesn’t strike me as timid. If he believes it wins a title, I think he opens the checkbook.
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I can’t imagine that Beltran’s salary will be a significant factor. Hal strikes as being very much like his father.
I like Hal…I think he’ll be a great owner…
Bojo-
“Is that the “Department of Silly Walks?”
Lol! How ’bout “Department of Silly Contracts”?, assistant chairman Mr Luxury Yacht.
Got to run..enjoy the evening folks!
BoJo June 1st, 2011 at 7:13 pm
I like Hal…I think he’ll be a great owner…
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I know, he’s all ready had a successful overriding-Cashman decision in Soriano, oh wait…
Unless Soriano dominates in the playoffs he’ll be a bust for this season in terms of money and losing our number one pick.
OK, anyone else is on. A bet for charity that the Yankees’ payroll won’t go over $210m.
We do not need a bat. We need another starter. You cannot have too much pitching; ever.
As good as our pitching has been the house of cards collapses easily with an injury or two to Colon or Garcia or both. Burnett as well as he has pitched is still nerve wracking, Nova has been very rocky and Hughes at this point in time is a complete unknown.
RadioKev June 1st, 2011 at 7:16 pm
BoJo June 1st, 2011 at 7:13 pm
I like Hal…I think he’ll be a great owner…
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I know, he’s all ready had a successful overriding-Cashman decision in Soriano, oh wait…
Unless Soriano dominates in the playoffs he’ll be a bust for this season in terms of money and losing our number one pick.
===========================
Arguably signing Soriano was a mistake, but you have to give him credit for his independence and willingness to get the Yanks what they need. It’s the same 2-edged blade as it was with the old man: Great winning/competitive spirit paired with often lousy judgment.
If Swisher has finally figured things out then the offense is fine once they get the DH straightened out. Another pitcher would be nice…..whether its via trade or a comeback Phil Hughes.
Not.sure yet what the trade market will hold for starters…..I think Liriano will be available but not sure who else.
blake June 1st, 2011 at 7:21 pm
If Swisher has finally figured things out then the offense is fine once they get the DH straightened out. Another pitcher would be nice…..whether its via trade or a comeback Phil Hughes.
Not.sure yet what the trade market will hold for starters…..I think Liriano will be available but not sure who else.
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I’ll take the comeback of Hughes as our sole pitching acquisition for the year, absent an injury to on of our other starters.
I would rather make a move to get a rightfielder. It’s the most glaring weak spot in our lineup. Even if Swish does get hot, I would fully expect him to disappear offensively in October and his defense to remain a huge liability in the playoffs. I like him, but I would rather see him on the bench at this point. I just don’t trust him.
Drabek out after .2 innings. 4 runs, 3 hits, 3 walks and 1 strikeout
“…but you have to give him credit for his independence and willingness to get the Yanks what they need. It’s the same 2-edged blade as it was with the old man:”
I don’t. You hire baseball people to make baseball decisions, so owners should give them autonomy within the payroll limits they set.
Rich in NJ June 1st, 2011 at 7:28 pm
“…but you have to give him credit for his independence and willingness to get the Yanks what they need. It’s the same 2-edged blade as it was with the old man:”
I don’t. You hire baseball people to make baseball decisions, so owners should give them autonomy within the payroll limits they set.
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It’s like anything else: It has its good points and its bad points. That said, I wouldn’t want to work for the man.
I don’t think anyone can speculate as to what pitchers will or won’t be available at this point in the season, ball clubs are still trying to win right now.
After the draft on June 8th things will become clearer and from then through the end of July, I think management and their GM’s and managers will decide if they are buyers or sellers. Throw in contract realities looking forward as well.
I’m sure Brian Cashman and every other GM is keeping tabs on those they are interested in on a regular basis, waiting for the word that a team is open to deal. We’re just not there yet.
I think Cashman does a great job as the GM…..I wish he’d talk less in public but he knows what he’s doing personel wise IMO. The direction he’s trying to take the organization is the right one……he had a great offseason this past year and when you consider how the Granderson trade has panned out he’s had 3 great offseasons in a row. Some have said that he was in favor of signing Holliday also but was vetoed by ownership…..don’t knownif that one is true or not.
blake June 1st, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I think Cashman does a great job as the GM…..I wish he’d talk less in public but he knows what he’s doing personel wise IMO. The direction he’s trying to take the organization is the right one……he had a great offseason this past year and when you consider how the Granderson trade has panned out he’s had 3 great offseasons in a row.
==============
QFT
The only thing that I might add to your remarks is that Cashman’s efforts to rebuild the minor league system have reestablished the Yanks’ reputation as a good trade partner, because the Yanks alway seem to send over value in trades (e.g., Kennedy, Coke, Jackson, Melancon). This should help them as try to find the right deal…
ghostwriter,
yes, that’s what I meant by the direction he’s taking the organization. It’s vitally important that the farm has been rebuilt.
Nice win for Yankees.
Happy for Swisher, hope it continues, but I could see a move for Beltran come trade deadline. Considering how Wilpon needs $$$, Yanks may be able to get him for just cash – or some low level prospect, which works out just the same as cash. The prototypical salary dump.
Not sure Colon and/or Garcia and Nova make it through the entire season, so wouldn’t be surprised if a rotation arm is identified. Hughes could be the mid-season ‘trade’ just in case, if he returns to form, but I would also watch the pale hose to see if they dump an arm.
As far as DH is concerned, don’t see a pickup here, as enough internal options exist for this season. However if Posada’s season continues as is, there will be an opening for next season. Or maybe Nunez gets more playing time @ 3B and SS, allowing ARod and Jeter to fill the DH slot some more. Time will tell, but we have a long way to go to next season.