Tagged: Santana
So Much To Talk About!
We’ll start with the Yankees-Mariners ballgame.
Last night, the Yankees won again, continuing their 6-game winning streak. Joba Chamberlain turned in a decent start and, needless to say, got a no decision. After Alex Rodriguez hit a towering homer to left to give the Yanks a lead, Brian Bruney once again looked off and had an awful outing. However, Brunester got himself the W when the Yankees came back to score 3 runs off the Mariners’ Sean Green, headed by an RBI double by Mr. Clutch, Melky Cabrera, who had 3 RBI that day.
And how about Melky Cabrera this year? He’s on pace to hit 13 or 14 homers, be in the 60s or 70s in RBI, and steal 10 or 11 bases. That’s nowhere near what we’ve expected Lil’ Leche to be after that severely disappointing year he had in 2008.
Now, while that win is all fine and dandy, something else happened in the AL East that is about 7 thousand times more awesome.
The Red Sox got pwn’d.
After facing a commanding Red Sox lead of 10-1, those beautiful beautiful Orioles down in Baltimore rallied for 10 runs over the next few innings, the last couple off of dominant closer Jonathan Papelbon. How freaking unbelievable is that?! It’s hard enough facing the Red Sox losing 2-1, but 10-1? What happened now, Boston?! I thought you could pitch?
So beautiful…
And guess what? As I speak, the Red Sox are losing to the Baltimore Orioles by the score of 1-0! These guys are incredible!
Nick Markakis is dreamy, too…
And once again, even though the Subway Series has been over for well over 48 hours now, I still find myself talking about the patheticness of the New York Mets.
Johan Santana was angry after a 4 run inning full of sloppiness(what else is new, it’s the Mets!), he was shouting, he was just pissed. And you know what? It’s good that he was pissed. Somebody’s gotta be pissed!
I don’t think Johan Santana should have been shouting and screaming like a madman, let’s be clear on that. However, I also don’t agree with Johan getting in the dugout, breathing for a couple seconds and telling F-Mart(you see his mistake above) “I’m sorry, I should’ve picked you up.” Instead, I would have rather seen The Johan use his anger in a more calculated manner. When you shout and yell, you only scare the heck out of everybody. You only intimidate and that doesn’t do anything but hurt your cause.
Instead, Johan Santana should have gotten into the dugout, dropped his glove and said “What’s the point of me working my **** off every day and giving my all every five days when I know I’m going to lose anyway?”
And that gets to you. It sends the team a message. “Dude, you’re letting me down. I’m frustrated here.”
But no, the Mets have no true leaders in their clubhouse. They don’t seem to have a single player who knows how to get to his teammates and control his dugout. And when you don’t have a leader like that who can motivate his team, all you have are a bunch of frustrated ballplayers. And guess what? That only compounds the problem.
It’s sad what has happened to this Mets ballclub.
Stay positive, Yankee fans.
-EJ the Kid From New York
I Love The Subway Series
I love it!
We always win!
Save for a few games, of course, like the Nieve ballgame earlier this year, the Yankees just constantly prove that they Mets will never be able to beat us. Why? Well, I’ll tell you why.
Because the Mets are cursed. What kind of curse, you ask? Who brings the curse upon the Mets? Some could argue Minaya curses the Mets, and I hear that argument, but I wouldn’t say a specific entity haunts the Mets. It’s really just this pressure that the Mets have on them. They have so much pressure to defeat us, the big brother Yankees, that they rush and they overdo everything and end up losing the fundamentals. Think about it!
When you go and acquire Johan Santana and K-Rod and JJ Putz, you now have so much responsibility to succeed. You cannot fail with those guys, especially after losing the NLCS in 2006 in game 7, losing on the last game of the year two years in a row, you have sooo much pressure to get every out and hit the big home run and make the great play that you rush and overdo it.
So that’s the plague that the Mets have. Plus, they get injured so often. Maybe that has something to do with it too? I dunno, I just know y’all Mets are cursed.
By the way, we also played pretty well, too. Unfortunately, Frankie went 0 for 5, but Gardner had 5 hits including his 3rd big league homer, which was sooo great for him. I love Brett Gardner.
I love Francisco Cervelli more, but Brett Gardner’s definitely up there.
Also, congrats to A-Rod for bombing a homer to right center, passing Reggie Jackson on the all-time homer list and showing Citi Field ain’t small, you Mets just suck.
Haha, I’m just teasing.
The Song of the Day is one y’all might know, called Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz.
Stay positive, Yankee fans. AND COMMENT THIS TIME
-EJ the Kid From New York
The Frankie Factor: Yanks Thrash Mets
Well would you look at that? I blogged earlier today and admitted that this would be a probable loss for the Yankees today with Santana on the mound and Burnett going against him, but this turned out to be the exact opposite. The 2009 Yankees gave Johan Santana his worst outing not only of the year, but of his entire career! These guys can be lights out offensively. Yesterday we didn’t see those bats against Nieve, but we kicked butt today against the second best pitcher in baseball.
AJ Burnett was great today, he was throwing hard and also had a solid breaking ball. But one interesting story of today’s game was the performance of a certain first-year backstop:
Francisco Cervelli went 3 for 5 with 3 singles and a crucial two out, two strike, bases loaded bloop single off Johan Santana to plate the first run and get the Yankees’ first big rally started. The Pinstripers went on to score 3 more runs in that inning. I am telling you, we need to give this guy some starts. Posada is not getting it done for us behind the plate. He’s collecting a couple knocks here and there but he can’t throw anyone out or call a good ballgame. Francisco Cervelli is hitting better and in more timely situations, he’s calling great games(caught all 9 shutout innings today in this 15-0 victories), he’s throwing out runners and the Yankees are winning with this guy behind the plate.
To go with that, he’s also providing a very valuable energy to this Bombers ballclub. Did you see his infield single in his second at bat? A little roller to the right side to Murphy, the first baseman’s right, and Murphy makes a bad play flipping the ball underhand to Santana at first. Frankie is busting it down the first base line and he makes it to first base safely, and then slides after making it to the bag. He’s doing enthusiastic fist pumps when his pitchers get a K in a key situation.
Joe Girardi, I love you, but when you put Posada out there to catch, you are severely holding not only us back, but also the development of this young backstop. When you put Posada in the lineup, put him at DH or first to give Tex a day off. Start him at catcher occasionally, but let Francisco Cervelli work his magic more often. He is more than a capable backup; he is a capable starter.
By the way, the Metropolitans have looked absolutely ridiculous this series. They got a win yesterday, but it wasn’t a dominating win, it was kinda ugly in my opinion. Not only did they have that drop to lose the game on Friday, they kept blowing leads and they didn’t look good at all. Today they obviously looked their worst; unable to score with the bases loaded and no outs, Alex Cora not running to first on a strikeout/wild pitch, Daniel Murphy with a dumb play underhand flipping the baseball to first and letting Cervelli go in safe. They looked lackadaisical after a while, and it was a saaad sight to see.
Anyways, fantastic game, I’ll do the 5 best starters entry tomorrow, but for now, chew on this little recap.
Thursday is my last day of school, I have half days from Monday-Thursday, so I’ll try and blog earlier in the day.
Stay positive, Yankee fans!
-EJ “Cervelli’s Biggest Fan” the Kid From New York
You Lose Some, You Win Some
The Yankees have been doing more of the former lately, but it’s okay, since we’ve been so redhot lately and we’re facing the Nationals for the next three games, which I am giddy about. I’m not only giddy about being able to face the weakest team in the MLB, I’m giddy because I like the Nationals and their young players, so it’ll be cool to see Ryan Zimmerman(my favorite player) and Alberto Gonzalez(former Yankee) and Elijah Dukes.
We’re going to whoop them, though.
Speaking of whoop, the Mets-Yankees Subway Series rubber game, coming up in 10 minutes, pits AJ Burnett against, well, only the second best pitcher in the game, Johan Santana. Roy Halladay is first if you were wondering.
And if you haven’t noticed, AJ Burnett is really strugglnig to get anything going on the mound right now. He’s leaving fastballs in hittable locations and he’s walking people and he’s really just getting knocked around. Hopefully–*munch munch munch*– AJ can get–*munch munch*– something started against the Mets.
Excuse me, I’m eating McDonald’s. Ahhh…
I’ll try and get a blog in later, it’ll be the 5 best starters of 09, check that out.
Stay positive, Yanks fans.
-EJ the Kid From New York
Early Season Awards Part 1
We’ve played a somewhat significant amount of time already this year. We haven’t seen too many games where we can make a sound and un-risky judgment on how the season will end, but we’ve seen enough games where we can take a look at all the happenings of the season, and say “This has been so thus far, and this has not been so.”
And let’s face it. Us baseball fans love giving people awards, especially giving people who are underrated awards. So let’s do so right now, here are the early season awards for teams and players as of May 16, 2009.
First are the Most Valuable Players.
May 16, 2009 NL MVP
It’s really hard to argue with Hanley Ramirez to win MVP in the National League here so far. A 166 OPS+ at shortstop is extraordinary and quite rare, and of course you can’t doubt the obvious power speed combination that Ramirez has. 6 homers and 6 steals. Han-Ram seems to have flown under the radar thus far in the year, but he has truly produced for the Fish.
Now if only they could win games.
Runners Up:
Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Phillies: The veteran outfielder has consistently crushed balls in for the Phillies this year, as he’s really been a great pickup, with a 173 OPS+.
Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals: Check out how well represented the NL East is! The young third baseman for the struggling Nats notably picked up a 30 game hitting streak this year. Zimmerman not only has produced offensively, with a 159 OPS+ and leading the league with 54 base hits and 21 extra base hits, he also has played stellar defense, as his range is well above league averages.
Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals: Do I really even have to say anything? He’s done really well defensively, with a range factor per 9 innings of 10, but he’s also been Albert Pujols offensively, leading the league in slugging percentage and putting up an OPS+ of 182.
Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals: The slugging outfielder known for his tape-measure big flies has put up a 172 OPS+, is 6th in the league in runs created and, strangely enough, has only whiffed 34 times. Nice job, big guy!
Brad Hawpe, Colorado Rockies: Hawpe’s production has really seemed to fly under the radar out there in Denver, but this guy’s got a 173 OPS+ and his .363 batting average is good for fourth in the National League.
May 16, 2009 AL MVP
I mean, this seems fairly obvious to me, I don’t know if it really was so easy for you, but it was definitely not challenging for me to get this one. Victor Martinez is a catcher– and he’s hitting .400. I mean, think about that for a second. How many people hit .400? How many of them are catchers? Look, he’s probably not going to do it all season, it’s not like I’m saying that, but these are the May 16th awards, not the end of year awards, and when you lead both leagues in hitting, put up an OPS+ of 186, lead both leagues in hits, times on base, runs created, 4th in the league in slugging percentage, 2nd in the league in on base percentage, and you’re a catcher? No, it’s too easy for me.
Runners Up:
Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox: Youk’s the only guy who I can accept voting as AL MVP over Martinez. I mean, this guy has been ridiculous even though he’s on the disabled list now. He’s been on base literally over half of the time(leading both leagues in OBP with a .505 clip), he’s leading the majors in slugging and thus, OPS, he’s leading both leagues in OPS with 206. Even though he’s been sub-par defensively at first base this year(check the statistics, Julia, you can not tell me otherwise), he’s also played third base a fair amount, which is ridiculous. How many guys who are hitting like he is will be willing to play third base as often and, as a matter of fact, as well as he does? …although Albert Pujols did play 2nd base once last year…
Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers: 8 steals, 11 homers, a 156 OPS+ and a .318 average to go along with solid defense at a premium position in second base? I’ll take it.
Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays: Aaron Hill has dominated offensively, with a 146 OPS+ and above average defense at second base. He’s also tied with Victor Martinez for the most hits in both leagues and his .347 batting average is good for 7th in the league.
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays: The young third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays has played great defense, and he also kinda sorta has a 175 OPS+.
Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles: This guy has really stood out for me. Power? He’s got a .669 slugging percentage and has hit 8 jimmy jacks this season. Speed? He’s got 3 stolen bases and has 13 extra base hits, which also partially has to do with speed. Average? .370 good enough for ya? Defense? This guy’s range factor is well above league average, and he’s got 3 assists to go with it.
Now for the Cy Youngs. This should be really easy.
May 16th 2009 AL Cy Young
Not even a question at all, really. His ERA+ this year is 773. 773. No, this is way too obvious that it’s almost silly.
Runners Up
Edwin Jackson, Detroit Tigers: Did you know that Edwin Jackson’s ERA this year is 2.42? Did you know that he has a WHIP of 1.038? Neither did I.
Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays: Halladay has been classic Halladay this year, really. He’s got the most innings pitched in the majors with 61, he has a very nice ERA+ of 157, he’s been a workhorse, he’s been efficient, he’s only walked 7 hitters and is leading the majors in most strikeouts per walk with 7, he’s really just doing his thing for those surprising Blue Jays.
Kevin Millwood, Texas Rangers: Milly’s really performed astoundingly, as he’s got an ERA+ of 163 in 58.2 innings, good for 3rd in the league. This is for a Texas Rangers ballclub known for it’s bad pitching, in part due to the park they play in in Arlington which puts Millwood in a large disadvantage because it’s so favored to hitters.
May 16, 2009 NL Cy Young
Again, not really much difficulty making this decision. 11.7 strikeouts per 9 innings, 566 ERA+… this guy’s pitched like the ace that he is for the first place Metsies so far.
Runners Up
Johnny Cueto, Cincinnatti Reds: The Dominican righty with a great heater and a stellar changeup has been living up to his promise, putting up a 241 ERA+ in 46.2 innings.
Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros: Wandy has undoubtably gone under the radar, as he’s put up a 231 ERA+, good for 3rd in the NL. In 52 innings, the southpaw hasn’t allowed a homer yet, and he’s put up a great WHIP of 1.000.
Dan Haren, Arizona Diamondbacks: The hard throwing right hander has really dominated the teams that have faced him so far this year in his second season in Arizona, as he’s put up a 227 ERA+, and his 0.857 WHIP is good for tops in the NL.
Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves: Jurrjens has really been surprising, as the young righty from Curacao has racked up a solid 213 ERA+ in 48 innings pitched.
Now for the rookies of the yearrrr!
May 16, 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
This decision was difficult to make, not because there have been so many good rookies in the AL; rather, it’s because they’ve all been sub par. Uehara has been decent this year, as the righty from Osaka Prefecture who pitched in the Nippon Professional League before coming to the MLB this year at 34 years of age has put up a 123 ERA+ and a 1.125 WHIP in 42.2 innings.
Runners Up:
Scott Richmond, Toronto Blue Jays: The 29-year old Canadian has a 108 ERA+ in 40 innings.
Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers: The main, big prospect acquired by Texas in the Mark Teixeira trade, Andrus has hit 3 triples, 2 homers, has stolen 6 bases, and he’s provided terrific range at the shortstop position for Texas.
Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics: Cahill performed stellarly in the minors last season, well enough to make it to the big leagues this year as a 21-year old. While he’s shown mediocre command to say the least, his 3.69 ERA is still the best for an AL rookie this year, and that’s gotta be something.
May 16, 2009 NL Rookies of the Year
Dexter Fowler has been decent this year, so he shares the ROTY award with Shairon Martis, mainly because he’s stolen 10 bases including I believe 5 in one game, a rookie record. Not only that, he’s also had very good range in center field, and he’s beginning to develop some major league pop in his bat. As for Martis, well, he’s yet to lose a start for the Washington Nationals, and his ERA+ of 110 is pretty decent.
Stay tuned for part two, where I will give the second string of awards; Comeback Players of the Year, Managers of the Year, and my own personal award, Underrated Players of the Year. That is, as of May 17th, when the blog will be out.
Stay positive, Yankee fans! Back to back walkoffs!
-EJ the Kid From New York
The Squad 
