Give Me A Break: Yankees Embarass Themselves Again

(Photo: AP Photo/Keith Birmingham)

A day after blowing a four run lead in an eventual 10-6 loss to the Angels, the Yankees were back it again on Saturday. Andy Pettite was good through his first three innings and the Yankee offense had spotted him a four run lead heading into the bottom of the fourth, however, the world was not enough for Pettite as he eventually imploded and paved the way for another Yankee loss, this time by a score of 14-8.

Pettite's demise came in the bottom of the fifth when he would surrender five runs to make the score 6-4 in favor of the Angels. Pettite wound up with a horrific line of four and a third innings pitched, 7 hits, 6 earned runs and one strikeout. Certainly not what the Yankees were hoping for considering the depleted Angels lineup that they were facing.

Perhaps even more shocking in this game was the absolute and total implosion of th bullpen. Over the past month the Yankee bullpen has been one of the very best in baseball, however, on Saturday they clearly decided to take the day off. In the bullpen's three and two thirds innings of work they combined for eight earned runs on nine hits and needed an astounding 91 pitches to get through it all. Phil Coke saw his era balloon to a somewhat unsightly 3.99, while David Robertson continued his recent decline, his era now sits at 3,57. Brett Tomko also pitched, but come on, its Brett Tomko, you know he was awful. There was clearly nothing else to blame on this day besides the pitching. Any time your offense provides five home runs and eight runs worth of support, the game should be locked up.

Alex Rodriguez would continue his recent tear, clubbing his 16th and 17th round trippers of the year. Rodriguez accounted for six Yankee runs, driving in three and scoring three. Not to be outdone, Erik Hinske continued his Welcome To New York tour as he jacked two homers of his own. The shots were his third and fourth of the season, he accounted for three rbi's and has now hit three home runs in his first nine at bats as a Yankee. Hideki Matsui would contribute the Yankees fifth homerun, his 14th of the season. The Yankees were an efficient 1-4 with men in scoring position and stranded just three men on base, however, due to the absolutely putrid pitching performance it was all for not.

Notes: With the loss the Yankees have now fallen 2.0 games back of the Red Sox in the AL East, not the way you want to end the first half. CC Sabathia (8-5, 3.70) will look to stop the bleeding for the Yanks as they try to save a little face going into the All Star Break. Sabathia will be opposed by the struggling John Lackey (3-4, 5.18). First pitch is scheduled for 3:35 in LA.

Last 10: 6-4

Interview With Marty Appel

I recently had a brief talk with former Yankee PR Director, Marty Appel. Mr. Appel served in the Yankees organization for the majority of the 1970's, leaving in 1977 to start his own public relations organization. During his tenure with the Yankees, Mr. Appel had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in Yankee history. One of the men that he had the privelege of working with was the much beloved Captain of those Yankee teams, Thurman Munson. Mr. Appel recently released his latest book, a biography on the life of the past Yankee great, entitled, Munson: The Life and Death of A Yankee Captain.

Bronx Bluebloods: In Munson, there are a few stories mentioned detailing Thurman's more compassionate side, him flying in the writer's family from out of town comes to mind. Was there ever a time when you saw this "soft side" for yourself? If there are multiple occasions, which one stuck with you the most?

Marty Appel: That was true about offering to fly Phil Pepe's family to spring training, which is included in the book. He had a soft side for sure - he just didnt like too many people to see it. Hard to beat that one about flying the family down, especially considering how he "hated" the press!

BXBB: What was the process like putting the book together? How long did it take? Were there any people that you talked to for the book that you found particularly helpful? How do you feel about this biography of Thurman compared to the last one?

M.A. : Night and day. The autobiography, more than 30 years ago, was only his voice and no research. It was his story as he wanted it told. For a biography, the witers task is much more laborious. We interviewed 150 people - family, friends, teammates, coaches - in an attempt to "get it right". It took over a year to research and write. Finding his brother and sister were the key to unlocking his childhood - they were great finds.

BXBB: What effect did Thurman's being named Captain have on how you did your job? Was he easier to work with? Did you notice any changes in the way he regarded you and other members of the front office?

M.A.: This evokes a funny story. Before he was captain, if I'd ask him to be available to a photo shoot or meet a sponsor, etc., he'd tell me what I could do with my request and I'd go find someone else. After he became captain, he had a new sense of responsibility! So he'd say yes to my requests and then not show up. I liked it better the old way, where you knew where you stood!

BXBB: Which current player, if any, reminds you the most of Thurman in not only how they play the game but also how they conduct themselves around the media and in the public eye?

M.A.: Derek Jeter is much like Munson in all but one area. Both captains played each game hard, gave it their all, never cheated the fans or their teammates, and respected the Yankee traditions. Jeter is of course, accessible to media, whereas Munson shut the media off. Otherwise, you could easily compare them.

BXBB: Having known him personally, if you could sum up all of your thoughts on Thurman into just a few words, what would they be?

M.A.: Most of us, coming from Munson's background, would have spent our adult lives on psychiatrist's couches. Thurman though, became a very well adjusted, regular guy - thanks to being an elite athlete, surrounded year round by coaches, teammates and training routines.....and by getting a girlfriend at age 12 (who he later married), whose family 'took him in' and gave him a semblance of family life early on.

Three For The Money: Yanks Sweep Twins...Again

(Photo: AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Another series with the Twins, another sweep, this one of the three game variety. The Yankees struck early and often against the hapless Twins, posting three runs in the first two innings and never looking back on their way to the 6-4 win. With the win, the Yankees are now a perfect 7-0 against the Twins on the year.

Alfredo Aceves would get the spot start for the Yanks as he was filling in for the injured Chien Ming Wang. Things didnt go quite as Aceves would have hoped as he lasted three and a third innings, surrendering four runs on four hits. Its not known whether Aceves will get another start as Chien Ming Wang's return date is still up in the air. Aceves saw his era rise from 2.03 to 2.49 over the course of his outing.

Taking over for Aceves in the fourth was David Robertson. Robertson has been very solid for the Yankees over the last month or so, however, on Thursday Robertson was about as bad as he could be without making his team pay for it. Despite allowing three walks over the course of his inning pitched, Robertson managed to get out of the inning unscathed and with the lead intact. Jonathan Albaladejo and Phil Coke would combine to get the Yankees through the next couple of innings, they allowed just one hit and struck out three between them. Phil Hughes needed just 19 pitches to get through the final out of the seventh and the entirety of the eighth. In what is becoming a very welcome trend for the Yankees, Hughes held the opposition scoreless and struck out two of the four men he faced. Coming on in the ninth was the ageless Mariano Rivera who would hurl yet another great inning of relief as he allowed just a solitary hit in his inning of work. Jonathan Albaladejo would pick up the win in this one, he is now 4-1. Mariano Rivera's save was his 24th of the season.

With the exception of Nick Swisher, every Yankee in the starting line up had at least a base hit. Brett Gardner continued his torrid hitting as he chipped in another two rbi's, Cody Ransom would contribute two of his own. Mark Teixiera hit his first homer since June 12, he was 1-4 with the rbi. The Yankees were an efficient 3-10 with RISP and stranded just five men on base.

Notes: With the win, the Yankees moved into a tie for first place with the Boston Red Sox. Heading into their last series before the All Star Break the Yankees have won 13 of their last 15 and are now tied for the second best record in baseball. They will begin a three game set with the Angels tomorrow, Joba Chamberlain (4-2, 4.04) will take the ball for the Yanks, he will be opposed by Joe Saunders (8-5, 4.44) for the Angels. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 ET in Angel's Stadium.

Last 10: 8-2

Then Again, Maybe Not...

So much for my bold scenario that had Alfredo Aceves joining the Yankees rotation for good. I for one am not giving up on the idea, however, if today was any sort of audition then he may be bound for permanent long relief duty (which is fine, he's valuable either way).

The game is currently in the seventh, Aceves lasted three and a third innings, which is no surprise seeing how Joe Girardi said that he would be on a hard limit of 65 pitches. The disconcerting part is that in his three and a third innings of work Aceves allowed four runs on four hits including a Jason Kubel solo shot. Better luck next time I guess, if there is one. Roy Halladay anyone?

On the bright side the Yankees are in fact winning, 6-4 at the moment and Mark Teixiera has just clubbed his first home run in his last 90+ at bats. If we have learned anything about Tex thus far its that he likes to hit in bunches so hopefully this is the start of something. Having him and A-Rod firing on all cylinders would be nice to watch. Check back later for the full recap.

'Ace' Of The Rotation?

(Photo: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Late last week and early this week, when there was still speculation on who the Yankees would deploy in place of Chien Ming Wang, there was only one guy that I kept thinking of: Alfredo Aceves. There had been talks of a call up, perhaps Sergio Mitre or Josh Towers, but in the end I fully believe that the Yankees made the right call on this one.

Aceves has been absolutely dominant this year, clearly establishing himself as one of the very best long relievers in baseball. In 21 appearances this season Aceves is 5-1 with a 2.03 era, he has struck out 34 men while walking just 7 and has a sterling WHIP of .93.

As many Yankee fans know, this isn't Aceves' first go round as a member of the Yankees starting rotation. As a September call up last season Aceves took the rotation spot of the struggling Darrel Rasner and quickly flourished. In his four starts, Aceves was 1-0 with a 2. 40 era and though the Yankees did not make the playoffs he and fellow battery mate, Phil Coke helped to provide Yankee fans with a little bright spot at the end of an otherwise dark season.

With any luck, Aceves will have a succesful start tonight and perhaps solidify his case as a potential long term part of the Yankee rotation. I know that Joe Girardi is almost certainly not thinking this way, however, I think with Aceves' current track record as compared with Chien Ming Wang's incredible struggles this year, it's not unreal to believe that Aceves may in fact supplant Wang in the rotation. He deserves at least a legitimate shot.

The way I see it is, the best man should have the job and if Alfredo Aceves can do the job more effectively than can CMW, than the job should be his. Plain and simple. Chien Ming Wang should not hold a permanent place in the rotation solely based on his past success. The downside of this would of course be that the Yankees would lose a very effective long reliever, however, Phil Hughes could easily be deployed in the role and when Chien Ming Wang returned he could even fill in as well.

Of course, the reality of the matter is that none of this will probably happen. Aceves will make this start and whether he does well or not will be irrelevant to Joe Girardi and the Yankees management. Once Chien Ming Wang returns after the All Star Break he will once again be thrown into the rotation to get YET ANOTHER chance at redemption. Forgive me for projecting an unlikely scenario, Im just a big Aceves fan and I want to see the Yankee put the absolute best product on the field that they can and right now that is Alfredo Aceves, not Chien Ming Wang.

Good Enough: Yanks Piece Together Another Win

(Photo: AP Photo/Jim Mone)

It wasnt always pretty, but it was effective. That was the Yankees motto on Wednesday night as they held off the Twins for the second straight night on their way to a 4-3 victory.

AJ Burnett did just enough to get by on this night. While it wasnt as dominant as his past few outings have been, it was encouraging all the same to see Burnett battle his way through a tough, closely contested game. Burnett would end up going six and a third, surrendering two runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out two. Coming on to relieve Burnett in the seventh, Phil Coke would immediately let up a run as he served up a solo shot to Twins catcher, Joe Mauer. Lasting just a third of an inning, Coke was quickly lifted for Phil Hughes. Hughes would provide yet another inning of scoreless relief, can you say set up man? Of course, Mariano Rivera would take the ball in ninth and as is common, he sat down the side in order. Burnett would get the hard fought win, he is now 8-4 on the year, Rivera picked up his 22nd save of the year.

Brett Gardner would have the big hit in this one. He was just 1-4 and the hit was in the 2nd inning, but none the less, it ended up being a game winner. Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher would contribute the other two Yankee RBI's, while Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada would have the only multi hit efforts of the night. The Yankees were an efficient 3-10 with RISP and they stranded seven men on base.

The Yankees continue to be a nightmare match up for the Twins, they have now won all six of the two teams meetings. The win locks up the series victory for the Yanks, they have now won their last five series overall.

Notes: The Yankees remain just a game out of first in the AL East as they and the Red Sox continue to play to a stale mate. With Chien Ming Wang's turn in the rotation coming around just one time before next week's all star break, the Yankees have decided to deploy Alfredo Aceves in his place to take on the Twins. Aceves has been one of the best long relievers in baseball this year and sports a 2.02 era on the season. Aceves was originally signed out of the Mexican League and made his debut last season with the Yankees as a September call up. In four starts last year, Aceves was 1-0 with a 2.40 era. Opposing Aceves tomorrow will be hard throwing Twins lefty, Francisco Liriano (4-8, 5.49). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 in the Metrodome.

Last 10: 8-2

MUNSON: The Life And Death Of A Yankee Captain

Few men have ever had the honor of being called the Captain of the New York Yankees, Thurman Munson was one of them. In Marty Appel's new book, Munson: The Life And Death Of A Yankee Captain, readers will be able to take a look at Munson from the view of a true insider, a man who was able to see Munson not only as a ball player, but also as a father, husband, friend and leader.

From the first page to the last, Munson will grab you as a reader and whisk you along through the story of this past Yankee great. So vivid is Mr. Appel's imagery and so precise are his details that it feels almost as if there is a film being played in your head as you read and you can see Thurman there, saying every word and making every movement. So great is Appel's imagery that you almost forget the tragic way in which this story ends, you think that maybe if you just stop reading the outcome will change, but you know it cant be so.

This book could not have been written by any man besides Marty Appel, its just that simple. From Mr. Appel you get a perspective of someone who was just close enough to Munson to be able to speak of him personally, but just far enough away to maintain his objectivity. Appel is able to paint a portrait of Munson from the ground up, where he came from, how it made him the man he was, what his passions were and what made him one of the most revered Yankees of all time. Its all here.

I can tell you that as a Yankee fan from a later generation, I was never able to see Munson actually play. I have seen some clips and I have heard the stories but it wasnt until I read Mr. Appel's book that I felt I had a true grasp on why Thurman Munson was considered a hero to a whole legion of baseball fans in the mid and late seventies. I can unflinchingly reccomend this book to any sports fan, it is not often that you are able to hear a story this great, about a man so beloved from the eyes of someone who was really there. Marty Appel has set the standard for Yankee biographies with this one, I can confidently say that.