With Injuries Plaguing Yankees, Kuroda Leads on the Mound

Hiroki Kuroda’s eight-inning, two-hit performance on Friday lowered his earned run average to 1.99. (Ray Stubblebine)

The New York Yankees have been injury plagued like no other team in baseball. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira have yet to even play this season. Curtis Granderson only returned this week. That means that the Yankees were without four of their best hitters for the first quarter of the season. As far as the starting rotation is concerned, Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova and Andy Pettitte have all been or are currently on the disabled list.

The Yankees have seen a total of 13 players put on the disabled list this early in the season. Not good news for a team picked by many "experts" to finish last or second to last in the American League East. They claimed the Yankees were "too old" with "not enough depth" to make up for the injured regulars. That is interesting because if we take a look at our standings that does not seem to be the case.

The Yankees boast a 26-16 record and have gone 16-8 (.667) in their last 24 games. They currently sit in sole possession of first place in the AL East with the third best record in baseball. How have done it? Tonight's 5-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays featured the offensive prowess of Jayson Nix, David Adams and Austine Romine. They may not be Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeira, but they have been helping the Yankees win ball games all season long.

When you think of the Yankees pitching, the names CC Sabathia, Pettitte and Mariano Rivera are the first to come to mind. Sabathia has been inconsistent as has much of the rotation. Pettitte just went on the disabled list and will miss at least three starts. Mo has been Mo and actually the whole bullpen deserves a lot of credit. But we have yet to name the Yankees' MVP so far this season. That may be because he would be the last to let you know.

Hiroki Kuroda was offered more money this past offseason to pitch other places than the Bronx, but the veteran Japanese pitcher chose to don pinstripes once again because frankly he feels comfortable in them. When Kuroda came over to the Yankees from the Los Angeles Dodgers several years ago, many people thought he would struggle with the high expectations and tougher lineups in the American League. Instead, Kuroda has gotten better and better with every season with the Yankees.

At age 38, Kuroda is so far enjoying the best year of his six-year major league career. In tonight's 5-0 win over the Blue Jays, Kuroda’s eight-inning, two-hit performance lowered his earned run average to 1.99, which ranks fourth in the league. The right-hander has been the model of consistency the Yankees so desperately need. In fact, he has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts.

For a team that many thought would miss the playoffs, the Yankees seem to be in pretty good shape despite all the injuries. They will eventually get back some the regulars they have been missing and can hopefully stay healthy. There is still a lot of baseball left to be played, but the Yankees are not done with their winning ways. What seems certain is they will continue to rely on the quiet and steady Kuroda to lead the way on the mound.

Two Clutch Homers by Ibanez Lift Yankees Past Orioles

Yankees outfielder Raul Ibanez celebrates with his teammates after hitting his second homer of the game, a walk-off winner. (Alex Trautwig)

Playoff baseball has not disappointed this October. Tonight was no exception either. With the series tied at one game apiece, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles had a crucial Game 3 to play tonight. With both team's pitching staffs playing well, one knew that runs would be at a premium.

On the mound for the Yankees was Hiroki Kuroda. He pitched very well, but Baltimore made him for his few mistakes. In the top of the third, second baseman Ryan Flaherty hit a solo home run to put the Orioles on the board first. With the score level again in the fifth inning, third baseman Manny Machado took Kuroda deep again for a solo shot. When all was said and done, those were the only two runs Kuroda gave up in 8 1/3 innings of work.

His counterpart, Miguel Gonzalez, had a quality start as well. The only trouble he ran into was in the bottom of the third. Yankees catcher Russell Martin doubled to deep left. The next batter, Eric Chavez, grounded out to first base, but the runner advanced to third. With a man on third base and two outs, legendary shortstop Derek Jeter stepped into the batter's box.

On a two ball, two strike count, Jeter tripled to deep center over the head of Orioles center fielder Adam Jones. This tied the score up 1-1 then. Gonzalez threw seven strong innings of one run ball. In the bottom of the eighth, Orioles reliever Darren O'Day successfully bridged the gap with a scoreless inning of work to protect their 2-1 lead.

This brought Orioles closer Jim Johnson into the game to try and record the final three outs. Yankees left fielder Ichiro Suzuki led off the frame with a liner to left field, but it was caught by Orioles left fielder Nate McLouth for the first out. Next up was supposed to be the scuffling and much maligned third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Instead, Yankees manager Joe Girardi decided to pinch hit with outfielder Raul Ibanez. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Ibanez got a hold of the ball and deposited in the short porch in right field. That's all the scoring the Yankees got in the inning, but it was enough to send the game to extra innings tied 2-2.

The next time Ibanez came up to bat was to lead off the bottom of the 12 inning with the score still the same. The very first pitch he saw was crushed as the ball ended up in the right field bleachers once again. Ibanez had not only tied it in the ninth inning with a solo home run, but he won the game with one in the 12th.

The Yankees team couldn't be happier afterwards, including Rodriguez. Despite being the highest-paid player in baseball and one of the greatest power hitters of all-time, he was benched with the game on the line. However, there was no bitterness expressed by Rodriguez after the game. He told Girardi, "Joe, you gotta do exactly what you gotta do."

The Yankees gave it their all and played like a team tonight. They were rewarded with the win they deserved. Now, the Bronx Bombers are one win away from advancing to the ALCS. They will try and get the job done in Game 4, which is tomorrow night at 7:37 pm EST.

MLB Postseason Preview & Predictions

In Friday's AL Wild Card Game, the Orioles will rely on newly acquired starting pitcher Joe Saunders. (Ben Margot)

For each of the ten playoff teams, 162 games are in the books. Two of the teams will only play one more game. Others wait to find out where they will play their next game. Regardless, I am going to go ahead and predict what I think is going to happen for the entire postseason. Call me crazy if you wish, but what do I have to lose.

AL Wild Card Game - Baltimore Orioles @ Texas Rangers - Friday, 8:37 PM EST, TBS

This is a very difficult pick because you don't know what you will get with either team. The Orioles are a young, inexperienced team that must go on the road to play in a high intensity atmosphere. They will turn newly acquired Joe Saunders on the mound. He has pitched well as of late, but has struggled badly against the Rangers in his career. Speaking of the Rangers, they lost nine of their last thirteen games to put themselves in this situation. They will give the ball to rookie Yu Darvish. He been very good lately as well, but will be making his postseason debut.

Prediction: Rangers 3 Orioles 1

NL Wild Card Game - St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves - Friday, 5:07 PM EST, TBS

For much of the season, people wondered if the Cardinals would have a chance to defend their status as reigning World Series Champions. They turned it on at the right time in the season to earn the NL's second wild card spot. They will turn to Kyle Lohse to the decisive game. If you told me before the season that Lohse would finish the regular season with a 16-3 record and an ERA of 2.86, I would have told you that you were absolutely crazy, but that is exactly he has accomplished. The Braves successfully avoided the meltdown they experienced last year when they missed the playoffs. They will have Kris Medlen on the mound. While this may seem like an interesing choice, the Braves haven't lost one of his starts in over two years.

Prediction: Braves 5 Cardinals 2

AL Divisional Series - New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers - Begins October 7

Since I have already talked about the Rangers, I will focus on the Yankees here. With the Orioles in hot pursuit, the Yankees had to be superb baseball to remain in first. Second baseman Robinson Cano is one of the hottest hitters in baseball. Raul Ibanez has added some clutch hits. The Yankees pitching has improved lately as well.

Prediction: Yankees 3-1

AL Divisional Series - Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers - Begins October 6

How about them Athletics? In the stretch of three months, they have gone from 13 games out to winning the AL West. Without any real superstars and the lowest AL payroll. The Tigers held off the Chicago White Sox to win the AL Central. They must now look for a way to slow done the Athletics for one game.

Prediction: Tigers 3-2

NL Divisional Series - Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves - Begins October 7

Since the Braves have already been discussed, the focal point is here to look at the Nationals. Their magical season has earned their team home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. A balanced offense is pushed by a talented pitching staff, lead by Gio Gonzalez.

Prediction: Nationals 3-2

NL Divisional Series - Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants - Begins October 6

The Reds have simply played balanced baseball this season. A mostly consistent pitching staff and reliable lineup allow them to easily win the NL Central. The Giants have had their share of ups and downs this season. While certain players have struggled and are no longer available, others have stepped up to fill their holes.

Prediction: Giants 3-2

AL Conference Series - New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers - Begins October 13

While the Tigers may have better individual players, such as Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander, I believe that the Yankees are the better team from top to bottom.

Prediction: Yankees 4-2

NL Conference Series - Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants - Begins October 14

The main difference in this matchup is experience. How much of factor does it play? With a matchup this close, I've decided to use that as my deciding factor.

Prediction: Giants 4-2

World Series - New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants - Begins October 24

This would be an excellent matchup in all aspects of the game. When it comes down to separating the two sides, I believe that the Yankees have more depth in their lineup and pitching staff.

Prediction: Yankees 4-1

Bottomline: I am predicting the New York Yankees to win the World Series.

Yankees Power Their Way to AL East Lead Once Again

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira hit a two-run homer in his first game back in the lineup since September 8. (Elsa)

Entering tonight, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles were tied for the AL East lead. Both teams had one last three-game series against a division rival to end the season. The Yankees are hosting the Boston Red Sox, while the Orioles are in St. Petersburg to take on the Tampa Bay Rays.

Yankees 10 Red Sox 2
 
Sitting 23 games out of first place, the Red Sox simply hoped to play spoiler to the Yankees hopes of a division crown. Those plans got off to an abrupt start Monday night. The Bronx Bombers lived up to their name in the second inning. They tied a club record with four home runs in the inning. Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz only lasted 1 2/3 innings, giving up eight earned runs on six hits (three home runs).

Following his recovery from a strained left calf, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira returned to the Yankees lineup for the first time since September 8. He greeted Red Sox reliever Alfredo Aceves with a two-run slam to the second-deck. The Yankees scored nine runs on eight hits in the inning to break the game wide open.

Meanwhile, Yankees ace CC Sabathia was dealing on the mound. He threw eight strong innings, giving up just two runs on four hits while striking out seven. Freddy Garcia came out and threw a eight pitch ninth inning to complete the Yankees 10-2 victory.

Rays 5 Orioles 3

The Rays came into this final series holding onto the slimmest of playoff hopes.  They completed step one Monday night. The game began as a pitchers' duel between Rays starter Alex Cobb and Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen. The Rays struck the first blow of the game in the fourth inning on a solo shot by shortstop Ben Zobrist. In the seventh inning, Orioles catcher Matt Weiters answered with a solo home run of his own.

In the bottom half of the frame, Rays designated hitter Ben Francisco broke the deadlock with a sacrifice fly. Later that inning, catcher Chris Gimenez came through with the big hit, a two-RBI double to deep right. The Rays tapped on one more run in the eight to take the 5-1 lead into the ninth.

In their last at-bats of the game, the Orioles tried to make a comeback. They got halfway there on a two-run home run by right fielder Chris Davis. This forced the Rays to bring in their closer Fernando Rodney. Rodney struggled some, but still managed to close the door on the Rays 5-3 win for his 47th save of the season.

Looking Ahead

The Yankees now lead the AL East by one game. They have decided to start rookie David Phelps tomorrow against Red Sox starter Jon Lester. In the other pivotal matchup, the Orioles will go with Miguel Gonzalez against Rays ace James Shields. If the Yankees win and the Orioles lose, the Yankees will win the division. The Rays must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Both games tomorrow are scheduled to begin shortly after 7:00.

Kuroda and Ichiro Come Up Huge During Homestand

New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda threw a pair of gems during this seven-game homestand. (Jason Szenes)

The New York Yankees keep finding ways to win baseball games, despite not having some of their best players due to injuries. One of the main reasons why is that other players have stepped up to help pick up the slack. During their seven game homestand that ended tonight, the Yankees went 5-2 against the Texas Rangers and rival Boston Red Sox. Two of the players that made probably the biggest difference during the homestand were starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda and outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

When CC Sabathia returned to the disabled list with an elbow injury, the Yankees lost their clear ace and number one starter. Someone needed to step up and take control of the number two spot in the rotation. That someone appears to have become Kuroda. On last Tuesday, he faced off against one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, the Texas Rangers. Kuroda dominated that Rangers offense from start to finish while throwing a complete game. He limited the Rangers to two hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

Kuroda returned to the mound for a second time during the homestand to face the Red Sox on Sunday Night Baseball. He retired 13 of the first 14 batters he faced and then six of the next seven. Kuroda's only mistake was throwing a hanging slider to Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who turned into into a solo shot into the right field bleachers. Other than that, he was dominant in eight innings of work, giving up just four hits and the one run in eight innings of work.

Even though Ichiro Suzuki's numbers were down this season, the Yankees decided to take a chance on those improving by acquiring him from the Seattle Mariners. Sure enough, Suzuki has found his groove and seems to greatly enjoy playing with the Yankees. He particularly saw his numbers take off during this seven-game homestand. Tonight, Suzuki capped it all off with a rare display of his power. He cranked out two solo shots to help provide all the help Kuroda needed on the mound. During the entire homestand, Suzuki hit .526 with four runs, a double, a triple,  and two home runs. As a Yankee, Ichiro has a .301 average and has hit safely in 21 of 23 starts.

Even after other players return from injuries, the Yankees are going to need players to step up and make the crucial plays needed. Hiroki Kuroda and Ichiro Suzuki have done exactly that so far. If Kuroda continues to pitch like he has in his last two starts, he will be nearly impossible to hit. Suzuki has been a spark plug at times to his new ball club. The Yankees are reaping the benefits of these players and others making the differences needed. It will be interesting to watch Kuroda and Suzuki the rest of the season and into the postseason.

Yankees Acquire Veteran Ichiro Suzuki from Mariners

Veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki made his debut as a New York Yankee before his former home crowd in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson)

Ichiro Suzuki was already a legend in Japan before coming to the United States. When he signed with the Seattle Mariners, no one could be completely sure how he would do transitioning to Major League Baseball. Well as they say, the rest is history. Ichiro became MLB's first Japanese-born position player, was named the American League's MVP and Rookie of the Year in 2001, has the all-time single-season hit record, won two AL batting titles, won ten Gold Gloves, and had ten consecutive seasons with 200 hits. It is safe to say that he will be a Hall of Famer in Cooperstown someday.

But now at this stage in his career, Ichiro is nearing retirement. He is 38 years old and in the last year of his contract. Meanwhile, the Mariners are in full fledged rebuilding mode. As much as Ichiro loves playing for the Mariners, both he and the team knew it would be in both of their best interests if he was traded. When exploring options for a trade, the Mariners knew they wanted to reward Ichiro by trading him to a contender.

The New York Yankees have been playing great baseball, but about a week ago they found out that their speedy left fielder Brett Gardner would need season-ending elbow surgery. They immediately started looking for a low-cost, temporary replacement. Ichiro was an excellent option for them. With his age and being in the last year of his contract, the Mariners weren't looking for a ton in return.

On Friday afternoon, the Mariners agreed to trade Ichiro to the Yankees for reliever D.J. Mitchell and minor league pitcher Danny Farquhar. The Mariners got a couple young pitchers in return, which is what they were looking for. The Yankees got the low-risk, high-reward veteran they were looking for. They gave up little to acquire Ichiro. In return, they got a good hitter, who still runs and fields his position well. By joining the Yankees, Ichiro has a chance to do something he has never done before, win a World Series.

I really think the Yankees did well here. Even though Ichiro has declined over the past several seasons, one has to believe his numbers will improve by playing in the Yankees' lineup and home games at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees have done well with the seasoned veterans they have acquired the past several seasons. Ichiro might be the best one yet. If he can even regain a fraction of his former top form, the Yankees could be reaping the benefits in the postseason.

Subway Sweep: Yankees Sweep Series with the Mets

It is that time of year. Interleague baseball. And of course, you can't have interleague baseball without the Subway Series. The series received added hype by how well the Mets had played prior to traveling to the Bronx. I will recap the weekend series and reflect upon what we learned about both sides.

Robinson Cano watches his second home run of the game. (Mike Stobe)

In Friday night's series opener, Johan Santana was on the mound for the Mets for the first time since throwing the first no-hitter in his club's history. He would show no such dominance in this one. The Bronx Bombers lived up to their name as they took Santana deep four times, including two blasts by Robinson Cano. Santana came into the start on extra rest and showed some definite rust. The Yankees countered with Hiroki Kuroda. He was in superb form. Kuroda threw seven innings of one-hit ball, before having to leave the game after taking a liner off his ankle. The Yankees took the opener 9-1.

Phil Hughes gave up just two runs in 6 1/3 innings of work. (Mike Stobe)

The Yankees took the early lead in Saturday night's affair when Alex Rodriguez singled home Derek Jeter for the 1-0 lead. The Mets tied it up in the third on a solo home run by Omar Quintanilla. In the top the sixth, the Mets gained the lead on another solo shot, this one by David Wright. However, in the bottom half of the frame, the Yankees answered with a two-run home run by Mark Teixeira to gain the lead 3-2. Curtis Granderson added an insurance run for the Bombers in the 8th with a solo shot. Rafael Soriano came in and closed out the 4-2 Yankees victory with his ninth save of the season.

Russell Martin prepares to celebrate his walk-off home run. (Al Bello) 

In the series finale, it was the Mets who struck first. In the second inning, they capitalized on an uncharacteristic error by Robinson Cano to score three runs off Yankees starter Andy Pettitte. Mets starter Jonathan Niese was on cruise control, until an error by David Wright kept the bottom of the seventh alive for the Yankees. Russell Martin made them pay when he hit a two-run home run to draw the Yankees to within one. In the eighth inning, the Yanks got to Niese again, as Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez came up with clutch RBI singles to give them the 4-3 lead. In came Soriano in the ninth, who had yet to blow a save this season. However, that ended quickly as Lucas Duda and Ike Davis hit back-to-back doubles to tie the score up at four. In the bottom of the ninth, Martin was the first batter up for the Yankees. Facing a full count, he connected on a walk-off home run to left, as the Yankees completed the sweep with a dramatic 5-4 victory.

The Yankees are really starting to heat up. This team looks completely different from the ball club that was playing just a few weeks ago. The starting staff is looking more stable from top to bottom. The Bronx Bombers loved the long ball as always, hitting eight homers in the series. However, more importantly, they came up with clutch hits with RISP, something they had struggled with earlier in this season. The Yankees are beginning to look like a dangerous team. The Mets will be disappointed by getting swept, but they look to keep going. They have overachieved to get to this point already, so they don't have anything to lose. They will look to rebound when they take the field again Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. It was another excellent Subway Series, full of stellar moments. It is truly one of the highlights of every baseball season.

A-Rod Homers Twice and Pettitte Stifles the Royals in Win

Alex Rodriguez hits his second of two home runs on the night. (David Pokress)

After another difficult night at the plate last night, Alex Rodriguez told reporters that he was "about to go off." The reporters probably had to muffle chuckles and smiles. After all, there was no signs of improvement. Many wondered if Rodriguez was injured. However, it turns out that A-Rod was just a bit prophetic, as he homered in both of his first two at-bats off rookie Will Smith tonight. When asked about what he had said, Rodriguez stated, "I said it because I meant it. I said it because I meant those things. I said it with conviction, not because it was going to sound good here in my locker. It is good to back it up."

Andy Pettite allowed just two runs in seven innings of work. (Robert Sabo)

In his last start, Andy Pettitte threw eight shutout innings, while striking out nine in a win over the Reds. Pettitte was nearly as dominant tonight. Other than giving up a pair of solo home runs to Billy Butler and Mitch Maier, the Royals could get nothing going. Pettitte only gave up those two runs, while striking out eight in seven solid innings. The 39-year-old has been just what the Yankees rotation needed. His consistency on the mound and leadership in the clubhouse is clearly felt by all the Yankees.


The Yankees are a far cry from where they want to be. A 23-21 record and fourth place in the AL East is simply not going to cut it for this ball club. This team is full of talent. They just really need something to get them going. This might be it. A-Rod came into tonight homerless in his last 52 at-bats. That streak is over. Coming into tonight, the Yankees were 8 for 41 (.195) with the bases loaded on the season. In their last nine games, they are 9 for 85 (.106) with runners in scoring position. Those are streaks that need to end as well for this team to turn things around. The Yankees organization is like a family. They can hope that outstanding performances, like these out of Rodriguez and Pettitte, can propel the rest of the team to do the same. The Yankees have won two games in a row now. Well, you've got to start somewhere.

Andy Pettitte's Return to the Majors Scheduled For Sunday

Photo Credit: Kris J. Murante/AP Photo

The New York Yankees have pieced together a starting rotation for most of this season. Everything started going downhill when the prize acquisition of the offseason, young phenom Michael Pineda, went on the DL to begin the season. Then, in a rehab start, he sustained an injury to his shoulder, which required season-ending surgery. If this wasn't bad enough, there has been the struggles of Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes. Garcia was so terrible that he has already been delegated to the bullpen in favor of rookie David Phelps. Through his first four starts, Garcia had an ERA of 12.51. The somewhat encouraging news is that he has thrown four scoreless innings since joining the bullpen. Hughes has had an up-and-down season. His ERA on the season stands at 6.67, due in large part to his inability to finish off hitters.

The bottomline to all this is that the rotation has struggled. With a collective ERA of 5.54 (11th in the American League), the Yankees need help. They are hoping that comes in the form of a vintage Yankee of glory past, Andy Pettitte. During the offseason, Pettitte informed the Yankees of his desire to come out of retirement. The Yankees were more than happy to sign him to a one-year deal. They knew they might need him for such a time as this. Pettitte, a 16-year veteran, last pitched in the majors in 2010. He went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA for the Yankees. The Yankees would be pleased with anything close to those numbers.

Pettitte has made four minor league starts so far this season, going 0-2 with an 3.72 ERA. While those numbers may not be the best, both Pettitte and the Yankees believe he is ready to make an impact in the majors. Pettitte told reporters after his last start that, "I feel like I am ready to go up, and I think they're ready for me to come up. I felt good. I felt as strong in the last inning as I did in the first inning. For me, that was another good test." The team announced that Pettitte will make his return to the Yankees Sunday at home against the Seattle Mariners. Will Andy Pettitte be the saving grace the Yankees need? That remains to be seen. But if anyone could do it, I am confident that it is the reliable old veteran Pettitte.

Granderson's Grand Evening

Photo Credit: Tim Farrell/US Presswire

The New York Yankees have a storied history to say the least. Many excellent ball players have worn the pinstripes proudly. There has been a fair share of pop in their collective swings over the years. After all, they aren't called the Bronx Bombers for nothing. Tonight, Carlos Granderson took his place in those hallowed history books. Granderson came up to bat in the first, second, and fourth innings of the game against the Minnesota Twins. In all three plate appearances,  he rounded the bases on home run shots. Just like that, Granderson became the twentieth Yankee all-time to hit three home runs. He had two more chances to hit his fourth, but he instead settled for a pair of singles, finishing the night five for five.

Granderson's night simply exemplifies what he has done since becoming a Yankee. He thrived last season, hitting a team-best 41 home runs and a league-best 119 RBIs. Granderson's swing is tailor-made for Yankee Stadium. He loves being a Yankee for other reasons as well. He likes being in the spotlight, but not the focal point of it. He feels as though he is being somewhat overshadowed and understated. He is completely fine with this. He would much rather be doing things behind the scenes. Granderson's quiet demeanor and professionalism can be seen both on and off the field. He is actively involved in community service and outreach. Carlos Granderson is a man who does his job faithfully and cares about others deeply. Tonight, his work on the field paid big dividends. Granderson's trio of home runs will be remembered for many years to come. I tip my cap to you, Mr. Granderson. Your historic night has drawn to a close, but you did a job well done indeed.

Burnett's Battle in the Bronx Appears to be Coming to a Close

The New York Yankees have agreed to trade A.J. Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league pitcher Diego Moreno and outfielder Exicardo Cayones. The deal is awaiting approval from the commissioner's office since it involves money. The Pirates and Yankees will split the remaining cost of Burnett's contract. Everyone while remember how the Yankees overpaid for Burnett. He was never able to get fully comfortable in the Bronx, especially with his control. As a Yankee, his record stands at 34-35 with an ERA of 4.79.

However, I could make the argument that for one night in the Bronx, A.J. Burnett earned every penny of that contract. That night would be October 29, 2009. The game was Game 2 of the 2009 World Series. Cliff Lee dominated the Yankee hitters in Game 1 to give the Philadelphia Phillies the one game to zero lead in the Bronx. If Burnett lost the game, the Yankees were going to be headed to Philadelphia down in the hole 2-0. Burnett wouldn't let that happen as he was on his game as never before. He threw seven innings of four-hit ball, giving up just one hit while striking out nine. He outdueled Pedro Martinez to help give the Yankees the win and swing the World Series in their favor.

Many Bronx Bomber fans will remember A.J. Burnett and shake their heads solemnly. While I might do that when I think of his control (as wild a thrower as they come), I will always remember the night when Burnett finally lived up to the hopes and dreams every Yankee had for him. His era in the Bronx might be coming to a close, but that does not mean that is bad news for either party. The Yankees have a crowded rotation competition, and Burnett deserved a chance to succeed elsewhere. In Pittsburgh, he will get to play under less scrutiny and against weaker offensive competition. I think that Burnett could possibly resurrect his career with the Pirates. A.J. Burnett was a New York Yankee. He has the ring to prove it. Without him, the Yankees may have never won their 27th World Series Championship.

Hip Hip Jorge: Posada a Hall of Famer in My Book

With tear-filled eyes, Jorge Posada announced his retirement from baseball. Posada finished a 17-year-career playing only for the New York Yankees. He said that everyday, "I quoted Joe DiMaggio's (famous quote), 'I want to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee.'" An emotional Posada thanked his teammates, especially his best friend Derek Jeter, who he said encouraged him when he needed it. He also thanked his wife, Laura, who he called his "rock."

The debate is now whether or not Posada is a Hall of Famer. Posada is one of only five catchers all-time with at least 1,500 hits, 350 doubles, 275 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs. When compared to all the current Hall of Fame catchers, only Yogi Berra had better numbers than Posada in all three major offensive categories (average, home runs, and RBIs).

Jorge Posada won five World Championship while with the Yankees. He will be remembered by his play on the field, but also by his great character and charisma off of it. Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, said of Posada, "Jorge Posada is a great Yankee and a great New Yorker. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I congradulate him on his outstanding career and thank him for the invaluable contributions he's made to our city." In my opinion, Posada deserves a place in Cooperstown. No matter what, his tribute was a fitting farewell to what is yet another storied career in New York Yankee history.

SportsCenter video with clip from Posada's emotional announcement: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7498012

Posada's famous This is SportsCenter advertisement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeNM8RNbYTU