Bullpen Walks the Park in Yankees Loss to Angels

espn.go.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

May 5^th, 2014

New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Angels

Final Score: Yankees 1 Angels 4

The New York Yankees had the tough task of traveling to the West Coast without getting an off-day, as on Monday the Yankees offense and bullpen looked like they forgot to make the trip to Los Angeles. The loss to the Angels moves the Yankees to percentage points behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East with a (16-15) record.

Getting his first start of the season, David Phelps was very good for the Yankees, even though he didn’t factor in the decision. Phelps went 5.1 innings allowing just one run on three hits and one walk, while throwing 87 pitches. The only problem Phelps had was in the fifth inning, as Ian Stewart was have an RBI ground-out.

Angels Starter Jered Weaver was fantastic against the Yankees, as he shutdown their offense and deserving picked up his third win of the season. Weaver went eight innings allowing just one run one six hits, one walk, and struck out seven batters.

Sabathia Struggles Yet Again in Yankees Loss to Rays

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

May 4^th, 2014

Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees

Final Score: Rays 5 Yankees 1

In Sunday's finale of the three-game series between the Rays and Yankees, the Yankees were unable to win the rubber game with C.C. Sabathia on the mound against Erik Bedard. The loss moves the Yankees to (16-14) on the season, but they are still atop the ultra tight AL East.

Once again for the Yankees like much of last season, C.C. Sabathia struggled, as their has to be some major concerns brewing about the former ace after a poor start to the season. In already his fourth loss of the season, Sabathia allowed five runs on 10 hits and a walk, as Joe Girardi had to pull him in the fourth inning with things getting out of hand. In 2014, Sabathia has an ERA of 5.75, as what the Yankees hoped would be a bounce back season for Sabathia isn’t looking like that at all.

Rays Starter Erik Bedard shutdown the Yankees offense on Sunday for his first win of the season, as the Yankees offense struggled to get anything going against him. Bedard went six innings allowing just one run on six hits and one walk, while striking out three batters. The Yankees were only able to produce a run in fourth inning, as Yangervis Solarte hit a sac-fly to score Mark Teixeira.

Rivera Says Goodbye to Yankees Stadium

sbnation.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 26^th, 2013

Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Rays 4 Yankees 0

The New York Yankees lost their final home game of the season to the Tampa Bay Rays, as the Rays were able to sweep the Yankees. The loss moves the Yankees to (82-77) on the season, with three games left to play.

Rays Starter Alex Cobb gave his team a great start, as they inch closer to a playoff berth, and Cobb picked up his 11^th win of the season. Cobb would go seven innings allowing zero runs, and only allowing three hits and two walks. The Yankees would finally get something going against Cobb in the eighth inning with a Curtis Granderson double, followed by a base-hit from Lyle Overbay, but Joel Peralta came on and struckout the next two batters, and then got J.R. Murphy to fly out to end the Yankees threat.

Yankees Rally in 8th Inning to Beat White Sox

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 3rd, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 4 Yankees 6

The New York Yankees were able to get a big come from behind win against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, in a game and series that the Yankees desperately need to win against a poor White Sox team. The win moves the Yankees to (74-64), which is 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot.

Once again for the Yankees their Starter Hiroki Kuroda didn’t look to good, but with a late rally from the offense, Kuroda got a no decision. The White Sox wasted little time getting to Kuroda, as Adam Dunn had a RBI single to score Gordon Beckham. In the fifth inning the Sox would get to Kuroda for two runs on an Alexi Ramirez RBI triple, which gave them a 3-1 lead at the time. In the seventh inning Alejandro De Aza would take Kuroda deep for his 15th home run of the season, which was a solo-shot, and chased Kuroda from the game. Kuroda finished going 6.1 innings allowing four runs on seven hits, and two walks, while striking out seven batters.

Monster Fourth Inning Gets Yankees Victory on Labor Day

usatoday.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 2nd, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 1 Yankees 9

The New York Yankees were able to pull out the win on Labor Day against the Chicago White Sox despite a lengthy rain delay. The win puts the Yankees at (73-64), which are 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot.

After an almost two-hour rain delay both Starters for each team didn’t come back to the mound once the game was finally resumed. Unfortunately for Jose Quintana the first inning run he allowed on a base-hit by Derek Jeter gave him his fifth loss of the season.

David Huff came in relief of Phil Hughes for the Yankees, and really shined earning his second win of the season. Huff went 5.2 innings allowing just one run on five hits in the win. The one mistake by Huff came in the seventh inning, when Paul Konerko hit a solo-home run, which was his 10th of the season, and the only run the white Sox would score on Monday.

Milestone Day for Soriano Gets Yankees a Victory

nbcnewyork.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 27th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 7 Blue Jays 1

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back from losing the first game of the series against the Toronto Blue Jays with a nice win on Tuesday night. The win moves the Yankees to (70-62) on the season, which has them 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East, and 4.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

On offense the Yankees looked very good on Tuesday night getting to Blue Jays Starter J.A. Happ, and handed him his fourth loss of the season. They wasted little time getting to Happ, as in the first inning Derek Jeter singled home Brett Gardner, who led-off the game with a double. A few batters later Alfonso Soriano hit career home run number 399, which was a three-run shot. In the third inning Soriano would get the best of Happ once more by hitting a solo-home run for his 400th home run of his career. Happ finished going just 4.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks.

Yankees Fall in Toronto 5 - 2

Alex Rodriguez hits his 650th career home run but it wasn't enough, as the Yankees fall to the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 on Monday night.

The Blue Jays snap a 10 game losing streak against the Yankees with their victory led by the knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey who went seven strong innings. Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion sparked the Toronto offense. 

The Yankees took a early first inning lead when Brett Gardner singled, went to second on a passed ball, reached third on a Jeter ground ball, and then scored when Dickey was unable to handle a comebacker from Robinson Cano. 

Toronto tied it in the second on a RBI single by Kevin Pillar, and it was followed up by a RBI single from Edwin Encarnacion in the third to take a 2-1 lead.  

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox

sportsgrid.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox

August 5-7^th

The New York Yankees will be heading into the Windy City after a disappointing series loss against the San Diego Padres, and one Monday night they will be looking to regroup and win their final series against the Chicago White Sox on their road-trip.

- Pitching Match-Ups

On Monday night in Game 1 of the three-game series it will be a match-up of two lefties, as Andy Pettitte (7-8, 4.28) will be facing Jose Quintana (5-3, 3.62). Game 2 will have both teams aces on the mound, as Hiroki Kuroda (10-6, 2.38) will be facing Chris Sale (6-11, 2.92) in what should be a great pitchers duel. In Game 3 the Yankees will be sending the struggling C.C. Sabathia (9-10, 4.78) to the mound, as if he is going to get back on track after three horrendous starts, the White Sox are the team to do that against, and his opposing Pitcher will be Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.28).

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers

espn.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

July 30^th, 2013

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers

The New York Yankees will be on the West Coast starting a eight-game road trip in Los Angles against the NL West leading Dodgers. The Yankees are (55-50) on the season 7.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East with the trade deadline right around the corner.

- Pitching Match-Ups

Both games in the series have pretty good pitching match-ups, as in Game 1 Andy Pettitte (7-8, 4.39) will be on the hill for the Yankees facing Zack Greinke (8-3, 3.49). In Game 2 both teams will have their aces on the mound in what should definitely be a pitchers duel between Hiroki Kuroda (10-6, 2.51) and NL CY Young frontrunner Clayton Kershaw (10-6, 1.96). For the Yankees they are probably getting the Dodgers best two pitchers, which could lead to their road-trip starting off on a sour note.

Alfonso Soriano Traded to Yanks

By John Alvarado (@theeinfamouss)

Early Friday morning it was announced that the Chicago Cubs finalized a trade that would send Alfonso Soriano to the New York Yankees; after a week of rumors the trade finally went through. The Cubs will receive class A pitcher Cory Black from the Yankees and cash considerations. 

Soriano started his major league career with the Yankees back in September 14, 1999, becoming a fan favorite and seeming to come through with a big hit whenever the club needed him to. We all remember the 2001 world series when he took Curt Schilling deep with a solo homer to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead in the 8th inning of game 7. 

Soriano is a seven time all star and two time world series champion, winning with the Yankees in 1999 & 2000. 

In 2004 Soriano was traded from the Yankees to the Rangers in exchange for 3B Alex Rodriguez. Since then Soriano has played for the Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals & most recently the Chicago Cubs. But now in 2013 his career has gone full circle as he is back where it all began for him; wearing pin stripes. 

Soriano is batting .254 with 17 home runs and 51 RBIs this season and has heated up in July, with eight homers and 16 RBIs. He's 11 hits shy of 2,000 for his career and 11 home runs short of 400.

Since June 28 the Yankees have only hit eight homeruns, while Soriano has hit 10. "We've obviously been trying to improve our offense this season, to no avail," said Yankees GM Brian Cashman. "By far, he was the best available bat to date."

The Cubs are going to pick up about $17.7 million and the Yankees will cover the remaining $6.8 million of the estimated $24.5 million Soriano is owed through the end of next season. Soriano is scheduled to make $18 million next season, $5 million of which will be paid by the Yankees.

It is reported that Soriano is close friends with Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano, so coming back to the Bronx should be like a homecoming. The Yankees have Soriano in Friday's lineup, where he is batting fourth and playing left field. I assume he will get a standing ovation as most Yankee fans are thrilled to have him back on the team. 

Yankees Win in The Captain's Return

newyork.cbslocal.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

July 11th, 2013

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees

Final Score: Royals 4 Yankees 8

The New York Yankees were able to get the win on Thursday afternoon to salvage a split in the series with the Kansas City Royals after losing the first two games. The win is number 50 for the Yankees, but they are still in fourth place in the AL East, six games behind the Boston Red Sox.

The Royals got off to a quick start against Andy Pettitte, but with a lot of run support Pettitte was able to pick up his seventh win of the season. In the first inning the Royals scored three runs, as with the bases loaded All-Star Catcher Salvador Perez hit a two-run double to score Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer. Lorenzo Cain would then hit a sac-fly to score Billy Butler to cap off the three-run first inning. In the second inning the Royals would get another run on an Alcides Escobar base-hit, which scored David Lough. Pettitte would settle down after that not allowing anymore runs to score, as he finished going 5.2 innings allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk.

Yankees Offense Comes Alive to Snap Losing Streak

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

July 10^th, 2013

Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Royals 1 Yankees 8

The New York Yankees offense finally woke up after three straight games of scoring just one run, which resulted in a three-game losing streak. The win moves the Yankees to (49-42) on the season, but are still in fourth place in the AL East, and six games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place.

Royals Starter Wade Davis got roughed up in this one, as he earned his eighth loss of the season. The Yankees first run of the game came on a wild pitch by Davis, which allowed Brett Gardner to score. Robinson Cano had a nice day at the plate going three for four, and in the third inning he took Davis deep for a three-run home run, which was his 21^st of the season. The big blow against Davis came in the sixth inning, when Lyle Overbay hit a Grand Slam to break the game wide open. For Overbay it was his 11^th home run of the season. Davis was pulled right after the Grand Slam from Overbay, as he went five innings allowing eight runs on six hits and three walks.

Yankees Second Half Outlook is Bleak at Best

Matt Slocum/AP

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Coming into the season people knew that it would be an up and down year for the usually dominant New York Yankees. They no longer looked like the team of the 2000’s with big boppers throughout the lineup and All-Stars all over the field.

Injuries then delivered a blow, as every regular from last season outside of Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner were either on another team or on the disabled list to start the season. Despite the uphill battle facing them the Yankees, thanks to shrewd pickups by General Manager Brian Cashman, started the season off better than anyone expected. They then began getting players like Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis back.

Mark Teixeira Out for the Season

sportsspyder.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

June 26^th, 2013

The New York Yankees suffered another big injury loss on Thursday afternoon, as a MRI revealed a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, which will require surgery and end Mark Teixeira's season. Teixeira originally hurt the wrist on March 5^th preparing for the World Baseball Classic, and it cost him to miss the first 53 games of the season. He did however get on the field for the Yankees for a short period of time, but in 15 games he hit just .151. Teixeira did have three home runs and 12 RBIs before being shut down again to get a cortisone shot to see if the wrist would feel better, which it did not.