The Sommer Frieze

After two, the Yanks lead 2-0. They surely haven’t been without their chances against last year’s CYA winner, Cliff Lee.

In the first, the Yanks loaded the bases with one out but Cano and Posada both struck out. Andy gave up a hit in the first, nothing else.

The Yanks struck for two in the second. Swish walked. Gardner (heating up, .284 after that hit, see the game preview) singled and Jeter singled in a run (his 2nd hit put him at .304). Damon singled to load the bases and Teix hit a soft grounder to bring in the “Road Runner”. After putting the first two runners on in the second, Andy got a flyout and DP.

If you didn’t hear it already, Rockies’ manager Clint Hurdle got the boot today. 19 months ago the Rockies were in the WS. Jim Tracy (the ex-Dodger/Pirate Mgr.) gets the job.

Have you seen what Manny’s “replacement” is doing for the Dodgers? With Manny suspended, Juan Pierre is playing LF. He is hitting .407. I remember someone arguing for the Yanks to get Pierre last year or so. I argued no. Why? Pierre does have a .302 career BA. His 162 ga. average is .302-2-46 with 54 SB. But his OPS+ is just 85. He earned $8M last year. I felt that if Gardner could hit .270, he might steal 35-40—not quite Pierre, but at a much lower cost.

The Yanks get a run in the 3rd on a SF by Swish. 3-0.     

Still 3-0 in the 5th. Posada has two hits. It’s amazing what he is doing offensively at his age. .325 after starting 2 for 3 tonight. Let’s throw out an injured 2008. He hit .338 in 2007. Let’s not forget that Jorge doesn’t get any “leg” hits either.

3-0 after five.

Andy had a problem and came out after five. In the sixth, he left a two on, none out situation for Aceves, who came out of it with only one run allowed. Andy 5 IP 1 R; Aceves (with a brilliant job) 3 IP and Mo closed it out. 3-1 YANKEES.

I love Aceves right now. Hate Veras.

Pete Abraham compared Aceves to a 1998-1999 Ramiro Mendoza. We can only hope. So far, so good and a great comparison.

Pettitte did get #220 tonight, which ties Jerry Reuss on the all-time list.

Rivera save #492.

I ran into a buddy tonight. He’s known me since we both 12 or so. We were in the same graduating class in high school. If I ever needed a tag-team buddy for baseball trivia, “Huffy” is my guy.