WHY THE YANKEES FELL SHORT

The Yankees started off aggressive in the Motor City. Not knowing what to expect from CC Sabathia tonight, we needed to strike early and we did. Yankees had a 2 -0 by the end of the first, but it was clear that CC Sabathia wasn't doing his best CC impersonation. Instead he was doing his best AJ Burnett. Not good and walks galore.

By the bottom of the 3rd, the game was tied at 2. It was the second time around in the Tigers order and CC clearly didn't have it. Luckily for us, he did what he does best... fake it and get through the innings, not giving up a ton of runs and he kepy his team in it. On the other side Justin Verlander started out not looking great either. But that's what makes baseball great... you never know what's going to happen. In what was billed as a pitching duel, it wasn't. 2 pitchers on short rest, but only one would look good. It wasn't CC. Michael Kay said that the umpire was calling the same game for CC and Justin Verlander. I disagree. Clearly I wanted CC on top, but I tell you what, the strike zone for CC Sabathia was mysteriously small tonight, no doubt. I noticed several pitches that were strikes, were never called strikes for the Yankees. I'm not saying Verlander wasn't throwing them in the zone, he was, but so was CC. Bottom line.

In the 5th, it was clear that CC was laboring. Ramon Santiago put the Tigers in the lead 3-2. Both he and Brandon Inge were 2 for 2. You know, it was strange, Verlander appeared better than CC later, like he had something in reserve, striking out the side in the top of the 5th inning, making Brett Gardner and Russell Martin look silly. To me, I felt terrible. Yes, CC was doing his best dance, but the stuff wasn't there. But say what you will about CC, the guy showed heart and never gave up and never let the runs get out of hand. He did his best under the circumstances, I give him that.In the 6th, Derek Jeter got his second hit of the night. Granderson struck out and was clearly over-matched. He looked like a Little Leaguer up there. ARod struck out and looked ridiculous. To be honest, back to calling balls and strikes, 2 pitches to ARod both were the same pitch, one was a ball, one was a called strike three. I don't get it.(Photo: Getty)
CC Sabathia got knocked out in the bottom of the 6th and Rafael Soriano came in and took care of business. At this point it was 4-2 Tigers and I felt confidence again, my stomach wasn't in knots. I know that if we have stability on the mound, we can get some runs... or can we? We've done nothing since the first inning.

The 7th was nerve racking but there was hope. Posada walked and Martin got hit by a pitch and suddenly Verlander didn't look so good. Of course we needed a base hit for Brett Gardner just to keep the rally going with 2 outs and take the Detroit crowd out of it. Gardy delivered big, 2 RBI double and the game was knotted at 4. I was screaming in my basement at that point, Detroit was silent. But, you know what ticks me off? The announcers sounded sad about it. What the hell is that all about? I thought maybe I'd blow it off,
then Rafael Soriano made a pitch that Delmon Young drove into the right field seats and Brain Anderson, the announcer, was overjoyed. What a dick. At this point, it's 5-4 and I am longing for Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling. I can't stand the way TBS does baseball.

The top of the 8th, Granderson gave one a ride, but it was an out. Cano struck out on a crappy high called third strike. Alex Rodriguez came up and walked. But he looked slow and disoriented the whole at bat. Teixeira came up with 2 outs and a man on first and popped out weakly to Inge. Again Brian Anderson, the announcer sounded thrilled. John Smoltz actually made a comparison of Justin Verlander to hall of famer Nolan Ryan saying he's never seen anything like "this" since Nolan. Are you kidding me? The guys pitching a good game, can't we just we just leave it there?
David Robertson came in in the bottom of the 8th inning. Robertson struck out the first batter but then nails Peralta. It happens.

Then, Valverde came out to try and close out the 9th against the Yankees. Nick Swisher came up and popped out. Unbelievable. One out and Jorge Posada stepped into the box. He's 4-8 at this point. Posada worked a walk. Man on first and 1 out. Running for Posada was Eduardo Nunez and when Russell Martin came up, he gave the pitch a ride, but it was caught in right and Nunez could not advance. 2 outs and Gardy came to the plate. Nunez stole second and now he's in scoring position. Next thing you know, Gardner works a walk and men are on 1st and 2nd for Derek Jeter. The table is set. But there was not joy in Yankeeland... Derek Jeter had struck out.

Final Score: Tigers 5 - Yankees 4

Tomorrow IS do or die.

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WHY THE YANKEES BENCH WILL BE KEY

There is no doubt that the Yankees have players that have contributed in every way this season and the bench is pretty decent. But not all of them can come to the ALDS. Let's check out some of the names this year that have contributed.

Andruw Jones did what we needed him to do hitting lefties and hitting home runs this year. It’s clear that Andruw Jones has slowed down, but I was happy he was there. Here are his numbers this year:

This season he's 46 for 186. He has 12 home runs and 32 RBIs. His average is .247.

In my ALDS scenario, Andrew Jones will not be joining us. Although looking at the way guys like Chris Dickerson and Greg Golson contributed to last night's loss to the Rays...Golson getting picked off third with a chance to win the game, Jones may now make my list. You know what I mean? The other factor that comes in consideration is whether or not Jesus Montero is OK. Last night he was lifted from the game and there were concerns about his availability in the ALDS. We will have to see. If Montero is healthy, clearly I would platoon with Jorge Posada in the DH role. Again, maybe Jones gets to be there too.

I like speed as you know and that’s where Eduardo Nunez and Chris Dickerson would have come into play in my scenario. Although, Dickerson didn't impress me last night.

No doubt Eduardo Nunez has a terrific bat and great speed to do damage on the base paths. I would never suggest putting Nunez in as a late inning defensive replacement, because, let’s face it, he’s not good defensively. Last night he made his 20th error of the year. How embarrassing. But in a tie game in the 9^th inning at home, I’m pinch-running him no doubt.

Eric Chavez is a must have and apparently he's probably a starter now that word is out that Alex Rodriguez has a cranky knee. Read about that HERE. The reason I like Chavez... he gets on base. He seems to be clutch at the right time, plus, as I've stated, he plays third base and first base, if things get desperate. I’ve always liked Chavez, I just hope Mr. Fragile can hold it together.

Jorge Posada is our Designated Hitter, but in the event he doesn’t get the call for the DH against lefties, he is clearly a late inning pinch hitter, he can substitute at first if needed, as we saw last night and if the world came crumbling around Yankeeland, we could slot him in at catcher. We have options.

Options are good Ladies and Gentlemen and our bench looks good. If things click, we have incredible shot to win the ALDS, whomever it will be. After all, we’re the God damn New York Yankees, right? We can do this, I have faith.

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THE CASHMAN QUESTION

Since Brian Cashman has been with the New York Yankees, there have been some pretty significant developments. The Yankees have won championships with some great pickups and have also fell short with some real flops in players like Carl Pavano. We’ve praised Cashman when things go well, but just as fast, we’re ready to turn on the guy as soon as we get a loss. One thing Cashman has never done though is second guess himself. In fact, when the promotion of Jesus Montero happened, did you notice how fast the media went into full effect giving Cashman credit for not trading off Montero, Ivan Nova and Eduardo Nunez to Seattle for Cliff Lee at the 2010 trade deadline? Read HERE.

Brian Cashman doesn’t have a contract for 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen. While we haven’t won the World Series yet, we’ve won the AL Eastern Division and Cashman deserves credit. Patience was his word of the winter and spring and bringing in players like Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Russell Martin have proved genius. Larry Rothschild on the pitching beat was clearly a better selection than Dave Eiland too. Bob Klapisch has a stat I didn’t know. Since Rothschild has come over, there is a significant difference in ERA. “…the Yankees went from seventh to third in the American League in ERA, dropping from 4.06 to 3.66 entering Thursday.”

But let’s go deeper into something that has proven significant this season. Carl Crawford. Crawford has done absolutely bunk with the Red Sox this year and he’s getting paid a boat load of money. No one could have expected Crawford to perform this way, but remember the winter and remember how arrogant Carl Crawford was about the Yankees not signing him. Read WHY GARDNER TRUMPS CRAWFORD from February. I like Brett Gardner instead of Crawford. Bottom line, Cashman won that battle, he stuck to his guns and he didn’t cave. Yes, the Yankees have a lot of money and the Yankees can sign anyone they want. But the Yankees didn’t sign Crawford. We dodged a bullet. And in a story that came out today Cashman admits he faked wanting to sign Carl Crawford so the Red Sox would pay more. Genius. Read HERE. Cashman says:

"I actually had dinner with the agent to pretend that we were actually involved and drive the price up... The outfield wasn't an area of need, but everybody kept writing Crawford, Crawford, Crawford, Crawford. And I was like, 'I feel like we've got Carl Crawford in Brett Gardner, except he costs more than $100 million less, with less experience.' "

I love that.

How about giving Ivan Nova a shot this season. Nova’s provided surprising stability this year in the Yankees rotation. He’s matured and him being given a chance stems back to Cashman’s belief that Nova could improve. He has, and that goes back to Patience.

The point is, you can say what you want about Cashman, but some of the moves he’s made this year are dead on and he needs to come back to the New York Yankees. We need to offer him a contract, bottom line. He’s contributed to 5 championships by getting talent we needed to win. In this re-emergence of Moneyball, Cashman does it his way… Brianball.

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YANKEES CLINCH! DIVISION TITLE NEXT!

Today was pretty exciting. The game itself was slow going because James Shields was very very good today. In fact, he was dynamite. Finally, after the 7^th inning, things changed. The Yankees had 1 run until Eduardo Nunez cranked out a homer to tie it up.

Then , in the bottom of the ninth, Robinson Cano knocked a 2 run double to bring the Yankees ahead 4-2. But let me back up. If Brett Gardner didn’t slash that opposite field single to start off that inning and Derek Jeter didn’t work a walk, Robinson Cano's hit means nothing. That’s team work, that’s the Yankees offense, that’s a team hungry for the postseason.

Hector Noesi started the game for the Yankees today. He was a last minute add because Phil Hughes was scratched with back spasms. Noesi pitched 2.2 innings, allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits and struck out 2. Like I’ve said in WHY THE YANKEES PEN IS THE BEST IN BASEBALL, Noesi is a team player and does what is asked of him. He did it again today, this time starting and you have to tip your hat to this kid, he handled it well. But that’s not all, the pen was incredible and they deserve much of the credit in keeping the Rays held to 2 runs the rest of the game. The combination of Raul Valdes, George Kontos, Aaron Laffey, Cory Wade, Boone Logan, Luis Ayala (who earned the win), and Mariano Rivera was brilliant for a day game before this night game. Girardi mixed up the pitchers, righty to lefty and kept the Rays off guard. Terrific job today.

1 heads up base running situation that I wanted to point out which took place today and I loved it because you know I love speed if you read Bleeding yankee Blue. Eduardo Nunez stole second and third in the same inning (I believe the 5th.) No, it didn't give us a run, though it's important because it shows agression and pure grit. Gotta love it.

Final Score: Yankees 4 –Rays 2

Congrats to the Yankees for making the postseason for the 16^th time in 17 years. That is incredible. But no celebration yet. The Yankees have a night game with the Rays and CC Sabathia is on the mound right now. After a win tonight, then let's talk about party time...one game at a time.

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WHY CASHMAN'S PATIENCE WILL PROVE VICTORIOUS

You can sit there and tell me that the Yankees are inching closer to the playoffs and it has nothing to do with Brian Cashman, it has to do with talent. I’ll tell you you’re half wrong. Of course talent is part of it, but let’s be perfectly honest; the New York Yankees had some opportunities to upgrade both in the off-season and in by the trade deadline and Brian Cashman kept saying 1 word... Patience. I was getting crazy this past winter and I just couldn’t understand why the mighty Yankees weren’t living up to their world famous spend rep and just pulling the trigger on any and everything we could get our hands on. Cashman worked the phones slowly, kept calm and picked up a few broken down pitchers for cheap. While it was unusual, you had to trust the inner workings of Brian Cashman’s brain. Not only was he refusing to part with youngsters like Jesus Montero and Austin Romine, he had faith in guys like Ivan Nova and Eduardo Nunez.

Let’s face it, the season started and when Phil Hughes went down with “dead arm”, all of Yankeeland was screaming that we should have "done something" and we blew it. Cashman never blinked. He stood with his arms crossed like Miyagi at the end of the Karate Kid and smiled. He knew what to do. He didn’t cave and he didn’t panic. He threw a washed up pitcher named Bartolo Colon in to fill the hole and that paid off beautifully. We rode that through to July 30^th and when Colon started breaking down, we went to a 6 man rotation to figure it all out. While I never ever like making rotation decisions this late into the season, what the hell do I know?

We all wanted Jesus Montero up after the season started, but as the season went on, Montero started slowly at Scranton. Some suggested maybe he wasn’t the player we thought he was, others thought trading him at the deadline for pitching was a good idea, me included by the way. Again, what the hell do I know? But Brian Cashman didn’t budge. He had confidence in his guys, nothing was going to change. So we stayed the course.

Eduardo Nunez filed in for Derek Jeter while Jeet was out and while his bat was terrific, his fielding may have been the worst I’ve ever seen. Yet, Cashman stuck with the kid. Overtime, he’s improved a bit and is constantly involved in the team's operations.

The point is Brian Cashman has made some pretty smart decisions this season. Look, you may not like him but he knows his Yankees and he gives a shit. He never lost focus; he never gave up and at the end of the day, that’s something you really have to respect. The Yankees are in first place right now. The Rays are closing in on the Red Sox for the Wild Card.

What would be a better day for me is if on the last day of the season, and the Yankees had won the division and the Rays got the Wild Card. Then, all of Vegas could get into a tizzy, the odds from April don’t mean bunk. Then you'd see Brian Cashman...the mighty Brian Cashman looking out on the field as the Yankees start yet another playoff run. He'd be smiling with his arms crossed, like Miyagi at the end of the Karate Kid, and God Damn it, his look will say it all… Patience.

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GETTING THE YANKEE EXPERIENCE FIRST HAND

A lot of different names being thrown around in this piece, but it all goes back to 1 thing; the youngsters and the Yankee experience.First off is Jesus Montero who's been hitting and in a rhythm. Girardi moved him up the 5th spot in last night's game against Anaheim. He's usually in the 6 to 9 hole. That's expected because he's a rookie, but because of his consistent hitting, and injury to Swisher and Alex Rodriguez, Joe moved him up. I mean, I know it's early, but Montero is batting .348. Gotta love it.

The Yankees have now called up a total of 36 players this September and it was revealed by Joel Sherman that Dellin Betances is in Anaheim to hang with the Yankees. This move is done for 1 reason and 1 reason only, bonding and experience. Although I have a hunch Dellin Betances will be pitching at some point. According to Bryan Hoch, Joe Girardi said “If we need him, we’re going to use him.” I like that thinking... all hands on deck, and if that means the kids get to play, do it. It's the best way to get experience. It can't hurt. It's not like Betances is going to be thrown into a situation where they make him throw 123 pitches, no. They will monitor him and track everything he does. I say that's the way to go.

And speaking of Yankee experience. Lance Pendleton was been claimed by the Astros and is no longer with the Yankees. I was always a fan of Pendleton since his debut where he struck out the first 2 batters he faced. To me, that showed guts. In 11 games for the Yankees, Pendleton had a 3.21 ERA, struck out 8, walked 10 and gave up 5 earned runs in 14 innings. He'll improve over time with his new team in Houston, I wish him well.

Josh Norris tweeted the Yankees will bring up Manny Banuelos, David Phelps and Adam Warren and they'll be most likely called up closer to or during the Red Sox series. Norris says this is a move to workout with the team and get "Bigs" experience which, let's face it, it doesn't get better than the Yankees/Red Sox... am I right? These are the games you want to be at and witness first hand, and if Betances was say to, get into a game, his peers will be there to root him on.

While it’s exciting for these kids, I’d really love to see Manny Banuelos come into a game. No, it probably won’t happen, but I can dream can’t I?

Finally, a quick note about rookies and the Yankee experience. Not sure if you realized it last night but due to the fact that Swisher was out with elbow tendinitis and is day to day, Eduardo Nunez got the start in right field last night. Read about it HERE. Clearly, Girardi wanted Nunez's bat in the lineup. Nunez said, "That's the only time I've played right field in my life."

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WHY IT WAS MUDVILLE IN THE BRONX

There are many reasons why the Yankees lost the game today. You can blame the nasty weather and sloppy play all day. You can blame AJ Burnett for giving the Orioles the runs back that the Yankees kept taking the lead with or you can blame Eduardo Nunez’s error in the late inning that eventually came around to score in what was probably the most ridiculous baseball game I have ever witnessed. Nunez actually made 2 errors today, but who’s counting at this point? Oh yeah, Me, that’s who.

It looked like a football game out there. Mud everywhere and the cameras we constantly covered in mist. At moments the rain slowed but I don’t think it ever stopped. These types of games scare me. Players get hurt in these type of games. Luckily, we’re OK today but don’t forget, it’s now off the Baltimore for probably another wet game at 1pm tomorrow with Ivan Nova on the mound. But enough about the weather, why did my Yankees lose? I’d like to blame Eduardo Nunez because I hate errors, but with the weather being such a factor today, I need to attach that along with some not-so-great starting pitching in the mix. AJ Burnett just kept letting the Orioles come back and to me, that’s disappointing, especially if we’re possibly looking for AJ to be part of the rotation. There are too many rotation question marks at the wrong point of the season Ladies and Gentlemen. You want these question marks in April, not September. Today AJ’s line looked like this: 6 innings pitched, 4 runs on 7 hits. He struck out 7 and walked 4. Joe Girardi can tell you that they liked the way he threw the ball today all he wants, I didn't think so. Look, we need to win all division rival games now, these tough losses suck and can't happen.

The 4 run offense was simple for New York today. Alex Rodriguez hit a 2 run double and Jesus Montero hit a 2 run single. This is a kid that has come up and brought new life to the already electric New York Yankees. Yes, we lost today, but just to see this kid contribute day in and day out is something special. The whole team looks better... except of course for Eduardo Nunez and his sloppiness. Look, I rip this kid because of the errors, he does it often. Today, while I don't want to completely give him a slide, I need to a bit. Anyone who saw the game today, either at the park or on TV understands. The weather was tough and I'm sure it was tough to play in. That being said, once again, an error by Nunez cost us today.

Mark Reynolds hit the tie breaking hit to make it 5-4 in the 11th inning. Hector Noesi got the loss.

The last out of the game was a tough one. Eric Chavez hit the ball hard with the tying run at third. If that ball goes through, the Yankees tie it, and probably win with momentum on their side. But the O's shortstop went for it, dropped it but quickly picked it up and tossed to second to get Granderson by a hair. Dems the breaks. Game over. Nice try.

Final Score: Orioles 5 - Yankees 4.

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WHY THE YANKEES HAVE KEYS TO WIN IT ALL

What other team can have a hot streak going all season with a rotation in question and holes being filled by youngsters but still allow Alex Rodriguez to come back, get in games and offer a home run or 2 since his return from injury? Only the New York Yankees.



It's amazing if you think about it because the Yankees have never been full strength this year yet, they've never really skipped a beat. If you think about it, a lot has gone on:

• Derek Jeter injury stalling his 3000th hit

• Alex being out a chunk of the season

• The rotation slowly deteriorating

• Players like Eduardo Nunez and Ivan Nova stepping up

• A slumping, then not slumping, then slumping Mark Teixeira

• A slow start by Nick Swisher

• A vanishing Jorge Posada

• Bench players like Eric Chavez hurting

It truly is amazing that the Yankees lead the AL East right now. The Red Sox, other than Carl Crawford not hitting and David Ortiz being out here and there, are at full strength. So, was Brian Cashman smarter than us all? Man, I hope so.



So what are some of the keys to the Yankees run to the playoffs? I think these:

• Picking the correct rotation: Yes, it seems as though the Yankees are sticking with a 6 man rotation for now, but as the playoffs begin, who will be the guys? If I had to choose right now, it would be CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia and the last one is a question mark. If AJ Burnett gets his mechanics right, he could be the 4th guy. Phil Hughes? I'm not so sure, to me, he's like Forrest Gump these days, you never know what your gonna get. Bartolo Colon is slowly deteriorating and may be a smart candidate for the pen.

• Getting Alex in: ARod hasn't skipped a beat since his return, so his bat is valuable in the lineup down the stretch. Keeping him in the lineup will be key, because, in my opinion it will keep him hot for the playoffs. Like I stated in WHY YANKEES CONFIDENCE IS BUILDING WITH SWEEP, "...once Alex gets going, it will be just in time for the playoffs. I long for the days of a hot Alex Rodriguez during the playoffs again... just like 2009. He was amazing, who can forget it." I believe that.

• Keeping the hitters hot: Granderson, Swisher, Jeter, Cano and Teixeira have to keep hitting, all the way to November. This means a balance of rest and play so they're healthy, yet, not overworked for the games that mean the most.
  
  

• Young energy: Jesus Montero will be exciting and new blood sometimes energizes a ball club, I believe Montero will do the same.

• Bullpen balance: The bullpen has been incredible but they need to stay incredible. Adding a few arms will help but the important thing is they don't lose focus and stick together as a family. Last year Joba Chamberlain raved about how Kerry Wood was amazing in bringing the bullpen together and he became his mentor. Read HERE. So, who will be the leader in 2011? We shall see.

I have a good feeling about my New York Yankees. They are finding ways to win and get to the finish line, they just need to keep going.



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