Bronx News Sports: Hits keep coming for ARod

Bronx News Sports: Hits keep coming for ARod: Hits Keep Coming for A-Rod Three Run Homer Wins Game  and Puts him in First Place in Career RBI in A.L. By Howard Gold...

Hits keep coming for ARod

Hits Keep Coming for A-Rod

Three Run Homer Wins Game and Puts him in First Place in Career RBI in A.L.

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27- Despite missing the entire 2014 season by virtue of the suspension by MLB and only playing 44 games during the 2013 season after undergoing left hip surgery, Alex Rodriguez’s stats in many offensive categories are among the greatest in the history of the game.

In addition to the two lengthy absences from active play Rodriguez was on the 15 day disabled list on nine occasions, yet he is second only to former teammate Derek Jeter in most games played in the years between 1995-2014. Jeter led with 2,747 games and Rodriguez followed with 2,551.

Rodriguez began his career as an 18 year old with Seattle. He remained there through the 2000 season, and then played three years with the Texas Rangers.  He has been a Yankee since February 16, 2004 when he was traded for Alfonso Soriano. 

At the start of the 2015 season, Rodriguez was nearing 10,000 at bats, 2,000 runs scored, 3,000 hits and 2,000 runs batted in. 

Rodriguez has batted especially effectively in recent games. He ended the most recent homestand on Wednesday by batting .455 (10 for 22). 

In the first of the six games on Friday, he singled in the seventh to drive in his 1,992nd run, which tied Babe Ruth for fourth placed in career runs batted in. 

On a 0-1 pitch in the third inning of the final game of the homestand on Wednesday afternoon, Rodriguez hit a three run homer to left. The batter, two months short of his 40th birthday, remarked, “It was a slider. I got a pretty good swing.” His RBI total was raised to 1,995, which put him ahead of another Yankee legend, Lou Gehrig, for first place in American League history. He needs one more run batted in to tie Barry Bonds for second place, but he trails Hank Aaron by 302.

The home run was his 665th, behind only Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds in MLB history. The homer was his 11th of the 2015 season. When asked if he thought he would hit that many before June, he remarked, “No way, no chance.”

R

odriguez singled in the seventh, giving him two hits for the game. He now is only 19 hits from becoming the next major leaguer to achieve 3,000 hits. When asked if he could envisage that coming, he replied, “You can see it all when you think about it. Right now, we’re just thinking of winning.”

Yankee skipper Joe Girardi was not surprised by A-Rod’s fine showing this year, “He’s put things behind him. There’s no place he’s more comfortable than on the field and in the clubhouse.” He also feels good to see Rodriguez in the middle of the lineup with men on base. 

Surprisingly to many, Rodriguez called his time away from baseball as “a blessing in disguise.” He is currently feeling very pleased with his circumstances, “I’m in a very good place now. Having fun.”

Although many do not credit Rodriguez with the numbers he has reached because of the use of PEDs, the numbers are part of the history of MLB.

#Yankees #ARod #Bronxnews

Bronx News Sports: Yanks back in the swing

Bronx News Sports: Yanks back in the swing: Yanks Back in the Swing of Things? Yanks get power and pitching to down Royals By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, ...

Yanks back in the swing

Yanks Back in the Swing of Things?

Yanks get power and pitching to down Royals

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27- Just last week the New York Yankees had issues with every aspect of the game and the result was a six-game losing streak and falling out of first place to Tampa Bay. But these last two games against the Kansas City Royals in the Bronx have resembled a team that is ready for another winning streak.

After routing the American League champion Royals 14-1 Monday afternoon, the Yankees picked up from the day before and won their second straight, 5-1 over the Royals Tuesday night. Once again the Yankees scored in the first inning. Mark Teixeira hit his team leading 14th home run to left off Royals’ lefty Jason Vargas, a two-run homer that scored Alex Rodriguez who walked. 

The Yankees lead Major League Baseball with 50-first inning runs this season, but more importantly these last two wins have come against a team that came to the Bronx with the overall best overall record in baseball, 28-17.

Right hander Adam Warren (3-3) got the win. He allowed two hits, and a run in 6.1 innings. Paulo Orlando accounted for the lone Kansas City run when he hit his first career home run off Warren tin the sixth inning to right-field.

Warren has recorded quality starts in his last three outings and the two hits were the lowest he has allowed as a starter in his career. In his four career appearances against the Royals, including one start, Warren has a combined 1.38 ERA.

“I think you are starting to see him get more comfortable,” commented Yankees manager Joe Girardi about Warren. “He’s pitching as well as anyone in the rotation.” 

The Yankees pitching staff that gave up 30- runs combined in three losses to Texas last week, saw their bullpen also pitch scoreless ball. Dellin Betances struck out the side swinging in the eighth inning and extended his club record to 22- consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run,

Teixeira, 2-for-4 tied his season high with four runs batted in. He also doubled in the fifth inning and of his 36 hits this season, 23 have gone for extra bases.

On his production in the Yankees first 46 games, something that was absent from the lineup last season because of recurring injuries to his right wrist, Teixeira said: “If I stay healthy then I know I will produce. I didn’t have fun the last two years so this has been nice.”

The Yankees go for the three-game series sweep wednesday afternoon before embarking on a seven-game road trip to Oakland and Seattle. Michael Pineda, 5-2, will take the mound for New York and look to break a two game losing streak. Right-hander Chris Young, 4-0 will be on the mound for the Royals to try and prevent the sweep.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.co,/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #MarkTeixeira #Royals 

Bronx News Sports: Bernie Williams honored

Bronx News Sports: Bernie Williams honored: Bernie Williams Honored at Yankee Stadium By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 25- The most successful franchise...

Bernie Williams honored

Bernie Williams Honored at Yankee Stadium

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 25- The most successful franchise in baseball history, the New York Yankees, have always shown a great interest in honoring its heroes and its storied past. The number of monuments and plaques has grown greatly over the years.

During the 2014 season, four plaques were added to Monument Park to honor Joe Torre, Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neill, and Rich “Goose” Gossage. Four more greats of Yankee history will be honored during the current season.

The first, Bernie Williams, was honored on Sunday night prior to the New York-Texas Rangers contest. Since Williams has not played in the last nine years, this honor was considered by many to be long overdue.

Many blamed the organization for ignoring Williams while paying to others whose ties with the Yankees are of much shorter duration and of much less importance. On the field and in the press conference room to reporters, Williams took the full responsibility for the delay for this long-awaited occasion, “The organization has been on me for years to have this day. I wanted to make sure I would not come back.”

Williams did not officially sign his retirement papers from baseball until one month before this ceremony. He explained the difficulty in reaching this decision, “The process was physically and psychologically. Your abilities diminish. You realize you can’t do it anymore. I found something [music] that I could devote my time to.” He admitted, “I really misjudged the sentiment of the fans and of my own. I really needed to have closure to this aspect of my life.”

The ceremony was moving to the large crowd who came to cheer Williams. A contingent of Former Yankees joined Williams on the field, the Core 4 (Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte) reunited for the first time this season at Yankee Stadium. Pettitte and Posada will be honored in August. Also were present were Gene “Stick” Michael, Roy White, Willie Randolph, David Cone, Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neill, and Joe Torre.

Also present on the field were members of Williams’ immediate family, his mother, brother and children. Williams 

remarked in his speech, “I know my father is watching in heaven.”

A Congressional Certificate of Appreciation presented by Rep. Jose Serrano, who represents the district in which Yankee Stadium is situated, was read. Gifts were presented by the Yankees. Highlights of Williams’ 16 years in pinstripes were shown on the center field screen.

Yankee broadcasters John Sterling and Michael Kay did an outstanding job in emceeing the program. Williams thanked deservedly Debbie Tymon and Greg  King for their efforts in organizing the program. The Yankees Marketing Department headed by Tymon makes a superlative effort in planning And organizing special events unlike that of any sports organization.

Williams gave thanks to those who benefitted him in his career and in his life in his closing remarks, “You guys have been instrumental in my career. I am overwhelmed."

#Yankees #BernieWiliiams 

br>
br> br>

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Grad Schools Yanks

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Grad Schools Yanks: Fordham Grad Schools Yanks Martinez got Groomed in Bronx By Rich Mancuso Nick Martinez the Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher has gro...

Fordham Grad Schools Yanks

Fordham Grad Schools Yanks
Martinez got Groomed in Bronx

By Rich Mancuso

Nick Martinez the Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher has grown up. In baseball standards that means throwing the fastball with location and attacking hitters early in ther count. An infielder at Fordham University in the Bronx, the Miami Florida resident, with a Cuban background had that potential to throw off the mound when he got five relief appearance opportunities for the Atlantic-10 Conference Rams in 2011.

Then something happened. He converted to a pitcher after being selected by the Texas Rangers in the 18th round of the amateur draft in 2011 after being asked to give it a try.

And now in his second year as a big league starter, Martinez is rapidly developing a reputation as a starter to be reckoned with.

That continued Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. Martinez took control early and handled a struggling New York Yankees lineup through 7.0 innings, good enough to stay perfect at 4-0. It helped that his Rangers team  dominated New York at the plate, banging out 15-hits en route to an easy 15-4 win. He gave up five hits throwing a career-high 108 pitches, and except for two home run balls, has now allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive starts.

Yes, Martinez has grown up. The Texas Rangers feel they have a future ace and in baseball, as it happens more than once, the unexpected seems to always happen. Except Martinez is maturing each and every time he takes the mound, and with the Rangers offense starting to get on track, Martinez is also gaining more confidence.

“It’s nice, I don’t know what to say,” said Martinez about the early run support and the big lead. He said that with a smile that could have extended from the visitor’s clubhouse at Yankee Stadium to the Fordham Rose Hill campus, which is three miles from the Stadium.

“I will take it every time. Great when guys are swinging the bat that way. I could hear my buddies out there cheering for me. It's almost like a homecoming for me."

Though this was his second time on the mound at Yankee Stadium for the Rangers, so there was more of a familiarity with the dimensions of the ballpark and some in the Yankees lineup.

Last August he got a start in the Bronx and pitched five innings, striking out five, and did not figure in the decision. Then he left a bunch of tickets for friends and he had another enthusiastic core of fans from Fordham cheering him on every pitch.

Sunday morning, prior to leaving the ballpark for the series finale, Martinez was planning to visit the baseball team at Rose Hill and give them some support.

“Coming back to the Bronx, hearing my buddies cheering….I spent three or four important years of my life here,” said Martinez. “It’s special for me to pitch here. Always will have a special place in my heart.”

With the exception of two walks in the first inning, to Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees did not get their first of five hits off Martinez until the fourth inning when Rodriguez got on base with an infield single, and two more hits came off home runs.

Carlos Beltran extended his hitting streak to a season-high 13 games with a sixth inning solo shot to right on a 0-1 fastball. And Didi Gregorius homered in consecutive games for the second time in his career in the seventh inning, with one-out to right on another fastball.

“Growing up right in front of our eyes," is how Rangers’ manager manager Jeff Banister described the composure and maturity of Martinez, wh0 at 24-years of age can only get better.

Banister added, "Nick's been a guy that's been in complete control. His composure on the mound has been spectacular really. He has not shown any anxiety anywhere, no nervousness." And that showed after that first inning when Martinez got into a groove and he certainly did not let the home balls get to him.

If it were not for the career-high pitch count, Martinez may have went another inning or two. He added about that first inning, “I wasn’t locked in and after that went in on the attack.”

On the home run to Beltran, Martinez said, “He’s a great hitter. He hasn’t been in this game by a mistake. Thought I could beat him inside, he beat me.” But Martinez did get a win over the Yankees for the first time in three career starts and despite the 4-0 record, he is the first to admit there is more to learn.

“I don’t look at it too much,” he said about the record. “Just go out and help my team win. I just try to come to the ballpark everyday with the mentality to continue to learn. Knowing that, going to the ballpark to learn and better myself, it helps. I’m capable, not surprised. If I keep working hard I will be alright.”

Those are the words of a confident pitcher and a good hitter in the Rangers’ lineup, Elvis Andrus has also noticed how Martinez has matured and grown in his last few starts.

“He knows how to throw that fastball and attack early,” Andrus said. “It was nice to give him early run support.” Andrus went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs as the Rangers had a season high in runs for a game and their largest win of the season.

They feel confident at the plate. More so, there is that confidence that Martinez on the mound gives them a better chance for a win. Perhaps those days on the Fordham campus, and those few times on the mound were meant to be for Martinez, who has also been getting some good pointers from Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Says Banister, “He can read hitters well.” And as long as Martinez continues to do that, the Rangers will be very content that they stumbled upon an unexpected pitcher who has grown to be a good one.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #NickMartinez #TexasRangers

Bronx News Sports: Fans Honor Hero Cop

Bronx News Sports: Fans Honor Hero Cop: Fans Honor Hero Cop (Photos by Gary Quintal) NYCFC Draws Chicago Fire  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 16- NYCFC  (1-6-...

Fans Honor Hero Cop

Fans Honor Hero Cop

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

NYCFC Draws Chicago Fire 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 16- NYCFC  (1-6-4) returned to Yankee Stadium Friday night, but the result of the match could be considered disappointing or uplifting depending on one’s point of view. The 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire ((3-5-1) extended NYC’s winless streak to nine, but ended its losing streak at four.

The support of the fans in the Bronx has been consistent as 23,315 attended on Friday. Each match at Yankee 

Stadium has drawn more than 20,000. 

The visitors from the Mid-West scored first as Razvan Cocis scored on an assist from Shaun Maloney in the 12th minute. In the 26th minute, NYC defender R.J. Allen was ousted from the contest after receiving a red card. Thus, NYC was required to play the final 64 minutes with a one man disadvantage. In the following minute, Jeff Larentowicz’s kick raised the Chicago lead to 2-0.

Chicago dominated the match throughout the first 45 minutes. They controlled the ball for the major period of the first half and took 14 shots on goal contrasted with only five for NYC.

In the one minute of stoppage time allotted at the end of the half Mahdi Ballouchy scored NYC’s first goal of the match. His third goal of the season broke his tie with teammates David Villa

and Patrick Mullins as the club’s leading goal scorer. Ballouchy commented on his goal, “I think the timing was very good for us.”

The effort made by the players of NYC in the second half was a great contrast with that of the opening stanza. The match was scoreless during the 45 minutes of the second half until the addition of five minutes of stoppage time.

As in the first half, NYC netted its only goal in stoppage time. Rookie Khiry Shelton scored a goal that was set up by 

experienced international David Villa. The 21 year old, who had entered the match at the 60 minute mark, scored his first MLS goal. The PAC-12 Player of the Year while at Oregon State university was a high draft pick by NYC this year. NYC coach Jason Kreis believes the goal will be a pivotal event in Shelton’s professional career, “I believe that [goal] could move him to the next level.” The young player agreed with his coach, “It will definitely build my confidence.”

Although NYC did not obtain a victory, the win the draw and added point, under the circumstances of the match, was a very positive development to the participants. Kreis remarked, “The entire team was willing to do anything to get that result. I’m very hopeful that this is set as a landmark. We believe we’re a better team than our points (7) indicate.”

The veteran Villa was in accord with his coach, “The team is much better than our position in the league (8thof 10

teams in the Eastern Conference) shows. This can be a turning point.” 

NYCFC travels west next to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 23.

#NYCFC #YankeeStadium #ChicagoFire #Soccer #Bronxnews

Bronx News Sports: Posada Nailed It About PED Users

Bronx News Sports: Posada Nailed It About PED Users: Posada Nailed It About PED Users By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 14- Agree or disagree that Jorge Posada is using an oppor...

Posada Nailed It About PED Users

Posada Nailed It About PED Users

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 14- Agree or disagree that Jorge Posada is using an opportunity to promote his book “The Journey Home: My Life In Pinstripes” regarding his stance on those who used PED’s to cheat when playing the game of baseball. Agree about this, Posada in Yankees pinstripes played the game clean and has the right to speak about how he may have been cheated out of an MVP award in 2003.

He took it to another level, one that this writer and others have claimed: Those who had to cheat and did not play the game clean should not be granted induction into the Hall of Fame. 

And it goes beyond baseball. Tom Brady is now the culprit for deflated footballs and an NFL scandal that has reached epic proportions. And two sports, boxing and horse racing have never seemed to recover from corruption and those who cheat to get ahead.  

The year is 2015. Money and greed have ruined sports with television contracts and major sponsorships that provide an incentive to not play the game fair. Back then, when cheating was evident, the desire to cheat and get ahead was a hit or a miss with the financial gain not as significant as it is now.    

The year, 2003, Yankees’ teammate Alex Rodriguez got the MVP award and Posada was third in the voting by members of the Baseball Writers of America and Carlos Delgado finished second. We all know the history, and the implications about the A-Rod denials, year long suspension and eventual admission of guilt.

However, we must agree, as Posada said Wednesday: “Yeah” to a question about resenting players who did not play the game clean. Posada would know because there has never been evidence, nor has his name been implicated as one of the many who did not play the game clean.

And it seems the game of baseball will always have to confront the issue that Posada has addressed. The history of this Performing Enhancing Drug issue will always surface when Rodriguez hits another home run, when the names of Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and others who were implicated see their time for possible enshrinement into the Hall.

The vote of members who get the privilege to decide who gets enshrined should be the final answer, however that will always be a debate. The debate continues because the owners supposedly had knowledge of illegal supplements being used that prevented the game from being played on an even field.

Yet, they let the situation continue because baseball needed to put fans in the stands after a bitter labor dispute with the players and owners. Home runs going out of the ballpark at a record pace brought the fans back to the ballpark, and bitterness of a labor war were quickly put to bed.

In the process Jorge Posada, who played the game fair, and who wore the most prestigious uniform in baseball, competed with a teammate. It was competition wearing the same uniform, sitting  in the same dugout and in a sanctuary of the same clubhouse.

The Posada book tour, and his comments are years of frustration of being the quiet New York Yankee who went about his business and helped contribute to four world championships in the Bronx. 

Agree or disagree, this is an issue a little too late to be venting about. But better late than never because the validity of his comments are true. Had Posada went the route of A-Rod, Bonds or the others, perhaps his name would be in their category.

Of course he is not in that category because Jorge Posada was one of the few who played the game fair. And his day will come when the Yankees put his Number 20 into retirement at a ceremony in the Bronx on August 22.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #JorgePosada #ARod #PEDs #Bronxnews

Bronx News Sports: Yanks Tickled Pink

Bronx News Sports: Yanks Tickled Pink: Yanks Tickled Pink Pineda Fans 16, Remains Undefeated in 2015  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 11- Sunday’s starting p...

Yanks Tickled Pink

Yanks Tickled Pink

Pineda Fans 16, Remains Undefeated in 2015 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 11- Sunday’s starting pitcher for the Yankees, Michael Pineda, zeroed in on the strike zone throughout his outstanding pitching performance. The Dominican native fanned 16 batters, a career high in seven innings. It is only the seventh time since 1900 that a pitcher has struck out that many in as few as seven innings.

He struck out each of the Oriole batters he faced except J. J. Hardy. It was the second highest total of strikeouts in a single game for the Yankees. He tied the mark set by perfect game pitchers, David Wells and David Cone, and has been bested only by Ron Guidry, who fanned 18 in 9 innings on June 11, 1978.

The 26 year old has exhibited an amazing control of his pitches. On Sunday, he struck out 16 without issuing a walk. The last time a major league pitcher accomplished that feat was on August 19, 2007, when Johan Santana struck out 17 without walking a batter.

The total for his seven starts in 2015 are 54 strikeouts and three walks for an American League high k/bb ratio of 18.00, second only to Bartolo Colon in the majors.

He is one of only five active major league pitchers who have multiple appearances with at least seven strikeouts and zero walks.

Pineda’s catcher on Sunday, Brian McCann, was impressed, but not surprised by the pitcher’s performance, “He had all three pitches working. When you can throw three pitches for strikes whenever you want that allows the pitcher to attack the hitters. He doesn’t walk any guys. He pounds the zone. His stuff is electric every time he takes the ball.”

Yankee skipper Joe Girardi, a former catcher, described what he saw, “Location, outstanding mix of pitches, deception. A lot of things have to go right to get 16 strikeouts in 21 outs. Oh God, he was really good!”

Girardi explained why he removed Pineda from the contest after seven frames, “The time of the year, how young he is, how important he is to the team, and the pitch count (111).”

The result of Pineda’s work was another Yankee victory and the team’s continued presence in first place in the American League East. Pineda remained undefeated, 5‐0, in his seven starts this season. He is also undefeated in six contests with the Baltimore Orioles, who lost 6‐2, with a mark of 3‐0.

Pineda, naturally a happy person, was overjoyed, “Today was the best game. The weather was like the weather in the Dominican. It’s Mother’s Day.” The devout player’s reaction in general, “Thank you God.”

#Yankees #MichaelPineda #MothersDay #Bronxnews

Bronx News Sports: Yanks lose

Bronx News Sports: Yanks lose: Orioles End New York City Losing S treak (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW TORK, MAY 9- After pla...

Yanks lose

Orioles End New York City Losing Streak

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW TORK, MAY 9- After playing and losing four straight games in New York City this week, the Baltimore Orioles felt sufficiently comfortable to defeat the Yankees, 6-2 on Saturday afternoon. The Orioles win ended both their four game losing streak, two to the Mets and two to the Yanks, and the two game winning streak of the Yankees.

The win for starter Wei-Yin Chen (1-1) was his first of the 2015 season. 

Before the game began, Chen had the lowest ERA, 2.83, of any qualified major league pitcher who had not won a game this season. The victory, his 36th, is the second highest career total of any of the eight major league pitchers born in Taiwan. His toal is only topped by former Yankee Ching-Ming Wang with 62. His mark is 18-1 when he pitches at least seven innings, which he did on Saturday,  and the Orioles are 22-3 when that happens. The only run he gave up came in the sixthwhen Chase Headley celebrated his 31st birthday with a single and scored after a doucle by Stephen Drew. 

After the contest, Chen remarked through a translator, “My command was good. I was pitching to contact.”

Yankee starter Chase Whitley gave up his first home runs of the season, three, which accounted for the first four Baltimore runs. Jimmy Paeredes hit a solo home run on the first pitch with two out in the second. Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said of him, “He’sdoing what it takes to stay in the lineup.”

Three batters later, in the third, Chris Davis also homed with no one on base on the first pitch. Three batters afterwards, Alejandro De Aza took a 2-2 pitch into the stands in right with one man ion base. The score stood 4-0 in the fourth, a lead Baltimore never relinquished. 

Outside the Stadium on River Avenue, before, during and after the game, both neighborhood residents and visiting fans were having an enjoyable time at the Stadium Street Fair sponsored by the 161st Street Business Improvement District (161 BID).

The final game of the four game series and Baltimore’s visit will take place on Sunday afternoon at 1 pm.

#Yankees #Baltimore #MLB #Bronxnews

Bronx News Sports: Yankees Dynamic Duo

Bronx News Sports: Yankees Dynamic Duo: Yankees Dynamic Duo Ellsbury, Gardner Score By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 9- For an organization to be successful, th...

Yankees Dynamic Duo

Yankees Dynamic Duo

Ellsbury, Gardner Score

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 9- For an organization to be successful, there is a need for each of its employees to recognize his/her role and be capable of fulfilling it. In baseball, the lead-off batter and the hitter who follows are called the table-setters. The players in those positions need to reach base often, advance as far as possible and be in a position to score if the hitters batting after them fulfill their roles as power hitters and runs batted in specialists. 

This year’s lead-off hitter on the Yanks, Jacoby Ellsbury, has been extremely consistent and capable of fulfilling his responsibilities. In his 28 games, Ellsbury is one of the top ranked players in a number of offensive categories. He is batting .362. His two hits on Thursday night extended his hitting streak to 10 games. In his team high 13 multi-hit games the Yankees have an 11-2 record. 

He has reached base far more often than any other member of the Yankees. In addition to his 42 hits, he has drawn 13 walks and been hit by a pitch on three occasions for an on-base-percentage of over .439. This outstanding ability to reach base has placed him near the top of the American League rankings of scoring with 24 runs scored in his 28 games. 

Not only does he reach base often, but quite often manages to advance on his own. He paces the A.L. with 11 stolen bases and has only been thrown out stealing four times. 

The second place hitter on the Yankees, Brett Gardner, is close to Ellsbury in these positive offensive categories. He is batting .326 with an on-base-percentage of .412. The left fielder has 29 hits, drawn 13 walks and been hit by a pitch twice. 

The two 31 year-old players, born 17 days apart, scored four of the five runs of the Yankees on Friday night. They began in the first inning. 

Ellsbury led off with an infield single, which extended his hitting streak to 11 games. He moved to third on a double to left by Gardner. The next batter, Alex Rodriguez, drove in the first run of the contest with a deep sacrifice fly to center. Catcher Brian McCann knocked in two more runs with a home run to left. Before 20 minutes had elapsed, the Yanks led the orioles, 3-0.

Two more Yankees runs scored in the third frame on similar circumstances as in the first. Ellbury walked to begin the inning. He moved to third on a single to right by Gardner. The left fielder then stole second to put two runners in scoring position, his ninth stolen base of the season. With two out, McCann was intentionally walked to load the bases. The table setters each scored again as Carlos Beltran doubled, but the slower McCann was thrown out at home. The Yanks now lead 5-0.

The two outfielders were largely responsible for Friday’s Yankee win, and have been instrumental in the Yankees current first place standing in the American League East.

#Yankees #JacobyEllsbury #BrettGardner #Bronxnews

Bronx News Sports: A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *

Bronx News Sports: A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *: A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record * Another Record Home Run Does Not Mean It’s All Good for A-Rod By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK,...

A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *

A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *

Another Record Home Run Does Not Mean It’s All Good for A-Rod

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- The 661st career home run that Alex Rodriguez hit to the left-center field Thursday night at Yankee Stadium surpassing Willie Mays for sole possession of fourth place on baseball’s all-time list may mean something for the record books. It does not mean that Yankees management will budge and give A-Rod the millions that were a part of his lucrative contract.

And it certainly does not mean that the home run, unless you are sympathetic to A-Rod, is a legitimate milestone. 

And despite an overall love fest from Yankee fans that has returned, there are still some who will not stand up and cheer as they did in the Bronx after the so-called historic home run. There are those who will not forgive and forget that Alex Rodriguez did it the wrong way. Then there are those who will forgive, because Rodriguez paid his dues by sitting out all of last year due to a suspension for violating baseball’s anti drug policies.

PEDs to many meant nothing when he rounded the bases with a big smile after the home run. And the next milestone, surpassing Babe Ruth, all of a sudden seems that more probable, but there is that question of accepting every home run hit now as being a part of the record book.

The question of accepting these home runs as a part of the record book will always be a subject of debate. Whether or not Alex Rodriguez has been accepted overall by baseball fans, or for that matter sports fans, who view records as importance is also something that will continue to be a subject of discussion.

The Yankees apparently are not making the home run milestones an important priority. They are happy to have A-Rod back in the lineup, and they should be because this early season comeback has seen him produce runs for a team that had serious issues doing that last season. He has quietly been doing the job and to the Yankees hierarchy, an Alex Rodriguez home run means more towards winning than achieving another milestone, or surpassing Willie Mays or Babe Ruth.

“It’s been a long time since I had a curtain call,” Rodriguez said about the fans in his post game meeting with the media. And there may be more curtain calls for A-Rod in the Bronx if he continues to hit home runs. Because this Yankees team has been hitting the long ball in the Bronx, and because fans will cheer for any type of runs that cross home plate, they will have reason to cheer. 

And if it is Alex Rodriguez, and in their ballpark, they will cheer. The Yankees though are having a different approach. Post game media notes did not highlight the milestone home run, and what should have been a headline was highlighted as number three after the important facts of Yankees wins in their last 20 games and the season series record of 2-2 against the Baltimore Orioles.   

Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds, they are next after Ruth. A-Rod may not be around that long enough to surpass them, but you can never tell how much longer or how many more home runs he can produce. And take into consideration, and we can assume this is true, for the first time Alex Rodriguez is hitting home runs out of the ballpark without the assistance of Ped’s.

So there is that room for forgiveness, at least from the perspective of fans who are paying big bucks to see A-Rod hit legitimate home runs in the Bronx.

"When you're productive, you re-earn their respect and they pull for you," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about the fans. "That's the bottom line as players, not just in our sport but in all sports. They want to see their players successful. It really came down to how productive he was going to be, that really determined how he was going to be received. So far he's done a really good job."

And A-Rod overall has been doing the job. It started in spring training by giving the right answers to the media. The proper approach to the answers has continued to be acceptable enough to pass a damage control class.

Consider that Alex Rodriguez praised Mays, the man he surpassed. That he mentioned  how proud his late father would have been to see the milestone home run. And he mentioned how important it was to be playing baseball again after sitting out the last year. There was no mention again of rehashing the events, and A-Rod quickly got around the question of the possible battle of his employers not paying the millions that were specified in the contract of surpassing Mays, Ruth, or beyond.

No, that battle may be left for another time as the Yankees continue go about their business of winning games, and doing that with a healthy Alex Rodriguez in their lineup.

Rodriguez said about the fans reacting to the milestone home run: “I thought the reaction was incredible. It was very humbling. We have the greatest fans in the world. They treated me really good all year and it’s fueling the way I’m playing. I’ve said it all along, the league, the Yankees the fans, nobody owes me anything. I’m so grateful to be playing baseball and I’m thankful to everyone.”        

The question though lingers and it should: Does home run 661, and more to come be a part of the record books? Those who consider cheating attributed to a majority of those home runs will say they don’t count. Then there are those who say it doesn’t matter, but it should. An admission of guilt after battling the denial of using PEDs is evidence that those home runs are fiction. 

In the end the home runs go in the record book. The Yankees as a team won’t have an opinion either way if A-Rod adds to his career home run total. To them that means production coming from a spot in their lineup that was going to be a hit or a miss.

To the Yankees hierarchy, well that is another dilemma and the drama will continue.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786 

#ARod #Homerun #PED #Yankees #Sports #Bronxnews