I thought the lefty Braves pitcher, Minor, had
very good movement on his pitches. Obviously he hadn’t pitched that well before
this game, but he has some ability, specifically with the ability to throw a
change that had a screwball movement and then throwing a breaking ball that was
at the same speed that went the opposite way, which means the batter must pick
up the spin or release to know which way it is going. His fastball
is around 91 so it isn’t overpowering, but if he can spot that he could be
effective. The Yanks were off balance against
him but I think this game was won because Atlanta
refused to allow the guy to stay in the game after 100 pitches. He was cruising and after getting one out he
allowed a cheap grounder single to Jeter.
I would have at least let him stay in against Granderson as the score
was 4-0 and Grandy is still better against righties and the Yanks had done
nothing so far. An extra 4-5 pitches so
finishing around 105 would not have been a big deal.
Thankfully the Atlanta coaching staff made a call to the pen…a
single and walk later ARod was up with the bases loaded and a 3-2 count. ARod then lined a pitch just over the wall to
tie the game and Lou Gehrig for the most grand slams in major league
history!!! A single and walk later and
Swish gave us a two run lead on a very poorly placed pitch right in Swish’s
wheelhouse. ARod has had some very good AB's, even if he hasn't won all of them
A few other notes:
·
I am still not happy with the lack of velocity
on CC’s fastball, I don’t think he hit 94 all game and he was usually 92. His change is such a big part of his game,
but because the batters are not geared up for the 94-95 heat, the change is not
as effective. CC keeps grinding and
keeps us close, but I am concerned because he simply won’t be as dominant
without the velocity coming back. BTW,
he failed to cover 1st again, but this time it didn’t cost us
·
Rapada came on in the 8th inning to
get a lefty and struck him and did his job.
With Simmons (hitting from the right side) I would have taken him out,
but Girardi stuck with him with a lefty on deck…and he walked the righty. Then after Atlanta pinch hit a righty Girardi had the
same decision except the tying run is not at the plate and Girardi let Rapada
face the righty with a lefty on deck. It
is a risky move, but with a lefty on deck at least there is some logic. Rapada got Ross and then the lefty to get
through the 8th. I bring this
up for a few reasons. 1) I think Rapada
should be used almost daily to get the one lefty or a 2 lefties in 3 batter
situation. This was actually his 4 straight game and I wouldn't have let him face so many righties. 2) He is better when used
frequently but for short bursts. I think
we see that as he hasn’t been good when he doesn’t pitch for long periods of
time…However, when he gets consistent short bursts he is really effective against
lefties. 3) I think it underscores the reason
why it is critical to have at least two lefties in the pen; it gives the
manager so much more flexibility on making moves and simultaneously, makes it
harder for the opposing manager because he still has to worry about another
lefty coming in. 4) Finally, it also
shows why it is best to setup your lineup without so many hitter from the same
side in a row…for the same reasons listed in part 3.
·
Martin pinch hit for Stewart in the 8th
inning and while I was glad Girardi was not giving up on the 4-0 game and also
confused as to why Girardi would make Martin get fully loose again and then go
catch? The idea to have Stewart catch is
to give Martin a break and as I have said numerous times, I would like our guys
to get a full day of rest without warming up unless an emergency situation
arises. In my view, down 4-0 leading off
an inning is not an emergency and Martin should have gotten a full day of rest.
·
I was glad Soriano got out there and got the
save; his stuff was still not really good again with the exception of the breaking pitch to Freeman, but his location was very good and location
is the most important/effective part of his game.
·
Three weeks ago this team had a .500 record and was tied for last place in the division...now WE ARE IN FIRST PLACE!
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