Round 2: Pettitte vs. Wakefield

The Yankees would probably make the trade because all they have to do is give up a B-level prospect and Kei Igawa. We should've given up Igawa a long time ago. I'm surprised anyone still wants him.

-EJ/Kid From New York

http://yankeesquad.mlblogs.com

I knowwww. Igawa has been nothing but garbage. The Yanks almost thought they had fixed him when he started doing well in the minors way back when. Then they brought him back up and... wah laaa.... he still sucked, lol.

I guess Safeco's a good pitcher's park, but... even that may not save Igawa.

-EJ/Kid From New York

http://yankeesquad.mlblogs.com

I agree. What ever reason why a team would want Igawa is beyond me... but if the Yanks can get rid of him sweeet.

Pettitte and Molina should have a play where Pettitte throws a pitch kinda high and Molina reaches for it but conveniently completely misses it, if you know what I mean. Take my word; I said Jeter would contribute and he certainly has in this game. A great defensive play and a double. Life is good in prediction-land.

-EJ/Kid From New York

http://yankeesquad.mlblogs.com

Hey V. I just got in from my daughter's softball tournament, and she made it to the semi-finals before losing. She had a great couple games. I see the Yanks have to make a comeback.

C'mon, let's score!

-EJ/Kid From New York

http://yankeesquad.mlblogs.com

Abreu at 3-2, needs to deliver Molina here.

Oh yeah! Abreu delivers, 2-1 now. Clutch. Abreu is money with 2-out RISP. I'd run him here.

A-Rod cranked that off the monster sign, and it popped straight up, double for him but Abeu still at third for Giambi.

Single and a double. 2-1! It's Giambi's time to shine now.

hey J. i thought you'd be too busy to stop by. awh and tell GLG congrats for making it to the semis. it's too bad she lost :(
the yanks are doing something with 2 outs.... i'm loving this new yankee team.

Nearly a homer to right, but they're getting Wakefield's measure, 2-1. Hold it here, Pettite.

Giambi needs a day off. He's not producing like he should. Red-hot Cano and the new guy, Nady are up next. Let's not forget those are two great hitters. Nady is leading the AL in Batting average with this trade.

Hey V. It was an early day--started at 8:15 a.m. with practice at the field, hot, humid day, but lots of fun and GLG had a great day--two hits, three walks, two RBIs, lots of outs in the field. Great day for her. I'm glad I got in when the Yanks' offense showed up. I don't think they're done off Wakefield.

I see Ramirez decided to play today after the MRIs showed he was faking. What a flake.

4 LOB.. they're getting the hits, just need to get them in

i like the new picture, Vanessa.. you're smiling and very pretty!

damnn, pettitte has been having trouble every inning today. as long as he keeps the score here i won't scream. the bullpen can take care of things today if pettitte can't go deep [which is likely considering how high his pitch count is right now]

Ortiz is whining. That was a strike at the belt. Sit down.

No, wait, Manny's still injured. He's not running. Oh wait, then he's always injured.
C'mon, Pettitte.

I agree about Giambi, Kid. Sexson should play against the lefty Lester tomorrow night.

Pettite is struggling a bit. Hopefully he can minimize the damage.

yeah, i don't know if that last dye job of his stache took away some of the luck EJ.
heyy level. thxx for the compliment. i wasn't going to smile but you asked for it lol.
manny is such a bumm. i heard the sox would trade him if he waived his no trade clause but c'mon, not many teams would put up with him.

"Manny hasn't run hard in so long he doesn't know that he isn't running hard," according to McCarver. What a load of nonsense, like Ramirez doesn't know he isn't running hard, and like McCarver can psychoanalyze him from the booth.

cano, nady and cabrera coming up. let's see what nady can do.

whew.. two catches by Xavier.. hopefully Andy can pitch at least 6 full innings

did anyone see the stats on the Yankee bullpen? i think it was that the Yankee bullpen has been keeping very low runs and has a high number of strikeouts

ROBBIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
man his bat's EN FUEGO!!!!!!!!!!!

OH YEAH!! GOOD-BYE!! Cano BLASTS one to dead center, 2-2 tie. Huge homer.

Y NOOOO! NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOO! DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA! Cano is the man.

I wanted to know what you guys thought about the Casey Blake trade, and how he's headed to the Dodgers.

Melky with what should be an infield single, a swinging rolling bunt. Run here, Melky.

melk drops down a bunt? o... m.... g...

Quidado con el fuego, level boss.

Exactly what Melky has to do; bunt.

Cuidado, excuse me. My spanish is rusty.

Did he bunt? My mistake. I turned back to the TV just late, it seemed.

Too bad Gardner got sent down, but he wasn't producing much, and Nady is a heck of a pick-up. That's a very good trade the Yanks made.

I'd agree, Jason. That was an awesome trade, Karstens or no Karstens. So what do you guys think about Casey Blake heading to LA?

Damon... welcome back, my friend! 3-2!

the Bombers take the lead, woot

Terrific two-out clutch hit by JD after Melky's steal, which he needs to do more, 3-2 Yankees. More runs.

JD! Yanks take the lead.

Now JD stole second, running wild. Good. A hit from the Captain can make it 4-2.

I didn't see that, Kid. What was the exchange between Cleveland and LA?

Mmmm... hard-hit by Jeter, but no luck. Let's see if Pettitte can get it done, and then the bullpen should dominate as always. So who pitches the 7th? Farnsworth doesn't pitch that well back-to-back days, and he's not trustable anyway, so... Veras or Ramirez?

Karstens could go, and fine with me. McCutchen was well-regarded but not a top-flight guy. The Yankees didn't have to surrender their best prospects for two key guys who will fill obvious needs.

I hadn't heard about the casey blake trade EJ. i don't really follow the trades made that don't have to do with the yankees. who was in the trade?

I'd say Veras, Kid.

Casey Blake, Indians 3rd baseman, goes to the Dodgers for AAA pitcher Jon Meloan and A catcher Forgot-His-Name goes to the Indians. The Indians also got Anthony Reyes from the Cards for a Minor-League Pitcher.

Pettitte's getting his calls and he's settled down.

Sorry EJ, didn't know that that was you--Kid from NY.

mark grace was on the little pre-game on fox. how come they don't have him guest commentate? mark grace is a cool dude.

Consecutive K's from Pettite, two down.

Interesting trade by Cleveland. I wonder if they'll hold a second-half Fire Sale--CC. Blake, who's next?

I don't know if I know you, Jason. But please call me EJ.

Rough start but a good rebound for the Yanks.
http://aroundfirst.mlblogs.com/

Hey, Vanessa , and Jason...

Well, I had a feeling Cano would hit a homer in yesterday's game, but it's great he hit it today !!! ... "Don't You Know, Robinson Cano" contnues with his hot hitting ... With his two hits in this game, it should bring him close to a .270 batting average - on his way to .300 ... Go Cano ... Go Yankees !!! ... Jimmy [27NYY] ...

http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

Pettite has settled in nicely, but is at 81 pitches through 4 IP.

81 pitches for Andy.. if he can make it through 6 full innings and hold it down, then i think the Yankee bullpen (including new acquisition Damaso Marte) hopefully can hold the line

i have a feeling Marte's gonna face Ortiz today

if cano had gotten one more hit yesterday he would have a 7 game multi-hit streak.... amazing. i knew he would find his stroke but i didn't think he would be thiiiis hot when he did.

Cano is currently .269.

Wassup Jimmy, I'm here too.

Pettitte looks like the same Pettitte as usual; dominating. Anytime you get a redhot guy like Pedroia to bounce out that weakly, that's a good thing.

It's great to hear a quiet Fenway Park crowd. If a pitch is remotely close, they start barking like it's Don Denkinger part Duex. Jeez, shut up, Red Sox fans.

"i knew [Robbie] would find his stroke but i didn't think he would be thiiiis hot.."

hopefully his buddy Melky can do the same

"i knew he would find his stroke but i didn't think he would be thiiiis hot when he did."

I did. The guy has batting titles in his future. Plus, remember last year?

No, no. Don't trade Melky. Don't do that.

come on, Nady.. time to show why the Yankees traded for you

Damn. How do you get thrown out on a knuckleball?

Stranded runners, like last night lots of hits but a close game. Hold it here, Pettite.

That's what I was thinking, EJ. How did Cano get thrown out on a high knuckle-ball and a high throw from Cash? Remarkable.

LOL.
and this is just my opinion but i don't they'll go for washburn if they have to give up melk or gardner. melk hasnt been hitting well of late but idk if cash would deal him.

Looks like we'll see Marte today, no? If Pettitte can go six we may have this one in the bag.

Wow, what a cheap hit by Ortiz. A bouncer like that is normally a routine play by Cano, but not with that ridiculous shift.

5-4-3 on the two slowest runners since Lazarus and Methuselah gets pettite out of the fifth, nice. Pettite is at 95 pitches.

good DP to get out of the inning. pettitte has gotten threw five. does he start the 6th with 95 pitches?

I'd say yes, V. He can get through six.

Andy's at 95 pitches.. just one more solid inning, and the bullpen can take over
i'd go with Dave Robertson and then Edwar.. and if necessary of course Mo

I would think so, Vanessa. He's getting better as the game goes along, plus he's a veteran and can handle high pitch counts. If you pair that up with how hot he's been, I might put him in the seventh. Wakefield has no control.

Nice hit by Melky.

Robertson and then Edwar, levelboss? We got Marte in that trade with the Buckos, remember?

Yeah, Melky! Double high off the monster, second and thirdm no outs. Drive the ball.

HBP, bases loaded, no outs.

nice double.. a little higher and it would have been a 2-run jack

come on Yankees! second and third with no outs

oops as i wrote that, Jose got hit by a pitch.. bases loaded, no outs.. gotta get at least 2 here

i say they have him start the 6th but have someone warming. i would think we would see marte today, just because.

4-6 force scores one, 4-2, one out for the Captain.

nice running Johnny.. 4-2, 1 out, new pitcher

100 pitches is it for Wakefield. Nice job by the Bombers to score off of Wakefield. Looks like another Yankee victory right now.

I'd take Girardi over Torre anyday.

Hey, EJ ... Levelboss ... and, Cody ...

How are you all doing !!! ... I hope the Yankees don't trade Melky ... Also, nice 5-4-3 Double Play that Manny hit into ... It looked like he was running backwards !!!

here's this from abraham:
TRADE UPDATE, 5:41 p.m.: Jarrod Washburn might not be a Yankee today, but it could happen as early as tomorrow. The Yankees appear willing to absorb the $14 million he has left on his deal in return for not sending Seattle any player of significance. No, not Kei Igawa

Washburn will either waive his no-trade right or get compensated by Seattle in some way.

It’s a lot of money, but Washburn would be an upgrade on Ponson or Rasner. Having him around also would cushion the blow if Andy Pettitte and/or Mike Mussina retires after this season or go elsewhere.

hey Jimmy

Jeter!!!!!! base-hit rbi!

You got that right, Jimmy. Manny could never make the Phillies. Look at what Manuel does to his players, he takes them out when they don't play hard. Manny would be in hell...

NICE hit by Jeter! What'd I tell you, Jeter's gonna have a big series.

The Captain! Single scores Melky, 5-2. Keep it going, BA.

Yes ...

RBI SINGLE BY THE CAPTAIN !!!!!

woot!!!! 6-2 Yankees!!! nice hitting Bobby!

Oh YEAH! Who sucks now?! Nice double by Abreu, and it's a 4-run game. I love these guys...

BA with a double off tge monster, 6-2, second and third for A-Rod. Kicking @$$ and taking names right now.

a base-hit by A-Rod here would open up the game.. but then again, you can't get enough runs against the Red Sox

Hey Jimmy. How are you?

hey Jason, long time no type

7-2, nice hit A-Rod

7-2. A-Rod lined that ball. He's the best player in baseball, easy.

i'm gonna buy some tissues for all red sox fans. i know they're crying now. hehe.

A-Rod with an RBI single, 7-2 Yanks with Giambi coming up against the lefty coming in.

Giambi's 0-3 today.. maybe he's due for a hit now

Giambi, then Cano, then Nady. This should be interesting against Lopez.

Wow, an awkward DP. Joe Buck called it a great play, but that was just an awful play. It was a good grab, but Youk took forever to throw to third base and it was still an out. Youkilis hesitated a bazillion times. "Great play", yeah right.

Bobby Abreu ... "Sweet As Candy" !!!!!! ...

Hey, now that the Yankees have traded for Nady, there has been some talk on some other blogs about the Yankees not re-signing Abreu, and then have Nady play right field next year ... What do you all think ? ... In my view, the Yankees should sign Abreu to a new three-year deal [2009-'10-'11] ... His bat is such a great force in the middle of the lineup, hitting line drives all over the field !!!

i thought it was cool. if giambi had made that play i would of started a parade

Easy two-hopper to A-Rod, one down.

ok, i say take him out now.

That homer from Drew left little doubt.

Jimmy, it really depends on the performance of both guys, but I'd take Bobby over Nady. Bobby has much more speed and is a better defender, though I'd still keep Marte and Nady for next year. I don't like the thought of having them for 2 months and then letting them go.

Heck of a stretch from Giambi to spare A-Rod an error, two down.

i think they should keep abreu too. i love seeing his bat in the lineup and has a strong arm.

Pettite settled into a heck of a start, working through six after laboring early. 110 pitches should finish it, strong six.

Alright, now you take Pettitte out. Nice quality start we got from him.
Hmm... what moves do you guys think the Yanks should make, if any?

whew.. nice job Andy.. holding the Red Sox to 3 runs in 6 innings at Fenway is solid.. bad throw from A-Rod, great stretch by Giambi

i think Edwar is going in the 7th

I like Abreu, but not at $16 million. If he'd be willing to work out an agreement for, say, $23 million for the next two years like Mussina did, definitely keep him.

ow.. well that's one way to get on base

That HBP looks like nothing right now, but.. I dunno, Mr. Lopez.

C'mon, let's see Marte! Gratz, Vanessa, on getting over 100 comments here.

i'm not the most educated baseball fan in the world but it doesnt seem like the yanks need to make one. the only part of the team that looks like it needs a lift is the starting rotation, which could be solved inside the organization. i would like to see them give kennedy another shot. hughes has already started his rehab.

Failed hit-and-run ends in a DP. Hold it here, bullpen.

come on Edwar

gracias EJ.
jason used to get like 200/300+ comment daily when he was still in mlblogs. now he's at wordpress and still has us stopping by his great HDLRs :)

I agree about the rotation and potential moves, V.

oops, it's Jose Veras in

The Red Sox don't seem like they have a shot. We're going into the bullpen with a 4-run lead, and the way this bullpen's pitched, plus Damaso Marte... yikes. So, guys, is this the best 'pen in the bigs, or no?

Here comes Veras.

if the yanks hold on thiss would be 8 straight and they'd be undefeated after the all-star break. i predicted 9 straight and that possibility is looking good.

Feel free to come by The Heartland, with the link on the right-hand column over at WordPress, It's easy, you can establish a user name, I approve your comment, and we go from there. I do have an HDLR tomorrow night, for any interested.

I hope you continue to do these, V. You do a great job hosting. I'll come by when I can.

Yeah, it's going to come down to money, regarding the Yankees re-signing Abreu or not ... I hope they re-sign him !!! ... But, no matter what happens with Abreu, [I think?], Nady and Marte are both signed through 2010 ... So, we will see what happens ... as they: "Follow The Money" !!!

Marte is warming up in the bullpen. The guy is dominant, so... I'm excited to see him. Veras looks like himself right now, which is overpowering.

Level! Sorry I missed your greeting earlier. I've been in between the game and chewing the fat with my daughter. How have things been?

Guaranteed Marte will be in versus Ortiz. Big test, 2 on, 1 out.

Marte

and marte is coming in to face ortiz... dum dum DUM

Ooof, back to back hits. Veras keeps going away. Here comes Marte!

If Marte and Nady are really signed through 2010, life in Yankeeland will be sweet for a long time, as always..

hey Jason, things could be better
how's your ph.D? history right?

Marte vs. Ortiz !!!

Been busy, but good. Why could things be better, level?

Marte is ON!