Yankees Post Game Recap 7/2

Yankees vs Rays Post Game Recap 7/2

Final Score: Rays 4 Yankees 3

Freddy Garcia was able to give the Yankees a good start in his return to the rotation as he went 5 1/3 innings allowing five hits two runs and struck out four in a no decision. The long ball was the only problem for Garcia in Mondays game as he gave up solo homeruns to B.J Upton and Carlos Pena.

Boone Logan and David Robertson both struggled in the 7^th inning allowing a walk, a hit, and two runs to score, one of which was unearned due to a error by Mark Teixeira trying to get the final two outs of the seventh.

Chad Qualls was able to have a successful debut for the Yankees, after coming over from the Phillies, getting a strikeout and fly out against the two batters he faced.

Mark Teixeira got the Yankees offense going early with a RBI double in the first inning scoring Derek Jeter.

Robinson Cano would keep his hitting streak going early with a RBI base hit in the first inning scoring Teixeira and giving the Yanks a early 2-0 lead.

The Yankees were able to manufacture a run in the seventh inning, something that has been eluding them in recent games. Curtis Granderson hit a sac fly to score Chris Stewart who walked to lead off the inning, and with a wild pitch and Jeter moving him to third base, he was able to tag from third to score.

Chris Stewart is certainly earning some playing time with Russell Martin battling back issues and a sub .200 batting average. Stewart went 1 for 2 with a walk scored a run on Monday and is batting .270 for the season.

Yankees will be playing the second game of the series against the Rays Tuesday as Ivan Nova (9-2, 4.03) will face James Shields (7-5, 4.04).

Nets to acquire Joe Johnson

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With many rumors flying around the last few days about a trade between the Nets and Hawks for All-Star guard Joe Johnson, it is confirmed that the two teams have reached a agreement to send Johnson to Brooklyn.

The trade sends Johnson to the Nets for Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro, Jordan Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, and the Houston Rockets lottery protected 1^st round draft pick.

Joe Johnson was handed a huge 6 year $119 million contract two years ago by the Atlanta Hawks and has not lived up to it, and it is considered by many to be a very bad contract. Johnson is now 31 and has 4 years and almost $90 million left on the deal.

The Nets still believe that Deron Williams is resigning and that him and Johnson will become one of the best back court duos in the NBA. With this trade, the Nets are also covering themselves to a certain degree that if Williams does in fact leave, they do have an All-Star to market for the move to Brooklyn, and can try to make a run at Steve Nash or maybe Jeremy Lin.

If Williams resigns, with the trade for Joe Johnson and his contract, it would seem extremely unlikely that Dwight Howard will get his wish to be playing for Brooklyn as the Nets wouldn’t be able to pay him.

The Nets starting lineup is looking good if they get their players to sign as it would be Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace, Mirza Teletovic, and Brook Lopez, but it all depends on if they are able to sign Williams and restricted free agent Lopez. If they can, the Nets should definitely be a playoff team but them challenging Miami still seems a ways off.

New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Post Game Recap 7-1

Final Score: New York Mets: 3 Los Angeles Dodgers: 8

The Mets were unable to pull of the sweep of the Dodgers, falling 8-3 on Sunday Night Baseball. Sloppy fielding and poor play overall played a part in the squandering of a 2-0 early lead.  Behind a strong performance from All-Star and reigning MVP Clayton Kershaw and three Mets errors, the Dodgers salvaged the last game of the series.

Errors by second baseman Ronny Cedeno and first baseman Justin Turner led to the first two Dodger runs to tie the score.  The Dodgers, who had been shut out in five of their last six games, will take runs in any way possible. 

The next inning, the Dodgers were able to manufacture another run, giving them their first lead in 66 innings before Juan Rivera touched home plate in the 6^th inning on a James Loney groundout.

The Mets were only trailing by one run at that point, but more sloppy play in the 7^th inning blew the game open making it a laugher.  Miguel Batista entered the game with one out after relievers Ramon Ramirez and Justin Hampson loaded the bases.

Batista was able to cause a come-backer, but catcher Mike Nickeas missed the ball and was charged with an error. Instead of having an inning ending double play, the Mets deficit was expanded.  The Dodgers would add two more runs before the inning ended, making for an 8-3 lead.

Overall, the Mets finished their road trip 4-3, a good record when you consider how poorly the trip had started.  The Mets can be confident in themselves heading back to Queens for a series against the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins heading into the All-Star break.

After an off day on Monday, the Mets will be back at it Tuesday against the Phillies. Jon Niese (6-3 3.55 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Mets against Vance Worley (4-4 2.92 ERA) of the Phillies. 

Rangers, Islanders Make Moves on First Day of Free Agency

The New York Rangers and New York Islanders wasted no time re-signing and signing on the first day of free agency.

The New York Islanders added to their defense, and signed Matt Carkner from Ottawa. Carkner signed a three-year deal worth $4.5 million. Carkner is a hated foe of the Islanders cross-town rival New York Rangers when he went after Rangers forward Brian Boyle during their first round playoff series last season. Carkner is not known for his offensive ability, but known more for his physical play. The Islanders also signed Brad Boyes from Buffalo. Boyes and the Islanders agreed on a one year contract worth $1 million.

The Islanders also lost two players to free agency. P.A Parenteau signed a four-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche, reportedly worth $16 million. Micheal Haley left the Islanders, but did not leave New York. Haley signed with the New York Rangers on Sunday afternoon.

The New York Rangers had a busy day restructuring their roster as well. The Rangers re-signed defenseman Stu Bickel, and also signed veteran big man Arron Asham, which leads to the news most Ranger fans did not want to hear. Fan favorite Brandon Prust signed a four-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens. The Rangers also lost another big man in John Scott, who signed with the Buffalo Sabres. The Rangers also added former New York Islander Micheal Haley.

The Rangers have still shown interest in Rick Nash of Columbus, among other big name free agents still on the market.

More to follow as free agency will heat up over the next week.

Yankees Post-game Recap 7/1

Yankees vs. White Sox Post Game Recap 7/1

The New York Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox Sunday afternoon, and were able to salvage a series split with Chicago.

After a tough first inning, giving up two runs, Phil Hughes was able to settle down and give the Yankees another great start. Hughes went eight innings, allowed six hits, one walk and two first innings runs while striking out eight batters for his ninth win of the season.

Rafael Soriano came in and closed the door on the White Sox, striking out two batters, for his 18th save of the season.

Eric Chavez, getting the start for Alex Rodriguez at third base, was able to get the Yankees offense started with a two run homerun. It was his 6th homerun of the season and scored Raul Ibanez in the 2nd inning.

Robinson Cano, on the day he was named starting second baseman for the American League, continued his red hot hitting June into July, and belted his 20th homerun of the season. It was a two run blast scoring Mark Teixeira in the third inning.

Derek Jeter went 1 for 5 in Sunday’s game, seeing his batting average drop under the .300 mark to .299 as his June woes have hurt the captain’s batting average.

Russell Martin's struggles continued, going 0 for 4, as his average continues to head away from the Mendoza line sporting a .186 average now.

The Yankees will be heading down to Florida to face the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, as Freddy Garcia (2-2, 6.39) will be starting for the Yankees against Matt Moore (4-5, 4.19).

New York Mets Sending Two Players to All-Star Game

The MLB All-Star rosters were announced today, and the New York Mets will be represented by two players in Kansas City for the game.

Third baseman David Wright and starting pitcher R.A. Dickey will be making the trip for the Mets. This is Wright’s sixth All-Star selection and Dickey’s first.

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Wright will be a reserve on the team, considered an upset by some not to be the starter ahead of San Francisco Giants Pablo Sandoval.  Wright held nearly a 465,000 vote lead earlier in the week, which Sandoval closed and eventually won by over 1.6 million votes.  Wright's stats trump Sandoval's across the board because Sandoval spent time on the disabled list with a broken bone in his hand; nonetheless Wright will be backing him up because of the fan vote.

Wright now sits fourth in Mets franchise history for All-Star game appearances, trailing nine appearances for Tom Seaver and seven appearances for both Mike Piazza and Darryl Strawberry. 

R.A. Dickey will be making his first All-Star appearance and deservedly so.  Dickey leads the majors with 12 wins against one loss on the season and has outstanding stats to go along with it including a 2.15 ERA and 116 strikeouts. 

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Dickey has a very good chance of being named the starting pitcher for the NL All-Star team, but that decision will not be announced until the day before the All-Star game festivities begin July 9th.

Yankees send 3 starters to All-Star Game

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Yankees get 3 starters for 2012 All-Star game.

The New York Yankees who are in first place in the A.L East, are leading the division by five games heading into Sunday and will be well represented in the 2012 All-Star game in Kansas City. Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, and Curtis Granderson will all be starting for the American League and C.C Sabathia was named to the team as well, but probably wont be pitching due to his injured groin.

Robinson Cano, who is the captain for the A.L in the Homerun Derby, will also be the starting second baseman for the A.L. making his 4th All-Star game appearance. Cano is having another great season, hitting .308 with 19 homeruns and 44 RBIs.  He was hot in June, as he hit .340 with 11 homeruns in the month.

Derek Jeter was named the starting shortstop for the A.L. This will be his 13th All-Star game as the 38 year old Jeter is having a great season leading off for the Yankees. Derek is batting .302 with 7 homeruns 25 RBIs 41 runs scored and has 98 hits on the season.

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Curtis Granderson will be starting in the outfield for the A.L., making his 3rd All-Star game and second straight as a Yankee. Granderson has become one of the better power hitters in the majors since joining the Yankees, as he has 23 homeruns and 46 RBIs, hitting .248 on the season. His 23 homeruns is good for 4th best in the majors only behind Jose Bautista, Josh Hamilton, and Adam Dunn.

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C.C Sabathia, who was recently put on the DL with a groin injury, will be going to his 6th All-Star game; but his injury will probably keep him out until a little bit past the game. Sabathia is 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA and 105 strike outs on the season.

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Wallace to Resign With Nets

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Gerald Wallace to resign with Nets

Sources are saying that the Nets and Gerald Wallace have agreed verbally to a 4 year $40 million deal but can't sign until July 11th. Wallace opted out of the final year of his contract worth 9.5 million, but had always intended to resign with the Nets.

The Nets had to give up their 1st round pick for Wallace in the trade to Portland, which ended up being the 6th pick in the draft. It was a high price, making it really a necessity for the Nets to keep Wallace around to try and provide Deron Williams some appealing pieces; getting Williams to resign as that is the main goal.

Wallace is very injury prone but when healthy is a great defender and made the All Star team in 2010 with the Bobcats. Wallace is now 29, and last season in his time with the Trail Blazers and Nets he averaged 13.8pts, 6.7reb, 2.8ast, and 1.5stl while shooting 45% from the field in 58 games.

Farmar to stay with Nets

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With NBA free agency kicking off, Jordan Farmar exercised his $4.25 million dollar player option to stay with the Brooklyn Nets.

Farmar is coming off a season in which he played in 39 games, starting 5 of them.  He averaged 21.3 minutes a game and scored 10.4 points and 3.3 assists.  Farmar shot 46 % from the field and 44% from 3 point land.

The Nets are beginning to have a log jam at the guard position. Farmar joins Marshon Brooks and Anthony Marrow under contract in addition to the drafting of Tyshawn Taylor in the 2nd round of Thursday's draft.

With the hope that Deron Williams is coming back and the talk of Jason Kidd  following where ever Williams decides to go, it would appear that Farmar maybe used in a trade. The Nets have been linked in conversations for Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard, and Luis Scola to try and give Williams some help.

New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Post Game Recap 6-30

Final Score: New York Mets: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers: 0

The Mets ran their winning streak to four games at the expense of the reeling Dodgers with yet another shut out, winning 5-0.  Tonight’s win moved the Mets one game closer to their first ever four game sweep of the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have suffered shutouts in five of the last six games without All-Star hitters Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier in the lineup.  Tonight the Dodgers offense was unable to get anything going because of the stellar performance of Johan Santana.

Santana pitched eight shutout innings, scattering three hits and two walks to go along with three strikeouts.  Santana now has career numbers of 5-0 with a 0.50 ERA against the Dodgers, closing out June with almost as dominant performance as he started it with (Santana threw the first no hitter in Mets franchise history on June 1^st).

The Mets offense tonight was led by Ike Davis. Davis took advantage of the Dodgers intentionally walking David Wright in front of him in the 6^th inning, hitting a three run homerun, his 11^th of the season.  Davis would finish the game 2-4, getting his batting average over the Mendoza line for the second time this season at .203.

Daniel Murphy and Josh Thole both knocked in RBI’s with sacrifice flies in the 2^nd and 5^th innings to round out the offense for the Mets. 

The Mets’ defense struggled in Chicago, but tonight was on point against the Dodgers.  Santana made two stellar plays in the field to help his own cause and were was also helped by David Wright and Daniel Murphy. 

In the 2^nd inning, Murphy ranged to his right to start up a 4-6-3 double play.  It does not seem like much but it is encouraging to see Murphy becoming more comfortable playing 2^nd base as it has been a work in progress for Murphy on defense.  Wright was able to make a barehanded on a bunt attempt in the 4^th inning, throwing out speedster Elian Herrera at first base.

Not everything was great about the Mets as a whole tonight, as Andres Torres struggled on the base paths.  In the first inning, Torres was doubled off first pass on a fly out to right field by Wright. Torres was able to get on base in his next at-bat in the 3^rd inning, but was picked off first base by Dodgers catcher A.J Ellis. 

Next up for the Mets is the 4^th game of their series against the Dodgers on Sunday night baseball.  The only thing between the Mets and a sweep is reigning NL Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw (5-4 2.72 ERA).  Dillon Gee (5-6 4.42 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets.