FanHouse

FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ School's Out for Winter: Here Are Lessons Learned From 2009 Postseason http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/schools-out-for-winter-here-are-lessons-learned-from-2009-post/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/schools-out-for-winter-here-are-lessons-learned-from-2009-post/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/schools-out-for-winter-here-are-lessons-learned-from-2009-post/#comments

Filed under: MLB Playoffs

Brian Cashman

NEW YORK -- The Yankees had just begun celebrating their 27th World Series title, and first in nine years (that's 63 in Yankee-drought years), when general manager Brian Cashman was asked about people saying his team bought a title.

"You can call us anything you want," Cashman said. "You're also going to have to call us world champions."

But if the Yankees' latest championship teaches us anything, it's that a big payroll is just money unless it's combined with smarts.

Here's what we can conclude off the 2009 postseason:

Complete World Series Coverage

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]]> Brian CashmanBrianCashman Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-05T20:19:00 00:00 Angels Re-Sign Abreu Through 2011 With 2012 Option http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/angels-re-sign-abreu-through-2011-with-2012-option/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/angels-re-sign-abreu-through-2011-with-2012-option/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/angels-re-sign-abreu-through-2011-with-2012-option/#comments

Filed under: Angels, MLB Transactions

Bobby Abreu

After a few efforts over the second half of the season, the Angels were able to re-sign outfielder Bobby Abreu on Thursday, locking up the first of many potential free agents on thier roster.

According to a major league source, Abreu will get $9 million in 2010 and 2011. There is a $1 million buyout on a $9 million option for 2012, but Abreu can guarantee the third year with a certain number of plate appearances.

"We are excited to have Bobby and the presence he brings to our organization," said general manager Tony Reagins in a prepared statement. "He was an integral part of what we accomplished in 2009 and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field."

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]]> bobby abreu Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-05T15:41:00 00:00 Trio With Uncertain Future Makes Yankees' Present Awfully Sweet http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/trio-with-uncertain-future-make-yankees-present-awfully-sweet/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/trio-with-uncertain-future-make-yankees-present-awfully-sweet/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/trio-with-uncertain-future-make-yankees-present-awfully-sweet/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Biz, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Johnny Damon / Andy Pettitte / Hideki Matsui

NEW YORK -- None of them were on the field Wednesday when Robinson Cano threw out Shane Victorino to clinch the Yankees' World Series championship.

And no one should be surprised if neither Hideki Matsui, Andy Pettitte nor Johnny Damon are on the field in Tampa, Fla., next February for Yankees' spring training.

But this championship would not have happened without them.

All three are potential free agents. And all three may wind up leaving the Yankees, for various reasons.

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Fletcher | Mariotti | Moore | Olson
Game 6: Yankees 7, Phillies 3 | Box Score | Matsui MVP

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]]> Andy PettitteHideki Matsuijohnny damon Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-05T03:45:00 00:00 Yankees Need More Hits, Fewer Excuses From Teixeira, Cano http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/yankees-need-more-hits-fewer-excuses-from-teixeira-cano/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/yankees-need-more-hits-fewer-excuses-from-teixeira-cano/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/yankees-need-more-hits-fewer-excuses-from-teixeira-cano/#comments

Filed under: Phillies, Yankees, World Series

Mark Teixeira New York Yankees World Series

NEW YORK -- Hideki Matsui couldn't be a big part of the Yankees offense the past three World Series games because there was no DH for the games in Philadelphia.

As for Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira, what's their excuse?

Actually, Teixeira was glad to offer up an excuse.

"Unfortunately, during these playoffs, it's been tough to get into a rhythm," Teixeira (hitting .172 in the postseason) said Tuesday before the Yankees worked out. "When you're in a rhythm during the season, you're going to fail seven out of 10 times. When you're not in a rhythm, you're going to fail a lot more than that. And unfortunately for me, that's kind of been the case right now."

More Coverage: Playoff Pulse | Phillies Take Game 5 | Short Rest Issues?

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]]> Mark TeixeiraRobinson Cano Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-03T19:30:00 00:00 Selling Short: Will Pettitte Be Better Than Burnett on Three Days' Rest? http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/selling-short-will-pettitte-be-better-than-burnett-on-three-day/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/selling-short-will-pettitte-be-better-than-burnett-on-three-day/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/selling-short-will-pettitte-be-better-than-burnett-on-three-day/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Andy Pettitte / A.J. Burnett

PHILADELPHIA -- Ready and willing is one thing.

Able is another.

"Oh yeah," Andy Pettitte said with a definitive nod when FanHouse asked if he'd be able to pitch Game 6 of the World Series on short rest. "Whenever they tell me to pitch."

But how will it go?

CC Sabathia was fine on three days' rest in Game 4. A.J. Burnett -- less durable than Sabathia but younger than Pettitte -- was awful in Game 5.

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Mariotti | Fletcher
Game 5: Phillies 8, Yankees 6 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> A.J. BurnettAndy PettitteJoe Girardi Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-03T01:57:00 00:00 'Idiot' Damon Uses Smarts to Put Yankees On Cusp of Title http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/idiot-damon-uses-smarts-to-put-yankees-on-cusp-of-title/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/idiot-damon-uses-smarts-to-put-yankees-on-cusp-of-title/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/idiot-damon-uses-smarts-to-put-yankees-on-cusp-of-title/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Johnny Damon and Pedro Feliz

PHILADELPHIA -- If Johnny Damon isn't careful, people are going to find out that he's got some smarts.

"That's the only thing that keeps me going now," he jokingly told FanHouse early Monday after almost single-handedly creating the Yankees' winning run in Game 4 of the World Series.

With the score tied in the ninth inning, two out and nobody on, Damon battled Brad Lidge through a nine-pitch at-bat to single. He then stole second and third on the same pitch before scoring on Alex Rodriguez's double.

"He really won the game for us," Jorge Posada said.

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Graziano | Fletcher
Game 4: Yankees 7, Phillies 4 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> johnny damon Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-02T01:56:00 00:00 Fix on Fly Helps Pettitte Pad Postseason Record, Bury Phils in Game 3 http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/fix-on-fly-helps-pettitte-pad-postseason-record-bury-phils-in-g/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/fix-on-fly-helps-pettitte-pad-postseason-record-bury-phils-in-g/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/fix-on-fly-helps-pettitte-pad-postseason-record-bury-phils-in-g/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Andy Pettitte

PHILADELPHIA -- Of Andy Pettitte's record 17 postseason wins, he may be proudest, in a way, of No. 17.

"I can't remember winning a game where I've struggled like I did tonight," Pettitte said after the Yankees won Game 3 of the World Series. "It's very gratifying to be able to go out there and just battle through it."

For two innings Saturday, Pettitte was awful. He could not hit catcher Jorge Posada's target. Pettitte needed 51 pitches to get through those first two innings, and he gave up three runs to the Phillies in a 31-pitch second, digging a big hole for the Yankees.

But because of the lefty's history, the Yankees were confident he could find his way. And pitching coach Dave Eiland spotted Pettitte's mechanical flaw.

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Fletcher | Mariotti
Game 3: Yankees 8, Phillies 5 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> Andy Pettitte Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-01T02:06:00 00:00 Rivera for Final Two Outs Was Right Call http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/rivera-for-final-two-outs-was-right-call/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/rivera-for-final-two-outs-was-right-call/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/rivera-for-final-two-outs-was-right-call/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada

PHILADELPHIA -- Joe Girardi might not know the intricacies of the save rule, but he knew what he had to do.

Girardi's decision to use closer Mariano Rivera for the final two outs of the Yankees' defeat of the Phillies in Game 3 of the World Series created some debate.

Statistically-oriented obervers would cite "win expectancy" -- saying that it was a waste to use Rivera because the chance of winning was so great with one out, an 8-5 lead and no one on in the ninth.

But that ignores the magnitude of the situation.

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]]> Joe GirardiMariano Rivera Ed Price ed-price 2009-11-01T01:09:00 00:00 Yankees Closer to 3-Man Series Rotation http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/yankees-getting-closer-to-3-man-series-rotation/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/yankees-getting-closer-to-3-man-series-rotation/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/yankees-getting-closer-to-3-man-series-rotation/#comments

CC Sabathia

PHILADELPHIA -- Not only will CC Sabathia come back on short rest for Game 4 of the World Series, but the Yankees seem to be leaning toward using A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte on short rest as well.

That would give the Yankees a three-man rotation for the World Series, which no team has done (in a Series of more than four games) since 1992.

The Yankees confirmed, in no surprise, that Sabathia will start Sunday's Game 4. He also started on short rest in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.

And while manager Joe Girardi would say only he would "possibly" start Burnett in Game 5 and Pettitte in Game 6, he said Chad Gaudin -- the only other option -- would be "available to us in the bullpen" for Game 4.

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]]> A.J. BurnettAndy PettitteCC Sabathia Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-31T17:26:00 00:00 Yanks' Usage of Rivera Could Get Tricky http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/yanks-usage-of-rivera-could-get-tricky/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/yanks-usage-of-rivera-could-get-tricky/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/yanks-usage-of-rivera-could-get-tricky/#comments

Filed under: Phillies, Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Mariano Rivera

PHILADELPHIA -- Like the villain in a comic book or James Bond movie, Joe Girardi has at his disposal the most powerful weapon in the (baseball) universe.

The question now is how often can he use it, and how much on each occasion?

That weapon is Mariano Rivera, the near-automatic postseason closer.

Rivera has nailed down the Yankees' past two postseason wins -- Game 6 of the ALCS and Game 2 of the World Series -- with two innings of work.

In the first, he came in having not pitched the previous two days. In the second, he came in with three days' rest and a guaranteed off day afterward.

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]]> Mariano Rivera Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-30T18:49:00 00:00 Matsui Becomes Spectator in NL Park http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/matsui-becomes-spectator-in-nl-park/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/matsui-becomes-spectator-in-nl-park/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/matsui-becomes-spectator-in-nl-park/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Hideki Matsui

PHILADELPHIA -- The man who hit the go-ahead homer for the Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series will almost certainly not be starting Game 3.

With the shift to the National League park and the loss of the designated hitter, it would seem a stretch for the Yankees to put Hideki Matsui in the outfield. Because of his knees -- he underwent surgery on one and then the other the past two winters -- Matsui has not played the field since June 15, 2008.

"If I wanted to play the outfield," Matsui said, through interpreter Roger Kahlon, before the Yankees' off-day workout Friday, "I believe I could. The only thing is, I haven't had a chance to be in the outfield this year. Could I play the outfield the way I always played, with the situation with my knees? I really don't know until I test it out."

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]]> Hideki MatsuiHidekiMatsui Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-30T17:33:00 00:00 A-Rod of Old Has Returned Against Phils http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/a-rod-of-old-has-returned-against-phils/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/a-rod-of-old-has-returned-against-phils/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/a-rod-of-old-has-returned-against-phils/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Alex Rodriguez

NEW YORK -- After carrying his offensive teammates through the first two rounds of the playoffs, Alex Rodriguez has it the other way around.

A-Rod is finally in the World Series, and his ugly postseason performances have returned.

"Eight at-bats," he said. "I'm not concerned at all.

"I'm going to be fine."

Rodriguez is the first position player with consecutive three-strikeout games in the World Series, joining Red Sox pitcher Jim Lonborg in Games 2 and 5 of the 1967 Series.

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Mariotti | Olson | Moore | Fletcher | Piliere
Game 2: Yankees 3, Phillies 1 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> alex rodriguez Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-30T01:56:00 00:00 Rollins Rips Yankee Stadium Atmosphere http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/rollins-rips-yankee-stadium-atmosphere/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/rollins-rips-yankee-stadium-atmosphere/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/rollins-rips-yankee-stadium-atmosphere/#comments

Filed under: Phillies, Yankees, MLB Fans, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Jimmy Rollins

NEW YORK -- This won't feel like a World Series, Jimmy Rollins said after two games were in the books, until the scene shifts to Philadelphia.

Yes, the latest man New York loves to hate is at it again.

The Phillies shortstop got Mets fans riled up in 2007 when he called the Phillies the team to beat in the NL East. And he was right.

Then this week he predicted a Philadelphia victory in the World Series, in five games.

And now he is on Yankee Stadium fans for being "tame."

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]]> Jimmy Rollins Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-30T01:20:00 00:00 Hughes: Yankees Bullpen Is 'Weak Link Right Now' http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/hughes-yankees-bullpen-is-weak-link-right-now/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/hughes-yankees-bullpen-is-weak-link-right-now/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/hughes-yankees-bullpen-is-weak-link-right-now/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Phil Hughes

NEW YORK -- The binder strikes again.

Phil Hughes said part of the reason he walked the only two Phillies batters he faced in Game 1 of the World Series was he was too worried about the Yankees' scouting reports.

Hughes also admitted the obvious: that the Yankees bullpen, aside from closer Mariano Rivera, has struggled this postseason.

"I feel like we've been getting good performances out of our starting pitching," Hughes said Thursday before Game 2, "Our hitters have been doing a good job scoring enough runs to win games. I feel like the weak link right now is our bullpen."

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]]> Phil Hughes Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-29T19:55:00 00:00 Yankees Bullpen Suddenly a Concern http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/yankees-bullpen-suddenly-a-concern/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/yankees-bullpen-suddenly-a-concern/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/yankees-bullpen-suddenly-a-concern/#comments

by Ed Price Joe Girardi and Phil Hughes

Joe Girardi and Phil Hughes

NEW YORK -- Once upon a time -- say, two weeks ago -- the Yankees bullpen was so deep and effective that manager Joe Girardi couldn't resist going to reliever after reliever.

He did it again Wednesday in Game 1 of the World Series, but because he was looking for someone effective.

The five Yankees relievers who followed CC Sabathia combined to allow four runs in five hits and three walks in just two innings, putting a two-run game out of reach.

Pitching coach Dave Eiliand said he saw "a little timidness" from the group.

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Mariotti | Moore | Fletcher | Price
Game 1: Phillies 6, Yankees 1 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> Joe GirardiPhil Hughes Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-29T02:14:00 00:00 Can CC Keep Shouldering Heavy Load? http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/can-cc-keep-shouldering-heavy-load/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/can-cc-keep-shouldering-heavy-load/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/can-cc-keep-shouldering-heavy-load/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

CC Sabathia

NEW YORK -- With CC Sabathia's loss to the Phillies on Wednesday in Game 1 of the World Series, the Yankees will be at best up 2-games-to-1 going into Game 4.

Which probably means Sabathia will get that start.

And while the team won't yet commit to bringing back its ace on three days' rest, Sabathia has "no doubt" he can do it.

"I'm not saying we're going to," pitching coach Dave Eiland said, "but pitch-count-wise he's OK to do that."

FanHouse World Series Coverage: Mariotti | Moore | Fletcher
Game 1: Phillies 6, Yankees 1 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> CC Sabathia Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-29T01:00:00 00:00 Cleveland Rocks ... With Regret Over World Series Aces http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/cleveland-rocks-with-regret-over-world-series-aces/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/cleveland-rocks-with-regret-over-world-series-aces/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/cleveland-rocks-with-regret-over-world-series-aces/#comments

Filed under: Indians, Phillies, Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Cliff Lee / CC Sabathia

NEW YORK -- People in Cleveland will tune in for Game 1 of the World Series, Brian Anderson said, as a sort of masochistic ritual.

Sort of like attending a Browns game.

"Cleveland fans," Anderson told FanHouse on Tuesday, "as much as it kills them to watch things, be part of things, get emotionally involved, they do it anyway. I bet a lot of people watch it for the ironic, do-you-believe-who's-facing-each-other kind of deal."

Who's facing each other is CC Sabathia of the Yankees and Cliff Lee of the Phillies. They were Cleveland Indians teammates just 16 months ago, each winning a Cy Young Award for the Tribe and getting traded the following July.

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]]> Brian AndersonCC SabathiaCliff Lee Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-27T20:00:00 00:00 A-Rod's All New N.Y. State of Mind http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/a-rods-all-new-n-y-state-of-mind/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/a-rods-all-new-n-y-state-of-mind/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/a-rods-all-new-n-y-state-of-mind/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series

Alex Rodriguez talks to reporters

NEW YORK -- The difference in Alex Rodriguez this October is so great that even those who haven't known him long can see it.

"I think he definitely has a new lease on life," said Yankees utilityman Jerry Hairston, who didn't join the team until late July. "He's very, very happy and he's enjoying the game again. And it's good to see as his teammate.

"He's always confident and he expects himself to succeed. And if he doesn't do it that at-bat, he'll do it next at-bat -- I think that's the new attitude he has."

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]]> alex rodriguez Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-27T17:50:00 00:00 Yankees Still Four Wins From Acceptable http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/yankees-still-four-wins-from-acceptable/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/yankees-still-four-wins-from-acceptable/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/yankees-still-four-wins-from-acceptable/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, World Series

Alex Rodriguez

NEW YORK -- The Yankees partied into Monday's wee hours in "American League Champion" T-shirts.

Then they should have burned the shirts.

The franchise's 40th pennant, the AL East title, the 110 wins this year -- all are as worthless as one of those T-shirts if the Yankees don't win four more games.

Such is life in pinstripes.

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]]> george steinbrennerGeorgeSteinbrenner Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-26T13:40:00 00:00 Just Like Old Times: Pettitte, Rivera Team Up to Deliver World Series Berth http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/just-like-old-times-pettitte-rivera-team-up-to-deliver-world-s/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/just-like-old-times-pettitte-rivera-team-up-to-deliver-world-s/ http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/just-like-old-times-pettitte-rivera-team-up-to-deliver-world-s/#comments

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Playoffs, World Series, American League Championship Series

Andy Pettitte / Mariano Rivera

NEW YORK -- No starter/reliever pair has combined to lock down more games with the win and the save than Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera.

So why not one more, for old time's sake?

"It happens an awful lot, that's for sure," a champagne-drenched Pettitte said early Monday morning.

Game 6: Yankees 5, Angels 2 | Box Score | Series Home

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]]> Andy PettitteMariano Rivera Ed Price ed-price 2009-10-26T02:05:00 00:00