October 6th, 2010

Just Grand

October 6, 2010 — I could see that classic Yankees “strike” coming!

Well, maybe I got lucky on that last prediction (read my last post if you’re wondering what I am referring to), but the Yankees had Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano on the ropes, even though he had not surrendered any runs prior to the 6th inning.�

The lefty’s pitch count was nearing 100, and the Yankees had almost rallied a few times. And lest I forget, it’s October, and that is when the Yankees come back from.

Curtis Granderson capped a four-run inning for the Yankees with a triple that landed at the top of the right-field wall, nearly clearing it. For the Yankees center fielder, who struggled in the first half of the regular season, the go-ahead three-bagger was his biggest hit in pinstripes.�

In the moments before Granderson’s triple, the Yankees showed poise, as Alex Rodriguez earned a one-out walk and Jorge Posada collected a two-out single.

Continued poise will be needed tonight �if the Yankees are going to make their 4-3 lead stand up. It’s going to be a tough battle from here on out.

–Alfred Santasiere III

Posted on October 6, 2010 at 10:29 pm
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Stay Tuned

October 6, 2010 — CC Sabathia and the Yankees are trailing, 3-0, in the fifth inning, but I am optimistic that the Yankees will come back.

Sabathia just capped off his first 1-2-3 inning of the night with a strikeout, and it appears as if he is getting stronger as the night goes on. While a 3-0 deficit is anything but ideal, Sabathia only had one bad frame — the second inning in which he gave up a two-run shot to Michael Cuddyer.�

The Twins’ third run was unearned, and in my opinion, somewhat of a baseball rarity. Orlando Hudson advanced from first to third on a ground ball out to Mark Teixeira at first base. Teixeira made diving stop on the ball — �hit by Joe Mauer — but in the time it took the first baseman to dive into first base to record the out, Hudson made it to third.�

A few pitches later, Sabathia threw a pitch that Jorge Posada could not handle. The ball bounced off the catcher’s mitt, allowing Hudson to cross the plate.

If Sabathia keeps the lead where it is, I believe the Yankees will strike.

–Alfred Santasiere III

Posted on October 6, 2010 at 10:01 pm
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Title Defense

October 6, 2010 — In about a few minutes from now,
the first postseason game at Minnesota’s Target Field will be underway. And if
you’re a baseball purist — or a fan at any level — you’re probably counting
down the minutes.

Tonight’s pitching matchup features Yankees ace CC
Sabathia, who went 21-7 this season, against Minnesota’s front of the rotation
hurler Francisco Liriano, who compiled a 14-10 record.

It’s no secret that taking Game 1 is as important
as ever in a best of five series series, and these two great southpaws will
certainly put it on the line tonight. Sabathia was brilliant in the 2009
postseason, going 4-1. It’s difficult to imagine that the Yankees would have
won the World Series without Sabathia.�
The team will look to him tonight to win a huge game and to bring back
the vibe that surrounded them last October — one of supreme confidence.

Tonight, the Yankees official title defense begins.
Enjoy the game.

–Alfred Santasiere III