Brett Gardner Archives

Tied

May 11, 2018

First, let me say that although we didn’t sweep the Red Sox and ended the series tied with them for first place, having briefly overtaken them on Wednesday night, the games in this series at Yankee Stadium were great games. I enjoyed each one, even though they weren’t blowouts (my favorite, when we win, of course). Even in last night’s loss, there was always a sense that the Yanks would stage a comeback and they did. It just wasn’t enough after the homer off Betances.

CC didn’t have his best stuff last night and didn’t last long. And the truth is, he’s never been very good against the Red Sox – at least not in my memory. But aside from Severino’s great start, this series was all about the bullpen. They kept the Yankees in every game just long enough to give them a chance to score runs, and Chapman locked down save after save.

Everybody contributed in some way. I wish Hicks would get his bat going and I’m not sure Tyler Austin is ready for prime time and I do wish Gary Sanchez would cut down on the passed balls, but Gardner finally got hot. The lineup, top to bottom, is capable of doing damage at any time, especially late in games.

All in all, while last night’s finale was disappointing, the series was nail-biting fun with high energy in the crowd and among the players. You could feel it.

Now, I hope there’s no letdown for the series against the A’s. That can happen after a charged Red Sox series, but maybe this team of young players will keep the adrenaline flowing.

My State of Mind Last Night

October 12, 2017

The Yankees are onto the ALCS! The Yankees are onto the ALCS! I’m still in shock. Happy shock. I got about 20 seconds of sleep from being so amped up by the time I turned off the TV last night!

CC was tremendous. D-Rob was tremendous. Chapman was tremendous. And that’s just the pitching.

Didi’s two homers not only chased Kluber ultimately but gave CC and the rest of us some room to breathe. With an early lead, the Yankees at least had a chance. But the key for me was, of course, that Herculean at-bat by Gardner, fouling off pitch after pitch with two on base, ultimately knocking in those runs. Wow. Just wow.

I could spread the kudos around to everybody – all the Yankees contributed during this series. But I was just so happy for them when it was over. They fought and fought during each elimination game and came through. So resilient. Especially Chapman. I thought his arm would fall off, but no. He was sensational. Will he have any gas in the tank for Houston? I’ll worry about that tomorrow.

Was I surprised that the vaunted Indians didn’t perform better? You bet. They were the team to beat, but they had so many errors. I’m sure they’ll be brooding about those missed opportunities during the off-season. They’re a great team that just didn’t get it done.

Of course, I do take credit for all of this. I ate my lucky club sandwich before each and every win, and I’m so sick of them I want to hurl. But hey, a fan has to do what a fan has to do and I’ll be choking back another on Friday night.

Oh – one thing: a plea to Girardi. PLEASE drop Judge down in the order to, like, 7th. I love Judge, but the strikeouts are ridiculous. Until someone teaches him how to hit a curveball, move him down in the order.

Party On!

October 4, 2017

Yes, it’s another old picture, but last night’s game ended too late for me to pop champagne. Suffice it to say I was celebrating in my mind. The Yankees are going to the ALDS!!!!

The game was such a bummer in the beginning. Severino was clearly overawed/nervous/too pumped, not to mention too inexperienced to start a one-game wild card playoff with everything on the line. He’s a kid. Too much pressure on him, as good as he’s been this season. He got knocked around in the first, couldn’t locate, couldn’t get outs – until he was out, and thank God. I kept yelling, “Pull him, Joe!”

And Joe listened. Chad Green was superb in early relief, truly. His strikeouts were huge, setting up a chance for the Yanks to come back in the bottom of the first (bless you, Didi; Gardner too). Of course, Judge had a homer as well in his first postseason game, because Judge has destiny on his side. Everyone in the Stadium crowd seemed to be wearing #99 on their backs. I loved that the pitch before the homer was up and in by Santana, and Judge glared at him – just as Gardner did – before taking him deep.

And then there was D-Rob. I hope his arm doesn’t fall off. He was a trooper, pitching so well for so long when he’s used to one or maybe two innings, no more. He got us through to the other relievers, who held the Twins scoreless the rest of the way. Sure, we burned the bullpen, which doesn’t bode well for the future, but that’s how it goes when you’re fighting for a spot in the ALDS.

I would love to have seen the Yankees do more scoring after the flurry early, just to give myself some breathing room and to let Joe use the mop-up guys in the pen, but I’m not complaining. I’ve been tough on Joe this season, but he made all the right moves last night.

Well, I am complaining, but it’s ESPN I’m mad at. Number one: why must the games start at 8pm and drag on forever thanks to their zillion commercials? And the commentary is mind-numbing; the trio in the booth never shut up.

But now it’s on to Cleveland and the start time on Thursday night is 7:30 on FS1. My Tribe fan friend tells me it’s supposed to pour that night. She also said she’s hoping for midges; it’s that time of year. The Yankees’ path to victory against the Indians won’t be easy (ugh- Cory Kluber), but we’ll see. We know how to deal with midges now, and it’s not bug spray.

First Place Feels Good Except…

May 4, 2017

Gardner was frustrated after striking out to start an inning last night, channeling Paul O’Neill back in the day. (I love when Holliday turns around to look and is so nonchalant.)

The good news is the Yankees won the game, yet again in come-from-behind fashion, and their 8-6 win over Toronto and series win put them squarely in first place – not a bad way to kick off May. They really are fun to watch.

CC dug them an early hole for the second time in a row. He was pitching well to start the season but is clearly in a slump now. I hope Rothschild can figure out what’s wrong. We need CC to go deep into games or the bullpen will be toast.

On the plus side, it seems there’s no hole our hitters can’t dig themselves out of – with power, grit and a little luck. Judge just keeps being Judge. Will he continue to homer his way into the record books for a rookie? Or will he turn out like this guy?

My guess is he’ll have longevity. Maas wasn’t even a highly touted prospect, as I recall, and he certainly didn’t have Judge’s size. But Judge is more than a big, tall guy. He’s a kid who worked hard to cut down on the strikeouts – the knock against him in the minors – and now he’s got a great eye at the plate. He and Hicks and Castro, in particular, were free swingers who take pitches now.

And I can’t forget to give some love to Holliday for hitting his 300th homer. That’s pretty impressive, and he’s been a nice addition to the Yankees. He and Chris Carter are giving the kids a veteran presence to look up to, and they’re contributing in their own way.

On we go to Chicago to play the Cubs this weekend. I’m glad Warren and Chapman will get their World Series rings, but I hope the Yanks make the Cubs forget they’re champs and beat them silly.

First Sweep of the Season!

April 14, 2017

And the “Babe Ruth” in last night’s game wasn’t Aaron Judge but Aaron Hicks with two homers against the Rays. Joining him in heroics was Luis Severino, who hadn’t won a game in forever, but had 11 Ks to dominate. And Chapman got another chance to be lights out. Well, not quite lights out – he did give up a hit and some of the at bats took awhile – but the man does bring the heat.

Brett Gardner got shook up in a collision at first base the other day so he’s shaky, but Greg Bird is back. Now if he could start hitting maybe we’d be in business.

It’s too early to tell what to make of this version of the Yankees, but when they win, they’re as much fun to watch as any Yankee team. What continues to trouble me is the number of empty seats behind home plate – the expensive seats. They’re practically bare in the early innings and gradually fill in during the game, after the Legends Suite holders finish dinner, I guess. But there’s a wide shot from the centerfield camera that shows just how embarrassing the situation is – at least to me. Yes, it’s April and the cold nights aren’t for everybody. Here’s hoping it warms up and either the Yankees drop their prices or fans decide to pony up.

Aren’t Most People Right-Handed?

April 25, 2016

I ask because during a dispiriting loss to the Rays yesterday, I kept hearing about how teams were throwing left-handed pitchers at the Yankees because they’re so hard for us to hit. Girardi typically benches either Ellsbury or Gardner against a lefty – it must be in his binder to do this – and loads the lineup with righties who struggle just as much as Ellbury or Gardner would have.

A-Rod, a right-handed hitter, tweaked his oblique yesterday, so he’ll be out a while, plus he’s about to turn 41 and he looks pretty done to me. Aaron Hicks jammed his shoulder (I think that’s what happened), so he’s not around either, not that he was hitting.

Is it really so hard for the Yankees to find a right-handed hitter who can hit all these lefties? With all the righties that are out there in the world? Why don’t they dig deeper into the minors and find someone. Or scour the Dominican. Or Cuba, now that we’re friendlier with them. Just get someone. Several someones. Scoring runs has been torturous.

And what was up with Michael Pineda yesterday? He was a homer machine and I thought this was supposed to be his year.

Still, there were high spots during the series against the Rays, the chief of which were Ellsbury’s stealing home (coolest play in baseball) and Gardner hitting a walk-off homer. If we face more lefties, Girardi will have to let these guys stay in the game. They’re too valuable to have on the bench.

A-Rod Has a Pulse!

April 17, 2016

His two-run homer reminded everyone that he can still connect with the ball, and his power was much appreciated. The Yankees offense had been pretty anemic against the Mariners, but they scored just enough runs today to salvage the series finale and get a “W” for Tanaka, who was very ace-like.

Gardner, too, emerged from his slumber with three hits, but it’s our stellar bullpen that keeps commanding my attention. When they get the call, they deliver. You can’t ask for more than that. My hope is that, like Tanaka today, the starters can go into the 7th inning and not tax the pen over and over. It’s only April. We’ll need those arms over the long season.

I do think it’s amusing that Yankee fans still boo Cano whenever he comes to the Stadium. Yes, he left us for more money, but they all follow the money except in rare cases, and I’m perfectly happy with Darlin’ Starlin’.

Next up: Oakland. No idea what to expect from them.

Spring Training Is Just Around the Corner (Sort of)

January 11, 2016

Ok, so it’s only January 11th. Friend of the blog, Darren, wanted me to write a new post so he wouldn’t have to look at Chapman every time he came here to check. LOL.

I wish I’d been inspired to write something new about the Yankees, but they’ve been remarkably uninspiring this off-season. A minor acquisition here and there, sure, but nothing I’m jumping up and down about.

The only happy Yankee-related news was in the Vows column of The New York Times recently: a story about the wedding of George Steinbrenner’s granddaughter, Haley Swindal. She looked very pretty in her gown.

The Hall of Fame inducted Griffey and Piazza. The HGH scandal involving Peyton Manning tried to implicate Jeter (how dare they). Rumors fly on Twitter about trading Gardner. But that’s about it…..

I can’t wait for some actual news. Meanwhile, Happy New Year to all, belatedly!

Ugh

August 9, 2015

I enjoy putting up the broom image when it’s the Yankees who are doing the sweeping. But getting swept? Not as much fun. At all.

How do the bats go limp at the same time and for three days straight? I get that they faced a knuckleballer and David Price, but the other Jays’ pitchers aren’t Cy Young. I mean seriously. What a miserable showing against a team that’s locked and loaded since the trade deadline and that’s breathing down our necks in second place. Toronto was the team that required turning it up a notch, and the Yanks, specifically the offense, couldn’t do it. I’m glad I wasn’t at any of those games. Must have been deadly dull sitting there watching zero runs.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Brett Gardner getting hit in the head by a ball hurled by a fan. How pathetic. I’ve never understood the whole “Let’s throw the opposing team’s home run ball back on the field” thing. Don’t people want a ball as a souvenir, no matter who hit it? Or if not, how about giving it to a kid who might want it? Or just donate it to charity, for God’s sake.

Ok, I’ll try not to rant, but this series got me mad. And mostly I’m mad because Cashman did nothing before the trade deadline and the Jays did everything to make their team better. The Yanks are still a powerhouse, no question, but they could have made tweaks here and there and didn’t, aside from the injured and therefore useless Ackley.

Bah humbug.

Watching Tex These Days Is a Kick

July 9, 2015

$Tex bomb$

In last night’s game against the A’s, he hit a couple of homers, made some great plays at first and generally looked like the exciting player we remember from his first year with the Yankees. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: his gluten free diet might really be his magic potion. Whatever he’s doing, I hope he keeps it up because he’s not only winning ballgames for the team but making it a pleasure to watch the games.

Gardner had a big game today in the series finale. I’m glad he’s going to the All-Star game even if it’s as Alex Gordon’s sub. He deserves to be there.

CC was better in this series. Tanaka was really good in this series. Those were pluses. Less “plus” was Chase Headley and his tight whatever body part it is, necessitating a kid playing third. On the other hand, I was heartened by the return of both Ellsbury and Miller (showing some rust but still). Having them both back is like acquiring two big free agents to help out during the second half.

I’m all over the map when it comes to this team. There are times when I think they can’t possibly get to the playoffs and there are other times, like right now, when I think they’re a lock. It all comes down to the starting pitching. I still don’t trust Evo to deliver consistently and CC and his knee are worrisome, and then there’s Tanaka, who makes me hold my breath every time he’s on the mound. One more starter (Cole Hamels, Cole Hamels, Cole Hamels – if I say it three times maybe it’ll come true) would sure work for me.

Brett "Babe Ruth" Gardner to No Avail

May 12, 2014

It’s not every day that Gardy hits a grand slam, but he did tonight in the Subway Series opener at the Stadium – in a losing effort. It was an ugly loss too, thanks to the pitching.

Both sides slugged their way onto the scoreboard, but the Mets got their hits against a parade of Kuroda, Aceves, Thornton and Claiborne – the same Mets that had low batting averages and little success before they arrived in the Bronx. I know Joe couldn’t use Warren and Bettances and Kelley is still hurting, but are we really hitching our wagon to Aceves? I find that scary. And Claiborne hasn’t been effective since his first few months on the team last year.

Of greater concern is Beltran, who apparently has joined the ranks of the wounded with a hyper-extended elbow and is headed for the Carl Pavano MRI tube. Not good. And he got the injury swinging the bat in the cage? Sheesh. They’re all made of glass, I’m telling you. Watching Teixeira trying to leg out that pinch-hit single was painful.

So we turn our lonely eyes to Vidal Nuno tomorrow. Maybe he’ll throw a no-hitter.

Brett “Babe Ruth” Gardner to No Avail

May 12, 2014

It’s not every day that Gardy hits a grand slam, but he did tonight in the Subway Series opener at the Stadium – in a losing effort. It was an ugly loss too, thanks to the pitching.

So we turn our lonely eyes to Vidal Nuno tomorrow. Maybe he’ll throw a no-hitter.

LOL

April 25, 2014

Tonight’s game at the Stadium against the Angels actually made me laugh. It was yet another lopsided score, this time with the Yanks being on the losing end of the reverse Janer. Nothing went right, and it wasn’t worth watching. At all. I felt sorry for the kid they brought in after Kuroda’s early departure. He took one for the team, but oh my.

“We didn’t pitch well,” Brett Gardner said. “We didn’t hit well.”

That about sums it up, Gardy. Better luck tomorrow.

Deflated

August 23, 2013

So much for gearing up for the big game tonight. Kuroda’s timing for a dead arm (or whatever was wrong with him) couldn’t have been worse. The Yankees needed him to be his ace-like Kuroda self and he was anything but. All those homers. Jeez. He had nothing. I really hope it was just one bad outing and not a sign of things to come for him.

And then there was the offense. The Rays’ pitcher seems to have the Yankees’ number, given how well he’s shut them down. Sure, they might have been flat after yesterday’s long rain delay, but these are must-win games. No rest for the weary.

I do have a memo to opposing pitchers: Stop Hitting Our Batters! When Gardner got hit on the hand, I thought…Here we go again. He stayed in the game but said afterwards the hand is swollen and he’s getting an MRI tomorrow. Great. Meanwhile, that botched lead off first base in the ninth where he was picked off was not appreciated.

For a lighter way to end this post, here’s a pic someone took of WFAN’s Yankees beat writer Sweeny Murti with Vernon Wells photo bombing him in the background. Cute.

Welcome Back, Jose Veras

August 11, 2013

After Mo coughed up the two homers in the ninth for his third-in-a-row blown save (!!!!!!!), I perked up when I saw it was our old buddy Veras coming in for the bottom of the inning after being traded to the Tigers from the Astros. He may be my new favorite person, having served up Gardner’s walk off homer and rescuing the Yankees from another disappointing loss. Gardner’s been quite clutch this season. Good for him.

But was this game ever a see-saw battle. A-Rod actually hit a homer (!!!!!!) as did Soriano, and I thought, OK, boys, you have a nice lead so hold onto it for a change.

Wrong. No lead is safe when the pitching turns sour. Not only was Pettitte unable to go deep into the game but Robertson was ineffective. And then there was Mo. John and Suzyn kept reassuring listeners that he always goes through his little patch of badness and it’s true. But it’s not fun when it happens. In fact, it feels as if the world is coming to an end. Maybe he should skip a few farewell ceremonies and meet-and-greets for awhile and rest up. Or maybe it doesn’t matter in the larger scheme of things given this team’s way-back position in the standings.

Still, it was nice to beat the Tigers since they’re bona fide contenders for a ring once again.

A Happy Ending, At Least

August 9, 2013

No, there was no pie tonight, but Gardner did put the Yankees out of their 10th inning misery with his walk off single against the Tigers. He also bailed out Mo, who blew his second save in a row. I missed most of the game, but I didn’t miss Mo’s meltdown and I wish I did. Is he giving us a taste of what life will be like without him or simply showing his human fallibility?

I was surprised when I tuned in that we had three actual runs and were ahead in the game. Aren’t the Tigers supposed to be invincible? Guess not. Nova turned in yet another deserved-to-win performance, even though he navigated out of trouble almost every inning. That’s good news. But the offense was mostly its usual anemic self. A-Rod and Soriano were probably a combined 0-for-100, or so it must have seemed.

What to make of the cheers for A-Rod? My assumption is that fans were reacting to all the media reports that there would be booing and felt a backlash, even wanted to be protective or supportive of Alex, as if he’s been a victim of the big bad baseball commissioner. Whatever. If he continues to strike out in important situations, those cheers will turn to boos soon enough – PEDs or no PEDs.

"We're Not Playing for Giggles"

July 19, 2013

I’d hate to be Girardi right now. Another game, another loss, another offensive fade and another injury. In his post game interview after tonight’s loss to the Red Sox, he was asked about Gardner’s ejection. He didn’t agree with it and served up the “giggles” comment. Seems to me that players aren’t supposed to throw their helmets when they get what they think is a bad call.

The real problem is that Girardi doesn’t have guys with pop in their bats on a consistent basis, except Cano. Pettitte hasn’t been great, especially in the early innings, but tonight he pitched well enough to win – if only his team would score some runs.

Zoilo now joins the list of the wounded. Bye bye.

We need help, Cashman. By all means, bring up more kids from the minors but go out and make a trade for a bat. Or else the season is over. It’s that simple.