Jane Heller

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Sanchez’s Return Was Not a Happy One

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That look is the same look that’s on my face right now. Not to be too greedy about it, but the Yankees had a chance for a four-game sweep of the Angels last night. Tanaka couldn’t hold the lead, giving up homers and walking guys, but the day before Sanchez came off the IL only to strike out a bazillion times and commit an error. Last night he was 0-3 with a walk and was charged with a passed ball.

I know, he’s probably rusty having just come back from an injury. But he was a defensive liability even when healthy. Just not my favorite player, what can I say.

Still, the Yankees did a great job beating the Angels with guys like Wade and Tauchman and Urshela. And now they’ve signed Curtis Maybin, who’s way past his prime, but could be reenergized in pinstripes and be a help in the depleted outfield.

Right now, the best thing the Yanks can do is tread water until Stanton and Judge come back, which won’t be anytime soon, sadly.

SEVEN Homers

Yesterday was a Janer, as we call it when an offense hits 10 or more runs in a victory. The score against the O’s was 15-3 – my kind of game. No stress. No nonsense. Just homer after homer. Clint Frazier is fulfilling the mantra of “guys will step up with all the injuries.” And Gary Sanchez is making up for all his defensive woes (except I still get mad when he makes errors). The boys needed a game like yesterday’s to at least boost their confidence after a dismal first week or so. Torres, in particular, has to feel good about the way he’s contributing. And all the offense has to alleviate some of the pressure on Judge to be the strong man.

Tonight’s matchup of Tanaka vs. Verlander should be a good one.

Someone Is Celebrating and It’s Not the Yankees

The Yankees tried to sweep the Red Sox and avoid letting them clinch the AL East on our soil, but they couldn’t manage a win in the finale. So be it.

There were some positives to take away from this series.

Severino pitched well – better than he has in ages. Happ continues to dominate the Red Sox and provide an overall consistent arm in the rotation. Luke Voit continues to mash and infuse the team with tons of energy, making Bird a distant memory. Andujar may have his shortcomings on defense, but he can hit, really hit. Stanton’s grand slam last night broke him out of his slump. And, of course, Judge is back in the lineup; he may not have found his stroke yet, but he’s getting there.

On the negative side, Gary Sanchez. Period. Please can we trade him? What good is he to this team? If he were hitting a ton, I’d say OK, maybe he can DH now and then. But he hasn’t hit for real, not in a long time. And his defense is atrocious. As Kaat said last night on MLB Network, pitchers don’t want to throw to a guy they can’t trust and Boone would be well served to use Romine in a one-game playoff. Another negative? Tanaka. I would not use him to start a one-game playoff at Yankee Stadium. He gives up too many early runs. The shaky bullpen. Honestly, every time Betances takes the mound, I worry. Ditto: Chad Green. Chapman is back but let’s see how he does after the layoff. And Sheffield may or may not play a role in important situations.

With the A’s freaky 21-run win over the Angels yesterday, we’re only a whisper in front of them in the WC standings. This thing could go down to the wire.

I’ll be at the Monday night game when they open the series against the Rays – Section 1, Row Q at the Trop. I’ll try to will them to victory, but this race is on them.

Yankees-Rays: Another Loss at the Trop

I wasn’t there this time; I didn’t want to jinx the Yanks as I feared I did last time they came to St. Pete. I needn’t have worried. They jinxed themselves. Or, should I say, Gary Sanchez jinxed them with his sloppy, lazy playing. Brace yourself for a rant.

I’ve been quiet on the blog during the All-Star break because I don’t watch the game or the home run derby. And earlier in the month, I was glued to Wimbledon, tennis fan that I am. But now I’m letting my frustration fly: the Yankees are blowing it. They were keeping it close with the Red Sox, having a really entertaining battle with their rival for the division lead. Now? They’ve squandered that lead.

Tonight, Severino had an uncharacteristically bad outing, but it kicked off with Sanchez’s run-scoring passed ball, and it looked to me as if the two of them were having a heated discussion about it in the dugout. Not good.

Fast forward to the ninth inning. The Rays had gotten off to a great start in the game but the Yanks came all the way back to within one run with bases loaded. On the final play, Sanchez chugged – seriously, I could run faster than he did – to first base for the last out, ending the opener of the three-game set. If there’s one thing I can’t abide, it’s lack of hustle. It was my problem with Cano, and now it’s a problem and has been a problem with Sanchez. I hate to say it, but I think we’re looking at another Jesus Montero situation. Sanchez will probably be benched or fined for tonight’s stink-up, but he should be traded for a starting pitcher. I’m done watching him be talked to and disciplined. I’m done sensing that pitchers don’t want him to catch them. I’m just done.

Now that I’ve gotten all that off my chest, it’s on to tomorrow’s game. Let’s hope for a better result before this season slips away.

Why Is Losing Such a Bummer?

The Yankees beat the Mets two out of three games at Citi Field this weekend. And yet it’s last night’s loss in the finale that bugs me. Well, it bugs me that the offense wasn’t exactly robust throughout the series, but it especially bugs me that we were shut out. Watching guys like Stanton and Sanchez flail at the ball is depressing. And what happened to Didi? How do you forget how to swing at a baseball?

I know, I know. The big guys will get hot one of these days and go on a tear. But right now? I’m not happy with them.

And then there’s Tanaka’s injury. He could be on the DL awhile. Montgomery’s lost to us this season. Doesn’t Cashman have to go out and get a starter? Like now? Or is he thinking of bringing up more AAA kids?

If the Yanks are serious contenders this year, we need starting pitching and consistent offense if not always in the middle of the order then throughout the lineup.

Yeah, last night left me with a bad taste. I need to snap out of it.

Playing the Twins Is Such Fun

The Yankees do have a great record against Minnesota, but the four-game sweep was heaven, especially yesterday’s come-from-behind walk-off win courtesy of Gary Sanchez. Wow.

Other than having to suffer through another mediocre and frustrating outing by Sonny Gray and some bullpen wobbles, the Yanks were stellar. I really hope their momentum will carry over to their west coast trip that starts tonight and won’t be watched by me (I’ll be asleep – bad fan). The Angels have always been tough customers, so let’s see what their new crop of players will produce.

Whoever stays up to watch tonight has to report in. It’s a rule!

Mt. Crushmore!

Ok, Greg Bird is out of the picture for now, but how about the murderer’s row on display in today’s finale against the Rays? Stanton, Judge and Sanchez all hit bombs and Didi put on a HR show yesterday. Good job, guys.

Severino was impressive even if the Rays are notorious underachievers at the plate.

The important points were that Stanton rebounded from the booing he earned yesterday, Sanchez woke up from his slumbering start to the season and Judge continued to flex his muscles. If I were an opposing pitcher, I would have nightmares thinking about facing this lineup even if they do go into slumps now and then.

Speaking of offense, the O’s come to the Bronx for our first matchup with them this year. They can hit, but can they pitch? We shall see.

Oh – I forgot to mention – I’ve been spending the winter in St. Petersburg, FL (actually I did mention it in a previous post about going to the first spring training game at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa), and now I’ll be living here full time starting in June. So whenever the Yanks come into town to play the Rays, I hope to be at the Trop. I also hope to catch a glimpse of the players while they’re coming and going at their hotel. Recently, I snapped this pic at the Vinoy while the Red Sox were in town.

Do you honestly think I’m NOT going to take a photo of our heroes? Not a chance.

How Sweep It Is!

A four-game sweep against any team is a big deal at this critical time of the year, but a four-game Subway Series sweep is especially sweet. With the Red Sox having the night off, the Yanks are four games back with this weekend’s series at Fenway to come (weather permitting).

Of note…

Severino had a fun night tonight getting not only the win but his first major league hit. He looked as happy as a kid at Christmas.

Gary Sanchez is on fire at the plate. Whether he only heats up during the month of August or that lunch he had with A-Rod turned his head around, he’s been our power offense right now.

Didi is clutch. Period. He hardly ever disappoints.

Judge is hitting the occasional bomb, but he’s swinging at bad pitches and needs to finish strong.

Yet another player went on the DL: Garrett Cooper, who was hitting really well. But Tyler Austin is back, so maybe he’ll make the most of his turn in the majors.

Montgomery didn’t go on the DL despite getting hit on the ear during batting practice and pitched well in spite of what must have been a little scary.

What will happen this weekend? Beats me, but I’m eager to find out.

Pre-Red Sox Series Thought: Ugh.

So the Yankees got some pitchers at the trade deadline and now they can’t hit. Can. Not. Hit. Especially with runners on base. Plus there are those pesky errors that continue to rear their head. After watching the pitiful series in Toronto, I’m not looking forward to this weekend against the Sox. Or to the series with them after that. Or to the one after that!

I won’t belabor my thoughts about Aaron Judge. What’s the point. I blame the Judge T-shirt I bought along with the Home Run Derby. I won’t belabor my thoughts about Gary Sanchez either. He’s a kid. He’s still learning. He may or may not turn into a good defensive catcher. What I will say is that this Yankees team is struggling and it’s painful to watch after such a great start to the season.

Do they fire the hitting coach? Do they acquire another hitter? Do they light candles, hold hands and chant the evil spirits away? They need to do something or they’ll get buried at the bottom of the AL East.

There. I got that off my chest.

A Series Split

After the miserable first two games in Cleveland, I was afraid we’d get swept by the World Series aspirant Indians. But – hoorah – we squeaked out the win on Saturday (thank you Headley for hitting that go-ahead homer and Chapman for notching the save despite making me sweat). Today’s game wasn’t a squeaker but rather a good old-fashioned bashing. Severino was brilliant against a great offensive team, and Ellsbury – the poor, maligned Ellsbury, who is constantly being grouped with the Yankees’ worst free agent signings – had a clutch triple. I’ll bet the boys feel good about themselves at least for the moment.

On the troubling side is the Gary Sanchez story. As I’ve been writing, his defense has been suspect for awhile – from passed balls to errant throws – but Girardi finally saw enough in Cleveland. He benched Sanchez today in favor of Romine and said he intends to use him sporadically as DH until he can work through his catching problems. Cashman offered the theory that muscle weight gain has made Sanchez less agile behind the plate. Girardi seemed to question Sanchez’s work ethic. It must be tough for the kid who burst into the majors late last season, slugged his way to being a fan favorite and now must take a step backward. But that’s the reality if he wants to succeed in pinstripes.

Also of note is Holliday going on the DL for back trouble. He hasn’t been right since the virus that was never diagnosed, but he was giving us a big offensive lift early in the season. I hope he comes back healthy and ready to contribute.

In the meantime, all hail Severino for a stellar pitching performance today.

A Bummer Road Trip

The Astros are a great team, so I didn’t expect the Yankees to storm into Houston and sweep them. My spirits were buoyed though when we won Game 1 of the series. And then it all went to hell. Games 2 and 3 were heartbreakers in their own way, with Saturday featuring a meltdown of Betances and Chapman (along with the inspiring debut of Clint Frazier) and Sunday showcasing how fleeting good offense can be. (Sunday’s finale also was notable for another Sanchez error. I think Girardi is getting a bit impatient with Gary’s defense.)

In Chicago, the situation wasn’t much better against a team we really should have trounced.

So what now? The Yanks are home for the holiday with lots of All-Star vote getters, but can they climb back over the Red Sox, who finally seem to have caught fire? Another slide, another slump, whatever you want to call it, will have them sinking in the standings at the A-S break, and I’d much rather see them end the first half on a high note. What I keep asking myself, even given all the injuries, is which team is this? The one that got off to such a torrid start after an equally torrid spring training? Or the one that’s coming back to earth, having overachieved and made us believe?????

We’ll soon find out. They’re still fun to watch, because they don’t give up. They fight to win ballgames, and I like their spirit.

Sanchez Emerges From Slumber

What a satisfying series against the Red Sox! No, we didn’t sweep, but beating them two out of the three games felt great.

What stood out for me was last night’s Gary Sanchez Show with his two homers. If his swing is really and truly back, imagine what it will mean for the Yankees’ offense. We’ll have him, Judge, Hicks, Didi, Castro and that sudden powerhouse Gardner scoring runs along with Holliday and even Carter, who’s come alive at last. All we need is a healthy Bird and a more productive Headley and we’re a tough team to beat on the offensive side.

Pitching wise, I continue to be amazed by CC. Speaking of coming alive. He’s been mostly terrific so far this season – to the point where I’m not sure I wouldn’t want him back when his contract is up. With Montgomery and Severino pitching well too, I like the rotation.

The sore point is Tanaka. As I’ve said, I’d skip his turns until he gets straightened out, but Girardi and Cashman say they won’t. So be it – until he does get straightened out or his performances continue to hurt the team.

Heading into this weekend’s series against the O’s, the Yanks have to be feeling good about themselves. They’re not alone. I do too.

Yanks Save Face Vs. Orioles

Somebody had to stop the Orioles from winning every game this season. Why not the Yankees? In today’s finale, we did just that: beat them to prevent getting swept in Baltimore.

Aaron Judge had a good day. So did Holliday, Castro, Torreyes and Ellsbury, among others. But the bad news involved Gary Sanchez. Just when he was getting on track at the plate, he was pulled with a bicep strain and put on the DL. And his baby bomber cohort, Greg Bird, is also ailing.

Injuries. Here we go again. I know, I know. They happen. They’re part of baseball. They’re just so disappointing.

On a positive note, tomorrow is Opening Day at the Stadium. Maybe – again, I’m trying to stay positive – Pineda will have a decent outing and mow down the Rays. If not, I fear he’ll be booed. I’ve been noticing on social media that fans have lost patience with him. I hope he proves us all wrong.

Opening Day – Yay. Yankees Lose – Boo.

Yes, I’m back, and so are the Yankees…..but not in a good way.

Tanaka, who was so great in spring training, was awful today at the Trop against the Rays.

“He’s only human.” “He was over-pumped.” “He had nothing.” Those were among the explanations for his poor performance that left the Yankees in an early hole. But he wasn’t alone in his mediocrity. The Baby Bombers didn’t do much bombing against Chris Archer.

One thing I’ve never understood is why we keep pitching to Longoria, a notorious Yankee killer. How about walking him once in awhile? Just a thought.

Another thing. I miss Jeter. And Mo. Even A-Rod just a tiny bit for the drama (I’m enjoying reading tidbits about his romance with J-Lo and wonder how long that’ll last.) But I’m excited about Sanchez-Bird-Judge-Hicks and want them to succeed. Today was only one game, but they really will need to get off to a good start if they want to hang around. They’ll also need a good start if they want me to hang around. I’m happy we’re in a rebuilding phase and are done with many of the onerous contracts. But I like winning. I do. I’m a Yankee fan through and through.

Entering the Home Stretch but Not at Home

home-stretch

Even if the Yankees had swept the Rays last night instead of dropping the finale – shut out, no less – they still faced a slim-to-none chance to make the playoffs. It was a dispiriting loss nonetheless. Gary Sanchez didn’t even save us with another home run. Is this guy amazing or what? At least we have a full season of him to look forward to next year.

I didn’t love reading that Tanaka has a sore forearm and will miss a start. I wonder if that’ll be it for him this season, which would really mean throwing in the towel.

But now we head into the last few games: a series at Toronto and the last one in Boston. And then it’s over. Sob. I’m always sad when baseball is over, and the playoffs really only mean something for me if the Yankees are in them.

Maybe just to put a happy face on the season, we can go to Boston to finish up and beat them silly the way they just beat us. At least there would be some measure of justice. Just a little.

How Depressing Was That?

depressed

I guess I should say it was a nice run while it lasted. I guess I should be excited that Gary Sanchez continues to be a superstar (although I wonder why he wasn’t brought up from the minors sooner). I guess I should be satisfied that the Yankees gave fans something to hope for when, after losing so many good players in the so-called rebuilding phase, they won games anyway.

But I’m not. I’m depressed this morning after they were swept in Boston over the weekend. It was a heartbreaking series on so many levels. The first couple of losses were mostly on Betances and by last night’s finale we had already lost Ellsbury and Castro to injury and Headley, too, was out of the lineup because of a stiff something or other.

So there’s the season in a nutshell. The Yankees had chances but couldn’t capitalize and it looks like they’ll be sitting the playoffs out.

I do have one request of all pitchers in spring training next year: Learn how to throw the ball to the bases. Whether it’s Betances not being able to throw home or CC not being able to throw to first base, the errors were really costly and I wonder why. Isn’t this a drill they practice over and over? If not, they should.

As for the series in Boston? All I can say is if we’d had our old bullpen (as in Miller and Chapman), I don’t think we’d be in the shape we’re in. At all.

Hot Streak on Ice

ice-cubes

Well, it was a lot of fun while it lasted – the Yankees’ amazing winning streak, that is. Every game except the loss today in the finale against the Rays was entertaining and gave me hope that the boys really could close the gap, not just for the Wild Card but for the division. Seriously. Everything seemed doable while they were winning. Gary Sanchez was hitting again. The veterans (Teixeira, Ellsbury, McCann, Headley) were making a difference. And the starting pitching, for the most part, was good enough to get the job done, along with all hands on deck in the bullpen. CC and Pineda make me nervous, and I’d be happy if Tanaka could pitch every game, but Severino seems to have bounced back from his sophomore slump and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in the rotation next year. I have to say I do miss Andrew Miller. How I wish we’d been able to hang onto him somehow.

Now the Dodgers come to the Bronx, and while I’d rather face division rivals to gain ground head to head, they’re my second favorite team so I’ll be glad to see them. I think. The prospect of facing Kershaw on Wednesday, even though he’s coming back from an injury, doesn’t thrill me.

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