Ivan Nova Archives - Jane Heller

Meh in Pittsburgh Except This

April 24, 2017

I could watch Aaron Judge hit tape measure homers all day long. Talk about bombs. The flip side of Saturday’s bomb against the Pirates that even elicited a tweet from Dave Winfield was yesterday’s strikeouts and the team’s overall offensive futility against Ivan Nova of all people.

Part of me was glad to see Nova pitch well and I’m sure he was really up for facing the Yankees. The other part would have preferred a win, of course. When we only manage to scratch out a run, it’s disheartening.

Back to the positives, this team has shown a lot of guts the way they come back from being several runs down. They don’t give up, and I love that.

This week should tell us even more about what they’re made of. We’re facing the Red Sox at Fenway, the team that’s supposed to win the division, maybe win it all, so let’s see how we measure up. If we’re lucky, Greg Bird will finally fly.

Gone With the Wind

August 1, 2016

First Chapman. Then Miller. Then Beltran. Then Nova. Gonzo.

The Yankees turned the page for real today at the trade deadline. Cashman acknowledged that the team’s inconsistency – or, as he admitted, the team’s losses in Tampa – put an exclamation point on the disappointing season. We are now officially in rebuilding mode, and I don’t consider that a bad thing. I think the kids will be exciting to watch as they make their mark at the major league level. Sanchez. Judge. Severino. Green. Plus the new prospects we just got in trades.

Chapman, Miller and Beltran will be huge assets to their new teams. Nova? I have no idea how he’ll do with the Pirates. I wish him well.

Is A-Rod on his way out? There doesn’t seem to be a place for him. He’s taking up a roster spot, blocking a kid from coming up. The Yanks are going to have to decide what to do with him. If I were A-Rod, I’d pack my bags.

Meanwhile, the Yanks beat the Mets tonight in extra innings so that was something. As for the rest of the season and beyond? We’re off to the great unknown.

Rocky Mountain Low

June 16, 2016

Wow, do the Yankees stink right now. First against the Tigers, then against the Rockies. Yes, the Rockies – the team they should have beaten and didn’t.

In the first game, they mounted a big comeback to no avail – a Janer that only resulted in a losing effort because the pitching (I’m looking at you, Evo, along with the pen) was so pathetic. I watched Girardi’s post-game chat with the beat writers and boy was he testy. There was an errant pick-off throw by Kirby Yates to Rob Refsnyder at first base and he wouldn’t talk about it. “I’m just not gonna talk about it,” he kept saying. “It has to do with strategy.” Or whatever. If you ask me, he’s sick of all the losing.

In last night’s finale of the two-game series, Nova couldn’t hold on and neither could Chapman. As for the offense, our only reliable hitter, Carlos Beltran, is out with a bum knee, and there’s no one else to pick up the slack – no one. That’s just sad. (What happened to McCann this year? Didn’t he used to have power?)

I started off the season in skeptic mode, wondering why we didn’t acquire one of the front-line pitchers for sale and what, exactly, the Yanks would do to improve the offense, given the age and declining power of A-Rod and Teixeira. Then I moved into hopeful mode after the more recent series when the Yankees played better, when Evo and Nova appeared to have turned a corner and CC had really made a nice comeback. Now I’m in grouchy-person mode. Why? Because this team is just not good enough to win on a consistent basis. Guys who showed promise have regressed. We don’t have any standouts in the minors to bring up and save the day.

So the question is: Does Cashman make some moves to help the team win? Does he think they have a shot and, if so, is it time to make a trade for Miller, Chapman or even Betances, our only real bargaining chips? Or does he go into a “sell” phase and decide to rebuild the team for the future? Because right now they’re limping along without much promise.

I hate being so negative, but I’m just telling it the way I see it. Sorry. If the Yanks have a decent series in Minnesota, maybe I’ll feel better.

So Much For That

September 24, 2015

They owned us in last night’s series finale and they owned us all season. They’re our daddy. They took it to us. They flat-out beat us over and over, with a few blips in between.

After being shut out last night – shut out! – by the Jays’ starting pitcher, Marcus Stroman, the Yankees slunk out of Toronto not having edged closer to taking over the division but right back where they started with a 3 1/2 game deficit with only a dozen or so games left to play. I’m mighty pissed off. Yes, Tanaka was hurt, but Nova pitched really well and it was only because Girardi had to check his binder, micromanage and pull Nova for a cast of relievers who couldn’t keep the Jays in check that things got out of hand.

But there’s no point in going on about what might have been. The division title isn’t going to be ours unless something freakish happens. We’d have to win the rest of our games and the Jays would have to lose a bunch. Not likely. The trick now will be to secure the dreaded wild card, which is certainly not a given. Not with this team’s inconsistency. They can go from exhilarating highs to maddening lows – not the stuff winning teams are made of.

But they’ll keep trying, that I know. They do fight. So we’ll see.

That Series Was Huuuuuge

September 21, 2015

If you had told me that CC would still be on the mound throwing his 100th+ pitch in tonight’s finale against the Mets, I would have said, “No way.” Judging by the first inning, I figured he’d be gone by the third and the Yankees would be scrounging for relievers to finish the game. But not only did CC steady himself, he kept the Mets totally in check, saved the over-taxed bullpen and delivered an enormous win. With the Jays losing again to the Red Sox (thank you, Boston), the Yanks drew within 2 1/2 games heading into the all-important series in Toronto.

Unfortunately, there was also Tanaka news: bad Tanaka news. What is it with these starting pitchers when they play in National League ballparks? The second they have a bat in their hands instead of a ball and a glove, they think they have to be Rickey Henderson. Tanaka was trying to beat out a bunt on Friday night when he strained his hamstring. Even so, he went on to pitch several more innings before coming out of the game and getting an MRI. So now he’s out with a grade 1 strain and Nova – the same Nova who was banished to the pen for his stinko pitching – will get the start against the Jays on Wednesday instead. *Shivers* I only hope Tanaka will be OK for his next start.

In better news, Ellsbury seems to be coming around. He certainly contributed with his speed, which has to be a confidence boost for him. And how about Ackley? The guy is hitting, and we need hitting. And speaking of hitting, my guy, Bird, had another homer, giving us a Janer. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a one-season wonder like Kevin Maas or Shane Spencer.

So having won another series, the Yankees head to Toronto for the biggest series of the season. It’s make or break time, people. Fingers and toes crossed.

Welcome Back, Nova!

June 24, 2015

It seemed fitting to bring back the pic of the nova, bagels and cream cheese with the return today of Ivan Nova after his TJ surgery and rehab. What a shot in the arm for the Yankees, speaking of arms. He pitched great, as opposed to Tanaka and CC, who were awful against the Phillies, and if he can keep it up, the rotation will have a terrific “new” starter.

I really don’t know what to write about CC at this point except that he keeps saying after losses that his stuff was good, that he felt good, that he’s learning how to pitch without the big velocity, that he’s…..Well, it goes on and on. What he doesn’t say is that he’s not fooling hitters, and it’s hurting the team. Does he deserve to stay in the rotation? Of course. He’s earned his place. But someone needs to work with him on his mechanics. Someone needs to help him make adjustments. Someone needs to show him how to be a different pitcher. Maybe Andy Pettitte should sign up for a stint as CC’s personal pitching mentor.

On to the surprising Houston Astros. Who would ever have picked them for a first place team? Not me. I hope we can rise to the occasion.

Getting Out of the Trop Alive

April 20, 2014

Raise your hand if you’re sorry to be leaving the land of catwalks and cowbells.

I didn’t think so. What a weird series. The Yankees looked great against Price in Game 1, then got absolutely blasted to smithereens in Games 2 and 3 and somehow managed to limp to the end with an extra-innings win in Game 4. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

Obviously, the big news was Nova. He was awful, then he was hurt, now he’s got a potentially season-ending injury if Dr. Tommy John is in his future. What is it with these pitchers? Did they get as many arm injuries in the olden days? My recollection is they pitched until their arms fell off, but maybe I’m forgetting the guys who didn’t.

Nuno was credible today but is he the guy I want to take Nova’s place in the rotation? Not at the moment. I need to see more of him to know. And Phelps doesn’t inspire confidence as a starter now, he just doesn’t.

I know the injuries and roster moves and desperate lineup changes (like Dean Anna having to pitch last night, a la Nick Swisher) are part of the long season, but they’re unsettling. So I’ll try to concentrate on the most positive development so far this season, which is how impressed I am with Jacoby Ellsbury. He rocks.

Happy Easter. On to Boston………

Poetry in Motion

April 13, 2014

There were a lot of heroes in tonight’s ESPN Yankees-Red Sox contest; Nova and Beltran come immediately to mind, with Shawn Kelley right up there. But for me, Ichiro’s spectacular catch was a game saver. Plus it was beautiful to watch, so I present it for repeat viewing. Bravo.

Very sweet to take three of four from the Sox, especially since it’s usually the reverse at this time of year. But not as sweet was the latest parade of injured players. I mean it’s just sick how they’re all going down as if they’ve never run the bases before. I get Jeter and his quad. He’s almost 40. And Roberts’s sore back doesn’t surprise me, given his history of being Nick Johnson in disguise. But Cervelli? Seriously? And then Solarte? And then McCann? Luckily, the latter two stayed in the game, but we can’t keep putting Beltran at first. And who’s our backup catcher now? CC? Crazy.

Oh well. I’ll savor the victory and worry about the injuries tomorrow. It’s an off day. I hope none of the players trips over their Starbucks.

A Blowout. How Embarrassing.

April 8, 2014

Not a good day for Yankees pitchers, I guess. Nova, seriously? I hope we don’t see too many of these laughers this season, at least not with the Yanks on the losing end.

But how about the torrid hitting of Solarte?! Yikes. I know he’ll cool down eventually, but what a ride in the meantime.

The Good Nova Was Back

September 21, 2013

I missed today’s game (see my Mainly Jane blog), but from what I read Nova pitched a beauty. Good for him to rebound from that awful start in Boston and get his confidence back. The Giants aren’t the Red Sox, but a complete game shutout is nothing to sneeze at.

Sounds like Soriano continued his power hitting, despite his sore thumb, and Nunez had a very big day at the plate. I’ve stopped scoreboard watching for the most part, because I still don’t think the Yankees have much of a shot at a Wild Card spot, but another win is sweet.

Tomorrow is the day I’m both looking forward to and dreading. Not only will it be Pettitte’s last home game but, of course, Mo’s official farewell. The game is on TBS and I really hope they’ll show at least some of the pre-game festivities. If not, I’m sure there will be clips on YES. I also hope Mo gets to pitch at home one last time and that Girardi will put him in the game even if it’s not a save situation.

Yanks Win, But Three More Men Down

September 10, 2013

It was a stirring come-from-behind win in Game 2 of this crucial series against the Orioles, and I wish I could write about that instead of the fact that:

Austin Romine got hit in the helmet, looked dazed and confused and was said by Girardi to “probably have a concussion.”
Ivan Nova, arguably our best pitcher, was pulled early after complaining of tightening triceps, something that’s bothered him for awhile.
A-Rod, the game’s hitting star, left the game with tightening in his left hamstring.

Great, right? Such a shame because we actually crept closer to the Rays for the second Wild Card spot tonight.

Mo was brilliant getting the save after pitching in both the eighth and ninth – again. With so many other relievers hurt or unavailable or ineffective, it’s ironic that he’s the last one standing. Sounds like we’ll have Robertson back tomorrow though.

Still, thanks to clutch hitting and good (except for one inning) starting pitching in this one, the fat lady hasn’t sung and it isn’t quite over for the boys. If only they were all healthy. Sigh.

My Stomach Hurts

September 5, 2013

I’m serious. It’s still in knots an hour after that game. Talk about highs and lows. Sheesh. That one was a killer, although it was extremely entertaining, as most Yankees-Red Sox games are.

The first surprise (and not in a good way) was Nova. Once again, the old adage of what seems like a nice match-up on paper doesn’t always turn out that way. He’s been our best pitcher lately, but not tonight. Gone without getting to the sixth.

Another surprise: Joe’s use of Mo. Again. Why not use Robertson for two innings since he clearly had his stuff tonight (unlike last night when I trashed him)? Mo’s been in each of the last few games and I was sure he’d be unavailable. Even so, he was so close to a save, but a combo of a not-so-great pitch and Romine’s error (not a good night for him at all) and Jeter’s non-catch of Romine’s throw did him in.

And then there was Joba. Really, Joe? Why do you keep going to him in big situations? Yes, he got robbed by Joe West on that checked swing call, but he can’t be trusted. His ball doesn’t move. He doesn’t fool hitters.

Bravo to the offense. They came allllllll the way back in a gutsy, exciting way, only to peter out at the end. Such a shame.

Now if only my stomach would stop hurting. Ouwwww.

Ace!

August 31, 2013

What else is there to say about Nova’s performance today. It was the ace-like start we’ve been missing from Kuroda and CC – just brilliant. The ninth inning got me worried when the O’s had the tying run at the plate and Nova was up to 102 pitches, but I was glad Joe left him in to finish up and get the complete game shutout.

The offense wasn’t as robust as last night but it didn’t need to be with him on the mound. Funny how Overbay, the forgotten man who wasn’t supposed to play, ended up with a bunch of hits.

So two in a row against a wild card rival. Not too shabby, Yankees. Finish the job tomorrow and give us hope that we can stay in this crazy race somehow.

An Even Better Janer, Thanks To Him

August 14, 2013

Soriano was pure magic tonight in the Yankees’ second blowout in a row. My dearly departed grandmother could have hit some of Jered Weaver’s fat pitches into the seats, but Soriano did it at just the right moments and with great style. I agree with the fan above: Welcome Back, Sori.

Oh, those precious runs, one after the other. When was the last time the offense overshadowed a starting pitcher’s performance? Nova wasn’t un-hittable by any means, but he kept the Angels from scoring more than a couple of times. I’ve gotten to the point where I really look forward to the games he pitches, almost as much as I look forward to Kuroda’s outings.

Can this team keep it up? Who knows, but this little streak has been a lot of fun and has made me love watching again.

I Called This One

August 3, 2013

Nova and the Padres’ pitcher were locked in a scoreless battle tonight. At one point the Yankees hadn’t so much as managed a hit or a walk and I feared we’d get perfecto-ed. But then I said to Michael with Granderson coming up, “Our only chance of winning this is if someone runs into one” – i.e sticks his bat out and goes deep. Which is exactly what happened. Granderson struck the ball with the power he used to and suddenly it was 2-0.

With the lead, Nova continued his mastery over the Padres until Robertson and Mo took care of the eighth and ninth, and he finally got the win he should have had the last couple of times. Good for him and good for the Yankees. The offense is still anemic, but maybe Granderson’s blast is a sign of things to come from him. Is it enough to move the team into contention? Doubtful.

And now there’s Jeter’s calf. Apparently, running gingerly wasn’t enough to keep him from injuring himself yet again. What a mess, along with the A-Rod mess, which only gets stranger by the hour. The Yankees really must despise him.

Apparently, This Was More Entertaining Than Our Game

July 28, 2013

Gone batty: David Ortiz ejected after arguing balls and strikes, destroys bullpen phone
By Mark Townsend | Big League Stew/Yahoo Sports

Boston Red Sox designed hitter David Ortiz officially flipped his lid on Saturday night.
After striking out in the seventh inning against Jairo Asencio, Ortiz turned his attention to home plate umpire Tim Timmons to argue a 3-0 strike call earlier in the at-bat. To Timmons’ credit, he let Ortiz show him up by pointing to his helmet — indicating he felt the pitch in question was too high — and give him an earful all the way back to the dugout without reacting. In most cases, Ortiz’s actions constitute an immediate ejection, but Timmons was willing to move on had he dropped his case peacefully.
Instead, Ortiz went bonkers and ended up smashing the bullpen phone in the visiting dugout at Camden Yards into smithereens with his bat.
Ortiz’s violent meltdown didn’t really fall under the entertainment category. It was actually very dangerous and a little scary as shrapnel from the bat and phone flew all over the dugout. In fact, some of the shrapnel nearly took a chunk out of teammate Dustin Pedroia.

And that didn’t sit well with the veteran second baseman.
Cooler heads prevailed in that case, and thankfully nobody in the dugout was injured as a result of Ortiz’s recklessness.
It was at this point that Timmons finally gave him the thumb, which was met with this very scary look.
With the dust and particles now settled, I think it’s safe to say a suspension will be coming Ortiz’s way in the coming days. It probably won’t be a lengthy ban, but it’s a good time to send another reminder that such violent outbursts can’t and won’t be tolerated by Major League Baseball.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, a suspension is the only thing they have to worry about right now. That’s s much better outcome than setting a timetable for Pedroia’s return had one of those pieces of shrapnel found its way into his eye.

In our game, on the other hand, the Yankees went down to the Rays without a whimper, wasting a superb performance by Ivan Nova. What an awful season this has been. It’ll be nice to see Jeter in the lineup, if only as a reminder of what might have been.

The Cloud Overhead

July 23, 2013

The Yanks lost another one last night – this time to Yu Darvish and the Rangers – but all the media was talking about, once you left the sunny Ken Singleton on YES and turned to ESPN, was Ryan Braun’s plea deal for a 65-game suspension. Universal reaction was that A-Rod is next, that the evidence against him is far more damning and that he, unlike Braun, won’t go quietly. Poor Girardi. He looked exhausted in his post-game presser, not only from having to fly to Texas in the wee hours after the Red Sox game, but from having to answer questions about Biogenesis and PEDs.

The game itself was yet another source of frustration. Nova wasn’t especially sharp, but he pitched well enough to win. Chris Stewart, who’ll never been an All-Star catcher, has nevertheless been so impressive with his recent defense and last night he made great throws to second even though most of the calls when against him. The guy does give it everything he has.

Ichiro leapt for a ball in right field and crashed into the wall, making the catch, and I marveled at his acrobatic skill and athleticism. Gardner had another zillion-pitch at bat. So it’s not as if the players aren’t trying. Rumors that former Yankee Soriano is joining the team from the Cubs is moderately interesting – the idea is to bring on some home run power – but he’s not the same Sori that he was all those years ago.

Mostly, last night was about Braun and, by extension, A-Rod. The fear among the Yankees and MLB is that A-Rod will fight a suspension, fight the accusations against him, keep this thing going and going and going. Much more preferable would be for him to accept his punishment and go away. Until that happens, the cloud will be overhanging…………And then there’s Cervelli. Oy.