Jacoby Ellsbury Archives

Thanks, Mariners

August 27, 2017

Five errors in the first inning? Not good, Seattle, but I’m not complaining. The Yankees can and should take advantage of all the help they can get right now. They made a couple of errors too, but they weren’t as costly.

Anyway, the Yankees – funny uniforms and nicknames and all – took the series off Seattle with a Janer today and a very good game yesterday. Sadly, another epic fail by Chapman on Friday night blew the opener. Sonny Gray, Tanaka and CC gave us terrific starts, and Ellsbury (aka “Chief”) was on fire. Also of note: Greg Bird made his long-awaited return, only to discover he’s being unofficially platooned. It was nice to have Starlin Castro back too.

The Yanks really need to focus for a tough week ahead: first the Indians, then the Red Sox again – all while Sanchez and Romine await appeals on their suspensions for the brawl(s) with the Tigers. I’d hate to lose Sanchez, even for a game, but the series against the Indians and Sox are must-wins either way.

A Series Split

August 6, 2017

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.

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.

Always Satisfying to Beat This Guy

April 13, 2016

He kills the Yankees and Toronto is such a tough opponent, but last night in their series opener of the new season, the Yanks edged out a 3-2 win. Bautista had a two-run double, naturally, but Betances struck him out in a big situation.

Tanaka…What to say about his performance. He limited the Jays to 2 runs, which was no small thing, but he reminded me of early Phil Hughes who took forever to get outs and let his mounting pitch count send him out of games. Which is where our crack bullpen comes in. Betances was “on.” You could see it. He reared back and fired and set the stage for Miller, who took care of business.

After misjudging a couple of balls in center, Ellsbury (maybe he needs glasses?), along with McCann were the offensive heroes – McCann’s homer all the more impressive because he was hobbling around after being hit on the toe by a foul tip. Thankfully, the toe’s not broken, but he’s not a great runner in the best of circumstances and he really lumbered around the bases last night.

It’ll be Pineda’s turn tonight. No idea what to expect, but I’d love a repeat of last night.

Rookies Rule, But What Happened to This Guy?

September 17, 2015

Last night’s finale in Tampa was a big win for the Yankees and a close one, but thanks in large part to Severino and Bird, we escaped the Trop by taking the series and staying three games behind the Jays. It burns me that the Jays actually lost to the Braves the night before while the Yankees were nearly getting no-hit, but I guess keeping pace is something. It’s just that the season is dwindling, along with opportunities to grab the division title. The Yanks need to keep winning as well as get lucky with a Jays loss, and without the contributions of Jacoby Ellsbury it’s going to be tough.

As good as the rookies have been, Ellsbury is the catalyst for our offense. Ellsbury is the guy who stirs the drink. Ellsbury is the one the Yankees shelled out the big money to. Yes, he was hurt – what else is new – but as long as he continues to lead off in that lineup, he needs to produce and instead he’s slumping badly. As in stinko. We lost Teixeira. A-Rod, too, has a bone bruise and will sit out the Mets series. Our big hitters are AWOL. So Ellsbury, if you can hear me, do something. Use the day off today and try some yoga, meditation, reiki healing, a hot bath with a nice glass of Malbec, whatever floats your boat, but I want you showing up on Friday night with fire in that bat and in those legs.

Sorry, O’s

July 24, 2015

The usually formidable Orioles, whose power hitting and fabled defense seemed to have vanished this series at the Stadium (they were foolish to let Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis leave, if you ask me), were reduced to mere mortals by the Yankees. In the first two games, it was a combination of good pitching and timely hits that did the trick. In yesterday’s game, it was pitching plus lots and lots of scoring that did the O’s in.

Yesterday’s hero was Ellsbury. I can’t remember which commenter here mentioned how much he was missed when he was on the DL, but it was true. He’s such a great player when healthy and he demonstrated that yesterday. He really can do it all and he’s fun to watch.

Teixeira and A-Rod continued their torrid hitting and even Stephen Drew, back in the lineup, contributed. Unless the Yankees make a trade, I guess we’re stuck with Drew and Ryan platooning at second base. Girardi likes Drew “because he’s been in a pennant race.” So there’s that. I have a feeling Toronto will go for broke and get a big-time player in a trade, since everybody in our division thinks they have a shot this season, but I wouldn’t mind if we got a power-hitting right fielder since Beltran, sad to say, is a shadow of his former self, and Chris Young is streaky.

Anyhow, sweeping the O’s was big, putting more distance between the Yankees and their second-place rivals. Now it’s the Twins’ turn. The Yanks used to own them, but I take nothing for granted.

“Jacoby Jacks One!”

April 22, 2014

Except that John Sterling’s home run call in the first inning was null and void after the ump sent Ellsbury back to third for a triple, due to fan interference. Either way, he ended up scoring and having a terrific game in his first visit back to Fenway. What a player he is.

Tanaka only had one really shaky inning giving up back-to-backers by Ortiz and Napoli, so I’d rate his first visit to Fenway as a rousing success too.

John Lester clearly didn’t have it tonight. But since it’s rare that we’re treated to a hit parade against him, I’ll take it. Loved seeing Roberts with some offense, along with Jeter, Beltran, etc. It wasn’t a Janer but close to it.

Also loved the defense by Solarte. This team doesn’t resemble the one that took such a beating at the Trop. At least they didn’t tonight.

"Jacoby Jacks One!"

April 22, 2014

Tanaka only had one really shaky inning giving up back-to-backers by Ortiz and Napoli, so I’d rate his first visit to Fenway as a rousing success too.

Also loved the defense by Solarte. This team doesn’t resemble the one that took such a beating at the Trop. At least they didn’t tonight.

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………

A Janer!

April 17, 2014

Yup, the laughing lady is back thanks to the Yankees’ thrashing of David Price and the Rays tonight. Talk about an offensive blitz. Ellsbury had another spectacular game. Roberts got back in the action in a big way. And Solarte hit his first homer (sweet).

CC held the Rays totally in check, and he and his defense pulled off a stunning triple play. Lots of web gems in this one, including poor Beltran’s tumble over the cockamamee wall at Tropicana Field.

I was amazed that he didn’t get hurt, although I’d be surprised if he doesn’t sit out tomorrow night’s game. I mean he’s got to be sore. I’m sore just from watching him.

I have to say I enjoy being in first place even if it’s only April.

Highs and Lows So Far

April 5, 2014

The weekend’s not over, but I had to weigh in after Friday and Saturday’s games.

The highs? Clearly Tanaka and Pineda. When Melky (grrr, Melky) hit that hot shot off Tanaka right away I had one thought: Igawa redux. But I absolutely loved his demeanor on the mound. He said afterwards that he was nervous, but even so he was able to settle down and pitch really well. I love the kid already. As for Pineda, what a lovely surprise. He hadn’t been on the mound in a long time and yet he was great. I only wish he’d stayed in the game. On the offensive side, I’m happy with what I’m seeing from Ellsbury. He’s giving us hits as well as speed. Not the strongest arm I’ve ever seen in the outfield, but I’ll take the rest of him.

Now the lows. Obviously, I begin with Teixeira. Sheesh. Seriously, Mark? We get you back for five minutes and you’re gone again? We’ll know more about the hamstring strain after his MRI, but we don’t have an adequate replacement. I miss Eric Chavez at times like this and he wasn’t even a first baseman. I hope Cashman’s working the phones, because Kelly Johnson and Dean Anna aren’t making my heart sing. I’d also like some offense from the rest of the lineup. Hello, Beltran. Hello, Soriano. Hello, McCann. You guys are supposed to be our heavy hitters so do your thing. I like the speed this team has but I like home runs even more.

It’s early, but having two starters like Tanaka and Pineda is very, very positive.

“Ring the bell for Beltran”

December 7, 2013

(I’m just anticipating John Sterling’s home run call for the Yankees’ new right fielder with that headline.)

Anyhow, while I was busily enjoying my Friday night, I seem to have missed the latest FA signing. Given the loss of offensive power from Cano and Granderson, I’m glad we got Beltran. Yes, he’s no spring chicken and yes, he got three years instead of the two the Yankees wanted and yes, he was a bust in New York with the Mets, but can he ever hit, as demonstrated by his great run with the Cardinals. Between him and McCann and Soriano and a hopefully rehabbed Teixeira, that’s nice offense right there.

It sounds like there’s still money for a pitcher in the Steinbrenner vault, though the Japanese pitcher they covet has a complicated posting situation that may put him out of reach. And the FA pitchers available aren’t exactly top caliber. Matt Garza, for example, doesn’t interest me at all. Might there be a trade for a pitcher? Sure. But I hope they don’t deal Gardner. That would hurt.

As for Cano, I still don’t get how the Yankees could give Ellsbury, a lesser player, that big/long contract and not make a bigger effort to keep their best player. Ten years was crazy. So was the money Jay Z was asking for. But I’m beginning to see that something else was going on behind the scenes. It was more than the money and the years that annoyed them. Maybe it was Jay Z despite the fact that Cashman claims “it was just like dealing with any other agent.” Maybe it was that they thought Cano was headed down a glitzy, show-biz-y road and too cozy with the music mogul a la A-Rod. Maybe they didn’t think Cano had enough marquee value for what he was asking for. Maybe it was the hustle thing. But he’s gone and I guess they think Kelly Johnson will fill in at second? (Now there’s a deal I don’t get. Wouldn’t Jayson Nix have served the same purpose?)

It’s been a busy week in Yankeeland for sure.

P.S. Just saw this from George King at the Post. If true, then Cano is a big baby. But you never know who these so-called “friends/sources” are.

According to three people who know Cano, he didn’t enjoy playing for manager Joe Girardi and that may have factored into the decision, though the Mariners giving him $60 million more than the Yankees offered ($175 million) likely had more to do with him leaving.
“Robbie didn’t like batting second, he wanted to bat in the middle of the order,’’ one person said. “The Yankees wanted him second because that was best for the team. He wanted to hit in the middle of the order to drive in runs [to increase his value].’’
Through the middle of June, Cano shuttled between second and third in a lineup that didn’t have Derek Jeter to hit second or Rodriguez in the cleanup spot.
For the season, Cano batted third in 110 games, hitting .319 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and an OPS of .886. As the No. 2 hitter in 42 games, he hit .308 with 10 homers, 30 RBIs and a .955 OPS.
“He told me he didn’t want to play for [Girardi],’’ a friend of Cano’s said.

"Ring the bell for Beltran"

December 7, 2013

(I’m just anticipating John Sterling’s home run call for the Yankees’ new right fielder with that headline.)

It’s been a busy week in Yankeeland for sure.

P.S. Just saw this from George King at the Post. If true, then Cano is a big baby. But you never know who these so-called “friends/sources” are.

According to three people who know Cano, he didn’t enjoy playing for manager Joe Girardi and that may have factored into the decision, though the Mariners giving him $60 million more than the Yankees offered ($175 million) likely had more to do with him leaving.
“Robbie didn’t like batting second, he wanted to bat in the middle of the order,’’ one person said. “The Yankees wanted him second because that was best for the team. He wanted to hit in the middle of the order to drive in runs [to increase his value].’’
Through the middle of June, Cano shuttled between second and third in a lineup that didn’t have Derek Jeter to hit second or Rodriguez in the cleanup spot.
For the season, Cano batted third in 110 games, hitting .319 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and an OPS of .886. As the No. 2 hitter in 42 games, he hit .308 with 10 homers, 30 RBIs and a .955 OPS.
“He told me he didn’t want to play for [Girardi],’’ a friend of Cano’s said.

Really, Yankees?

December 3, 2013

Seven years and $150+ million?

I was out for dinner tonight when I happened to check my phone at the restaurant and saw the headline about the signing. I was, in a word, gobsmacked. Not that we went after Ellsbury. Why not acquire a speedy outfielder who isn’t ancient. Why not bring over another Red Sock. Why not add a lefty lead-off type hitter. All fine with me. But seven years? At that price? Are the Yankees saving anything for Cano? Kelly Johnson, Omar Infante, Brendan Ryan and Eduardo Nunez put together won’t give us the production of Cano. But maybe there’s enough in the Steinbrenner vault for everybody, and all the stuff about the payroll and the luxury tax and the fiscal belt tightening was a load of hooey.

Or maybe there’s a level of certainty that A-Rod’s salary won’t be clogging things up next year, so there’s more for others, who knows. What I do know is that I understood the McCann signing. But seven years for Ellsbury? Isn’t he hurt a lot? Doesn’t he have a bit of a reputation for not being a team player? Isn’t seven years a long time in baseball years? Or do I just miss Granderson? And don’t we need – I mean seriously need – starting pitching? And not just one arm but three?

I wasn’t sorry the Tigers got Joe Nathan, not us, except that they’re going to be tougher than ever over there. And A. J. Pierzynski a Red Sock? Ugh, I’m not wild about having to put up with him 100 times a season.

That Was Not Fun To Watch

August 31, 2011

And by “that,” I mean everything that happened after the Yankees scored five runs giving Hughes a lead over the Sox and Josh Beckett. (Yup, I got the power back in my house this afternoon and I’m happy about that, at least.)

It was so distressing to see Hughes hand the lead right back. But here’s who else was distressing:

Varitek.

Ellsbury.

Ortiz.

Logan.

Ayala.

Tex. (Sorry, but I’m tired of his pop-ups.)

And, of course, Beckett, who probably bores opposing hitters to death the way he takes forever to release the ball. I wouldn’t blame anybody for falling asleep waiting for him to pitch.

Here’s who was not distressing:

Jeter.

Cano.

Chavez.

Nunez.

I wish I were a bigger Phil Hughes fan. He didn’t pitch horribly. I just have no confidence when he’s on the mound. Girardi’s post-game comment – “I thought Hughes threw the ball pretty decent tonight” – didn’t inspire confidence either. “Pretty decent” isn’t good enough in a tight pennant race.