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New York Yankees: Gregorius, Tanaka, Knocks the Twins Down in Game 2 of the ALDS

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New York Yankees shortstop, Didi Gregorius.

Another outstanding performance from the New York Yankees led to a 8-2 victory against the Minnesota Twins in game 2 of the ALDS.

Masahiro Tanaka pitched a marvelous gem, producing 5 strong innings and allowing 3 hits, 1 run and struck out 7 batters on 83 pitches. The bullpen, which consisted of Adam Ottavino, Jonathan Loaisiga, Tommy Kahnle and Tyler Lyons pitched 4 solid innings and allowed a combined 3 hits, 1 run and struck out 7 batters on 64 pitches

Just as the Bronx Bomber did in game 1 of the ALDS, they exploded in game 2 with a feeding frenzy. Edwin Encarnacion, who doesn’t believe in the definition of rusty, drove in an RBI single in the bottom of the 1st, granting the Yanks with a 1-0 lead.

The bottom of the 3rd led to a massive 7-run rally that ultimately lifted the Yanks to a huge victory. Giancarlo Stanton started the rally with a bases loaded sac fly to deep center field. Gleyber Torres immediately after ripped an RBI single to left field.

Didi Gregorius hammered the final nail in the coffin with a grand slam to deep right field, traveling 369 feet with an exit velocity of 102.1 MPH. Brett Gardner added the icing on the cake with an RBI single to right field, granting the Yanks with a 8-0 lead.

The Twins recorded their first run of the game in the top of the 4th. On a 3-1 count with 1 out, Mitch Garver smoked a ground ball against the shift into right field. Luis Arraez knocked in the last run for the Twins offense in the top of the 9th, lifting an RBI double to right-center field.

Loaisiga sealed the deal in the top of the 9th and the rest is in the history books. The offense was electric just as it was last night, the defense was fantastic and the pitching was tough as nails. The Yanks are now one more game closer to championship 28. Both organizations will be picking the series back up in Minneapolis on Monday night.

 

New York Yankees take Game 2 of ALDS fueled by Tanaka, Gregorius

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New York Yankees, Didi Gregorius

The New York Yankees took game two of the American League Divison Series against the Minnesota Twins to give them a confident 2-0 lead in the series.

Masahiro Tanaka continued his strong postseason career where he went five full frames allowing one run on three hits while fanning seven. Randy Dobnak started his first postseason game in which it showed – allowing four runs on six hits through only two innings pitched.

The Yankees led the whole game where they struck first from Edwin Encarnacion’s single that knocked in DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge.

In the bottom of the third, Giancarlo Stanton knocked in a run via the sacrifice fly. Gleyber Torres joined in on the fun with a single knocking in another run.

This set the stage for Didi Gregorius.

Struggling in the last month of the season, Gregorius blasted a grand slam down the right-field line that sent Yankee Stadium into a frenzy.

The fun during the third inning wasn’t over, however. Brett Gardner knocked in the Yankees’ final run with a single to right field.

The Twins scored their two runs from a Mitch Garver single in the top of the fourth and a Luis Arráez doubled in the top of the ninth.

Minnesota’s staff issued eight walks that accounted for several of the Yankees’ runs. Yankee pitchers only allowed one walk from Tanaka.

Both teams will have a day off Sunday with game three on Monday in Minnesota. The Yankees will be sending Luis Severino to the mound and the Twins will have Jake Odorizzi on the hill for them.

Houston Astros take Game 1 of ALDS fueled by Verlander, Altuve

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The New York Yankees could pursue Gerrit Cole this offseason.

The Houston Astros opened up their postseason campaign with a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Fueled by a dominant outing from Justin Verlander, Altuve led the Astros with a home run off Trevor Glasnow in the fifth inning.

“I love the way he pitches every single day,” said Altuve on Verlander’s performance. “For me, he’s one of the greatest of all time and a Hall of Famer for me.”

Other then Altuve’s home run, the Astros scored on a fielding error by Brandon Lowe in the fifth, and in the seventh Yordan Álvarez doubled knocking in Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel knocked in Alvarez.

In seven full innings pitched, Verlander only allowed one hit while fanning eight. The two runs the Rays scored came in the top of the eighth inning off Ryan Pressly. Eric Sogard singled knocking in Joey Wendle and Austin Meadows doubled to deep-center knocking in Eric Sogard.

Game two will be played Saturday at 9:07PM in Houston. Gerrit Cole is on the mound for the Astros while the Rays are pitching left-hander Blake Snell.

Brian Poole Has Been Great for the New York Jets

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New York Jets

One very positive observation from the disappointing start to the New York Jets’ season has been Brian Poole. Poole was a guy the New York Jets’ fanbase seemed 50/50 on. Poole was regarded as talented but also a question mark. Three games in he have proven his supporters correct.

Brian Poole Has Always Been Solid

Poole came into the league and was immediately a contributor. In his first year, he had 58 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 QB Hits, 1.0 Sacks, 1 INT, 9 Pass Deflections and 2 FRs. He answered with another successful season in his second season yet, he still didn’t match his first-year success. Poole had 63 tackles, 2 TFLs, 3 QB Hits, 1.0 Sacks and 4 Pass Deflections. In his final year with Atlanta, he had 74 tackles, 4 TFLs, 5 QB hits, and 3 INTs. Poole was always a great asset for the Falcons and was a great player with them. Now he’s produced above expectations.

Poole Has Come Alive This Year

When Poole came to the team it seemed he was being brought over to fill the Buster Skrine nickel corner role. Yet he’s been able to do so much more. He’s been able to step up when the need is and he’s been a shutdown corner. He’s got 3 Pass Deflections, a safety, a TFL, and 16 tackles. He’s been one of the few bright spots on this team and he’s been very valuable. In wake of the issues with Trumaine Johnson, it’s encouraging to see Poole have a lot of success. Hopefully, another corner steps up to ease some of the pressure he’s had to carry by being the only reliable corner.

The New York Yankees release 25-man ALDS roster

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

The New York Yankees announced their 25-man roster for the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins Friday.

They have decided to go with 12 pitchers with the rotation being James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and Luis Severino.

CC Sabathia was left off the roster for the ALDS due to a shoulder problem he’s had. Sabathia was given a cortisone shot last week in which the shoulder didn’t respond well, explaining his absence from the roster.

“It’s tough, obviously, being here and not being able to participate in playoffs,” said Sabathia. “I didn’t want to put the team in jeopardy. I want the best opportunity for this team to win a championship. I feel like we have a good opportunity. I didn’t want to be selfish and go out there hurt and put the team in a bad spot.”

Edwin Encarnacion, who’s been on the injured list, is on the roster expecting to play in game one of the series. “(He’s) good,” said manager Aaron Boone during Thursday’s press conference. “He’s out there hitting… Smoked a couple (of) balls out there, hit a homer. Yesterday really cut loose with some.”

Gio Urshela also had an injury scared that sparked some questions on his spot on the roster. However, Boone is anticipating that his third basemen is ready to go. “Yeah, Gio’s good. I’m not concerned. He had a full workout yesterday and he’s good to go.”

Players left off the roster include Mike Ford, who slashed .259/.350/.559 this season and Clint Frazier, who batted .267 with 12 home runs in 69 games played.

Since Clint Frazier is not on the roster, the only left-handed bats they will have in the lineup is Didi Gregorius and Brett Gardner.

Key players during the season Mike Tauchman (calf) and Aaron Hicks (elbow) will most likely miss the remainder of the season due to their injuries.

New York Yankees: ALDS Pitching Preview; Paxton vs Jose Berrios

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New York Yankees, James Paxton

The New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins have released their game 1 starters. James Paxton will be toeing the slab for the Yankees and Jose Berrios will be toeing the slab for the Twins. Game 1 of the ALDS will be electric and an intense atmosphere for both pitchers, but who will prevail?

First off, let’s compare both pitchers and determine their strengths and weaknesses. Paxton, a 30-year-old starter from Ladner, Delta, Canada, is a quality ace and has proved so through much of his career. With the Seattle Mariners, Paxton acquired 56 wins and 32 losses in 7 seasons. In those 7 seasons, he pitched 733 innings, posting a 3.50 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 1.20 WHIP and a 117 ERA+.

This season, Paxton acquired a 15-6 record. In 150.2 innings pitched, he posted a 3.82 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 1.28 WHIP and a 3.93 SIERA. He averaged 11.11 K/9 and 1.37 HR/9. According to Fangraphs, 4.54 ERA, 4.51 FIP, 1.32 WHIP, 4.54 SIERA, 8.58 K/9, and 1.44 HR/9 were league averages this season. Paxton is above average in every single category, which means he can be considered an ace.

In his last 10 starts, Paxton was 10-0. In the month of September, he posted a 1.05 ERA, 2.20 FIP, and a 0.78 WHIP in 25.2 innings pitched. Adding to his already impressive month of utter dominance, he averaged 10.52 K/9 and 0.35 HR/9. His fastball velocity, xBA, xSLG, xwOBA, and K% are all in great shape.

The only concerning factor is the amount of walks he gives up. This season, he posted a 3.29 BB/9, with the league average at 2.96 BB/9. Although his walks spiked drastically compared to the last three years, part of that could be in direct correlation to the injury he endured earlier this season. In September, he posted a 2.10 BB/9, which is his lowest of any month this season.

As for Berrios, he is a 25-year-old starter from Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He has pitched for the Twins and their farm system for his entire career. With the Twins, he has acquired 43 wins and 34 losses in 4 seasons. In those 4 seasons, he pitched 596.2 innings, posting a 4.21 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 1.22 WHIP and a 124 ERA+.

This season, Berrios acquired a 14-8 record. In 200.1 innings, he posted a 3.68 ERA, 3.85 FIP, 1.22 WHIP and a 4.28 SIERA. He averaged 8.76 K/9 and 1.17 HR/9. Just like Paxton, Berrios is above average in every category mentioned. As far as overall stats are concerned, Berrios has also pitched better than Paxton this season.

However, if we take a look at Berrios and his splits, he hasn’t pitched as well lately as he did earlier in the season. In the month of August, he posted a 7.57 ERA, 5.19 FIP, and a 1.87 WHIP in 27.1 innings pitched. In the month of September, he posted a 4.31 ERA, 3.79 FIP, and a 1.21 WHIP in 31.1 innings pitched.

It’s all about consistency and whether or not Berrios can reproduce his production from earlier in the season. He excelled in the first half of the season, posting a 3.00 ERA, 3.85 FIP and a 1.11 WHIP in 117 innings pitched. On the flip side, through the second half of the season, he posted a 4.64 ERA, 3.86 FIP, and a 1.38 WHIP.

Regardless of all the stats discussed, October baseball is a different environment compared to the regular season. Paxton and Berrios are both excellent starters who can consistently pump 5-6 solid innings, which is a necessity in the postseason. Paxton has been the better pitcher in his career, while Berrios has been the better pitcher this season.

New York Yankees: Is the postseason rotation too thin?

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New York Yankees, Masahiro Tanaka

The New York Yankees announced their postseason rotation Thursday per Aaron Boone in a press conference.

Game one will be given to James Paxton, followed by Masahiro Tanaka, and then Luis Severino will be taking the mound for game three. If needed, a game four will most likely be a bullpen game featuring an opener.

There have been many questions surrounding the Yankees’ rotation with concerns of: is this enough?

The Yankee postseason rotation that they have announced is exactly what it should be. Paxton, Tanaka, and Severino are all guys that have shown they can “clutch up” in the moment.

There’s a concern on Paxton because he hasn’t thrown a single pitch in an MLB postseason, primarily because he wasn’t on a team that was playoff contenders until he joined the Yankees. Even though he doesn’t have that experience, Paxton has shown he has the stuff to take down any lineup.

“I’m excited,” said Paxton. “It’s gonna be awesome, I’m really honored to get this opportunity, to pitch game on. It’s gonna be great.”

Paxton also gives his teammates confidence. “He’s the best left-handed pitcher in the game, in my opinion,” said Aaron Judge. “He’s an animal out there. That’s what he’s shown the past couple starts… that’s what’s going to help us going into the playoffs.”

Tanaka is known for his dominant performances in October where he’s credited to a 1.50 ERA in his four career playoff series. He seems to flip a switch come playoff time.

Boone has confidence in his go-to guy Tanaka. “If he’s throwing the ball the way he’s capable of and on top of his game, we feel like he’s a good matchup anywhere.”

The bullpen is also highly capable of giving the New York Yankees a strong game. The opener strategy had been predominately effective during the regular season and can really keep opposing lineups on their heels.

New York Rangers top Winnipeg Jets in wild home opener

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New York Rangers

The New York Rangers opened their season having high expectations in which they beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 in a wild back-and-forth home opener.

“It was exciting,” said Mika Zibanejad. “It was a hard-fought game… we didn’t play that well in the first two, I thought we did some good things but not often do you get a good 20 minute period and get a win from that.”

Marc Stall scored the first goal of the season in the first period to give the Rangers a lead and then the game was tied up with a goal by Mark Scheifele in the remaining three minutes of period one.

In his first game as a Ranger, Artemi Panarin gave them a 2-1 lead 27 seconds into the second period and then the game was all tied up 30 seconds later by a goal from Blake Wheeler. Jacob Trouba scored his first NHL goal later that period and then again was quickly followed by another goal from Blake Wheeler.

The Rangers broke open the game in the third period with three unanswered goals, one being an open-netter. Mika Zibanejad, who only had 30 goals last season, scored first followed by Brett Howden and Brendan Smith.

Beginning his 15th season in the NHL, Henrik Lundqvist allowed the four goals on 47 shots.

“I feel really good,” said Lundqvist before the game. “I’m happy with where I am physically, technically and mentally. My timing is good. I’m moving well.”

The New York Rangers will play their next game Saturday against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Center.

New York Yankees: Big Maple announced as Game 1 starter for ALDS

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New York Yankees, James Paxton

The New York Yankees will begin their 2019 postseason run on Friday against the mighty Minnesota Twins in the American League Division Series. James Paxton will take the mound for the Yankees for game one at Yankee Stadium.

“I expect him to go pitch really well,” said manager Aaron Boone. “(He’ll) have a ton of confidence in his ability to do that. He’s got, obviously, all the weapons and all the equipment to go out there and be great.”

Paxton has been lights-out in his last ten starts of which he has won. He posted a strong 15-6 record during the regular season and was credited to a 3.82 ERA. In 29 games started and 150.2 innings pitched, the “Big Maple” fanned 186 players respectively.

The left-hander has also posted strong numbers pitching in pinstripes at home. Paxton was credited to a 3.35 ERA at home compared to a 4.33 ERA on the road.

“He’s really done a good job in kind of settling into being here in New York, being a Yankee,” said Boone. “I have no reservations about him not being able to not flourish in the environment.”

Masahiro Tanaka will take game two in the Bronx and Luis Severino will pitch the third game of the series in Minnesota.

CC Sabathia was left off the ALDS roster because he’s still dealing with shoulder troubles, per Aaron Boone. Sabathia, who is planning on retiring following this season, received a cortisone shot last week in his shoulder and did not respond well which causes his removal from the roster.

New York Giants: Tuzar Skipper Primed for Success

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Tuzar Skipper may be a new face to the New York Giants, but already he is melding in.  After playing college football at the University of Toledo, Skipper was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After being released from the Pittsburgh Steelers in early September 2019, he was claimed off of waivers by the New York Giants just two days later.

During his collegiate career at the University of Toledo, in just three seasons, Skipper recorded 90 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 fumbles recovered and 3 fumbles forced and 1 fumble recovery return touchdown.  This earned him a place on the Third Team Defensive End All Mid-American Conference.

In the preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Skipper had some great games leading the league in a record five sacks.  This garnered him the honor of being awarded a spot on the Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie team for the preseason.

Skipper is already off to a great start with this up and coming, New York Giants defense.  In three games played, Skipper has had three total tackles and 0.5 sacks.  He shows great potential and can provide the missing link the New York Giants defense just may need with the injury to linebacker Ryan Connelly.

Although a rookie, Skipper has inherent skills and is just patiently waiting for the opportunity to prove himself.  Skipper has a latent talent just waiting to be manifested and is time is most certainly now.

His work ethic is one that sets him apart from the rest.  Skipper is always striving and training to get better, working with the company CarnoSyn.  He works day in and day out to better himself and to be the best he could possibly be.

Skipper may only be a rookie and may just be starting his professional football career, but with his perseverance and hardworking demeanor, he will surely be an asset to the New York Giants defense!