The Yankees avoided a sweep and their first 0-3 start since 1998 (and remember that year was their record-breaking year) by destroying the Orioles 11-2 at Camden Yards today.
Led by the new-look Yankees in Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, and AJ Burnett, the Yanks kept the Birds in check all day.
Nick Swisher made his first start as a Yankee in right field and the move paid off as he went 3 for 5 with 5 RBIs and Tex hit his first home run. Oh, so did Swish.
Burnett was effective, but not dominant today, giving the Yanks the starting pitching they’ve been missing the last two games. He went 5.1 innings and the bullpen did the rest, keeping the Birds scoreless. Mariano Rivera came in to retire the side in the 9th inning.
Jason at Heartland Pinstripes, in his analysis of today’s game made this interesting observation that I completely agree with.
Cano is absolutely crucial to this season. When he’s on, he changes the whole complexion of the lineup by being an almost impossible out.
I really think the fans were overreacting to the results of the last two games. Sure, our starting pitching failed us and our offense left too many on base. The Yankees are notorious at starting April slow. I am not going to jump off any bridges anytime soon.
The Yankees fly to Kansas City to take on the Royals in a 3 game series. Andy Pettitte takes the mound tomorrow, followed by CC Sabathia on Saturday and Joba Chamberlain on Sunday.
1 comment
April 10, 2009 at 9:07 pm
jasonheartland
Thanks for the link and mention, Chris, and I’m sorry about your sojourn to Camden Yards getting spoiled. At least the last couple games have atoned for the two losses. I definitely agree about people overreacting to the two losses. Jeez, it’s two games, and this team is really good despite what it did and didn’t show in the two losses. I’m very confident about the Yanks this year, especially with pitching performances that Burnett and Pettite turned in. They’ll be fine.
Cano is just killing the ball, but is also showing great patience with four walks already. It wasn’t until the 21st game last year that he got his fourth walk. I love how he looks at the plate–relaxed, focused, and ready to mash. Just wait until the Yanks really start to hit. Swisher’s got to play. He’ll contribute, no doubt in my mind. He needs a good 400+ at-bats this year.
Time for CC to keep the string of good starts going.