Phillies/Yankees Rematch

Philadelphia Phillies (32-30) at New York Yankees (41-23).
Jamie Moyer, LHP (6-6, 5.03 ERA) vs. A.J Burnett, RHP (6-3, 3.86 ERA).

The losing ways continue. With last night's 8-3 loss to the Yankees, the Phillies dropped to 8-17 in their last 25 games. Not only is that the second worst record in the majors, but they've only averaged 2.6 runs per game.

The offense has been pathetic, but the Phillies are still more than capable of putting up crooked numbers, especially at Yankee Stadium. Just 314 down the right field line, the Phillies left-handed power bats could use a short-porch, like Mark Teixeria's homer last night.

The Phillies will have to get to A.J Burnett in order to for them to do anything offensively. Burnett is 5-8 with a 4.75 ERA in his career against the Phillies. In the 2009 World Series, he went 1-1; he was terrific in his 3-1 victory, but was lit up in his 8-6 loss.

Even if the Phillies can put up big numbers, Jamie Moyer will have to keep the Yankees' bats in tact. Moyer is coming off a start in which he could not get an out in the second inning. Against the Yankees, Moyer is 4-3 with a 5.37 ERA in his career.

Tonight's Lineup:Victorino (CF), Polanco (3B), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Dobbs (DH), Schneider (C), Valdez (SS), Moyer P.

Park's Problems Mystery Solved

In his first game as a Yankee, Chan Ho Park didn't do too well. The next outing, he was lights out. So what was Park's problem the first game? He tells all:

Year In Review: Ut-Lee Keep Phils Alive

Swing and a Long Drive will be looking at some of 2009's top moments. We had a similar "Year in Review" last year, but instead of month-by-month, we'll look at some of the top games. They are also a part of Phillies Nation's Top 25 Moments of 2009.

It wasn't a situation that the Phillies wanted to be in. After a heartbreaking loss, the Phillies found themselves trailing 3-1 in the World Series. However, the Phillies had their ace on the mound and a star second baseman that would tell the New York Yankees whose house they were in.

After a slight postseason slump, Chase Utley turned around his struggles in the World Series. He already hit three home runs, but he was far from done. A.J Burnett was Utley's next victim, greeting him with a three-run bomb. Burnett was unable to recuperate as the Phillies tacked him for six runs in two innings.

Utley still had more in the tank. In the seventh inning, Utley's short, quick swing sent another baseball into the outfield seats. This home run made history. Utley's five World Series home runs tied Reggie Jackson's 1977 record. Utley's homers and a later Raul Ibanez's solo shot were big reasons why the Phillies led 7-2 after seven.

In the mean time, Cliff Lee was cruising. Lee gave up five runs in seven innings, but he pitched better than his line indicated. The Yankees put up a fight, scoring three runs in the eighth inning, cutting the Phillies lead in half. But it wouldn't be enough.

Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson finished the game, securing the 8-6 win. Under the circumstances, it was the biggest win of the year, sending the series back to the Bronx and giving the Phillies high hopes.

Other Top Moments: Cliff Lee's first start as a Phillie, Eric Bruntlett's unassisted triple play, clinching the National League East.

Braves Exchange Vazquez for Melky

And... the Phillies biggest competition in the National League East just got weaker! The New York Yankees traded Melky Cabrera to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Javier Vazquez.

Melky is a career .269 hitter and has a career .716 on-base plus slugging percentage. He has five major league years under his belt, and he is only 25.

Vazquez, a former Yankee, is 142-139 with a 4.19 career ERA. Vazquez pitched excellently with the Braves last season. He went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in 219.1 innings pitched. He struck out 9.8 batters per nine.

The Yankees got the better end of the deal. Melky's decent, but the Braves are losing a solid pitcher, who pitched well for them last year. A good pitcher is arguably more valuable than an average outfielder, at best. Pitching can be hard to come by; there is a lot of outfield depth throughout the league.

With Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, and Derek Lowe, the Braves have a solid rotation, but it won't be as strong without Vazquez. The Yankees, on the other hand add Vazquez to a rotation that already involves CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett.

This could open the gate for a return of free agent Johnny Damon. Right now, the Yankee outfield consist of Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson. Brett Gardner would be the next best on the depth chart, but knowing the Yankees, they would want to do better.

In other MLB news, the Blue Jays acquired Brandon Morrow from the Seattle Mariners. Morrow would have been a great piece in the deal for Cliff Lee. Morrow is somebody that the Phillies need -- a reliever. Even if it wasn’t Seattle, plenty of teams would have listened on a Lee offer, so the Phils could have gotten more in return.

Speaking of the Lee trade and relievers, the Phillies are interested in Fernando Rodney. Rodney is seeking a 2-year $12 million deal. If that deal goes down, I won’t be happy. Some of that money could have belonged to Lee. The Angels are also interested.

Tigers, D'Backs, Yankees Make Blockbuster Deal

It's day two of the Winter Meetings, and we have a blockbuster deal. The New York Yankees acquired Curtis Granderson; the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy; the Detroit Tigers acquired Max Scherzer, Phil Coke, and two other young prospects.

Granderson has a healthy mix of speed and power. He batted just .249 last year, but hit 30 home runs. He has a career .828 OPS. For Granderson, the Yankees surrender Ian Kennedy, one of their top prospects. However, Kennedy has yet to live up to his expectations. A change of scenary may help him; there won't be as much pressure to succeed in Detroit than in New York.

The biggest loss in the trade goes to the Diamondbacks. They get 25-year old Edwin Jackson, who had a 3.62 ERA in 214 innings last year. However, they lose 24-year old Max Scherzer and other young prospects. It's surprising that Scherzer was even in the deal; he's young and has a load of potential, equal or greater than Jackson's. Jackson is a good pickup, but losing Scherzer was a negative.

2008 World Series Parade

A New York Yankees beat writer claimed that two million people did NOT attend the Phillies World Series parade in 2008. He used some mathematical equation to determine how much space each person had to "prove" that there were only a few hundred thousand who attended.

I know exactly what you are thinking. What about those people in the stadiums? On buildings? On roofs? Hanging from trees? Well, here's our chance to prove him wrong! Let's get 2 million people to join this Facebook group: I attended the 2008 Phillies World Series Parade!

You can relive the moment by reading my post from the day of the parade.

Mr. Yankees beat writer, you can start by counting how many people are in the photo to the left.

"Buying" a Championship

Since the New York Yankees won their 27th World Series a few weeks ago, there have been numerous talks about the Yankees "buying" a championship. With a $208 million payroll and a third baseman that makes more money than every Florida Marlins players combined, it may give fans a reason to think that the Yankees "purchased" a championship or to campaign for a salary cap. However, there is no rule against spending money. There's no salary cap at the moment.

There is no rule against how the Yankees run their team. Baseball is a business. The Marlins are business too. They just run their business differently: grow players in their farm system, win a World Series, let those players go, repeat step one.

The Yankees are -- well -- the Yankees. The have a great history. They built a successful team, and earned a lot of money. Players came up through their farm system, and they spent money on players. Then, they won championships. Then, they won a few more. Now, they have a reputation of a winning team. Players want to play for a winning team. The Yankees spend the money to get good players who want to play for them, and want to get paid big bucks. Then, they win some championships. It's a whole repetitive process.

Any MLB team could be the Yankees. As of now, the Yankees have run their business better than the other 29 teams in the league. At the same time, every team has an equal chance at a title. It's what's on paper that makes a team a favorite. Spending that extra cash for a top player in the league will help a team become that favorite. However, being a favorite doesn't do you any good. The "overpaid" players still have to perform on the field.

Some teams do spend money, but are unable to put together a franchise like the Yankees. Look at the Detroit Tigers. Look at the Chicago Cubs. They each had a pay roll in MLB's top five. Also, it is not like the Yankees buy every player out there. They had 12 home grown players on their roster this year.

This topic brings up the debate about a salary cap, which I'm indifferent about. It wouldn't bother me if MLB adopted one, but right now I think it's fine without one. If a person is a millionaire, they can spend all their money if they want. If MLB has a rich team, let them spend all their money too.

In conclusion, you can't walk into a store with a wad of cash in your back pocket and come out with a World Series trophy in your hand. You gotta play the game. But spending some money to get talented players certainly isn't hurting your cause.

Call of the Day: Howard hits a shot to Ashburn Alley in 2007.

"Well hit to deep left center field. Outta here! Tremendous home run,
Ryan Howard and the Phillies jump to a two-nothing lead here in the first
inning. Number 36 for the big man."

WS Game 6 Preview

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

Philadelphia Phillies (2-3) at New York Yankees (3-2)

Pedro Martinez, RHP, vs. Andy Pettitte, LHP.

Once again, it's do or die. Cliff Lee and Chase Utley pushed this series to Game 6. Now, Pedro Martinez is handed the ball, needing to further extend the series. A win evens the series and keeps the Phillies' hopes of repeating alive.

Pedro Martinez lost to the Yankees in Game 2, but he pitched very well. He gave up three runs in six innings, but this is the type of situation "the most influential player that ever stepped into Yankee Stadium" thrives.

The Phillies owe Pedro. He has been excellent during the postseason, but the Phillies failed to provide him with run support. Chase Utley brings in a hot bat and could break Reggie Jackson's World Series home run record. Jayson Werth hit two home runs off Pettitte earlier this series.

Unlike Pedro who is pitching on normal rest, Andy Pettitte is pitching on three days' rest. In his career, Pettitte is 4-6 with a 4.15 ERA on short rest, with his last appearance coming in 2006. Pettitte has been perfect (wins-wise) this postseason. He won both clinching games of the postseason this year, and he has a chance for another.

It's a must-in. Keep the high hopes!

Phillies Lineup: Shane Victorino is in the lineup despite having a bruised finger. Raul Ibanez will DH with Ben Francisco in left. Pedro Feliz is batting seventh.

Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (DH), Feliz (3B), Francisco (LF), Ruiz (C).

Yankees Lineup: Jeter (SS), Damon (LF), Teixeira (1B), Rodriguez (3B), Matsui (DH), Posada (C), Cano (2B), Swisher (RF), Gardner (CF).

Dutch, Upton Talk Game 6

Our friend Kirk Reynolds from PlayMaker Mobile was kind enough to send over another interview. Once again, Darren Daulton and BJ Upton chime in.

Dutch Says: "Alright, so Rocky knocked the Bronx Bombers down last night. Secret is to keep them down. There is a rumor that Curt Schilling is going to pitch game 7 for the Phils, so we sent out to get the sock--it should be here soon and if not, some nice fellows from the deli down the street offered to bring us a couple red socks, if it will help the Phightins down the Bronx Bullies.

So, we’ll see Pedro for game six. I mentioned earlier in the series that the Phightins owe Pedro…we still do. How great will it be if Pedro throws another gem in New York? Also J.A. Happ is still available and rested. I am sure Charlie has him slated somewhere down the road.

Total city effort [Monday] night--the crowd was outrageous--I love Philadelphia fans, and now it’s time to put up or go home. I think we'll be in New York for a couple more days…
So game 6 we start Pedro--game 7 Schill (haha), but both Yankee killers… what is that old saying… the enemy of my enemy is my friend… I love Boston… Let the Yankee curse begin…..

Phils in seven….MVP Chase Utley with seven home runs… that’s right tough guys from New York he ain’t done yet…and he loves playing in your yard…. with that nice short porch… ouch …now you will see the Phils bats come to life…. "

BJ Upton also talked to Reynolds about the rest of the series.

Upton Says: "When I faced Pedro he still had his 93/94 speed, and I still think he's as good now, and he knows how to pitch in big games, just like Andy Pettitte. They've both been in this situation a number of times, and probably against each other, on the biggest stage in America, with the biggest rivalry in baseball with the Red Sox and Yankees. I think it's gonna be a great matchup with two veteran pitchers who know what they're doing and who know what they want to do, so I think it's going to be a pitcher's duel the whole game.

If I had to face one of them with the game on the line, I'd go with Andy Pettitte, but only because he's a lefty and also I haven't seen Pedro in a number of years, but Pettitte I've obviously faced recently.

Keep an eye out for A-Rod and Teixeira in Game 6. Teixeira has been kinda quiet the whole series, and it's time for him to break out a bit these last couple games. And on the other side of the field I'm gonna stick with Jayson Werth. He hasn't really fully shown up yet but he's helped out that team, and he's the guy I'm watching in Games 6 and maybe Game 7.

And also watch the BULLPENS! That's what let the Yankees get back into it the other night. Enjoy Game 6."

Thanks again to Kirk Reynolds!

Staying Alive: Series Headed to NY

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The World Series is headed back to the Bronx! Facing elimination, Chase Utley and Cliff Lee led the Phillies to an important 8-6 victory.

Red-hot Alex Rodriguez quickly put the Yankees on the board. A-Rod's World Series slump is history, but Chase Utley made history of his own. Utley's first inning three-run bomb started a long night for A.J Burnett. Utley was far from done.

The Phillies tacked on runs in the third inning via Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, and Carlos Ruiz RBI's. Burnett was the complete opposite from game two. He lasted two innings and gave up six runs. In the meantime, Cliff Lee was cruising.

Lee wasn't lights out, but he pitched better than his line indicated. He pitched seven innings, but tired as he approached the 100+ pitch mark. Three of the five earned runs he allowed came in the eighth inning, including one inherited run.

Once again, it was A-Rod with the big hit. Shane Victorino was hit by a pitch in the first inning, so Charlie Manuel opted to rest him with a commanding lead. It was controversial since Raul Ibanez was unable to make a tough catch and Ben Francisco, Victorino's replacement, could not make a strong throw on a sacrifice fly. The Phillies six-run lead was cut in half.

Chase Utley's second home run and Ibanez's solo shot were a big reason why the Phillies put together a large lead. Utley has five home runs in the World Series, tying Reggie Jackson's record in 1977. The home runs proved to be key since the Yankees continued to fight back.

Chan Ho Park pitched a solid inning, and Ryan Madson was asked to close. Jorge Posada's double and Hideki Matsui's single were the beginning of another potential ninth-inning nightmare. Instead, a run was traded for a double play and Madson struck out Mark Teixeira to end the game.

Breathe a little easier, but there are still two more games that the Phillies need to win. They'll have to do that on the Yankees' turf, but they play their best with their backs against the wall.

World Series Game 4 Preview

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New York Yankees (2-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (1-2)

CC Sabathia, LHP, vs. Joe Blanton, RHP

The Phillies must even up the series after dropping last night's game. Joe Blanton and the Phillies need to do whatever it takes to avoid falling to a 3-1 deficit.

Instead of throwing out Cliff Lee on three day's of rest, Charlie Manuel opted to go with Blanton. Blanton last started in the National League Championship series and he allowed three earned runs in six innings. Blanton has struggled mightily against the Yankees throughout his career, but has not faced them since last season. The Phillies are in desperate need of a solid outing from Blanton, especially with Cole Hamels' poor performance last night.

For the second time this postseason, CC Sabathia will pitch on short rest. The 280-pound left-hander threw 113 pitches in game one of the World Series. Sabathia pitched well, but was out-dueled by Lee and could not find a way to get Chase Utley out.

The offense is a big reason why the Phillies are in the World Series, but they are also a big reason why they are trailing 2-1. They have faced great pitching, but the Phillies are more than capable of putting up crooked numbers. Other than Utley in game one, the only players who are doing well are Jayson Werth (.400) and Carlos Ruiz (.333).

Interview with "Dutch"

Kirk Reynolds of PlayMaker Mobile was kind enough to send over a couple interviews regarding the World Series. Check back tomorrow for B.J Upton's thoughts, but former Phillie Darren Daulton joins Reynolds in this interview.

Who has the advantage between Philadelphia's pitchers and the Yankee bats?

These teams are pretty equally matched, so the team with the least amount of walks and the least amount of errors and mistakes is going to win.

What about between New York's arms and Philly's bats?

I have said throughout the post season that Chase Utley is the key to the Phils winning the World Series. As evidence, you can see what an impact he made on game one with two home runs. The team seems to feed off of Chase so my answer is the Phils, based on the success of Chase. Also, the short porch at Yankee stadium will benefit the Phils left handed hitters; again Chase is the lead but Howard and Ibanez both are going to have big series in my opinion, again advantage Phils.

Who are the unsung heroes (i.e. underrated players to watch) on each team?

Ibanez has had a terrific year so I can’t say he’s underrated but is a candidate for unsung hero. Also J. A. Happ may play a significant role if the series goes six or seven games. The Yanks unsung hero needs to come from the bullpen. Their starters are not going to sneak up on you--each of them are stars and are the best starting line up in the American League.

What do the Yankees have to do to win?

Play their game--they were dominant and have the best hitting line up in the American League. The starting pitchers have to throw strikes. The Phils are not going to help them by swinging at bad pitches. Evidence of this was the other night against CC--I think he threw over 100 pitches by the 6th inning. So, the starting pitchers need to get ahead in the count and throw strikes. Again the bullpen is where the question mark gets an exclamation point. We all know what Mariano can do. It will be interesting to see who, if anyone else, picks up the pill in middle relief.

What does Philly have to do to win?

Continue to take pitches, get runners on base, and I think they can steal more bases. I think Charlie is the best manager in baseball and has made all the right calls up to this point. Remember Charlie's forte is his ability to make hitters better so don’t expect for Charlie to have them start bunting now. Again getting 100 plus pitches in the 6th inning shows the great discipline of the entire line up. This was the key to the '93 ball club when we won the NLCS. Dude was the best leadoff hitter that year and each teammate sacrificed to get the starters in to high pitch count situations in the middle innings.

Which team do you think will win?

Come on are you serious?… Phils in 5, maybe 6.

Once again, a big thanks to Kirk Reynolds for sending this over.

World Series Preview: Pitching

Two of the best teams in baseball will face head to head for their chance to win the Commissioner’s Trophy. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees have two of the top offenses in baseball, but pitching will play a factor in who becomes the 2009 World Champions.

The Yankees pitching staff can be praised with the numbers they’ve put up in the American League. The pitching staffs match up closely. During the regular season, the Phillies posted a 4.16 earned run average. The Yankees had a team ERA of 4.26, but right now they have some hot hands; the Yankees posted a 2.46 ERA during the playoffs. The two teams have an identical WHIP: 1.35. Both bullpens have posted a 3.91 ERA.

Lee vs. CC

Former Cleveland Indians and Cy Young winners Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia will duel in game one. Unlike the 2008 NLDS, Sabathia will not be pitching on three days of rest. Like Alex Rodriguez, Sabathia has been a much better player during this postseason than in the past. CC is 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA this postseason. Either way, CC vs. Shane: Part II, will be exciting.

Lee’s 0.74 ERA this postseason is self-explanatory. However, he is 4-4 with a 5.02 ERA against New York.

The Other Starters

After CC, the Yankees rotation is set for A.J Burnett followed by Andy Pettitte. Burnett struggled in the ALCS, giving up eight runs in 12.1 innings against the Angels. Burnett, an offseason acquisition, will allow a lot of base runners (1.40 WHIP). Pettitte has a 2.37 ERA this postseason.

Pedro Martinez, the Yankees’ “daddy,” will start game two. Cole Hamels gets pushed back to game three after an inconsistent season. Joe Blanton or J.A Happ could start, but look for them in the bullpen.

Closer

Is there even an argument here? Mariano Rivera is one of the best closers of all time. Brad Lidge has improved during the postseason, but he is no Mo.

Set-Up Man

Joe Girardi put Rivera in for a six-out save in the final game of the ALCS. That shows his lack of confidence in his bullpen. Girardi said that he was going to stick with Phil Hughes, despite his struggles. The 23-year old has given up 3 runs and allowed eleven base runners in 4.2 innings during the playoffs.

Ryan Madson has struggled at times, but his changeup accompanies his high-velocity fastball nicely. We may see others in the eighth, but right now Madson is the go-to guy.

The Rest of the Bullpen

Joba Chamberlin has been shuffled from starter to reliever, but the bullpen is the place he is most effective. The ‘pen is also anchored by Phil Coke who has yet to allow a run in the postseason.

Chad Guadin, Damaso Marte, Alfredo Aceves and David Robertson will also be in the ‘pen.

Chan Ho Park has pitched well since his return from a hamstring injury. Brett Myers is back after being left off the NLCS roster, but Myers likes to use his struggles as motivation.

Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre and Antonio Bastardo will also be in the ‘pen, but also having a few starters gives the Phils an advantage.

Prediction

In 2007, I predicted that the Phillies would beat the Rockies in the NLDS. I haven’t made a playoff prediction since. It worked out in 2008, and so far in 2009, so why change that? Cliche? Superstition? You bet – but also take it as a favor. That’s what a fan does: stick with what is working.

With that being said, I’ll be sitting in the same seat. I will make one exception: the series goes six games.

NY Post and Myers

In case you didn't see today's New York Post, here is the cover:



As Shane said, "It's funny I have to be the guy. But at least my legs look good."

In other news, Brett Myers (or Meyers?) has been added to the World Series roster. The Phillies opted to go with 12 pitchers, leaving Miguel Cairo, a former Yankee, off the roster.

Myers, who was left off the National League Championship roster, made progress from a strained muscle. Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Myers “looked sharper.” Cairo went 0-for-5 during the playoffs this year.

In Yankees news, Eric Hinske has been added to the roster. Remember him?

QUOTE SOURCE: Susan Lulgjuraj's Twitter.

Do You Want to Face LAA or NYY?

Also featured on Phillies Nation.

Most of the country is assuming that it will be a Phillies-Yankees World Series, even though the latter isn't there yet. The New York Yankees had a 3-1 series lead against the Los Angeles Angels, but lost to send the series back to New York. The 2004 American League Championship Series is still fresh in every body's minds; the Boston Red Sox beat the Yankees despite trailing the series 3-0. A similar comeback is possible for the Angels, but right now their backs are against the wall.

That leads to the question: who do you want the Phillies to play in the World Series? The players don't have a preference. The Angels and Yankees are each elite teams; they are playing in the ALCS for a reason. When compared head to head, the Phillies, Angels, and Yankees are closer than you think.

The mentality of facing the Yankees is to play the better team. The Yankees had the best record in baseball during the regular season (103-59). To be the best, you have to beat the best. A Phillies-Angels series may appear to be "easier" on paper, but the Angels put together a 97-65 record under Mike Scioscia.

If the Phillies were to play the Yankees, slug-fests would be expected. The Yankees scored the most runs (915) and hit the most home runs (244) in baseball. The Phillies weren't far behind, ranking first in the National League in runs scored (820) and home runs (224). In the "bandboxes" these two teams play in, high scoring games would be expected.

The Angels' offense shouldn't be taken lightly. They don't hit many home runs (173), but they play small ball effectively. The Angels crossed the plate 883 times this year. They're also a running threat, stealing 148 bases (2nd in MLB).

The Phillies had the best team ERA out of the the three (4.16). The Yankees' team ERA (4.26) was tied for third in the American League. Despite having John Lackey and acquiring Scott Kazmir, the Angels are toward the bottom of the pack in team ERA (4.45). Both the Phillies and Yankees allowed 1.25 walks and hits per innings pitched, while the Angels allowed 1.41. The Yankees (7.82 K/9) are more of a strikeout club than the other two.

It may be thought that the Phillies have the weakest bullpen of the three, but their bullpen ERA is equivalent to the Yankees' 3.91. The Angels rank much lower (4.49). With Mariano Rivera as a closer, the back end of the Yankees bullpen is automatic. The Phillies and Angels have had trouble in the ninth. Brad Lidge's story is well known, but he has been great in the postseason. Brian Fuentes led the majors in saves, but he also blew seven and allows too many base runners. He blew a save earlier in the ALCS, and came close to doing it again on Thursday.

The Phillies took two out of the three against the Yankees in May. If not for a blown save, the Phillies would have swept them. Each game was close, with the difference coming in the late innings. The Phillies last played the Angels during interleague play in 2008. The Angels swept them at Citizens Bank Park.

Game six of the ALCS will be played tonight. A New York win would end it, but a loss will send it to game seven. No matter who the Phillies play, the World Series will not be easy. Exciting? You got that right!

Mets Lose on Error

Closer Francisco Rodriguez was halfway through his game ending celebration before Luis Castillo dropped the final out of the game.

The Yankees and Mets were going back and fourth all game. Robinson Cano led off the scoring with a solo home run in the second.

Mark Teixeira's homer put the Yankees up 3-2, however the Mets would take a 4-3 lead on Ryan Church's double, and would increase their lead to 6-3.

However, the Yankees weren't quitting and were down 7-6 headed into the bottom of the ninth. K-Rod vs. A-Rod. 2 outs.

A fly ball to Castillo looked to end the game. However, he dropped it and two runs scored resulting in a walk off for the Yankees and K-Rod's first save of the year. Yankees won 9-8.

Pittsburgh vs. Detroit: The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 in game seven to win the Stanley Cup. However, the Tigers beat the Pirates 3-1 behind Rick Porcello.

Phillies Overcome BS

The Philadelphia Phillies overcame Brad Lidge's BS- blown save. Lidge blew his second straight save, and fourth of the season.

Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez each had RBI hits. Mark Teixiera homered and Johnny Damon had a RBI for the Yankees, making it 3-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Cole Hamels and CC Sabathia dominated the game. Hamels pitched six innings allowing just the two runs on eight hits. He struck out five and did not walk a batter. Sabathia struck out four in eight innings, allowing three runs on nine hits.

Melky Cabrera, the hero of Saturday's game, drove in the tying run off Lidge in the ninth. Lidge managed to get out of the inning without further damage, but he still blew the save.

With two outs, Chase Utley, who did not start the game, drew a walk and stole second. Carlos Ruiz doubled to score Utley and the Phillies took a 4-3 lead in the 11th inning. Three of the four runs the Phillies scored came on two outs.

Earlier in the game, Ruiz blocked the plate perfectly and Damon was thrown out at the plate for the second time of the series.

The Phillies took two out of three from the Yankees, who won nine in a row coming into the series.

Lidge Blows The Save In Loss

Everything looked good for the Philadelphia Phillies heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, leading the New York Yankees, 4-2.

You couldn't of asked for a better start from J.A Happ, who made his first start of the season. He allowed just two runs on four hits in six innings of work. He did not allow a walk and struck out four batters of the powerful Yankee lineup.

Raul Ibanez hit his major league leading 17th home run to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Tied at one, rookie John Mayberry Jr. hit a three run home run in his Major League debut.

Mayberry was the first Phillies player to hit a home run for his first major league hit since Chase Utley hit a grand slam in his major league debut in 2003.

Mayberry's father, (who was in attendance but mistaken for another fan on FOX's broadcast) hit his last home run of 255 at the old Yankee Stadium.

The bridge led to Lidge with a 4-2 lead in the ninth. Lidge continued his struggles walking the leadoff batter. The mead of the lineup was due up and it hurt him. Alex Rodriguez homered to tie the game at four. Blown save for Lidge.

Robinson Cano singled up the middle and stole second base. Melky Cabrera singled into the gap, scoring Cano. Yankees win 5-4. Loss for Lidge.

After being perfect in save opportunities in 2008, Lidge has blown 3 in 11 opportunities this season. His ERA has soared over 9. It makes you wonder what's next for Lidge. Is his knee still bothering him? Are the players in the dugout going to need to get out their Curt Schilling towels and put them on their heads? He has struggled before with the Astros and needed a change of scenary to get back to his old self. All we can hope is its a phase and he can go back to being "Lights Out."

Homer Happy

The new Yankee Stadium has been a hitting paradise since it opened. In 22 games, there have been 82 home runs at the new ballpark. The Philadelphia Phillies proved why its a hitter's park, smashing four home runs to lift them over the New York Yankees, 7-3, snapping the Bronx Bombers' 9 game winning streak.

On the first pitch of the game, Jimmy Rollins hit a solo shot to the short porch in right giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead. The next batter, Chase Utley, was plunked which looked to be intentional. Myers responded by throwing behind Derek Jeter on the first pitch he threw which led to a warning for both sides. Nothing happened after, except more home runs off the Phillies bats.

Carlos Ruiz, Jayson Werth, and Raul Ibanez each homered for the Phils. Ibanez hit his major league leading 16th home run off Chein-Ming Wang, a monster shot to the right of center field above the Yankees bullpen.

Brett Myers was excellent in the eight innings he pitched. He allowed three earned runs, all on solo home runs. He struck out five, allowed eight hits but did not walk a batter.

Burnett, who signed a 5 year $82.5 million contract during the offseason, allowed five earned runs in six innings of work, raising his ERA to 5.28.

The Phillies called up John Mayberry Jr. after the game, who could serve as the designated hitter. To make room for him, Sergio Escolona was sent back to Triple-A.

Phils Lose to Yanks

The Phillies loss to the New York Yankees, 10-2 on Thursday.

Carlos Carrasco was given another opportunity to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. In five innings, he allowed four earned runs on six hits. Hideki Matsui and Cody Ransom each hit home runs off Carrasco. Carrasco walked one batter and struck out four.

Scott Eyre allowed five earned runs on five hits in one inning of work. Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera each hit home runs off Eyre.

Chase Utley, who went 2-for-4, and Ryan Howard each hit solo home runs off Joba Chamberlin in the first inning. The Phillies offense only managed six hits.