The OFFICIAL New York Yankees 2004 thread (R)

[riverplate]

It's time for the opening of the official thread for the future 2004 World Champions, the fabled Bronx Bombers.

Unfortunately, the season got off on the wrong foot this morning thanks to Mike Mussina's 6th inning meltdown. However, all that really means is we won't go 162-0.

Here's some info on the game:

The ceremonial first pitches were simultaneously thrown out by Japanese Prime Minister Junchiro Koizuli and former NYC Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, the world's number one Yankee fan.

New York Yankees: 3 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
Tampa Bay Devil Rays: 8 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors

Winning pitcher: Victor Zambrano (1-0)
6 innings, 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 4 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Mike Mussina (0-1)
5 innings, 10 hits, 5 earned runs, 2 strikeouts

Beloved ex-Yank Tino Martinez was Tampa Bay's hero, going 3-for-3, with a home run, 2 RBIs and scoring 3 runs. Jose Cruz also smacked a homer.

Yankee lineup:
1. Derek Jeter (SS) 0-5
2. Hideki Matsui (LF) 1-4, with a double
3. Alex Rodriguez (3B) 1-4, with a double
4. Jason Giambi (1B) 2-4, with a homer, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs
5. Gary Sheffield (RF) 2-2, with a double and RBI
6. Jorge Posada (C) 0-4, leaving 5 men on base
7. Ruben Sierra (DH) 0-4
8. Enrique Wilson (2B) 0-4
9. Kenny Lofton (LF) 1-3, with a triple

In his first official at-bat as a Yankee, A-Rod struck out.

There were over 50,00 at the game.

Bernie Williams appeared in a minor league game yesterday. His first appearance on a diamond since having his appendix removed last month.

Okay, let's all contribute throughout the year to the fun and fame of being a fan of the best baseball team to ever lace on a pair of spikes--the Big Ball Club From The Bronx.

[mellon002]

Allow me to update the AL East standings:

Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1-0
Baltimore Orioles 0-0
Boston Red Sox 0-0
Toronto Blue Jays 0-0
New York Yankees 0-1

[TheSlipperyOne]

Even though I dislike the Yankees, Jeter better step it up because I have him on my fantasy team.

[Jeff]

Also have Jeter, and Matsui, two players I actually like, Yankees or not. But they can't be getting any game winning hits.

[riverplate]

The real Yankees showed up this morning and trashed the Devil Rays without mercy.

Yankees: 12 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
Devil Rays: 1 run, 6 hits, 1 error

Winning pitcher: Kevin Brown (1-0)
7 innings, 6 hits, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Jeremi Gonzalez (0-1)

Jeter 1-3, RBI
Matsui 2-5, home run, 3 RBIs
Rodriguez 0-5 (now 1-9)
Giambi 0-1, 2 walks, 2 runs scored
Sheffield 1-3, 3 runs scored
Posada 2-5, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs
Clark 1-4, 2-run homer
Wilson 2-5
Lofton, 2-4, stolen base

Brown pitched brilliantly. He now has 198 lifetime wins. One behind Mike Mussina, who has 199.

Kevin Brown is the 2nd active pitcher to defeat all 30 teams in baseball. Al Leiter is the other.

The Yanks are flying home right after the game and will play two exhibitions before resuming the season against the Devil Rays on Tuesday, April 6, at 7 PM. The next day, Wednesday, the final Devil Ray game will be a 4 PM start. Then the Yanks come home to open at the Stadium against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, April 8, at 1 PM.

[SoccerFan8270]

The real Yankees showed up this morning and trashed the Devil Rays without mercy.

Yankees: 12 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
Devil Rays: 1 run, 6 hits, 1 error

Winning pitcher: Kevin Brown (1-0)
7 innings, 6 hits, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts
Losing pitcher: Jeremi Gonzalez (0-1)

Jeter 1-3, RBI
Matsui 2-5, home run, 3 RBIs
Rodriguez 0-5 (now 1-9)
Giambi 0-1, 2 walks, 2 runs scored
Sheffield 1-3, 3 runs scored
Posada 2-5, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs
Clark 1-4, 2-run homer
Wilson 2-5
Lofton, 2-4, stolen base

Brown pitched brilliantly. He now has 198 lifetime wins. One behind Mike Mussina, who has 199.

Kevin Brown is the 2nd active pitcher to defeat all 30 teams in baseball. Al Leiter is the other.

The Yanks are flying home right after the game and will play two exhibitions before resuming the season against the Devil Rays on Tuesday, April 6, at 7 PM. The next day, Wednesday, the final Devil Ray game will be a 4 PM start. Then the Yanks come home to open at the Stadium against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, April 8, at 1 PM.
This is how it should be all season!

[riverplate]

Statement issued by George M. Steinbrenner III, after the opening game loss in Japan:

I once co-produced a show with my partner Jimmy Nederlander (Seesaw in 1973). It starred Tommy Tune, and a key song for Tommy was "It's Not Where You Start, It's Where You Finish." I have always remembered that tune and the meaning of that lyric.

Baseball is a great challenge, where one must travel a long and treacherous path, and this journey will show you the greatness. It will not be for the faint of heart--only the strong will prevail.

[riverplate]

The Boston Red Sox learned yesterday that Nomar Garciaparra will miss most or all of April because of Achilles tendinitis. He'll definately be out at least three weeks. Along with Trot Nixon's back injury, this means the Sox will be missing two of their big guns during the two-series, seven-game matchup they will play against the Yanks in April.

Jose Contreras will be starting Friday's exhibition game against Detroit.

According to the Times, the Yankees first game in Tokyo produced a 3.1 rating and was seen by 228,665 households from 5-8AM on the YES Network. That was nearly double the 123,750 who watched the first Mets-Cubs game from Tokyo four years ago.

[riverplate]

Joe Torre has finally announced the pitching rotation for the coming week:

At Tampa Bay
Tuesday 7PM - Mike Mussina
Wednesday 4PM - Kevin Brown

At Yankee Stadium vs. Chicago
Thursday 1PM - Javier Vasquez
Friday 4PM - Jose Contreras
Saturday - Fifth starter, not yet selected by Torre

The Yankees have said they are not interested in acquiring head-case Indians outfielder Milton Bradley, who is sure to be traded someplace. Supposedly, the Dodgers have the inside track.

[riverplate]

The Yanks played a 7-7, 10-inning tie with the Tigers yesterday to wrap up pre-season. All Yankee pre-season games, home and away, were sell-outs.

Bernie Williams made his first and only exhibition appearance on the regular Yankee squad yesterday. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI. He played in 8 minor league games, going 10-for-41 (.244).

The Yanks play one last game today, against the so-called Yankee Future Stars.

The Mets continue to stock up on ex-Yankees, acquiring back-up catcher Chris Widger in the Roger Cedeno deal with the Cardinals.

[riverplate]

Real baseball resumes tonight down in St. Petersburg.

Joe Torre will put Kenny Lofton in centerfield and have him batting leadoff. Bernie Williams will be the DH. Bernie will be in center when the team plays its home opener on Thursday against the White Sox.

Announced lineup:
Lofton CF
Jeter SS
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Sheffield RF
Matsui LF
Williams DH
Posada C
Wilson 2B

Starting pitchers:
Mike Mussina (0-1) vs. Victor Zambrano (1-0), who kept the Yanks to 3 runs & 6 hits in Japan.

The Yankees are staying in touch with Aaron Boone, who hopes to begin playing in minor league games as early as July. Boone is said to be open to playing second base. Brian Cashman, Yanks GM, said if the Yanks do sign Boone, it would be to a two-year contract. Supposedly, 6 teams have shown interest in him. There are said to be no hard feelings over the Yankees releasing Boone after his basketball injury. Everybody realizes it was a business decision. The Yanks are also keeping an eye on Montreal's Jose Vidro.

Leo Hindrey, chief executive of YES Network, has resigned. His leaving had been expected. His contract was set to expire in September, and he recently won an arbitration ruling concerning YES being carried on Cablevision's expanded basic cable service.

Cheap Shot Dept., courtesy of "batman" in the New York Post:
Scientists have issued a warning about the worldwide increase in "dead zones," where an odd combination of elements prevents any form of life from thriving. There are 150 in the ocean--the other one is at Shea Stadium.

[riverplate]

AL East stadings:
Tampa Bay 2-1 .667
Baltimore 1-1 .500
Boston 1-1 .500
New York 1-2 .333
Toronto 0-2 .000

I hope Jeff Weaver--er, I mean Mike Mussina (0-2), is looking hard and long at this in today's papers. Let's give him a bye on the opening game, even though there were problems with that as well. Such as letting the press know how much he was dreading the trip to Japan. What ever happened to "grin and bear it," especially from the undisputed ace of the staff. Perhaps turning a gripe into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Moose has pitched 9 innings so far, against the awesome Devil Rays, yielding 11 runs and 19 hits. With runners in scoring position, Tampa Bay is 5-for-15 (.333). Mussina had a four-run lead before he stepped on the mound last night. He won't be back out there until Sunday against the ChiSox. In front of the hometown crowd. It will be interesting.

A-Rod belted a beautiful opposite field homer in the first. With the Stadium's short right field, that swing could be very potent this year.

Kevin Brown in this afternoon's 4PM start, against Paul Abbott.

It seems almost certain Jorge DePaula will start Saturday, in the fifth slot in the rotation. Joe Torre is supposed to announce it today.

[Shaydee]

i was at the game it looked good in the beginning but Mussina really struggled again

[riverplate]

Opening Day at The Big Ball Park! The pinstripe debut of Javier Vasquez.

Yesterday's affair was an exciting one which was almost blown in the ninth, but A-Rod proved he has the head and hands for third base and turned a game ending double play. Yanks win, 3-2.

Kevin Brown (2-0) has been brilliant thus far. 14 innings, 11 hits, no walks, 10 strikeouts, 2 earned runs.

It's official. Jorge DePaula will start Saturday.

A-Rod will be on Letterman this Monday.

[SoccerFan8270]

Yankees leaders as of 4/8/04

AVG G. Sheffield .444
HR J. Posada 2
RBI J. Posada 6
R J. Giambi 4
SB K. Lofton 1
W K. Brown 1
SV M. Rivera 0
IP M. Mussina 9.0
ERA K. Brown 1.29

[SoccerFan8270]

There will be a program on ESPN tonight on the Yankees.

Break Up the Bombers: The Yankees on Trial
ESPN
Thursday 4/8/04
7:00PM EST

[riverplate]

The Yanks have won their home opener!

Chicago White Sox- 1 run, 3 hits, 1 error
New York Yankees- 3 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors

Winning pitcher: Javier Vasquez (1-0)
8 innings, 2 hits, 1 earned run, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts
Mariano Rivera gets his 2nd save.
Losing pitcher: Scott Shoeneweis

Jorge Posada belted one out.

[Shaydee]

Vazquez pitched a wonderful game

[christopher d]

Game notes
... The Bleacher Creatures added another name to the roll call, enthusiastically chanting "Donn-ie Base-ball!" for new hitting coach and former Yankees captain Don Mattingly.
Freaking classic. Great to see Donnie Baseball back with the club. Losing Pettite hurt, but that is a bit of salve on the wound of off-season moves.

[SoccerFan8270]

Vasquez did a great job. It will be hard to fill in the gap that the Yankees made in this offseason but if Brown and Vasquez pitch the way they did, it will all turn out well for the Yankees...