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New York Yankees captain shortstop Derek Jeter came through in front of the Yankee fans putting on a hitting display contributing with a 3 for 4 game raising his batting average to .330.
Jeter bunted for a hit in the first inning catching
0-12 coming into the game and he lays down a bunt base hit that is old school baseball. Derek Jeter would await his destiny to tie the Iron Horse later in the game.
Derek would in the bottom of the seventh inning tie Lou Gehrig for the most hits by a New York Yankee with 2,721 career hits in his career for the Yankees.
I read on ESPN.com game recap that Jeter said Lou Gehrig was one of the classiest people to have ever played the game, well I think you can also put Derek in that class.
It to me really doesn't matter that he has had much more at bats than players such as Gehrig and Ruth I understand that, but you have to realize the game has changed in many ways.
The game has encouraged more one inning pitchers who can throw the ball 100 mph. Back in the days of Gehrig and Ruth they didn't have to face a fresh closer in the 9th throwing smoke.
It is tough when let's say Derek would have to face a Josh Beckett then later in the game have to face pitchers like Jonathan Papelbon same for other teams when they have to face Mariano Rivera.
Most of the time batters faced the same arm all game back in the days of Gehrig and Ruth it was easier to pick up on what pitches you were going to see.
I just feel that you cannot compare the players because of the difference in the way baseball has changed over the years.
DJ is a leader by any one's standards he has been one of the best all around shortstops for over a decade now.
People say Derek is not a numbers guy well I am sorry but you find me a lot of shortstops who have put up that many hits. You find me a shortstop that can maintain a career average near the .320 mark as it stands at .317.
Derek has had 200 hits in a season for 5 times in his career as he looks to do it again with 14 to go. Derek may not put up power numbers, but how could anyone say he doesn't put up great offensive numbers?
Jeter is just a consistent hitter as he seems to always bat .300 every season. When you talk about a player who averages over 200 hits per season you are talking about a great hitter.
You also find me a shortstop that can lead a team the way that Jeter does. You find me a lot of shortstops that will or have finished up with 3,000 career hits.
Jeter will more than likely accomplish that goal, and that is what I am really looking forward too. Let's also not forget the guy stold his 300th base of his career to move 2nd on the Yankees franchise list.
The Yankees lineup was held to no runs until the 8th inning when they opened the game up putting up four runs.
The 8th inning would be started from no other than Alex Rodriguez who was 2 for 4 last night. Alex got the inning going with a single to center to force Rays manager Joe Maddon to yank the starter Jeff Niemann who pitched a great game.
Hideki Matsui moved Arod to third with a single to right that would put the Bronx Bombers in position to get on the board.
Nick Swisher would reach on an error that would bring Jorge Posada to the plate as he was sent up to pinch hit for Brett Gardner.
Jorge connected with a 3 run home run to put the Yankees on top for good to conceal the win. The 3 run shot was Posada's 21st of the season. He is now tied for 2nd in the major leagues in home runs by a catcher this season.
If you look at the offensive production out of Jorge this season it is amazing to see what he has done in only 340 at bat.
Joe Mauer leads with 26 home runs, but he also has had 443 at bats. Jorge Posada and Joe Mauer should be fun to watch leading into the 2009 post season.
The Yankees got some great pitching out of their bullpen as Joba Chamberlain only pitched 3 innings. Joba is starting to look more like a middle relief or setup guy he just nibbles way too much when he starts.
The thing Joba has struggled with is being afraid to fire a 3-2 fastball if you cannot get your breaking ball over it that type of count don't throw it.
Chamberlain had a rough first inning and then settled down after the talk with Derek Jeter on the mound.
I won't know for sure but you have to think Jeter told him to just throw the ball the same thing everyone else was thinking.
Joba tries to baby his pitches early in the game he needs to just trust his stuff and let it do what it does.
The Yankees bullpen once again did what they had to do, and completely dominated in total pitching 6 innings all together not allowing a hit walking two.
Alfredo Aceves threw 3 innings in relief of Joba Chamberlain to once again give the Yankees much needed innings.
Ace was throwing as well as you can ask a reliever too not allowing a hit in the 3 innings he pitched striking out 3.
Jonathan Albaldejo picked up the win to work his way to a 5-1 record for the 2009 season in relief for
Brian Bruney would get two outs in the top of the 9th after allowing a walk to Evan Longoria to open the inning. Bruney would then have to turn the ball over to Phil Coke who picked up the save striking out Gabe Kapler.
The New York Yankees will enjoy the off day for today before giving Andy Pettitte the ball for tomorrow's game at Yankee Stadium Vs the Baltimore Orioles for a
The Orioles will send Chris Tillman to the mound to battle Pettitte, Tillman has a 1-3 record with a 4.66 ERA.
Chris is a 21 year old pitcher with a bright future it should be interesting how he pitches to Derek Jeter who will look to hold the Yankees hit record after tomorrow's game.
Andy Pettitte will come in with a 13-6 record with a 4.10 ERA as he has been lights out for a while now this season. Andy will still deal in some big games showing terrific command of his pitches.
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