Gardner plays huge in close win

by Travis G on Apr 21, 2009 10:34 PM EDT in Game Recap

Andy Pettitte wasn't great: he allowed nine hits without a K, but the key was efficiency (105 pitches through seven), and the fact that he didn't walk anyone and held Oakland to 3-11 with RISP.

The turning point of the game probably occurred right off the bat; I'm referring to Brett Gardner's spectacular catch on a Jason Giambi line drive. If that fell in, the A's go up 1-0 with Giambi at second. Instead, Pettitte escaped the inning unscathed and led the Yanks to a 5-3 win.

Another turning point may also have involved Brett Gardner - his one out two-run single in the second came within inches of being caught by Mark Ellis. The Yankees won by that very margin.

Cody Ransom (ugh): he's not adjusting to being pitched outside, even though everyone knows how he's going to be pitched. On top of that, he had another misplay that nearly proved disastrous.

Afternoon match tomorrow sees CC Sabathia against 21-year-old Brett Anderson.

[via www.fangraphs.com]

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Brett Gardner

He really looks like he’s getting better with every game. People might claim that he’s only on this team for his speed, but he proved tonight that he can be a complete player. Hopefully Gardner will keep the good form up.

by duffsta328 on Apr 21, 2009 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

Garnder

was awesome today
how about we send Ransom to the minors and bring up Berroa?

by Brian5517209 on Apr 21, 2009 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

Don't care if Ransom has a ten foot vertical leap

Join the NBA. He continues to stink it up at 3B with his .468 OPS. Juan Miranda can not absolutely do any worse.

by BigSlim on Apr 21, 2009 11:46 PM EDT reply actions

Ransom

There is a reason why the guy, who is 33, had less than 200 at-bats in the major leagues coming into this season. He’s not very good. Period. He’s a good athlete, but he is simply not a big-league caliber hitter.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 22, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Mirandi

is left-handed and plays first. We’ll just have to live with Ransom/Pena for a couple more weeks.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 22, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Frustrating

I’m aware of Miranda. Just wanted to throw out a name to replace him. At least, we’re sitting pretty as the current AL Wild Card leader.

by BigSlim on Apr 22, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Careful what you say about Ransom

because Gardner isn’t much better.

Right now he’s sporting a .593 OPS, is only playing average defense on the field, and has only stolen three bases in four tries.

by 3460kuri on Apr 22, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Gardner has had his moments though

so I think I would give him more time to adapt. Besides, what are our options with Nady out? Melky’s batting seems better now, but that might be due to the competition between the two.

"No matter where you go, there you are"

by coops2001 on Apr 22, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions