Friday, August 7, 2015
Highbridge News: CC is Back!
Highbridge News: CC is Back!: CC is Back! For #Sabathia a big boost in early August for #Yankees By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- There is no doubt th...
CC is Back!
CC is Back!
For #Sabathia a big boost in early August for #Yankees
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- There is no doubt that CC Sabathia is a catalyst of the New York Yankees pitching rotation. For two years it has not been Sabathia like on the mound and when CC has it, well so do the Yankees. Thursday night in the Bronx it was the old CC for six innings and the velocity on a fastball that took a hiatus was back in form.
The Yankees behind Sabathia, who did not factor in the decision, on a go-ahead solo home run from Jacoby Ellsbury in the eighth inning went on to take the rubber game of three-game series over the Boston Red Sox 2-1.
This was not a rivalry that once was the past three nights at Yankee Stadium of Yankees-Red Sox. Boston is the last place team and the Yankees, the first place team with their eyes on returning to the postseason for the first time in two years. And for the Yankees to continue their quest and go deep into October, a healthy and good Sabathia on the mound is vital.
“I think this means a lot,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about Sabathia who struck out eight and walked three. One earned run and three hits was also something that resembled the old Sabathia who has had a share of issues with his knees over the past two years.
Girardi added, “This is a guy that’s been through this a lot, overcome a lot, and understands the magnitude of the game at this time of year. I think it meant a lot to him.”
More so, it means a lot to the Yankees who need a healthy Sabathia down the stretch. Wednesday night the rookie Luis Severino, in his first big league start, reinforced the pitching rotation that has had any number of issues from injuries to being inconsistent. Sabathia has been that up and down righthander with a lot of question marks and there was speculation, even with a multi million dollar contract, that Sabathia may have been headed to the bullpen to work on his mechanics.
Girardi went as far to say, that the bullpen for Sabathia was never in question. It was always getting the 35-year old veteran, who is the active leading pitcher in strikeouts and complete games, back to form.
And how important is Sabathia for the stretch run?
The career numbers for August and September are a combined 81-34. What manager and team would not want to see that return, or for that matter, Sabathia, who had been considered an ace of the Yankees staff until his misfortunes, would like to see himself back in that category.
The ERA has been one of the worst in baseball the last two years. And the last two starts, Sabathia gave up 10-runs, including an early exit last week in the hot Texas weather elements where Sabathia suffered from dehydration. So there was lots to prove in the Bronx Thursday night.
And with the second place Toronto Blue Jays coming to the Bronx Friday night for three games, it was important for Sabathia to prove that he is not done and that the velocity on his fastball was also back to form. The fastball was consistent and clocked at 94.
“Obviously I was fired up and I think that was just my passion coming out,” he said. “You know it’s a fine line with me, so I have to be careful. But it worked out for me tonight.”
Said Girardi about Sabathia’s velocity and how it helped his other pitches, “It definitely helped. “Whenever you have more arm speed, I think it helps the rest of your stuff as well.”
The velocity was seen more with bases loaded in the fifth inning. Sabathia unloaded a 94-mile fastball past David Ortiz that ended the inning that could have broke the game open for the Red Sox. The pitches prior to that were two sliders, and the velocity there had Ortiz fooled.
And he is aware that the strikeouts were coming, in what was his finest outing of the season. “I was just looking at the swings,” Sabathia said. “When I’m getting swings and misses on fastballs up like that it feels pretty good.”
The Red Sox got one hit in the first four innings off Sabathia. That was a sign this could be a turnaround game for him. Girardi made reference to previous starts where he has made pitches this season and had some good starts. But the difference was evident this time because the velocity was up ,and Sabathia, third in the American League in home runs allowed with 24, did not give up one to Ortiz or the Red Sox.
Yes the Ellsbury home run was the difference in the Yankees win. Since his return from the disabled list on July 7th, Ellsbury was 20 for his last 97. Sabathia did his part until the Yankees able bullpen took over, and now the Yankees prepare for an improved Toronto Blue Jays team that can also score a lot of runs, the first of 12 games remaining between the top two teams in the Al East.
The Yankees are 8-1 in their past nine series with this win over Boston, and Sabathia is confident more will come out of this latest start. Girardi is ready for Toronto, and after that Sabathia is scheduled to get the ball again next week in Cleveland.
Girardi hopes to see the consistency in the next start. More importantly when CC has it going,the Yankees are that much better in the pitching department.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Twitter @ Ring786 Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso
#CCSabathia #Yankees #RedSox
For #Sabathia a big boost in early August for #Yankees
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- There is no doubt that CC Sabathia is a catalyst of the New York Yankees pitching rotation. For two years it has not been Sabathia like on the mound and when CC has it, well so do the Yankees. Thursday night in the Bronx it was the old CC for six innings and the velocity on a fastball that took a hiatus was back in form.
The Yankees behind Sabathia, who did not factor in the decision, on a go-ahead solo home run from Jacoby Ellsbury in the eighth inning went on to take the rubber game of three-game series over the Boston Red Sox 2-1.
This was not a rivalry that once was the past three nights at Yankee Stadium of Yankees-Red Sox. Boston is the last place team and the Yankees, the first place team with their eyes on returning to the postseason for the first time in two years. And for the Yankees to continue their quest and go deep into October, a healthy and good Sabathia on the mound is vital.
“I think this means a lot,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about Sabathia who struck out eight and walked three. One earned run and three hits was also something that resembled the old Sabathia who has had a share of issues with his knees over the past two years.
Girardi added, “This is a guy that’s been through this a lot, overcome a lot, and understands the magnitude of the game at this time of year. I think it meant a lot to him.”
More so, it means a lot to the Yankees who need a healthy Sabathia down the stretch. Wednesday night the rookie Luis Severino, in his first big league start, reinforced the pitching rotation that has had any number of issues from injuries to being inconsistent. Sabathia has been that up and down righthander with a lot of question marks and there was speculation, even with a multi million dollar contract, that Sabathia may have been headed to the bullpen to work on his mechanics.
Girardi went as far to say, that the bullpen for Sabathia was never in question. It was always getting the 35-year old veteran, who is the active leading pitcher in strikeouts and complete games, back to form.
And how important is Sabathia for the stretch run?
The career numbers for August and September are a combined 81-34. What manager and team would not want to see that return, or for that matter, Sabathia, who had been considered an ace of the Yankees staff until his misfortunes, would like to see himself back in that category.
The ERA has been one of the worst in baseball the last two years. And the last two starts, Sabathia gave up 10-runs, including an early exit last week in the hot Texas weather elements where Sabathia suffered from dehydration. So there was lots to prove in the Bronx Thursday night.
And with the second place Toronto Blue Jays coming to the Bronx Friday night for three games, it was important for Sabathia to prove that he is not done and that the velocity on his fastball was also back to form. The fastball was consistent and clocked at 94.
“Obviously I was fired up and I think that was just my passion coming out,” he said. “You know it’s a fine line with me, so I have to be careful. But it worked out for me tonight.”
Said Girardi about Sabathia’s velocity and how it helped his other pitches, “It definitely helped. “Whenever you have more arm speed, I think it helps the rest of your stuff as well.”
The velocity was seen more with bases loaded in the fifth inning. Sabathia unloaded a 94-mile fastball past David Ortiz that ended the inning that could have broke the game open for the Red Sox. The pitches prior to that were two sliders, and the velocity there had Ortiz fooled.
And he is aware that the strikeouts were coming, in what was his finest outing of the season. “I was just looking at the swings,” Sabathia said. “When I’m getting swings and misses on fastballs up like that it feels pretty good.”
The Red Sox got one hit in the first four innings off Sabathia. That was a sign this could be a turnaround game for him. Girardi made reference to previous starts where he has made pitches this season and had some good starts. But the difference was evident this time because the velocity was up ,and Sabathia, third in the American League in home runs allowed with 24, did not give up one to Ortiz or the Red Sox.
Yes the Ellsbury home run was the difference in the Yankees win. Since his return from the disabled list on July 7th, Ellsbury was 20 for his last 97. Sabathia did his part until the Yankees able bullpen took over, and now the Yankees prepare for an improved Toronto Blue Jays team that can also score a lot of runs, the first of 12 games remaining between the top two teams in the Al East.The Yankees are 8-1 in their past nine series with this win over Boston, and Sabathia is confident more will come out of this latest start. Girardi is ready for Toronto, and after that Sabathia is scheduled to get the ball again next week in Cleveland.
Girardi hopes to see the consistency in the next start. More importantly when CC has it going,the Yankees are that much better in the pitching department.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Twitter @ Ring786 Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso
#CCSabathia #Yankees #RedSox
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Highbridge News: #Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better eve...
Highbridge News: #Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better eve...: #Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better even with a loss By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Luis Severino the 21-year...
#Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better even with a loss
#Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better even with a loss
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Luis Severino the 21-year-old rookie right hand prospect of the New York Yankees may be what their rotation needs to make it better as the team strives to hold on to a division lead and head to the postseason.
That much anticipated debut in the Bronx Wednesday night ended in an unfortunate loss, but the Yankees feel a bit more comfortable with Michael Pineda on the disabled list and not scheduled for a return anytime soon.
And with the Yankees offense not needing any help, scoring 59 runs in four of their last seven games, the ever important commodity of pitching had been more of a concern. GM Brian Cashman sat idle during the trading deadline and now we know why.
Luis Severino has arrived, and though the Yankees lost the second of three to the Boston Red Sox 2-1, the rookie did not disappoint. The fastball that was highly touted and the command were on display for the first time before a sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium.
If it were not for a throwing error on a ball thrown from third by Chase Headley to first in the second inning, that led to an unearned run, and if the Yankees had figured a way to hit the knuckle ball of Steven Wright, Serverino could have earned his first win as a big leaguer.
He is what the Yankees and their organization have been talking about since spring training. And after this start, becoming the first pitcher in AL history to debut with two hits or fewer, no walks and at least seven strikeouts, there is every reason to believe Severino will not be going back to Triple-A anytime soon.
“He’s got poise,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I told you I didn’t think his surroundings would affect him a whole lot. We saw that in spring training. I definitely think it’s a positive for him and what he could mean for us moving forward.”
Cashman would not part with Severino at the trading deadline last week. Though the Yankees were comfortable with their offense, opposing teams were looking for pitching and the GM stuck to his guns. Severino was the future and more importantly could be of help down the stretch.
With the uncertainty of a Masahiro Tanaka elbow, a declining CC Sabathia, the inconsistency of Ivan Nova and Pineda on the disabled list. Severino was needed. Scouts said the Dominican Republic native has composure and the fastball and slider are impressive. Prior to his debut at Yankee Stadium, he pitched seven games with Triple A Scranton going 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA and there was the quick jump from Double.
There was that composure to regroup like a veteran. David Ortiz hit a fastball that wasn’t meant to go down the middle in the fourth inning. The 2-0 pitch went deep to right field in the bleachers that gave Boston their decisive run.
It was a welcome to the big leagues and there will be more home run balls thrown in the years to come, but Severino is not known for allowing many, throwing none in a little over 61 innings pitched at Scranton. What was more impressive, and something that stood out with Girardi and the Yankees is how Severino settled down after the home run ball and he followed up striking out Hanley Ramirez and Mike Napoli on 94-mile fastballs.
When asked about the difference of pitching in Triple-A and throwing now to big league hitters, Severino said through an interpreter, “In this league when you make a mistake you pay for it.”
“I didn’t try to strike out anybody,” he said about the seven strikeouts and the one to Napoli, he claimed was the most impressive. “I feel the same way as in Double-A and Triple-A. It’s the same baseball.” He threw 94 pitches in 5.0 innings and gave up the two hits.
Said Carlos Beltran about Severino, who hit his ninth home run to right field in the seventh inning off Wright, accounting for the Yankees lone run, “He is going to get better.”
And Severino will get better as the Yankees go down the stretch. It is not the same now because the bright lights are shining on him and the Yankees hope his arm will carry them to make their rotation that is not great, at least better.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso Twitter@Ring786
#Yankees #LuisSeverino #RedSox
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Luis Severino the 21-year-old rookie right hand prospect of the New York Yankees may be what their rotation needs to make it better as the team strives to hold on to a division lead and head to the postseason.
That much anticipated debut in the Bronx Wednesday night ended in an unfortunate loss, but the Yankees feel a bit more comfortable with Michael Pineda on the disabled list and not scheduled for a return anytime soon.
And with the Yankees offense not needing any help, scoring 59 runs in four of their last seven games, the ever important commodity of pitching had been more of a concern. GM Brian Cashman sat idle during the trading deadline and now we know why.
Luis Severino has arrived, and though the Yankees lost the second of three to the Boston Red Sox 2-1, the rookie did not disappoint. The fastball that was highly touted and the command were on display for the first time before a sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium.
If it were not for a throwing error on a ball thrown from third by Chase Headley to first in the second inning, that led to an unearned run, and if the Yankees had figured a way to hit the knuckle ball of Steven Wright, Serverino could have earned his first win as a big leaguer.
He is what the Yankees and their organization have been talking about since spring training. And after this start, becoming the first pitcher in AL history to debut with two hits or fewer, no walks and at least seven strikeouts, there is every reason to believe Severino will not be going back to Triple-A anytime soon.
“He’s got poise,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I told you I didn’t think his surroundings would affect him a whole lot. We saw that in spring training. I definitely think it’s a positive for him and what he could mean for us moving forward.”
Cashman would not part with Severino at the trading deadline last week. Though the Yankees were comfortable with their offense, opposing teams were looking for pitching and the GM stuck to his guns. Severino was the future and more importantly could be of help down the stretch.
With the uncertainty of a Masahiro Tanaka elbow, a declining CC Sabathia, the inconsistency of Ivan Nova and Pineda on the disabled list. Severino was needed. Scouts said the Dominican Republic native has composure and the fastball and slider are impressive. Prior to his debut at Yankee Stadium, he pitched seven games with Triple A Scranton going 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA and there was the quick jump from Double.
There was that composure to regroup like a veteran. David Ortiz hit a fastball that wasn’t meant to go down the middle in the fourth inning. The 2-0 pitch went deep to right field in the bleachers that gave Boston their decisive run.
It was a welcome to the big leagues and there will be more home run balls thrown in the years to come, but Severino is not known for allowing many, throwing none in a little over 61 innings pitched at Scranton. What was more impressive, and something that stood out with Girardi and the Yankees is how Severino settled down after the home run ball and he followed up striking out Hanley Ramirez and Mike Napoli on 94-mile fastballs.
When asked about the difference of pitching in Triple-A and throwing now to big league hitters, Severino said through an interpreter, “In this league when you make a mistake you pay for it.”
“I didn’t try to strike out anybody,” he said about the seven strikeouts and the one to Napoli, he claimed was the most impressive. “I feel the same way as in Double-A and Triple-A. It’s the same baseball.” He threw 94 pitches in 5.0 innings and gave up the two hits.
Said Carlos Beltran about Severino, who hit his ninth home run to right field in the seventh inning off Wright, accounting for the Yankees lone run, “He is going to get better.”
And Severino will get better as the Yankees go down the stretch. It is not the same now because the bright lights are shining on him and the Yankees hope his arm will carry them to make their rotation that is not great, at least better.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso Twitter@Ring786
#Yankees #LuisSeverino #RedSox
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Highbridge News: #Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few
Highbridge News: #Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few: Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few Tempers Rise as Few Answers Given By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The temperature ...
#Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few
Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few
This recent outbreak of Legionnaire Disease in the Bronx started on July 12th. Since then 22 buildings were visited, 17 cooling towers in all were inspected, and 5 cooling towers were found to be contaminated and have been disinfected already by the city. The health commissioner said that there could be any one of many reasons for Legionnaire Disease bacteria to grow, and that the city council would be looking into legislation to address the matter.
Despite the presentation, many in attendance told the News that not much of what they were told was new information. That coupled with few answers and the restricted number of people at the meeting has some concern about how forth coming city officials were being.
Although those who attended the meeting were not panicking, few said there fears have subsided. The sheer scope of the affected areas have many residents concerned. Concourse Plaza testing positive is particularly disturbing because of the high traffic of the shopping center. In addition to locals shopping in the supermarket many people from throughout the borough who attend jury duty at the courthouse across the street eat at the mall’s food court. In addition Yankee Stadium is just down the road.
“As the scope and depth of the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the South Bronx came into focus last week, I proposed new legislation that would allow the city to be proactive—and not reactive—to such outbreaks. Together, with Council Member Vanessa Gibson, we are introducing legislation creating an inspection mechanism for those systems where Legionnaires' Disease can thrive and to ensure appropriate follow-up inspections so that the disease does not return.
Tempers Rise as Few Answers Given
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The temperature wasn’t the only thing simmering as South Bronx residents’ concerns grow over the outbreak of Legionnaires Disease that has claimed 7 lives and infected 86 people.
At a town hall meeting at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the city tried to calm residents’ concerns over the outbreak of the pneumonia-like disease, which has spread throughout the South Bronx. Residents waited in line for hours in the heat as some were turned away from the small venue. Those who made it inside were treated to city health officials repeating the same points that have been broadcast on the story. As to what is the cause of the outbreak little is still known.
Health Commissioner Mary Bassett explained that Legionnaire Disease can only be contracted by inhaling contaminated water vapor from cooling towers, and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It was explained that in the very hot weather if not properly cleaned and maintained the cooling towers on top of buildings can become breeding grounds for the Legionnaire Disease bacteria. It was stressed that the NYC water supply was in no danger from the bacteria, because it is only found in the cooling towers that evaporate the heat in buildings to water vapor.
Dr. Bassett stressed that there was an incubation period of 2 - 10 days for Legionnaire Disease, and that is why we still see new cases. As of Tuesday morning there were seven deaths, and 86 cases of Legionnaire Disease recorded. Bassett stressed that if you think you may have Legionnaire Disease to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms are fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches. People who smoke or have lung disease, the elderly, and people with diabetes are of the highest risk of catching Legionnaire Disease. Five percent of all cases of Legionnaire Disease result in death, and that there are 250 - 300 reported cases of Legionnaire Disease each year. This year there have been 256 cases of Legionnaire Disease reported so far.
This recent outbreak of Legionnaire Disease in the Bronx started on July 12th. Since then 22 buildings were visited, 17 cooling towers in all were inspected, and 5 cooling towers were found to be contaminated and have been disinfected already by the city. The health commissioner said that there could be any one of many reasons for Legionnaire Disease bacteria to grow, and that the city council would be looking into legislation to address the matter.
Despite the presentation, many in attendance told the News that not much of what they were told was new information. That coupled with few answers and the restricted number of people at the meeting has some concern about how forth coming city officials were being.
It is unclear why a larger venue for such an important meeting was not chosen. For example when then Mayor Rudy Giuliani had a town hall on crime reduction in Bedford Park he chose a large school auditorium to accommodate the hundreds of residents who had questions. Usually such meetings are held in schools were they can accommodate large crowds who have plenty of questions.
Although those who attended the meeting were not panicking, few said there fears have subsided. The sheer scope of the affected areas have many residents concerned. Concourse Plaza testing positive is particularly disturbing because of the high traffic of the shopping center. In addition to locals shopping in the supermarket many people from throughout the borough who attend jury duty at the courthouse across the street eat at the mall’s food court. In addition Yankee Stadium is just down the road.
Concourse Plaza as well as the other sites have been decontaminated.
Another question not addressed is why the outbreak occurred in the first place. Were detection and cleanup efforts not stepped up when a much smaller outbreak was detected in Co-op City earlier this year? Twelve people came down with Legionnaires after a cooling tower in the sprawling complex tested positive for the disease. No one died from that outbreak.
A day after the town hall meeting Mayor deBlasio said the outbreak has slowed and he believes health officials now have a handle on the problem.
Bassett said she is confident that they have located the primary source of the outbreak. One of the five cooling towers that tested positive is believed to be the source and has since been decontaminated.
“Although we will continue to see cases, we expect the case rate to decline and the number of cases to fall over the coming weeks,” Bassett said.
This week deBlasio called for new legislation to inspect water towers in an attempt to locate signs for the disease before another outbreak.
“It is encouraging that Mayor de Blasio has joined my call for new legislation in response to this current outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
“It is the responsibility of government to protect the health and well-being of the public, and this common sense proposal will help do just that. It cannot be forgotten that seven Bronx residents have died during this outbreak. An appropriate inspection mechanism could have saved lives,” said Diaz.
#LegionnairesDisease #HealthDepartment #deBlasio
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)