Burnett Brilliant But Bronx Bats Silent

Alliteration attempt failed...couldn't think of synonym for "silent" that started with a "B".

Commentary:

AJ Burnett continued his strong start to 2011 allowing only 3 hits and 1 run over 8 innings.  This dominant start would go to waste however as White Sox pitcher Philip Umber limited the Yanks to just 1 hit over 7 innings of work.  Taking a no hitter into the 7th, Umber pitched effectively and efficiently, allowing only 2 baserunners through 6 innings (BB and HBP).  Despite not having blazing velocity, Umber used late movement and good location to confuse the New York hitters.  The Yanks had no luck with the Chicago bullpen either which had blown a league leading 6 saves this season.  Although Granderson led off the 9th with a sharp single to right, Tex immediately grounded into a double play on an 2-0 pitch and A-Rod struck out to end the game.

This was by far the worst offensive performance by the Yankees this season.  The hitters looked uncomfortable at the plate all night and couldn't string any hits or walks together.  As detailed above Granderson gave them a chance in the 9th and Chavez, pinch hitting for Gardner gave them a chance in the 8th when he singled and Nunez, the pinch runner, stole second.  Jeter however continued his struggles, ending an 0-4 night with a groundout.  The Jeter subject is a long topic to tackle and I may try to delve into it tomorrow or later this week if I have time but it seems like he is hitting far too many ground balls.  I believe he only has 2 or 3 extra base hits so far in 2011.

Grades:

Offense:  D-  They weren't no-hit so it can't be an F but there wasn't much to talk about tonight at the plate.

Starting Pitching (Burnett): A  1 run over 8 IP.  Kept the team in the game and should have been able to pick up a win.  He now is no longer undefeated in April over the past 2 years.

Bullpen:  C  Soriano once again had issues.  An infield pop up that no one reached in time, a stolen base, and a single led to a run but the dominant closer in Tampa last year has not endeared himself to New York fans so far this season.  I hate to say it, and it may just be his personality, but he looks disinterested when he pitches.

Weather for Tomorrow's Matchup (vs. White Sox):

Another warm day tomorrow with more humidity.  Clouds will mix with sun throughout the day with a pop-up thunderstorm possible by the afternoon and evening.  A better chance of rain will come overnight and Wednesday.

Game Time Conditions:  Passing clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible.  Temperature of 72 degrees.

Verification of Yesterday's Forecast:

Forecast Temp: 64
Observed Temp: 59
Forecast Conditions:  Mostly cloudy with a shower possible.
Observed Conditions:  Cloudy with drizzle during the last few innings.

Grade: A-  Temperature was off by 5 degrees.