Captain is Clutch as Yankees Come from Behind (postgame notes, 15 April 2009)

[Short post--as many of you know there's been an unexpected death in the family and my ability to concentrate is gone].

Derek Jeter came up huge twice today, knocking in the tying run and the go-ahead run in the eighth and the ninth. Whatever his struggles hitting or in the field, Jeter has always had a knack for clutch, and today he delivered.

Other points of note:

On Jackie Robinson day, Robinson Canó had a two run home run and the #42-wearing Mariano Rivera had a 1-2-3 ninth.

Through nine games now, the Yankees still have yet to score less than four runs. They were tied for fourth in MLB in runs scored at today's start, and while they have a close run differential, one must consider how many of the runs came in Wang's two (of nine) starts, Sabathia's one, and the couple poor bullpen performances.

Andy Pettitte went seven innings, three runs, which is by definition a quality start.

Out of the Yankees' nine games, they have had five quality starts and a sixth where they allowed only two runs (Burnett did not go the requisite six innings against Baltimore, though he did start the sixth).

Home opener tomorrow. Would like to liveblog, but will likely be unable to.

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I know Jackie only from grainy black and white footage. That picture of him stealing home. The smile that grabs you and makes you wonder how people can hate. This is how I know him.

Before Martin, before Malcolm, there was Jackie.

Jackie didn’t need to make any great speeches or stage any great rallies—he said more with his silence. He spoke with his glove, with his bat, with his talent.

You don’t need to be a baseball fan to appreciate Jackie Robinson.

You just need to be human.



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January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972